Encouragement Series: Be Encouraged: God is using Everything you Have Exprienced Up To Now for Your Good

Hello readers! 

Today I want to share what I am sure is a "now" word for many of us. It's not what I planned to share today, I will share that later.The Lord had another plan so I hope you can flow with me as He leads. I'd like to share an experience from today and the word of the Lord to encourage those are having some challenges in moving forward into the call and destiny God has on their lives. And when I say calling, I am not just speaking about a call to ministry within the Church but really mostly in the marketplace, otherwise known as the "world". Remember Jesus sends us out into "all the world" to teach and make disciples of nations. Notice, Jesus never seeks to influence just a few people, all be it sometimes one at a time, since it is an individual call. No, He is after nations. After all, it was because"God so loved the world...that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. This is probably the most quoted Scripture in the Bible. We all know it. So with that I'd like to share the sobering words the Lord has been speaking to me recently. 

One day last week as I was washing dishes, I suddenly sensed the Lord was communicating something to me. I heard in my spirit, "It doesn't matter what you do; it matters who you are. Wherever you go, people will be blessed." Just like that!  I don't know about you, but this was extremely freeing to me. I am always seeking to be where God wants me, doing what He wants me to do, and prayerfully, saying what He wants me to say. But do you know even in that commitment, there could be a level of bondage. The bondage is called "perfectionism." I must do exactly and I cannot move forward until I know exactly. Mind you, I am not light that with everything. Something I just bolt if I sense an urgency. Sometimes, I am right and sometimes I may not always be great with His timing. 

But then there's the other end of the spectrum of just waiting and waiting and waiting for perhaps a lightning bolt. I once had a precious pastor who would say, if God puts something in your mind to do, do it. Don't worry about being perfect. He is perfectly able to clean up your mess." There is so much wisdom in that if you really hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying. In my experience, I have found these words to be true. Perhaps I need to hear them again. You see, God does not get angry because we are zealous to do His will. Instead, when we move ahead and fall, He is right there to pick us up, dust us off, teach the lesson and in so doing build us up to carry more of Him as we move along. In other words, even "failure" as some would see it, in Christ adds to our advancement. That takes me to today's experience.

As I was praying with my mom today and just sharing things God put on my heart to share and encourage, the Holy Spirit began to pray through me in tongues and it went on for a while. (It's amazing what happens when we stop and turn our attention fully upon Him. He's always right there, waiting for us to seek an encounter. And He never disappoints.) So during this time of Holy Spirit praying, the interpretation I was getting seemed quite short compared to the time it took before it ceased. It was not until I began sharing the interpretation that more came to me. This was an encouraging word but it was also directional. This what I would like to encourage you with today as the snow is falling. This word puts flesh on "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. This is a very popular verse for encouraging people during and after experiencing adversity in their lives. What the Lord shared today brought revelation that gives me confidence as I contemplate certain things. Please let the Holy Spirit minister His truth to you as I share, in quotes, what He said.

"Everything you have experienced in your life up to this point has made you the person you are today." That is, in Christ, what you experienced is being used for your good. All of the power and authority He allows you to flow in because of your relationship with Jesus Christ the Way, and Father God, the Source, is because of what you've gone through: the good, the bad, the ugly, the delightful, and the horrible. In Christ it is all used to BUILD YOU UP!!! The devil will try to get you to wallow in self-pity and regret because of your mistakes but there is "now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." Don't let the enemy keep, or put more, chains on you. In Christ, you "are a new creation and behold all things [about you and in you] have become new." And by faith, we walk out what He has already spoken.

Jesus is saying through the Holy Spirit today, don't decry the past, all your past sin is covered under the blood. You have experienced much and learned much. Don't wallow in self-pity and regret. That is a trap from hell. Yes, we ought to be remorseful about sinning against God, others, and even ourselves, but we DO NOT STAY THERE! If you find you are not operating in Galatians 5:22, the nine fruit of the Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control" something has gone off-track, because verse 23 says, "against such there is no law." TOTAL FREEDOM brings you to that place. So when you are feeling down and out, don't try to do anything in your own flesh. Worship. Worship. Worship. Worship so often transitions into prayer and, let's face it, it is impossible to truly worship and be down in the mouth at the same time. Actually, it is impossible. The dark clouds of discouragement, depression, and despair have to leave. 

That's why the enemy of our souls so often try to prevent us from worshiping because worship brings us into submission to God, and as we resist the evil one, he must flee. It is then that we become free. If you worship does not bring you into freedom, ask the Lord and read the what the Word says about worship. And let's be honest, sometimes, you just don't feel like it. Especially after a "lively discussion" or argument or something where we's exhibited less than exemplary behavior as a Christ-follower. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is come before God in worship. That's often because of shame. But do you know that God "gets" us? That is when we really need to worship is when we don't feel like it. The key is to quickly repent, ask for forgiveness, and be the delightful treasure you are to Him again. 

Never let the enemy keep you in a place of defeat because of shame and condemnation. You don't have to accept hell's "gifts". Never accept anything that God and has not approved because it always comes at a price, a very hefty price. 

So the goal here is to encourage you, especially those who have been struggling to find their direction and you are petrified about making the wrong move. I want to encourage you to day, if you hear from God, and the Jesus tells us that "My sheep hear my voice, and another they will not follow". Trust that as you align with Him He is working out His purposes in your life to bring you to a "good land," your promised land. Listen, on the way to the promised land there is lots of danger, toils, and snares, in addition to the often rugged and treacherous terrain. Then when you make it to the promised land, you're bound to find "giants", specifically formed for you. It is when you face those giants AND overcome them that you become free and to lead others to the same freedom. There is only a reward to those to are OVERCOME AND ARE FAITHFUL TO THE END. God takes no delight in those who shrink back, because they are shrinking back to perdition. Don't shrink back and lose all you have gained in Christ. Keep moving in faith and confidence that He is right there with you. 

So be encouraged and move forward past the fear, Love has cast that out, and failure is covered the blood. You are on team Jesus and He ALWAYS WINS!  And as far as the consequences to all the bad decisions we have made, remember what the HOLY SPIRIT has said, "Everything you have experienced in your life up to this point has made you the person you are today." God can use it all and turn what was meant for bad into good. Sounds impossible but we know that impossibility is not in God's vocabulary. Nothing is impossible for Him.

Remember that God delights in who He has made you! Align with Him in agreement about who you are, and see the miraculous transformation in your life. It has happened to me and it continues even to today. Let's keep advancing together. 

That's it for now! This has been an honest heart-felt post, and I believe the Holy Spirit wants to touch some people through it. Let His freedom and forgiveness wash over you and remove every spirit of depression, and oppression hanging around from your past and move forward in Him. It is your time to soar and to shine.

God bless you! Please let me know how the Lord touches you with these words! He loves you and heaven is routing for you to WIN YOUR RACE!

Let me pray for you:
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I lift up all of my readers to sense and feel your arms pulling them in as you seek to touch their lives, and to set them free from all hindrances and encumbrances to your will. You will is to advance and prosper us as we continue in You. In Jesus name and in His authority alone, fear go now, depression, oppression, un-forgiveness, hatred, condemnation, guilt, bitterness, shame, heart-ache, blindness, deafness, mute conditions in the Spirit and in the natural, go now in Jesus name! Lord, please come and fill up every empty place left vacant by the influence of the enemy and his demons. Thank you, Lord, for your love, grace, and mercy towards us.

Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood for our sin, rescue, salvation, release, healing, and resurrection. Thank you for setting us free and yanking us out of darkness and establishing us in your kingdom of light. Thank you for the power you have given us over sin and to do your work in confidence that what you have promised you will do. We walk in freedom now and give you free reign over our lives and our possessions to do as you please. Take my burdens and give me yours because yours are light. Take my yoke and give me yours because it is easy. I love you, Lord. Thank you for this new day! Amen

Spiritual Warfare Series: Lesson on Spiritual Warfare - Prophecy vs. the Occult

What I am about to share with you is what the Lord shared with me. It's regarding something happening particularly on the Charismatic side of the His Church in the prophetic ministry.  I believe it began a while ago when God would share certain things about a minister or ministry and the person would appear to be prophesying right on the money but there was something that was just not right. I could not see how they could be used of the Lord and given all of that information when there was something severely wrong. But as with everything about God, it is about timing. He reveals things in the fullness of time. That means He has a perfect time for revealing and unveiling necessary information when He deems that we are ready to know them. And as a teacher, I naturally want to share what He has shared with me. I believe the Lord will use it to help some people to avoid trouble. First, let me just caution you not to run around seeking prophetic words from people. If God wants to bring you a word through a person He is more than capable of doing that. The real goal is to draw near to Jesus and He will tell you more than you thought possible.

As I said, I had been wondering about these things, and have actually been quite perplexed at times. But God is faithful to answer our questions and He will often provide answers to questions before they're even asked. As we search Him out, He reveals things that puzzle us often in a flash of insight. In other words, God answers the questions we ask as well as some we don't. In this case the answer came so clearly that I wondered why I failed to "get it" earlier. The question essentially was how are false "ministers", who are suspect, promoting themselves under a guise of being a mouthpiece for God,  able to "prophesy" over lives in what appears to be a high level of accuracy? I mean, why would God allow self-promoting ministers that level of power when they are only using it for personal gain? Well, I must admit I was not ready for answer but I would like to share this with you in the form of a lesson about spiritual warfare. 

Be Intimately Connected to Jesus

The first step in spiritual warfare is our connection with the Son. You cannot survive or have any level of success as a nominal Christian without intimacy with Jesus. The enemy would have too much influence over and in you. Without a strong foundation in Christ, you do not stand a chance. And I would submit that many have died early being embroiled in this warfare without that connection to Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Many get involved in things that appear harmless but in fact are spiritually and physically detrimental. They were not connected intimately, not submitted, and therefore, deceived and taken out before their time. I know, it almost happened to me more than once. Believe me, no matter how much firepower you carry in the spirit, on your own you are no match for the devil. He is stealthy, wily, and will lure you into a fight that the Lord has reserved for Himself. You have to follow the Lord when it comes to spiritual warfare. Sometimes He'll say, "This one's Mine. I've got it."  Other times, He'll instruct you in how and when to engage...IN HIS STRENGTH." How do you know when to do what? By being intimately connected to Him at all times. "But that's difficult!" you say. No, it's not.

What give me the right to say it's not difficult to remain connected to Jesus? I know it's possible. But it requires that we empty ourselves of our own strength, abilities, aptitudes, independence; the list goes on. In other words, we need to come to the end of our own fleshly abilities and take on Christ's. That means we leaves our limitations behind and take on the limitlessness of Jesus Christ. See Galatians 2:20, and Ephesians 2:4-6. Just a few examples of our call to limitlessness.

Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is not I who live, but Christ lives in me; ad the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Ephesians 2:4-6 - "But God, who is rich I mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

The Scripture above is a reminder that although all believers have Jesus Christ inside then, not all believers are in Jesus.

So how are these people able to "prophesy". The Lord answered this is 2 stages and I am sure there is more. But let me share what I have thus far because it will help some of you avoid catastrophe:

1. There are more people involved in the occult in the church than we realize.
2. They take their information from a realm in the spirit called the soul realm, otherwise known as the second heaven
3. They read information that is in the 2nd heaven, or soul realm about a person, people, place, thing, etc. and report on that. Everyone is amazed.

Don't Exalt the Mailman

First of all, do not be amazed at a prophetic word and put that person on a pedestal. If the person is getting a legitimate word from God, the information comes from God so that person is simply a messenger. Yes, a special messenger especially if operating in the office of a prophet. That is God's servant and friend, Amos 3:7 says,      . But all believers should have the prophetic flowing in their lives as part of their daily walk with God. It is not mysterious. It comes out of intimacy with the Godhead. Perhaps, that's where the "difficulty" comes in. Many want a program-centered Christianity, religion without relationship. But back to my point, exalting the minister who gives you a wonderfully accurate prophetic word is like praising the mailman for bringing me my mail. Of course, that's not an exact analogy but the point is, it's his job and he is rewarded with a paycheck for doing it. He does not do it because he likes you or because you are special --- although you are.

The Problem: Some Claiming to Prophesy are Reading Static (past) Images in the Soul Realm (Second Heaven)

Second, if the person is not legitimate they are using occultist practices, which run the spectrum between flesh and wholly demonic. Don't forget that He gives the gifts without repentance. However, the gift on its own does not edify and benefit others unless it functions within the guidelines and under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Beware. The "word" given is not life-giving. The Word says, the "testimony on Jesus Christ is the Spirit of Prophesy." Jesus is the Way, Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6). Therefore, a prophetic word from God must be life-giving even if it is a rebuke, warning, or some other serious word. Whenever I have been rebuked by the Lord, I have always felt His love which is His motivation. The flesh (soul)  or the enemy cannot produce life outside of Christ. And I am not referring to the "conviction" of the Holy Spirit here. Obviously, if someone is in sin and they sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God is trying to rescue them and let's face it a word from God when you are in sin, should, you'd better hope, it makes you uncomfortable.

There are too many people in the church calling God's warnings bad and ear-tickling words that stroke their ego- good, all while they saunter down a path to destruction.

So the next time something just does not feel right in your spirit about a person "ministering" to you in the prophetic, before you open up yourself to receive it ask God the question: Is it prophecy or the occult? That may sound harsh, but trust me, you'll be glad you took the time to inquire of God. Not all that calls itself of God is actually of God. Men love the praises of others and "playing" in he supernatural is intriguing to most. In addition, if the person is charismatic, it is that much easier for them to carry through. Ask the questions and avoid being defiled by demonic activity.

As we continue our list, let's break this down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?

What: The False Prophetic Word Cannot Bring Life and Hope

The third, and perhaps the most important point, the true prophetic which comes from the Lord will have attached to it a supernatural level of hope. The false prophetic on the other hand, cannot bring life as it is made up of static images and not that which is living. A true word from God must contain as a sense of the solution and light. Jesus in the Light of the world. (Scripture)  When He shines His light on a situation He is there to heal and resolve it. So even if it a false prophetic word that is not from God sounds good, a discerning person might not feel encouraged as he or she would hope to be. Instead, there would be a tinge of condemnation or repeating past issues which the Lord has resolved. The reason is that the soul realm information is only a snapshot taken in time and saved there forever until the Lord renews all things. In other words, someone may speak a word as a word of knowledge because they have "read" the information by searching the soul realm regarding that individual receiving the "word".  And as this is practiced it is not difficult for them to do so. Why, because the information is with you in your atmosphere.

How: The Use of Familiar Spirits by the False Prophet Defiles Believers

How do they get this information and who delivers it? A familiar spirit. Yes, a demonic spirit that hangs around families and individuals and whom the person is in touch with that gives them guidance and information about others. The problem for these people is that they are headed to hell for these abominations according to God's word. SCRIPTURE HERE. That is, unless they repent and amend their ways.

So be careful you allow to lay hands on you and speak words over you. This is not fear mongering but just being smart. God gives us discernment for a reason and if for any reason you are uncomfortable with a person seeking to speak over you, do not let them. There is no sin in obeying what you believe God is speaking to you. If you focus on following the Greatest Commandment and the Second Greatest and walk in faith in Almighty God, you will be pleasing to God and therefore be righteous in His sight. You do not need to please people.

Ask God for More Discernment

Now a word of caution, some people are amateurs and are obviously charlatans. Therefore, it does not require a whole lot of discernment to know what they are up to. More difficult to assess is the "professional" who has been engaged in this type of activity for a while, with a level of charisma to boot. So what can you do if discernment is not your strongest gift? Be prayed up. Stay close to Jesus. Trust God to guide you through His Spirit. Surround yourself with discerning friends. The More you trust God, the more confident you become that He will always take care of you. There is no need to walk around n fear. That's not what this is about. But we will in an imperfect, sin stained world, where the devil has been given a level of power, limited though it may be, it is still too much for the "unconnected" believer. Perfect Love in the form of Jesus Christ, has taken care of annihilating fear. (Scripture). "And God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and sound mind." (2 Tim, 1:7).  But He also tells us that the "devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour. (1 Peter 5:8). As a matter of face all of 2 Peter deals with false teachers and false prophets. So remember, the most important part of spiritual warfare is our connection to Jesus, "Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you." Without submission to God, we cannot resist the devil and he will not flee from those who are unsubmitted to the Almighty.

Please do not be lulled into thinking the Christian walk is a cruise through "la-la land". Run from any strain of Christianity that tells you that lie. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and told them he did not want them to be ignorant about the spiritual gifts given by God for the edification of the whole Body of Christ and not for personal gain. And to the Ephesians, He said we need to put on the armor of God because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, and powers and the rulers of the air." That certainly is not la-la land. But thanks be to God that in the Spirit, we can have, as Paul, wrote to the Galatians, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Yes, even in the midst of warfare, because we do not war alone.

And although we love all people, there is no commandment to trust everyone equally, or give everyone equal access to ourselves. That is just not wise and just downright dangerous.

The One "Prophesying" must Point to Jesus and not to Self

Finally, those who come in the name of the Lord to offer the Word of the Lord either to individuals or corporate bodies must never pass themselves off as the answer to the problem. Instead, the goal is to point everyone to Jesus. We are conduits of His Light, Life and Hope. We are way-makers, pointers, and signposts to Christ Who is the only One able to address and permanently solve ALL problems.

The Bride Series: Vision of the Bride This First day of 2015.

These one-scene visions so often convey the most significant and profound messages. So much about God is mysterious and simple at the same time. And only the Holy Spirit can speak volumes from a simple scene.

This first morning of the new year, I saw a bride. Actually, all I saw of the bride was the back of her left shoulder up to the top part of her lower half. She was wearing in a very lovely wedding dress. The sun was bright and gleaming. Ordinarily this would be a very happy scene but what the bride was doing is the focus of this post and I believe a message from the Lord her Groom.

In this vision, the bride's dress was perfect and spotless. So the issue was not the condition of her dress. The issue was her focus and her walk.

She bride was not walking with confidence in the love of her groom on her big day. Instead, she was walking quite gingerly while looking down. At first, I though she was limping as if lame in some way since she seemed to be hobbling along slowly. But that was not quite it. She was walking as she looked down because of the rough, dry and rocky terrain on which she walked. She was not looking at or following her groom.

I knew this to be a message for and about the Church of Jesus Christ. In 2015 and beyond as the intensity in the world builds toward His return, the Bride need not be focused on the terrain, as difficult as it is and will become, but on her Groom! And frankly, this terrain looks unfamiliar. It appears to be in a dry, rubbly, perhaps even war- torn place. Of course this was in the Spirit so it speaks of places where we have not been before but are expected to confidently negotiation because we are following the Captain of the Host. 

When we are walking on unfamiliar and rough terrain, the temptation is to focus and be very careful where we tread so as not to fall and injure ourselves. But if we are following Someone, we cannot focus on that Person and where and how He is walking if we are focusing and looking down at the terrain to negotiate our own way. We must either be totally dependent or totally independent.

What happens to the Bride if She does not Focus on the Groom but on the unfamiliar and unfriendly terrain? She is distracted with the things of earth. She loses her Way. She gives in to panic. She loses her confidence. She loses her ability to lead. She loses her effectiveness. She gives in to fear. She loses her power to hold back the gates of hell. She becomes disconnected from her Source. She loses her position. The list goes on. 

This reminds me of the story of Queen Esther. Do you remember the queen before her? Queen Vashti? Who can forget that woman's terrible end? She lost her position because of her unwillingness to heed the king's call and to do his bidding. She lost her position to a better and more submissive and obedient person.

But it is not too late thankfully. And of course, the Lord would never lose His true Bride. He saying in 2015 and beyond, the Bride must keep her eyes on her Groom. She must be looking up and not down. She must pull her focus upwards and not be overly concerned about the terrain on which she walks on the earth. She must concern herself with her position of being seated in the heavenly places with her Groom. Jesus told us to watch and pray when we see the signs of His coming because our redemption draws near.     

We are living precarious yet extremely exciting times...if we remain in Him. There are so many distractions today, many of them very good but they are still distractions. Often, our pride will cause us to justify why they are okay or even ordained but they really are not. Our enemy is a formidable foe, who has tricks up his sleeve custom tailored for each of us. The key to avoiding a fall, is to keep our eyes on the Way, staying connected to the Vine...Jesus Christ. Satan is a formidable foe to us but not to Christ, and therefore, not those who are "in Christ." And therein lies the rub, to be in Christ is to not only have Him in you but you be in Him through the Holy Spirit. Many are walking around as playthings for the enemy not because they have to be but because they do not know their "place" in Christ.

So for 2015 and beyond we have to be aware of our surroundings and the terrain but we cannot afford give our focus on anything or anyone else but Christ. 


So what's the Lord saying to His Church:   Focus on Me.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I am the Bread of Life.
I am the Light of the World.
I am the Beginning and the End.
I am the Head and not the tail.
Without me you can do nothing.
Nothing is impossible for Me.
I am Love an Love never fails.
I am Love and Love conquers all.
I am Love and love covers a multitude of sins.
I never change.
I have been given all authority and I give it to you.
I am that I am.

Focus on Jesus in 2015!

What if Abraham Had Missed It?

JUST AS HE CHOSE ABRAHAM, GOD CHOSE YOU

It's so important for the people of God to seek His face and get His direction down to the tiniest detail. Not only the big vision but also His strategy and everything associated with the assignment. I find that it's so easy to get the general directions but still mess up because I did not seek Him for all of the details. That means it's not just the "what" but we need to know the "how" as well, and it us usually one step at a time. Now I may not be so important to what God is doing but what if the father of the faith, Abraham, had missed it? The implications are so far-reaching it's hard to imagine. Could God have used someone else? Of course, He is God. But He didn't.

It's the same with you. God can find someone else to do and to be  what He has called you to? Of course, but He chose you. And only you can do and to be what He has called you to in your particular way with exactly what He has packed into you.  What if Abraham did not depart from among his family to be led by God to a place he did not know? God told him to leave and go to a place who builder and maker is God and I will make you a great nation. [Paraphrased]  Why? So that Abraham could be a big shot? No. God had nation-forming and Kingdom-expanding plans for what He would entrust to Abraham. That's why the following words have had such an impact on me. I hope they will bless you, too:

Gen. 12:2:
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great and you shall be a blessing." 

Ever hear the phrase "blessed to be a blessing.?" Abraham was not blessed with greatness for himself or his immediate family. He was to be a blessing to all. Look at verse 3 of the same chapter:

Gen. 12:3:
"I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you: and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

All the families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham's blessing. Wow! But how?


ABRAHAM'S LINEAGE

The very Person we celebrate during this Christmas season, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man. You see, Abraham's forefather Shem, Noah's son, from which we get the word "Semite," the root of the Jewish people. And of course, Noah was Seth's, Adam and Eve's third son, great, great, great, great, great grandson. Yes, that's a lot of greats, give or take one. Suffice it to say, Noah was in the Seth's line and so was Abraham. However, by the time it came around to Abraham's family, they were not submitted to the Creator God but had become idolaters. But God has a way to re-align mankind and that was He aimed to do through Abraham. What a calling! So that's why the Jews refer to Abraham as their father today and in Jesus' day.


JESUS, OUR BLESSING, WAS A JEW

God chose to come into the world as a Jew so Jesus was a Jew. Therefore, to hate Jews is to hate God's chosen people. It's ridiculous and it is usually driven by jealousy. If you have a problem with Jews, ask the Lord to help you because it will be a stumbling block to your walk with Him. Trust me. But Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season and the One through Whom "all the families of the earth have been blessed." Through Christ, we have access to Abraham's blessing, but most of all, we have access to the Father of Lights Himself, the Source of all that is good.

And it's not so much Abraham that is the focus but Jesus Christ the only Way man can be reconnected with God after the Fall of our foreparents, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden. 

So if Abraham had missed it perhaps God would have devised another plan and found someone else; but He didn't. Praise be to God! And as you know, it's a great honor and privilege to be the child of God and also to be His servant. Most people don't trust God to the degree Abraham did, so most will not be entrusted with what God entrusted to him. But we are all called to be the hands and feet of Jess here on earth to complete the Kingdom work Jesus started. Yet, we are also seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. God begot a people through Abraham's line, natural and adopted. And while life in Christ is also a life full of tests, trials and tribulations, To those who trust in Him, He always delivers us. And God gave this man Abraham, some very difficult tests. Tests such that most of us have ever faced or will ever face.


ABRAHAM'S FATHER - TERAH

One of the things that fascinates me about Abraham was his father, Terah. Terah had taken his son Abram and grandson, Lot and was headed for Canaan but he never got to his destination because he stopped and lived - and died - in Haran. And it was not until Terah died at round the age of 205 (Abram was born when his father was 70), that God called Abram to leave for Canaan, really to finish the trip. But God kept the destination hidden from Abram. He just said leave and go to this place that I'll show you. I wonder why God never talked to Terah and why did he wait until Terah was dead before He called Abram. Perhaps, knowing the characters of both men God saw Abram as the one who would be more faithful and submissive and carry through to the end as directed by God. And that while Terah was alive that same faithfulness would be a hindrance to the outward call. The bottom line is that Abram was a faithful son to his earthly father and perhaps that was a qualification for his faithfulness to the heavenly Father. We are blessed by the fact that Abram, re-named Abraham, did just as God asked. The Bible says He believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. So he was faithful AND righteous. That is my personal prayer and from this foundation flow God's willingness to trust us.

What we know about God is that He is generous with His blessings but quite discriminate with His trust.


GOD's TRUST, UNLIKE SALVATION, MUST BE EARNED

So much is dependent upon the obedience of the saints. You never know what depends on your obedience. I believe it would boggle our minds if we did know. I am challenged by this and so I challenge you to be obedient to the Lord as He often asks you to do what makes little sense to others, believers and non-believers alike. I am not talking about God's commandments, those are not negotiable! But when the Lord says go here or there and do this or that or say this or that and you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it's Him, just do it! And although it may often be uncomfortable, in the end you will not be sorry! In addition, obedience carries with it a supernatural peace and well-being that surpasses all understanding.

Abraham was faithful even to the point of preparing to sacrifice his own son upon God's command. And Isaac was not just any son, He was the promised son of Abraham's old age. I imagine that to be the ultimate test for anyone, especially for a parent.


ABRAHAM LIKE FATHER GOD

Abraham was a picture of our Father God Who sacrificed His own Son, Jesus Christ for our redemption. The difference is that God spared Isaac's life and provided a ram in the thicket instead, whereas He went all the way through with the sacrifice of His own Son so that mankind could be redeemed by accepting the sacrifice. God sacrificed perfection to gain imperfection. Wow! Glory be to God! That is an indescribable type of love. The blessings of Abraham the Old Covenant prophetic picture of the New Covenant fulfillment in Christ.

God bless you as we continue on this amazing path God has set before us. I pray that you and I will be like Abraham and follow the Lord wherever and in whatever He leads us. He may not call you to set out like Abraham but we are always to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). And ultimately, to be like Jesus who obeyed His Father always, even to the death.  Notice the level of obedience matches the level of ability to do the impossible. It was in Jesus's life and it is for us, too. Submission to our loving God is the key. There is every reason to trust Him and no reason not to. It not difficult but it does take practice. Why not start now with whatever it is you are facing that you see as impossible to get pass or to solve.
After all, it was through Jesus that His Father became our perfect Father. None of our earthly fathers were perfect, but praise be to His Holy Name our heavenly Father is! This means, we can release our earthly fathers from any inadequacies and just love them.


WALKING AS JESUS DID IN 2015 AND BEYOND

Jesus said His food was to do the will of the Father. He said what He heard His Father say and did what He saw His Father do! Praise God we don't have to walk blindly as we walk by faith. He also said that whoever did the will of the Father is His brother, sister and mother (Matt. 12:50). Matt. 7:21 says that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of the Father in heaven. 

I leave you with this powerful Scripture of our blessing from Romans 4:11-13:

"that he [Abraham] might be the father of all those who believe, ... that righteousness might be imputed unto them also ..., but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had, being yet uncircumcised. For the promise that he should be the heir of the world came not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

There is so much more to this. I just felt led to share this again today.

Have a Happy and Wonderful 2015!

Repent! Come Face to Face With God Through Jesus Christ - The Ultimate Gift

Uh, oh! I  just used the "R” word! What was I thinking? This word has been increasingly falling into disrepute and disuse. It's been misconstrued, misunderstood, and frankly, misplaced. This word needs to make a comeback not only in the church, where it's conspicuously missing, but also in the public square. "Never happen!" you say? Well, let's begin by defining the word then opening up our Bibles to see when it is used properly, 1.) who used the word; 2) the reason they used the word; 3) whether the intent was to benefit or harm others.  But before we dive in, here are some other words that have fallen into similar disuse":  "sin", "conviction", "hell", and the like. These are being left out of the average sermon and even evangelistic efforts. They are being replaced by words like "blessing", "prosperity", "positive", "glory", "prophetic word", "a good life", "healing", "breakthrough", you name it. Although these are all good words, messages which focus on the latter half are indeed lopsided "Gospels," which make no room for what often follows the submitted Christian life, such as "persecution", "disenfranchisement", "imprisonment", "kidnap", "torture", and even "martyrdom".  The question is: Are we adequately preparing the average believer for a full life in Christ or one that is superficial and nominal? Perhaps more like a country club version of Christianity? To give one side without the other is to offer believers, new and old, an un-biblical view of the Christian life. So how was the word "repent" used in the Bible?

As he prepared the way for Jesus' ministry, John the Baptist came onto the scene preaching, "Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand". (Matthew 3:2) As John's ministry was ending and Jesus was beginning His, John said in John 3:30: "He must increase and I must decrease." Read that whole account in John 3 from verses 22 to 36 how John exalts Jesus Christ as the One he had been preaching about and for Whom he had been preparing the way. Therefore, after John's ministry had ended at his death, Jesus began His ministry preaching "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17).  And just as this was the beginning of these ministries, it is also the beginning of the life of the Christ-follower. You see, we cannot face God with sin because it is the great chasm between God and man. We must repent and put away those things that separate us from God by believing in His Son for forgiveness and purposing to walk with God. Repentance is first because it means that we stop to take stock of our hopeless condition and seek the only One who can offer a solution to sin. And while we believe Jesus did all that was necessary to cleanse us from sin, nothing about salvation is automatic because we are not robots. He did His part, therefore, we must respond with ours. 

Jesus, the One Whom we follow, had to endure what no other individual has had to endure. Further He taught that the student is no better than the Teacher, and that in this life, we would have trials and tribulations. But these hardships are not meant to break us; instead they are used to teach us perseverance and endurance. How? Because 1. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us, so we are never alone in our trials, and 2. He taught us by  His example how to overcome the world. As we identified with His death by putting away our old nature never to return to a bondage of sin, so we also identify with His resurrection to new lives of victory in Christ. (Galatians 2:20 paraphrased). The old man has gone behold the new has come. (Romans 8:1).  With this new life we then learn to walk according to the Holy Spirit and not according to our sinful flesh. " Read in Romans 8 about walking free from indwelling sin and as sons of God according to the Spirit. It's amazing how wonderfully God has laid out the life He wants us to lead. Actually, the life we must lead so that it is clear to all, Whose we are. 

Admittedly, this is not the kind of post or message that will have throngs of people clamoring to read it. But thankfully, there are those with whom this will strike a chord, and not a dissonant one either, but beautifully consonant with the melodious revelation of biblical truth. The same truth that was breathed and given to us by God, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead. Yes, the Holy Spirit wrote the Bible, not men and many like to argue. If it were not for the Holy Spirit's direction it would impossible for that many authors to write that one cohesive integrated text. Only a single Author could create such a complete message to mankind. Unfortunately, many today would rather hear an ear-tickling feel-good word rather than the Word of God, which sometimes does not feel good. Let's face it, if you are in sin (that simply means not living the life that God has designed for you, missing the mark and going awry of His plan for mankind. And if you are missing the mark in living under heaven's jurisdiction, there is only one other alternative that is living under the devil's jurisdiction. There is no middle ground. So it is sad to see that many who call themselves believers have two main requirements: A good "word" (meaning make me feel good) and good "worship" (meaning entertain me and make me feel good). 

But getting back to the words like "hell", "repent," and "sin",  aren't they necessary for the spreading of the true Gospel and teaching about life in Christ? Do we even believe that Jesus came to earth for the reason He said He did? That is, to be the final sacrifice for man's sin, which had formed an eternal gulf between man and God? We find the events that led up to the separation between God and man in the very beginning of the Bible, the first three chapters of Genesis. And every once in a while, we need to go back to the beginning and work our way forward to remind ourselves of our need for a Savior. That story should never get old. It's when that story gets "old" that we find ourselves substituting for that which makes us feel good. So now that we have some background, let's take a look at the word "repent". To repent is ... 

1.to feel sorry, selfreproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of):2.to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent. 3. to remember or regard with selfreproach or contrition: 4. to feel sorry for; regret: "Middle English repenten < Old French repentir, equivalent to re- re- + pentir to feel sorrow (<Latin paenitēre to regret, be sorry); see penitent"

This word came into use between 1250 and 1300. Makes you wonder what they used centuries beforehand. That may have been around the time the people actually had the Bible made available to them in common language for the first time in history. Prior to that the Roman Catholic Church only used the Bible in Latin and the common people had no direct access to the written Word of God. They had to depend upon the priests to know the Word and will of God. One last thing before we get into the Scripture. The use of the word in the original Hebrew and in Greek.

Note and refer to E-Sword -  Definition of "Repent" as used in Scripture from Strong’s Concordance: 
H2398 חטא châṭâ' khaw-taw' ... offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin (-ful, -ness), trespassive H5162 נחם nâcham naw-kham'... to be sorry, H7725 שׁוּב  shûb shoob ... to turn back ... generally to retreat; ... withdraw.
G3338 μεταμέλλομαι metamellomai met-am-el'-lom-ahee From G3326 and the middle of G3199; to care afterwards, that is, regret: - repent (self).  G3340 μετανοέω metanoeō met-an-o-eh'-o From G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent. RepentRE'PENT, a. [L. repo, to creep.] Creeping; as a repent root.
  

REPENT', v.i. [L. re and paeniteo, from paena, pain. Gr. See Paint.] 1. To feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken; ... 2. To express sorrow for something past.…  3. To change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct.… 4. Applied to the Supreme Being, to change the course of providential dealings. Gen 6. Psa 106.… 5. In theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law, a dishonor to his character and government, and the foulest ingratitude to a Being of infinite benevolence. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13. Acts 3. REPENT', v.t 1. To remember with sorrow; ...

In a nutshell, repenting is feeling remorse for bad actions and committing not to repeat them. What's so bad about that? After all, there are 3 main responses to our past sin or bad actions: 1. Remorse and regret as in a desire to change, 2. Indifference as in having a seared conscious; and 3. arrogance and pride. According to the biblical view of sin, only one response will cause God's grace and mercy to flow and that is remorse and regret, with intention to turn away from wicked ways and toward Christ for liberty and leadership. Regarding the other two responses, we know that indifference is abhorrent to God, we see this in His response to the Laodicean church., a.k.a. the lukewarm church according to Revelation 3:14-22. The Bible tells us that His charge against them was their lukewarmness, which made Him want to vomit them out of His mouth; a very strong response to those who choose indifference over action. 

Then there is the proud and arrogant sinner. Well, we know what God thinks about pride. It appears in many parts of the Bible; whereas, He gives grace to the humble. In short, God hates pride no matter what form it takes, and the Bible says pride comes before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18). It is what caused Lucifer to be tossed out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12), Nebuchadnezzar to lose his mind and live like an animal for seven years (Daniel 4:33), Saul of Tarsus to be knocked off his horse and blinded (Acts 9:4; 22:7; 28:14). Thankfully, two of these figures were given to repentance and received forgiveness and restoration. It's quite interesting that the two who were restored were humans. It's as if those Whom God has made in His own image receive that special treatment where He is always waiting with open arms to receive the repentant. And in these accounts and so many others where repentance was the response, it is clear that it is a heart-felt deep remorse and sorrow for the sin. As if once the blinders of sin come off, the repentant soul can for the first time see their condition and need for a Savior. Without repentance, there can be no real and lasting change in the life of the sinner. And truly, as the Scripture says, it's God's "kindness that leads us to repentance". In the end repentance is actually a "positive" word because it leads one to the face of God. Conclusion: only one response to sin is acceptable to God and that is repentance. 

I once left a church because the pastor started down a dangerous road. At one evening service I actually heard this said: "There is no longer a need for repentance and the conviction of sin." I could not believe what I was hearing. And although I have not heard it since, others preach a similar message of "no repentance and no conviction." However, it is usually more indirect by avoiding the words and focusing only one aspect or dimension of God: His love, mercy, and grace, and all they construe as "positive". I've heard things like don't be "sin- focused" and don't preach "hell and brimstone". Of course you don't focus on the them, but is it right to avoid the subject matter altogether? After all, Jesus spoke about hell and money more than He did about heaven. Would He have done that if it was so 'unnecessary'? Of course, not. So choosing to avoid those words means choosing to be biblically imbalanced and to inaccurately preach the Gospel. An imbalanced Gospel is no Gospel at all. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that people will like the Gospel. It does preach, however, that "narrow is the gate that leads to life but broad is the way that leads to destruction." (See below) That's another way of saying "hated, unpopular, and politically incorrect is the way that leads to life but popular, politically correct, and heavily sought after is the way that leads to destruction.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." [Matthew 7:13-14]

But it's not only about the "words" we use in preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. No, we need to preach and also demonstrate the Gospel.  (Matthew 4:23; 9:35). After all, the Good News of Jesus Christ includes the good acts of Jesus Christ. He went about doing good and so must we who say we believe in and follow Him. Are we following Him?

And what of Jesus? Would you call Him "negative"? You would be hard-pressed to do so. Yet, His messages were often full of correction and rebuke, especially to those who were leading others astray by teaching them rebellion against God. False prophets will always tell you what you want to hear and the love of money is often a motivating factor. But to those who received His words, as He meant them in love, these captives were set free. It's the same today, as we preach, teach, and demonstrate the Gospel as Jesus did, we bring freedom for others to follow and worship Him. (John 8:36) It was so then, and it is so now. And in preaching the Gospel and being His representatives to the world and in relating to our brothers and sisters in Christ, He never told us to be "love," Only God is love. (1 John 4:18). Although He told us to love others as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:36-40) He did, however, tell us to be "holy" as He is holy. (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:16). Be set apart for His purposes and don't worry about pleasing other people. 

So let them call you negative, harsh, politically incorrect, and whatever else they can. As long as you are aligned with God in Christ and not this world system, people will always find a reason to cast aspersions. They did it to Him, they will do it to you. 

But just as Christ did, when we receive the criticism and derision even from those of our own faith, our only response must be love. Does that mean we trust everyone and make everyone our closest confidantes? Of course not. 

So finally, if we do not have a need for repentance of sin, there is no need of Christ, and if there is no need of Christ, there is no need of the Holy Spirit to keeps us connected to the Godhead while He is here on earth, and without Christ and the Holy Spirit there is no connection to God the Father because there is no redemption from man's sinful condition. Therefore, the gulf between man and God from the Great Fall in the Garden of Eden would remain intact and man's damnable condition eternally set. To some, this may sound ridiculous but so is this new spin on the Gospel that is no Gospel at all. We all know, God the Father created a Way through Jesus Christ and that great gap between God and man has been closed for all who accept His gift of salvation. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 

Man needs a Savior. That Savior is Jesus Christ Whom God sent to redeem His family from damnation. Man needs to repent of sin and ask for forgiveness to be in right standing with God again. Otherwise, man chooses hell as his eternal home.

The alternative is the greatest Gift ever given or received ---- The God Man Jesus Christ. Fully Man. Fully God. Fully available to whosoever will receive Him.

Merry Christmas, all! Let's celebrate the ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ! 

He is no longer a baby but a glorious and victorious King! 

Identity Series: Sons and Subjects

Although we are royal sons and daughters of almighty God's, we are also subjects of the Crown and subject to the Crown. In the first part we belong to Him and in the second we are under His authority. One signifies a family relationship whereas the other signifies a responsibility to the ultimate Sovereign. 

In the same way an earthly king or queen's children are both princes and princesses while at the same time, subject to their parent's authority of an earthly sovereign, so are we in our relationship with God. Many people have either a problem with the first part, as sons, and live entirely in the reality of the second, as servants, (with more of a works mentality); while others focus almost entirely on the first part, as sons, while minimizing or completely ignoring the second part, as subjects. However, we must live in balance as both sons and subjects.  Otherwise, it makes it impossible to be true witnesses of Jesus Christ', because Jesus was and does occupy and perform the functions both of these positions perfectly. To deny one in favor of the other is to have a off-kilter theology which sets anyone up for deception by the evil one. 

Once there is imbalance, a person will either focus too much on works and neglect relationship or focus on relationship and ignore submission to the King. When we are more relationship than subject there is always the risk of becoming overly familiar, as in on a informal, buddy-buddy, friendly relationship that violates the King's protocol. Sound cold and harsh! Not so! This is not just me speaking; consider's Jesus's position and treatment of His Father! His Father who is also our Father. He demonstrated that it is indeed possible to be in intimate relationship with God while recognizing that we are not equivalent with God [though Jesus was; but for the purposes of modeling this submission for us did not count Himself as equivalent to God while He was here in the natural], but submit all of ourselves to Him. 

We are not omniscient, all knowing. We are not omnipotent, all powerful. And we certainly are not omnipresent, always present everywhere simultaneously. We absolutely need to stay in intimate connection with the One Who is. There is a protocol to this connection, another name for it is righteousness, or right standing. In Christ, we always have right standing with God; and this requires walking as Christ walked - again  not as God but as a Man anointed by God.

It is very disconcerting to hear and see people who dash responsibility to God as our Sovereign in favor of sonship alone. As if sonship erases the obligation of being a subject. I do not see anywhere in the Bible where anyone who was in right standing with God focused on being God's son and ignored everything else. What I do see, is those whom God used mightily operating from a place of humility even knowing God is their Father but submitting to Him and doing His will. Without that, there is very little opportunity to operate in Kingdom power, demonstrating the Kingdom of God has come near. No. Kingdom relationship, regardless of how high or low, requires knowing and operating in Kingdom protocol.

Of course, I am not saying we never get real with God. That would be silly! He knows our hearts anyway. It's the intents of the heart that matters. Are you toward Him in submission or are you trying to get away with your own agenda in place of His. You see, eventually that will and must fail. The only agenda is the one belonging to the Rock of Ages, the Eternal One! But once we do yield to His plan and purpose for our lives knowing that we can trust Him, there is such absolutely freedom in that, it doesn't matter what we or anyone calls us. Our identity is in Him!

Outside of that, there is nothing bur struggle to be this or that.

Let's take our cues from the Bible and not from those with too much press while leading too many people astray. It's just going to be you and Him on that day when Jesus asks you what you did with everything you had at your disposal, chiefly the knowledge of Him. Not your mom, dad, aunt, grandma! Everyone will be on their own that day! For some a glorious day while for others a fateful day with no more opportunity for re-dos. 

Since we don't need to prove from Scripture that Jesus is the Son of God and those who led by the Spirit are sons as well. "For as many are are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14)  However, on the subject side Jesus the Son of Man also considered Himself submitted to God. Here are some Scriptures to that effect: 

Matthew 8:9 - the centurion realizing Jesus was under His Father's authority said: 

"For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 26:39 - He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

James 4:7 - Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Romans 10:3 - For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

I could go on. And yes, we do submit to God as our Father but we also submit to Him as our King. Both are crucial. And of course, Romans 13:1 teaches to submit to governmental authority, and . He is after all, King of kings, and Lord of lords. We are the ones with the little "k" and the little "l"? There are many of us but only One of Him, meaning the Godhead.

See 1 Peter 2: 9-1: - But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:13-17 teaches us to submit to government; verses 18-55 teaches us to submit to Masters in all areas, inside and outside of the Church.

Do we get it perfectly right every time? Of course, not. But it is so important,especially in the times we live, to have a good understanding of our dual position in Christ. Sons and subjects, just like Jesus was while on this earth, in order to be true witnesses of God's Kingdom!

So I leave you with the following Scripture which captures the point much better than I could and with the authority that only Scripture has: 

Philippians 2:5-13 - Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Closing Prayer:

"Father, help us to live in constant connection with You by Your Holy Spirit so that we may live in balance of our positions in Christ as sons* and subjects of the Most High God. Amen."

*sons - meaning humankind, therefore this term includes females as well.

God bless you!