Taken from John Eldredge's book, "Love and War."
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
God the Great Lover
God is a great lover, and he created marriage to play out on this earth a daily, living, breathing portrait of the intimacy he longs for with his people. This is why it is such a central role. It is a kind of incarnation, a passion play about the love and union between Jesus and His beloved. Which might help you appreciate why the fury of hell has been unleashed against it. God is telling a love story and the setting is war. Pause for just a moment. God chooses marriage as the image of his love for his people, and our love for him?! I am dumbfounded. You're trusting us with what? Then again, he gave the church the mission of evangelizing the world, insisting that unless we do it the job would not get done. It is a mission the staggering consequence...
Taken from John Eldredge's book, "Love and War."
Taken from John Eldredge's book, "Love and War."
Monday, November 4, 2013
The God who speaks
God spoke in the Old Testament through his servants the prophets in order to reveal His purposes and plans to His people. God spoke through His son Jesus in the gospels in order to demonstrate His redemptive plan to humanity through Christ. Jesus clearly came to seek and save that which was lost, namely the ones who were separated from God, in essence everyone. Jesus said that when He left the earth, He would send the helper who is the Holy Spirit of God. What's amazing is that now through each redeemed believer in Jesus Christ they have the Holy Spirit of God Himself abiding in them. The Holy Spirit is the truth, He is the comforter and the One who guides us. In other words, He is the voice inside me that leads me to the Father.
I am amazed and in awe of the way the trinity works and how they speak and have spoken in times present and past. There is no excuse for us not to listen, we must listen and obey. When God speaks He is seeking immediate response. He usually speaks to reveal something He wants accomplished. I desire immediate obedience when God speaks. I have not been very good at it, but i am repenting in my heart and asking the Father to help me overcome fear, disbelief or doubt, and whatever else would stand in he way. I want Gods favor over my life. After all, I am his son and He is my Father.
I am amazed and in awe of the way the trinity works and how they speak and have spoken in times present and past. There is no excuse for us not to listen, we must listen and obey. When God speaks He is seeking immediate response. He usually speaks to reveal something He wants accomplished. I desire immediate obedience when God speaks. I have not been very good at it, but i am repenting in my heart and asking the Father to help me overcome fear, disbelief or doubt, and whatever else would stand in he way. I want Gods favor over my life. After all, I am his son and He is my Father.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Unfailing Love
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones;
praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the Lord with the lyre;
make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp,
Sing a new song to Him;
play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.
For the word of the Lord is right,
and all His work is trustworthy.
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the Lord's unfailing love.
Psalm 33:1-5
It is always the right time to rejoice in the Lord and to praise Him. You know when we worship and praise the Lord we are transported from this earthly realm to the realm of glory and power. The eternal God is worthy always of praise. Today is the day to sing a new song to Him. If you are needing breakthrough, courage, strength, and hope; then sing a new song and lift up a shout. His unfailing love will keep you and hold you in the midst of the storm. Its amazing that we can always praise and worship Him with open hearts and open hands.
praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the Lord with the lyre;
make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp,
Sing a new song to Him;
play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.
For the word of the Lord is right,
and all His work is trustworthy.
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the Lord's unfailing love.
Psalm 33:1-5
It is always the right time to rejoice in the Lord and to praise Him. You know when we worship and praise the Lord we are transported from this earthly realm to the realm of glory and power. The eternal God is worthy always of praise. Today is the day to sing a new song to Him. If you are needing breakthrough, courage, strength, and hope; then sing a new song and lift up a shout. His unfailing love will keep you and hold you in the midst of the storm. Its amazing that we can always praise and worship Him with open hearts and open hands.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
What is it about Humility?
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:6
Jesus was the most humble and meek man to ever walk the face of the earth. He was full of compassion and kindness, more than any has ever known. Can you imagine walking with Jesus, God Himself, the Alpha and Omega, like the disciples did? They were constantly stunned and blown away by His responses to whatever circumstances they were in. I imagine them continually just staring at Jesus and trying to figure Him out. It's like He was so human, and at the same time, so not of this world. Humility, meekness, kindness, compassion and mercy...these described Him well. He was not preoccupied with anything temporal, but everything eternal that had to do with people knowing the truth about God. In essence the truth that God exists (in human and bodily form), He loves like crazy, and turn from your sin and pursue the kingdom of God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Humility is the key that fits the door into the heart of God, period. There is no other way into that deep and intimate place. It is not ones gifting, or ones anointing (after all there is really only One who is anointed). It is not even how many souls someone might have won for the kingdom. Humility and meekness are what attracts the Spirit of God, they attract the favor of God, and they release the true kingdom of God.
Every time I choose to eat humble pie rather than be heard or have my way, Jesus wins. Every time I consider another better than myself, or I extend myself to the poor and broken, love wins. Pride must be demolished and it will only be crushed when the seed of humility grows to become the very shade which we abide under. Jesus is humility. Humility is not of this world. It really isn't folks. Yes, one can be nice and kind for a while, but true humility will count all things loss compared to knowing Jesus and making Him known. I am challenged daily to walk this out no matter what I am doing or where I am going. If we are to be made a statement as believers, please let it be for the fact that you own humility and it owns you. You are no longer your own master, but you have been crucified with Christ and you no longer live, but He lives through you, and me. This is good news. The old is dead, buried and gone. The new is here. Love always, no matter how hard and challenging. You will succeed friend if you choose this path. It is the narrow path that leads to life.
Jesus was the most humble and meek man to ever walk the face of the earth. He was full of compassion and kindness, more than any has ever known. Can you imagine walking with Jesus, God Himself, the Alpha and Omega, like the disciples did? They were constantly stunned and blown away by His responses to whatever circumstances they were in. I imagine them continually just staring at Jesus and trying to figure Him out. It's like He was so human, and at the same time, so not of this world. Humility, meekness, kindness, compassion and mercy...these described Him well. He was not preoccupied with anything temporal, but everything eternal that had to do with people knowing the truth about God. In essence the truth that God exists (in human and bodily form), He loves like crazy, and turn from your sin and pursue the kingdom of God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Humility is the key that fits the door into the heart of God, period. There is no other way into that deep and intimate place. It is not ones gifting, or ones anointing (after all there is really only One who is anointed). It is not even how many souls someone might have won for the kingdom. Humility and meekness are what attracts the Spirit of God, they attract the favor of God, and they release the true kingdom of God.
Every time I choose to eat humble pie rather than be heard or have my way, Jesus wins. Every time I consider another better than myself, or I extend myself to the poor and broken, love wins. Pride must be demolished and it will only be crushed when the seed of humility grows to become the very shade which we abide under. Jesus is humility. Humility is not of this world. It really isn't folks. Yes, one can be nice and kind for a while, but true humility will count all things loss compared to knowing Jesus and making Him known. I am challenged daily to walk this out no matter what I am doing or where I am going. If we are to be made a statement as believers, please let it be for the fact that you own humility and it owns you. You are no longer your own master, but you have been crucified with Christ and you no longer live, but He lives through you, and me. This is good news. The old is dead, buried and gone. The new is here. Love always, no matter how hard and challenging. You will succeed friend if you choose this path. It is the narrow path that leads to life.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Words of LIFE...
How many times in your day do you receive a word of encouragement? How many times in your day are you looking to build someone up or encourage them? The choice is clear from the scriptures. We as the body of Christ have to choose to encourage one another. Yet so many times it seems the opposite. Why is that we focus on bringing one another down, or casting judgment on a brother? Why is that we are lacking the very thing that brings life and purpose for another? In short, we have lost our sense of identity. We no longer believe that we are royal sons and daughters in a kingdom not built by human hands. We have lost our way because we are acting as orphans and not true sons. Sons understand that they belong and are a vital part of the Father's plan. Therefore they choose to speak life always into another fellow brother or sister. I love the books of Thessalonians. They are filled with words to encourage one another.
Paul said,"we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:12
"Therefore encourage one another with these words..." 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15
I would rather speak one word of encouragement than 100 words that are high and lofty but only beat the air. I would rather through my actions show another that they are loved than simply stating the obvious by lengthy sermons. It doesn't take much, but it takes everything sometimes when you yourself have not been encouraged to try and give courage to another. We must drink deep of intimacy with Jesus. Only by abiding in the lamb will we find out identity as sons and daughters and will we operate out of love and compassion.
Go and use your words carefully. Speak life and not death. You are called to greatness, and those around you will be better for the words you speak to them.
Paul said,"we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:12
"Therefore encourage one another with these words..." 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15
I would rather speak one word of encouragement than 100 words that are high and lofty but only beat the air. I would rather through my actions show another that they are loved than simply stating the obvious by lengthy sermons. It doesn't take much, but it takes everything sometimes when you yourself have not been encouraged to try and give courage to another. We must drink deep of intimacy with Jesus. Only by abiding in the lamb will we find out identity as sons and daughters and will we operate out of love and compassion.
Go and use your words carefully. Speak life and not death. You are called to greatness, and those around you will be better for the words you speak to them.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
To tithe or not to tithe...
There is much discussion these days in my heart surrounding the topic of tithing. Is it still applicable today? What is the New Testament position on tithing? Should I be giving ten percent of my income to my local church? If you are in a church or have been a part of a church then I am certain you have also thought about this topic. Make no mistake, tithing is biblical, but understanding the context for the tithe is an important place to start.
God is always after the heart, He always has been. He wants us to live not under a law, but under freedom. Freedom In Christ to do what is right, to be generous and extravagant. He has made a way for us to walk in freedom and liberty because He is not the new covenant by which we live in and through. I really liked the way this article describes it. I hope it helps you as well. Be blessed and be generous.
The following is taken from www.gci.org on Tithing:
God is always after the heart, He always has been. He wants us to live not under a law, but under freedom. Freedom In Christ to do what is right, to be generous and extravagant. He has made a way for us to walk in freedom and liberty because He is not the new covenant by which we live in and through. I really liked the way this article describes it. I hope it helps you as well. Be blessed and be generous.
The following is taken from www.gci.org on Tithing:
Under the old covenant, tithing was required for the support of the old covenant ministers. The Israelites were required to give 10 percent — and their blessing was only a physical one! Christians in the new covenant have much better blessings — spiritual ones. How much more willingly ought we to give in thankfulness for the eternal blessings we have in Christ Jesus?
The Israelites were commanded to give 10 percent under a covenant that could not make them perfect (Hebrews 7:19; 9:9). How much more joyfully should we give to God under the new covenant? We have the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which does cleanse our conscience (9:14). And yet it seems that in America today, even though we have so much more than the Israelites did, people give on average a much smaller percentage. Many people give less to the church than they spend on luxury items. Some people cannot give very much, but many people could if they wanted to. God calls on us to examine ourselves, to examine our priorities, and to be generous.
The old covenant gave us condemnation; the new covenant gives us justification and peace with God. How much more should we be willing to give freely and generously so God’s work can be done in the world — to proclaim the gospel, to declare the new covenant ministry that gives us true life, and gives that message of life to others?
People who entrust their lives to Jesus Christ do not worry about whether tithing is commanded in the New Testament. People who are being transformed by Christ to be more like Christ are generous. They want to give as much as possible to support the gospel and to support the poor. Christians should give generously — but giving is a resultof their relationship with God, not a way to earn it. We are given grace through faith, not through tithing.
Some people act as if Christ liberates us from the law so that we can keep more physical blessings for ourselves. That is false — Christ liberates us so that we can be free to serve him more, as loving children and not merely as slaves. He frees us so we can have faith instead of selfishness.
When it comes to money, the real question is, Is our heart in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we putting our money where our heart is? We can tell where our heart is by seeing where we are putting our money. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Jesus said (Matthew 6:21).
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Love is the answer.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Pursue love...and Prophesy!
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
Love is always the highest way. There is no greater gift than that of love. Gods love compels us and controls us. Love never ends, but will endure and grow forever.
Paul lays out a clear picture of what the highest purpose in everything is and should be, love. He does not stop there though. It is important to put on love, walk in love, live in love and prophesy in love. Paul says to pursue love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts and especially that of prophecy. The spiritual gifts are available for every believer. There is no favoritism or elimination factor when it comes to the gifts. I firmly believe as Paul says, that everyone can and should prophesy.
"For you can ALL prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged." 1 Corinthians 14:31
I love this! Prophecy encourages the believer. It is designed and only meant to build up one another. It is a form of encouragement and exhortation. It could be a simple word of hope, a scripture, a psalm, or a word of knowledge. It could be a vision, a picture, a constant sense, or a constant joy that God gives to share with another. The Holy Spirit is a great gift giver and He longs for His church to be encouraged and to encourage one another. Imagine if we all sought to build one another up! What a bright and shining light the church would be. Many on the outside would want in because of how contagious this type of lifestyle is in the Holy Spirit. Imagine happy Christians. I am convinced that when done in order, and we seek to honor God, that there is total freedom and transformation when we are all walking in the gifts of the Spirit. Let us seek to love loud and prophesy boldly. Everyone should be encouraged and built up.
Love is always the highest way. There is no greater gift than that of love. Gods love compels us and controls us. Love never ends, but will endure and grow forever.
Paul lays out a clear picture of what the highest purpose in everything is and should be, love. He does not stop there though. It is important to put on love, walk in love, live in love and prophesy in love. Paul says to pursue love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts and especially that of prophecy. The spiritual gifts are available for every believer. There is no favoritism or elimination factor when it comes to the gifts. I firmly believe as Paul says, that everyone can and should prophesy.
"For you can ALL prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged." 1 Corinthians 14:31
I love this! Prophecy encourages the believer. It is designed and only meant to build up one another. It is a form of encouragement and exhortation. It could be a simple word of hope, a scripture, a psalm, or a word of knowledge. It could be a vision, a picture, a constant sense, or a constant joy that God gives to share with another. The Holy Spirit is a great gift giver and He longs for His church to be encouraged and to encourage one another. Imagine if we all sought to build one another up! What a bright and shining light the church would be. Many on the outside would want in because of how contagious this type of lifestyle is in the Holy Spirit. Imagine happy Christians. I am convinced that when done in order, and we seek to honor God, that there is total freedom and transformation when we are all walking in the gifts of the Spirit. Let us seek to love loud and prophesy boldly. Everyone should be encouraged and built up.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Pure in heart
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
What does it mean to be pure in heart? Is it really attainable as a child of God? I have often thought about this verse and every time I read it, I tend to think that surely Jesus is not referring to me. After all, I am a sinner who daily struggles to walk in purity and righteousness. Then the Spirit voice inside of me reminds me that with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. In other words because of the blood of Jesus alone and His grace, as a child of God, I am pure. I now am the righteousness of God. It's not about perfection or being sinless, but about knowing Jesus and His forgiveness of sin. The truth is that daily we wrestle with being in this fleshly body with its carnal desires. Rebirth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit. One is not born again a second time through the womb, but through the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word translated "pure" in Matthew 5:8 is katharos, the noun form of katharizo, which means: "to cleanse." In a moral sense, it speaks of being free from the filth of sin. Katharos is akin to the Latin word castus, which is the root of the English word "chaste." In Matthew 5:8, it refers to a cleansed heart. Katharos can also refer to something that is unmixed, unalloyed, or unadulterated. This term in Greek was sometimes applied to milk or wine which is unadulterated with water, or of metal which had been refined until all impurities were removed. So, we might think of pure meaning unmixed, unadulterated, unalloyed. In Matthew 5:8, it would refer to a heart unmixed in its devotion and motives. In that sense, "pure in heart" would refer to singleness of heart as opposed to double-mindedness. To be pure in heart means more than avoiding outward sins, it means avoiding double-mindedness. Double-mindedness is like a cancer of the spirit. It slowly eats away at your spiritual life until there is no real life left.
I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus and now my single minded purpose is to gaze on His beauty and His righteousness, and in this place I am transformed by His glory. Jesus help us to be single minded today in everything we do. Grace us with your presence and your purity. We long to see You.
What does it mean to be pure in heart? Is it really attainable as a child of God? I have often thought about this verse and every time I read it, I tend to think that surely Jesus is not referring to me. After all, I am a sinner who daily struggles to walk in purity and righteousness. Then the Spirit voice inside of me reminds me that with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. In other words because of the blood of Jesus alone and His grace, as a child of God, I am pure. I now am the righteousness of God. It's not about perfection or being sinless, but about knowing Jesus and His forgiveness of sin. The truth is that daily we wrestle with being in this fleshly body with its carnal desires. Rebirth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit. One is not born again a second time through the womb, but through the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word translated "pure" in Matthew 5:8 is katharos, the noun form of katharizo, which means: "to cleanse." In a moral sense, it speaks of being free from the filth of sin. Katharos is akin to the Latin word castus, which is the root of the English word "chaste." In Matthew 5:8, it refers to a cleansed heart. Katharos can also refer to something that is unmixed, unalloyed, or unadulterated. This term in Greek was sometimes applied to milk or wine which is unadulterated with water, or of metal which had been refined until all impurities were removed. So, we might think of pure meaning unmixed, unadulterated, unalloyed. In Matthew 5:8, it would refer to a heart unmixed in its devotion and motives. In that sense, "pure in heart" would refer to singleness of heart as opposed to double-mindedness. To be pure in heart means more than avoiding outward sins, it means avoiding double-mindedness. Double-mindedness is like a cancer of the spirit. It slowly eats away at your spiritual life until there is no real life left.
I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus and now my single minded purpose is to gaze on His beauty and His righteousness, and in this place I am transformed by His glory. Jesus help us to be single minded today in everything we do. Grace us with your presence and your purity. We long to see You.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Let My People Go! (2)
Jesus offers eternal living water to all who are thirsty. He says come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and "I will give you rest." This is the God who longs to set the captive free. Throughout the history of mankind God has been searching and seeking those whose hearts are turned to Him. Those who long to be out of bondage and slavery. He offers the 'promised land' which is a place of redemption, healing, restoration, and salvation.
I love this God because He desires to be intimately acquainted with His creation. 'Let my people Go' as Moses phrased it became the slogan under which Moses contended for the people of God. If you are in the wilderness, or even still under slavery then there is hope for you! God is in the business of 'letting His people Go'! You must simply come to Him to find forgiveness and reconciliation. He longs to bring freedom. He is freedom! As Daniel prayed in the 9th chapter of the book of Daniel, "O Lord, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws."
I love this God because He desires to be intimately acquainted with His creation. 'Let my people Go' as Moses phrased it became the slogan under which Moses contended for the people of God. If you are in the wilderness, or even still under slavery then there is hope for you! God is in the business of 'letting His people Go'! You must simply come to Him to find forgiveness and reconciliation. He longs to bring freedom. He is freedom! As Daniel prayed in the 9th chapter of the book of Daniel, "O Lord, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws."
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Let My people go!
The heart of God is that all people's would be free from oppression, tyranny, injustice and slavery. It was never Gods idea that anyone should be in bondage or in "Egypt" in the context of slavery and oppression. Adam and Eve were the first to rebel against Gods righteous commands. They had everything they ever wanted or needed, and yet they chose to forsake freedom and enter into oppression and bondage to the world and the enemy of Gods creation. We live in troubled and desperate times. At every turn their is mass amounts of injustice, greed, control, and oppression that exists. Nations are in uproar, people are being killed for no reason, dictators and extreme ideologies are taking over. There is no peace. There is no righteousness. God is looking down from on high and I believe He weeps over His creation. He knows that because of the power of the evil one to distort, twist, lie, kill, steal, and destroy-His sheep are harassed and helpless. Truly they are a sheep without a shepherd. I think of the words in Isaiah 55 that say "Come everyone who thirsts..."
To be continued
To be continued
Friday, July 26, 2013
God is a warrior
“Stay
alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be
strong in your faith".
1 Peter
5:8-9
We were born into a war. God has
never been passive and neither should we be passive. We must learn to fight,
our lives and hearts are at stake. Being sober and alert is the only option for
the believer who wants to overcome and be victorious. The enemy has confused
and blinded so many believers who therefore have ultimately become passive and
lethargic in their fight. Our God is a warrior God. Having a right
understanding of how God has created us to fight is critical to overcoming the
evil one. Remember we are not fighting flesh against flesh. Our battle must
not be against one another, for the accuser of the brethren is waiting at the
door to bring division and disunity. It is vital to have a right idea about who
God is, and what battle He is fighting on our behalf. The stronghold of doubt
and disbelief have also plagued so many in the body of Christ causing their
prayers to not be heard and their faith to be weak. If you believe in any
corner of your heart or mind that God is silent, passive, and distant...then the
battle has been lost in your life. Believe that He is near to you and fights on
your behalf. We need faith to move the mountains and obstacles in our way.
"The Lord will march forth
light a mighty hero; He will come out like a warrior, full of fury. He will
shout His battle cry and crush His enemies." Isaiah 42:13
NLT
"But the Lord stands
beside me like a mighty warrior. Before Him my persecutors will stumble. They
cannot defeat me." Jeremiah 20:11 NLT
Beloved we are created in the image of
this warrior God. We are created to fight and take ground. Let us fast and pray
to take back ground that has been stolen by the enemy in our lives, our
families, friends and those we minister to. If the Spirit of the Lord is in
you, then you are called to do battle.
Prayer: Lord Jesus
will you show us what is worth fighting for. Lord today we fight for our
marriages, our children, for morality and biblical values to be restored in this
nation. We fight for our friendships and relationships. We stand for truth,
absolute truth. We fight for justice, the oppressed, those enslaved to sin and
the enemy. We fight for the orphan and the widow. We fight and stand for
freedom from sin, from bondage, and from spiritual slavery. We are your sons
and daughters...HEAR OUR PRAYER O LORD!
Friday, July 12, 2013
A fast to defeat the enemy...
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke.” Isaiah 58:6
It is a good fast when your motive is to defeat the enemy. This passage speaks of cords, chains and yokes. These all represent bondage, slavery and oppression. When our fast is a fast to break the chains, and set the captives free, it is a good fast. Jesus gives us a model for this kind of fasting. After Jesus received His baptism through John the Baptist He fasted for forty days to confront Satan and his temptations (Matthew 4:1-2). Like Jesus, our fasting comes against bondage or temptation Satan is seeking to put on us. One church father, St. Hesychios, wrote,
“He (Jesus) taught us, as feeble as we are, that we should fight against the
demons with humility, fasting, prayer and watchfulness. For when, after
His baptism, He went into the desert and the devil came up to Him as though
He were merely a man, He began His spiritual warfare by fasting and won the
battle by this means.”
Our fasting will not only help bring freedom to our own lives, but it will also bring freedom for others who are in bondage and oppression. Fasting and prayer together are a deadly combination in overcoming strongholds. In fasting we choose to be weak, voluntarily, in order for God’s strength to be made manifest through us. Be encouraged today in your fasting, and may it be a fast that is pleasing to the heart of Jesus. Our corporate fast in a spirit of unity will accomplish much in the heavenly realms that could never be matched through human strength. It is amazing that we can come together in this way all over the world. Let us fast and pray for breakthrough in our own lives and the lives of those held captive to this world and the ways of the enemy. Fast for a loved one, a friend, or someone who desperately needs Jesus. We will see freedom and deliverance in Jesus name.
Prayer: Jesus give us your strength today as we set aside natural nourishment for heavenly manna. I ask Abba that each and every one joining in one accord today across the earth would feel your mighty presence and be encouraged in your love and truth. We love you and set our gaze on you once again. Amen.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Troubled Hearts
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1
If your heart is troubled today, there is good news. If you are anxious, fearful, depressed, or even suicidal then this is for you. This world we live in is full of trouble on every side. People are living in need, in fear, in desperate situations, and most importantly alienated from God.
Believe in His promises today. Believe in His goodness and hope for your life. Believe that if you abide in Christ, and He abides in you then you will bear much fruit. Fruit of hope and peace and love. There is no fear in perfect love. Jesus is perfect love. He came for you today. For those in despair and turmoil. You are not a failure. Your failings only prove that you need Jesus and He longs to speak truth and love into your troubled heart.
Rise up sons and daughters of God. You are of great value and worth. A pearl of greatest price. You are worth fighting for and He fights for you today. Fight with Him and not against Him. He is for you then who can be against you?
If your heart is troubled today, there is good news. If you are anxious, fearful, depressed, or even suicidal then this is for you. This world we live in is full of trouble on every side. People are living in need, in fear, in desperate situations, and most importantly alienated from God.
Believe in His promises today. Believe in His goodness and hope for your life. Believe that if you abide in Christ, and He abides in you then you will bear much fruit. Fruit of hope and peace and love. There is no fear in perfect love. Jesus is perfect love. He came for you today. For those in despair and turmoil. You are not a failure. Your failings only prove that you need Jesus and He longs to speak truth and love into your troubled heart.
Rise up sons and daughters of God. You are of great value and worth. A pearl of greatest price. You are worth fighting for and He fights for you today. Fight with Him and not against Him. He is for you then who can be against you?
Monday, July 1, 2013
Lasting Fruit
What's life in God all about anyways? So many have made it about being famous with big ministries, or seeking to be well known for a particular gifting or trait. Here in America the lines get a bit fuzzy. There are all kinds of ways to walk out a life of devotion and abandonment to Jesus. The one way that goes against the flow of our human nature and tendency, hiddenness. Most of the time we want to be noticed and complimented for the task performed, how well we led worship or preached. We are a culture of exalting man for what he has accomplished or what particular set of gifting he might have. It's okay to honor someone or to bless them when they are walking in their gifting. This is good and should be done. The key though is humility and cultivating a heart and attitude that would rather remain "hidden" than be known for something we did or accomplished. Our glory comes from being sons and daughters and walking the way Jesus himself did. Taking up our cross and following him daily. This is the fruit that will last. Spending time in the quiet and secret place. Knowing and listening to His voice. Loving our neighbor as ourselves. Doing good deeds and not letting your right hand know what the left is doing.
...to be continued.
...to be continued.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Disappointment
What do you do when disappointment sets in? How do you handle your heart when you feel like you have been betrayed, forgotten, or something did not work out that way you planned or hoped for? Life is full of disappointment, sometimes because we ourselves are the ones who bring it on due to various circumstances, and other times just because of the turbulence of life.
David in the Psalms was no stranger to disappointment and despair. He himself said, 'why so downcast o my soul...yet I will trust in God'. The old proverb that says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life' often rings in my head. What is my hope in? What is your hope in? I know we hope for certain things to work out in life, like getting a better job in order to make more money, or being tired of our immediate circumstances and wanting change and newness in life. There are many things that we hope for, some extremely important, and others trivial. The truth is that our only hope is in Christ alone.
We are created to enjoy and God wants us to experience joy in our friendships, our work, and ministry. I am realizing that when all is said and done, my joy rest in God alone. Knowing Him, and knowing His voice. I want to turn to Him in my disappointment and frustration and find hope. He is hope, when things don't work out as planned or anticipated. The tendency is to harbor anger, or unvoiced frustration. Can I not just pour out my complaint to the Lord? Is He not able to handle it? I guess I am learning that only when I am truthful with God, when I share my frustration with him, then I begin to find hope. Knowing that He wants to be involved in my hurt, in my despair, in my loneliness, in my failings. I am learning, slowly. Learning to voice my deepest heart to Him, that He cares and knows my needs.
Praying you find hope in the midst of disappointment. May there be an island or an oasis provided for you to enjoy when things don't go as planned. Be blessed.
David in the Psalms was no stranger to disappointment and despair. He himself said, 'why so downcast o my soul...yet I will trust in God'. The old proverb that says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life' often rings in my head. What is my hope in? What is your hope in? I know we hope for certain things to work out in life, like getting a better job in order to make more money, or being tired of our immediate circumstances and wanting change and newness in life. There are many things that we hope for, some extremely important, and others trivial. The truth is that our only hope is in Christ alone.
We are created to enjoy and God wants us to experience joy in our friendships, our work, and ministry. I am realizing that when all is said and done, my joy rest in God alone. Knowing Him, and knowing His voice. I want to turn to Him in my disappointment and frustration and find hope. He is hope, when things don't work out as planned or anticipated. The tendency is to harbor anger, or unvoiced frustration. Can I not just pour out my complaint to the Lord? Is He not able to handle it? I guess I am learning that only when I am truthful with God, when I share my frustration with him, then I begin to find hope. Knowing that He wants to be involved in my hurt, in my despair, in my loneliness, in my failings. I am learning, slowly. Learning to voice my deepest heart to Him, that He cares and knows my needs.
Praying you find hope in the midst of disappointment. May there be an island or an oasis provided for you to enjoy when things don't go as planned. Be blessed.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Discipline
Not one of my favorite words. Discipline. Yet a very important word that often times I have neglected. Why? Well the flesh always chooses the path of least resistance right? It's like you know that exercise is good for you but you still would rather veg out on the couch rather than run a few miles. It's like you know that heating healthier is a good and necessary thing for health and life, but the donuts just taste so darn good right? So what's the point?
The point is discipline. It does not come naturally to most people. It has to be worked in through habit and repetition. The more I do something over and over again the more it becomes routine. It's like riding my bike. I got to get it out and just do it! Once I ride I feel great. So let's get disciplined!
The point is discipline. It does not come naturally to most people. It has to be worked in through habit and repetition. The more I do something over and over again the more it becomes routine. It's like riding my bike. I got to get it out and just do it! Once I ride I feel great. So let's get disciplined!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Healing for the Heart
Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life!
Do you recall this ancient Proverb? Let it ring loud in your ear if you have forgotten or neglected it. Our hearts are the wellspring of life, life abundant or life neglected. We are all broken vessels in need of repair and restoration. The reality is if you were born into this world then you were born into brokenness, even if you had a great mother and father and family.
There is not one person who is perfect and completely healed. It is a journey all throughout life, but we must persevere on the path to wholeness. Many ministers and leaders are broken themselves and operate out of a wounded heart, rather than a heart that has been made whole and healed from past wounds and bondage.
If you are broken today, you are not alone. If you are struggling to feel hope with a certain issue or affliction, then you are not alone. The good news is that through Christ and the freedom that he offers, we can walk in newness of life. This is precisely what He died for. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free, right? Your heart identity is not one of slavery and sin, but of sonship and freedom.
Therefore guard your heart today, water your heart with the word. Seek help for your wounds and afflictions. Do not attempt to do it alone. Would you ask for help? If you are bleeding and you have tried yourself to many times to but the same old bandage over it, then allow someone to come along side you and help clean up that wound.
There is freedom, there is hope, there is deliverance. I am 36 and learning so much in ways that I cannot even begin to describe. I am on my own journey, don't neglect yours. Be blessed.
This is a picture I took in an apartment that I was working on. It is a wall behind a fridge that was covered in black mold, but on the other side light was shining through. If we do not tend our hearts, and expose things in the light, then the light will grow dim and the darkness will surround it. Praise be to God, He is in the business of removing the sin and mold in order to restore and purify us so that we shine like the stars in the heavens!
Do you recall this ancient Proverb? Let it ring loud in your ear if you have forgotten or neglected it. Our hearts are the wellspring of life, life abundant or life neglected. We are all broken vessels in need of repair and restoration. The reality is if you were born into this world then you were born into brokenness, even if you had a great mother and father and family.
There is not one person who is perfect and completely healed. It is a journey all throughout life, but we must persevere on the path to wholeness. Many ministers and leaders are broken themselves and operate out of a wounded heart, rather than a heart that has been made whole and healed from past wounds and bondage.
If you are broken today, you are not alone. If you are struggling to feel hope with a certain issue or affliction, then you are not alone. The good news is that through Christ and the freedom that he offers, we can walk in newness of life. This is precisely what He died for. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free, right? Your heart identity is not one of slavery and sin, but of sonship and freedom.
Therefore guard your heart today, water your heart with the word. Seek help for your wounds and afflictions. Do not attempt to do it alone. Would you ask for help? If you are bleeding and you have tried yourself to many times to but the same old bandage over it, then allow someone to come along side you and help clean up that wound.
There is freedom, there is hope, there is deliverance. I am 36 and learning so much in ways that I cannot even begin to describe. I am on my own journey, don't neglect yours. Be blessed.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Laughter is good medicine...
Laugh out loud, right?
Laugh often out of sight.
Laugh in the morning and laugh in the evening.
Laugh throughout your day when your coming and when your leaving.
Laugh when your angry.
Laugh when your sad.
Laugh when your a good boy, and laugh when you are 'bad'.
Laughter is good medicine.
Laughter softens the heart, and makes others smile.
Laughter is an exercise, like eating and breathing all the while.
Laughter calms the nerves.
Laughter soothes the pain.
Laughter is not only for jokes.
Laughter is for sun and rain.
Laugh on cold and dark days.
Laugh through warm and sunny rays.
Laugh with your kids, and laugh with your wife.
Laugh at yourself it really does pay.
Laugh, laugh, laugh. There is a time to laugh.
Laugh often out of sight.
Laugh in the morning and laugh in the evening.
Laugh throughout your day when your coming and when your leaving.
Laugh when your angry.
Laugh when your sad.
Laugh when your a good boy, and laugh when you are 'bad'.
Laughter is good medicine.
Laughter softens the heart, and makes others smile.
Laughter is an exercise, like eating and breathing all the while.
Laughter calms the nerves.
Laughter soothes the pain.
Laughter is not only for jokes.
Laughter is for sun and rain.
Laugh on cold and dark days.
Laugh through warm and sunny rays.
Laugh with your kids, and laugh with your wife.
Laugh at yourself it really does pay.
Laugh, laugh, laugh. There is a time to laugh.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Listening to 'The Voice'
I have to say that each minute of the day there is an opportunity to hear God's voice. Does that surprise you? It shouldn't if you are a born again believer in Jesus. He promised that the Helper would come and dwell in us and convict us of sin, and lead us in all righteousness. How then does He convict us of sin if He does not speak to us? How does He lead us in all righteousness if we are not listening? In John 10 it talks about the sheep knowing the voice of the shepherd. We have no excuse. He is always speaking and we are not always listening.
It is a choice to listen, because often it requires obedience and therefore stepping out of our comfort zone. Often times the voice does not always make 'sense' to our rational, logical mind. Why would He want to make sense to our rational minds anyways? He is God of the universe, God of all power and creation. What He does who can fathom? He holds the keys to all things. Does it make sense to you how a leaf falls from a tree and gently lands here or there? Does it make sense to you that the Holy Spirit is like the wind and where He blows who can measure? Ah, therefore we must walk by faith and not by sight. We must learn to listen to not just another human voice, but an eternal voice. A voice that thunders and rumbles, and yet is soft and still. I am slowly learning. I often feel like a dumb sheep that just does not get it. We are all on this journey of learning to listen and obey.
Testimony:
Just the other day my 5 year old son and I were driving home from the grocery store. I noticed a man walking on the side walk with a cane. I drove pass him and all of a sudden I had a split-second urge to turn around. I say split second because that is all it takes usually to talk yourself out of something like this. If we learn to obey in split-second moments then we would be much further along. Anyhow, so I said to my son that we needed to turn around and pray for the "man with the cane". He seemed eager to do so, an adventure with dad nonetheless. I pulled into a parking lot and jumped out of the car and walked up to the man and greeted him in English. He looked and me and said, "No Hablo Ingles". Thankfully I am fluent in Spanish so perfect! I then asked him why he had the cane and he began to explain to me the 'incurable' hereditary bone disease he had. I then began to share with him that there is no disease or sickness that in 'incurable' to the One who created His body. I told him that I believed that God wanted to heal his body. I then asked him if he believed in God. He said yes, so I then proceeded to share the power of Jesus blood with him. My son and I laid our hands on the man and began to pray. I sensed my hand and his shoulder and neck area getting really warm. I asked him after we were finished praying if he felt anything. He said that his neck and shoulder were hot and that he had more movement in them. We were excited because the Holy Spirit was working on him! I prayed again that God would complete this healing. He shook my hand and with a smile on his face walked off. Orlando was from Cuba, and I thought to myself of how good God is to allow us to partner with what He is already doing. Had I not listened to "The Voice" in a split-second fashion, I would have missed this opportunity.
I want to encourage you no matter where you are at in your faith. I am a nobody who often times misses the mark. I am not always obedient, and I am not always taking every opportunity that God has given me. I want to me more faithful, more obedient, and more consistent with sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for the sick. Be blessed today.
It is a choice to listen, because often it requires obedience and therefore stepping out of our comfort zone. Often times the voice does not always make 'sense' to our rational, logical mind. Why would He want to make sense to our rational minds anyways? He is God of the universe, God of all power and creation. What He does who can fathom? He holds the keys to all things. Does it make sense to you how a leaf falls from a tree and gently lands here or there? Does it make sense to you that the Holy Spirit is like the wind and where He blows who can measure? Ah, therefore we must walk by faith and not by sight. We must learn to listen to not just another human voice, but an eternal voice. A voice that thunders and rumbles, and yet is soft and still. I am slowly learning. I often feel like a dumb sheep that just does not get it. We are all on this journey of learning to listen and obey.
Testimony:
Just the other day my 5 year old son and I were driving home from the grocery store. I noticed a man walking on the side walk with a cane. I drove pass him and all of a sudden I had a split-second urge to turn around. I say split second because that is all it takes usually to talk yourself out of something like this. If we learn to obey in split-second moments then we would be much further along. Anyhow, so I said to my son that we needed to turn around and pray for the "man with the cane". He seemed eager to do so, an adventure with dad nonetheless. I pulled into a parking lot and jumped out of the car and walked up to the man and greeted him in English. He looked and me and said, "No Hablo Ingles". Thankfully I am fluent in Spanish so perfect! I then asked him why he had the cane and he began to explain to me the 'incurable' hereditary bone disease he had. I then began to share with him that there is no disease or sickness that in 'incurable' to the One who created His body. I told him that I believed that God wanted to heal his body. I then asked him if he believed in God. He said yes, so I then proceeded to share the power of Jesus blood with him. My son and I laid our hands on the man and began to pray. I sensed my hand and his shoulder and neck area getting really warm. I asked him after we were finished praying if he felt anything. He said that his neck and shoulder were hot and that he had more movement in them. We were excited because the Holy Spirit was working on him! I prayed again that God would complete this healing. He shook my hand and with a smile on his face walked off. Orlando was from Cuba, and I thought to myself of how good God is to allow us to partner with what He is already doing. Had I not listened to "The Voice" in a split-second fashion, I would have missed this opportunity.
I want to encourage you no matter where you are at in your faith. I am a nobody who often times misses the mark. I am not always obedient, and I am not always taking every opportunity that God has given me. I want to me more faithful, more obedient, and more consistent with sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for the sick. Be blessed today.
"Lord help me to follow you today wherever you lead. Would you allow me to be like a child
and simply hold your hand through this journey?"
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Slacker
I have obviously been a slacker of late with my blog. It seems that my little three kids and my workload has gotten the best of me these days. I must be motivated to receive fresh inspiration.
There are days when writing seems to take much effort, and other days where it just flows naturally. I guess it is just the way it goes.
The one thought that keeps coming to mind today is that there are many people without a father or Shepherd in their lives I am burdened for those that are wandering like lost sheep, who are looking for family, a place of belonging. I'm so grateful that God has a heart of compassion And that he places the lonely in families. Everyone longs to be loved and accepted and to belong with someone.
There are days when writing seems to take much effort, and other days where it just flows naturally. I guess it is just the way it goes.
The one thought that keeps coming to mind today is that there are many people without a father or Shepherd in their lives I am burdened for those that are wandering like lost sheep, who are looking for family, a place of belonging. I'm so grateful that God has a heart of compassion And that he places the lonely in families. Everyone longs to be loved and accepted and to belong with someone.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Believe
23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11
I don't know about you but these verses are really challenging to me. On the one hand they pierce my heart like no other, and on the other hand I struggle believing that I walk in this in fullness. I want to have the kind of faith that will move mountains. I long for the confidence to ask the father in faith no matter how big the challenge or obstacle is in front of me.
Doubt is the enemy to faith. Doubt will always cause us to fall short of overcoming and being victorious as His sons and daughters. If you are human then you occasionally will struggle with doubt. If you are His child then know that He has given you faith through the Holy Spirit. If we are faithless, He will remain faithful. That is really good news. The key is we must not stay there in the place of doubt. Faith will overcome.
Father would you increase my child like faith? I want to simply believe and not doubt. Nothing is impossible for you. Absolutely nothing. If I am your son then nothing should be impossible for me either. Spirit and the bride say come.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11
I don't know about you but these verses are really challenging to me. On the one hand they pierce my heart like no other, and on the other hand I struggle believing that I walk in this in fullness. I want to have the kind of faith that will move mountains. I long for the confidence to ask the father in faith no matter how big the challenge or obstacle is in front of me.
Doubt is the enemy to faith. Doubt will always cause us to fall short of overcoming and being victorious as His sons and daughters. If you are human then you occasionally will struggle with doubt. If you are His child then know that He has given you faith through the Holy Spirit. If we are faithless, He will remain faithful. That is really good news. The key is we must not stay there in the place of doubt. Faith will overcome.
Father would you increase my child like faith? I want to simply believe and not doubt. Nothing is impossible for you. Absolutely nothing. If I am your son then nothing should be impossible for me either. Spirit and the bride say come.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Intensely Radiant
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. Mark 8:2-3
Do you realize that with those who are closest to Jesus are the ones that will see him and all of his glory? After all isn't that what Jesus longs for, for his people to know him deeply and intimately. If we spend our days beholding his beauty and glory then we to will become like him.
I oftentimes think of what it would have been like for James, Peter and John to have seen Jesus in all of his glory on that mountain. Can you imagine the look on their faces when the radiant one and all of his brilliant light hit them in the face? They would never be the same again, and they would never look at Jesus the same way either.
The truth is I want to be changed by his radiance in my life. I want to spend time knowing his heart, and knowing his ways and everything about him. It is only in this place that I will become like him. Then of those around me who do not know him they will see if the glory of Jesus in my life radiating out from me.
Do you realize that with those who are closest to Jesus are the ones that will see him and all of his glory? After all isn't that what Jesus longs for, for his people to know him deeply and intimately. If we spend our days beholding his beauty and glory then we to will become like him.
I oftentimes think of what it would have been like for James, Peter and John to have seen Jesus in all of his glory on that mountain. Can you imagine the look on their faces when the radiant one and all of his brilliant light hit them in the face? They would never be the same again, and they would never look at Jesus the same way either.
The truth is I want to be changed by his radiance in my life. I want to spend time knowing his heart, and knowing his ways and everything about him. It is only in this place that I will become like him. Then of those around me who do not know him they will see if the glory of Jesus in my life radiating out from me.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Faith not Fear
40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Matthew 4:40-41
Faith is the opposite of fear. They cannot coexist in the same room together, they have nothing in common. Jesus being the son of God, was full of faith and he understood that fear is the enemy of faith. We must also walk in faith and not give in to fear. There are many opportunities to be afraid and yet Jesus calls us to stand strong and rebuke the storm.
Can you picture Jesus in your boat today in the midst of a raging storm? What position are you taking, are you staggering in fear or are you standing in the faith? We live in a world where fear controls the hearts and minds of men. The great enemy of our souls uses fear as one of his main tactics against us. Will you choose today to stand in faith no matter how big the mountain in front of you is? Will you choose to not waiver and doubt, but rather be bold and aggressively pursue the kingdom of God?
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Matthew 4:40-41
Faith is the opposite of fear. They cannot coexist in the same room together, they have nothing in common. Jesus being the son of God, was full of faith and he understood that fear is the enemy of faith. We must also walk in faith and not give in to fear. There are many opportunities to be afraid and yet Jesus calls us to stand strong and rebuke the storm.
Can you picture Jesus in your boat today in the midst of a raging storm? What position are you taking, are you staggering in fear or are you standing in the faith? We live in a world where fear controls the hearts and minds of men. The great enemy of our souls uses fear as one of his main tactics against us. Will you choose today to stand in faith no matter how big the mountain in front of you is? Will you choose to not waiver and doubt, but rather be bold and aggressively pursue the kingdom of God?
Monday, March 4, 2013
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6
Do you spend a lot of time worrying about tomorrow? Do you find it difficult to live in the moment and to just focus on today? If so, you're not alone. Many people are very distracted with what tomorrow holds rather than focusing on what is right in front of them today. It really boils down to control, the fact is we like to be in control. We want to know what comes in and what goes out. When we trust Jesus for today we release that control to him. He knows what is best for our lives anyway.
We must learn to live in the moment and embrace the moment and every opportunity that comes our way today. We have not been given tomorrow and tomorrow new challenges will arise. Let us learn to find Jesus in today.
Do you spend a lot of time worrying about tomorrow? Do you find it difficult to live in the moment and to just focus on today? If so, you're not alone. Many people are very distracted with what tomorrow holds rather than focusing on what is right in front of them today. It really boils down to control, the fact is we like to be in control. We want to know what comes in and what goes out. When we trust Jesus for today we release that control to him. He knows what is best for our lives anyway.
We must learn to live in the moment and embrace the moment and every opportunity that comes our way today. We have not been given tomorrow and tomorrow new challenges will arise. Let us learn to find Jesus in today.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
In sickness and health...
You remember your vows to those of you who are married? That part that said in sickness and health, for better or worse? I can't say how much this means to know that I have a spouse that will stick with me no matter what may come. My wife and I as well as our whole family have been hit with sickness for the past two weeks. I must say that when you feel your weakest you for sure appreciate your mate even when they are also tired and weary and feel like giving up. We never give up on each other, and I am amazed by God's goodness to me in my marriage.
After nearly 8 years of marriage and three amazing children, I have come to value the vows that I pledged to my bride on our wedding day. Each day that goes by I am more and more grateful that I married her. She has been a source of strength, comfort, rest and help in more ways than I could imagine. My hope is that our marriage would continue to flourish and that we could encourage others in their marriage to never give up on each other. God's design for marriage is to radiate the love of Jesus to the world around us. Through Godly marriages many will see Jesus. This is amazing. It is the kind of selfless love, sacrificial love, long suffering love, undying love, not just emotional based feely feely love....but eternal love that only the Father gives. Truly awesome.
After nearly 8 years of marriage and three amazing children, I have come to value the vows that I pledged to my bride on our wedding day. Each day that goes by I am more and more grateful that I married her. She has been a source of strength, comfort, rest and help in more ways than I could imagine. My hope is that our marriage would continue to flourish and that we could encourage others in their marriage to never give up on each other. God's design for marriage is to radiate the love of Jesus to the world around us. Through Godly marriages many will see Jesus. This is amazing. It is the kind of selfless love, sacrificial love, long suffering love, undying love, not just emotional based feely feely love....but eternal love that only the Father gives. Truly awesome.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Get up and walk!
So what do you do when you fall down?
I was watching my 9 month old boy yesterday as he was pushing his little walking cart. He is very determined to walk, and every time he falls down he gets right back up and struggles a bit but eventually grabs hold of the bars and keeps trying. He is determined to walk! How classic is that? Were we all not determined to get up and walk when we were little diaper dippin' babies? Was there not something built in us that was so natural it was like breathing? Its funny how sometimes the greatest lessons we learn are not from the great grey haired sage theologians, but rather the small infants, babes, and toddlers.
Jesus also was determined to teach His disciples to get right back up and walk whenever they failed or made a horrible fool of themselves. He could of laughed at them, ridiculed them, left them, been angry at them...but He chose to be patient and long suffering towards them. He taught them to fight for what is worth fighting for, namely the Kingdom of God. He taught them to persevere and not give up, no matter what trial or obstacle they were facing. He taught them the unseen glory of loving God when nothing made sense, when all seemed lost or destroyed. He taught them to live by faith and not by sight. This is deep, and beautiful. God incarnate, walking in the midst of flesh and dirt, who Himself became flesh. Jesus knew the weaknesses of the human heart. He knew how prone people were to fail, and to fail miserably.
The good news is for you and I is that we must get up and walk again after we have failed. Its not a question of will you fail, but rather when you fail. Fail we will, and at times miserably. Do not beat yourself over the head or wallow in condemnation, rather use it as an opportunity to discover the gift of grace, the gift of the blood of Jesus, and run into His arms rather than away. You are dearly loved today!
I was watching my 9 month old boy yesterday as he was pushing his little walking cart. He is very determined to walk, and every time he falls down he gets right back up and struggles a bit but eventually grabs hold of the bars and keeps trying. He is determined to walk! How classic is that? Were we all not determined to get up and walk when we were little diaper dippin' babies? Was there not something built in us that was so natural it was like breathing? Its funny how sometimes the greatest lessons we learn are not from the great grey haired sage theologians, but rather the small infants, babes, and toddlers.
Jesus also was determined to teach His disciples to get right back up and walk whenever they failed or made a horrible fool of themselves. He could of laughed at them, ridiculed them, left them, been angry at them...but He chose to be patient and long suffering towards them. He taught them to fight for what is worth fighting for, namely the Kingdom of God. He taught them to persevere and not give up, no matter what trial or obstacle they were facing. He taught them the unseen glory of loving God when nothing made sense, when all seemed lost or destroyed. He taught them to live by faith and not by sight. This is deep, and beautiful. God incarnate, walking in the midst of flesh and dirt, who Himself became flesh. Jesus knew the weaknesses of the human heart. He knew how prone people were to fail, and to fail miserably.
The good news is for you and I is that we must get up and walk again after we have failed. Its not a question of will you fail, but rather when you fail. Fail we will, and at times miserably. Do not beat yourself over the head or wallow in condemnation, rather use it as an opportunity to discover the gift of grace, the gift of the blood of Jesus, and run into His arms rather than away. You are dearly loved today!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Feed My Sheep
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep. (John 21:15-17 NASB)
Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Three times Peter said yes Lord I love you. Three times Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep. To those who are closest to Jesus, they will understand what his heart is. His heart is that His sheep are taken care of. He loves people and desires them to wholeheartedly love him back. Jesus is the good Shepherd and he knows his sheep very well. He understands everything about them, even their greatest weaknesses and frailties. He desires today that if you are his son or daughter that you know his voice very well.
You can be very confident of this one thing, that you will always be loved and cared for by the great Shepherd himself. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He even leaves the 99 sheep to go after the one that is lost, if you are lost today, then he will find you.
Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Three times Peter said yes Lord I love you. Three times Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep. To those who are closest to Jesus, they will understand what his heart is. His heart is that His sheep are taken care of. He loves people and desires them to wholeheartedly love him back. Jesus is the good Shepherd and he knows his sheep very well. He understands everything about them, even their greatest weaknesses and frailties. He desires today that if you are his son or daughter that you know his voice very well.
You can be very confident of this one thing, that you will always be loved and cared for by the great Shepherd himself. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He even leaves the 99 sheep to go after the one that is lost, if you are lost today, then he will find you.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Love in the air
Can you imagine the woman whom was about to be stoned to death for allegedly being caught in an affair? What must have been going through her heart and mind? Jesus knew what these Pharisees were trying to do, which was to set a trap for him to see what he would do.
Verse 7: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "let anyone of you who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her".
One by one they all began to leave. Jesus straightened out and asked her, who are they that condemn you? No one sir, she said. Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.
What do you feel when you read this? What emotions does it stir deep in you regarding the nature of Jesus? Do you think she would ever be the same after that encounter with the Christ? I highly doubt that.
Verse 7: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "let anyone of you who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her".
One by one they all began to leave. Jesus straightened out and asked her, who are they that condemn you? No one sir, she said. Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.
What do you feel when you read this? What emotions does it stir deep in you regarding the nature of Jesus? Do you think she would ever be the same after that encounter with the Christ? I highly doubt that.
Monday, February 11, 2013
A closer look within...
Behold the hand of the Lord is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have divided between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he should not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue uttereth iniquity. There is none that calleth upon justice, neither is there any one that judgeth truly; but they trust in a mere nothing, and speak vanities; they have conceived labour, and brought forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:1-4
A chilling reminder that the Lord is the only one who is righteous in all He does. We as humans are truly filled with iniquity at every corner. If it was not for the great mercy of God we would all be doomed. Just when I think I am a good person, I get a reality check and I am reminded that nothing good comes from this body. Only the Spirit of God living in me and the power of the blood of Jesus cause righteousness to spring forth! Oh how I desire to be pure, truly in every way. We must continue to run the race and not lose hope. One day it will pay off, whatever you have suffered for righteousness sake you will be blessed. Jesus is our exceedingly great reward. Stay the path of truth, do not deviate from it one direction or the other. Keep your eyes focused like a dove, locked straight ahead. Bring others along with you, persuade them to walk this narrow path, for life they will find. He who searches the hearts and minds of men is not deceived. If we sow to righteousness, then we shall reap righteousness. Let us walk in the light, as He is the light. I am challenged today.
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue uttereth iniquity. There is none that calleth upon justice, neither is there any one that judgeth truly; but they trust in a mere nothing, and speak vanities; they have conceived labour, and brought forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:1-4
A chilling reminder that the Lord is the only one who is righteous in all He does. We as humans are truly filled with iniquity at every corner. If it was not for the great mercy of God we would all be doomed. Just when I think I am a good person, I get a reality check and I am reminded that nothing good comes from this body. Only the Spirit of God living in me and the power of the blood of Jesus cause righteousness to spring forth! Oh how I desire to be pure, truly in every way. We must continue to run the race and not lose hope. One day it will pay off, whatever you have suffered for righteousness sake you will be blessed. Jesus is our exceedingly great reward. Stay the path of truth, do not deviate from it one direction or the other. Keep your eyes focused like a dove, locked straight ahead. Bring others along with you, persuade them to walk this narrow path, for life they will find. He who searches the hearts and minds of men is not deceived. If we sow to righteousness, then we shall reap righteousness. Let us walk in the light, as He is the light. I am challenged today.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
how do you explain light through the clouds?
Yesterday I was mesmerized by light rays shining through the clouds.
It took me to another realm for a moment, one beyond this earth.
Thoughts of eternity flickered like a bright flame through my minds eye.
Smile on my face seemed to be hard to wipe off.
Alas, how do you explain that kind of light shining through the clouds?
Glorious...yes, very much so.
I wonder what light looks like when there is no more darkness?
Been dreaming about that day, really since yesterday.
I dreamed that I was a little boy flying through the sky, catching rays of light.
Perfect, yes perfection in a moment.
Back to this realm for now, but I will visit soon again, very soon.
It took me to another realm for a moment, one beyond this earth.
Thoughts of eternity flickered like a bright flame through my minds eye.
Smile on my face seemed to be hard to wipe off.
Alas, how do you explain that kind of light shining through the clouds?
Glorious...yes, very much so.
I wonder what light looks like when there is no more darkness?
Been dreaming about that day, really since yesterday.
I dreamed that I was a little boy flying through the sky, catching rays of light.
Perfect, yes perfection in a moment.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Walk Carefully
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
There is no doubt in my mind that the days we are living in are seeing an increase in darkness, sin, evil and destruction. The days are evil and they always have been since Christ walked the earth and even before. You see ever since mankind fell in that garden the introduction and display of evil has been made manifest. Sickness, pain, sorrow, toil, hardship, and despair have become the portion of the soul. The only rescue and hope we have is the blood of Jesus Christ. He became sin who knew no sin in order that we might become the righteousness of God. Amazing indeed.
We must walk very carefully with great wisdom and calculation. How do we keep ourselves occupied with truth and righteousness? How do we set ourselves apart from the darkness that so sets in around us? How do we not lose faith in the midst of the trial and the pain? Bring your hearts before the Almighty and He will guide you through His words of life. Our hope is found in His word. This alone is life and truth.
There is no doubt in my mind that the days we are living in are seeing an increase in darkness, sin, evil and destruction. The days are evil and they always have been since Christ walked the earth and even before. You see ever since mankind fell in that garden the introduction and display of evil has been made manifest. Sickness, pain, sorrow, toil, hardship, and despair have become the portion of the soul. The only rescue and hope we have is the blood of Jesus Christ. He became sin who knew no sin in order that we might become the righteousness of God. Amazing indeed.
We must walk very carefully with great wisdom and calculation. How do we keep ourselves occupied with truth and righteousness? How do we set ourselves apart from the darkness that so sets in around us? How do we not lose faith in the midst of the trial and the pain? Bring your hearts before the Almighty and He will guide you through His words of life. Our hope is found in His word. This alone is life and truth.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Beautiful People
Look around you today and open your heart to see
All the beautiful people, who long to be set free
Created to know and worship the Creator
People so far have strayed from their maker
Mountains and Oceans surround them
Trees and Rocks around them
Creation groans and aches for God
Begging all to return to the One who died for them
Beautiful people, who have lost their way
Restore them to the garden today
Where all is well and with you they dwell
No longer on a highway leading straight to hell
Heaven calls them, longs to see, choosing life over death
You who know who you are, from afar, draw them in
Speak worth, speak truth, speak beauty, speak love
Speak hope, speak light, speak peace, speak carefully
Speak after listening, speak softly, say their names.
All the beautiful people, who long to be set free
Created to know and worship the Creator
People so far have strayed from their maker
Mountains and Oceans surround them
Trees and Rocks around them
Creation groans and aches for God
Begging all to return to the One who died for them
Beautiful people, who have lost their way
Restore them to the garden today
Where all is well and with you they dwell
No longer on a highway leading straight to hell
Heaven calls them, longs to see, choosing life over death
You who know who you are, from afar, draw them in
Speak worth, speak truth, speak beauty, speak love
Speak hope, speak light, speak peace, speak carefully
Speak after listening, speak softly, say their names.
Friday, February 1, 2013
January 31, 1865
Last night I realized as I was at the theater watching the movie Lincoln that it was January 31st. One Hundred and Forty Eight years ago(148) the 13th amendment to end slavery in America was passed. If you have seen the movie Lincoln produced by Steven Spielberg then you have an idea of what this meant. As I was being entertained I realized that something deeper was stirring in my thoughts and heart. The question of justice, and what God thinks about justice for people that He created to be free. I began to think about the modern day slave movements of human trafficking and the exploitation of children in different countries, and how this world is dark with oppression. I realize that God cares deeply about justice for the fatherless, the widow, the orphan and the oppressed. Just as Abraham Lincoln was raised up to be a voice for the oppressed and ultimately the one who pushed to see reformation. It costs him everything, and in the end his very life. We must also be willing to pay the price no matter how much it costs to be a voice for the voiceless, including the innocent children that are aborted everyday. I am deeply challenged and convicted in my own life in areas that I know I can do better to be a voice for the oppressed.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Unity
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
What would a unified husband and wife look like? Imagine a family that is fully unified, brother to brother, sister to sister. We live in a world full of discord and disunity so I am not even going to talk about the world, for true unity comes only through the Spirit.
The church in all of its glory is to be a unified body, a healthy living and loving organic body deeply connected to the vine and one another. For the most part the church is me, myself, and I in the west. We copy what the world is doing and the world is only concerned about one thing, itself. There is a greater calling, a calling where unity is the goal and people loving one another deeply from the heart is the norm. How do we get back there? How do we go there? One thing is for sure you must swim against the tide and lead by example.
Humility and gentleness, patience and bearing with one another is where it starts according to Paul. We must be eager or serious to maintain unity and the bond of peace, for without this commitment we will not see it in its fullness.
Can you imagine what a unified church looks like? Can you imagine what we could accomplish for the kingdom? Can you imagine what the world would see in this kind of body that loves deeply, cares freely, creates openly, sustains always, nurtures carefully, listens intently, and is unified fully? This is what we are after. Be blessed.
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
What would a unified husband and wife look like? Imagine a family that is fully unified, brother to brother, sister to sister. We live in a world full of discord and disunity so I am not even going to talk about the world, for true unity comes only through the Spirit.
The church in all of its glory is to be a unified body, a healthy living and loving organic body deeply connected to the vine and one another. For the most part the church is me, myself, and I in the west. We copy what the world is doing and the world is only concerned about one thing, itself. There is a greater calling, a calling where unity is the goal and people loving one another deeply from the heart is the norm. How do we get back there? How do we go there? One thing is for sure you must swim against the tide and lead by example.
Humility and gentleness, patience and bearing with one another is where it starts according to Paul. We must be eager or serious to maintain unity and the bond of peace, for without this commitment we will not see it in its fullness.
Can you imagine what a unified church looks like? Can you imagine what we could accomplish for the kingdom? Can you imagine what the world would see in this kind of body that loves deeply, cares freely, creates openly, sustains always, nurtures carefully, listens intently, and is unified fully? This is what we are after. Be blessed.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Too deep for words
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26
Isn't it amazing that God Himself prays for you and me? Doesn't that just mess with your mind? The God of the universe intercedes on your behalf with more than words, deep groanings which no man can understand. These groanings are heavens language, a kingdom unknown to this world. The Spirit of God is your greatest ally. Your back is covered, your life secure in His constant covering.
When your prayers seem to fail guess what? It's okay. He never fails. When your faith seems to fall short. It's okay. His faith never diminishes or fades. You can be confident that today the Holy Spirit of God intercedes on your behalf. He is jealous and passionate for you in ways you will not understand until eternity. We are weak and frail beings in need of a God who is never weak or frail. Our God never sleeps or slumbers but is continually on the watch for us. Amazing that He loves so deeply and carries us in intercession before the Father. This motivates me to want to learn all the more how to pray. Teach us Oh God how to pray! For prayer is the communion with you, the door to the mysteries revealed. Let us hunger and thirst for this communion with the Spirit and the Son and the Father.
Romans 8:26
Isn't it amazing that God Himself prays for you and me? Doesn't that just mess with your mind? The God of the universe intercedes on your behalf with more than words, deep groanings which no man can understand. These groanings are heavens language, a kingdom unknown to this world. The Spirit of God is your greatest ally. Your back is covered, your life secure in His constant covering.
When your prayers seem to fail guess what? It's okay. He never fails. When your faith seems to fall short. It's okay. His faith never diminishes or fades. You can be confident that today the Holy Spirit of God intercedes on your behalf. He is jealous and passionate for you in ways you will not understand until eternity. We are weak and frail beings in need of a God who is never weak or frail. Our God never sleeps or slumbers but is continually on the watch for us. Amazing that He loves so deeply and carries us in intercession before the Father. This motivates me to want to learn all the more how to pray. Teach us Oh God how to pray! For prayer is the communion with you, the door to the mysteries revealed. Let us hunger and thirst for this communion with the Spirit and the Son and the Father.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Silent Cry
40 years ago this week a dark cloud settled over this land. A day that will never be forgotten in eternity. A day when man decided to take the lives of the unborn in their own hands and justify it being a choice to live or die. Man is not the author of life or death. Man cannot destroy what God has created. Over 50 million innocent lives have been taken over the past 40 years in a holocaust unlike any the world has ever seen. This nation because of its decision to take away life has opened the doors to a great cloud of darkness and gloom that has continued to see destruction in the most evil forms. Let there be no mistake, we reap what we sow. If we sow life, then we will reap life. If we sow death, then death will be our portion.
Heaven knows the beautiful faces of the millions of babies that have been innocently done away with. They are forever in eternity with a merciful and loving God who knows them each by name and has called them His own. God is always in the business of redeeming and restoring what the enemy has broken or destroyed. The hearts of man are wicked and deceitful above all and in need of the judgements from a loving and jealous God.
There is a verse in Isaiah 61:8 that says,"For I the Lord love justice". Do not be deceived friends, our God is a God of justice and mercy. He will have His way on that terrible day. I long for peace, truth and righteousness to permeate the hearts of every woman, man, and child.
Heaven knows the beautiful faces of the millions of babies that have been innocently done away with. They are forever in eternity with a merciful and loving God who knows them each by name and has called them His own. God is always in the business of redeeming and restoring what the enemy has broken or destroyed. The hearts of man are wicked and deceitful above all and in need of the judgements from a loving and jealous God.
There is a verse in Isaiah 61:8 that says,"For I the Lord love justice". Do not be deceived friends, our God is a God of justice and mercy. He will have His way on that terrible day. I long for peace, truth and righteousness to permeate the hearts of every woman, man, and child.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Choose Love
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to live, and die
A flower in the desert, love blossoms anywhere
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to know, and grow
A sun shining bright, love shines in the night
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to see, and be free
A soul comes alive, when love resides
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to build, and rebuild
A wall comes down, when love abounds
Choose love
Choose life
Seize the moment...love and let it grow.
Choose life
Its the only way to live, and die
A flower in the desert, love blossoms anywhere
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to know, and grow
A sun shining bright, love shines in the night
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to see, and be free
A soul comes alive, when love resides
Choose love
Choose life
Its the only way to build, and rebuild
A wall comes down, when love abounds
Choose love
Choose life
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Perfected in Love
No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12
The formula for God abiding in us and His love being perfected through us is love. Love is the measure of how much of God lives in you and me. We have never seen God. No one can see God and live. Moses was the only one that saw God face to face and lived. Loving one another deeply is almost the same as seeing God. According to God if you love one another and you are perfected in this, then you know Him and have 'seen' Him.
I believe we are deeply in need of a revolution of love for one another. I really believe this is the measure in which revival will be poured out. True and genuine love will break open things that otherwise would never be discovered. People are drawn to genuine love, a kind of no strings attached love. This kind of love will bring great freedom. Can you taste and feel it?
The formula for God abiding in us and His love being perfected through us is love. Love is the measure of how much of God lives in you and me. We have never seen God. No one can see God and live. Moses was the only one that saw God face to face and lived. Loving one another deeply is almost the same as seeing God. According to God if you love one another and you are perfected in this, then you know Him and have 'seen' Him.
I believe we are deeply in need of a revolution of love for one another. I really believe this is the measure in which revival will be poured out. True and genuine love will break open things that otherwise would never be discovered. People are drawn to genuine love, a kind of no strings attached love. This kind of love will bring great freedom. Can you taste and feel it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Full of fresh Spinach
Jesus said in John 10:10, 'I come to give life, and life to the full'. Jesus is all about fullness, He does not do anything half way or half hearted. Have you read the gospels lately? Have you noticed how intense and focused He was on the mission the Father gave Him?
Last night I had a dream, I will only share the part of the dream that reflects the title of this post. I was speaking in front of a large group of people. Previously to being up in front of this group someone had given me a big clear container of fresh organic spinach. If anyone shops at Costco then you know what I am referring to. In the dream I said that the Father is a good gift giver and I held up the big box of spinach for all to see. I said that what God gives us is Fresh and Full, and it is good for us (nutritious in other words). This box of fresh spinach was symbolic in my dream of the abundant life. It's like fresh manna, you have to eat it everyday or else it will spoil. We have to be connected daily to the vine and remain in Him. Spinach will go bad rather quickly so it must be eaten at a fast pace. Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit all love the fullness. They are the fullness together, they give and release the fullness in each one of their sons and daughters.
My sense in these days is that the Father is longing to release His Holy Spirit to His people without measure, but of course we need to steward this without mixture (compromise, sin, self promotion, etc). He loves to pour out His spirit in ways we cannot even imagine. He is after establishing His Kingdom that will only grow and grow and grow until the fullness of all that is in His heart comes forth. We must be organic, spontaneous, risky, adventurous, and willing to do all that He requires and commands us to do. Obedience is better than sacrifice. So enjoy a big full container of fresh organic spinach today! Be blessed.
Last night I had a dream, I will only share the part of the dream that reflects the title of this post. I was speaking in front of a large group of people. Previously to being up in front of this group someone had given me a big clear container of fresh organic spinach. If anyone shops at Costco then you know what I am referring to. In the dream I said that the Father is a good gift giver and I held up the big box of spinach for all to see. I said that what God gives us is Fresh and Full, and it is good for us (nutritious in other words). This box of fresh spinach was symbolic in my dream of the abundant life. It's like fresh manna, you have to eat it everyday or else it will spoil. We have to be connected daily to the vine and remain in Him. Spinach will go bad rather quickly so it must be eaten at a fast pace. Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit all love the fullness. They are the fullness together, they give and release the fullness in each one of their sons and daughters.
My sense in these days is that the Father is longing to release His Holy Spirit to His people without measure, but of course we need to steward this without mixture (compromise, sin, self promotion, etc). He loves to pour out His spirit in ways we cannot even imagine. He is after establishing His Kingdom that will only grow and grow and grow until the fullness of all that is in His heart comes forth. We must be organic, spontaneous, risky, adventurous, and willing to do all that He requires and commands us to do. Obedience is better than sacrifice. So enjoy a big full container of fresh organic spinach today! Be blessed.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Friendship
Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. Think for a moment of the few friends that have been with you through thick and thin. What was it about them that caused you to have such affection for them? What attributes gave you a deep sense of trust and vulnerability with them? I believe that in order to really be successful in this life as Christ disciples then we have to understand the role of friendship.
Jesus Himself said in John 15 that he no longer calls us servants, but friends. He also said that no greater love has anyone than to lay down his life for his friends. This truly is profound and the place where all friendship starts. We have to understand that we are friends of God, if Christ be in you and the fruit you bear is good, then you are a friend of God. God longs for family. He is a family man! He puts the lonely in families as David said in the Psalms. He releases the spirit of adoption and sonship in us. We are sons and daughters of a good Father.
Friendship...the journey of growing deep love, trust, authenticity, vulnerability, and affection is what we are after or rather should be after in the body of Christ. It is risky and will cost, but we must create and sustain deep, healthy friendships that reproduce other deep, healthy friendships that go on to change the world.
I am passionate about this and long to see a reformation of healthy relationships and friendships in the body that cause the world to see Jesus in such a beautiful and powerful way. Let us do away with the pointing finger, cursing someone under our breath. Let us rid ourselves of anything that would stand in the way of love. Love alone wins in the end. How well we learned to love will be the thing that we will be judged on. Not how big our ministry was, or how successful we became, or any number of things. How well we loved our brother and sister, our neighbor and the stranger, our wives and our children. This is what matters.
Friendship...a true gift from God.
Jesus Himself said in John 15 that he no longer calls us servants, but friends. He also said that no greater love has anyone than to lay down his life for his friends. This truly is profound and the place where all friendship starts. We have to understand that we are friends of God, if Christ be in you and the fruit you bear is good, then you are a friend of God. God longs for family. He is a family man! He puts the lonely in families as David said in the Psalms. He releases the spirit of adoption and sonship in us. We are sons and daughters of a good Father.
Friendship...the journey of growing deep love, trust, authenticity, vulnerability, and affection is what we are after or rather should be after in the body of Christ. It is risky and will cost, but we must create and sustain deep, healthy friendships that reproduce other deep, healthy friendships that go on to change the world.
I am passionate about this and long to see a reformation of healthy relationships and friendships in the body that cause the world to see Jesus in such a beautiful and powerful way. Let us do away with the pointing finger, cursing someone under our breath. Let us rid ourselves of anything that would stand in the way of love. Love alone wins in the end. How well we learned to love will be the thing that we will be judged on. Not how big our ministry was, or how successful we became, or any number of things. How well we loved our brother and sister, our neighbor and the stranger, our wives and our children. This is what matters.
Friendship...a true gift from God.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Conformed to Transformed
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect". Romans 12:2
Well the reality is that we all struggle to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are a people caught in a body that is perishing and a mind that is naturally hostile to God. So how could there be any real and lasting hope? Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus who is able to transform our mind and heart. We do not have to be conformed to this world which is ruled by the evil one in all its corruption and decay. There is a higher way, but it will cost everything, daily. We must take up our cross, deny ourselves and follow Him. The road to transformation lies in following The Christ out of darkness and into the light.
The only things that are acceptable and perfect are the things which come straight from heaven. The will of God is determined through the one who has been transformed. You might say or feel as I do, 'but I fall short every day. I sin and do the very things I do not want to do'. Yes, may I remind you that the great apostle Paul himself said these words. If he wrestled and struggled with sin, then we all will too. The hope lies simply in the fact that the more we surrender to Christ, the clearer our hearts and minds become.
It is like being next to a hot fire on a cold winters night. The only way to stay warm is by being as close as you can without getting burned. The further away from the fire, the colder you become. The fire does need to be stoked and refilled with wood in order to be kept burning. Do not give up wherever you are in your pursuit of total transformation of your mind. It is very feasible. Only in Christ.
Well the reality is that we all struggle to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are a people caught in a body that is perishing and a mind that is naturally hostile to God. So how could there be any real and lasting hope? Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus who is able to transform our mind and heart. We do not have to be conformed to this world which is ruled by the evil one in all its corruption and decay. There is a higher way, but it will cost everything, daily. We must take up our cross, deny ourselves and follow Him. The road to transformation lies in following The Christ out of darkness and into the light.
The only things that are acceptable and perfect are the things which come straight from heaven. The will of God is determined through the one who has been transformed. You might say or feel as I do, 'but I fall short every day. I sin and do the very things I do not want to do'. Yes, may I remind you that the great apostle Paul himself said these words. If he wrestled and struggled with sin, then we all will too. The hope lies simply in the fact that the more we surrender to Christ, the clearer our hearts and minds become.
It is like being next to a hot fire on a cold winters night. The only way to stay warm is by being as close as you can without getting burned. The further away from the fire, the colder you become. The fire does need to be stoked and refilled with wood in order to be kept burning. Do not give up wherever you are in your pursuit of total transformation of your mind. It is very feasible. Only in Christ.
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