As we celebrate a new year let us ponder on the past. By the past I mean that which has has passed. May we reverently search ourselves and see what we can thank God for that has come to pass, and search our hearts for those stones of stumbling that need be left in the past.
Your present situation has been shaped by your past/passed, however, that looming figure does not need to dictate your future. There is a phrase used often in the scriptures, "and it came to pass". There are different outcomes associated with this phrase though. May I take some liberty here to say, if the situation your past has placed you in is a bad one, it came to pass! It was never meant to stay in permanence!
Isaiah 42:9-Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
In fact as a child of God we are given the assurance that we will know the plans God has in store for us, and answers will be made known! How can this be? We have the five fold ministry, the avenue of prayer, the word of God... we need not be let in the dark.
Now, on the other hand, if there has been a promise given, if the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, then likewise you can rest assure that it will come to pass! If an answer has come but seems to unrealistic, we have hope yet if our mindset stays fixtated on His word. The one factor that hinders our perception more than most is this element of time. When... we often ask ourselves. Take courage Christian soldier!
Isaiah 14:24-The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
The promises of God are yea and amen! That promise you have long since forgot, He hath not, it SHALL come to pass! Another year has come to pass, leave that which need be left from last year and take hold on that you have learned.
This year of 2014 may we:
Refuse to let our past hinder us in the present and rob us of our future.
Not fall prey to believing that which is hindering us now will not pass
Not focus on the time frame but that which stands the test if time
Rise to new heights while learning from the deep
Not give place to thoughts nor speak into the air negative doubts
Rely more on He who never changes in an ever changing world
Insert here your thoughts...
Unchanging
There's something very comfortable about the immutability of God. The fact in knowing that he is the same today, in the midst of our turmoil, as He was in the greatest victories He gave us, should be enough reason to praise Him all the more!
Priority Equals Prosperity
Our priorities define our prosperity. You cannot rob God, or diminish your giving to His church, and expect to thrive on your own doings. Your first love should be He who first loved you, while you were yet in sin. After ALL was given on Calvary it is the least we could do to give A TENTH.
Haggai 1:5-6 ISV - “Now this is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, says: ‘Carefully consider your ways: You have sowed much but have reaped little. You have eaten but don’t have enough to become satisfied. You have drunk but don’t have enough to become intoxicated. You have clothed yourself but don’t have enough to keep warm. And the hired laborer deposits his salary in a bag full of holes!’”
Haggai 1:5-6 ISV - “Now this is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, says: ‘Carefully consider your ways: You have sowed much but have reaped little. You have eaten but don’t have enough to become satisfied. You have drunk but don’t have enough to become intoxicated. You have clothed yourself but don’t have enough to keep warm. And the hired laborer deposits his salary in a bag full of holes!’”
Being Unique
Being true to yourself does not skirt the Word of God! Being who you are does not step out from under God's umbrella. Having your own ways of doing things should never be above His. Truth is, let God be true and every man a liar, you will never be who you truly are meant to be until you have been recreated in Him, and you could do nothing anyway if it were not for the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God...
Today strive to be more like Him and you will find who you were meant to be.
Today strive to be more like Him and you will find who you were meant to be.
Drink Deep
Mat 26:26-28 26) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
At the end of verse 27 Jesus tells His disciples, "Drink ye all of it. For this is the blood of the New Testament..."
Oh what blessings await those who partake in all He has to offer!
At the end of verse 27 Jesus tells His disciples, "Drink ye all of it. For this is the blood of the New Testament..."
Oh what blessings await those who partake in all He has to offer!
Rain Lord...
Lord our land is parched, thirsty, and on the verge of death! Come O' Lord like a flood. Fill the soil of of our hearts with that sweet, refreshing, heaven-sent rain! Let the dust say to He who made it "Saturate me O' God! Drown me, yea immerse me in Your precense. Until all the walls that separate us be eroded from our lives!"
Love's Forgotten Attribute
Gods love is amazing! He has gone to great extents throughout the years to prove it to mankind. More sermons, songs, and Bible studies, have been on the subject of God's love then any other subject. Yet there is an element of love that is rarely ever mentioned. Namely, Gods correction and chastisement toward those he loves. These elements of chastisement and love seem to be opposed to one another, however the Bible declares the Lord does indeed chasten those in whom He loves. (Heb. 12:6) Just as a father will correct and at times even chastise his child in order to keep that child from harm or build its character for the better, we to without the chastening of the Lord would not grow to the level of maturity intended. Today remember this... Heb 12:11-KJV- Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Ultimate Full-Fill-ment
I serve a God who does not do anything slip shod! His banner does not fly at half mast, His word is not to be taken in part, when He uproots something He does not leave a stump!
On several occasions within the word of God we are allowed this insight into the mind of God. We read terms like, "when the fullness of time was come" or "when the day of Pentecost was fully come". Jesus Himself was "all the fullness of the Godhead". With Him there is no room for error, there is no room for any outside influence to add to what He does.
When one receives the Holy Ghost we even term it "filled with the Holy Ghost". There is a reason for this. Whether we know it consciously or unconsciously we are following an unalterable, immovable, immutable law of God! A law that has been preprogrammed into our very being. It is a stamp on His creation, a fingerprint of design, all whom He has created knows that He alone can fill the longing of our soul.
When He breathed the breath of life into man He became a living soul. That soul that God gave to man longs to be reunited with its Creator. This is why at times tears come even without conviction. This is why we feel a tug upon our heart strings even when the message preached may not seem to be directed toward us. It is a wonderful thing to have tears fill your eyes at even the mention of His name.
Thankfully God had a plan to reunite his creation with its Creator, a plan that was born in a manger and consummated upon a cross!
Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son..."
Just as the earth was without form and void, our lives are truly not shaped into what they can be when the void between God and man has not been bridged. The way has been made, the chasm is crossable, it is up to you.
Will you choose the be filled with the fullness of life itself or remain empty, void, and shallow?
On several occasions within the word of God we are allowed this insight into the mind of God. We read terms like, "when the fullness of time was come" or "when the day of Pentecost was fully come". Jesus Himself was "all the fullness of the Godhead". With Him there is no room for error, there is no room for any outside influence to add to what He does.
When one receives the Holy Ghost we even term it "filled with the Holy Ghost". There is a reason for this. Whether we know it consciously or unconsciously we are following an unalterable, immovable, immutable law of God! A law that has been preprogrammed into our very being. It is a stamp on His creation, a fingerprint of design, all whom He has created knows that He alone can fill the longing of our soul.
When He breathed the breath of life into man He became a living soul. That soul that God gave to man longs to be reunited with its Creator. This is why at times tears come even without conviction. This is why we feel a tug upon our heart strings even when the message preached may not seem to be directed toward us. It is a wonderful thing to have tears fill your eyes at even the mention of His name.
Thankfully God had a plan to reunite his creation with its Creator, a plan that was born in a manger and consummated upon a cross!
Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son..."
Just as the earth was without form and void, our lives are truly not shaped into what they can be when the void between God and man has not been bridged. The way has been made, the chasm is crossable, it is up to you.
Will you choose the be filled with the fullness of life itself or remain empty, void, and shallow?
Hope Is Not Dead
Two men walking together discuss the death of a friend. Their hearts broken, and their souls vexed. They had dreams of a future where oppression would cease. A world where those who served God were upheld with dignity and treated fairly. Yet now, in this hopeless situation, the only one who could've ushered in this change of culture lie dead in their minds. As they discuss what could've been they are met by a "stranger". Full of wisdom, this "stranger" brings with Him a sense of hope, hope that up until now was fleeting. Knowing that in hope is healing, they implore this man to lodge with them. In their attempt to hold on to hope they offer him food and drink. So now as this new found friend brake the bread and bless it, alas their eyes are opened! What questions might be asked were quickly abated as hope vanished from their sight.
(Luke 24:30-31 - And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight)
Jesus is still the only hope worth holding on to! Though He has seemed to have vanished from our sight we can still walk in the assurance that we will see him again. Hearts without that hope are lacking joy and contentment. The lack of joy in this world has been caused in part by the onslaught of Satan to remove anything that has to do with Jesus from our sight. Prayer is being removed from schools, manger scenes are being dismantled, and those who believe in a second coming are marked as lunatics. A nation without the hope of Jesus is an unhappy nation!
(Proverbs - 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.)
In this scripture setting, Jesus appeared to His disciples on two different occasions, and He can still appear unto us daily in our prayer time and the study of His word. It is in these times of quiet reflection that our "...desire cometh", and every Christian should so desire to get a glimpse of Him daily. Born from these moments where we get to "see" Him again we regain the hope that someday soon we shall truly see Him face to face!
Though the entire world should ban prayer, though every school in America would oust anything godly, even if uttering the name Jesus were a crime punishable by death, we would still not be left without hope! We know that someday soon He WILL return and regardless of what Satan or those used by him put a stop to, nothing can stop His return!
This scripture clip is also a great example of why it is of the utmost importance to attend a church where the man of God is truly called and anointed. Those who "break the bread" on their own will bless but themselves. However, those that are anointed and led of God will bring "bread" to the table that Jesus has broke and blessed! This is when eyes are opened and understanding is gained! Countless times I have left services feeling like these two on the road to Emmaus. I have left saying, "Did not our hearts burn within us!"
New insight is given, hope is restored, spiritual nourishment is given, and revelation is administered to all who will find where He lodges and whom He lodges with! He called His Apostles, He blessed His Apostles, He comissioned and sanctified the same. The Blesser and the Bread itself is in the Apostolic church! Those who are still allowing Him to break and bless the bread (the word of God). I am so glad I am a member of the body of Christ, His Apostolic church in this earth! It gives me hope to know that I truly know Him, and by the grace of God shall see Him soon!
Reference: Luke 24
(Luke 24:30-31 - And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight)
Jesus is still the only hope worth holding on to! Though He has seemed to have vanished from our sight we can still walk in the assurance that we will see him again. Hearts without that hope are lacking joy and contentment. The lack of joy in this world has been caused in part by the onslaught of Satan to remove anything that has to do with Jesus from our sight. Prayer is being removed from schools, manger scenes are being dismantled, and those who believe in a second coming are marked as lunatics. A nation without the hope of Jesus is an unhappy nation!
(Proverbs - 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.)
In this scripture setting, Jesus appeared to His disciples on two different occasions, and He can still appear unto us daily in our prayer time and the study of His word. It is in these times of quiet reflection that our "...desire cometh", and every Christian should so desire to get a glimpse of Him daily. Born from these moments where we get to "see" Him again we regain the hope that someday soon we shall truly see Him face to face!
Though the entire world should ban prayer, though every school in America would oust anything godly, even if uttering the name Jesus were a crime punishable by death, we would still not be left without hope! We know that someday soon He WILL return and regardless of what Satan or those used by him put a stop to, nothing can stop His return!
This scripture clip is also a great example of why it is of the utmost importance to attend a church where the man of God is truly called and anointed. Those who "break the bread" on their own will bless but themselves. However, those that are anointed and led of God will bring "bread" to the table that Jesus has broke and blessed! This is when eyes are opened and understanding is gained! Countless times I have left services feeling like these two on the road to Emmaus. I have left saying, "Did not our hearts burn within us!"
New insight is given, hope is restored, spiritual nourishment is given, and revelation is administered to all who will find where He lodges and whom He lodges with! He called His Apostles, He blessed His Apostles, He comissioned and sanctified the same. The Blesser and the Bread itself is in the Apostolic church! Those who are still allowing Him to break and bless the bread (the word of God). I am so glad I am a member of the body of Christ, His Apostolic church in this earth! It gives me hope to know that I truly know Him, and by the grace of God shall see Him soon!
Reference: Luke 24
Caving In To Apathy
The air was thin up on that mountain. Dejected and searching for sympathy, the prophet cries in solitude inside the cave of sorrow. The question is posed by the Lord, "What are you doing here?"
Now onward came the long string of complaints. Yet it is just like humanity to justify ourselves by the supposed short coming of others. Why? Because it is easier to lie in the cave of criticism than to walk in the truth of the moment.
Regardless of the mountain cleaving winds, the resolve shaking earthquake, or the raging fire, it is wise to note that the Lord was not in the turmoil.
The words of Elijah almost seem to say to God, in reply to His question, "What are YOU doing? I am doing my part, have You left helping me?"
Oh, what a losing battle it is for the potsherd to strive with the Potter.
We can learn from this story quite a few things.
1.God is NOT causing the turmoil your flesh is telling you He is. He is not in the wind, the earthquake, or fire. When you get alone with Him you will hear that still small voice telling you the situation is not as bad as you think it is.
2. Feeling as if you are the only one concerned is natural. Becoming apathetic is not the answer.
3. When you leave the cave of sorrow you will find the path to tomorrow.
An apathetic apostolic, is a pathetic apostolic!
Now onward came the long string of complaints. Yet it is just like humanity to justify ourselves by the supposed short coming of others. Why? Because it is easier to lie in the cave of criticism than to walk in the truth of the moment.
Regardless of the mountain cleaving winds, the resolve shaking earthquake, or the raging fire, it is wise to note that the Lord was not in the turmoil.
The words of Elijah almost seem to say to God, in reply to His question, "What are YOU doing? I am doing my part, have You left helping me?"
Oh, what a losing battle it is for the potsherd to strive with the Potter.
We can learn from this story quite a few things.
1.God is NOT causing the turmoil your flesh is telling you He is. He is not in the wind, the earthquake, or fire. When you get alone with Him you will hear that still small voice telling you the situation is not as bad as you think it is.
2. Feeling as if you are the only one concerned is natural. Becoming apathetic is not the answer.
3. When you leave the cave of sorrow you will find the path to tomorrow.
An apathetic apostolic, is a pathetic apostolic!
The Scarlet Thread
A single strand hung from the window. Its purpose unknown to most as it caught every gentle breeze. Many were gathered there in the house of the harlot, but this time not for buisness. Still yet there were many not there. This outcast of society, this woman of the night, was stepping out on the proverbial limb. Forever now she would be labeled as a traitor, an offense punishable by death. This free spirit who had just helped the men who would destroy her industry, and very well could take her life, was going to be spared by God! What made the difference? That scarlet thread. It represented her willingness to believe what others laughed off, it was her honor to men who were on a mission from God, she was literally holding on to life by a thread! Oh what a forshadow of Christ! His bloodline traced all the way from Adam and Eve, that "scarlet thread" that was interwoven throughout 42 generations. It signified a God who was willing to forgive a fallen humanity of their sin, sin worthy of death! Oh, but there He hung in the stead of us. This scarlet thread personified, only instead of hanging from a window to signify salvation for those inside, He would hang from a cross to save the world!
References: Joshua 2:1-21, Matthew 1:1-18
References: Joshua 2:1-21, Matthew 1:1-18
Encouragement
While offering some encouragement to a friend of mine I figured I would share this with all... You are you and that is all you can be. The trials and tests of yester-year are only stepping stones to a greater understanding. The valley in itself is a trying place but look around while you're there. Gaze at the mountain top you long to climb again. What do you see? Cold air and a barren height, now while standing in that valley look to the left and right. What do you see? Lush green vegetation and rich fertile earth. The growth of the human soul and the soil with which to plant is found in our low places. It's not the mountain top that has the power to make one happy it is He who made the mountain. I will look unto the hills from whence cometh my help, David said, but then he nailed it when he said my help is not in the hills, my help cometh from the Lord! Therefore if you want anything more out of life, if you want anything more out of yourself, seek Him first. Get so close to Him that everything else fades away.
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