IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER!

Exodus 14:9-10 “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid:”

So oftentimes, we put limits on the abilities and desires of our God. We liken His character and His attributes to those of mere mortals and as a result we fall short of seeing His Glory on display. Israel was about to be miraculously delivered from 400 years of bondage and slavery at the hands of the wicked Pharoahs. Israel had obeyed the Word of the Lord and they were marching exactly as He had directed them, until they encountered their first obstacle. They had come upon the waters of the Red Sea. Mountains to the right and mountains to the left; the sea lay straight ahead and behind them were Pharoah and his army bent upon their total annihilation! And because they could see no way out, they “were sore afraid.” They were terrified and lost their faith. They reduced God down to their own capabilities. Somehow He had lost His capability for the miraculous in their minds eye.

So often in life we behave much in the same manner. We are total giants of faith until we run into our first major obstacle. God is in control and we believe in His Immensity as long as we remain somewhat in control. However, when we reach the place where we are no longer able to make a move (just in case God doesn’t) then we begin to lose confidence in His Word and His Abilities. WE forget those things that He has done in the past. Remember when David faced his giant, he began to rehearse those things which the Lord had previously done in his life. 1 Samuel 17: 36 “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Even though there appeared to be no way out for those Israelites, the Lord Who is our “WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY” made a way and miraculously opened a path into the sea. I would also remind you here that this same sea that was opened as a path of deliverance for the people of God, became the method of destruction for the enemies of those same people. Not one enemy remained! Exodus 14:28 “And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

Maybe you are currently facing an impossible situation; a situation of life and death; or something you’ve never encountered before. God wants you to know today that He is our POSSIBILITY! He becomes your possibility only in the midst of impossibility. The tougher the possibility, the greater He will shine on behalf of His people and the greater His Glory. Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle. Don’t ever quit! Refuse to agree with the world and those who are wavering in doubt and defeat.

I stated above that “It ain’t over until it’s over!” Now here’s the real awesome revelation about God’s Kingdom. Even when it appears to be over, it is only just beginning. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died and been entombed for four days. John 11:14 “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” All hope was lost. Everyone had lost hope in the face of the impossible. But God said “This ain’t over!” Jesus “…cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43 The God of Possibility stepped in when all hope was gone. The people had given up and had committed him to the grave. They stopped believing and chided Jesus for delaying his arrival.

Whatever way God had chosen to respond to their heart cries, He would have displayed His glory. With God’s divine direction and orchestration, there would be no wrong choice. Either way God had chosen would have been just the beginning! Risen from the dead, Lazarus was given a new lease on life and an opportunity to give Him glory in the earth. If God had chosen to leave his body in the grave, it still would have been the most incredible day of his life. I’m not so sure that Lazarus had not struggled somewhat having to return to his old life, knowing what lie ahead just a few short days later bursting forth in Resurrection Power! Face to Face with God the Father or back to the dirt bowl we call life.

Let me ask you one last question. “If you were Lazarus, and God had given you the decision, what choice would you have made?” The Glory of God OR back here? I don’t think that would be too hard to decide!

If today you are staring impossibility right in the face, then be encouraged because your POSSIBILITY is in control! EVEN IF IT IS OVER, IT IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING! We are Kingdom people and we live by different rules!
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Joseph from the pit to the Palace.
Moses from a decree of death to leading Israel out of Bondage.
The widow of Nain receiving her only son raised to life.
Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
Gideon and his three hundred men.
Noah saving his entire household.
Abraham becoming a Father of many Nations.

Now what about you? What will be your testimony to His Glory?

IN THE FIRE!

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Are you feeling the heat? Is the firey trial, situation or circumstance all around you? Do you feel like you're going down for the last time? If so, I have some good news for you!

First, we need to be truthful concerning fire. Fire is hot and causes pain. You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you enter into the fiery furnaces of life. Jesus warned us with these words in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation(pressure, stress,squashing,squeezing): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Everyone in this world goes through the fire at one stage or another, and oftentimes it seems that we go from one fire to another. Because He has overcome, we can walk in a place of peace no matter how immense the pressure!

Find His purposes in the fire and set your focus on Him. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 Those who set their minds on matters of the Holy Spirit, experience life and peace no matter what the circumstances.

I was going through some pretty wild times a few years back and I cried out to the Lord saying "When will this end?" He simply spoke back in that still, small voice and said "It won't!" I have learned that as a Disciple (Not just a Believer) the heat is usually always on! As younger, immature Christians we sometimes enter in to a time of complaining, resisting and looking constantly for ways to escape the pressure.

I have learned that pressure is a good thing and that God will use the fires of life, no matter what the origin (Himself, Ourself or the devil) to mold, shape and conform us closer to the image of Christ in us, He desires.

I discovered and meditated on a very unusual Scripture in James 2:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

What? You want me to be joyful when troubles come my way? Am I to be a glutton for punishment? Isn't that crazy? Not when you begin to comprehend that in the midst of the fire, your faith is tested and grown. Going through the fires of life can equip you and get you "ready for anything!" Everyone in the Bible who became what God wanted them to become went through times of testing. Joseph in prison; Daniel in the lion's den; Paul imprisoned and beaten; Jesus in the Garden; Shadrach, Meshack & Abednego in the fiery furnace.

In reading the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel Chapter three we discover...
How to make it through the fire...

1) Know that everyone is currently going through some kind of fire, whether spiritually, financially, family, sickness, relational. You are not the only one in the fire! "But remember that the temptations (trials)that come into your life are no different from what others experience." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personally, I believe that pressure is designed to create intimacy with God. Think about how distant we seem to wander when everything is going well. Hopefully, as soon as it gets a little rough we are smart enough to turn to God. Eventually, we learn to stay with Him and remain connected with Him in fellowship, praise, prayer and obedience. Daniel 3:21 "So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace..." Because of the sin nature of this fallen world, everyone goes through the fire at one time or another!

If you feel bad about the fire you're in, take a look at what the Apostle Paul had to endure; you'll feel better immediately. "They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Now stop whining...it could be worse!

2) Know that you are not alone God is with you! Psalm 118:6 states that "The Lord God is on my side; I will not fear what man can do..." He has promised He will be with us no matter what we do or what we feel. Even when you FEEL alone, He is with us! Heb 13:5 "…he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

3) You will be tempted to give up and succumb to the effects of the flames. The enemy of your soul will speak these words to you in the midst of your fire, attempting to have you give up and quit. "I will give you one more chance. If you bow down...all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:15

Remember that "...God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13” You don't have to bow!

4) Make a declaration of God's willingness & ability. Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power..." Stop your mind from being overwhelmed with facts. God's Truth always over-rides fact! Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believes...and with the mouth confession is made..."

When David faced his giant, he prophesied the fall of the giant even before he engaged in combat. 1 Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou have defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Begin to prophesy your emergence from the fire and your ultimate victory!

5) Know that it may get a little hotter before it gets better! Daniel 3:19 "Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual." In the Kingdom of God, there are processes that we must endure in order for him to fulfill His purposes, maybe even in the lives of others. Have you noticed that our trials usually involve other people, as well ? He doesn’t always answer the way you think He should. He is God and He knows best. His timing is always perfect.

6) Connect with others in the midst of your fire. You are not designed to ever go it alone. We are the members of the Body of Christ. If you go it alone you will be burned. 1Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” You cannot state this either by your words or your actions; the way you live your life in relation one to another. If you disconnect and enter the fires of life by yourself, the odds remain against your survival. Daniel 3:23 23 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

7) Know that the power of God is with you! Daniel 3:25 “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. His presence, His ability, His Companionship, His strength, His wisdom, His power, His destiny for you will all be present in the heart of the fiery trials of your life. Ask Him what good can come out of this trial. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Its refreshing to know that God has a plan that determines the final outcome of your trail.

8) You are destined to go through the fire and you will come out on the other side and people will see that “the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!.” 1 Samuel 3:27 You will not be consumed by your trial. The experience will not slow you down or defeat you. It will empower you to trust further in His ability.

9) God will receive praise for your personal victory. You will stand as an eternal memorial to the goodness and faithfulness of God as you rely on Him. The world needs to see His movement in your circumstances so they too can come into relationship with Him! Daniel 3:29 “Therefore I make a decree, That …. there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”

10) Here is the best news yet. On the other side of your fiery furnace there is a promotion from the king for YOU! Daniel 3:30 “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…”

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!

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!

Encourage Yourself!

1 Samuel 30:6 “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.”

I like to sing (Make noise) in the shower and sometimes I have bad days! There, you now have two new personal revelations about me. King David had these same days and so do each of us. Listen to his words in Psalm 42:5 “Why art you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted in me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” It is a good thing to sing in the shower, especially if you are singing the song of the Lord.

1 Samuel 30 tells us a story about when David was having a particularly bad day. David and all of his fighting men had returned home from a brief excursion against the Philistines when they discovered that the Amalekites had come against their own hometown of Ziklag. They discovered that all of their women and children had been captured and taken away. The Bible tells us in verse 6 that “David was in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their women and children.

Each of us in the very recent past has found ourselves in “serious trouble,” as well. Perhaps it’s your children, your spouse, finances, health, emotions, relationships, church, employment, etc.. No matter what the situation or circumstance, we would do well to see how David responded and found himself recovering all that had been taken from him, destroyed his enemies, and also took their herds and flocks as the spoils of war!

David did not sit on a log and cry out in despair, “Oh woe is me!” He did not call on his friends to have a group pity party. He did not run from his situation or drown his sorrows in the medication of the day. He did not allow himself to get depressed. 1 Samuel 30:6 “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.”

It doesn’t address in 1 Samuel what exactly David did, but we do have and entire Book of Psalms (Songs) that demonstrates quite clearly how David reacted when things went from bad to worse. David began to sing to himself and to the Lord. Feast on these words:

Psalm 103: 1-5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” David started singing to HIMSELF words inspired by the Spirit of God!

Anyway…back to me singing in the shower! I was having a bad day and headed downward. (Instead of looking upward) The Lord brought David’s experiences at Ziklag to my heart and I heard Him say to me, “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.” I’m smarter than I look, so I began to ask the Lord to give me not just any song, BUT a Song of the Lord! This is what He gave me…

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

When I get up in the morning
And I face a brand new day,
I lift my hands unto the sky,
These are the words I say

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

Then I dive into my Bible
And I feast on Words of Life.
No matter what the day may bring,
My strength comes from on High!

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

As I began to sing, the words came alive in my spirit and Victory for the day and following week burst forth! Just like David, I recovered all that had been taken from me, I saw my enemies destroyed right in front of my face, and I was given some spoils of war, as well!

Maybe you ought to try singing the Song of the Lord in the face of your enemy. Encourage yourself in the Lord right now! When you praise, He shows up on the scene! Psalm 22:3 “But YOU are holy, O You Who inhabits the praises of Israel.”

When he shows up…your enemies scatter!

Broken Winged Bird!

Cor 2:8 “… had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

My wife, Debbie & I were hiking along a backwoods trail near downtown Centreville. The trail winds along portions of the Corsica River, complete with beaver, geese and jumping fish. As we rounded one corner I noticed an adult bird sitting on the ground. As soon as she saw me, she immediately spread her right wing in a very awkward fashion, causing it to appear as if she had a broken wing. She fluttered wildly across the brush as if trying in vain to escape what she had deemed was a giant predator.

I told Debbie to watch what would happen as I approached the broken winged bird. I said that she was feigning the broken wing to draw us away from her nest and her beloved brood of hatchlings. Debbie wasn’t so sure! As I drew nearer she kept up the act and moved me even further away from the nest, until I was right on top of her. Suddenly, she encountered a miraculous healing and took off flying. She had led us so far down the trail that we didn’t even attempt to go back and search for the nest.

I’m quite sure that sometimes the protective bird miscalculates the approaching predator and is not able to take off soon enough to escape becoming a feast for the attacker. Her love for her offspring is stronger that the threat of injury or even death.

The Bible talks about the wings of Jesus; “And under His wings you shall take refuge…” Psalm 91:4 There is safety and security under those wings.

The enemy of our souls was on the hunt looking for offspring of the Most High God, seeking in effect to devour and destroy the entire bunch. 1Pe 5:8 “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.” NLT He thought that if He could destroy Jesus that the entire plan would be undone; that mankind would be hopeless and that God’s attempt to redeem mankind, whatever it was, would fail.

On the cross at Calvary, Jesus spread His “broken wing” and led the predator away from the prize (You & Me) to a place where the enemy himself would become the one destroyed. (Hebrews 2:14) Jesus drew all the minions and forces of Hell toward and upon Himself…so that you and I would not be devoured and left hopeless and lost for all eternity. The attack became more ferocious and vicious as He was beaten, spit upon, whipped, mocked and hung upon the cross. All the while, the attention was being taken off of you and I…all the forces and focus of hell was inflicted upon HIM!

The Bible says in 1 Cor 2:8 “… had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Jesus wasn’t hoping to escape…He knew what lay before Him…The Cross and Death…Separation from the Father… more pain and suffering than anyone has ever endured.

The enemy didn’t know that they were being led away from the prize and toward certain defeat, doom and destruction. Jesus Did! Heb 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” I'm sure that the enemy didn't notice the smallest hint of a joy filled smile in the corner of Jesus' mouth. Jesus played the role of the "defeated one" to perfection!

You and I are the joy that was set before Him!

Jesus feigned defeat…led the enemy away from the nest (He was the firstborn of many brethren Romans 8:29), away from the apple of God’s eye, (Psalm 17:8) . Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14

The wing was not really broken. Jesus rose up to the highest place of authority in existence. The nest is safe and the offspring are flourishing!

Rest in His presence!

Ken Bombard

TODAY!

Time once spent, cannot be reclaimed, so invest it wisely! 2 Corinthians 6:1 "Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us." The Message

How was your day? Was it filled with the same old routine stuff, meandering throughout the obstacles of the day? Perhaps you floated all the way through, just holding your breath that nothing out of the ordinary would throw you off course. Maybe it was a day full of bitterness, pain, and heartache, and your head throbbed and your heart pounded to the rhythm of the hurt. Perhaps the deep depression got even darker today and those nagging, desperate thoughts plagued your mind once again. Sometimes you just can’t feel, find, or see the Hand of God upon your life.

Today I want you to take a deep breath and reflect on what the Holy Spirit has to say to you! He says “please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given you!” In other words, don’t waste the opportunities to enjoy what God has set before you in each and every day. It is indeed a marvelous life if we stop to reflect on Who Jesus is in our lives and What He’s done for us! This could be the day of your Victory if you would begin to praise him in the midst of your dungeon experience. He “always causes us to triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 He has defeated death and there isn't anything left that that He has not conquered!

Let me ask you this question. Are you aware of anyone who is not under some sort of pressure, trauma, trial or testing? Everybody I know is going through something. Everyone has issues! The good news is that you have someone to go through the fire with you! Listen as Jesus’ Words come alive in Matthew 28::20 “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Sometimes it seems impossible, but you need to know miracles usually aren’t necessary when things are still under our control. Jesus is the God of Possibility when He is invited into the midst of your impossibilities!

Acts 16:23-ff states that after Paul and Silas had been beaten many times and were thrown into a deep, dark dungeon, in the darkest hour of night, they began to remember Who was with them. They began to praise Him, because they understood that God shows up on the scene when He hears His Name being lifted up. I believe that the darker it is, the quicker He appears and the brighter He shines. God showed up on the scene and broke them out of the place of bondage. The same God, Who moved Joseph from the Prison to the Palace; Who walked with Daniel in the lion’s den and delivered Him from certain doom; The same Jesus Who was the “Fourth Man” in the fire with Shadrach, Meshak and Abednigo and brought them through the fire “without even the smell of smoke upon their garments;” He is with you right now and He has come to deliver you and set you free!

Stop pursuing liberty and freedom and begin to pursue the “Way, Truth and the Life!” We are not speaking of the pursuit of a place; but the pursuit of a Person! He will set you free! Stop looking for the way out of your situation and circumstances, and begin to look for the way into “abiding” with Him where He can fill you with His Presence and His Power. Listen very carefully.

Evil can not and will not stay in His Presence. His Word declares to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 The Word of God declares concerning today… "This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 Psalm 118:6 also states that “…the Lord God is on my side, I will not fear what man can do to me!”

God is on your side!
You can not lose.
Just don’t quit!
Start praising Him right now and see if He doesn’t show up.
Make a sacrifice of praise! It’s easy to praise Him when everything is going along fine. Lift up your hands and voices and call on His Name. God is waiting on you!

Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” I can see Him right now!

WHO NEEDS CHURCH?

1 Corinthians 12:21 “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you…’ ”

I know many professed Christians who faithfully attend “Saint Mattress” every Sunday morning tucked warmly within the confines of their sheets. These are the same people who don’t go to church unless their nephew is playing a sheep in the Christmas pageant. They also claim that they receive more out of a walk in the woods, than spending time in a Church all cooped up with a bunch of hypocrites.

What does the Bible say about Church attendance? Can Christians survive apart from a local Church? There are some who are trapped in a hospital bed, nursing home or some remote locale where attending Church is physically impossible. You can still go to Heaven even if you can’t go to Church.

The New Testament never divides Christians into Church members and non-church members. It does however assume that everyone participates in their local community assembly. Wherever and whenever Christians in the New Testament Church are within range of each other they come together to worship corporately, pray for one another and minister their giftings to one another. “Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early Church: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them.” Regular gathering was a part of life!

Why should you go to Church?

1) You don't want to cheat the Church; the Body of Christ! 1 Corinthians 12: 7 states that “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire Church.” NLT When you don’t join together with me…you are depriving me the benefits of your gifting! 1 Peter 4:10 commands us to use our spiritual giftings to help each other.

2) You will miss the impartation of the Gifting of others into your life. There are people at your local Church who are meant to encourage, uplift, edify and exhort you as described in the verse above.

3) You will miss the Voice and directives of God. Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave…apostles… prophets…evangelists…pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” If the Pastor in your local Church hears from God and isn’t speaking from Readers Digest, Life Magazine, or some predetermined liturgical schedule, then you will hear the Voice of the Lord speaking a word that brings life to your soul and a spring to your step. It will touch you right where you’re at. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit speaks to all those who attend in one form or another. You can receive a word of encouragement, correction, direction, blessing, etc. The Ministry gifts of your local Church are anointed and empowered to assist your development in the Lord and to build you up.

4) To receive the Care God has provided for you! The lone rangers of the Christian world, cry out to God and ask why hasn’t He responded and cared for them. That care is most oftentimes provided within the boundaries of your local Church. 1 Corinthians 12: “…all the members care for each other equally..” NLT Again in verse 27: “Now all of you together are Christ’s Body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.”

5) So you don't disobey the “one another” commands. The New testament is full of these “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins and pray for one another (James 5:16), and many others. How can we obey these directives if we do no associate with the community of believers. You will reap what you sew into the lives of others.

6) You access Accountability! To many that sounds like an evil word. We are free people; we don’t need to be accountable to anyone! You’re not reading the same Bible I am! God designed the Church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for (Not Control) our welfare, as a shepherd guards his sheep. (1 Peter 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:17) A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or behaviors, while regular contact and fellowship with other Christians can keep us sharp and growing.

7) You come alive and prevent decay! I’d like to quote my Mentor on this one. “A hand cut off from the Body, becomes a pile of dead meat!” You are not designed to operate alone! God has created you as part of a living, moving, functioning Body of Believers! You can put water in your gas tank if you want, however since it’s not designed to operate that way, it will break down and die. You will not survive apart from the Body of Christ! Paul warns us in Hebrews 10:25: “…let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other…”

Stop living your life below par! Come alive in your local Church this Sunday! By the way, if you enter into a local Church and you don’t experience the Presence of God and the love of His people….GET OUT…and find the place where He wants you! We’re waiting for you!

1 Corinthians 12:21 “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you…’ ”

Sincerely,

The Body of Christ

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Plugged In!

“…you cannot be fruitful apart from me. ….For apart from me you can do nothing…But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.” John 15:4,5,7,10 NLT

A toaster will function properly as long as it remains connected to the power source. The most expensive stereo system can not play beautiful music unless it’s connected to a source of power. Your automobile can be stalled in your driveway by a single disconnected, broken or corroded wire.

Initial connectivity with God comes through faith in His promises of eternal life as “whoever believes in him (Jesus) would not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Continued connectivity with God and entering into the fullness of His desired provision comes through our love for Him, as evidenced by our obedience. In John 15, Jesus tells us that as long as we remain connected to Him we continue to be fruitful and His provision is manifested in our lives. He also tells us that to remain connected to Him, we need to walk in obedience.

The Provisions of God are not automatic to everyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior. They come with a price attached to them. Eternal Life is a free gift, but Covenant benefits are obtained through relationship with Him.
That relationship with God is established by faith and maintained by obedience!

Psalm 91:1 states that “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

It’s those people who stay connected or “plugged in” who are able to live (dwell, remain, stay) in His shelter, and therefore are able to declare and lay hold of the multi faceted Provisions of God. (His protection, prosperity, provision, healing, power to minister, power to heal the sick or cast out devils, etc.) Sadly to say most of us who are Christians never really enter into, or remain connected with God, but through our disobedience, choose to walk away from that which He desires to impart in and through our lives. As a result of our powerless, fruitless lives, we then commence to make excuses for God, as if He was responsible for the lack of His Provision and Power in our lives.

This is not a Unilateral (One sided) Covenant we have entered into through the mercies of the shed blood of Jesus. It is a bilateral covenant in which we also have covenant responsibilities. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God” Deuteronomy 28:1-2

All of His promises are contingent on our hearts responding in love with total submission and obedience to His written Word and His spoken Word when the Holy Spirit gives us directions throughout the day. In this manner we stay connected!

Being connected to God is what life is all about! Your body’s organs, muscles, and bones all work because they are connected. Disconnected, they would wither and die. None of them could live independently. Without connective tissue, you would fall apart! What is true of your body is true of everything else. Life is all about connecting. A life disconnected from God through a Believer’s continued disobedience to His will and His way is merely existing and not living the God kind of life as described in John 10:10 “I came that you may have life (Zoe:The God kind of Life,) and have it more abundantly!

If we truly understood the consequences of a disobedient life style and how it effects our living in, and for Him, we would cast away those little sins that so easily beset us! Remember that Jesus is coming back for a “glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:27

Lets stop playing church and let’s become the CHURCH! Let’s walk in obedience, Get Holy and watch God’s provisions pour out of our lives like the Bible says they should. What area of your life is God dealing with today? Obey Him! Become one of those who “live in the shelter of the Most High” AND then you will “find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1-2

Believe me, The More You Know Him; the More You Will Love Him!



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STAND OR FALL?

Stand OR fall…It’s YOUR choice!

Jesus stated in Matthew that in order to stand in the midst of life’s storms one must build their foundation wisely.

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

²⁶“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

The Message translation says it this way…²⁴“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. ²⁵Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

²⁶“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. ²⁷When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

EVERYONE is going to encounter the storms of life. No One gets it perfect, except Jesus, and He encountered many severe storms in His own life. The storms are a result of the sin infested, self centered world in which we live. He warns us that even though these storms can literally shake your foundation and cause your life to self destruct, there are steps you can take to stand firmly in the midst of the Storm.

He basically says this… “The ones who will come through and survive the storms of life are those who discover AND apply the principles contained in His Word. The ones who fall apart when struggles happen upon the scene are those who either do not ever discover His Principles or those who do discover, but do NOT APPLY them!”

When I read the Bible, I’m usually searching for two important characteristics.

1) Revelations concerning the Character & Nature of God. Josea 6:6 in one translation says that God “…wants us to know Him & to love Him.” I want to discover what God is really like. I do not wish to learn it second hand!

2) Revelations concerning His life Principles, so that I may apply them in my life, and pass them on to others. In John 10:10 Jesus says that he came that we “… might have life, and that life more abundantly.” If He wants me to live the God kind of life, then bless God I don’t want to disappoint Him or me. In Proverbs 4, the Bible tells us that the Word of God is “life to those who find it and health to all our flesh.”

Ho 4:6 ¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… If we don’t know His ways or don’t apply the ones we discover (Disobedience)…WE SELF DESTRUCT!

When the storms roll into your life, and they will, will you fall like a house of cards or will you be firmly established upon the Rock?

It’s your choice!

Rest in His Presence!

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