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Showing posts from March, 2020

WE ARE TO OCCUPY UNTIL JESUS COMES, BE BUSY DOING THE WORK OF THE LORD.

Time is short and there is much to be done, we must reach the souls that need Salvation. We must forget about ourselves and reach out to the lost and helpless, and hopeless. Like Elisha, He was plowing his fields, when Elijah approached him, yet he went back and killed the animals, and followed Elijah.  The killing of the animals was a sign he would not go backwards but follow Elijah at all costs. No matter what the signs say to us, we are to occupy until Jesus comes for us. We are to stand our ground and stand firm for the Lord and His work. Occupy is to take position by settlement or seizure. To hold onto, and  dwell in. We dwell in the kingdom of God, so we must hold onto all we have in our kingdom, as we are joint heirs with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast (occupy) that word which I preached to you- un

DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED A BIRTHMARK WHEN YOU RECEIVED JESUS?

Yes we who have received Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, have a new birthmark. That birthmark is the joy of the Lord. We can experience joy when things are crazy all around us.  That Joy is the Joy only the Holy Spirit can manifest in us. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full. Beloved, for something to be full, that means there is no more room for any more.  We have that joy of the Lord, it is our new birthmark. Paul had that joy in the worst of circumstances, as did John when he was thrown in hot oil, and came out alive and well.  Peter had that joy as he knew his life was about to be taken. He said crucify me upside down, He did not want to be crucified as His Lord was. These men knew that Jesus was with them and they would see Him soon. Their joy remained in them, because they were marked with God's joy. 1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be,

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING THE COMFORT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU?

AS WE WALK THESE CHANGES TOGETHER AND SHOW THE LOVE OF GOD TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW HIM, WE ARE DOING HIS WILL. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. God's love, knowing how much He loves us should give our hearts and minds the comfort we need in a changing world. It is the comfort of the love of God that we all should be experiencing at this time.  It is His love and comfort that will see us through our day. Philippians 2:1-2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, If any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Beloved, recognize that statement. It is what was important for the Spirit to

BEING CONTENT, WHEN ALL THINGS AROUND YOU ARE SHAKING AND CHANGING.

Are you concerned about being told to stay in your home? What about those who have no home to stay in? What about the homeless and displaced people around the world?  That sure puts a different perspective on your staying at home doesn't it? Be content where you are and be thankful to the Lord that you have a home. Its springtime, so there is always plenty of cleaning to do in our homes. But there is also much cleaning to do in our attitudes and our thinking. We are to gird up our mind. 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, and be sober, rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He is who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, because  it is written, "Be holy for I am holy." Beloved, we have the mind of Christ Jesus our Lord, He was content as we also should be content in al

Rejoicing in the face of the enemy, and praising God for the great shaking.

It is another day in a world that finds itself in great shaking.  No one likes unexpected changes, but if you know your bible, this should not have caught you off guard. We see all through the word of God how God dealt with nations that turn their back on Him, and follow idols, or who chose other things before God. God is allowing this change to wake up the church and the world.  Judgment begins in God's house first, then the world. There's is a great shaking going on, but we are in an unshakable kingdom. Like the eagle that soars above all trouble, so if we will keep our eyes on the Lord and look upwards, we will not be effected by any anxiousness or fear. Haggai 2:6-9 "For thus says the Lord of hosts; Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; I will shake all Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory, says the Lord of hosts. "the silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts. The glory

Make sure you anchor your faith in Jesus and no fear can enter in.

Jesus is our anchor to keep us from drifting off into the feelings of Chaos.   When you are anchored in Jesus you will be safe in the harbor of peace, He gives rest for your soul. We are stable in Jesus,  when we allow our anchor to be our last thought, then fear can enter in. Jesus is our anchor, He holds us and we are stable in His care.  Keep your thoughts on Him and what He has said in His word. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, left we drift away.   For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression, and disobedience received a just reward,  how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. Beloved, times are uncertain in the natural, but we know what the word of God has to say about the near time of the Lord's return. Chaos will be everywhere.

QUIET YOUR SOUL AND LISTEN FOR THE VOICE OF GOD.

Sometimes we just have to block out everything, all the talking heads, and voices that are contrary to the voice of God. Peoples opinions and ideas can cause you to be uncertain for what is real, and what is blown all out of proportion. The enemy will use fear to cause confusion, as he is the author of confusion. Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait silently for God alone,  For my expectation is from Him. He is my rock and my salvation;  He is my defense;  I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory;  The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Turn off all the negative noise and get into the word of God, where all you read is true and can be trusted. Proven over the centuries. Things are changing rapidly, and we need to prepare our heart for all the changes coming. Some are surprised by all the changes, but Jesus told us it was coming, in His word.  Why are so m

ARE YOU EXTENDING MORE GRACE RIGHT NOW FOR THOSE IN FEAR?

We have all had our fearful moments in this life.  We need to remember how tormenting that can be. Extend extra grace to those who do not know Jesus, they are running scared.  It is an opportunity for the body of Christ to be bold and share Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear , but of power and love and a sound mind. Power because we have the power of God to rely on, love because the love of God is in us, and a sound mind, because we do have the mind of Christ. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. Beloved, look around you, and notice the fearful faces, would God use you to bring hope and a positive message of God's love and care to that person? Yes, God would and longs for you to show His love and peace. Be bold and be the church, show you care about their fearfulness and you want to help where you can. G

Can you see the good coming from all this uncertainty?

I recently saw that since a lot the people in the middle east are locked in, that they are watching Christian TV. God is using this mess around the world for the gospel, people are hearing the seeing the good News about Jesus Christ, love for them and that He paid for their sins. What we may not understand just yet, we will soon  understand fully. Ephesians 5: 20-21 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Beloved, that is for ALL things and  in all things, even this virus, as what the enemy meant for evil, God is turning for good. Those brothers and sisters that have been on the fence with one foot in the world and one in Jesus, they will wake up and remember the word of the Lord. Yes, God will bring good from all this disruption

There is an alignment for your next assignment.

As we grow in the Lord, we will need to be aligned so as for the blood of Jesus to flow freely in our spiritual bones. The life is in the blood. Jesus life is in us because of His shed blood. Just as our natural body needs to be aligned so the blood can flow freely and we can stay healthy, so our spiritual body must be properly aligned to have the life of Jesus flowing through us believers. When we are at the place of growing in the Lord, God will give us a new assignment to further His kingdom.  When we are ready to receive our next assignment we will be presented with an opportunity that we would not choose in the natural. Beloved, God will work through you through the Holy Spirit, so relax and enjoy the journey. John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, and He may abide with you forever-The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will b

Are you finding courage in the hours of uncertainty, if Jesus is Lord, you have it.

When everything around you seems uncertain, are you fearful, or do you find the courage needed for the moment in your walk with the Lord. Courage is the quality of being brave at an uncertain time. None of this has taken God by surprise. God will use this to bring good from it, somehow and in someway. Have no fear, we are to be brave and strong during uncertain times. Our brothers and sisters all over the world are witnessing about Jesus during this crisis. Some are putting their lives on the line to do so. They are showing great courage to do so. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made know to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds  through Christ Jesus. Beloved Jesus told us what was to come in the last days, read your new testament, the covenant written in His blood, It will give you understanding and peace.  Regardless w

Do you have an uncomplaining heart, are you content where the Lord has you.?

We are not aware of our own weaknesses until we speak them out of our mouth.   Then we realize that we need to allow the Holy Spirit to make the changes needed in our heart that measures up to God's word. Are you self motivated, or are you God motivated? We need to ask ourselves and being honest with ourselves and the Lord,  Is my flesh trying to cause me stress and uncertainty? Is my mind causing me to be fearful or faith filled? We are being prepared to minister to others and we must be honest about what we are feeling and where are those feelings coming from. Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless, and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Give Jesus an uncomplaining heart, yield to the wor

The fullness of God, have you ever questioned what it is? And if you can obtain it?

Have you ever heard a message on the fullness of God? Is there a question that you would like to know about the fullness of God? All the fullness of God is in Jesus our Lord, if Jesus is living in you, you already have all the fullness of God according to the word of God. John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. According to this word, we already have the fullness of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Know who you are and what belongs to you in the Lord. Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him , who is the head of all principality and power. Think and meditate on these scriptures and you will see we already are complete in Father's eyes because we have Jesus living in us. We, as believers desire to see that fullness manifested in our daily life.  It is there, God's word says so.  We must learn to draw on the strength of the Lord, His wisdom, His love pouring through us,

You want the right door to open,a closed door can be a blessing ahead of you, be patient.

Don't dis -pare when a door you wanted to open is closed, it is a blessing ahead of you. (Takes faith) We all pray for things we are certain God wants opened for us, yet the door seems to be closed.  That is because there is a greater opportunity for us, and we are free to take it. Whenever a door is closed to us, it is to prevent pain and as we look back we see God's hand of protection. Whatever you do, do not force the door to open, instead trust God, He has a better door for you. A door is an opening that we can walk through, and see whats on the other side. Blessings will be there, if we are patient. James 1: 2-4 By brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Jesus opens doors for us and no man can shut. Revelation 3:7 "And to the angel (Pastor or messenger) of the church in Philadel

Failures in the body of Christ and in the church, don't let it move you, help where you can.

We will always come across failure in ourselves and in the church.  It is only because there is a learning process going on. Be merciful.  If you find a brother or sister who is trying to learn more of God and they fail in someway, pick them up , just as Jesus would do. James 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. We are all learning new things about our Lord Jesus, daily. He is revealing more and more of Himself as we seek Him. He is like a diamond with many facets. He is not looking at failures, He is looking for a heart seeking Him, as He knows our human nature and that we are learning and adjusting to our new life in Christ. We expect too much from ourselves, if we are dead to self, it is the Holy Spirit job to renew us in God's word and to teach us what we are ready to learn and apply in our life

Is your heart set on pleasing God, because when you love someone you want to please them.

When we make an effort to please our Lord, blessings will flow like a river into our life.  We please God by feeding on His word. By taking communion, the meal that heals.  By obeying God's word and walking in what He has prepared for us, and by listening to the Holy Spirit. By resting in the Lord, and being at peace with those around us. Psalm 23:5-6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cups runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I love the part where our cup runs over, its overflowing with the blessing of God, its not just full, but overflowing! Jesus always gives us more than enough, He loves to bless His children. Remember Peter and the boat that they used to fish all night and caught nothing. (Luke 5:4-8) Jesus told them to let down their nets (plural) because He knew what it would take for the catch, they let down o

Are you aware of God's GPS system working in your life?

God has many ways of communicating with us, by His word, through the voice of the Holy Spirit in our heart and listening with spiritual ears to others who speak of the things of God. He uses TV, CD's, and our old fashioned cassette tapes. He speaks through movies. I remember years ago the movie the Passion of the Christ, and a man walked into the police station and told them he had killed someone. He said he had just seen the Passion of Christ movie and was convicted. G od's p urpose and s trategy. GPS. G od's p roven s ystem is another GPS. G od's p erfect s alvation, is the best one in my opinion. Do you have God's GPS working in your life? You can by receiving Jesus as your Savior and Lord. John 6: 47 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. God will give us direction to the Father's house. John 14: 1-2 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father'

Do you know what it means to be saved, what happened when Jesus became Savior?

Some people believe that they are saved by signing a card at church, or being a faithful attendee. That's all good, but where does Jesus come into your thinking? Do you know what belongs to you as a child of God? More than you could ever imagine. The word "Saved, sozo" means to be rescued from destruction, to save from injury, to be made well and restored back to health.  There is much to learn about this word for saved. When Jesus said it is finished on the cross, that was the end, His sacrifice was complete, He paid for it all.  Everything that Satan had stolen from Adam and Eve, has now been restored. Revelation 1:18 "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of death. The word of God says that Jesus went down into the lower parts of the earth and and made a spectacle of those demonic spirits from Noah's day. Colossians 2:13-15 And you being dead in your trespasses and  the unc

Are you aware that there are treasures in every trial or disappointment, all you need to do is see with the Lord's heart.

Are you looking for treasures in your trials, or hurt or disappointments? Look for the good, it is right there. Don't be concerned with what has been removed from your life, or who has moved on. Rejoice, because you are being made stronger and a little bit more like Jesus. God separated Barnabas and Saul (Paul) after 8 long years together, but it was time for Paul to minister without Barnabas.  It was time for Silas. God used the dispute between Paul and Barnabas over Mark, to create two ministry teams.  Acts 15: 36-41 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one anothe

Do you know what determines your success in the Lord? Your attitude.

You can turn every experience into a victory and its all in your attitude. Being humble. Are you willing to go the extra mile that it will take to change your attitude?  Going that extra mile when not asked to, reveals that you understand God's word and are walking in its provision with an obedient heart. As we go the second mile, our attitude changes to "Whatever you want from me Lord." Matthew 5: 40-42 "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Jesus is getting down to the nitty gritty, he deals with our human emotions and has us push through to the godly emotions, where our attitude changes. We will have great success when our attitude is right and pleasing to the Lord. When we have a willing heart, and a godly attitude, we will receive promotion from the Lord

Prayer and faith go together, as do our trials and victories.

God's word helps grow our faith, as do trials and victory through them.  Pray for God to increase your faith. We have faith, more than we know.  When we drive our car, we have faith that it will start. When we switch on a light we have faith it will go on.  We all have all kinds of faith for certain things in our life, but we need to generate some of that faith into the things of God.  Believe God's word, He is faithful and His word is settled in heaven. We are to be like Jesus, full of faith and power. But many of us just want to get by and stay comfortable where we are at in our faith walk. We have placed a do not disturb sign over our heads. We like where we are, in a comfort zone. We must ask God to place a greater desire in us, so that we will stretch and grow in the Lord. 2 Peter 3 :18 but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. As we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, and walk in

What exactly is faith, the kind of faith that it takes to stand firm when things are shaking?

We hear people say that they have faith, yet when a trial comes knocking on their door the thing that will help them grow in their faith in God,  they immediately believe that it is the devil attacking them.. Don't give the devil credit for what God is doing.  The devil has always wanted worship, close your mind to the thought that you are being attacked, ask God what He wants to reveal to you. If you are being attacked, you may have made a place for him. Have you given the enemy an entrance? Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin" do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Who has the power anyway.  Jesus conquered death hell and the grave.  We have the power over the enemy.  God Himself will supply the faith needed for your trial, as He stretches you a little more to become more like Jesus. Philippian