"Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He is our healer, our deliverer, our coming King, our advocate, our high priest, our intercessor, our provider, our protector, our friend, and He will never leave us nor forsake us." I say that everyday, so whenever I get into a situation, I know Jesus is with me. He will never leave me, nor forsake me. I can't see Him, because He is in the spirit world. The spirit world is more real than this physical world, because the spirit world created this world. The angels are with me, so I don't worry that anything will harm me, and this keeps me at peace all the time. When I pray, I am not just saying words; I believe what I am saying.
Prayer is a set time with God for devotion, petition, and intercession. We should be praying and spending time with God every day. You should have a set time that you meet with Him. That is how you get to know Him. That is how you can be conscious of Him at all times. Your mind can stay on Him at all times. If your mind is on God, it will not go back to the times that you spent with an old girlfriend or boyfriend and the way you used to be. Those times when you had those candles burning and your romantic music playing in a darkened room. You can't think on that kind of stuff. You have to be thinking about the goodness of God, because if you don't, you are going to go down to the level of the flesh and the way you used to be in sin.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 that we are not to be anxious or concerned about anything, but by prayer and supplication we are to make our requests known to God. Supplication is more than just petitioning God or asking God for something. It means a high degree of intensity of earnest and extended prayer. Sometimes certain things will stay with you longer (or as we Believers say, "having a burden for prayer"), so you stay in prayer supplicating, or praying in the Spirit and bringing God's Word before Him. He knows His Word, but we need to remind ourselves what His Word promises. Paul says when we do this; the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The King James Version uses the word "keeps," and the new King James Version uses the word "guards," but they both mean the same thing. That word "guard" is a military term picturing a sentry standing guard as protection against the enemy. We are in spiritual combat, but God's power and peace are our sentinels and protection. That is why you need to pray, spend time with God, and get to know Him. A lot of preachers say that we who teach faith say that Christians don't have to go through struggles or trials or tests. They have never heard the whole message on faith, because we have never said that with all the things we have been through. No, the thing is that we don't center on the trials and tests, but we center on the truth: "...But the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Ps. 34:19).
I center on the deliverance part, not the going-through part. I refused to be anxious or worried, because I know God is going to bring me through. So, you are going to have to make up your mind that you are going to believe God. The greatest thing you can do in life is to learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Luke 18:1 says, Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. We should always pray, but that does not mean to pray 24 hours a day-it means don't ever give up the absence of prayer.
John 15:7 says, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. You have to have a relationship with Jesus so that you know He will do what He says. He says you can ask what you will. That is a big promise. Why don't you take Jesus at His word and prove Him. I have and I know He can be counted on to fulfill His promises.
First John 5:14-15 say:
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
You have to get into the Word to find out what His revealed will is. His Word covers everything you need in life to live a successful, victorious and overcoming life.
I want you to know that you have a God who loves you, has given His life for you, and He wants the very best for you. I am a living witness of the goodness of God. He has brought me from sickness to health, from poverty to wealth, and He can and will do the same for you. For He is no respecter of persons.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Shadow Has No Substance
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
The shadow of death is taken from the shadow representing darkness and gloom; it is figurative of a severe test or trial. However, my definition of a shadow is this: a shadow has no substance.
Once you are over the fear, you can walk through a shadow. The only thing that produces a shadow is when something is between the light and the surface or else there would be no shadow.
Many times, we bring on the shadows in our lives because we put something between God and ourselves. It may be him and her between you and God. It may be family or friends between you and God. It may be fear between you and God. Whatever it is, a shadow is produced.
Now let me remind you that a shadow has n o substance. It may be bigger than the object, but it can't do anything to you. Satan's ploy is to make the test or trial that you are dealing with bigger than life itself, so he tries to cast a shadow. He wants you to believe that there is no way around the shadow. He's wrong. When we get out of the way and allow the light of God's glory to shine on the situation, that shadow will disappear.
The Lord is your Shepherd. His light will remove the shadow of tests or trials in your life, but you have to get rid of what's between you and God.
The Shepherd is your protection. "...thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The rod was used to beat off wolves that tried to snatch the sheep. The staff was used to lead the sheep back in the right direction. The staff had a crook on it that the shepherd used for sheep that strayed away. The shepherd would put that crooked end over the sheep's neck and gently guide him back to the fold.
The Shepherd will guide and lead you. You may not know where you're going or how you're going to get there, but when the Holy Ghost is leading you, you can relax under His protection.
I tell you there is comfort in knowing the Holy Ghost is leading you. Spend time with Him. He will bring you out of the shadow of tests and trials in your life. You don't have to fear any evil that comes against you. Remember: it has no substance.
Scripture References: Psalm 91:1-16; 107: 10-16; Isaiah 35:4-10
The shadow of death is taken from the shadow representing darkness and gloom; it is figurative of a severe test or trial. However, my definition of a shadow is this: a shadow has no substance.
Once you are over the fear, you can walk through a shadow. The only thing that produces a shadow is when something is between the light and the surface or else there would be no shadow.
Many times, we bring on the shadows in our lives because we put something between God and ourselves. It may be him and her between you and God. It may be family or friends between you and God. It may be fear between you and God. Whatever it is, a shadow is produced.
Now let me remind you that a shadow has n o substance. It may be bigger than the object, but it can't do anything to you. Satan's ploy is to make the test or trial that you are dealing with bigger than life itself, so he tries to cast a shadow. He wants you to believe that there is no way around the shadow. He's wrong. When we get out of the way and allow the light of God's glory to shine on the situation, that shadow will disappear.
The Lord is your Shepherd. His light will remove the shadow of tests or trials in your life, but you have to get rid of what's between you and God.
The Shepherd is your protection. "...thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The rod was used to beat off wolves that tried to snatch the sheep. The staff was used to lead the sheep back in the right direction. The staff had a crook on it that the shepherd used for sheep that strayed away. The shepherd would put that crooked end over the sheep's neck and gently guide him back to the fold.
The Shepherd will guide and lead you. You may not know where you're going or how you're going to get there, but when the Holy Ghost is leading you, you can relax under His protection.
I tell you there is comfort in knowing the Holy Ghost is leading you. Spend time with Him. He will bring you out of the shadow of tests and trials in your life. You don't have to fear any evil that comes against you. Remember: it has no substance.
Scripture References: Psalm 91:1-16; 107: 10-16; Isaiah 35:4-10
Friday, March 28, 2008
Which Way to Go, Lord?
God wants you to know exactly where you're going in life. He doesn't want you to stumble around, unsure of whether the steps you are taking are the right ones. Instead, He desires that you have crystal-clear spiritual hearing so you can receive specific instructions regarding the path He wants you to take in life. In other words, God wants you to stop and ask Him for directions daily!
Like the prophet Jeremiah, you have a God-given mission (Jeremiah 1:4-10; 29:11). The key to carrying out the mission, or vision, God has given you is your ability to receive directions from Him and your willingness to immediately obey what He tells you to do. God wants to give you detailed instructions about which way to go as well as every situation that concerns you. He doesn't just want to deal with you in vague impressions either, but in specifics. When you increase your awareness of God's voice, you position yourself to step right into His perfect will for your life.
Proverbs 6:23 says, "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life." God's directions give light to your vision. They are the steps you must take to accomplish His master plan for your life. The greatest asset you have as a Believer is an unbroken connection with God. Through daily fellowship with Him and the study of His Word, you empower yourself to recognize His voice and obey Him in even the smallest act. Like pieces of a puzzle, each step you take gradually enables you to see the bigger picture.
The will of God for your life is not something that is handed to you on a silver platter-you must discover what God desires for you to accomplish. That means quality time communing with Him and making His Word the final authority in every area of your life.
Being born again is the prerequisite to discovering your God-given assignment. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior is the doorway to your destiny. Without Him guiding you, you won't reach your final destination. But once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and begin seeking Him daily, He will begin revealing your purpose to you.
In locating your purpose, consider those things for which you have a passion. What is it that you could do all the time, even without being paid? What attributes and characteristics do others consistently notice about you? Determine the abilities God has given you and the areas in which you get consistent results. These are signposts to help point you in the direction of your destiny.
Praying in the Spirit is another helpful tool in determining the direction God wants you to take in life. When you pray in tongues, you allow the Holy Spirit to pray through you, and release the wisdom you need to move forward in life. Proverbs 20:27 says that the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord. The Holy Spirit Who is within your born-again spirit will guide you into all truth, including what it is you are supposed to be doing. When you pray in tongues, you also build up your spirit man and sharpen your spiritual discernment. The more you pray in the spirit and spend time listening for God's voice, the more confident you will be when it comes to stepping out on His instructions.
The apostle Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24). There is a set race for you to run, and God wants you to discover it. Make a concerted effort to pray and yield to His instructions daily. Before long, you will find yourself walking in your divine destiny!
Like the prophet Jeremiah, you have a God-given mission (Jeremiah 1:4-10; 29:11). The key to carrying out the mission, or vision, God has given you is your ability to receive directions from Him and your willingness to immediately obey what He tells you to do. God wants to give you detailed instructions about which way to go as well as every situation that concerns you. He doesn't just want to deal with you in vague impressions either, but in specifics. When you increase your awareness of God's voice, you position yourself to step right into His perfect will for your life.
Proverbs 6:23 says, "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life." God's directions give light to your vision. They are the steps you must take to accomplish His master plan for your life. The greatest asset you have as a Believer is an unbroken connection with God. Through daily fellowship with Him and the study of His Word, you empower yourself to recognize His voice and obey Him in even the smallest act. Like pieces of a puzzle, each step you take gradually enables you to see the bigger picture.
The will of God for your life is not something that is handed to you on a silver platter-you must discover what God desires for you to accomplish. That means quality time communing with Him and making His Word the final authority in every area of your life.
Being born again is the prerequisite to discovering your God-given assignment. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior is the doorway to your destiny. Without Him guiding you, you won't reach your final destination. But once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and begin seeking Him daily, He will begin revealing your purpose to you.
In locating your purpose, consider those things for which you have a passion. What is it that you could do all the time, even without being paid? What attributes and characteristics do others consistently notice about you? Determine the abilities God has given you and the areas in which you get consistent results. These are signposts to help point you in the direction of your destiny.
Praying in the Spirit is another helpful tool in determining the direction God wants you to take in life. When you pray in tongues, you allow the Holy Spirit to pray through you, and release the wisdom you need to move forward in life. Proverbs 20:27 says that the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord. The Holy Spirit Who is within your born-again spirit will guide you into all truth, including what it is you are supposed to be doing. When you pray in tongues, you also build up your spirit man and sharpen your spiritual discernment. The more you pray in the spirit and spend time listening for God's voice, the more confident you will be when it comes to stepping out on His instructions.
The apostle Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24). There is a set race for you to run, and God wants you to discover it. Make a concerted effort to pray and yield to His instructions daily. Before long, you will find yourself walking in your divine destiny!
Believe God is there just for you...
YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My gra ce is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My gra ce is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Divine Direction
"Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt." Genesis 37:28
Often, when we look for direction from God we seek the miraculous. We search for a sign, a voice or a vision to make our paths plain. However, God can and does employ more common (even painful) experiences in our life to provide direction for our lives. We lose a job, experience a break up in a relationship, financial instability, stricken with an illness or something is taken from us. These "life events" may be God's way of causing us to look in another direction. God will often close a door, to point us in the direction of another.
God has a purpose and plan for our lives. The problem is - so do we. Often our plans and God's plan are not the same. We often seek things that are short sighted. God knows this and allows certain events in our lives to point us in the right direction. Often these situations look nothing like what we think God's plan for our lives should look like. We must be careful not to misconstrue God's direction as persecution. "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
If anyone's life demonstrates this principle it's Joseph. Joseph received a dream from God revealing his destiny. In his dream he was in a place of prestige and power. In a matter of days, Joseph went from being his father's favorite son to being a slave in a foreign land. He was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery and taken to Egypt to spend the rest of his life. Unbeknownst to Joseph, all of this was God's way of positioning him to fulfill his purpose in life. Joseph had to go into the pit, to meet Potiphar. Potiphar's wife had to falsely accuse Joseph for him to be sent to prison. It was in prison where Joseph met attendants in Pharaoh's court. It was because of this time in prison that Joseph received the opportunity to meet Pharaoh. When he met Pharaoh he entered into his destiny.
When Joseph laid his head down to sleep that first night in Egypt he was far from home, but squarely within God's plan. God declares: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, "declares the LORD." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). I am sure Joseph saw the changes in his situation as set backs, when in reality they were setups. God was providing "divine direction" through what appeared to be disaster. Each disappointing turn in his life pointed him in the direction of his destiny and purpose.
Some of you may be experiencing what appears to be a disaster or dead end in your life, when in fact it's direction. As you experience your transition, never lose sight of God's sovereignty. Sometimes God allows us to lose control so that He can take control. When Joseph's brothers threw him into the pit, I am sure he had no idea he had taken the first step toward his destiny. After looking over his life and all that had transpired, Joseph was able to say to his brothers: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result..." (Genesis 50:20). Everything he thought was an accident was really providence. It was divine direction!
Often, when we look for direction from God we seek the miraculous. We search for a sign, a voice or a vision to make our paths plain. However, God can and does employ more common (even painful) experiences in our life to provide direction for our lives. We lose a job, experience a break up in a relationship, financial instability, stricken with an illness or something is taken from us. These "life events" may be God's way of causing us to look in another direction. God will often close a door, to point us in the direction of another.
God has a purpose and plan for our lives. The problem is - so do we. Often our plans and God's plan are not the same. We often seek things that are short sighted. God knows this and allows certain events in our lives to point us in the right direction. Often these situations look nothing like what we think God's plan for our lives should look like. We must be careful not to misconstrue God's direction as persecution. "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
If anyone's life demonstrates this principle it's Joseph. Joseph received a dream from God revealing his destiny. In his dream he was in a place of prestige and power. In a matter of days, Joseph went from being his father's favorite son to being a slave in a foreign land. He was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery and taken to Egypt to spend the rest of his life. Unbeknownst to Joseph, all of this was God's way of positioning him to fulfill his purpose in life. Joseph had to go into the pit, to meet Potiphar. Potiphar's wife had to falsely accuse Joseph for him to be sent to prison. It was in prison where Joseph met attendants in Pharaoh's court. It was because of this time in prison that Joseph received the opportunity to meet Pharaoh. When he met Pharaoh he entered into his destiny.
When Joseph laid his head down to sleep that first night in Egypt he was far from home, but squarely within God's plan. God declares: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, "declares the LORD." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). I am sure Joseph saw the changes in his situation as set backs, when in reality they were setups. God was providing "divine direction" through what appeared to be disaster. Each disappointing turn in his life pointed him in the direction of his destiny and purpose.
Some of you may be experiencing what appears to be a disaster or dead end in your life, when in fact it's direction. As you experience your transition, never lose sight of God's sovereignty. Sometimes God allows us to lose control so that He can take control. When Joseph's brothers threw him into the pit, I am sure he had no idea he had taken the first step toward his destiny. After looking over his life and all that had transpired, Joseph was able to say to his brothers: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result..." (Genesis 50:20). Everything he thought was an accident was really providence. It was divine direction!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Need Directions?
Have you ever been driving toward a certain destination and gotten lost? Most of us have experienced the frustration that comes with losing our bearings when trying to get to a particular place. In situations like this, some people will stop at a local gas station and ask someone for directions. Others will keep driving, confident that they will be able to figure out where they are going on their own.
In life, God wants you to know exactly where you're going. He doesn't want you to stumble around, unsure of whether the steps you are taking are the right ones. Instead, He desires that you have crystal-clear hearing so you can receive specific instructions regarding the path He wants you to take. In other words, God wants you to stop and ask Him for directions daily!
The prophet Jeremiah, was ordained to be a prophet before he was even born; it was God's plan for his life (Jeremiah 1:4-10; 29:11). Similarly, you have a God-given mission that God will help you carry out. The key to executing the mission, or vision, God has given you is your ability to receive directions from Him and your willingness to immediately obey what He tells you to do. When you increase your awareness of God's voice, you position yourself to step right into His perfect will for your life.
Proverbs 6:23 says, "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
God's directions give light to your vision. They are the steps you must take to accomplish God's master plan for your life. Your greatest asset is an unbroken connection with God. Through daily fellowship with Him and study of His Word, you empower yourself to recognize His voice and obey Him in even the smallest act. Like pieces of a puzzle, each step you take enables you to see the bigger picture.
You must discover what God desires for you to accomplish in the earth. This means quality time communing with Him and making His Word the final authority in every area of your life. Being born again is a prerequisite to discovering your God-given assignment. Once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and begin seeking Him daily, He will begin revealing your purpose to you.
The Holy Spirit is your guide as you walk out the path for your life, so consult Him regularly. Check with Him before making any decisions, and if you don't have peace in your spirit about something, don't proceed. On the other hand, if you feel "clearance" from the Holy Spirit to step out on something you believe God has told you to do, and it lines up with His written Word, move forward with confidence knowing that He is backing you up.
The Apostle Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24).
There is a set race for you to run, and God wants you to discover it. Make a concerted effort to yield to His instructions daily. Before long, you will find yourself walking in your divine destiny!
In life, God wants you to know exactly where you're going. He doesn't want you to stumble around, unsure of whether the steps you are taking are the right ones. Instead, He desires that you have crystal-clear hearing so you can receive specific instructions regarding the path He wants you to take. In other words, God wants you to stop and ask Him for directions daily!
The prophet Jeremiah, was ordained to be a prophet before he was even born; it was God's plan for his life (Jeremiah 1:4-10; 29:11). Similarly, you have a God-given mission that God will help you carry out. The key to executing the mission, or vision, God has given you is your ability to receive directions from Him and your willingness to immediately obey what He tells you to do. When you increase your awareness of God's voice, you position yourself to step right into His perfect will for your life.
Proverbs 6:23 says, "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
God's directions give light to your vision. They are the steps you must take to accomplish God's master plan for your life. Your greatest asset is an unbroken connection with God. Through daily fellowship with Him and study of His Word, you empower yourself to recognize His voice and obey Him in even the smallest act. Like pieces of a puzzle, each step you take enables you to see the bigger picture.
You must discover what God desires for you to accomplish in the earth. This means quality time communing with Him and making His Word the final authority in every area of your life. Being born again is a prerequisite to discovering your God-given assignment. Once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and begin seeking Him daily, He will begin revealing your purpose to you.
The Holy Spirit is your guide as you walk out the path for your life, so consult Him regularly. Check with Him before making any decisions, and if you don't have peace in your spirit about something, don't proceed. On the other hand, if you feel "clearance" from the Holy Spirit to step out on something you believe God has told you to do, and it lines up with His written Word, move forward with confidence knowing that He is backing you up.
The Apostle Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24).
There is a set race for you to run, and God wants you to discover it. Make a concerted effort to yield to His instructions daily. Before long, you will find yourself walking in your divine destiny!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
An Encounter with The Risen Jesus
"It felt like a fire burning in us when He explained the scriptures to us." Luke 24:32 NCV
The two Emmaus-bound pilgrims discovered the power of the Scripture that first Easter Sunday. They were broken-hearted from the crucifixion: "Sadness [was] written across their faces" (Lk 24:17 NLT). They allowed their pain to blind them to the presence of Jesus. He'd risen from the dead, and though they didn't yet recognize Him, He'd come to take their sorrow. How would He do this? "Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Lk 24:27 NLT).
He opened their eyes, lifting their heavy hearts with the Scriptures. He chose the one thing that never fails - God's Word! Did it make a difference? For those two it did: "It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us." Trying to live a victorious Christian life without a daily dose of the Scriptures is like trying to run your car on an empty tank, work all week on an empty stomach, or pay your bills on an empty checking account.
Steve Farrar writes: "I need to be reminded of what is true. God's Word gives me a dose of reality. My morning briefing in the Word gives me a perspective that I don't get in the world. I need God's commentary on my life every day. A Christian...in this society is swimming upstream. Without the constant nutrition of the Word, he will soon tire and be dragged off by the sheer force of the current." So, spend time each day in the Scriptures!
The two Emmaus-bound pilgrims discovered the power of the Scripture that first Easter Sunday. They were broken-hearted from the crucifixion: "Sadness [was] written across their faces" (Lk 24:17 NLT). They allowed their pain to blind them to the presence of Jesus. He'd risen from the dead, and though they didn't yet recognize Him, He'd come to take their sorrow. How would He do this? "Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Lk 24:27 NLT).
He opened their eyes, lifting their heavy hearts with the Scriptures. He chose the one thing that never fails - God's Word! Did it make a difference? For those two it did: "It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us." Trying to live a victorious Christian life without a daily dose of the Scriptures is like trying to run your car on an empty tank, work all week on an empty stomach, or pay your bills on an empty checking account.
Steve Farrar writes: "I need to be reminded of what is true. God's Word gives me a dose of reality. My morning briefing in the Word gives me a perspective that I don't get in the world. I need God's commentary on my life every day. A Christian...in this society is swimming upstream. Without the constant nutrition of the Word, he will soon tire and be dragged off by the sheer force of the current." So, spend time each day in the Scriptures!
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Difference Between Being Lost and Being Led
"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness” (Exodus 15:22).
Many people who find themselves stuck in difficult situations often feel as if they've become lost. Somehow, they've arrived in a wilderness where everything has dried up and nothing seems to be growing. Many of them have lived in this wilderness for so long that they have given up on things changing and concluded that this must be all God has in store for them. On numerous occasions, they have attempted to change their situation, but all of their efforts have failed. If this sounds like you, you may not be lost at all! You may be squarely within the Will of God. All dry places in life are not the result of being lost. Sometimes God uses dry places as a place of preparation.
In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and into a land flowing with "milk and honey”. Yet, we know when God delivered His people from bondage, He led them directly into a "wilderness” where they spent 40 years. We know that their wilderness experience had a purpose because the Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether. Exodus 13:17 says, "God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near."
Whenever God leads you some where He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long or a dry one.
Often, your wilderness is the doorway to your promise. At the initiation of Jesus' public ministry He was led into the wilderness first before He ever preached a sermon. If you are in a wilderness right now, remember what you learned while there because it will be necessary to sustain you in your Promised Land. Don't faint or lose heart. You may be at the door of your promise and purpose. You may not have been lost at all. You may have simply been led!
Many people who find themselves stuck in difficult situations often feel as if they've become lost. Somehow, they've arrived in a wilderness where everything has dried up and nothing seems to be growing. Many of them have lived in this wilderness for so long that they have given up on things changing and concluded that this must be all God has in store for them. On numerous occasions, they have attempted to change their situation, but all of their efforts have failed. If this sounds like you, you may not be lost at all! You may be squarely within the Will of God. All dry places in life are not the result of being lost. Sometimes God uses dry places as a place of preparation.
In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and into a land flowing with "milk and honey”. Yet, we know when God delivered His people from bondage, He led them directly into a "wilderness” where they spent 40 years. We know that their wilderness experience had a purpose because the Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether. Exodus 13:17 says, "God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near."
Whenever God leads you some where He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long or a dry one.
Often, your wilderness is the doorway to your promise. At the initiation of Jesus' public ministry He was led into the wilderness first before He ever preached a sermon. If you are in a wilderness right now, remember what you learned while there because it will be necessary to sustain you in your Promised Land. Don't faint or lose heart. You may be at the door of your promise and purpose. You may not have been lost at all. You may have simply been led!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
He Leadeth Me!
We've all had this experience at some point in our lives: We are in an area that we are not familiar with, an area where if left to our own devices, we would get completely and thoroughly lost. It is a frightening feeling to not know where you are or where you need to go.
What a relief it is when we are with someone who is familiar with the area! We don't fret when we are following someone who is leading us to where we are going, because we have confidence that they know the way.
The last time this happened to me, I was in Texas in a small town I had never been to before. I needed to find a Radio Shack store to buy an adapter we needed for the evening's live broadcast. As my luck would have it, the person who was telling me how to get to the Radio Shack store was the only person in all of Texas who talked fast... and boy did he. He talked about 500 words a minute with gusts up to 650! As he gave me directions at a rate that would make an auctioneer proud, one of the locals standing there must have noticed my "deer in the headlights" expression. "Don't worry. It's on my way home," he said to my great relief. "Just follow me and I'll lead you there."
I drove through the streets of that city without fear, because I was being led by someone who knew the way. I was careful to keep my eyes on him, because I knew if I didn't, I would lose my way.
So it is with following Jesus. I can go through life with the calm assurance that He knows the way and that He is leading me. And I will be careful to keep my eyes on Him so I won't lose my way.
He Leadeth me! He Leadeth me! By His own hand He Leadeth me!
He faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He Leadeth me!
What a relief it is when we are with someone who is familiar with the area! We don't fret when we are following someone who is leading us to where we are going, because we have confidence that they know the way.
The last time this happened to me, I was in Texas in a small town I had never been to before. I needed to find a Radio Shack store to buy an adapter we needed for the evening's live broadcast. As my luck would have it, the person who was telling me how to get to the Radio Shack store was the only person in all of Texas who talked fast... and boy did he. He talked about 500 words a minute with gusts up to 650! As he gave me directions at a rate that would make an auctioneer proud, one of the locals standing there must have noticed my "deer in the headlights" expression. "Don't worry. It's on my way home," he said to my great relief. "Just follow me and I'll lead you there."
I drove through the streets of that city without fear, because I was being led by someone who knew the way. I was careful to keep my eyes on him, because I knew if I didn't, I would lose my way.
So it is with following Jesus. I can go through life with the calm assurance that He knows the way and that He is leading me. And I will be careful to keep my eyes on Him so I won't lose my way.
He Leadeth me! He Leadeth me! By His own hand He Leadeth me!
He faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He Leadeth me!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Absence of God's Love
“God…Separated the Light from the Darkness." Genesis 1:3 NIV
A university professor challenged his class: “Did God create everything?”
A student replied, “Yes.” The professor continued: “If God created everything, then He created evil too. And since our works define who we are, then God is evil.”
The class became silent. Suddenly another student raised his hand and asked, “Professor, does darkness exist?” The professor responded, “Yes.” The student replied, “No, sir, darkness does not exist. Darkness is just the absence of light. Light, we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton’s prism to break the white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. But you cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present.”
Then the young man asked, “Sir, does evil exist?” Now uncertain, the professor responded, “Of course.” To this the student replied, “No, evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. It is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness, a word that man has created to describe the absence of light. God did not create evil. It is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. Evil is like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light.” The professor sat down.
The young man’s name was Albert Einstein.
A university professor challenged his class: “Did God create everything?”
A student replied, “Yes.” The professor continued: “If God created everything, then He created evil too. And since our works define who we are, then God is evil.”
The class became silent. Suddenly another student raised his hand and asked, “Professor, does darkness exist?” The professor responded, “Yes.” The student replied, “No, sir, darkness does not exist. Darkness is just the absence of light. Light, we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton’s prism to break the white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. But you cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present.”
Then the young man asked, “Sir, does evil exist?” Now uncertain, the professor responded, “Of course.” To this the student replied, “No, evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. It is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness, a word that man has created to describe the absence of light. God did not create evil. It is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. Evil is like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light.” The professor sat down.
The young man’s name was Albert Einstein.
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