Friday, May 18, 2012
What Does Jesus Say?
Revelation 3:2
Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Jesus wants us to overcome our weaknesses before He returns for the Body of Christ. Only those who have ears to hear will discern the love of the Holy Spirit who’s inspiring this message.
Are you watching yourself or others? Are you justifying yourself when you’ve sinned and come short of God’s glory because of your good deeds? Your answers to these questions show whether you’re strong in the Lord or strong in self-righteous thinking.
The godly things which do remain are ready to die my friend, if it were not for the love of Jesus. When the Lord looks upon us and doesn’t find our works perfect, He sends help from the Sanctuary. It’s our job to recognize that it’s godly love that convicts, convinces and reproves all who bow to “Abba Father.”
Does the Word condemn your pride, fear, impatience or doubt? If so, then make haste to confess before your heavenly Father, in Jesus’ name. Don’t tarry, but repent quickly. If your imperfections are not being addressed over the pulpit then cry unto the Lord.
Your garment of salvation may be spotted by worldliness. Self-righteousness is as a filthy rag before the Lord Himself. If we could be good in and of ourselves, why would God have to send His only begotten Son to die in our place? Jesus says: “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Abstinence from sin is that rest.
In Exodus 9:27, Pharaoh pleaded for mercy saying: “I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” Let’s face our own wickedness and confess our sins. God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But if we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.
This message comes to you that your joy may be full. That’s how much Jesus—that Great High Priest, who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, loves us, my friend.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Where Your Eyes Are Is Where Your Trust Is
Psalm 141:8
But mine eyes are unto Thee, O GOD the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
Abraham sent Hagar and his son, Ishmael, away as God instructed him. She departed, wandering in the wilderness. When there was no more water, Hagar panicked, cast her son under a shrub, and sat down a good way off.
She didn’t want to see him die. She wept, feeling hopeless and destitute. God heard her son’s voice and an angel called out of heaven, saying: “What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.”
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
Because she took her eyes off her son’s state, she found relief. This mother’s son was saved because she put her trust on that angel sent by God. God blessed them both.
Don’t feel hopeless or alone, my friend, for when you lift up your eyes unto Him, He’ll show you what He has for you. Look full in the wonderful, loving face of the Lord God Almighty, as Christ did when he was on that cross. God didn’t fail Him, and He won’t fail you, if you look up to Him.
Faith looks to the Lord—not at circumstances or people. Your soul won’t suffer loss if your trust is in the Lord. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and your sorrow will be turned into joy! Blessed are the eyes which will see the things you’ll see!
“Father, we look to You, our Maker, beseeching you. May we acquire that level of faith wherein our eyes have respect to You continually, the Holy One.”
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I Need a Heart Transplant
Romans 7:18
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing…
I must be strong in the Lord and be of a good courage. If I want to go to Heaven to be with the Lord, I must not be weak in my faith. The Lord my God abides with those who trust Him. When I fear people and evil spirits, I’m weak and faint-hearted. I need a heart transplant!
But God won’t forsake me. He reminds me in His Word: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. I go before thee to bring you out of your place of bondage by the strength of my hand.” God wants to show me that He is my strength and song. If I let Him, He’ll become my salvation.
But when I show fear at the least thing that’s said to intimidate me, then I am powerless and I’m on my own. I think back to when my way was perfect. It was because I sought the face of God in my heart continually.
Lord, I want my joy back. Please forgive me for seeking the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. I lost my strength and innocence when I esteemed fleshly gratification more than the Truth of Your Word. Now I humble myself before you. It’s my fault that I’m in this predicament.
But now I repent with bitter tears. Please grace me with your strength that I may glory in my infirmities. As I glory in them, your power will rest upon me. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, like a little lost sheep. My own fleshly desires betrayed me and stunted my growth. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired and I need you Lord.
Please restore unto me the joy of my salvation. I yearn to be strong in the Lord and in the power of Your might. Will you forgive my hard-heartedness and transform it into a tender heart of love and thanksgiving? Then I can truthfully love you with my whole heart mind, soul and strength and love my neighbor as well.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Is My Speech Corrupt?
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.
Jesus spoke gently, honestly and truthfully and so should we. Those who refrain their lips are wise and their tongue is as choice silver. When we debase ourselves by lying, cursing or saying words which intentionally offend others, we’re using corrupt speech.
Where’s that power we’ve inherited to tame the tongue? Before we were born again that tongue was an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. If our words are evil and depraved, we will find ourselves cursing people which are made after the similitude of God. God isn’t pleased with those who sow discord among the congregation with their speech. We ruin our character when we speak corruptly without realizing the impact we’re making upon non-Christians.
We’ve been saved to bless God, even the Father, with our tongues. God must be grieved when we let our emotions rule our speech. If we examine ourselves, we’ll agree with James that we have offended people many times because we didn’t bridle our tongues. And the tongue was spouting evil because it was speaking out of the abundance of bitter thoughts. Those thoughts hadn’t been judged first. So there was no confession in prayer, because we spoke before we judged our intentions. The mouth was free and it spouted harsh words. Out of the abundance of the heart, the tongue spoke!
It only takes loving patience and sobriety to judge our thoughts before they kindle a fire between us and others! Solomon’s wisdom is so appropriate (Ecclesiastes 5:1,2): "Be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Let’s resist boasting, gossiping and resorting to unrighteous communications which hurt us as well in the long run. Let’s come out from among these unrighteous ways and be sanctified. If we don’t we’ll become one of those who will receive great condemnation from the Father above.
What advice does Proverbs 17:28 give us? “Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
“Lord, forgive us. It’s only by Your mercies that we haven’t been consumed. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Monday, May 14, 2012
God Is Moving!
Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…
The song says: “God is moving by His Spirit, He’s moving in all the earth. Signs and wonders when God moveth…Move O Lord in me.”
God is able to do exceeding abundantly above what you may ask or think. It’s all by the grace of His love, according to the measure of faith in your heart. Let that faith move you to wait all the days you’re appointed to wait, until your change comes.
Keep in mind—He’s able! It’s not by my might, nor by my power but it’s by His Spirit! God is moving as I slumber and sleep. When my enemies come upon me to eat up my flesh, God is moving on my behalf. My test will either make or break me, according to the power that is working in my spirit and soul.
Am I bringing every thought into captivity that’s weak, feeble, untruthful or ungodly? He’s breaking me down so He can build me up! Hallelujah! He knows how much I can bear! Thank God for that “way of escape.”
I’m searching myself to see if I am treasuring unto myself the scriptures that equip my mind with joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. Life’s lessons are teaching me the love of Christ, so I can be filled with all the fullness of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He knows how to strengthen believers with might by His Spirit in that innermost part of our souls. What a mighty wise God we serve!
“Move, O Lord, by Your Spirit, in all the earth and use me for Your glory, wherever You see fit, Amen!”
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday Message: I’m Changing YOU!
Deuteronomy 32:10-14; Zephaniah 3:17; Daniel 2:19-23; Job 14:14; Philippians 3:21; I Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Ezekiel 36:11; Luke 18:31-43, 19:1-10; Romans 12:1,2
You can listen to this week's message by clicking the Play button below. It is also available for download.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Lord, I Want To Be Blessed!
Proverbs 10:6
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
God’s recipe for blessings is clear: “Be just—watch your tongue.”
Just persons are honorable and fair in their dealings and actions. Just persons consistently do what is morally right because they trust God.
What must I do if I want to be blessed? I must live a just life by ignoring those who look to see when my soul will famish. I’ve got to keep looking up to the Lord for that’s where my blessings are coming from.
The Word states that the Lord will grant the desire of the righteous who live with a reverence toward him. The blessing of the Lord makes one rich. When God blesses us, he doesn’t add sorrow on to the blessing.
So if I speak and behave in an acceptable manner, according to the Word of God, I’ll be blessed indeed.
When I read the Word, I discover that I must be wise for myself by not following the crowd or lusting after the pride of life. Even Job blessed himself when he advised his three friends to do like him: “…all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes.” After nine months of being tested, he was rewarded by God with more blessings than before the test.
While you’re waiting, walk uprightly with hope in your heart. As long as you’re righteous, you’ll never be moved, and if your status is threatened by tests and trials, know that something better is waiting on you. Keep the vision, and hold fast to the promises of God. Receive God’s wisdom in His Word so you won’t be as a fool who dies for want of wisdom.
Now, in everything, give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. Don’t wait—shout now!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Take Your Hands Off It—You’re In The Way
Psalm 138:8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me...
“How am I in the way, Lord?” you may wonder. Do you know that when we love folk too much, we’re in God’s way? We get in the way of God getting His honor for His work. Our idolatrous love is keeping God from executing His will for their lives. How can He perfect that which concerns us if our hands, feet and mouth are all over the situation?
It may be a spouse, a family member or an acquaintance that God wants to minister to, and we’re in His way. We get in the way when we seek to be “god.” They’ll never “see clearly,” learn discipline nor develop means of self-sustainment. Our blind love stifles and chokes. How can someone develop strategies to cope with life’s disappointments when we’re always there at their “beck and call?”
Do we acknowledge the Lord and His Word before we bail them out? Have we gotten a “go ahead” from the Lord before we advise or comfort them? There’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. Wait on the Lord! Take your hands off and get out of God’s way. (Pretty Please?)
Think of the father of that young son who couldn’t wait for his share of his inheritance. How wise that father was, as the parable shows us! God has allowed us to sow wild oats and look at the lessons we’ve learned. Yes, we fell down in so many aspects, but God heard the prayers of those who backed off and put us in His hands. Who are we to try to spare someone a life lesson when God plainly wants His creation to learn through chastisement? That lesson that was learned by this son in consorting with the “baser sort” and eating with pigs, humbled him, enlightened him, and enabled him to mature.
Tribulation woks patience and patience works experience and experience works hope and hope won’t make you ashamed. Experience is the best teacher! Whether it’s a spouse, family member or an envious and devious associate in the work place who needs some “space,” let’s not go ahead of the Lord whose wisdom far excels ours. It’s His good pleasure to perfect that which concerns us but we must take our hands off, back off and let God be God.
It’s only when we pray, seek His face and get out of the way humanly, that miracles, signs and wonders spring forth. Let’s lift up our eyes, looking to Him alone! It gets easier, as time goes by. God wants us to grow in this season that we might walk out that patience, that love, that faith and that longsuffering! Entertain yourself with hymns and spiritual songs. Rest your weary soul with hobbies and enjoy daily delights for a change. Give “you” a break! Set your affections on God and take your eyes off “the problem.”
God’s given us weapons of warfare against spirits sent to steal, kill and destroy marriages, our health, our ministries and our faith! Soldier, take charge, and you’ll see more clearly the work of our Great High Priest who is interceding on your behalf. Hallelujah! Romans 8;28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Bring Sin Subject Unto You So You Can Rejoice
Luke 10:17-20
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Jesus tells us that He beheld satan as lightning fall from heaven.
After Adam and Eve fell from grace, and were banished from the Garden, God allowed the world to enter a lesser state of grace. No more were they innocent because they had allowed themselves to believe satan’s lies.
James 1:14-15 describes their fall this way: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Hopefully, you’re not one of those who are being lured away from the Gospel of Christ! In these days, we too must treasure and cherish our souls. The soul is what satan seeks after. God created our souls and only when we protect ourselves can we survive satanic warfare. The soul that blatantly sins will die. Just as satan fell from heaven, so can sin cause one to fall from the grace of God.
Thank God for Jesus Christ! He indeed died on Calvary for our sins. He took our place so that all who seek to be saved from sin would be forgiven and cleansed by the shed blood of Christ. Jesus travailled on that cross and He arose and is alive!
It’s not what the serpent—the devil—says these days that we should take note to. It’s that Christ wants us to do the will of the Father who sent Him. Hearing and obeying the Word empowers us to tune out satan’s alluring temptations. No good thing lies in this flesh. This flesh will betray us faster than we can blink an eye unless we tread on it with faith and obedience. If we don’t watch, temptations will destroy us, little by little!
Come now, and repent, my friend. Bind the power of the devil and give up those nagging habitual sins. Call on Jesus with a pure heart of repentance in desperation. Sin no more, lest a worst thing come upon you or upon those whom you love. Come to Jesus so that you might have life and that more abundantly. These words that you’re reading are spirit and they are life. When we live by His Word, we can rest assured that our names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. That calls for rejoicing, doesn’t it?
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
And the Serpent Said…
Genesis 3:1,4,5
and the serpent said…Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
The serpent was given the right to try the obedience of Adam and Eve, and because they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they lost their inheritance.
They lost the blessing of being fruitful, multiplying and replenishing the earth. They were unable to subdue it and have full dominion over every creature. Because they hearkened to the devil’s suggestions, they were driven from the garden of Eden, to till the ground in the sweat of their faces, until their bodies returned to the dust of death.
Don’t presume to know more than God, my friend, by ignoring the Bible’s warnings about heaven and hell. Don’t let yourself become charmed by those who twist the scriptures to countenance sin. You know what’s satanic when your flesh is encouraged to know “good and evil.” God only wants us to know good.
Whatever you “know,” you have become familiar and well-acquainted with it. Some things are better left unknown, as many have discovered along life’s highway or low-way. Many listen to satan who comes as a wolf in sheep’s clothing and they find themselves naked—deprived of wisdom, knowledge and undertanding.
The devil used a serpent with Adam and Eve, but only you know who or what he’s using to defame you, unclothe you and shame you. If you casually heed the Word of life, you too will lose your “paradise” once ordained for you by God.
When you abide in Christ, you’ll say: “It is written…” every time temptation courts you, as Jesus did, and satan will flee. Speak the Word. Heed the Word. Eat the Word and live!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Admonitions For Purity
I Timothy 5:22
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
The Old Testament meaning of “pure” is: refined, purified, without flaw, perfect, clean. The power of God’s love in a born again Christian transforms them into a pure human being. The holy Word has the power to perfect those who love the Lord.
When you “let go and let God” His grace will forgive, purify and restore you. The scriptures pin-point that which is unclean—only a fool would err. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Hold fast to purity for it distinguishes you from that which is common and impure.
The only way to be perfectly obedient is to pray without ceasing. God helps us to “be ye holy, even as I am holy.” When we’re led of the Holy Spirit, we won’t behave out of the character of a Christian.
One’s purity is maintained when the Holy Spirit is in charge for He will never lead us into a demonic stronghold where we have to fend without our Almighty Father. Neither should we partake of the sins of other people, for when we do, we open ourselves to unclean and unholy situations.
Do not rush to witness to or correct someone hastily. In all of your ways, acknowledge the Lord and you’ll keep yourself pure.
If we would follow these instructions we wouldn’t find ourselves condoning sins of offenders. It pays to preserve our conscience and keep it pure by refusing to favor the folly and perverse affection of others. Then we’ll enjoy the privilege of being set apart as holy and useful to the Master—ready for every good work.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Am I Precious, Beloved and Adored?
Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
If no one has told you lately, let me tell you that you are precious, beloved and adored! Yes, you are. God loves you, my friend, my sister, my brother, young person.
He hates sin, but looks after you for you were fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, after His likeness.
Do you feel unloved because you are not being cared for as you once were? How often do we experience relationships where we’re neglected and unloved!
It might not heal your hurt to know that many awaken to find out that their spouse of many years no longer cherishes them. But each of our hurts are unique to us and we yet feel them.
Sometimes parents choose partners over their children. God must be grieved, even more than that little one. And then there are children who respect their “peers” or “homies,” but not their parents or guardians.
It’s hard to accept rejection, but God wants you to know you’re beloved by Him. If you are in a miry pit right now, God wants you to know that with His grace, you can get through this valley of sorrow. Turn your heart upon Jesus and look up—not down or around—for help. Help is coming from above!
Do you know that Jesus is touched by your feelings of wanting to be adored and cherished? He was rejected and disliked “in the house of His friends.” In the day of the Lord when Jesus is asked “What are those wounds in thine hands?” He shall express how He was unpopular, spurned and forsaken by His own countrymen at His first advent.
But Friend—please know that the Lord God of all heaven and earth sees your tears, being touched by your feelings. Even if you’ve sinned over and over and ignored the invitation to salvation, He yet appeals to your conscience. Only those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, saying unrighteous things and calling His works “evil,” are past the love of God. But don’t take Him lightly.
Let Christ remind you that you have been engraved upon the palms of His hands and your walls are continually before Him. Lift up your eyes toward Christ and seek Him with your whole heart, soul and mind. Look to Him, desiring Him—not that one who neglected you, choosing others over you. Come to Christ who calls you precious, beloved, adored and cherished! That’s His knock on the door of your heart. Let Him in and begin to experience the rest of your life the way He wants you to live. Your eyes have not seen the blessings that await you.
There’s no love like the wholesome, glorious love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
God Is the Lifter Up of Your Head
Psalm 3:3
But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me: my glory and the lifter up of mine head.
Thank you for sustaining me, Lord.
God says: “Drive and go forward; slack not thy riding.” Whatever you’re facing, just keep your eyes in the Bible and let your faith take you there. Neither faint nor grow weary. Your trust will shield you from danger but you must lift up your head and view the Lord, not people, places and things.
When your eyes are on your problem and your ears are bent in the direction of negative comments, your expectations will be delayed. It may be that a sword might pierce through your own soul so that someone you love might become delivered, saved and healed.
Don’t faint at the process—see the end result as God sees it and trust His wisdom and grace. He will show you how to receive a “kingdom that cannot be moved.”
Things you’ve been settling for were loathsome and abominable in God’s sight. Dry those tears and beseech the Lord and serve Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Drink of the cup set before you and cease murmuring. We all have to reap what we sowed, so let’s accept our lot graciously. By His grace and in His time, your weakness will become strength!
Keep your eyes on your promise—your prize—my friend, and let the glory of righteousness lift your spirits. Thank the Lord Jesus and patiently await the revelation and fulfillment of your vision.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
God’s Love Draws, Forgives and Heals
Mark 10:17-23
“…there came one running and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandment, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, honour thy father and mother.
“And he answered…Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
“And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions…how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God.”
God doesn’t want us to push people to an extreme in our witnessing of Him. They’ll begin to feel uncomfortable in our presence. Jesus beheld the young man and loved him. There was no intimidation.
He told the woman caught in adultery: “..neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.” Let’s not appoint ourselves to be judges, but rather let us do unto others as we would have others do unto us. Let’s be led of the Spirit and witness God’s love that draws, forgives and heals.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May “The Lord is My Banner” be My Keepsake
Exodus 17:14
And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book.
What is a keepsake? It’s a memento, an object given by a person and retained in memory of something or someone. It’s kept for sentimental or nostalgic reasons. It’s something precious like a memorial, a token or a souvenir. A keepsake is also said to be a reminder, a remembrance or a favor.
Moses sat on a hill overlooking the battle of the Amalekites at Rephidim. Aaron and Hur upheld his arms and directed his staff toward the battle. Joshua was commander in charge.
The presence and power of the Lord were the banner they were under which kept them together. God instructed Moses to write that He would utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
He was instructed to write and rehearse it in Joshua’s ears. So He built an altar, calling it Jehovah-nissi—the Lord is my banner. The altar which he built celebrated the defeat of the Amalekites.
Israel was relieved that their enemies were defeated. That altar was their keepsake which they erected in the day of their triumph.
Whatever battle you’re facing, calls for you to uplift Jehovah-nissi. This phrase means that The Lord is your banner. Lift up your rod of faith. If you become weary and impatient, pray for willpower. He’ll enable you to hold out as He sends help from others and help from the Sanctuary.
Don’t give up! When the battle has been won, write about it for a memorial in a book. Then sing unto the Lord, giving thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
