IN LOVE WITH GOD!

Matthew 22: 37-38 "Jesus said to him, you shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."

The Bible plainly tells us that loving God is the greatest principle contained within it's pages. Loving God is the reason you were created. To live within a love relationship with Him is the highest of all life purpose and without this intimacy we will live a life that remains frustrated, meaningless, stagnant, empty and without purpose!

So many people do not know the very basics of Loving God. Let's keep in mind we are commanded (it's not optional) to love Him with "all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind." We are so often concerned that if we love God in this manner that we won't have any time or affections left for others in our lives. The opposite is true. We are told in Matthew 6:33 that if we put God "first" and the affairs of His "Kingdom" and "righteousness" then all the "things" of life are taken care of!

Let's think for a moment about some of the principles we employ when we set our affections on others close to us. If we apply these same tactics to our relationship with God, we will be off to a good start in loving Him, as well.

1) Set aside time to spend with Him. I remember when I first met my wife, Debbie, I believe that I invested enough in fuel taxes to repave all of Richie highway as I traveled back and forth between Pasadena & Annapolis. She became a priority on my daily schedule. it was amazing how much time I had for her when I re-prioritized my life and other interests. You cannot build a relationship by remaining separated or without spending good quality time together.
Time chatting while eating or riding down the road is good, but true intimacy only develops when our sole focus of the moment is on the one we love. Set two or three times a week, initially and have a date with God. Do not cancel, it may harm your relationship!

2) Good love relationships are not easy to develop. They take a lot of effort and good old fashioned work. "...Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6 Another translation says He rewards those who "diligently seek Him." Sincerely seeking and diligently seeking, both speak of working to build relationship with God. After all the years of relationship with the world, it takes a concentrated effort to focus on God.

3) Communication is essential! Most of us have no problems bombarding God with our problems and needs, but when it comes to listening to his heart, we need to employ the skills the prophet Samuel learned. "...Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:10

We need to learn to be open and honest with God (He knows all of our thoughts anyway), and we need to allow God to be open and honest with us! This is one of the biggest obstacles to developing intimacy with Him. We don't want to hear what He has to say and oftentimes when He does begin to speak into our hearts correction or conviction, we begin to shout Him down with our religious banter! Sometimes heart exchanges with our loved ones can be painful! However, if we wish the relationship to deepen these exchanges of truth need to be allowed in our time together.

4) We willingly and affectionately lay down our own self centered desires to reap a harvest of love from our loved one. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God..." Ephesians 5:21 We become givers as a result of our new natures. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ..." 2 Cor 5:17-18 We remain givers by the continual oversight and review of our will.We, as a result of our continued, deepening relationship with God, commence to take on the character and nature of God, Himself. " For God so loved the world, that he gave...: John 3:16

We too become givers as we spend time with Him.

5) We discover and share each others giftings and talents. The more time we spend in reading His Word and in discovery of His character and nature, the more we fall in love with Him. The more time we spend basking in His presence the more He begins to reveal Himself to us. (In our own relationships, we DO NOT reveal our innermost thoughts, impressions, motivations and desires to those who are mere acquaintances.)

When we first encounter a loved one , we simply "love" them based on first impressions and external observations. The more time we spend together, the more we are able to observe the intangibles which form the very foundation for any long lasting, intimate relationship. (loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, etc...)The more you know Him, the more your heart goes out to Him and the deeper relationship you develop. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord..." 2 Peter 1:2

Here's the way it develops...
The More you know Him, the More you love Him!
The More you love Him, the more you trust Him!
The more you trust Him, the more you obey Him!

6) Finally as your intimacy progresses, you couple together to produce offspring.When you spend time with Him, you discover that His heart goes out for other hearts who desire to be with Him. 2Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (loyal) toward him."

His desire is that you remain so intimate and connected to Him (Two operating as one) that your life is filled with much fruit. John 15:5 in The Message says it this way. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. "

Then out of our Love relationship, and having laid down our own interests and desires, we begin to pursue the desires of His heart. We allow His Holy Spirit to influence others through our lives and the anointing which flows out of us. Out of His love for us and our love for Him, we obey Him and He manifests Himself to us and others.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

Do we really love God with all all your heart, soul, strength and your mind, as He desires and commands?
I Think Not!

Let's begin or intensify (Whichever place you're at) the journey into the heart of God.
Begin Today.

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!

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!

WATER WALKING

Matthew 14:24-27 “…the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water….But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

One thing I know for sure, is that whenever I am caught up in one of life’s storms, I want to make sure my eyes are on Jesus and that I am close enough to get a good look at Him! The disciples never expected Jesus to handle the storm in this manner. It appears that they didn’t expect him at all, much less come walking across the water! Matthew 14:26 “…when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.”

We expect Him to show up at Church, or praise and worship; perhaps in our own private time with him, but in the middle of a storm? We never expect to see Him in the middle of marital stress, wayward children, financial problems, or sickness and disease. It’s extremely important for us to remain close to Jesus through fellowship with Him and obedience to His commands and promptings. Let me make it simple for all of us. The closer we stay to Him, the easier it is to take our eyes off the storm and to clearly focus on Jesus, the One Who stills the most violent storms.

Peter took his eyes off of the One who commands peace to the storms of life, or at the very least , He commands peace to us in the midst of the storm! Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Let these words of Jesus resound in your inner being! “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Perhaps the main theme of this passage is where we are to look in the middle of the storms of life. If you are giving the storm more attention than the One who calms them, then you too like Peter, will be overwhelmed with the strength of the storm! Read these words very carefully!

Psalm 121: 2-8 “My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep…The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade…The LORD keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” David knew!

Remember that storms often cause us to embark on expeditions we would never have ventured into without the storm. For a few brief moments Peter was thrust into the midst of the miraculous! “So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:29 Imagine his conversations after they reached the other side. How many times do you believe that Peter rehearsed that experience? Perhaps he even embellished the scenario each time he repeated the event! In the midst of his personal storm, He was graced by God to experience the Supernatural movement of the Hand of God!

Think back over the storms in your life. Reflect on the Goodness and faithfulness of God! Command your mind to rehearse the Goodness of God like David. Psalm 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The most efficient way to prepare for a storm in life is….

1) Know that they will come. It happens to everyone!
2) Stay connected in intimate fellowship with Jesus (Before the storm approaches) through loving obedience.
3) Keep your eyes fixed on Him, He will guide you through the storm.
4) Know Him as your Help in the Time of trouble! (Psalm 27:5)
5) Be filled with anticipation and expectancy. Listen for His Word as He directs your path in the middle of the tempest. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
6) Do whatever He tells you when He tells you.
7) Focus on His promise! “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

Suddenly my heart finds peace, no matter what life throws at me! I am no longer afraid and I know it will be alright! Remember, some of Jesus' greatest moments have come in the midst of the storm! Now that I think of it. so have mine!

Does God Will to Heal Me?

MARK 1:40 "Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Cancer...its everywhere...front page news today is "tanning beds cause serious cancer." Over the last week or so, I have heard people tell me that well over twenty five people have been stricken with cancer. The State we live in (Maryland) has one of the highest rates of cancer in the entire United States and a great percentage of the population is being struck down.

Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the arteries) is running rampant and taking the lives of additional thousands, not to mention diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease etc.. Even though science now dramatically points to the consumption of fat and/or bad carbohydrates in the diet as one of the major culprits, to those who already have the damage done, it is stealing, killing and destroying the lives of thousands of additional.

Jesus said "The thief's purpose it to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" John 10:10 What is one to do in the midst of these trying times? Is sickness and disease just an acceptable part of life, or is there something that can be done to defend ourselves against these attacks when they come? Is it too late if we're already facing the inevitable? My standard response is to discover and apply whatever the Manufacturer's Handbook has to say concerning this matter.

The leper in the introductory Scripture listed above asked the question that most people, including Christians still do. "I know you can; BUT are You willing to heal me?" No one doubts that God can heal anyone. No one questions His ability to make one whole. We all believe in miracles; just not for ourselves. I believe that the greatest obstacle to those who are seeking healing or desire to walk in divine heath, is the uncertainty in their minds as to the Will of God in the matter.

Exodus 23:25And ye shall serve the LORD your God...and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee...the number of thy days I will fulfil."Exodus 15:26 " ...I am the LORD that healeth thee." Translated in plain old English it goes this way. "I am the Lord Who is healing you now!" (Present tense ad-infinitum)Until you believe that God wants you, His child, to be healed, there will always be doubt in your mind as to whether or not you will be healed according to His Will.

Hebrews 11:6 " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him." This Scripture says that God rewards (In this case heals) those who believe that He is The Healer and He can heal us. Now here's the key to this verse. We don't pursue healing; we pursue the Healer! When you get to the best physician, the odds of being healed increase. He is the great Physician!When we go to God and ask our petitions of Him, we need to go in a certain attitude of faith (Simple childlike faith...God said it; that settles it!) James 1:6-8 "But when you ask Him, be sure you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a waveof the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waiver back and forth in everything they do."

What this Scripture states is pretty straightforward. Anyone who prays the faith destroying prayer "Lord if it be thy will, please heal me." can not ask him like you "really expect him to answer..." And they usually don't expect to receive anything (healing) from the Lord; resulting in exactly what they believed!We begin with the simple basic Bible truths. If you can't seem to believe that you will be chosen to be one of the fortunate ones to be healed, I ask you this question. Do you believe that God will keep His promise to you? If you do...That is simple belief...spelled F-A-I-T-H!

Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie...has He spoken, and will he not do it? or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?"1 Kings 8:56 "...there has not failed one word of all his good promise..."Psalm 119:89 "For ever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven." When God makes a promise...he keeps it. He's not like people who continue to modify our promises and declarations. When He speaks a Spiritual Law into existence, there is enough power behind that Word to enforce it throughout eternity.

Let me give you an illustration. In Genesis 1:3 "God said, Let there be light: and there was light." When God spoke that Word, He infused that Word with enough power to sustain it throughout all eternity, unless He says "Light Cease!" The universe is still expanding from that Command at the rate of 186,000 miles per second! When God spoke the Word in Exodus 15:23 "I am the Lord that healeth thee.", He empowered that Word to endure and empower throughout all eternity, as well.God's Word is law! A law is something that always works. It may be a fact that you are sick right now, but there is TRUTH that over-rides that fact.

Romans 8:2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Obviously you've heard and understand the "Law of Gravity." The Law of Gravity simply states that whatever is dropped within the earth's atmosphere begin to fall. Take an airplane, for example. If the engines quit in midflight, what happens? It falls to the ground. That is Fact! However there is a Truth that over-rides the law of Gravity; its called the Law of Lift. When an airplanes engines accelerate and with certain aerodynamic principles in effect, the Law of Lift supercedes the law of Gravity and they plane doesn't fall, it rises!

The fact may be that you have cancer, or are facing precancerous conditions, or your family has a history of cancer. The fact may be that right now you're in the fight of your life, BUT the Truth of God's Word, His law, supercedes that fact!

Where do I begin?

1) Get into the Word of God and begin to discover what it has to say about healing.

2) Look at the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. He said "if you've seen me, you've seen the Father." If you look at His life and Ministry, God's desires become much clearer!

3) Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal to you the Truth about God's Will concerning your healing.

4) Get yourself some good books on healing ...T.L. Osborn's "Healing the Sick" or F.F Bosworth's "Christ the Healer" read them and back up what they claim with the Scriptures.

5) Memorize Healing Scriptures that you discover.

6) Find others who want to discover the Truth, who will make the journey with you!

7) Get in a Church that believes that Divine Healing is for you!

PLEASE LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE. KNOWING THE TRUTH WILL SET ANYBODY FREE. DON'T KEEP IT FOR YOURSELF IF IT BLESSES YOU. WE ARE UNDER A PHYSICAL ATTACK ON THIS EARTH LIKE NEVER BEFORE. YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING, AND WE NEED TO KNOW GOD'S WORD ON THIS TRUTH!PASS IT ON... http://heart2heartblog.blogspot.com/

LOVE IS!

So YOU think you know what love really is!

What is Love? If you ever come to me for marital counseling, this is one of the first questions I will ask you! Do you really love her/him? Of course, because they've come for marriage counseling they always say "Oh, yes..so much!" I follow up with "What do you mean when you say you love him/her?"

Most of the time I get answers like this...
"I want to spend the rest of my life with her!"
"He makes me feel so good and beautiful."
"I want to take care of her and provide for her!"
"I want to share my thoughts and feelings with him!"

You can add your own thoughts to this one. Do you realize that every one of these statements can also be made concerning a puppy?

This is not what love is! These are feelings and emotions and those are but a very small part of what love really is. Once again let's turn to the Manufacturers Handbook to see exactly what love is...

1 CORINTHIANS l3:4-8 from the amplified Bible reads in this manner...

1} LOVE IS PATIENT --
it is slow to lose patience,
does not demonstrate irritations,
or reflect anger,
or have a quick temper.
Has fully accepted the character of the one being married to.

2} IT IS KIND--
looks for ways of being constructive.
It is actively creative;
it is able to recognize needs;
it discovers successful methods of improving or contributing to the spouses life.

3} IT DOES NOT ENVY--
it is not possessive;
it does not hold exclusive control where your partner is allowed little or no freedom to fulfill himself in what God has for him.

4} IT DOES NOT VAUNT ITSELF--
it is not anxious to impress; does not seek to make an impression or create an image for personal gain.

5} IT IS NOT PUFFED UP--
it does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance;
it is not self-centered;
it has the ability to change;
it is flexible;
it does not allow or expect life to revolve around itself.

6} IT DOES NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY--
it has good manners;
has respect for others which results in a set of Christ-centered standards;
has direction;
knows what is proper and when.

7} IT DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN--
it does not pursue selfish advantage;
does not have primary concern for personal sexual appetites or social status but concern for the needs of your spouse and the families involved.

8} IT IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED--
it is not touchy,
not hypersensitive,
or easily hurt;
does not take things too personally;
is not emotionally involved with personal opinions so that to reject ideas is to reject the one giving them.

9} IT THINKS NO EVIL--
it does not keep account of evil;
does not review wrongs which have been forgiven;
does not dwell on past evil;
destroys evidence of past mistakes when possible.

l0} IT DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY--
it does not gloat over the wickedness of other people;
does not compare self with others for self-justification;
does not use other’s evil to excuse personal weakness.

11} IT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH--
it is glad with all godly men when truth prevails;
is in active fellowship with dedicated Christians;
is occupied with spiritual objectives.

12} IT BEARS ALL THINGS--
it knows no limit to its forbearance;
has the ability to live with the inconsistencies of others;
has empathy for the problems of your spouse.

13} IT BELIEVES ALL THINGS--
it knows no end to its trust;
you believe in your spouse and your spouse’s worth without question.
It has not reason to doubt the person’s integrity.

14} IT HOPES ALL THINGS--
it knows no fading of its hope;
it is not fickle;
it has perfect peace and confidence in God.

15} IT ENDURES ALL THINGS--
it has unlimited endurance;
it is able to outlast anything;
it is able to endure all obstacles
and even love in the face of un-returned love.

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

I challenge you to rate yourself on a 1-10 scale on each of the above 52 categories. If you really wish to have a good dose of reality, have the someone you "love" rate you! When you discover that most of us are really loving others on emotional terms and not living a true life of love, there is where the journey to real love begins. Discovery of truth and breaking out of deception!

Jesus said that real love involves laying our own life down for our loved ones. John 15:13 "There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This means that we are to put our own self centered issues and desires aside and put the other first. In Marriage women are told to submit to husbands and husbands are told to lay down (die) our lives for our wives. Ephesians 5:21-23

The world says put your own interests and desires first. Protect yourself at all costs. God says put others first. You will reap what you sew! We create our own monsters; both good and bad! When your loved one starts going off course, don't seek to lay the blame on them first! Evaluate what kind of seed you've been sewing. You can also take part of the credit when things are going well. (Good Monsters)

Confess your sin of walking out of love to God and begin the journey. Confess also to the one you love and begin this remarkable journey together. There are 52 principles here that you and your loved one can work on together. Take one a week and pray for God's ability and practice the principle of the week together.

It may be a little painful in the beginning, but to be free to love like we were designed is well worth the journey! Doesn't your loved one deserve better? Don't you?

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?

CRAZY JOHN

Mark 1:6 “And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey...”

Crazy John…What kind of deacon Board would select John to be the preacher in their church today? His message was as rough as the clothing he wore. He preached a bold, uncompromised, simple message. “Repent, because God is arriving on the scene.” It didn’t matter to whom John was speaking, his message was always the same, “Repent!”

John never made a lot of friends but he did gain a lot of enemies and converts. Mark 1:5 “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” What was it about the crazy man, in the weird attire and the simple, but tough message, that pricked their hearts? Everything about him centered on his purpose and he lived right before their eyes. There was no preaching on message and living another in John’s life.

It has been said that you don’t have to live like the world to have an impact on the world. You don’t have to be like the crowd to change the crowd and you don’t have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to yours! I can tell you right now, that if you live like the world, they will have no respect for you or your message!

If you want to make a difference in the world, then live you life so that it lines up with Godliness. Let the world see a clear distinction in the way you live and they will listen to your message, just like they did to John. We call this living HOLY!

Be the person who doesn’t join in the gossip and the crude jokes.
Be faithful to your spouse.
Love your children enough to stand up for what is right and Godly. Exercise correction and punishment when necessary!
Be the employee who put’s in a full days work without complaining. Be the best you can be!
Be the neighbor who cares about the other neighbor. Listen to them. Love them and pray for them.
Be the Believer who refuses to take a drink in public necause it may confuse or offend those who view your life!
Respect the Sabbath and take time apart for the Lord and for your personal rest.
Be a Champion for the oppressed, bruised and crushed who live among us. Love always!
Refuse to compromise on Christ!
DO NOT SPEAK ONE MESSAGE AND LIVE ANOTHER!

What if John’s life had not lined up with the words he spoke? What if he had preached holiness and lived an immoral life? What if he preached repentance and away from the crowds he joined in with the worldly bunch and their questionable practices? If John’s life had not matched his message, they would never have listened to him!

Is there anything in your life that does not line of with God’s Word and Ways? If you live a Holy and Godly life, they will flock to you for help and meaning in life! Jesus said that we “… are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who are watching our lives is another thing altogether! What are they secretly saying about 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!

CALVARY'S INCREDIBLE EXCHANGE

Galatians 3:13 “…Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Just about any Christian can recount to you the story at Calvary’s Cross. Jesus, the Son of God crucified between two thieves. Both God and man view the scene as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God surrounded by two men covered in the filth and horror of sin. But here is where the similarities end. Whereas man sees the horror of their bloodied bodies, God grieves over the darkness surrounding their hearts. The Father weeps over the conditions of their souls. These two thieves were headed towards hell because of unresolved sin in their lives.

They displayed hostility, resistance and defiance toward God even in their final moments. But hanging between them is a totally righteous man without sin. Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” One of the thieves reads the sign “King of the Jews”. He hears Jesus asking forgiveness for those who are killing Him. There is something about Jesus that persuades the thief that he hangs in the presence of a real King.

The other thief lashes out in his pain mockingly. “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.” Luke 23:39 The hardness of his heart is disturbing.

In the midst of all the people who abandoned Jesus, (Peter and the Disciples) the accusations of the Jews, and the cruel treatment rendered by the Roman soldiers, someone at last speaks out to stand up for Jesus. Luke 23:40-41 “…the other criminal protested. “Don’t you even fear God when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done one thing wrong.” Jesus in His agony responded with these words. “Today you will be with Me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.” All of heaven was frozen in a moment of time. This was not right. How could a miserable, dark hearted thief possibly go to Heaven?

Suddenly, in response to the voice of Jesus all of the darkness, misery and sin began to lift off of this thief and worked it’s way over until it came to rest on Jesus. Simultaneously, the Righteousness of God began to lift off of Jesus and covers the dying thief. His unclean garments are replaced by a robe of Righteousness and his soul commences to shine with the presence of the Holy Spirit. All of his sins are forgiven and wiped from God’s remembrance. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

God’s plan began to unfold before all of heaven and earth. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:8 that no one knew, even the powers of darkness, His Master Plan. “…none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Being a Just God, His only choice when He sees sin is either to punish the sin or to pay the price on His own. Galatians 3:13 “…Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

God loves us so much that “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“It was our weakness He carried. It was our sorrows that weighed Him down. We thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins. But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5

Like the thief at Calvary; when no one is standing up for Jesus; when it’s not popular to proclaim His Lordship or even to speak His Name; when the world is doing all it can to stamp out the event at Calvary’s Cross; let’s commit this day to tell others of His goodness, His mercy and grace.

I will not be silent! I will live a Holy life by His ability within! I will allow His Holy Spirit to flow through my life! I will pray openly, boldly and unashamedly! I will testify of what He has done for me! The more they mock, the bolder I’ll become! The tougher it gets, the brighter I’ll shine! I will exert my God given authority over demonic influences! I will heal the sick! I will praise Him openly! I will respond in loving obedience! I will worship him with my life!

How about you?

THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE!

The Bible says that we live and exist by faith. (Hebrews 10:38, Galatians 3:11, Romans 1:17) The Bible goes on to state that faith works, or is fueled and energized by love. (Galatians 5:6) Ephesians 4:15 proclaims that we should always speak the truth encapsulated in the attitudes and actions of love. 1 John 4:18 instructs us that perfect love, or love that is mature, casts out and destroys all fear.

Isn’t it amazing that the force of love can literally drive all fear out of our lives? We all know about the Biblical characteristics of Hope and Faith, but the Bible declares that Love is a greater force! “These are the three things that will endure; faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Love is a more powerful force than Faith. Without love, your faith has no power!

Paul tells us that you can prophesy and speak in tongues; have the greatest understanding of all the mysteries and knowledge of God; have the highest level of faith possible; do some of the greatest works for God; If you don’t have love…they all amount to nothing! 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The most powerful force in the universe will never fail you! The perfect way to success in all that we do is specified in 1 Corinthians 13:8. “Love never fails…” Nothing will affect your own life and touch people more deeply than the Love of God flowing through you.

We are commanded to love God, self, family, friends, neighbors and enemies. (Those who have hurt you!) “That’s impossible!” you say! In our own ability, it is impossible.

Now here’s where the real problem begins…Attempting to love others with the limited, imperfect love we already have, will never get the job done, either to our satisfaction or to God’s. Jesus said in John 15:5 “Apart from me you can do nothing.” You will never be able to love anyone according to the definition assigned love in 1 Corinthians 13, unless you are loving them with the Love of God; not your own ability!

Catch this…. YOU CAN NOT GIVE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE!

How can I love with the Love of God? Good question! It all begins with knowing the source of Gods Love; what God’s Love really is; and how to release the Love of God through your life!

The first step in walking in the most powerful force in the universe is confessing your own inability to love like He commands.

Paul recognizes this truth when he proclaims “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 Paul recognized that when he would begin to confess his own inabilities, the Ability of God could begin to take over!

Jesus confirmed this Spiritual principle when He began His sermon on the beatitudes with the following declaration. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:5 Those who recognized their own inabilities became the perfect candidates for an infilling of the Presence and Power of God!

Tell Him right now that you are unable to Love like He wants you to. Tell Him you need His Love flowing out of you, and watch what He will begin to do. If you will begin today, you will access the most powerful force in all the universe; the very essence of God Himself, on your behalf!

Next Blog: What is Love really like? Where do I begin?

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?