DOING WHAT IS RIGHT!

JOHN 3:13-15 “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John didn’t want to baptize him. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.” So then John baptized him.”

Many people believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about avoiding the pitfalls of going to hell. As we mature in Christ that focus eventually begins to turn towards an eye on heaven. In the Scripture above, Jesus is talking about the real reason for our existence on this earth…WALKING HOLY…Doing that which pleases our Father in heaven, because then He can direct and orchestrate a lifestyle that will demonstrate what He can accomplish with a man or woman who becomes totally committed to His way of living.

Jesus was to be baptized in order to fully commit his entire life; spirit, soul and body, to the Will of God forever! He was making a bold proclamation for all to hear. He had purposed in His heart to manifest the Righteousness of God in His life. In other words, he was going to manifest, or model, in this world the very Character and Nature of His Father.

Listen carefully…this is also your purpose as a Born Again Christian…to live a Holy life and model the Character of God to a hopeless, lost and dying world. Heaven and all the rewards are simply a natural outgrowth of this loving and obedient relationship in which we walk with Him.
Ephesians 4: 13-14 “until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be like children…”

The Words that Jesus spoke had a way about them that uncovered the soul of men. It didn’t matter whether He was speaking to the hardest of sinners or those who already followed Him, His Words stirred the hearts of men!
Matthew 22:33 “You serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

These Words spoken as a result of the Father’s command uncovered the Character and nature of Almighty God so that man could love Him. The more you know God the more you are able to love Him! His grace and peace are multiplied many times over as we grow in the knowledge of Him. 2 Peter 1:2 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord…”

His message was not simply a list of commands which demanded negative obedience or else. His Words were constructive and filled with positive righteousness. John 10:10 “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly..”

He came to reveal a new Name for God. In the Old Testament the various Prophets called Him Jehovah, Yahweh, Warrior, healer, Righteousness, and Ruler of the Universe, but Jesus introduced Him as our FATHER! MATTHEW 6:32 “…for your heavenly Father knows that you need of all these things.”

Our goal in life is to be “mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.” Let His Words stir your heart today. Life was never meant to be boring or mundane. Every day is to be an adventure. Every moment is to bring a Divine Opportunity. Every encounter is to have Eternal significance. What a life He has given us!

In today’s text Jesus issues us a resounding challenge “…we must do everything that is right.” When you accept His grace to walk righteous and do that which is right (holy), He will grab hold of your heart and your life and you will be a tool in the Master’s hand!

Purpose in your heart and life right now to do “everything that is right!”

Miracles!

Mark 16: 17 & 20 “These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name…They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.” And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”

Do you know that the Lord Jesus wants you to live in the place where signs, wonders and miracles are as natural to you as breathing? In the Scripture listed above, as well as many others, He simply qualifies any Believer who believes in His Name as the one who will live with signs following themselves. When we consider the Word of God, miracles should be part of our every day experience. The Power of God should be flowing freely in and through our lives, not just on occasion!

You are part Diety. You are part Divine! Don’t suck all the oxygen out of the room, stop and consider what the Word of God says. “Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’?” John 10:34 “And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4

Consider David laying on his back in the hill country gazing up into the heavens and experiencing this revelation from the Spirit of God. “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have set in place—what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things…” Psalm 8:3-6

That thinking takes my breath away! That, however, is exploding with truth! Revelation 5:10 “And has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” What kind of religious excuses can we make to avoid having to deal with THIS Truth!

I am not saying that you are God! There is only one God, BUT you were created in the image and likeness of God and you are His Offspring. Genesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…and over all the earth…” Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being…For we are also his offspring.”

Miracles are natural to God. They appear supernatural to us, but now we are living in the realm of the supernatural, therefore miracles should be a natural part of our lives. A miracle happens by supernatural means and that means now abides in you! Acts 1:8 “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect…” Herein lies the secret to Church growth for the next twenty years or so, or until Jesus returns. Church growth will come as a direct result of a Holy Church walking in loving obedience and intimacy with Christ, resulting in the manifestations of the miraculous in the Body of Christ!

Walking Holy enables us to abide in Jesus and experience the miraculous. John 15:7-8 “But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father.” The world is hungry to see the Power of God, and they will on a magnanimous scale. The Church---You and I---will release these through the Power of the holy Spirit within us and the Name of Jesus!

Miracles are Powerful tools in the Kingdom of God! “But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever…So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her…At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door.” Mark 1:30-33 Because Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a simple fever, the entire town gathered at the door.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has happened, the Gifts are resident within each of us, (maybe dormant, but they’re in there!) and healings are running rampant all over the world. We will have a revival of miracles like the world has never seen. The book of Acts will come alive right here in our midst! MIRACLES ARE FOR YOU RIGHT NOW!

If you want to see something you’ve never seen before, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done before! Here’s my suggestion!
1) Connect with Jesus constantly.
2) Commit to walk Holy before Him.
3) Listen to His voice and obey His every directive.
4) Give Him the glory!

“The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12

Let me hear about the miracles in your life!

SHAKEN IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!

Isaiah 19: 1 “…Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.”

In Old Testament symbolism, Egypt refers to those people of the world, who do not belong to the Kingdom of God and are lost without Him. This Scripture tells us that the Presence of God is the chief factor necessary to shake those things in the lives of unbelievers (believers too) that prevent them from entering into the Family of God. When the Lord begins to shake the worldly foundations around someone; their lives begin to teeter and the temporary things of this world commence to fail them. The Presence of the Lord will melt their hearts!

The Word declares that their hearts will “melt in its midst” referring to the presence of God. Now let’s get real for a moment. Where is the Presence God today? The Bible declares in Acts 2:17 that “…it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…” Read it again! “..I will pour out of My Spirit…” Where is His Spirit? He lives within each Born Again Believer. 1Corinthians 3:16 “…you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you…”

In the Bible we can clearly see the lives of men and women reflecting the Presence of God in their day to day decisions and lives.
Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.
Moses abandoned the House of pharaoh to identify with the afflicted people of God.
Elijah boldly challenged the prophets of baal.
Paul and Silas sang praises in the dark dungeon and shook its foundations.

Each of these expressions of the Presence of the Lord came as a direct result of relationship with Him. Their claim to know Jesus made a difference in their lives. They knew Him because they spent time with Him. Does the claim to know Jesus make a difference in your every day living? Your time…your money…your energy…your values…in what happens Monday through Saturday?

Does the faith you proclaim make a difference with members of the opposite sex? What do they see when we experience pain or disappointment? When the chips are down, does the unbeliever see an attitude in our lives that he would like to possess? Does he want what you have?

What about your relationship with God? Do you respect Him and treat Him as a living vital person in your everyday living? Do you have that heart hunger and thirst that compels you into the presence of God everyday in order to get away with him and talk to Him? Does your heart yearn to feast on His Word? Forgive me if I’m stepping on your toes, but don’t you want to really experience the Presence of God and stop pretending? No one really enjoys faking it!

Many of us talk about the sweetness and power of the Presence of God, but we avoid it like the plague! Be honest…was it today…or yesterday…perhaps a week ago…or a month…a year?

If you want to walk in power and authority…to have your prayers answered from heaven..then those things which prevent the flow must be shaken and there is only one way… “…Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, So that…all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.” Ezekiel 38:19-20

In His Presence, those things which hinder the release of the Presence of God into others lives will be shaken and “shall fall!”

YOU MAY DIE UNSAVED…
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DIE UNLOVED!

LIVING THE LIFE?

Acts 1:8 “After the Holy Ghost has come upon you, you shall receive power to witness…”

Do you know that right at this very moment unbelievers are watching the Church? They are watching every move you make. They are observing who we are and what we do, to see if we have really found the way and discovered the truth. So what that means for us is this…a peripheral, superficial walk with the Lord will not stand up in the court of public scrutiny.

They are looking for the real thing in the Church and they don’t always see it. Some will excuse the lack of insight to the general public by saying they are spiritually blind, but I believe that the problem lies with us, the Church and that the power of God is not clearly demonstrated within our lives. Matthew 22:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, You err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Jesus said that the problem lies squarely with those who proclaim to follow God.

What the world sees is what I like to call “Environmental Christianity.” A society created by our surroundings; Bible classes, tapes, Christian TV, prayer meetings and Christian friends. We even speak the Christian language, but when a non-believer looks at us what do they see? Do they see the power of God or simply a reflection of our environment. What they really want is to see a living faith expressing the love and the power of God. They desire to experience the Living God.

In Acts 1:8, we are told that “when the Holy Ghost comes upon us, we shall receive power to witness..” There is to be a force within us that demonstrates to others, giving them proof that the one we follow is the Author of life! Herein lies our problem. When we do not live day by day in an intimate relationship with Jesus, (walking in loving obedience) we soon discover that our own second hand faith is disintegrating. Believing facts about Jesus is simply not enough! We need to be intimately connected with the person Who embodies these facts contained within the pages of the Bible. Without intimate relationship with Jesus we become like Coke that has lost its fizz!

James 2:19-20 “You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” But will thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? " Listen carefully to these words…”FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.” The works I believe are being discussed here are the supernatural workings that are supposed to accompany the Holy Spirit when He comes upon us! Simply believing things about Jesus does not make us believers; even the demons believe!

Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Being a Christian requires continual commitment to a Living Lord…A RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE AND OBEDIENCE. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Being a Christian involves more than knowing something or believing something. Christianity is receiving someone…living with someone…responding to Jesus.

In the Bible we can clearly see man’s faith in God revealed in tweir day to day decisions and lives…
Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife and ran the kingdom.
Moses abandoned his sonship with Pharoah and the worldly ways of the palace to identify with the afflicted people of God and he was chosen to lead God’s people.
Elijah boldly challenged the prophets of Baal and God answered with fire from heaven.
Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight and God shook the earth to set them free!

These were not pious expressions emanating out of religious indoctrination but were a direct result of living in relationship with Him…thereby demonstrating His Nature and Character in everyday living. What did your life demonstrate today? This Week? What has your life spoken since you were born again? 2 Corinthians 3:2 “You are our epistle…known and read by all men:”

Isn't it time we got moving in the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Do You REALLY Care?

Acts 1:8 “After the Holy Ghost has come upon you, you shall receive power to witness…”

I firmly believe that technology is the new basis for the religion of today. The green movement, global warming (some are also espousing a global cooling tendency), microbiology, cloning, etc.. However the same sad results are now in, with mankind even more dissatisfied and empty then ever before, without any hope of salvation.

One of the co-conspirators of Sigmond Freud, Carl Jung summarized his entire life’s work while laying on his death bed in words similar to these. “The central neurosis of our time is emptiness, and there is nothing we are able to do about it!” Technology is still not able to rescue us from hopelessness, being lost and despair. You can have access to all of the latest gadgetry and applications on your cell phone, but the fact remains that you are becoming even more isolated and disconnected, therefore you become more meaningless. These continue to characterize our entire generation. Everyone still continues to search for some meaning to this life!

A large majority of people still experience a deep desire or need for some sort of religious faith in order to conjure up some kind of meaning to their life experiences. People recognize the deep vacuum within their lives. The question that remains for us as Christians is “How can we show others that Jesus is the Way and the truth?”

Recognize that people are looking for that something which is REAL! Whatever we, as Christians, are offering them, it must be real enough to stimulate and sustain their attention. People are sick of phony solutions and even more, phony people. They are no longer going to be fooled by religious people who can not provide real answers for the real problems they are dealing with in this world.

When Jesus was in the midst of a lost, desperate and hungry people, He fed them REAL food. When He was faced with sickness and disease, He provided a genuine REAL healing for them, spirit, soul and body! If their minds were tormented, He delivered them from torment. He did not help them co-exist with their torments, He delivered them with REAL comfort!

Jesus knows how to deal with the new generation of “cutters” (the intentional, direct injuring of body tissue without suicidal intent.) Mark 5:2-5 “And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

Jesus did not attempt to make the person feel better about themselves, or to build up their self esteem, He simply dealt with the core issue and healed them in a REAL and tangeable way! Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Jesus knew the condition of the people who were around Him. We too must begin to recognize the condition of those in our own immediate circle of influence. We must pray and get the mind of the Lord concerning their needs. “Open our eyes Lord!” We must recognize their needs, that they are tired, weary, bored, lonely, mistreated, rejected, abused, guilty, anxious, depressed, lonely and hopeless!

WHEN THEY KNOW THAT YOU REALLY CARE, THEN THEY WILL REALLY CARE ABOUT WHAT AND WHO (Jesus) YOU KNOW!

Who is watching your lifestyle today? Who desperately needs to see the character of Jesus reflected in your day to day living? Who needs to experience the REAL power of the Acts 1:8 experience upon and in your life?

Remember unless you are walking in loving obedience with Jesus, the Power will not flow out of your life and they will remain empty and hopeless. That’s even more motivation to walk righteous!

Unbelievers are very carefully examing the Church, to see if we have REALLY discoverd the TRUTH!

FEAR FILLED?

"That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. " 1 Samuel 17:48

Fear is one of the most amazing tools that the enemy has to paralyze our lives. I was at a conference for people with Prophetic giftings some years ago, when a brother preached on the topic of fear. At the end of his message he gave an altar call and of the over 1000 people in attendance, all but 3 or 4 of us got out of their seats and ran toward the altar. I was floored!

It really opened my eyes to the enormity of this spiritual stronghold in the lives not only of the world, but in the hearts of believers as well, even in the five-fold ministry gifts. Whether it's fear of failure, rejection, opposition, exposure, relationships, involvement, separation, inadequacy, inability, insecurity and so on, the fact remains that this is one of the major bondages that stifles the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

How do we defeat fear?

1) Let the Holy Spirit be honest with you? Ask Him to reveal where in your life fear is making it's presence known. Set aside time to be quiet before the Lord with pen and paper in hand. Write down what he reveals to you! John 16:13 "...when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..."

2) Understand that fear does not come from God. 2Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Fear comes from the input( in your thought life) and influences of the devil and the direct result of walking in sin. Genesis 3:10 "I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." Fear is the reciprocal (opposite) of faith and whenever we exit faith we enter into sin! Romans 14:23 "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. "

3) Know that God is with you...He's on our side! Psalm 118: 6 "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear..." God is with you, for you and in you! 1 John 4:4 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome...because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." No matter who or what comes against us, they need to know Who is coming against them on our behalf! (You need to know too!) Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us? "

4) Choose not to fear...your will is involved...you make the choice... Psalm 118: 6 "The LORD is on my side; I WILL not fear..." We must will not to fear.
Check out the classic battle in 1 Samuel 17 between David and Goliath. Fear can be the Giant in your life and may be holding you back from engaging in the battle at hand. Goliath was unusually large (Huge problem) and kept on taunting the people of God with words. 1 Sam 17:10-11 "I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!” When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken" Sound familiar?

5) Remember and rehearse what the Lord has done in your past. 1 Samuel 17:37 "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." Think about all the things God has done both great & small in your own life. Remember His faithfulness and His greatness. Psalm 103: 2 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

6) Begin to speak the Word of the Victory of the Lord to the giant of fear in your life! read the following classic out loud right now and let these words of Faith reverberate in your spirit. They will begin to come alive as you speak them over and over again. Listen to what these words are speaking to you!

1 Samuel 17: 45 "Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’S, and He will give you into our hands.”

7) Now here comes the best one...
RUN TOWARD THE GIANT
David took off "running toward the giant" 1 Samuel 17:48 Scare the hell out of that giant!

In Africa when a pack of lions hunt, the old toothless lion with the loudest roar sets himself on one side of the prey. Even though he can not run like he use to, he still roars a good game. The young able bodied hunters await the victim on the other side. When the prey hears the roar, their natural instinct prompts them to run away from the roar; right into the mouths of the young hunters! Don't run from fear... RUN TO THE ROAR!

If you're afraid of the dark and you hear a noise in the house that arouses fear, start speaking the word and walk toward the noise. The spirit of fear will break! Fear of heights...find the tallest glass elevator you can find; stick your nose on the exterior and ride up and down, speaking the Word "The Lord God is on my side, I will not fear!" until the spirit of fear breaks. Ephesians 6:17 "And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."

Every time the spirit of fear raises it's ugly head, purpose in the Spirit that you will take the Word of God and cut it's head off. James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you... (in stark, shear terror)"
Now let's go kill a few giants and have ourselves some fun!

LET FREEDOM RING!

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

As we prepare to celebrate the 234th anniversary of our nation's independence, we reflect on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - those attributes of freedom stated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Freedom of religion, of speech, the press, of assembly, of petition ... all guaranteed by the first of ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution (known as the U.S. Bill of Rights) proposed by our nation's founders in 1789.

In this great Nation even though our Declaration of Independence states that we are free to pursue Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, most Americans are still headed in the wrong direction and are becoming more and more frustrated with the pursuit. We're free to pursue it; but we still can't grasp life, liberty or happiness. As a result of the frustration, we have become a society that medicates in some form or fashion to get to sleep at night, to awake in the morning and to make it through the day! One would believe since we are free to pursue, that we ought to have found life, liberty and happiness in the last 233 years. It simply seems we are drifting further from the goal with each passing year.

My first thirty years were spent in pursuing the American dream, and by worldly standards I had achieved the dream. I was a VIP at my High School and played big time College Athletics on a Scholarship. I had money, women, house on the river, parties, "friends", opportunity, cars, boats, party goods and everything this world calls good.

On the inside I was empty and dead. I had no meaning. Something inside of me was crying out..."There must be more to life than this!" Over my years I had observed others; most were in the same situation that I was in...Nothingness. There were the few however, that had something that was different...they had a peace that made no sense to me. There was a sense of joy in their lives, no matter what their circumstances. Their relationships had depth and meaning and I noticed that they had grasped a hold of what I was searching for. They almost seemed to good to be true!

Every one of these people had a personal relationship with this "Jesus!" I had heard about Him, but I'd never met Him personally! He was the common denominator to securing that which I was seeking...peace, meaning, purpose, ability....LIFE, LIBERTY AND HAPPINESS!

Soooooooooooo...I began to read His Declaration of Independence...the Bible. One of the first Scriptures that impacted me was John 8: 31 "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.."

I dug into the declaration and I, in fact, discovered the way to securing true Life, Liberty and Happiness.

1) Life...Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came that we might have Life(Zoe: The God Kind of Life), and have it more abundantly. John 1:4 states that "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."

This Life is what separates Jesus from all the other "philosophers" They came to bring light or illuminate the minds of men, but Jesus came to impart the very Life of God into His precious creation! Here's the way it works out... " But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12 It is only the Life of God that is able to illuminate the minds of men! I have learned as I discover the Principles of God and apply them in my life, I am able to live life the way it was designed...The John 10:10 or "God Kind" of life!

2) Liberty... The more I uncovered the truths contained in His declaration, the more liberty I received. Jesus said that Knowing the Truth would make me free. John 8:32 I am free from the effects of sin...I no longer fear death or feel the guilt and shame when I do sin. Romans 6:18 states that "having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."

When my Dad passed on into the Presence of the Lord a couple years ago, the Lord spoke this word to me concerning his passing. "No man can stare death in the eye unafraid, whose destiny is not certain!" People often ask me concerning some of the ministry trips I take..."Aren't you afraid, with all that's going on in the world?" My response is simply..."What's the worse case scenario? I die...BUT THEN I live." No one can kill me OR you! We are going to exist forever. Where you spend eternity depends on what choices you make before you exit your earth suit. (Body) Romans 8:2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.."

I am free from self doubt and inadequacy because He is my ability! I am free from fear because He is my Peace! I am free from judgment because He is my Righteousness! I am free from what others think of me, because He is on my side! I am free from failure because He is my Victory! I am never alone because He is with me always! I am never empty because He fills my life with meaning and purpose! I am free from weakness because He is my Strength! I am free to live life the way I was designed, because He is my Life. I am never lost because He is my Way! I am never deceived because He is my Truth! I never lose because He is my Way where there is no way! Get the Picture?

3) Happiness... "Happy indeed are those whose God is the LORD." Psalm 144:15 What more can I say? I have the Spirit and the Life of Almighty God coursing through my veins and I'm free! I respect people but I don't fear any man!

So if you continue to search for Life, Freedom and happiness, your search can end today! Forgive me, but I'm not talking about those who simply talk about Jesus; go to church once in a blue moon, yet do absolutely nothing to advance His Kingdom! I am talking about those Believers who have become disciples and are functioning in the Body of Christ, digging into His Word, applying His Principles, telling others of His Love and allowing His Spirit to flow through their lives!

America had it right in the beginning...we were One nation Under God...a Nation founded on Biblical Principles but somehow the world and its concerns have caused us to lose our way! We are the light of the world...we are Ambassadors of Jesus Christ...we have been commissioned to lead this great Nation back to the glory days of old! Let's wrap it up this way... 2 Chronicles 7:14 proclaims "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

It's not America's fault that we have fallen into depravity. The Church needs to arise and show the way, lead the way into the pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness! What will you do today?

So I encourage you to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
As the song goes...."I am free to run. I am free to dance. I am free to live for you. I am free. I am free..."

DO IT!

"...why are you standing here staring at the sky? " Acts 1:11

Most Christians are very content simply playing the role of observers as we stand and gaze at the handiwork of God. In the Book of Acts when Jesus was taken up into heaven, the angels appeared to those who were left behind and posed this question. I believe the unspoken truth was to "get into the upper room and wait for the enduement of power from on high" that Jesus had promised, and then "DO IT!". Lu 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but wait in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high."

I sense that its time to ask the same question of today's believers. We are all beginning to focus on the return of Jesus so He can get us out of this mess the world is in. Yes, He is coming back soon, however there is much work to be done before He returns. There are many souls to save and lives to be impacted. Holiness is to be obtained, and the glory of God is to be revealed in and through our lives. Isaiah 60 says that in the midst of "gross darkness" that "the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall come to your light..." Isaiah 60:2-3.

If there is so much to be done then the question remains of why Christians are not doing what we're suppose to be doing to prepare the way for His return?

1) We lack the vision... Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish." We are so self absorbed in ourselves and the lives of our own families that we fail to catch the vision for revival and worldwide evangelism. At least we could be concerned with our own communities and workplaces. Ask yourself..."How many people have I proclaimed the Good news to lately, either by my words or my life?"

2) We lack the power...I don't mean the indwelling presence as described in John 4:14 "...the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." I mean the river of water flowing out of our lives through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38 Its sad to say...THE RIVER HAS RUN DRY!

3) We walk in fear...of the cost of paying the price to see the miraculous...of what people will say about us...of giving up the simple pleasures of the flesh...of having to spend more time with Him...or what IF God doesn't back me up? Psalm 118:6 " The LORD is on my side; I will not fear..." Notice that your WILL is involved with the refusal to fear! When you comprehend that God is on our side..then we refuse to fear!

4) We walk in ignorance..."It's the Pastor's job or the leadership!" Hogwash, our job is to train and equip the saints to do battle. The Bible says that signs and wonders will follow the BELIEVER as we go into the world proclaiming the good news! "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature...And these signs shall follow them that believe..." Mark 16: 15-17

5) We have become disconnected from the Body of Christ... "Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. " 1 Corinthians 12:27 You are designed to function as part of the Body. YOU WILL NEVER MAKE IT ALONE! You are not designed to function on your own! You are not the "Lone Ranger" or "An Army of One." Until you discover your function in the local member(Church) of the Body of Christ and begin to flow in that purpose, we the Church will be handicapped! One of my Spiritual mentors taught me that "a hand cut off from the Body, becomes a pile of dead meat." Have you gradually become a pile of dead meat? You are not designed to be so!

When the Patriarch David stopped staring at the night sky, he caught hold of the Heart of God, and discovered that there wasn't anything that could stop him from doing what God had called him to do!

LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:28-29.

David knew that God was "a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6 In other words, God blessed those who worked at establishing relationship with himself. David refused to be a "do nothing" for his God.

He discovered that when he walked out of his time in the presence of God that he had a renewed vision; power and ability that enabled him to do anything; faith that would not fail; that Truth had been revealed to his heart; and a desire to walk knit together with other believers had been deposited within! "...it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Phillipians 2:13

Someone out there is waiting for you to respond with the Power and Authority of God that has been deposited within you! Please don't let them down! We don't want to leave anyone behind to experience what's going to happen when it all comes crashing down. Get in the presence of God...go after the "enduement of power" and when you get it; let it flow onto others!

THE WORLD IS WAITING ON YOU!

“But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

Where are the Davids, Elijahs, the Jonahs and Josephs in the world of today? We are in obvious distress and the world is a total mess. If the Scripture is true, then we should be the ones who are able to do it better than anyone else. We should come up with creative solutions inspired by the Sprit of God, as we wait in His Presence. We have a Godly advantage. The greater One lives inside us! “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

WE are the giant killers! You were born to slay giants! If there is a situation which causes pain or pressure in the world, we can go to the source of all Wisdom and Knowledge; obtain His will and release His power in this sick, sad, depraved world. “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” James 1:5

When the wicked city of Ninevah wallowed in the muck and mire of sin and self destruction, God chose and empowered a man named Jonah and sent him in clothed only in the power of God and speaking His Word. The city turned and repented under exposure to the anointing of the Sprit of God. Where are the Jonahs of today?

Think of what that same Spirit that rested upon Jonah could do in our communities, neighborhoods and cities, through one single yielded man or woman. What would become of the drug dealers and the violence that rules in our society. What love could flow in our divided households? See with your spirit eyes all of your children returning to the presence of the Lord. Do you really believe that through our wishy washy brand of Christianity and casual lifestyles that your entire household will be won to Christ?

Where are the Greater Works that Jesus promised? Jesus said “The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”John 14:12 As we raised our children, we told them that the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Jesus were all real. As they grew up they soon discovered that two of the three were frauds and have never really seen anything except a few faith “accidents” which may or may not testify to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The power of God demonstrates the Divinity of Jesus Christ. Have you ever noticed that true “disciples” of Christ have encountered the miraculous in their lives? I am talking disciples, not just believers! Disciples are advancing the Kingdom of God, not just talking about it and wallowing in vain attempts to obtain the blessings of God for themselves.

Romans 8:19 tells us that all of creation is eagerly awaiting “for the manifestation of the sons of God.” We have the solutions! We can point them to the true Way! We know the answer! We are the great Physicians Assistants. We can diagnose (with the Mind of Christ) and heal (With the greater works) those who are sick! We have the power, if we’re willing to pay the price. It has been said that if you want to see something you’ve never seen before; you must be willing to do something you’ve never done before!

David slew the giant who held all of God's people in bondage and fear! The prayers of Elijah ended a severe drought in the land and reversed the course of the entire food supply for the land. Joseph, in the same manner and under the influence of the same Spirit, would amass such Godly wisdom that he rose to the most powerful and influential position in the land. He too, would preserve an entire nation! Look what Jesus says to His Disciples. “for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply!” Luke 21:15

Stop believing you are a nobody! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12 You are a son or daughter of God. You have access to the mind, wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ. You have the power of God available to you. Acts 1:8 The Spirit of God lives in you and wishes to move through you life to impact others! Get into the Presence of God. Many of you have not been there for a long time! Tell Him you are not going to leave until you are reconnected with Him…His Mind and His Power!

When you leave His presence, full of Wisdom and Power....RUN TOWARD THE GIANT AND CUT HIS UGLY HEAD OFF! IT'S TIME SOMEONE IN YOUR CHURCH STOOD UP TO FIGHT!

AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN

2 Chronicles 7: 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In Centreville, Md. where I live they are just beginning to harvest the winter wheat. This is wheat that is planted right before the onset of winter’s woes and barely breaks the surface as winter sets in. As the warmth of spring arises, the plants then commence to grow and produce a sure harvest of wheat and straw. At harvest time, the plant turns from emerald green to the amber waves of grain that you can see in the accompanying picture, taken right here in Centreville.

On seeing this visual the other day, I heard the words to America the Beautiful enter into my spirit and I began to sing. “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain…” Then I began to rehearse all the negatives that have been cropping up with this once great Nation and I asked myself “What went wrong?”

I could blame it on the Democrats or Republicans, the Liberals or Conservatives, Obama or Bush, the ACLU or the Muslims, the Blacks, Whites or Hispanics, and the list goes on and on. Then I heard that “still small voice” from the Spirit of the Lord and He hit me with the Truth!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The problem lies squarely with you and I…the Church of Jesus Christ!

“If my people, who are called by My name…” The Spirit of the Lord is talking about us…Christians. He clearly lays the responsibility for the healing of our land (U.S.A.) upon our shoulders. When a Nation suffers injury it is a direct result of the People of God not properly shouldering our responsibilities!

“…shall humble themselves…” As Christians we need to submit our own personal goals and desires to line up with His Kingdom pursuits. It’s not about our leisure time, hobbies or even our families. It’s about His family and His directives.

“…and pray…” Not to get personal, but when is the last time you prayed for our President or the Leadership (Whether you agree with them or not) of this once great nation? Have you prayed that the Lord would give them “a heart to know Him, and to turn their hearts towards Him..”? (Jeremiah 24:7) Have you prayed for revival in America the beautiful lately? Have you even prayed for revival in your own life lately? Exactly what measure of influence have you personally had on the spiritual condition of our own Country? Perhaps we need to reflect, repent and react!

“…seek my face..” Notice He does not say “Seek My hand.” One of the conditions for the healing of our nation is for Christians to spend time in the Presence of God, where we can be strengthened with His joy. It’s a horrible shame that we spend more time with our televisions and other leisure time than we do with our Creator God!

“..and turn from our wicked ways…” Simply put, sin separates us from God and from His provision. As long as we continue to submit ourselves to our repetitive sins, He can not answer our prayers and we become impotent Kingdom people. Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” OUCH!

If WE will HUMBLE OURSELVES, PRAY, SEEK THE FACE OF GOD AND TURN FROM OUR SINS…HE WILL HEAL OUR NATION AND RESTORE IT’S LUSTER!

Sounds like a great deal to me! Count me in! How about you?

American Idol: Champion of the World!

We ARE the Champions of the World!

Jesus stated in John 16:33 “…take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Last year I watched the last 20 minutes of American Idol and I observed as the two finalists sang, together with the band Queen, “We are the Champions.” My initial thoughts were “How prideful and self centered can this show be?” Two contenders were sitting at the top of the television world, even if just for the moment, enjoying and singing their own praises, hoping to be the one selected for the Title…”Champion!” However, for this night, only one could be Champion! One was selected and the other took a back seat for the Grand Finale.

Over 100 million votes were cast, an indicator that America (And the whole world) is desperately seeking a champion! I’ll bet the majority of you don’t even know the winner’s last name or where he came from, without looking it up. Next Season he’ll be replaced by another Champion and the title will be passed on season after season.

There is but One Champion. Maybe he has never won the Popular vote or even been considered by a majority of the world’s citizens, but rest assured…HE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. His title is settled…Phillipians 2:10…He has been given the Name above all names. He is the undisputed Champion of the world. He’ll never be defeated or dethroned. He’ll never be replaced, so you don’t have to wait until next season to see who’ll be replacing Him. Ephesians 1:21 from the Message puts it this way. He is “in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but FOREVER!” I think I just made myself happy! NOTHING ESCAPES HIS RULE!

Because He is THE Champion, he has shared His title with you and I. Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors (Champions) through Him who loved us.”

A Champion is firstly defined as…One that wins first place or first prize in a competition. Because He has been exalted we are also seated with him in heavenly places. ( You share in His Kingdom rule!) Ephesians 2:6

Secondly a Champion is defined as One who fights; a warrior; an ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person. Mt 5:14 “You are the light of the world.” We are called to shine in the midst of a darkened world and give hope, direction and life to those who are in need.

Have you ever thought about why you are made the way you are? What makes you different? Why you are so gifted in certain areas? You are designed and called to be a Champion to someone! Mt 10:8 “…freely ye have received, freely give.”

Somebody out there needs you and your gifting and talents. Someone is worse off than you and needs some of the glorious light of the Good news shining into their life. God has chosen you for the task at hand. Take a look around. Who is it that He has positioned in your path? Who needs an introduction to the Champion? Who is waiting to cast their vote? Who is desperately waiting for the Champion to be revealed?
They come back season after season thirsting and looking for a Champion. Let’s tune them in to the right channel. Trust His words. Be a Champion for somebody…one who stands up and fights for the cause of another! “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

They are waiting for the Champion to be revealed through YOU!

ONE UGLY FROG!

Beautiful people…You can see them everywhere and anywhere! They are displayed on Billboards, television, movies, magazines and in department stores. Beautiful people… physical attraction has been made that which draws our attention to other people and that which qualifies those same people for an elevated social status in the world in which we live.

Scientific research has proven that beautiful people receive more attention, favor, promotion, and are treated with higher regard than those who are not so privileged. What about the short; the tall; the overweight; the acne scarred teenager; the ugly; the handicapped; the cripple; the aids patient; the cancer victim; the drunk; the abused; and so on?

This afternoon, I was “deadheading” the really neat (pink…my wife chose the color) rose bushes in our front yard. While sitting on an upside down bucket, cutting the old faded roses off, something slimy moved up against my foot. When I looked down, I saw a really ugly, deformed, hump-backed toad sitting there next to me. He was looking me right in the eye. I almost expected him to say something, or to move or at least hop away. I asked him to stay for a moment while I went and got my camera to prove I wasn’t imagining things. He is pictured on this post so you can see for yourself!

The Bible says that “all men have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 In God’s eyes we must look pretty ugly. Isaiah describes our condition in these words… “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away." NLT One translation interprets the “filthy rags” as menstrual cloths.

That description tells the truth about the ugliness of our sin against God. However in His mercy and love, He still reaches out to the ugly and the sin infected. His Word declares “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

No matter how ugly, broken, bruised, crushed, poor, depressed or demonic we are, He still draws us to Himself. Sin infected as we are, He sent His Son to die and His Spirit to pursue us and to draw us back again to Himself! “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 Thank God for His Love right now! He never gave up on you and I, no matter how unattractive we were. He saw us through the eyes of His love!

In the same manner, God expects us to reach out to the ugly people in our own circle of influence. First of all, there are those who are deluded into believing that they are the beautiful people and don’t realize their need for a Savior. Jesus addressed the beautiful people of His day in this manner. “… you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.” Matthew 23:27

We just can’t ignore these people and let them die and go to hell. We need to be filled with the same Spirit that caused Jesus to weep over the lost souls of Jerusalem as He cried “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Murderer of prophets! Killer of the ones who brought you God’s news! How often I’ve ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you wouldn’t let me.” Matthew 23:37 Even though they were ugly, murderous villains, Jesus still wanted to gather them to Himself. Ugliness doesn’t scare God! Be compassionate, and reach out to these too. Don‘t treat the beautiful people as leprous and beyond hope. There was a time when it seemed that I was also beyond hope!

Remember when you were ugly? Of course, now you recognize that you are a “treasure” and “the apple of God’s eye” and enjoy fellowship with Him. Do you remember when you sat all alone and on the inside you were crying out (Consciously or subconsciously) for someone to recognize the hurt, the pain and the emptiness. Remember how God came along side and into your life and revolutionized your ugliness. Listen very carefully here….

God “comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 TM

There are ugly people all around you right now. Who is waiting for a touch from our Heavenly Father though you, because you already have personally experienced His comfort in your life? Can you take a single moment and peer through the ugliness and find some sense of beauty in their miserable lives? Do you have time, or will you make time, to reach out and get involved in an ugly person’s life? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit right now. Someone’s ugliness is crying out in desperation for your touch!

Through your life and His Spirit within you, God desires to “give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.” Isaiah 61:3

The longer I looked at the frog, and got beyond the ugly humps on his back, the more beautiful he became. I saw his brilliant green colors begin to dance before my eyes, and then there were his eyes….

There is true beauty waiting to be discovered behind every ugliness in someone’s life!

FOR MEN ONLY! It's OK for ladies to peek.

WE have a responsibility to lead the congregation into the Presence of the Lord…to be bold and unashamed in undertaking this leadership role. People will never rise above the level of their leadership. God has given us that role and right now He is calling us to lead others into the presence of the Lord…

In this time..what could be more important than resting in His presence and His might?

2 Samuel 6 speaks …

¹Then David mobilized thirty thousand special troops. He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring home the Ark of God, which bears the name of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals....

12 So David went there and brought the Ark to the City of David with a great celebration…. ¹⁴And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic.(Linen undergarment) So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with much shouting and blowing of trumpets.

¹⁶But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him….

²⁰When David returned home to bless his family, Michal came out to meet him and said in disgust, “How glorious the king of Israel looked today! He exposed himself to the servant girls like any indecent person might do!”

²¹David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD. So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be held in honor by the girls of whom you have spoken!” ²³So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her life

David knew what was the most important calling in His life…to restore the Presence to the people. He was not ashamed…He proclaimed that if others thought he was a fool…then let them think that. WHO CARES what other people think. It’s what God thinks that matters. In times of crisis they will come to those who are fools in and for Christ!

Jesus said Mt 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

I think it’s time we start a revolution! Let’s get violent in the Spirit of God. Stop fearing man and what they think and start fearing God!

Let’s start killing the flesh (self) and all of it’s self centered desires!

Let’s put God’s priorities first!

Let’s begin to praise God unashamedly…out loud…in front of the congregation!

Let’s lead them into the presence of God!

Let’s begin to pray what God speaks to us to birth into this earth and it’s sickened atmosphere!

Let’s begin to recapture our families by pursuing God first!

Let’s begin to connect with other Christian men and use them as accountability partners!

Let’s get holy!

Let’s read our Bibles like never before!

Let’s believe our Bibles like never before!

Let’s act on the commands and promises contained in our Bibles!

Let’s pursue the knowledge of God like never before!

Let’s obey God like never before!

Let’s love our spouses like never before!

Let’s Love our children like never before1

Let’s clear away the meaningless things of this world and allow time for Kingdom work!

Let’s re-establish our priorities and put Him & His Kingdom first!

Let’s actually love (sacrifice) our neighbors like never before!

Let’s get involved in Kingdom work!

Let’s get involved in other people’s lives, hurts & problems!

Let’s be bold as lions because we are righteous!

Let’s release the power and authority of God!

Let’s get to Church a half hour early and get our spirits & the environment ready for His appearance!

Can I count on YOU to get violent?

Rest in His Presence!

LIVING EPISTLE?

2 Corinthians 3:2 “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men…”

People are watching the way you act and live more than listening to the words you are speaking .

There is a story told of Saint Francis of Assisi as he invited one of the novice monks to accompany him into town to preach. Obviously the novice was excited to have the opportunity to hear the revered Francis preach. The two walked throughout the town visiting main streets and back streets along the way. They conversed with assorted street vendors and standard citizens along the way and after having spent a good portion of the day mingling with the citizenry, they headed back to the abbey.

Upon their return, they younger man reminded Francis that he had neglected to preach while in town. Francis replied. “My son, we have preached. We have been seen by many and our behavior was closely watched. Our attitudes were closely measured. Our words have been overheard. It was by these that we preached our sermons.”

Jesus said that “You are the light of the world!” Matthew 5:14 If you want to make a difference in your life, begin with living a holy life. Live a life that is set apart and dedicated to living as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Be Faithful to, and honor your spouse.
Be the one at your job who always gives their best, doesn’t cheat and refuses to complain!
Be a neighbor who is loving and caring.
Pay your bills.
Don’t get involved in crude jokes or obscene movies and entertainment.
Refuse to be under the influence of anything other than the Holy Spirit.
Don’t speak one message and live another.
Keep the Lord’s day as a special day.
Live a life of integrity and keep your word.
Invest in other’s lives.
Spend time in the presence of the Lord so you go into the world with His Power and Wisdom.

Take a few moments today, and reflect on your lifestyle. What is the epistle of your life, telling others about Jesus?

GOD CAN'T USE ME!

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...

Noah was a drunk.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Leah was ugly.
Joseph was abused.
Moses had a stuttering problem.
Gideon was afraid.
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.
David had an affair and was a murderer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Isaiah preached naked.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
John the Baptist ate bugs.
Peter denied Christ.
The Disciples fell asleep while praying.
Martha worried about everything.
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once.
Zaccheus was too small.
Paul was too religious.
Timothy had an ulcer.
Lazarus was dead!


No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.

Thanks to Elaine O. for sending this my way!

HIS NATURE WITHIN!

Colossians 1:13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.) (Greek: the Son of his love)

In recent writings, we demonstrated that the Bible says that we are New Creations, living in Eternal Life, filled with the Divine Nature of God. We discovered that there isn’t anything we can’t do as we remain connected with Jesus, because we are able to stand in God’s Presence as though sin has never touched our lives, and whatever we ask our Heavenly Father (according to His Will) in Jesus’ name, we receive. I could stop right there and have a party!

Jesus made an incredible statement in the Gospel of John. John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do will he also do; and greater works than these will he do; because I go unto my Father.” “Impossible,” You say! Because Jesus was God and He had access to Divine ability.

Read this Scripture very carefully! “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.” Phillipians 2:5-7 NLT

You’ve never seen that one before, have you? Everything Jesus did while He lived here on earth, is possible for, and available to, every intelligent child of God today. The difference is that Jesus knew what belonged to Him and Jesus exercised His rights. If you were left a million dollars by some distant relative and did not know it, or did not go to the bank and exercise your right to withdraw, that million dollars would never do you any good.

We, as Christians do not know what belongs to us. Not knowing what belongs to us, we are unable to use our rights:

1) God wasn’t any more His Father than He is ours! John 17:23 “…that the world may know that thou have sent me, and have loved them, as thou have loved me.”

2) He was the Son of God. You are a Son of God. John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God…”

3) He was Diety! You are partakers of the Divine Nature…THAT is Diety! 2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature.”

4) He had the Holy Spirit in Him! You have the Holy Spirit in you! 1Corinthians 6:19 “What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you…”

Jesus took advantage of the God-life within Him in a manner that we never have. He allowed the Holy Spirit right of way in a sense that we have never experienced. Just because we have never experienced it, does not mean that it is unavailable!

God is your Father.

You are Sons and Daughters of God.

You are full of His Divine Nature.

The Holy Spirit lives within you!

Is it any wonder that Jesus said in Mark 9:23 “… all things are possible to him that believes!”

Do something awesome and miraculous for Jesus today!

Loose the Spirit within!