Oh, what dangers lie upon the surface! The white smile, the twinkling eye, the seemingly innocent "selfies". Humanity does belie herself. The old saying, "you cannot judge a book by its cover" speaks volumes here. People whose cover pages are filled with trendy Christian quotes, pictures of a smiling happy couple/family, the compassionate and loving plastic people wrapped in the cellophane of the internet with an eye pleasing appeal... all is well... on the surface.
However at the end of the day, are we living up to the quotes we post? Or are we simply posting these things to save face? What are we when the glow of the wireless device fades? Are we still able to look in the mirror at the end of the day, the "selfie" of reality, and say to ourselves "I know who you are"? Have we fallen prey to the allure of becoming something else other than who we are simply because we can. Are we reflecting the truth of ourselves to others or are we more contented to lie to ourselves and everyone else to appear more intriguing and exciting?
There is a book however that looks below the surface, one that searches the depths of the human soul. This book tears away the falsity, looks beyond the mask to see the true face of the person. The Bible is easy to quote, but to live by it is another thing altogether. So many know only ink and page and have only scratched the surface of this blessed book. The reason most don't go beyond the cover is because the deeper we dig into that endless wealth of knowledge, the more we begin to see ourselves as we truly are.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
When we open His book, He opens ours, and anytime His book is opened we are left outspoken. This passage tells us that even those things we do with false pretence, those comments we make to further our agendas, even the intent that we have to view someones profile, are known to God!
I encourage you to think before you post, refrain from posting if it compromises you, don't show yourself in a false light, and live what you convey you are to others. There are good uses for FaceBook, but if you are on FaceBook more than your face is in His book take inventory. Don't be afraid to block someone or unfriend them if all they ever post are things that leave you feeling dirty. What if at that split second when you were stumbling upon that nasty post, someone who has been observing your walk with God happened to see it as well? Of even more concern is the spot in your mind that thing inhabits for a time, a place reserved for Jesus! Truth is... FaceBook friends, if truly friends at all, will not try to degrade or place you in a position to sin.
Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 KJV -17- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -18- And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; -19- To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Who here among us is without sin? Who here among us is without guilt or shame? Let him cast the first stone! Do you hear it? Do you hear the sweet sound of reconciliation? It may sound like stones hitting the ground, but to me it sounds like so much more. It sound like the footsteps of Jesus running toward me to shield me, yea even take the stones for me if He must, to save me from the onslaught! It sounds like the hooves of horses in God's army, rising up to aid me in battle, that soul cavalry playing the trumpets of victory. It sounds like the falling of fetters from the hands and feet that once were bound! Yes, the thud sounds like my Goliath hitting the ground for the last time! O' what beauty is found in the ministry of reconciliation! What unmerited grace, what inexhaustible mercy, what unfathomable love! Now beloved, WE have the word of reconciliation. We have the power to restore! God is love, and that Love, if it dwells in us will reach with fervor for the fallen.
Galatians 6:1-2 KJV Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. -2- Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
The fruit test is herein found. Will you let one whither off the vine because of jealousy? Will you allow a portion of your family to perish because of self righteousness? Will you mock and jeer only to find yourself in a worse spiritual state than that one you choose to abase? God forbid! But as the slightest pain can be felt throughout the entirety of the body, cannot you feel that pain? If not, are you really in the body? Search thyself first “O' sleeper” for they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercies, and if you were found in wanting would not you be praying for the word of reconciliation? Oh, but the power of the blood, that crimson flow that fell from Calvary's tree, where would any of us be without it? If it were not for God's reconciliation of us all would not we be left with stones sunk deep in our skulls rather than the sand? Right here, right now, I am reconciling you who would not me or any other reconcile. Even as the words flow to paper, I claim deliverance for you from that critical spirit, be ye reconciled!
2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
This ministry is not for some, it is for all!
Who here among us is without sin? Who here among us is without guilt or shame? Let him cast the first stone! Do you hear it? Do you hear the sweet sound of reconciliation? It may sound like stones hitting the ground, but to me it sounds like so much more. It sound like the footsteps of Jesus running toward me to shield me, yea even take the stones for me if He must, to save me from the onslaught! It sounds like the hooves of horses in God's army, rising up to aid me in battle, that soul cavalry playing the trumpets of victory. It sounds like the falling of fetters from the hands and feet that once were bound! Yes, the thud sounds like my Goliath hitting the ground for the last time! O' what beauty is found in the ministry of reconciliation! What unmerited grace, what inexhaustible mercy, what unfathomable love! Now beloved, WE have the word of reconciliation. We have the power to restore! God is love, and that Love, if it dwells in us will reach with fervor for the fallen.
Galatians 6:1-2 KJV Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. -2- Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
The fruit test is herein found. Will you let one whither off the vine because of jealousy? Will you allow a portion of your family to perish because of self righteousness? Will you mock and jeer only to find yourself in a worse spiritual state than that one you choose to abase? God forbid! But as the slightest pain can be felt throughout the entirety of the body, cannot you feel that pain? If not, are you really in the body? Search thyself first “O' sleeper” for they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercies, and if you were found in wanting would not you be praying for the word of reconciliation? Oh, but the power of the blood, that crimson flow that fell from Calvary's tree, where would any of us be without it? If it were not for God's reconciliation of us all would not we be left with stones sunk deep in our skulls rather than the sand? Right here, right now, I am reconciling you who would not me or any other reconcile. Even as the words flow to paper, I claim deliverance for you from that critical spirit, be ye reconciled!
2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
This ministry is not for some, it is for all!
There Is A God
The stars in the heavens could not be any more lucid in their proclamation, "there is a God".
The inexhaustible variety of animals with all their intricacies, exclaim "there is a God".
The lush vegetation and its countless medicinal remedies, vibrant colors, and minute details, cry out "there is a God".
The location of this small planet and the privileges it has inherited from that location,though subtle, are whispering "there is a God".
The beauty of newborn life and the frailty of their little bodies, growing with the capacity to think logically, articulate language, and become creative by nature, all attributes given by a Creator God. It all points to the clarion call resounding, "there is a God".
Oh, but to know Him! I speak the sentiments of the Apostle Paul who would've seemed to know Him quite well and yet said the same.
(Phillipians 3:10) "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death..."
You see, though all of creation knows Him, He gave man the privilege of being able to fellowship with Him. Creation shares a relationship with Him as the pen does to the paper, but mankind alone was given a soul, and that soul longs to be reunited with its Maker. Our relationship is that of clay to potter, it is intimate, He has his hands on us, molding us, shaping us. Because of this relationship with all things, the entire earth travails awaiting His return, yet none will be affected more than mankind, either with joy or shame we all shall behold Him one day with the knowledge that He alone is God.
Yes, there is a God! I join my voice with the myriad of infallible proofs in telling you this. But, may I take it a step further? The world, for the most part, is not up at arms about the statement "there is a God". No, it's a broad statement, with little or no waves made to rock any boats. Oh, but what do we do with this Jesus?
Yes, I went there. Why? Because He gave us the ability to communicate this for this very reason! Ladies and gentlemen, Jesus is God! There, I said it, now come the mockers and the persecution. Why? Because, people have no need to fight against the broad, thinly spread, blanket religion of the world that simply claims that somewhere out there a God is watching over us. This leaves a lot of grey areas with little or no commitment required, where mankind is unsure of who they are accountable to. That is safety for the carnal mind. But, when we know who He is, then we know who we are held accountable to, and for what reasons. Suddenly, these things called "sin" have more bearing on the conscious and the spiritual mind. This should be safety for the spiritual mind, if it is not found in wanting that is.
Today, use your God given capacities to get to know Him (Jesus) better. I promise it will make a huge difference knowing who you are praying to. Fellowship with Jesus awhile and see if it doesn't do you some good! You don't serve a God, you serve the one and only God, and Jesus is his name!
Spiritual Equilibrium
Consistency in commitment, persistence in prayer, and diligence in devotion. These are all avenues that lead to that longed for "road of blessing". All of these deal with the shaping of the heart and conforming of the will. They help lead us from flesh and carnality to that of the spiritual man. This is needful to stay in a proper state of mind and to maintain that precious "earnest of our inheritance".
Oh, but what of the storm? You have One to calm it. What of the anxiety? You have One to cure it. What of the laziness, procrastination, and lukewarm state of being? That, my friend, must be conquered of our own desire to see change, with His help. However, we can surround ourselves in so much work, secular or otherwise, that we can have an adverse effect to living as well.
Now, it must needs be foretold that the God we serve will never put more on us than we can bear. So then, when we have reached that state of living, do we quote this scripture to ourselves and remain miserable? Well, it depends on the given situation. He is not a slave driver asking anyone to so over extend themselves that man's first duties as priest of the home are ignored, that would transgress His word. Nor does He ask that we give so much our efforts to unconcerned or apathetic individuals for the sake of helping them achieve their goals with little or no effort. Yet, we cannot simply fold our hands and expect to achieve anything in life as well. This is where the afore mentioned disciplines come of great use.
I had to make a very hard decision once regarding this area. I was so overextended that my family had fallen into a dangerous spiritual descent, one that I could not see for the business I was involved in. What I seen as a hindrance to my Christian work was actually a cry for help from my wife. But I "fought" on, thinking that she would eventually see the beauty in the toil and quit being a "hindrance". When in retrospect, now I see that I was actually playing that role myself toward her. In my joy to help out with young people I had left a trail of sorrow at home, all because I was just to busy trying to juggle secular and ministerial work.
*[[Pro 11:1]] KJV* A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Despite the fact that I had to lose some face and swallow pride, not to mention the silent (and sometimes not so silent) opposition I have had to endure, in the larger scope of things it was needful. It was not as simple as having "to much on my plate". My wife (unbeknownst to me) was battling a deep rooted depression, coupled with post pardom, and the financial weight of having to live paycheck to paycheck. Add that to mothering a young child while battling at the same time the instability of her husband starting a new job on 2nd shift (leaving her alone alot) and you have a recipe for destruction. No one asked to help, or offered some coaching, regardless of the fact that the problem was evident, so I did what I knew best.
I am well aware of the need to have priorities in place, and God has remained at the top of my list, yet if we are not showing a healthy love to our wives we are not showing that same love to Christ. Lesson learned, balance all things in the scales of common sense and the light of His word. Today I can say that after some much needed mending and some quality time together, my wife has become one of the greatest helps in our respective ministry (stressing "our"). Today I ask that you look at your life and weigh those things in the balance that might be throwing your spiritual equilibrium off. God bless!
Oh, but what of the storm? You have One to calm it. What of the anxiety? You have One to cure it. What of the laziness, procrastination, and lukewarm state of being? That, my friend, must be conquered of our own desire to see change, with His help. However, we can surround ourselves in so much work, secular or otherwise, that we can have an adverse effect to living as well.
Now, it must needs be foretold that the God we serve will never put more on us than we can bear. So then, when we have reached that state of living, do we quote this scripture to ourselves and remain miserable? Well, it depends on the given situation. He is not a slave driver asking anyone to so over extend themselves that man's first duties as priest of the home are ignored, that would transgress His word. Nor does He ask that we give so much our efforts to unconcerned or apathetic individuals for the sake of helping them achieve their goals with little or no effort. Yet, we cannot simply fold our hands and expect to achieve anything in life as well. This is where the afore mentioned disciplines come of great use.
I had to make a very hard decision once regarding this area. I was so overextended that my family had fallen into a dangerous spiritual descent, one that I could not see for the business I was involved in. What I seen as a hindrance to my Christian work was actually a cry for help from my wife. But I "fought" on, thinking that she would eventually see the beauty in the toil and quit being a "hindrance". When in retrospect, now I see that I was actually playing that role myself toward her. In my joy to help out with young people I had left a trail of sorrow at home, all because I was just to busy trying to juggle secular and ministerial work.
*[[Pro 11:1]] KJV* A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Despite the fact that I had to lose some face and swallow pride, not to mention the silent (and sometimes not so silent) opposition I have had to endure, in the larger scope of things it was needful. It was not as simple as having "to much on my plate". My wife (unbeknownst to me) was battling a deep rooted depression, coupled with post pardom, and the financial weight of having to live paycheck to paycheck. Add that to mothering a young child while battling at the same time the instability of her husband starting a new job on 2nd shift (leaving her alone alot) and you have a recipe for destruction. No one asked to help, or offered some coaching, regardless of the fact that the problem was evident, so I did what I knew best.
I am well aware of the need to have priorities in place, and God has remained at the top of my list, yet if we are not showing a healthy love to our wives we are not showing that same love to Christ. Lesson learned, balance all things in the scales of common sense and the light of His word. Today I can say that after some much needed mending and some quality time together, my wife has become one of the greatest helps in our respective ministry (stressing "our"). Today I ask that you look at your life and weigh those things in the balance that might be throwing your spiritual equilibrium off. God bless!
Truth Is...
Truth is... This is a game found on FaceBook, wherein an individual will post "truth is..." and send it to another person who will in turn write something true about that person from their perspective. This is my perspective on truth today.
Truth is...
Truth will prevail. It waits not for slighted opinions, nor bulks at popular demand. Truth is not tangible but creates tangible results. Truth shatters, it tears down, it builds up, and sustains. Yes, in the end, truth will always prevail.
Because it is unwavering in its existence it is seen as less than desirable in a world that is ever changing. Most bulk at it, some fight against it, and others try to imitate it without having to live by it. There has been a popular trend to blur the lines of truth, thereby suppressing it, in hopes of destroying it. They blur the lines by offering substandard truth disguised as the real thing, and suppress it by using terms like "politically correct" to intimidate those who speak it. The truth is, however, you cannot destroy it! No matter how elaborate the lie or web of deceit, truth will eventually prevail. No matter how deep it is buried in the conscience of a person, it will find its way to the surface. None can escape it, none can defeat it, none are higher than it!
One day, in the course of history, truth was personified! The intangible became flesh and blood! Jesus became truth in bodily form, truth in word and deed! They tried to blur the lines, but He would not allow it. They said He was just the carpenters son, a glutton, and a wine bibber. They lied on Him and said he was operating under the power of the devil to cast out devils. But He spoke in truth and said "You are of your father the devil". Though it was not politically correct, truth was spoken without fear or favor. Much like today, what was their response?
They brought false witnesses against truth, perpetrated a web of deceit to sentence it to death, and openly mocked it. It would appear those that hated the truth had won when Truth was buried in a tomb. But Truth will always prevail!
In three days the accusers celebrations were put to a halt as reports began to trickle in from several sources that Truth had rose from the dead! Yes, Truth certainly did prevail! Over death, hell, and the grave! Fret not fellow Christian when lies surround you like a thousand piercing swords. Fret not when you are rejected and put to shame for truth's sake. Hold fast to truth and you will find that it WILL PREVAIL!
is not tangible but creates tangible results. Truth shatters, it tears down, it builds up, and sustains. Yes, in the end, truth will always prevail.
Because it is unwavering in its existence it is seen as less than desirable in a world that is ever changing. Most bulk at it, some fight against it, and others try to imitate it without having to live by it. There has been a popular trend to blur the lines of truth, thereby suppressing it, in hopes of destroying it. They blur the lines by offering substandard truth disguised as the real thing, and suppress it by using terms like "politically correct" to intimidate those who speak it. The truth is, however, you cannot destroy it! No matter how elaborate the lie or web of deceit, truth will eventually prevail. No matter how deep it is buried in the conscience of a person, it will find its way to the surface. None can escape it, none can defeat it, none are higher than it!
One day, in the course of history, truth was personified! The intangible became flesh and blood! Jesus became truth in bodily form, truth in word and deed! They tried to blur the lines, but He would not allow it. They said He was just the carpenters son, a glutton, and a wine bibber. They lied on Him and said he was operating under the power of the devil to cast out devils. But He spoke in truth and said "You are of your father the devil". Though it was not politically correct, truth was spoken without fear or favor. Much like today, what was their response?
They brought false witnesses against truth, perpetrated a web of deceit to sentence it to death, and openly mocked it. It would appear those that hated the truth had won when Truth was buried in a tomb. But Truth will always prevail!
In three days the accusers celebrations were put to a halt as reports began to trickle in from several sources that Truth had rose from the dead! Yes, Truth certainly did prevail! Over death, hell, and the grave! Fret not fellow Christian when lies surround you like a thousand piercing swords. Fret not when you are rejected and put to shame for truth's sake. Hold fast to truth and you will find that it WILL PREVAIL!
Truth is...
Truth will prevail. It waits not for slighted opinions, nor bulks at popular demand. Truth is not tangible but creates tangible results. Truth shatters, it tears down, it builds up, and sustains. Yes, in the end, truth will always prevail.
Because it is unwavering in its existence it is seen as less than desirable in a world that is ever changing. Most bulk at it, some fight against it, and others try to imitate it without having to live by it. There has been a popular trend to blur the lines of truth, thereby suppressing it, in hopes of destroying it. They blur the lines by offering substandard truth disguised as the real thing, and suppress it by using terms like "politically correct" to intimidate those who speak it. The truth is, however, you cannot destroy it! No matter how elaborate the lie or web of deceit, truth will eventually prevail. No matter how deep it is buried in the conscience of a person, it will find its way to the surface. None can escape it, none can defeat it, none are higher than it!
One day, in the course of history, truth was personified! The intangible became flesh and blood! Jesus became truth in bodily form, truth in word and deed! They tried to blur the lines, but He would not allow it. They said He was just the carpenters son, a glutton, and a wine bibber. They lied on Him and said he was operating under the power of the devil to cast out devils. But He spoke in truth and said "You are of your father the devil". Though it was not politically correct, truth was spoken without fear or favor. Much like today, what was their response?
They brought false witnesses against truth, perpetrated a web of deceit to sentence it to death, and openly mocked it. It would appear those that hated the truth had won when Truth was buried in a tomb. But Truth will always prevail!
In three days the accusers celebrations were put to a halt as reports began to trickle in from several sources that Truth had rose from the dead! Yes, Truth certainly did prevail! Over death, hell, and the grave! Fret not fellow Christian when lies surround you like a thousand piercing swords. Fret not when you are rejected and put to shame for truth's sake. Hold fast to truth and you will find that it WILL PREVAIL!
is not tangible but creates tangible results. Truth shatters, it tears down, it builds up, and sustains. Yes, in the end, truth will always prevail.
Because it is unwavering in its existence it is seen as less than desirable in a world that is ever changing. Most bulk at it, some fight against it, and others try to imitate it without having to live by it. There has been a popular trend to blur the lines of truth, thereby suppressing it, in hopes of destroying it. They blur the lines by offering substandard truth disguised as the real thing, and suppress it by using terms like "politically correct" to intimidate those who speak it. The truth is, however, you cannot destroy it! No matter how elaborate the lie or web of deceit, truth will eventually prevail. No matter how deep it is buried in the conscience of a person, it will find its way to the surface. None can escape it, none can defeat it, none are higher than it!
One day, in the course of history, truth was personified! The intangible became flesh and blood! Jesus became truth in bodily form, truth in word and deed! They tried to blur the lines, but He would not allow it. They said He was just the carpenters son, a glutton, and a wine bibber. They lied on Him and said he was operating under the power of the devil to cast out devils. But He spoke in truth and said "You are of your father the devil". Though it was not politically correct, truth was spoken without fear or favor. Much like today, what was their response?
They brought false witnesses against truth, perpetrated a web of deceit to sentence it to death, and openly mocked it. It would appear those that hated the truth had won when Truth was buried in a tomb. But Truth will always prevail!
In three days the accusers celebrations were put to a halt as reports began to trickle in from several sources that Truth had rose from the dead! Yes, Truth certainly did prevail! Over death, hell, and the grave! Fret not fellow Christian when lies surround you like a thousand piercing swords. Fret not when you are rejected and put to shame for truth's sake. Hold fast to truth and you will find that it WILL PREVAIL!
What A Beautiful Day
O' what a blessed people we are to have opened our eyes this morning!
To behold His goodness upon humanity, to walk in His grace another day. The sun is shining for you, the gentle bustle of the wind that caries the song of the Cardinal, and even the laborious task to carry the sound of the song that is sung, is for you.
Breath deeply the mercy of God who hath allowed thee to breath at all. Walk in the day you have been given, with confidence and humility. Never so small and insignificant a creature hath been treated so well as we. Why? Because of His great love!
Knowing this, that all of the kindreds from every nation are under such care, the care of One who loveth all, should bring us into a feeling of worth and a sense of belonging to our extended families. This should be the single cause to fulfill the golden rule, knowing that everyone is in the care of He who cares for us, and who would want to upset His Father by mistreating his brother?
Humble Christian of noble calling, may you shine like the sun that for mercies sake woke you this morning. May you radiate Gods goodness in His vineyard today. There are so many who count on your smile, still yet more count on your prayers. Love with open and unguarded hearts, embrace with pious minds, and love unconditionally, for Christ's sake. It may be that by your affections the prodigals will come home with eyes wide open to a brand new day, a day in which God's light, the ray of hope He shone through you, pierced the darkness of their midnight.
What a beautiful day it would be, if our spiritual eyes would only see,
The gift of life and love unfeigned, the cause of Christ in everything,
If as we walk down here below, we plant the seeds and help them grow,
A garden grand would soon be seen, whose fruit would cause the earth to sing.
R.A.McClellan
To behold His goodness upon humanity, to walk in His grace another day. The sun is shining for you, the gentle bustle of the wind that caries the song of the Cardinal, and even the laborious task to carry the sound of the song that is sung, is for you.
Breath deeply the mercy of God who hath allowed thee to breath at all. Walk in the day you have been given, with confidence and humility. Never so small and insignificant a creature hath been treated so well as we. Why? Because of His great love!
Knowing this, that all of the kindreds from every nation are under such care, the care of One who loveth all, should bring us into a feeling of worth and a sense of belonging to our extended families. This should be the single cause to fulfill the golden rule, knowing that everyone is in the care of He who cares for us, and who would want to upset His Father by mistreating his brother?
Humble Christian of noble calling, may you shine like the sun that for mercies sake woke you this morning. May you radiate Gods goodness in His vineyard today. There are so many who count on your smile, still yet more count on your prayers. Love with open and unguarded hearts, embrace with pious minds, and love unconditionally, for Christ's sake. It may be that by your affections the prodigals will come home with eyes wide open to a brand new day, a day in which God's light, the ray of hope He shone through you, pierced the darkness of their midnight.
What a beautiful day it would be, if our spiritual eyes would only see,
The gift of life and love unfeigned, the cause of Christ in everything,
If as we walk down here below, we plant the seeds and help them grow,
A garden grand would soon be seen, whose fruit would cause the earth to sing.
R.A.McClellan
It Came To Pass
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...
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.
"Check" Your Doctrine
Why is this a bad check?
Why is this a good check?
The answer is quite clear, only one of these checks has a name applied to it! Why is this important? Well, I'm glad you asked. People ask why it is so important to be baptized into the name of Jesus. After all God has many names and Jesus is but one of a myriad. Yet, Acts 4:12 tells us the only saving name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is God's revealed name to us. There is authority in a name, there is personal ownership in a name, there is power in a name! Just as demonstrated above, there are many fathers, there are many sons, and there are many spirits on this earth and so the first check could not be cashed because there is no true ownership given to show to whom the account belongs. However, in the second figure this check could be cashed in due to the ownership given by the name!
Likewise, when we are baptized we must take on the name of Jesus. This is the Biblical formula for ownership of man to God. Oh what heavenly blessings lie in the bank account of God for those who are obedient to His word and are not ashamed of His name!
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:3 KJV
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 KJV
$500.00 Reward!
A $500.00 Reward will be given to anyone who can find in the Bible where any individual was ever baptized with the words Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, pronounced over them in baptism!
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