The Need To Control
by Os Hillman, October 3, 2007
"You acted foolishly," Samuel said.... - 1 Samuel 13:13
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many a boss is so driven by fear that he attempts to manage by over controlling his people. This results in co-dependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's over-control.
Do you see any signs of over control in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Ephesians 5:19-20
Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thoughts on today's verse
Hearts full of thanks -- that's what makes for good singing! With Jesus as the source of our salvation and center of our future, how can we not sing! But singing is not just for us and God. God wants our songs to bless others. It is our ultimate spiritual talk.
Prayer:
O Lord, my God, you are Awesome and wondrous. Your works are magnificent and your deeds are beyond comprehension. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart ever declare your praises. May my heart be filled with thanksgiving for all that you have done to save us from sin, shame, law, and death. You alone are worthy of my praise, my songs, and my life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thoughts on today's verse
Hearts full of thanks -- that's what makes for good singing! With Jesus as the source of our salvation and center of our future, how can we not sing! But singing is not just for us and God. God wants our songs to bless others. It is our ultimate spiritual talk.
Prayer:
O Lord, my God, you are Awesome and wondrous. Your works are magnificent and your deeds are beyond comprehension. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart ever declare your praises. May my heart be filled with thanksgiving for all that you have done to save us from sin, shame, law, and death. You alone are worthy of my praise, my songs, and my life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Unconditional Peace
Unconditional Peace -- Matthew 6:31-34
When hardships come, a person's heart is prone to feel anxious and unsettled. But believers do not have to feel this way; we can be at peace even in the worst of times. The Bible says that God loves us and will be our rock in a constantly changing world (Psalm 18:2). This means we are not left alone to face our painful situations. When we trust the Lord's assurances, we can be calm, no matter what the situation may be.
To lay claim to God's assurance, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, because we cannot know peace if our eternal security is in question. Once we have become believers, it is vitally important that we make a regular practice of confronting, confessing, and turning away from our wrongs. Otherwise, sin will disrupt our fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 66:18). Sin and peace cannot inhabit the same heart.
Similarly, a heart cannot hold both anxiety and peace, which is why Jesus encouraged His followers to be concerned only with the needs of today (Matthew 6:31-34). Worrying about a troubling situation and seeking a solution apart from God leaves us in a state of unease. But when we focus upon the Lord and trust in His provision, anxiety and doubt flee. "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).
A pure, restful heart is a valuable asset in this crazy world. Situations will arise that shake us up and cause grief. But Jesus is close by to soothe the soul, quiet the mind, and bring peace to the heart.
When hardships come, a person's heart is prone to feel anxious and unsettled. But believers do not have to feel this way; we can be at peace even in the worst of times. The Bible says that God loves us and will be our rock in a constantly changing world (Psalm 18:2). This means we are not left alone to face our painful situations. When we trust the Lord's assurances, we can be calm, no matter what the situation may be.
To lay claim to God's assurance, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, because we cannot know peace if our eternal security is in question. Once we have become believers, it is vitally important that we make a regular practice of confronting, confessing, and turning away from our wrongs. Otherwise, sin will disrupt our fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 66:18). Sin and peace cannot inhabit the same heart.
Similarly, a heart cannot hold both anxiety and peace, which is why Jesus encouraged His followers to be concerned only with the needs of today (Matthew 6:31-34). Worrying about a troubling situation and seeking a solution apart from God leaves us in a state of unease. But when we focus upon the Lord and trust in His provision, anxiety and doubt flee. "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).
A pure, restful heart is a valuable asset in this crazy world. Situations will arise that shake us up and cause grief. But Jesus is close by to soothe the soul, quiet the mind, and bring peace to the heart.
The Faith of Works
The Faith of Works
by Jon Walker
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. … So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.” (James 2:14,17 NLT)
Consider this paraphrase of James 2:14,17 (based on the NLT):
Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you love your spouse if you don't prove it by the way you treat your spouse? That kind of impersonal love doesn’t make your relationship a marriage. … So you see, it isn't enough just to have an impersonal love. A theoretical love that doesn't show itself by intimate involvement in the life of your spouse is no love at all – it is dead and useless.
I use this example because it helps us see the holy union of faith and works. We can say we love our spouses, but without the “good works” of married life it’s hard to see the love. Yet we also can go through the motions of “good works” within a marriage without the presence of love.
Either way, we’ve missed the point and veered from God’s plain and simple plan. When it comes to faith and works, it basically works this way:
· We are saved by grace, through faith; this salvation is not from what we do, it is a gift from God; Salvation comes from faith and not by works, so that no one can boast about what they did to get to heaven. (Ephesians 2:7-10 NIV; Psalm 51:12 HCSB)
· God places the Holy Spirit within us, and we are energized by his spirit to do good works. (Colossians 1:29)
Paul says we’re compelled by love to do good works; it is possible, however, to fake faith by doing these good works. This may feel good bring us praise, but it will not earn salvation from God. It’s good works done in a faithless way – because they do not require faith, nor are they motivated by your faith.
James says it the other way around: You can claim faith all day long, but if your faith isn’t reflected in your actions, in the way you live your life, then you faith is dead. You’re living with a faith that has not been energized by the Spirit of God. It’s a theoretical faith that doesn’t compel you to pour your life into good and godly works.
Faith without works; works without faith – neither of these is God’s design. He designed us to live out a union of faith and works, so co-mingled that they reflect the very image of Christ.
What now?
· Work your faith – Let’s bring this lesson back down to an intimate level. Which takes more faith combined with works, for you to:
Participate in a mission project in a foreign country?
Treat your spouse with civility?
Submit to a boss you don’t respect?
· God’s energy directs your work for him – “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:28-29 NIV) Perhaps you never thought you’d hear this from a pastor, but there may be some good things you’re doing that you can stop doing – because God never meant for them to be part of your purpose or the works you were created to do. This is not an excuse to sit on the sidelines. The question is: What is God energizing you to do for him?
· God’s love compels you to good works – “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” (2 Corinthians 5 NIV) God’s love is within you, compelling you to good works. What good and godly work are you consistently compelled to do?
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
Editor’s note: We received a few e-mails regarding the “Iron Man” devotional. In that study, I encouraged you to pray for Brett Favre because I think, too often, Christians forget that “celebrities” are just regular people in need of God's love and guidance.
Regrettably, I wrote the prayer request under the assumption that Brett is not a believer. When I'm in my right mind, I’m careful how I write such prayer suggestions because only God knows the heart. But I messed up on this one and regret my mistake.
As one reader explained: “I received this daily devotional today and am a little disturbed by the last sentence, ‘Finally, pray for Brett Favre, who appears to be a very good man, but still a man in need of a Savior.’
“I am a friend of Brett's wife and Brett. I don't think that is an accurate or fair statement. Deanna and Brett have been through a lot over the past few years, and are probably closer to their Savior now than they ever have been!”
Other readers sent this link from Guideposts magazine.
Gracious reader, I am an imperfect man serving a perfect God, and I am grateful for his patient love and your understanding. My assumption was false, but we can rejoice with God that he is at work in the Favres. – jw
by Jon Walker
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. … So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.” (James 2:14,17 NLT)
Consider this paraphrase of James 2:14,17 (based on the NLT):
Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you love your spouse if you don't prove it by the way you treat your spouse? That kind of impersonal love doesn’t make your relationship a marriage. … So you see, it isn't enough just to have an impersonal love. A theoretical love that doesn't show itself by intimate involvement in the life of your spouse is no love at all – it is dead and useless.
I use this example because it helps us see the holy union of faith and works. We can say we love our spouses, but without the “good works” of married life it’s hard to see the love. Yet we also can go through the motions of “good works” within a marriage without the presence of love.
Either way, we’ve missed the point and veered from God’s plain and simple plan. When it comes to faith and works, it basically works this way:
· We are saved by grace, through faith; this salvation is not from what we do, it is a gift from God; Salvation comes from faith and not by works, so that no one can boast about what they did to get to heaven. (Ephesians 2:7-10 NIV; Psalm 51:12 HCSB)
· God places the Holy Spirit within us, and we are energized by his spirit to do good works. (Colossians 1:29)
Paul says we’re compelled by love to do good works; it is possible, however, to fake faith by doing these good works. This may feel good bring us praise, but it will not earn salvation from God. It’s good works done in a faithless way – because they do not require faith, nor are they motivated by your faith.
James says it the other way around: You can claim faith all day long, but if your faith isn’t reflected in your actions, in the way you live your life, then you faith is dead. You’re living with a faith that has not been energized by the Spirit of God. It’s a theoretical faith that doesn’t compel you to pour your life into good and godly works.
Faith without works; works without faith – neither of these is God’s design. He designed us to live out a union of faith and works, so co-mingled that they reflect the very image of Christ.
What now?
· Work your faith – Let’s bring this lesson back down to an intimate level. Which takes more faith combined with works, for you to:
Participate in a mission project in a foreign country?
Treat your spouse with civility?
Submit to a boss you don’t respect?
· God’s energy directs your work for him – “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:28-29 NIV) Perhaps you never thought you’d hear this from a pastor, but there may be some good things you’re doing that you can stop doing – because God never meant for them to be part of your purpose or the works you were created to do. This is not an excuse to sit on the sidelines. The question is: What is God energizing you to do for him?
· God’s love compels you to good works – “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” (2 Corinthians 5 NIV) God’s love is within you, compelling you to good works. What good and godly work are you consistently compelled to do?
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
Editor’s note: We received a few e-mails regarding the “Iron Man” devotional. In that study, I encouraged you to pray for Brett Favre because I think, too often, Christians forget that “celebrities” are just regular people in need of God's love and guidance.
Regrettably, I wrote the prayer request under the assumption that Brett is not a believer. When I'm in my right mind, I’m careful how I write such prayer suggestions because only God knows the heart. But I messed up on this one and regret my mistake.
As one reader explained: “I received this daily devotional today and am a little disturbed by the last sentence, ‘Finally, pray for Brett Favre, who appears to be a very good man, but still a man in need of a Savior.’
“I am a friend of Brett's wife and Brett. I don't think that is an accurate or fair statement. Deanna and Brett have been through a lot over the past few years, and are probably closer to their Savior now than they ever have been!”
Other readers sent this link
Gracious reader, I am an imperfect man serving a perfect God, and I am grateful for his patient love and your understanding. My assumption was false, but we can rejoice with God that he is at work in the Favres. – jw
--Matthew 4:19
And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
--Matthew 4:19
There are many, many reasons why people reject Jesus Christ. And one of the most popular excuses people give for rejecting Him is because of hypocrisy in the Church.
Yes, there are hypocrites in the Church of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Jesus had 12 disciples and one of them was even a hypocrite! So yes, there are--unfortunately--people who say they are Christians, and yet don't live like Christians.
But did you ever consider that the devil may put a hypocrite in your path just to keep you from Jesus Christ? The devil can do that. Let me help you understand why.
Have you ever considered that when people want to counterfeit something, they don't counterfeit gum wrappers? They counterfeit $20 bills, $100 bills...something that's real! So for people to counterfeit the Christian faith....and for the devil to put those counterfeits in your path...only indicates that Christianity is real!
Again, the fact that there are hypocrites in the Church doesn't lessen the credibility of the Christian faith. You need to make a distinction between sin and hypocrisy. All Christians sin.
But not all sinful Christians are hypocrites. Just because a Christian may sin doesn't mean that Christianity is phony. And...look again at today's verse. Jesus said, "Follow me." He didn't say, "Follow that person" or "Follow that church." He said, "Follow me"!
Jesus Christ isn't a hypocrite. When you follow Jesus Christ, you're following Someone who always keeps His promises...and you're following Someone who never sinned.
So Christianity doesn't stand or fall by the way a so-called Christian may act. Christian faith is in Jesus Christ! I hope this encourages you in your faith today.
The fact that there are hypocrites in the church doesn't lessen the credibility of the Christian faith.
--Matthew 4:19
There are many, many reasons why people reject Jesus Christ. And one of the most popular excuses people give for rejecting Him is because of hypocrisy in the Church.
Yes, there are hypocrites in the Church of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Jesus had 12 disciples and one of them was even a hypocrite! So yes, there are--unfortunately--people who say they are Christians, and yet don't live like Christians.
But did you ever consider that the devil may put a hypocrite in your path just to keep you from Jesus Christ? The devil can do that. Let me help you understand why.
Have you ever considered that when people want to counterfeit something, they don't counterfeit gum wrappers? They counterfeit $20 bills, $100 bills...something that's real! So for people to counterfeit the Christian faith....and for the devil to put those counterfeits in your path...only indicates that Christianity is real!
Again, the fact that there are hypocrites in the Church doesn't lessen the credibility of the Christian faith. You need to make a distinction between sin and hypocrisy. All Christians sin.
But not all sinful Christians are hypocrites. Just because a Christian may sin doesn't mean that Christianity is phony. And...look again at today's verse. Jesus said, "Follow me." He didn't say, "Follow that person" or "Follow that church." He said, "Follow me"!
Jesus Christ isn't a hypocrite. When you follow Jesus Christ, you're following Someone who always keeps His promises...and you're following Someone who never sinned.
So Christianity doesn't stand or fall by the way a so-called Christian may act. Christian faith is in Jesus Christ! I hope this encourages you in your faith today.
The fact that there are hypocrites in the church doesn't lessen the credibility of the Christian faith.
The Conflict of Peace
The Conflict of Peace
by Jon Walker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV)
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved
by Jon Walker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV)
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved
A Pattern for Powerful Prayer -- Colossians 1:3-9
A Pattern for Powerful Prayer -- Colossians 1:3-9
God has ordained prayer as the way to approach Him for direction and help. The Savior's life exemplified this. He prayed before selecting His disciples, feeding the five thousand, and raising Lazarus from the dead. And at Gethsemane, as He was about to face His trial and crucifixion, Jesus spent time praying intensely. The Savior's whole life was one long communion with His Father so He could know and achieve God's will.
The apostle Paul had the same desire for himself and also for the church. His prayer--that the Colossians would understand and follow God's plan--can serve as a model for our own. He asked the Father to give them "wise minds and spirits attuned to His will" (Colossians 1:9 msg). Both are developed by the Holy Spirit in response to prayer.
Spiritual wisdom (v. 9 nasb) comes from a mind trained to focus on what matters to God and a spirit ready to accept His direction. This type of wisdom includes the ability to see the world as God does, identify where He is at work, and recognize when He is prompting us to join Him. Once we've received God's direction, our next priority is to carry out His instructions in a way that He approves, or as Paul said, to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" and to "please Him in all respects" (vv. 9-10). This prayer encompasses both actions and attitudes.
Imagine the glory that is brought to God when our character, conduct, and conversation give evidence of Christ's presence in our life. He desires to accomplish this in us, but first, we must ask.
God has ordained prayer as the way to approach Him for direction and help. The Savior's life exemplified this. He prayed before selecting His disciples, feeding the five thousand, and raising Lazarus from the dead. And at Gethsemane, as He was about to face His trial and crucifixion, Jesus spent time praying intensely. The Savior's whole life was one long communion with His Father so He could know and achieve God's will.
The apostle Paul had the same desire for himself and also for the church. His prayer--that the Colossians would understand and follow God's plan--can serve as a model for our own. He asked the Father to give them "wise minds and spirits attuned to His will" (Colossians 1:9 msg). Both are developed by the Holy Spirit in response to prayer.
Spiritual wisdom (v. 9 nasb) comes from a mind trained to focus on what matters to God and a spirit ready to accept His direction. This type of wisdom includes the ability to see the world as God does, identify where He is at work, and recognize when He is prompting us to join Him. Once we've received God's direction, our next priority is to carry out His instructions in a way that He approves, or as Paul said, to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" and to "please Him in all respects" (vv. 9-10). This prayer encompasses both actions and attitudes.
Imagine the glory that is brought to God when our character, conduct, and conversation give evidence of Christ's presence in our life. He desires to accomplish this in us, but first, we must ask.
“Watershed Moments”
“Watershed Moments”
By Pastor Ken Klaus
Mark 15:39 ~esv~
And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,
"Truly this man was the Son of God!"
It's pretty easy to tell how old a person is by talking to them about "watershed moments."
Most of the Daily Devotion listeners or readers will remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard about the planes hitting the World Trade Center. Those who are older will be able to recall their situation when they first were told about President Kennedy being shot in Dallas. Those who have celebrated their 65th birthday can recall their activities on the December morning when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Those are watershed moments, events that are part of us and shape our thinking and lives.
Recently, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of such a watershed moment. On October 4, 1957, America was shocked when the Russians put Sputnik, the first satellite, into orbit around the earth. Not much larger than a beach ball, able to do little more than send back little beeps, Sputnik upset our apple cart.
With a foreign-made object regularly slashing through our skies, Americans realized the oceans would no longer protect them from foreign aggression. "After all," the thinking went, "if Russia can place a satellite over our heads, she can put a missile up there, too." Sputnik was a watershed event, which ignited America's desire to be first in the space race, the arms race, the missile race, and every other race. It was a matter of pride -and protection.
When I look through Scripture, I see many such watershed moments. When Moses took off his sandals in front of Sinai's burning bush, that was a watershed moment. When the jailer at Philippi didn't fall on his sword, that was a watershed moment. When the ladies went to Jesus' tomb on Easter morning, they had a watershed moment, too. One of the most special watershed moments I see in Scripture happens to the unnamed centurion who stood at Jesus' cross. A hardened soldier, used to pain and death, the representative of Rome was impressed by the way Jesus had died. He was impressed enough to confess, "Truly, this man was the Son of God!" It was a watershed moment for him, as it has been for millions. It needs to be for millions more.
Today, I ask you to think of one person in your life who needs to stand before Jesus' cross, who ought to gaze into His open tomb, who needs to see the risen Savior. Today, ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit upon this special person. Ask God to soften a heart, call a lost sinner, and grant a watershed moment to your friend.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I have seen great events of history -events that have changed my life. But only the great story of the Savior: His life, death, and resurrection can change my eternity. Today, I pray that (Name Of Your Friend) can be granted a watershed moment and be brought to faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, his Savior. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
By Pastor Ken Klaus
Mark 15:39 ~esv~
And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,
"Truly this man was the Son of God!"
It's pretty easy to tell how old a person is by talking to them about "watershed moments."
Most of the Daily Devotion listeners or readers will remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard about the planes hitting the World Trade Center. Those who are older will be able to recall their situation when they first were told about President Kennedy being shot in Dallas. Those who have celebrated their 65th birthday can recall their activities on the December morning when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Those are watershed moments, events that are part of us and shape our thinking and lives.
Recently, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of such a watershed moment. On October 4, 1957, America was shocked when the Russians put Sputnik, the first satellite, into orbit around the earth. Not much larger than a beach ball, able to do little more than send back little beeps, Sputnik upset our apple cart.
With a foreign-made object regularly slashing through our skies, Americans realized the oceans would no longer protect them from foreign aggression. "After all," the thinking went, "if Russia can place a satellite over our heads, she can put a missile up there, too." Sputnik was a watershed event, which ignited America's desire to be first in the space race, the arms race, the missile race, and every other race. It was a matter of pride -and protection.
When I look through Scripture, I see many such watershed moments. When Moses took off his sandals in front of Sinai's burning bush, that was a watershed moment. When the jailer at Philippi didn't fall on his sword, that was a watershed moment. When the ladies went to Jesus' tomb on Easter morning, they had a watershed moment, too. One of the most special watershed moments I see in Scripture happens to the unnamed centurion who stood at Jesus' cross. A hardened soldier, used to pain and death, the representative of Rome was impressed by the way Jesus had died. He was impressed enough to confess, "Truly, this man was the Son of God!" It was a watershed moment for him, as it has been for millions. It needs to be for millions more.
Today, I ask you to think of one person in your life who needs to stand before Jesus' cross, who ought to gaze into His open tomb, who needs to see the risen Savior. Today, ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit upon this special person. Ask God to soften a heart, call a lost sinner, and grant a watershed moment to your friend.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I have seen great events of history -events that have changed my life. But only the great story of the Savior: His life, death, and resurrection can change my eternity. Today, I pray that (Name Of Your Friend) can be granted a watershed moment and be brought to faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, his Savior. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Pursue Loyalty
Pursue Loyalty
Today's Scripture
“He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life” (Proverbs 21:21 NASB).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal—to our family, friends, country, job—then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through think and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people—even if you get a “better” offer. Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Can you be more loyal? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Don’t let the distractions of every day life keep you from pursuing loyalty. Look for ways to show your loyalty to those around you. Is there something you can set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show that love by staying loyal. As you pursue loyalty and righteousness, just as this verse promises—you will find that abundant life the Lord has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of life in Your Word. Show me any area where I can rise up higher in pursuing loyalty. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be more faithful and supportive to those around me. Let Your light shine through me as I pursue righteousness and loyalty today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
“He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life” (Proverbs 21:21 NASB).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal—to our family, friends, country, job—then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through think and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people—even if you get a “better” offer. Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Can you be more loyal? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Don’t let the distractions of every day life keep you from pursuing loyalty. Look for ways to show your loyalty to those around you. Is there something you can set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show that love by staying loyal. As you pursue loyalty and righteousness, just as this verse promises—you will find that abundant life the Lord has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of life in Your Word. Show me any area where I can rise up higher in pursuing loyalty. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be more faithful and supportive to those around me. Let Your light shine through me as I pursue righteousness and loyalty today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Living the Abundant Life
Living the Abundant Life
God desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go! He wants you to have so much peace, so much joy, so much victory that when other people get around you it spills over onto them!
In the book of Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was overflowing with the anointing—the tangible, effective power of God. Too many people today have a barely-get-by-mentality. They settle for thoughts like, “I can barely pay my bills…I have an okay job… I have an okay marriage.” But Jesus came so we can live an abundant life! That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. You may not see it right now, and maybe you haven’t experienced it in the past, but don’t get complacent and just settle for where you are. Get a vision for your future! Get a vision for increase! Get a vision for Abundance!
Psalm 35:27 says, “Let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His children.’” God delights to see you prosperous and successful. When you choose to think God’s thoughts and choose God’s way, you’ll see that increase and victory in every area of your life. Now is the time to move forward and live the abundant life God has planned for you!
God desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go! He wants you to have so much peace, so much joy, so much victory that when other people get around you it spills over onto them!
In the book of Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was overflowing with the anointing—the tangible, effective power of God. Too many people today have a barely-get-by-mentality. They settle for thoughts like, “I can barely pay my bills…I have an okay job… I have an okay marriage.” But Jesus came so we can live an abundant life! That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. You may not see it right now, and maybe you haven’t experienced it in the past, but don’t get complacent and just settle for where you are. Get a vision for your future! Get a vision for increase! Get a vision for Abundance!
Psalm 35:27 says, “Let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His children.’” God delights to see you prosperous and successful. When you choose to think God’s thoughts and choose God’s way, you’ll see that increase and victory in every area of your life. Now is the time to move forward and live the abundant life God has planned for you!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Clothe Yourself
Clothe Yourself
Today's Scripture
“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for indulging the flesh. Put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature” (Romans 13:14 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Is there something in your life that you would like to put a stop to today? Maybe it’s a certain behavior, addiction, or bad attitude that isn’t pleasing to God? Just as Adam and Eve were exposed in their sin and needed to be clothed in the Garden, we need to clothe ourselves to protect us from sin. When you “clothe yourself” with the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be strong against temptation. How do you clothe yourself with Jesus Christ? In the same way you cover yourself in the natural with clothing. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are covered and cleansed by His blood. You are restored and renewed. Then, cover your mind with the Word of God. Cover your ears by listening to the Word. Cover your eyes by watching only what is pleasing to the Lord. Cover your mouth by speaking the Word and encouraging those around you. As you cover yourself with Christ, you will be strong against temptation, and you will walk in the victory the Lord has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You for providing a way out of temptation so that I can stand clean before You. Help me stand strong as I submit every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for indulging the flesh. Put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature” (Romans 13:14 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Is there something in your life that you would like to put a stop to today? Maybe it’s a certain behavior, addiction, or bad attitude that isn’t pleasing to God? Just as Adam and Eve were exposed in their sin and needed to be clothed in the Garden, we need to clothe ourselves to protect us from sin. When you “clothe yourself” with the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be strong against temptation. How do you clothe yourself with Jesus Christ? In the same way you cover yourself in the natural with clothing. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are covered and cleansed by His blood. You are restored and renewed. Then, cover your mind with the Word of God. Cover your ears by listening to the Word. Cover your eyes by watching only what is pleasing to the Lord. Cover your mouth by speaking the Word and encouraging those around you. As you cover yourself with Christ, you will be strong against temptation, and you will walk in the victory the Lord has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You for providing a way out of temptation so that I can stand clean before You. Help me stand strong as I submit every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Jesus on the Blank Screen
Jesus on the Blank Screen
By Karen Ehman
"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek." Psalm 27:8 (NIV)
Devotion:
I pulled into the parking lot of our local fitness center with my usual grumpy attitude. You see, I hate to exercise. Oh, I love the way I feel when I'm done. I am thankful that God used it to help me drop several unwanted pounds and that performing it several times a week helps me to keep those pounds from creeping back on. But I still dread it every time. Thankfully, the center I work out at has flat screens with cable television hooked to the various treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. Clients can view them to help pass the time. Since we do not have cable at our home--you heard me right, we are old fashioned "rabbit ear" folks--I get to enjoy a cable news show while I sweat. That is if I remember to bring my own headphones. This particular day, I did not.
Sighing audibly, I stepped onto the treadmill. It was hard enough to get myself going when I could distract myself with Fox News for a while. How ever was I going to exercise for 45 minutes or more staring at a blank screen? That would be sheer torture. I'd get bored. Worse yet, I'd think of twenty-nine things I needed to accomplish and then have no sticky notes to jot them down on! I'd see the other people smiling and enjoying their programs while I got to look at a blank, flat piece of nothingness.
Then God brought to mind an area He had been nudging me in; prayer. By prayer I don't mean whipping out my list of jotted prayer requests scribbled on last week's church bulletin and covering them all quickly before my head hits the pillow at night. I don't mean going mentally through my family members by name with the usual "bless em' real good, Lord" request. I don't even mean reciting verses to God in an attitude of prayer, although that is a wonderful thing to do! I mean spending honest, focused, unhurried time just conversing with God about whatever is on my mind or on His! Perhaps my oversight in bringing my ear phones could be the beginning of something good.
So for the better part of an hour I imagined that Jesus was on the blank screen in front of me. He had my full attention. And I had His. I tried to focus my mind on Him, what He was teaching me and what things I still needed so desperately from Him. In my mind I conversed with Him as with a dear friend. I'd pour out my thoughts. I'd share my concerns. I'd bring situations to His attention that needed His intervention. I'd ask Him to reveal to me wrong attitudes and actions. I'd ask Him how I needed to change to be a more accurate reflection of Him. Why, I'd even ramble at times. All the while I'd picture Him patiently there, listening and caring. I knew that time spent with Him would benefit me more than an hour of catching up on what was going on in the world.
Now often I go to the workout center without my headphones on purpose. When I feel I need more one on one time connecting with God beyond what I usually try to include in my day, I can rest assured that He is waiting for me on that flat screen. I don't even care if people next to me wonder what I am staring at and why my lips sometimes move. You see, I'm forgetting my exercise woes and focusing on my Lord. Almost makes me want to work out!
Dear Lord, help me to seize opportunities in my day which normally would be idly spent to focus instead on You. I know you are always waiting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller
He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer
Application Steps:
On Sunday evenings consider about your schedule for the upcoming week. Look it over and locate pockets of white space where you spend time waiting; at the doctor's office, in the carpool line, at your children's piano lessons, etc... Are there time slots you could use to connect with God rather than simply waiting or being bored? Commit to use at least one of these times this week to converse with your Creator.
Reflections:
What areas of your life is God currently nudging you in? Need more patience? Less critical words? More honesty? More compassion? Locate several verses that speak to these topics. Copy them on index cards and carry them with you in your purse or bag. Whip them out when you have down time. Try to memorize at least one verse per week during these normally idle times and pray for changes to result from implementing these verses.
Power Verses:
Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV)
2 Chronicles 7:14 "....if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Karen Ehman
"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek." Psalm 27:8 (NIV)
Devotion:
I pulled into the parking lot of our local fitness center with my usual grumpy attitude. You see, I hate to exercise. Oh, I love the way I feel when I'm done. I am thankful that God used it to help me drop several unwanted pounds and that performing it several times a week helps me to keep those pounds from creeping back on. But I still dread it every time. Thankfully, the center I work out at has flat screens with cable television hooked to the various treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. Clients can view them to help pass the time. Since we do not have cable at our home--you heard me right, we are old fashioned "rabbit ear" folks--I get to enjoy a cable news show while I sweat. That is if I remember to bring my own headphones. This particular day, I did not.
Sighing audibly, I stepped onto the treadmill. It was hard enough to get myself going when I could distract myself with Fox News for a while. How ever was I going to exercise for 45 minutes or more staring at a blank screen? That would be sheer torture. I'd get bored. Worse yet, I'd think of twenty-nine things I needed to accomplish and then have no sticky notes to jot them down on! I'd see the other people smiling and enjoying their programs while I got to look at a blank, flat piece of nothingness.
Then God brought to mind an area He had been nudging me in; prayer. By prayer I don't mean whipping out my list of jotted prayer requests scribbled on last week's church bulletin and covering them all quickly before my head hits the pillow at night. I don't mean going mentally through my family members by name with the usual "bless em' real good, Lord" request. I don't even mean reciting verses to God in an attitude of prayer, although that is a wonderful thing to do! I mean spending honest, focused, unhurried time just conversing with God about whatever is on my mind or on His! Perhaps my oversight in bringing my ear phones could be the beginning of something good.
So for the better part of an hour I imagined that Jesus was on the blank screen in front of me. He had my full attention. And I had His. I tried to focus my mind on Him, what He was teaching me and what things I still needed so desperately from Him. In my mind I conversed with Him as with a dear friend. I'd pour out my thoughts. I'd share my concerns. I'd bring situations to His attention that needed His intervention. I'd ask Him to reveal to me wrong attitudes and actions. I'd ask Him how I needed to change to be a more accurate reflection of Him. Why, I'd even ramble at times. All the while I'd picture Him patiently there, listening and caring. I knew that time spent with Him would benefit me more than an hour of catching up on what was going on in the world.
Now often I go to the workout center without my headphones on purpose. When I feel I need more one on one time connecting with God beyond what I usually try to include in my day, I can rest assured that He is waiting for me on that flat screen. I don't even care if people next to me wonder what I am staring at and why my lips sometimes move. You see, I'm forgetting my exercise woes and focusing on my Lord. Almost makes me want to work out!
Dear Lord, help me to seize opportunities in my day which normally would be idly spent to focus instead on You. I know you are always waiting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller
He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer
Application Steps:
On Sunday evenings consider about your schedule for the upcoming week. Look it over and locate pockets of white space where you spend time waiting; at the doctor's office, in the carpool line, at your children's piano lessons, etc... Are there time slots you could use to connect with God rather than simply waiting or being bored? Commit to use at least one of these times this week to converse with your Creator.
Reflections:
What areas of your life is God currently nudging you in? Need more patience? Less critical words? More honesty? More compassion? Locate several verses that speak to these topics. Copy them on index cards and carry them with you in your purse or bag. Whip them out when you have down time. Try to memorize at least one verse per week during these normally idle times and pray for changes to result from implementing these verses.
Power Verses:
Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV)
2 Chronicles 7:14 "....if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Love In Deed
Love In Deed
Today's Scripture
“If anyone has this world’s resources and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? Let us not love merely in theory or in speech, but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:17-18 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
You are the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth. The Lord wants to bless you today so that you can be a blessing to others. He wants to work through you to show His love and compassion. Notice this verse tells us that love isn’t just about our words or thoughts, it’s about our actions. Love is about reaching out and meeting the needs of others. Sometimes meeting someone’s needs is as simple as a smile or sharing a word of encouragement. There are many ways to show the love of God. Can you pay for someone’s gas or groceries? Do you see a need in someone’s life that you can meet? Look for ways to put your love into action. The Bible says that it’s His kindness that leads people to repentance, and the Lord wants to show His kindness in the earth through you. Step out and sow good seeds of love by meeting the needs of others. God promises that those seeds will produce an abundant harvest in your life in return!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life. Thank You for choosing to work through me today. I submit myself and my resources to You. Show me ways to be a blessing to others so that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
“If anyone has this world’s resources and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? Let us not love merely in theory or in speech, but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:17-18 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
You are the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth. The Lord wants to bless you today so that you can be a blessing to others. He wants to work through you to show His love and compassion. Notice this verse tells us that love isn’t just about our words or thoughts, it’s about our actions. Love is about reaching out and meeting the needs of others. Sometimes meeting someone’s needs is as simple as a smile or sharing a word of encouragement. There are many ways to show the love of God. Can you pay for someone’s gas or groceries? Do you see a need in someone’s life that you can meet? Look for ways to put your love into action. The Bible says that it’s His kindness that leads people to repentance, and the Lord wants to show His kindness in the earth through you. Step out and sow good seeds of love by meeting the needs of others. God promises that those seeds will produce an abundant harvest in your life in return!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life. Thank You for choosing to work through me today. I submit myself and my resources to You. Show me ways to be a blessing to others so that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Making Points With God
Making Points With God
by Jon Walker
“For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.” (Romans 3:20-21 NLT)
Brett Favre, the lion-hearted quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, is one of my favorite players in the National Football League. He’s courageous and tough-minded, showing a rare grace under pressure, yet his boyish enthusiasm for the game is infectious as he celebrates each Packer success.
A couple of Sundays ago (Sept. 30), Brett threw a pass that set a new record: the most touchdown passes by an NFL quarterback – 421.
Although the Pack was playing in Minnesota , the officials temporarily stopped the game in order to honor Brett’s achievement. And Brett, in his customary humility, later said he was more interested in a team win than an individual record.
In surprising contrast, the very next week (Oct. 8) Brett tied another record: the most interceptions thrown by an NFL quarterback – 277. This game also was stopped after this record was achieved, but only because the interception ended the Packer’s last-second attempt to win the game.
The most touchdown passes and the most interceptions! It reminds me that there was a time when Babe Ruth, the baseball player who was one of the greatest hitters in the game, owned two records simultaneously: the most home runs hit in a career as well as the most strike-outs in a career.
Here’s the thing: We tend to think of life as a balance sheet that we’ll eventually present to God. As long as the number of our touchdown passes exceed the number of our interceptions, then we’re cool with God, right? To echo the Apostle Paul, God forbid this to be true!
“For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it.” (Romans 3:20 NLT)
In other words, we can never be made right by throwing touchdown passes – because the more we learn about the Law, the more obvious it is we can never throw enough touchdown passes to make things right with God.
“But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.” (Romans 3:21 NLT)
In his own geek-Greek way, Paul is saying we should forget the balance sheet – ignore the scoreboard, give up on tracking good and bad statistics. Listen, there is good news! There’s another way to get right in God’s sight, and it has nothing to do with your own achievements. It’s based on a promise made by God long ago – a promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Can I get an amen?
We are saved by grace and not through faith. It is a gift from God, not by our own works, so that none of us can boast of the ability to tip the balance sheet in our own favor. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
No doubt you’ve heard this over and over again, including many times in these devotionals. Yet many of us still live as if we get right in God’s sight by what we do – by our works, our achievements, the records we set.
We do this because it is, as Paul says, an offense to think of the Gospel as so simple and, therefore, it becomes a stumbling block to our pride. Getting right in God’s sight by what we do appeals to our human pride, or as the poet-king James would say, it appeals to our “flesh.”
It makes us feel good, as if we’re doing something to earn our way into heaven. If we cling to the idea that we can, even in some small way, contribute toward our salvation, then we also can cling to the idea that maybe we’re not that bad – maybe we aren’t included in the “all” of “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.”
Put that behind you and get on with the truth: You, my friend, can never be made right in God's sight by doing what is right – because the closer you get to God, the more you’ll realize you’re not even close to getting it right (see Isaiah 6 and Romans 3:20).
The one thing you can do is to move in loving obedience to your gracious heavenly Father, doing and saying whatever he tells you to do and say; allowing your life to be energized by God’s Spirit within you.
What now?
· “Balance sheet” fear – Good news! You are free to follow the Father instead of living in “balance sheet” fear. You can be who you were meant to be and you can live how you were meant to live. You don’t have to be good enough – you just have to trust in the redemptive power of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. And you don’t have to fear if you hold both the record for most touchdown passes and the record for most interceptions – love God and live accordingly!
· Record of faith – A record of your faith in Jesus is more important than any record of your wrongs or resume of your achievements. If you haven’t already done this, set a spiritual marker as a reminder that you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Write it down – or establish some other kind of tangible memorial for this event – and every time the devil tells you you’ll never be good enough for God, or that you’re so good you can remain independent of God, take him to that marker and remind him that you are right in God’s sight because of Jesus.
· Big play – Next time you’re watching a sporting event and one of the players makes the big play, turn to the person next to you and say, “That was a great play, but it won’t make him right in God’s sight.”
· Huge error – Likewise, next time you’re watching a sporting event and one of the players makes a huge erro, turn to the person next to you and say, “That was a huge error, but the good news is it won’t keep him from getting right in God’s sight.”
· Pray for others – Ask God to show you who to pray for, related to getting right in God’s sight. It may be a non-believer or someone who believes but struggles in this area. Pray that this person will know God’s “different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago (Romans 3:21 NLT) And pray that Brett Favre and his family will come to know this truth, so that when he retires from football he can spend the rest of his life preaching how to be right in God’s sight.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
by Jon Walker
“For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.” (Romans 3:20-21 NLT)
Brett Favre, the lion-hearted quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, is one of my favorite players in the National Football League. He’s courageous and tough-minded, showing a rare grace under pressure, yet his boyish enthusiasm for the game is infectious as he celebrates each Packer success.
A couple of Sundays ago (Sept. 30), Brett threw a pass that set a new record: the most touchdown passes by an NFL quarterback – 421.
Although the Pack was playing in Minnesota , the officials temporarily stopped the game in order to honor Brett’s achievement. And Brett, in his customary humility, later said he was more interested in a team win than an individual record.
In surprising contrast, the very next week (Oct. 8) Brett tied another record: the most interceptions thrown by an NFL quarterback – 277. This game also was stopped after this record was achieved, but only because the interception ended the Packer’s last-second attempt to win the game.
The most touchdown passes and the most interceptions! It reminds me that there was a time when Babe Ruth, the baseball player who was one of the greatest hitters in the game, owned two records simultaneously: the most home runs hit in a career as well as the most strike-outs in a career.
Here’s the thing: We tend to think of life as a balance sheet that we’ll eventually present to God. As long as the number of our touchdown passes exceed the number of our interceptions, then we’re cool with God, right? To echo the Apostle Paul, God forbid this to be true!
“For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it.” (Romans 3:20 NLT)
In other words, we can never be made right by throwing touchdown passes – because the more we learn about the Law, the more obvious it is we can never throw enough touchdown passes to make things right with God.
“But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.” (Romans 3:21 NLT)
In his own geek-Greek way, Paul is saying we should forget the balance sheet – ignore the scoreboard, give up on tracking good and bad statistics. Listen, there is good news! There’s another way to get right in God’s sight, and it has nothing to do with your own achievements. It’s based on a promise made by God long ago – a promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Can I get an amen?
We are saved by grace and not through faith. It is a gift from God, not by our own works, so that none of us can boast of the ability to tip the balance sheet in our own favor. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
No doubt you’ve heard this over and over again, including many times in these devotionals. Yet many of us still live as if we get right in God’s sight by what we do – by our works, our achievements, the records we set.
We do this because it is, as Paul says, an offense to think of the Gospel as so simple and, therefore, it becomes a stumbling block to our pride. Getting right in God’s sight by what we do appeals to our human pride, or as the poet-king James would say, it appeals to our “flesh.”
It makes us feel good, as if we’re doing something to earn our way into heaven. If we cling to the idea that we can, even in some small way, contribute toward our salvation, then we also can cling to the idea that maybe we’re not that bad – maybe we aren’t included in the “all” of “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.”
Put that behind you and get on with the truth: You, my friend, can never be made right in God's sight by doing what is right – because the closer you get to God, the more you’ll realize you’re not even close to getting it right (see Isaiah 6 and Romans 3:20).
The one thing you can do is to move in loving obedience to your gracious heavenly Father, doing and saying whatever he tells you to do and say; allowing your life to be energized by God’s Spirit within you.
What now?
· “Balance sheet” fear – Good news! You are free to follow the Father instead of living in “balance sheet” fear. You can be who you were meant to be and you can live how you were meant to live. You don’t have to be good enough – you just have to trust in the redemptive power of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. And you don’t have to fear if you hold both the record for most touchdown passes and the record for most interceptions – love God and live accordingly!
· Record of faith – A record of your faith in Jesus is more important than any record of your wrongs or resume of your achievements. If you haven’t already done this, set a spiritual marker as a reminder that you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Write it down – or establish some other kind of tangible memorial for this event – and every time the devil tells you you’ll never be good enough for God, or that you’re so good you can remain independent of God, take him to that marker and remind him that you are right in God’s sight because of Jesus.
· Big play – Next time you’re watching a sporting event and one of the players makes the big play, turn to the person next to you and say, “That was a great play, but it won’t make him right in God’s sight.”
· Huge error – Likewise, next time you’re watching a sporting event and one of the players makes a huge erro, turn to the person next to you and say, “That was a huge error, but the good news is it won’t keep him from getting right in God’s sight.”
· Pray for others – Ask God to show you who to pray for, related to getting right in God’s sight. It may be a non-believer or someone who believes but struggles in this area. Pray that this person will know God’s “different way of being right in his sight—not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago (Romans 3:21 NLT) And pray that Brett Favre and his family will come to know this truth, so that when he retires from football he can spend the rest of his life preaching how to be right in God’s sight.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
‘Give Me A Head With Hair’
‘Give Me A Head With Hair’
by Jon Walker
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5 NIV)
--- --- ---
Back when I had a full head of hair, a group called the Cowsills, who were the inspiration for TV’s Partridge Family, sang: “Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair ….”
Arguably, today the issue isn’t the length of the hair; rather, it’s whether or not there is hair. USA Today reports that in 2006 over $1.2 billion was spent worldwide for hair-restoration surgeries – and that does not include spending on “proven drugs such as Propecia and Rogaine or any number of disreputable gadgets and balms sold online or on late-night television.”
But in the category of “truth is stranger than fiction,” science is reaching a new breakthrough – the ability to transplant an entire scalp, as in a head full of hair from a dead man onto the head of a living man.
News of this bit of “progress” may strike you as a little creepy, seriously horrifying, or even just plain ridiculous (the TV comics have been having a field day with it). Then again, you may be thinking, “Hey, what number do I call?”
And, please, I mean no disrespect for the dead. I hope my funeral is filled with laughter. (But, alas, no one will want a transplant from my scalp; there’s not enough hair there!)
Okay, so what does this have to do with Romans 6?
My hope is it will help you to remember this truth: We are dead to our old, pre-Jesus life and have been raised to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4-5 NIV). We are new creations in Christ; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Mere allegory? Not by the hair of your chinny-chin-chin … or scalp.
This means we are dead to sin. You are dead to sin. It means you have a choice – you can chose to sin or you can chose not to sin.
You don’t have to sin. You are no longer a slave to sin. Thank God Almighty, you have been set free from sin! (Romans 6:7-8, NIV)
Like the comedian Dana Carvey, imitating the first George Bush, you can say to sin, “Not gonna do it, not gonna do it!”
Read my lips: When you face temptation, you can make a decision to say “No!” to sin. You have the power within you, the spirit of Christ guiding you and empowering you to make the right decision – but the choice is still yours.
The problem is, most of us live as if we don’t have a choice. We live as if we were still slaves to sin, and if the enemy can get us to believe that – to accept it as Gospel Truth – then he’s defeated us before we even enter the battle.
The Apostle Paul, the smartest kid in the class, says we’re dead to sin, dead to our old way of life. He’s not saying we’ll never sin again. We are all human. We make mistakes – and we fall on God’s grace.
But Paul is saying sin is no longer natural to us. It was natural for the old you, who was put to death with Jesus Christ. It is not natural to the new you, who is alive in Christ. As we walk toward and in Christ-likeness, we stay obedient to the Holy Spirit – pushing toward the point where we can say, like Jesus, “I do nothing by myself; I only do what the Father tells me to do.” (paraphrase of John 5:19)
It’s easy to see this in people with addictions. They reach a point where they believe they have no choice but to chase after their addiction; we look from the outside and wonder why they can’t make the choice to abandon it. They’ve embraced a lie, and their belief guides their behavior.
I’m not suggesting addicts don’t experience a real craving, but even then there is a choice to get help. The addict doesn’t have to remain a slave to his addiction; we don’t have to remain addicts to our sin.
Sometimes I pray that God will bring specific people to the point where they understand they have a choice. They no longer have to live like slaves and bowing to temptations is no longer inevitable.
What now?
· You do not have to sin! – The Kingdom of God is present today, not just a faith-full hope for the sweet by-and-by. God’s solution is very practical. He broke the power of sin in your life, and now he’s empowered you with the Holy Spirit to guide you toward the right choices. Be still and know that he is God – and think upon this truth.
· Focus on God, not your ‘deadness’ – As you struggle to make the right choices, focus on God and not your “deadness” to sin. A God-focus will help you see his strength, power, and grace. On the other hand, if you focus on your “deadness,” you might slip into a legalism that deceives you into believing that the only way to walk away from sinful temptation is to do it on your own strength. The truth is, God is your strength.
· ‘Victory in Jesus’ – Take some time today to tell a Christian friend that we no longer have to sin. Explain this victory in Jesus to your friend.
· Praise God at the next baptism – The next baptism you witness, praise God that our sins are forgiven and now we can walk in new life with Christ.
· Pray – Ask God to bring you to a point where you can see clearly what your choices are – and which choices lead you into sin. Pray a similar prayer for others in your family or among your friends.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
by Jon Walker
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5 NIV)
--- --- ---
Back when I had a full head of hair, a group called the Cowsills, who were the inspiration for TV’s Partridge Family, sang: “Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair ….”
Arguably, today the issue isn’t the length of the hair; rather, it’s whether or not there is hair. USA Today reports that in 2006 over $1.2 billion was spent worldwide for hair-restoration surgeries – and that does not include spending on “proven drugs such as Propecia and Rogaine or any number of disreputable gadgets and balms sold online or on late-night television.”
But in the category of “truth is stranger than fiction,” science is reaching a new breakthrough – the ability to transplant an entire scalp, as in a head full of hair from a dead man onto the head of a living man.
News of this bit of “progress” may strike you as a little creepy, seriously horrifying, or even just plain ridiculous (the TV comics have been having a field day with it). Then again, you may be thinking, “Hey, what number do I call?”
And, please, I mean no disrespect for the dead. I hope my funeral is filled with laughter. (But, alas, no one will want a transplant from my scalp; there’s not enough hair there!)
Okay, so what does this have to do with Romans 6?
My hope is it will help you to remember this truth: We are dead to our old, pre-Jesus life and have been raised to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4-5 NIV). We are new creations in Christ; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Mere allegory? Not by the hair of your chinny-chin-chin … or scalp.
This means we are dead to sin. You are dead to sin. It means you have a choice – you can chose to sin or you can chose not to sin.
You don’t have to sin. You are no longer a slave to sin. Thank God Almighty, you have been set free from sin! (Romans 6:7-8, NIV)
Like the comedian Dana Carvey, imitating the first George Bush, you can say to sin, “Not gonna do it, not gonna do it!”
Read my lips: When you face temptation, you can make a decision to say “No!” to sin. You have the power within you, the spirit of Christ guiding you and empowering you to make the right decision – but the choice is still yours.
The problem is, most of us live as if we don’t have a choice. We live as if we were still slaves to sin, and if the enemy can get us to believe that – to accept it as Gospel Truth – then he’s defeated us before we even enter the battle.
The Apostle Paul, the smartest kid in the class, says we’re dead to sin, dead to our old way of life. He’s not saying we’ll never sin again. We are all human. We make mistakes – and we fall on God’s grace.
But Paul is saying sin is no longer natural to us. It was natural for the old you, who was put to death with Jesus Christ. It is not natural to the new you, who is alive in Christ. As we walk toward and in Christ-likeness, we stay obedient to the Holy Spirit – pushing toward the point where we can say, like Jesus, “I do nothing by myself; I only do what the Father tells me to do.” (paraphrase of John 5:19)
It’s easy to see this in people with addictions. They reach a point where they believe they have no choice but to chase after their addiction; we look from the outside and wonder why they can’t make the choice to abandon it. They’ve embraced a lie, and their belief guides their behavior.
I’m not suggesting addicts don’t experience a real craving, but even then there is a choice to get help. The addict doesn’t have to remain a slave to his addiction; we don’t have to remain addicts to our sin.
Sometimes I pray that God will bring specific people to the point where they understand they have a choice. They no longer have to live like slaves and bowing to temptations is no longer inevitable.
What now?
· You do not have to sin! – The Kingdom of God is present today, not just a faith-full hope for the sweet by-and-by. God’s solution is very practical. He broke the power of sin in your life, and now he’s empowered you with the Holy Spirit to guide you toward the right choices. Be still and know that he is God – and think upon this truth.
· Focus on God, not your ‘deadness’ – As you struggle to make the right choices, focus on God and not your “deadness” to sin. A God-focus will help you see his strength, power, and grace. On the other hand, if you focus on your “deadness,” you might slip into a legalism that deceives you into believing that the only way to walk away from sinful temptation is to do it on your own strength. The truth is, God is your strength.
· ‘Victory in Jesus’ – Take some time today to tell a Christian friend that we no longer have to sin. Explain this victory in Jesus to your friend.
· Praise God at the next baptism – The next baptism you witness, praise God that our sins are forgiven and now we can walk in new life with Christ.
· Pray – Ask God to bring you to a point where you can see clearly what your choices are – and which choices lead you into sin. Pray a similar prayer for others in your family or among your friends.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
By Faith
By Faith
By Melissa Milbourn, Proverbs 31 She Speaks Graduate
"By Faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land..."
Hebrews 11:29 (NIV)
Devotion:
I love the Word of God...its width and its depth, and how it is truly alive and active when we choose to get into it and allow it to transform our hearts. But in the past this particular scripture has been humorous to me. I always thought, "For crying out loud, how much faith could it take to cross the Red Sea? You've already seen God's might by way of parting it! The Egyptians are CHAISING YOU, the only common sense thing to do is RUN ACROSS the sea through the path that God has created...or be slain by the Egyptians, or taken captive again! What kind of faith does it take to cross in those circumstances?"
I thought it was humorous, that is, until God made it alive to me by relating it to my life.
This past year God called me to "step out" in a variety of ways in my life. His callings took me into unfamiliar territory. I, too, had a choice to make. I either had to stay where I was, or cross the Sea. To stay where I was meant that I wouldn't fulfill the "hope of my calling," or enter my "promised land". This is where God's blessings would flow fully and abundantly to me and through me as I allowed Him to be Lord of my life. There's much reward in obedience. I knew that crossing the sea was the way to go. I knew it was best for me, and yet I stood on the shore saying, "Do I cross or not cross?"
Put yourself in the place of the Israelites. Picture yourself standing by the Red Sea. The Egyptians are hot on your trail. Moses raises the staff and the waters part. You're standing on the shore looking at that. You have to run down a hill to the bottom of the sea. Can you imagine how high the walls of water would be on each side of you? What about the noise of the wind holding the water back? You'd be thinking, "If I run into this, will the waters stay back until I get across? Can I make it before the waters come crashing back in?" "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land."
Even when God is offering deliverance or a good path, it still takes faith to accept it!
The good news is our God is so faithful to us. He doesn't stand on the other side of the sea shouting, "Hurry up and run!" He gently and lovingly stands by our side, takes our hand, and says: "Beloved, don't be afraid. I will not leave you nor forsake you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you walk through the waters I will be with you, they will not sweep over you, for I am the Lord your God and I love you...together, let's cross the sea" (adapted from Isaiah 43).
Is God calling you to "step out"? It could be getting more involved at church, a new ministry, a new job, or moving to a new area.
Whatever sea of circumstances you might have, may you, by faith, cross the sea as though on dry land.
Dear Lord, earnestly I seek You. Help me not to fear, but to be strong and courageous, standing on the promise that You will not leave me nor forsake me. Together we'll cross the sea. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
She Speaks conference
If you believe God is calling you to step out in faith by working at home, Glynnis Whitwer will be hosting a 4-part conference call series - based on her book work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work From Home - beginning Monday, October 29th on how to make the transition.
For more information, click here.
Application Steps:
Practice faith. Be faithful in the small things that God is calling you to do, so that when the big things arrive you'll already be accustomed to obeying God's ways. Establish a level of faith and trust.
Reflections:
Is God calling you into an area that's new to you?
Are you going through a difficult time and don't see a way out? Pray and seek to recognize His call for you to trust Him.
Power Verses:
Psalm 77:19, "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." (NIV)
Luke 17:6, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (NIV)
Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Melissa Milbourn, Proverbs 31 She Speaks Graduate
"By Faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land..."
Hebrews 11:29 (NIV)
Devotion:
I love the Word of God...its width and its depth, and how it is truly alive and active when we choose to get into it and allow it to transform our hearts. But in the past this particular scripture has been humorous to me. I always thought, "For crying out loud, how much faith could it take to cross the Red Sea? You've already seen God's might by way of parting it! The Egyptians are CHAISING YOU, the only common sense thing to do is RUN ACROSS the sea through the path that God has created...or be slain by the Egyptians, or taken captive again! What kind of faith does it take to cross in those circumstances?"
I thought it was humorous, that is, until God made it alive to me by relating it to my life.
This past year God called me to "step out" in a variety of ways in my life. His callings took me into unfamiliar territory. I, too, had a choice to make. I either had to stay where I was, or cross the Sea. To stay where I was meant that I wouldn't fulfill the "hope of my calling," or enter my "promised land". This is where God's blessings would flow fully and abundantly to me and through me as I allowed Him to be Lord of my life. There's much reward in obedience. I knew that crossing the sea was the way to go. I knew it was best for me, and yet I stood on the shore saying, "Do I cross or not cross?"
Put yourself in the place of the Israelites. Picture yourself standing by the Red Sea. The Egyptians are hot on your trail. Moses raises the staff and the waters part. You're standing on the shore looking at that. You have to run down a hill to the bottom of the sea. Can you imagine how high the walls of water would be on each side of you? What about the noise of the wind holding the water back? You'd be thinking, "If I run into this, will the waters stay back until I get across? Can I make it before the waters come crashing back in?" "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land."
Even when God is offering deliverance or a good path, it still takes faith to accept it!
The good news is our God is so faithful to us. He doesn't stand on the other side of the sea shouting, "Hurry up and run!" He gently and lovingly stands by our side, takes our hand, and says: "Beloved, don't be afraid. I will not leave you nor forsake you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you walk through the waters I will be with you, they will not sweep over you, for I am the Lord your God and I love you...together, let's cross the sea" (adapted from Isaiah 43).
Is God calling you to "step out"? It could be getting more involved at church, a new ministry, a new job, or moving to a new area.
Whatever sea of circumstances you might have, may you, by faith, cross the sea as though on dry land.
Dear Lord, earnestly I seek You. Help me not to fear, but to be strong and courageous, standing on the promise that You will not leave me nor forsake me. Together we'll cross the sea. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
She Speaks conference
If you believe God is calling you to step out in faith by working at home, Glynnis Whitwer will be hosting a 4-part conference call series - based on her book work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work From Home - beginning Monday, October 29th on how to make the transition.
For more information, click here.
Application Steps:
Practice faith. Be faithful in the small things that God is calling you to do, so that when the big things arrive you'll already be accustomed to obeying God's ways. Establish a level of faith and trust.
Reflections:
Is God calling you into an area that's new to you?
Are you going through a difficult time and don't see a way out? Pray and seek to recognize His call for you to trust Him.
Power Verses:
Psalm 77:19, "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." (NIV)
Luke 17:6, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (NIV)
Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Heroes
Heroes
by Jon Walker
For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. (2 Corinthians 10:8 NIV)
My son came home from middle school the other day and told me there’d been a reward-day-type assembly, where some neat stuff was given away. Then a teacher put all the student’s names into a bucket for a drawing to determine who would win the biggest prize of all!
“I know you’re only supposed to use special powers for good,” my son said, “But if I had special powers, I would have been tempted today to stop time just before the teacher called out the winner. And I would have slipped up and put my own name in her hand.”
My first thought was, “Wow, that really would be cool!” – but then, out loud, I agreed that special powers should only be used for the good of others. As the great theologian, Spiderman, says: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
But then my A.D.D. brain start pinging like a pin ball wizard running wild in the arcade. (OK, I’m showing my age.) It occurred to me that, as Christians, we do have special powers. In fact, we have the most special power of all planted deep within us: the Holy Ghost, spirit power of Jesus Christ.
Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.
It’s possible you could render the Greek: “With great power comes great responsibility!”
The Spirit of Christ lives within us and, as faithful stewards, we’re to use the special power that flows from him to build up rather than pull down. In a sense, Oswald Chambers speaks to this when he teaches that, when God shows us the faults of others, we’re to use that knowledge to intercede for them and not to criticize them.
That’s a pretty hefty truth to carry, and I think the weight of it is one reason many of us struggle to keep it balanced on our shoulders. When we see other people’s clay feet, our first response should be to go to our knees. Too often, however, we shrug off the weight of truth in order to free our hands for finger-pointing.
What’s the difference between building up and tearing down? Consider these contrasts:
· Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don’t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, “You’ll never change!”
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· “You can do it” vs. “You’re hopeless”
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. “Strings attached” love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· “He’s a child of God” vs. “He’s a problem to be dealt with”
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?
What now?
· Your heart speaks through your mouth – [Jesus] went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" (Mark 7:20-23 NIV) Meditate on what comes out of your mouth on a regular basis. Talk to God about what that reveals about your heart.
· Praise the Father and encourage his creations with your tongue – “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10 NIV)
· Encourage vs. discourage – Go through the list of contrasts above and rate yourself on each item. What does your rating reveal? What’cha gonna do about it?
· Pray today – “God, I want to be a good steward of the spirit-powers you’ve invested within me. I want you to use me to encourage every person I come in contact with today, showing them the depth and breadth of your love.”
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved
by Jon Walker
For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. (2 Corinthians 10:8 NIV)
My son came home from middle school the other day and told me there’d been a reward-day-type assembly, where some neat stuff was given away. Then a teacher put all the student’s names into a bucket for a drawing to determine who would win the biggest prize of all!
“I know you’re only supposed to use special powers for good,” my son said, “But if I had special powers, I would have been tempted today to stop time just before the teacher called out the winner. And I would have slipped up and put my own name in her hand.”
My first thought was, “Wow, that really would be cool!” – but then, out loud, I agreed that special powers should only be used for the good of others. As the great theologian, Spiderman, says: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
But then my A.D.D. brain start pinging like a pin ball wizard running wild in the arcade. (OK, I’m showing my age.) It occurred to me that, as Christians, we do have special powers. In fact, we have the most special power of all planted deep within us: the Holy Ghost, spirit power of Jesus Christ.
Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.
It’s possible you could render the Greek: “With great power comes great responsibility!”
The Spirit of Christ lives within us and, as faithful stewards, we’re to use the special power that flows from him to build up rather than pull down. In a sense, Oswald Chambers speaks to this when he teaches that, when God shows us the faults of others, we’re to use that knowledge to intercede for them and not to criticize them.
That’s a pretty hefty truth to carry, and I think the weight of it is one reason many of us struggle to keep it balanced on our shoulders. When we see other people’s clay feet, our first response should be to go to our knees. Too often, however, we shrug off the weight of truth in order to free our hands for finger-pointing.
What’s the difference between building up and tearing down? Consider these contrasts:
· Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don’t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, “You’ll never change!”
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· “You can do it” vs. “You’re hopeless”
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. “Strings attached” love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· “He’s a child of God” vs. “He’s a problem to be dealt with”
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?
What now?
· Your heart speaks through your mouth – [Jesus] went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" (Mark 7:20-23 NIV) Meditate on what comes out of your mouth on a regular basis. Talk to God about what that reveals about your heart.
· Praise the Father and encourage his creations with your tongue – “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10 NIV)
· Encourage vs. discourage – Go through the list of contrasts above and rate yourself on each item. What does your rating reveal? What’cha gonna do about it?
· Pray today – “God, I want to be a good steward of the spirit-powers you’ve invested within me. I want you to use me to encourage every person I come in contact with today, showing them the depth and breadth of your love.”
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved
A View from Heaven
A View from Heaven
By Van Walton
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” John 17: 21 (NLT)
Devotion:
Fall has arrived, meaning football season reigns, All across the U.S. family rooms, sports bars, and stadiums rock and roar with victory chants, loyal cheers, and triumphant shouts. Nothing is quite like a sports stadium full of excited fans where everyone comes together to cheer the home team to victory.
Most Saturdays my husband and I can be found right in the middle of the spectator storm! Recently, while sitting in the stands, God invited me to witness the game from His point of view. That’s right…. at a football game God showed me a glimpse of His desire for humanity.
For two consecutive seasons our tickets have been located in the end zone – not a bad place if you are high and lifted up, sitting inside! From that vantage point I watched as over-the-top pomp and circumstance ushered in our team. Thirty minutes before kickoff, the caged and snorting mascot arrived, led by a high-stepping band and adoring cheerleaders. The drums and trumpets might as well have announced the arrival of a supreme world leader the way the fans went crazy while a mere pig rolled around the track! When the entire band marched onto the field, the crowd roared, stood, and, all in one accord, sang the national anthem and our school song. Then, in no time, a perfect human A-shaped runway took shape complete with flying flags, banners, pom poms, glitz and glitter. Just when I thought the noise had climaxed, the entire stadium began to rock and thump. The frenzy gone wild has to be experienced in order to understand how out-of-control 75,000 men, women and children behave seconds before their team runs out on the field.
For the next two hours scores of people worked together to win a game. From ushers to vendors, water boys to coaches and every fan - all united for one common cause – to win. And win we did!
While I sat in my comfy seat God turned my thoughts heavenward. In the midst of fan frenzy I began to reflect on His position – high and lifted up, sitting in His throne watching the game of life we all play. From my position in The Hog Heaven Club– yup that is the name of the club house in the Razorback Stadium - I understood how He delights in His children when they unite for one cause.
I left the game that Saturday with a new goal – work at all costs to unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to delight my Father. I am without excuse because He has given me a clear illustration as to how I am to live. He has called me to cheer on those who fight life’s battles. He has called me to march beside those whose goal is godly victory. He has called me to encourage those who struggle. Above all else, He has called me, and you, to experience such perfect unity that the world would know that God sent Jesus to show His love for all.
All together now – Go! Fight! Win!
Father, You stop at nothing when You want to teach us life’s lessons. I stand amazed that You would chose to reach me in the midst of a loud and crazy football stadium. I want to play life’s game well, pleasing You in all I do. It is an honor to be part of Your team, but I need Your strength and encouragement to participate consistently. I ask for Your wisdom to play well, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton
Welcome to Community by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
Sponsor a child through Compassion International
Application Steps:
Read the following verses that give insight into God’s will for our lives:
John 17, Matthew 18:10-14, 21-35, 20:25-28, Luke 10:25- 37, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 1:27
Reflections:
Do I live to please myself, others, or God?
How can my life reflect that of a spiritual team player?
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command, ‘Love you neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (NLT)
Colossians 3:1-2, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven…” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Van Walton
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” John 17: 21 (NLT)
Devotion:
Fall has arrived, meaning football season reigns, All across the U.S. family rooms, sports bars, and stadiums rock and roar with victory chants, loyal cheers, and triumphant shouts. Nothing is quite like a sports stadium full of excited fans where everyone comes together to cheer the home team to victory.
Most Saturdays my husband and I can be found right in the middle of the spectator storm! Recently, while sitting in the stands, God invited me to witness the game from His point of view. That’s right…. at a football game God showed me a glimpse of His desire for humanity.
For two consecutive seasons our tickets have been located in the end zone – not a bad place if you are high and lifted up, sitting inside! From that vantage point I watched as over-the-top pomp and circumstance ushered in our team. Thirty minutes before kickoff, the caged and snorting mascot arrived, led by a high-stepping band and adoring cheerleaders. The drums and trumpets might as well have announced the arrival of a supreme world leader the way the fans went crazy while a mere pig rolled around the track! When the entire band marched onto the field, the crowd roared, stood, and, all in one accord, sang the national anthem and our school song. Then, in no time, a perfect human A-shaped runway took shape complete with flying flags, banners, pom poms, glitz and glitter. Just when I thought the noise had climaxed, the entire stadium began to rock and thump. The frenzy gone wild has to be experienced in order to understand how out-of-control 75,000 men, women and children behave seconds before their team runs out on the field.
For the next two hours scores of people worked together to win a game. From ushers to vendors, water boys to coaches and every fan - all united for one common cause – to win. And win we did!
While I sat in my comfy seat God turned my thoughts heavenward. In the midst of fan frenzy I began to reflect on His position – high and lifted up, sitting in His throne watching the game of life we all play. From my position in The Hog Heaven Club– yup that is the name of the club house in the Razorback Stadium - I understood how He delights in His children when they unite for one cause.
I left the game that Saturday with a new goal – work at all costs to unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to delight my Father. I am without excuse because He has given me a clear illustration as to how I am to live. He has called me to cheer on those who fight life’s battles. He has called me to march beside those whose goal is godly victory. He has called me to encourage those who struggle. Above all else, He has called me, and you, to experience such perfect unity that the world would know that God sent Jesus to show His love for all.
All together now – Go! Fight! Win!
Father, You stop at nothing when You want to teach us life’s lessons. I stand amazed that You would chose to reach me in the midst of a loud and crazy football stadium. I want to play life’s game well, pleasing You in all I do. It is an honor to be part of Your team, but I need Your strength and encouragement to participate consistently. I ask for Your wisdom to play well, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton
Welcome to Community by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
Sponsor a child through Compassion International
Application Steps:
Read the following verses that give insight into God’s will for our lives:
John 17, Matthew 18:10-14, 21-35, 20:25-28, Luke 10:25- 37, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 1:27
Reflections:
Do I live to please myself, others, or God?
How can my life reflect that of a spiritual team player?
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command, ‘Love you neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (NLT)
Colossians 3:1-2, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven…” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
A Fine-tuned Instrument
A Fine-tuned Instrument
by Os Hillman
...I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, "They are My people," and they will say, "The Lord is our God." - Zechariah 13:9
My former business career was as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world's finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world's finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after.
Let the master Craftsman have His way in your life today. You will be pleased with the instrument He fashions.
by Os Hillman
...I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, "They are My people," and they will say, "The Lord is our God." - Zechariah 13:9
My former business career was as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world's finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world's finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after.
Let the master Craftsman have His way in your life today. You will be pleased with the instrument He fashions.
He Delights in Your Prosperity
He Delights in Your Prosperity
Today's Scripture
“Let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His children” (Psalm 35:27).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God desires that you be blessed and prosperous. He desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go! He wants you to have so much peace, so much joy, so much victory that when other people get around you it spills over onto them! In the book of Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was overflowing with the anointing—the tangible, effective power of God. Don’t let yourself have a barely-get-by-mentality. Jesus came so that you can live an abundant life! That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. You may not see it right now, and maybe you haven’t experienced it in the past, but don’t get complacent and just settle for where you are. Get a vision for your future! Get a vision for increase! Get a vision for abundance!” God delights to see you prosperous and successful. When you choose to think God’s thoughts and choose God’s way, you’ll see that increase and victory in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, thank you for delighting in my prosperity. Thank You for the blessings You have in store for me. Help my thoughts to be agreeable to Your will. Help me develop a vision for the abundant life You have in store so that I can be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
“Let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His children” (Psalm 35:27).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God desires that you be blessed and prosperous. He desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go! He wants you to have so much peace, so much joy, so much victory that when other people get around you it spills over onto them! In the book of Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was overflowing with the anointing—the tangible, effective power of God. Don’t let yourself have a barely-get-by-mentality. Jesus came so that you can live an abundant life! That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. You may not see it right now, and maybe you haven’t experienced it in the past, but don’t get complacent and just settle for where you are. Get a vision for your future! Get a vision for increase! Get a vision for abundance!” God delights to see you prosperous and successful. When you choose to think God’s thoughts and choose God’s way, you’ll see that increase and victory in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, thank you for delighting in my prosperity. Thank You for the blessings You have in store for me. Help my thoughts to be agreeable to Your will. Help me develop a vision for the abundant life You have in store so that I can be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Why Are People Reluctant to Go into Missions?
Why Are People Reluctant to Go into Missions?
John Piper
When I spoke at Missions in the Main Hall Sunday night, I tried to give a biblical response to possible obstacles that are in the way for some people that may keep them from moving forward toward missions. My prayer is that God would use these responses to call more of you to go. Here are eight objections and a biblical response.
1. "I am not smart enough."
"Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1:20-21)
"Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)
2. "My body and my personality are not strong enough."
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)
"[Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
3. "I am not a good speaker."
"Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." (1 Corinthians 1:17)
"Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." (Exodus 4:10-12)
4. "I am afraid of the horrors I read about in the newspapers."
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore (katartisei--"mend" or "repair" your horribly disfigured body when the lions in the coliseum are through with you), confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:8-10)
5. "I am afraid I won't be fruitful"
Your responsibility is not to be fruitful but to be faithful. "And said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
6. "There is plenty to do here."
True, but there is a division of labor and God calls some to MISSIONS, not just evangelism. The difference is seen in Romans 15:19-24: "So that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I [Christ] have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named. . . Now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions . . . I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain."
How could Paul say there was no room for work when there were millions in that region to be evangelized? Because evangelism is not missions.
7. "I am not married."
The best spouse is found on the path of obedience. "An excellent wife [or husband!] who can find? She [and he!] is far more precious than jewels" (Proverbs 31:10). The finding is exceedingly hard. It will happen on the road of obedience.
8. "I fear that when I get there it might turn out I made a mistake and will come home with shame."
Which is worse, shame for having endeavored to follow Christ in missions, or fear to venture? Shame before others for making a mistake will not hurt you; it will humble you and can make you more useful in a new situation. But fear will make you useless everywhere.
Consider Ecclesiastes 11:4 and what it says about risk: "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." Meaning: without taking the risk of sowing when the seed might be blown away and reaping when the rain might ruin the harvest, you will starve.
Oh, how precious is the freeing word of God,
Pastor John
John Piper
When I spoke at Missions in the Main Hall Sunday night, I tried to give a biblical response to possible obstacles that are in the way for some people that may keep them from moving forward toward missions. My prayer is that God would use these responses to call more of you to go. Here are eight objections and a biblical response.
1. "I am not smart enough."
"Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1:20-21)
"Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)
2. "My body and my personality are not strong enough."
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)
"[Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
3. "I am not a good speaker."
"Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." (1 Corinthians 1:17)
"Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." (Exodus 4:10-12)
4. "I am afraid of the horrors I read about in the newspapers."
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore (katartisei--"mend" or "repair" your horribly disfigured body when the lions in the coliseum are through with you), confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:8-10)
5. "I am afraid I won't be fruitful"
Your responsibility is not to be fruitful but to be faithful. "And said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
6. "There is plenty to do here."
True, but there is a division of labor and God calls some to MISSIONS, not just evangelism. The difference is seen in Romans 15:19-24: "So that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I [Christ] have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named. . . Now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions . . . I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain."
How could Paul say there was no room for work when there were millions in that region to be evangelized? Because evangelism is not missions.
7. "I am not married."
The best spouse is found on the path of obedience. "An excellent wife [or husband!] who can find? She [and he!] is far more precious than jewels" (Proverbs 31:10). The finding is exceedingly hard. It will happen on the road of obedience.
8. "I fear that when I get there it might turn out I made a mistake and will come home with shame."
Which is worse, shame for having endeavored to follow Christ in missions, or fear to venture? Shame before others for making a mistake will not hurt you; it will humble you and can make you more useful in a new situation. But fear will make you useless everywhere.
Consider Ecclesiastes 11:4 and what it says about risk: "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." Meaning: without taking the risk of sowing when the seed might be blown away and reaping when the rain might ruin the harvest, you will starve.
Oh, how precious is the freeing word of God,
Pastor John
Making Everything Known
Making Everything Known
By Rachel Olsen
"He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." Daniel 2:22 (NIV)
Devotion:
For Americans, Halloween is just a week away and fake skeletons seem to be everywhere I look. I don't like skeletons - especially the proverbial kind that hide in my closet. We all have "skeletons in the closet" - stuff we keep hidden away from everyone, except perhaps our closest friends. Deep hidden things about who we are, where we come from, what we've done .... things we're afraid to bring into the light ... things we're afraid to look in the eye ... things we fear may cause others never to look at us the same. But Jesus knows, and loves us still.
Jesus knows. Genesis 16:13: "You are the God who sees" (NIV).
Jesus knows. Ezekiel 11:5: "The LORD says... I know what is going through your mind" (NIV).
In fact, He knows and still He truly desires to be friends with you.
Friendship is a two-way street. It's both give and take, talk and listen, reveal and accept. Jesus is on that two-way street with us. We can be vulnerable and real with Him. We can relax and safely surrender the key to our closet. We can bring our "skeletons" into His light, where they're not merely tolerated, but miraculously transformed from dry bones to abundant life. No other friend can do that!
We can share our secrets with Him and He will reveal His mysteries to us. Psalm 24:14 tells us, "The LORD confides in those who fear him" (NIV). The word "confides" means to disclose, to pass on, to speak in confidence, and to open your heart to. Jesus wants to open His heart to you and give you full access! Pause and think about that humbling, exciting, amazing reality for just a minute!
Jesus also wants to pass on to us everything He learned about how to live here on earth while staying connected to God in heaven. That is knowledge you and I need to know, and Jesus is the friend who can hook us up with it. He made all this known to his disciples while living among them and teaching them. He's also made it known to us through their gospel accounts in the Bible.
"I no longer call you servants," Jesus said to His disciples, "because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15, NIV). Jesus considers us a friend, and is keeping nothing hidden from us. Anything we want to know about Him, or about what He knows of His Father, is available to us. It's not automatically downloaded into our brain without any effort on our part -- yet, we need only read His Word, and connect with His heart in prayer to receive it. I'm confident we'll find it worth the effort.
So Jesus has made the first move. He's reached out to you in friendship. He has vulnerably opened His heart to yours. He's willing to tell you everything. Will you do the same? -Will you let yourself be fully known by Him? Are you ready to hand over that key and let those skeletons come out into His transforming light?
Sit down with Him and His Word today, and connect friend-to-friend ... heart-to-heart.
Dear Lord, I want to connect with Your heart. I want to know what its like to be Your friend -- deeply and joyfully connected to You. Help me move into this relationship. I trust You'll meet me there. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
For more on connecting with Him, visit Rachel Olsen's blog
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Set aside a time and space each day this week to encounter Jesus by reading through one of the accounts of His life called the "gospels." Try reading the book of John in the New Testament of your Bible. (If you don't have a Bible, you can purchase one here.)
Reflections:
What "skeletons" are in your closet? Tell them to Jesus and ask Him to cover them with His transforming light.
Are you ready to make the effort to develop a true friendship with Christ? You may want to (re)read last week's devotion on Making the Effort.
Power Verses:
Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (NIV)
Psalm 32:8, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (NIV)
Psalm 51:6 "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Rachel Olsen
"He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." Daniel 2:22 (NIV)
Devotion:
For Americans, Halloween is just a week away and fake skeletons seem to be everywhere I look. I don't like skeletons - especially the proverbial kind that hide in my closet. We all have "skeletons in the closet" - stuff we keep hidden away from everyone, except perhaps our closest friends. Deep hidden things about who we are, where we come from, what we've done .... things we're afraid to bring into the light ... things we're afraid to look in the eye ... things we fear may cause others never to look at us the same. But Jesus knows, and loves us still.
Jesus knows. Genesis 16:13: "You are the God who sees" (NIV).
Jesus knows. Ezekiel 11:5: "The LORD says... I know what is going through your mind" (NIV).
In fact, He knows and still He truly desires to be friends with you.
Friendship is a two-way street. It's both give and take, talk and listen, reveal and accept. Jesus is on that two-way street with us. We can be vulnerable and real with Him. We can relax and safely surrender the key to our closet. We can bring our "skeletons" into His light, where they're not merely tolerated, but miraculously transformed from dry bones to abundant life. No other friend can do that!
We can share our secrets with Him and He will reveal His mysteries to us. Psalm 24:14 tells us, "The LORD confides in those who fear him" (NIV). The word "confides" means to disclose, to pass on, to speak in confidence, and to open your heart to. Jesus wants to open His heart to you and give you full access! Pause and think about that humbling, exciting, amazing reality for just a minute!
Jesus also wants to pass on to us everything He learned about how to live here on earth while staying connected to God in heaven. That is knowledge you and I need to know, and Jesus is the friend who can hook us up with it. He made all this known to his disciples while living among them and teaching them. He's also made it known to us through their gospel accounts in the Bible.
"I no longer call you servants," Jesus said to His disciples, "because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15, NIV). Jesus considers us a friend, and is keeping nothing hidden from us. Anything we want to know about Him, or about what He knows of His Father, is available to us. It's not automatically downloaded into our brain without any effort on our part -- yet, we need only read His Word, and connect with His heart in prayer to receive it. I'm confident we'll find it worth the effort.
So Jesus has made the first move. He's reached out to you in friendship. He has vulnerably opened His heart to yours. He's willing to tell you everything. Will you do the same? -Will you let yourself be fully known by Him? Are you ready to hand over that key and let those skeletons come out into His transforming light?
Sit down with Him and His Word today, and connect friend-to-friend ... heart-to-heart.
Dear Lord, I want to connect with Your heart. I want to know what its like to be Your friend -- deeply and joyfully connected to You. Help me move into this relationship. I trust You'll meet me there. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
For more on connecting with Him, visit Rachel Olsen's blog
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Set aside a time and space each day this week to encounter Jesus by reading through one of the accounts of His life called the "gospels." Try reading the book of John in the New Testament of your Bible. (If you don't have a Bible, you can purchase one here.)
Reflections:
What "skeletons" are in your closet? Tell them to Jesus and ask Him to cover them with His transforming light.
Are you ready to make the effort to develop a true friendship with Christ? You may want to (re)read last week's devotion on Making the Effort.
Power Verses:
Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (NIV)
Psalm 32:8, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (NIV)
Psalm 51:6 "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
The Conflict of Peace
The Conflict of Peace
by Jon Walker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV)
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
by Jon Walker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV)
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
-- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
-- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Are you honest with God? I mean, judgment-day-honest with God?
Think about it. We all sin. But are you actively dealing with the sins in your life that only you and God know about? Are you getting real with God by admitting your weaknesses...your compulsive thoughts or worries...or your past secrets?
The great need is for the Church of Jesus Christ to be revived. And the only way that will happen is when individual men and women of God get real, admit their junk, and ask God for a spiritual breakthrough where there has been a spiritual breakdown.
The only way for God's people...you and me...to change the world is for us to make sure our lives are real...honest...and genuine. And through the power of God living in and through us we can live that kind of life.
It's an amazing thought that as believers in Jesus Christ, God dwells in us through His Holy Spirit...as we see in today's verse. If you're a follower of Christ, God lives in you. He lives in me. And through that indwelling power you can get beyond your compulsive thoughts...your worries...and the bondage of your past secrets.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, get real with God today. And ask God for that spiritual breakthrough where there has only been spiritual breakdown.
I pray you will get honest with God today...and determine to glorify Him in your life today...and every day!
Ask god for a spiritual breakthrough in your life where there has been spiritual breakdown.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Are you honest with God? I mean, judgment-day-honest with God?
Think about it. We all sin. But are you actively dealing with the sins in your life that only you and God know about? Are you getting real with God by admitting your weaknesses...your compulsive thoughts or worries...or your past secrets?
The great need is for the Church of Jesus Christ to be revived. And the only way that will happen is when individual men and women of God get real, admit their junk, and ask God for a spiritual breakthrough where there has been a spiritual breakdown.
The only way for God's people...you and me...to change the world is for us to make sure our lives are real...honest...and genuine. And through the power of God living in and through us we can live that kind of life.
It's an amazing thought that as believers in Jesus Christ, God dwells in us through His Holy Spirit...as we see in today's verse. If you're a follower of Christ, God lives in you. He lives in me. And through that indwelling power you can get beyond your compulsive thoughts...your worries...and the bondage of your past secrets.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, get real with God today. And ask God for that spiritual breakthrough where there has only been spiritual breakdown.
I pray you will get honest with God today...and determine to glorify Him in your life today...and every day!
Ask god for a spiritual breakthrough in your life where there has been spiritual breakdown.
Making Big Requests of God -- John 14:9-14
Making Big Requests of God -- John 14:9-14
Jesus often spoke about the role of prayer in the Christian's life and the church. He guaranteed His presence when two or more gather in unity to pray. He also promised to act whenever believers speak to God in the authority of Christ's name. Jesus taught that God is to be the focus of our petitions, and He showed by example that the basis for ministry is communion with the Father.
If we want God to release His power into a situation, it's important to do two things:
First, depend solely on Jesus' merits and mediation. Our new life as children of God began when we acknowledged our helplessness and accepted Christ's substitutionary death on our behalf (Romans 5:6). He acted as our mediator and reconciled us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). If we want God to do mighty works in and through us, we must continue in the same spirit of dependence on Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Second, separate from all known sin. At the cross, when the Savior paid our penalty for transgression, sin's controlling power over us was broken. However, its presence remains in this world and also lingers in us. Gossip, laziness, gluttony, and selfishness are everyday occurrences. The remedy for every sin is to confess it to God, turn away from that attitude or behavior, and receive God's forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). He will use only cleansed vessels.
If we are going to make big requests of God, we must come to Him with clean hearts and hands--that is, solely on the merits of His Son Jesus.
Jesus often spoke about the role of prayer in the Christian's life and the church. He guaranteed His presence when two or more gather in unity to pray. He also promised to act whenever believers speak to God in the authority of Christ's name. Jesus taught that God is to be the focus of our petitions, and He showed by example that the basis for ministry is communion with the Father.
If we want God to release His power into a situation, it's important to do two things:
First, depend solely on Jesus' merits and mediation. Our new life as children of God began when we acknowledged our helplessness and accepted Christ's substitutionary death on our behalf (Romans 5:6). He acted as our mediator and reconciled us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). If we want God to do mighty works in and through us, we must continue in the same spirit of dependence on Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Second, separate from all known sin. At the cross, when the Savior paid our penalty for transgression, sin's controlling power over us was broken. However, its presence remains in this world and also lingers in us. Gossip, laziness, gluttony, and selfishness are everyday occurrences. The remedy for every sin is to confess it to God, turn away from that attitude or behavior, and receive God's forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). He will use only cleansed vessels.
If we are going to make big requests of God, we must come to Him with clean hearts and hands--that is, solely on the merits of His Son Jesus.
You are Equipped
You are Equipped
Today's Scripture
“Every scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word! The Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength, and ability. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You have the ideas, the creativity, and talent to be successful. You can overcome any obstacle! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle! The forces that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working on your behalf. He has already lined up the right people to come across your path. He’s already lined up the right breaks. You have everything you need to live a victorious life. You were created to excel! You have seeds of greatness on the inside of you. You may not have seen it in the past, but if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time. It’s on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am equipped and empowered by the Creator of the universe! I am able to live the abundant life God has in store!”
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for me today. Help me understand Your anointing so that I can do all you’ve called me to do. I bless You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
“Every scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word! The Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength, and ability. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You have the ideas, the creativity, and talent to be successful. You can overcome any obstacle! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle! The forces that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working on your behalf. He has already lined up the right people to come across your path. He’s already lined up the right breaks. You have everything you need to live a victorious life. You were created to excel! You have seeds of greatness on the inside of you. You may not have seen it in the past, but if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time. It’s on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am equipped and empowered by the Creator of the universe! I am able to live the abundant life God has in store!”
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for me today. Help me understand Your anointing so that I can do all you’ve called me to do. I bless You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
SHOWING OFF
SHOWING OFF
by Charles R. Swindoll
Matthew 6
Jesus opened a five-gallon can of worms the day He preached His Sermon on the Mount. There wasn’t a Pharisee within gunshot range who wouldn’t have given his last denarius to have seen Him strung up by sundown. They hated Him because He refused to let them get away with their phony religious drool!
If there was one thing Jesus despised, it was the very thing every Pharisee majored in at seminary: showing off. Another word for it is “self-righteousness.” The Messiah unsheathed His sharp sword of truth that day, exposing their pride. Like never before, the smug show-offs were put in their place!
Listen to Matthew 6:1: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them.”
In other words, stop showing off! Stop calling attention to your righteousness! And then, to make the warning stick, our Lord gave three specific examples of how people show off their own righteousness so that others might ooh and aah over them.
In Matthew 6:2 Jesus says, “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you.” In other words, when you perform acts of charity or assist someone in need, keep it quiet. Remain anonymous. Jesus promises that “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (6:4).
In Matthew 6:5 Jesus talks about “when you pray.” He warns us against being supplicational show-offs who stand in prominent places and mouth meaningless mush in order to be seen and heard. A show-off loves syrupy words. He's got the technique for sounding high and holy down pat. But Jesus says: Don’t show off when you talk with the Father.
In Matthew 6:16 Jesus says, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do.” Fasting is when the show-off really hits his stride! He works overtime trying to appear humble and sad, hoping to look hungry and exhausted like some freak who just finished walking across the Sahara that afternoon. Instead, we ought to look and sound fresh, clean, and completely natural.
Our Lord reserved His strongest and longest sermon not for struggling sinners or discouraged disciples but for hypocrites . . . for glory hogs. Unfortunately, most of them never change because they don’t hear what He says to them. Show-offs, you see, are terribly hard-of-hearing.
Is your righteousness showing off? Listen to His words!
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000). Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
by Charles R. Swindoll
Matthew 6
Jesus opened a five-gallon can of worms the day He preached His Sermon on the Mount. There wasn’t a Pharisee within gunshot range who wouldn’t have given his last denarius to have seen Him strung up by sundown. They hated Him because He refused to let them get away with their phony religious drool!
If there was one thing Jesus despised, it was the very thing every Pharisee majored in at seminary: showing off. Another word for it is “self-righteousness.” The Messiah unsheathed His sharp sword of truth that day, exposing their pride. Like never before, the smug show-offs were put in their place!
Listen to Matthew 6:1: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them.”
In other words, stop showing off! Stop calling attention to your righteousness! And then, to make the warning stick, our Lord gave three specific examples of how people show off their own righteousness so that others might ooh and aah over them.
In Matthew 6:2 Jesus says, “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you.” In other words, when you perform acts of charity or assist someone in need, keep it quiet. Remain anonymous. Jesus promises that “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (6:4).
In Matthew 6:5 Jesus talks about “when you pray.” He warns us against being supplicational show-offs who stand in prominent places and mouth meaningless mush in order to be seen and heard. A show-off loves syrupy words. He's got the technique for sounding high and holy down pat. But Jesus says: Don’t show off when you talk with the Father.
In Matthew 6:16 Jesus says, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do.” Fasting is when the show-off really hits his stride! He works overtime trying to appear humble and sad, hoping to look hungry and exhausted like some freak who just finished walking across the Sahara that afternoon. Instead, we ought to look and sound fresh, clean, and completely natural.
Our Lord reserved His strongest and longest sermon not for struggling sinners or discouraged disciples but for hypocrites . . . for glory hogs. Unfortunately, most of them never change because they don’t hear what He says to them. Show-offs, you see, are terribly hard-of-hearing.
Is your righteousness showing off? Listen to His words!
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000). Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
David's Armor
David's Armor by Os Hillman
David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39
David, the young shepherd boy, heard the challenge from the Philistines to send someone to fight Goliath. No one volunteered to fight except David. King Saul reluctantly agreed and offered David his armor. David put on the weighty equipment, but quickly concluded he could not fight in this heavy armor.
God equips each of us in such a way that is unique to our strengths and abilities. David was trained as a shepherd to use another weapon. For David, it was a slingshot. David showed great maturity in realizing he could not be effective with Saul's armor.
What are the gifts and talents God has given to you? Have you ever tried to accomplish a task with tools you were not trained to use? God allows each of us to develop skills that are unique to our life. He will not call you to use someone else's tools.
However, this is only half of the equation. These talents must be mixed with faith. Talent alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when the two are combined that God's power is released and manifested in the physical realm.
Mix your unique gifts with faith today; you will be surprised at the power of God that will be manifested.
David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39
David, the young shepherd boy, heard the challenge from the Philistines to send someone to fight Goliath. No one volunteered to fight except David. King Saul reluctantly agreed and offered David his armor. David put on the weighty equipment, but quickly concluded he could not fight in this heavy armor.
God equips each of us in such a way that is unique to our strengths and abilities. David was trained as a shepherd to use another weapon. For David, it was a slingshot. David showed great maturity in realizing he could not be effective with Saul's armor.
What are the gifts and talents God has given to you? Have you ever tried to accomplish a task with tools you were not trained to use? God allows each of us to develop skills that are unique to our life. He will not call you to use someone else's tools.
However, this is only half of the equation. These talents must be mixed with faith. Talent alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when the two are combined that God's power is released and manifested in the physical realm.
Mix your unique gifts with faith today; you will be surprised at the power of God that will be manifested.
"SHEPHERD'S ROD 2008--PART 2"
BOB JONES and PAUL KEITH DAVIS:
"SHEPHERD'S ROD 2008--PART 2"
"Presently, we stand on the brink of the most significant breakthrough of all--leading to the manifestation of a Body of believers who function as sons and daughters of God and do the works that He did."
A Carpet of Covenant
Next, Bob saw a carpet of many colors laid in the desert about eight feet wide. It was completely straight and provided a direct path to the "bank of the Jordan" in preparation for crossing over. There are two paths set before us, requiring that we choose wisely in the days ahead. The Lord is setting a course before us with a beautiful multicolored carpet of covenant to make the journey favorable.
On the other hand, there will be an Angel of the Lord withstanding the other paths and even speaking through "burden bearers" like Balaam's donkey in order to turn the misguided back to the place of God's provision. Numbers 22:24-28 declares:
"Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again.
The Angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?'"
These prophetic images portray God's provision to take us from our present position to the place of our greatest fruitfulness. If we remain on the path the Lord has orchestrated for us, we will discover fruitfulness, favor and a direct path to our destination. If we divert from it, we will encounter difficulties and delays.
This next season will require sensitive discernment and a willing heart to follow the Holy Spirit's leadership. As contrasting as a beautiful, soft carpet is with a hot, barren, rocky desert, so is the polar difference we will discover in doing things God's way as opposed to our own. One will be easy and direct while the other harsh and overbearing.
This time will provide greater opportunity for all saints to hear His voice more fluently, not just the prophets and seers. To fully participate, both personally and corporately, in the fresh outpouring, we must follow carefully the bearing God sets before us and not waiver from it to the right or to the left. The prophet Isaiah foresaw a future day declaring:
"Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:20-21
Many of the "burden bearers" will be individuals who have encountered the Teacher and identify God's way and the beautiful carpet He has provided. The carpet is a symbolic indication of personal and corporate covenant. The Lord has promised to hold us by the hand and watch over us and bring us into the bond of covenant in order to restore the land and cause us to inherit desolate heritages.
In Bob's vision, it was important to remain on the carpet. Those who did, had the appearance of an army in perfect order and alignment. They were like a stream flowing through the desert with living water. All of our essential provisions needed for personal development and maturity were allotted on this path. It was also evident that we would have to make a conscious decision to leave the path to pursue another alternative, if we so chose. However, this would be a fatal mistake. Isaiah 35:7-8 declares:
"The scorched land will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes.
A highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for him who walks that way, and fools will not wander on it."
The importance of remaining on God's path stems primarily from our need for greater development in personal character. This path is a highway of holiness! A grace is being provided for cleansing of our failures and the extraction of strongholds withstanding our highest calling.
This imagery highlights our path for the future. As already outlined, this next year will see the completion of many aspects of God's plan and the introduction of new ones. It will be a time of completion and a time of new beginnings.
From God's path, many people will be sent to the various nations with the message and ministry of the Kingdom. This path leads to the nations and a harvest of souls who will be equipped as harvesters. The awakening of the dawn will be the crossing over into a fresh new day. As one day is culminating, a new one is dawning.
Prior to the Day of Atonement, Bob Jones' wife, Bonnie, also had a confirming revelation. In a dream, she was on a journey. She was told that the destination was the Jordan River. When she looked at her ticket that gave her access to the train, she recognized the number on it as 888. This could be highlighting a certain season of the time around August 8, 2008--as a time of significant importance for this transition.
The most important aspect of these revelations is the bringing to completion of our preparation and the commissioning of authority and power essential to introduce the next installment of God's plan.
Furthermore, this will not be a season for observation but participation. All of our essential provisions have already been provided according to His riches in glory. Calvary has supplied every need for the Kingdom to be demonstrated in our generation along with the perfecting of the Bride without spot or wrinkle.
New Tools for the Journey
In the revelatory experience, Bob saw a large stockpile of tools and implements that had been discarded at the beginning of the carpet. This represented our willingness to lay aside various spiritual tools we have used in past seasons in order to prepare ourselves for the fresh and unprecedented. That is not to imply that we discard the elementary principles, but build on them in order to move forward into maturity.
God has something exceedingly powerful prepared for us. We must be willing to cast aside the good in order to implement the best. We have utilized various tools and spiritual weapons over the last season of time, but now many of those tools are outdated and obsolete. The Lord is opening His armory to provide new tools and equipment. The Lord said through Isaiah:
"You have heard (these things foretold), now you see this fulfillment. And will you not bear witness to it? I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things (kept in reserve) which you have not known. They are created now (called into being by the prophetic word), and not long ago; and before today you have never heard of them, lest you should say, Behold, I knew them!" Isaiah in 48:6-7 (Amplified Version)
Formerly, we have had measures of success with various gifts and techniques that worked for a season. However, to be most fruitful in the coming days, we must remain spiritually sensitive to receive plans and strategies direct from Heaven. Bob observed a stockpile of old tools and weapons at the beginning of the carpet, and new ones given as people walked along this uncharted path.
If we insist upon holding on to the familiar, it would be like attempting to fight a modern-day war with Civil War era weapons. To say, "This is the way we have always done it," would be a fatal mindset that could lead away from the carpet of covenant into the desert, which is a dry and waterless region. We will be given the opportunity to obtain fresh manna each day as long as we remain in His ways. In some cases, the Lord is only going to give us enough trust to take the next step without seeing the totality of His plan. This will indeed be a faith journey!
The carpet ran through the desert leading us to the "Bank of the Jordan" to the precise place He has chosen for us to breakthrough and cross over. This next spiritual season will be both a time of completion and a time of commissioning. Many individuals that have been in a preparatory mode will see this season culminating and a new commissioning transpiring on this straight and narrow path that God has provided.
Even when mantles of individuals manifested in prior generations are captured by today's leaders, they will function in that anointing with a fresh new perspective. Joshua received the Spirit that rested upon Moses but displayed it in an entirely different way. Elisha wore the mantle of Elijah but utilized it with an altogether unique ministry.
Although we are still in the wilderness and haven't yet crossed over, we have a wonderful provision through the desert, which is a place of His voice. Everything we need will be provided on that carpet. It is a multicolored rainbow type carpet illustrating the Seven Spirits of God and covenant.
There is a new way being provided for this season. Each step will be a step of faith and dependence upon God's leadership. Only the righteous can walk this path and remain on it. The good news is the path was smooth and clear. If we continue in God's ways over this next season it will become very fruitful.
Restoring Desolate Heritages
Interestingly, many of the most significant things that transpired in the last generation took place in desert regions. There were numerous important visitations and revelations given in the 1960's in the Arizona desert with direct application to our present mandate.
We have a short season left in the desert, but it will actually be a very good time for the righteous. Our grooming will be brought to completion and a new commissioning imparted to prepare us to apprehend our desolate heritage. It will be a time for the literal fulfillment of Isaiah 49:8 saying:
"In a favorable time I have answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you; and I will keep you and give you for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages."
The Lord has been holding us by the hand and watching over us in preparation to become a covenant to the people and a light to the nations in order to restore the land and cause the people to inherit the desolate heritages.
It is a straight walk and one that we will continue for the remainder of this year until the next Rosh Hashanah in anticipation of what lies beyond. Although it would be wonderful to prophesy that we will walk in the fullness of our inheritance over this next year, we believe it is more accurate to identify this as a season of finalization in preparation and also commissioning for the crossing over; Joshua was commissioned on this side of the river in anticipation of leadership for advancement.
In this next season, many people will be commissioned with the "mantles" of others who have gone before us. There is presently an emphasis on honoring our spiritual fathers and mothers who provided leadership in the last great outpouring of God's Spirit. They were pioneers who overcame great difficulties to manifest God's Kingdom in their generation.
Although some experienced failures and made costly mistakes, the foundation they provided is our platform to launch the next major outpouring. This opens the door for the deposit of God's Spirit they carried to be appropriated to individuals in this generation.
In our own ministry, we have been emphasizing the importance of honoring healing revivalists such as A. A. Allen, John Alexander Dowie, John G. Lake, William Branham and others. Some of these have been the most dishonored individuals of the 20th century Church, yet used most notably in soul winning and the miraculous. Our adversary has effectively attempted to neutralize the testimony of these individuals as forerunners by overly emphasizing their shortcomings and weaknesses. Even so, the Lord is allowing a body of people to recognize the pioneering influence these individuals conveyed in order to position us to carry forward the unfinished commissions.
Spiritual gifts are the result of supernatural grace purchased at Calvary's Cross. Nevertheless, personal spiritual maturity can be costly, requiring that we buy from Him:
"Gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." Revelation 3:18
It has always been the Lord's intent that we progress from Glory to Glory, but unfortunately, the Church has historically failed in this responsibility. Children should always start on a higher plain than their parents. That is the entire Biblical principle of heritage and inheritance. Proverbs 13:22 states:
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous."
We are once again presented with an opportunity to apprehend our desolate heritages and appropriate them to our generation. Mantles of revelation and power that were introduced in prior generations are accessible. We must pay whatever price is necessary to achieve this place in God. The important aspects of this revelation are to highlight the "open door" opportunity set before us for this purpose.
The Lord has clearly demonstrated through these revelations that individuals will be visited by His Spirit over this next season for the purpose of "mantle" impartation. Many of the people soon to emerge in leadership are not presently known or recognized in broad public forums. Nevertheless, they are known in Heaven and have been prepared to carry notable deposits of revelation and power.
Therefore, this prophetic promise is to initiate our desperation to contend for this heritage. Our council is to position ourselves before Him, so that His Spirit can be released to us in much the same way that Elisha captured the anointing that rested upon Elijah.
Part of the revelations I had on the morning of Atonement dealt with our desolate heritage. In the experience, I found myself in a desert and mountainous region excavating an archeological site in hopes of finding treasures of great value. As I did, I uncovered ancient books containing revelations that were started by leaders of the past that are to be finished in our day. I considered these books of greater value than gold or silver. Some were older than others, but I knew this would be the completion of all mandates, commissions and promises.
This revelation speaks of our opportunity and responsibility to carry forward the task initiated by individuals of the former generation. Even as Joshua completed the commission of Moses, so also will we facilitate the fullness of unfulfilled promises.
Lovingkindness and Truth to Awaken His Glory
The desert is a place of visitation and impartation to be established in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 57:7-11 states:
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For your lovingkindness is great to the Heavens and Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the Heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth."
Our present opportunity is to embrace this final segment of our desert experience to be fully prepared for what is to come. The Shekinah glory descended upon the Tent of Meetings and Moses was granted the privilege of meeting with God face-to-face for an extended period of time. Although Israel was not yet in the Promised Land, they remained in the desert in order to prepare them to occupy the land of promise. So shall it be in this day. This coming season will be a time of visitation and tokens of God's glory manifested among the righteous.
The righteous will bear the glory; there will be tokens of God's glory resting upon a body of people that will illuminate them to shine like the sun in the Kingdom of our Father.
Realms of Glory
Corporate meetings will experience realms of glory on a level we have not yet experienced in this generation.
We are entering the season of human history prophesied by Isaiah when he foretold there would be a Heavenly brightness shining upon the righteous in the midst of great darkness. It is by the Spirit of Truth that we will be illuminated as we share in the mysteries of the Kingdom reserved for this hour. Isaiah 60:1-3 declared:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
There is a "weighty" presence or Glory that the Lord intends to place upon His people during these last days as a testimony to the nations of His redemptive virtue. It is truly amazing that sinners saved by grace can be endowed with this commission and responsibility. As Daniel prophesied, "Many will be purged, purified, and refined...and those who have insight will understand." (Daniel 12:10)
The understanding this company possesses will be the mystery of "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory." It is only through this refining process that we are capable of manifesting His Glory in the earth without it destroying us. That is the importance of prophetic material like this one. If we have the understanding that the process we have been in is for preparation, then it gives us the hope of our calling. Without that understanding, we would be prone to discouragement, hopelessness and feelings of disqualification.
Another purpose for highlighting this reality is to equip the prayer and intercessory ministries with a key to unlocking this 21st century provision. It will be through prayer, praise and prophetic proclamation that we will contend for this reality. It will not be accomplished through human soulish striving, but by a revelation of the Spirit and the activation of our faith to speak in agreement with God's plans. As recorded in Job 22:26-28:
"For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you; and you will pay your vows. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways."
The end result of this expression of God's Glory will be a notable harvest of souls beyond anything we have presently experienced in modern Church history. It will not only be a message to our nation, but also the nations of the earth; nor will it be administered or controlled by human agency, but by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The Glory Separates
Korah's rebellion was judged by God's glory. Numbers 16:19-21 outlines that:
"Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the doorway of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 'Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.'"
The "panel of seven judges" is to help separate truth from leaven, the precious from the profane; this must be a Holy Priesthood who have dined at the Lord's table. Only from this place are we able to separate the clean from the unclean. In the same way that Korah's rebellion was judged by the glory of God, so also will the seeds of rebellion be separated from within us as individuals and a Corporate Body!
The stress and turmoil in the world will continually increase as this present age reaches its completion and the Lord's Kingdom is prepared to be revealed. The confrontation between light and darkness will also escalate as evil will become greater. Likewise, the children of light must respond to offer hope and salvation through the Lord's redemptive work.
I recently saw this escalation in a revelatory encounter. In it, I saw a door being opened from the bowels of hell releasing a horde of evil spirits of a profound nature. I was actually able to recognize the characteristics of some of them. One had an appearance like Adolf Hitler and another like Joseph Stalin. I believe these represented evil spirits that functioned through these historical tyrants.
I watched as these evil spirits began to manifest themselves before people and train the individuals to walk in realms of darkness and evil--never before seen in our generation. It was as if individuals were being identified and equipped to carry "mantles" of darkness as foretold by ancient prophets concerning the latter days.
While this was taking place, I heard an audible voice say, "The children of Light must respond in like fashion." With that admonition, I saw angels descending from Heaven that were specially prepared for the end-time confrontation. They too were commissioned to meet with individuals through angelic visitations in order to train the people to walk in mantles of revelation and power.
The Lord's Kingdom that is characterized with righteousness, peace, and joy will become more pronounced within an overcoming Body of believers while darkness runs a parallel course of acceleration. While we are in this world, we are admonished not to be a part of this world's spirit. Light shines brightest during times of exceeding darkness!
Those who have yielded themselves to the work of God's spirit will be developed in righteousness and:
"Will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Matthew 13:43
The last few hundred years of Church history have seen numerous expressions of spiritual "breakthrough" that changed every following generation. God used Martin Luther with a breakthrough anointing to re-establish the reality that the just shall live by faith.
Following Luther, John Wesley and others advanced further with the message of sanctification and a breakthrough anointing that altered present understanding of the Christian life. We then experienced another breakthrough during the days of William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street outpouring; following that, came yet another during the days of William Branham and the Latter Rain outpouring.
Presently, we stand on the brink of the most significant breakthrough of all--leading to the manifestation of a Body of believers who function as sons and daughters of God and do the works that He did. This will be the only antidote for the darkness and evil that will permeate the coming years. Our current admonition is to embrace our opportunity for preparation and qualification for this responsibility.
This generation will see the greatest demonstration of grace never experienced and every indication points to its imminent reality. This generation will come forth with shouts of "grace-grace."
Vision for the Future
The Bible stresses that mankind will perish when there is a lack of true spiritual knowledge, and without a vision, the people are unrestrained and without order. Therefore, the Spirit of Revelation is a prerequisite to cooperate with God in this last day functioning of His plans.
To each of us is given a measure of faith; therefore, it requires spiritual vision for us to appropriate our faith towards the things that are of lasting spiritual value. The Lord is granting to us in this season fresh deposits of His revelatory anointing to provide clarity, insight and the true knowledge of Him. This will begin to sanctify us for the coming battle.
Recently, I heard the Holy Spirit say, "You can see things as they appear or you can see them as they really are." This admonition is challenging us to begin to see things from Heaven's perspective; that was the experience granted to Gehazi when Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened. When the revelatory anointing was granted, Elisha's servant saw the mountains filled with Heaven's host that greatly outnumbered the enemy. Suddenly, his perspective changed from fear to faith, because of spiritual vision and seeing things from God's point of view.
Leaders will become increasingly aware of this opportunity and find great grace to train and equip a body of people to live in Heaven's revelatory realm. This also will go hand-in-hand with the functioning of the panel of judges who are being delegated to separate true prophetic utterance from the false.
There is an "occupying" anointing that is being distributed among us. It is one thing to experience breakthrough, but altogether another to occupy where the enemy has been displaced. We must be prepared and mobilized with a plan of occupation when we address various cities and regions. We are given the authority and dominion to occupy the areas for which we have spiritual revelation. Jesus said:
"When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, "I will return to my house from which I came. And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes (along) seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." Luke 11:24-26
This year's Shepherd's Rod highlights the importance of formalizing a plan of occupation by mobilizing the Body of Christ. Great grace will be given in this next season for training and equipping leaders who are not afraid to conquer and occupy the land for which they are given spiritual vision.
It is a sad reality to discover that many of the places that once experienced great spiritual victory have now become havens of darkness. Even so, our grace for this season is to take back that ground and remind the Lord of His promise stating:
"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
Continued Extremes
Extreme weather patterns will continue in the days ahead in Heavenly places, on the earth, and under the earth. It will be contrasting extremes as a prophetic indication of the era in which we live. Volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts will be taking place in various regions simultaneously. While one area is experiencing a drought, another will be in during floods.
One of the primary areas for which we must be mobilized deals with our need to take authority over these extremes. The earth has been delegated into the hands of mankind and the Lord has appropriated His authority through us to articulate His desire. We must learn how to speak to these weather issues from a position of faith and authority in the same fashion the Lord did on the sea of Galilee. Psalm 115:16 declares:
"The Heaven, even the Heavens, are the LORD'S; but the earth He has given to the children of men."
There have been numerous instances in recent years where key leaders have been sent into drought stricken areas in order to call for rain. This trend will continue! This will also be true with spiritual as well as governmental leaders. Recently, the governor of Alabama joined his faith with Bob and others for rain to come to our state. Shortly after the prayer, we had rain.
Psalm 108
This Psalm initiates a series of messages through King David, highlighting times of tribulation but also deliverance. A portion of this Psalm is also taken from Psalm 57:7-11, written at a time when David was pursued by Saul.
This Psalm also emphasizes the conflict that existed among Israel's neighboring countries; It seems to highlight an escalation in the conflict between the Islamic radicals and the nation of Israel. This once again punctuates our tremendous need for continued prayer on behalf of Israel.
Psalm 108--A song, a Psalm of David.
Verse 1:
"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul."
We are presently entering a season that will be accentuated with radical faith and the unwavering reality that we are created in God's image. With that, we will sing praises from the depths of our soul to articulate the vastness of His redemptive plan and the miracle of taking sinners saved by grace and using them to manifest His Kingdom.
Verse 2:
"Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn!"
One of the most dangerous conditions existing in today's Church is the Laodicean lukewarm spirit. The Lord said this form of lifestyle makes Him sick and He will spew it from His mouth. This spirit promotes a sense of stupor, lethargy and apathy. Even so, this next season will see increased anointing on praise and worship to awaken us from sleep and ignite us with radical passion for the King and His Kingdom.
A new day is dawning and with it will be fresh creative realms of music and worship that will set ablaze the seeds of destiny resident in this generation of worshiping warriors. There will also be a notable anointing to help people recognize that the Lord is a God of redemption. He can redeem what has seemingly been lost and make up for lost time. The apostle Paul emphasized:
"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:14-16
Verse 3:
"I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations."
Things that are being birthed at this time will be taken to the various nations of the earth. In many respects, we must broaden our vision to include, not merely our city or region, but the many nations around the world. This also highlights our need to become more compatible and receptive to different cultures and ethnic groups. We are born of one blood at an appointed time and must recognize God's gifts resident in diverse people groups. Acts 17:26 declares:
"He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings."
This next season will see many groups who are seemingly polar extremes apart nevertheless, come together for a common cause to advance the Kingdom. There will be an anointing and emphasis on this aspect of God's plan. We must begin to recognize one another according to the spirit more so than the flesh. There is a plumb line of truth that is going to be delegated in this generation. Many diverse groups will rally around that plumb line as a platform for spiritual unity. That does not imply that we relinquish our identity or cultural differences but incorporate them together with a spirit of harmony.
Verse 4:
"For Your lovingkindness is great above the Heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies."
This is a year to discover God's lovingkindness and mercy along with His revelatory truth as we journey through this last phase of our preparation before a tremendous release of grace for advancement. We are to walk the carpet or path the Lord is laying before us. On it is every provision that we need to sustain us in life and Godliness.
The Spirit of Truth will begin to flourish in more pronounced ways in and among individuals and groups who are pressing in to encounter the Teacher and hear expressions from His lips. This will create the plumb line around which we will rally and attach our faith.
Our focus should be more vertical than horizontal at the present hour. As we turn our attention Heavenward, it will open realms of understanding and insight crucial for the journey. We must begin to see things as they really are, more so than the way they appear. This can only be achieved by viewing circumstances from God's perspective.
Verse 5:
"Be exalted, O God, above the Heavens, and Your glory above all the earth."
There will be measurable increases in the tangible Glory realized in our meetings when we wholeheartedly exalt the Lord above all things. Many books and messages have been made available that outline the wonderful expressions of power and Glory that existed in the prior generations.
There are many witnesses who testify of experiencing much greater realms of Glory in those days than what we presently enjoy. Nevertheless, that is going to change as we continue to meet God on His terms and walk with Him intimately like Enoch. There is a spirit of restoration being launched in this hour to recapture lost mantles and commissions. This will especially be true in the areas of healing and manifestations of the Glory.
The Glory is primarily associated with God's goodness. The Lord allowed His Glory to pass before Moses and He said it was His goodness. This will be a season to discover more ardently that God is good and His mercy endures forever.
We have entered a season of Church history that will be characterized with God's glory illuminating a body of people in the midst of great darkness. It will literally be a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy stating:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you." Isaiah 60:1-2
Our role and responsibility is to recognize this time and season and contend for its reality.
Verse 6:
"That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and answer me!"
The right hand denotes the faith of God; not merely having faith in God but possessing the faith of God. Many within the Church are oppressed, sick and immobilized with fear; this is the year to be delivered of these circumstances. Great emphasis will be placed in the coming days on deliverance meetings. Before we can set the world free from its oppressions, we must first be delivered from our own. This will initiate a wave of outpouring within the Church to prepare us to take this message to the world.
Verse 7:
"God has spoken in His holiness: "I will exult, I will portion out Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth."
Great emphasis will be placed upon the message of holiness at the present time. In its purest form, holiness is derived from close encounters with the Lord and intimate fellowship with Him. It is an impartation!
The priesthood was required to put on garments of holiness in order to perform their service and minister to Him. Likewise, we also are to be adorned in holiness to minister to the affections of Heaven.
Verse 8:
"Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter."
Gilead = Rough, rugged, rocky region.
Manasseh = Causing to forget.
Ephraim = To be fruitful.
Judah = Praise.
The Lord is going to reveal Himself as the lawgiver and judge. This will be initiated through "Judah" which is praise. There is a message of divine justice that will take precedence in these coming days. Gilead is a rocky region and Manasseh means causing to forget the pain of our past. The Lord is going to render a verdict on behalf of the saints to prepare us to take possession of the Kingdom. Psalm 125:3 states:
"For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong."
Although we may be surrounded by many spiritual enemies, the Lord is granting the authority to flourish. We will begin to exercise that authority in the midst of our enemies.
"The LORD will stretch forth your strong scepter from Zion, saying 'Rule in the midst of your enemies.'" Psalm 110:2
Verse 9:
"Moab is My washbowl; over Edom I shall throw My shoe; over Philistia I will shout aloud."
There is much uncleanness in the Church that is about to be dealt with. The Edomites were a spiritual type of this condition. God is going to cleanse the land which includes us.
On February 25, 2007, my wife Wanda had a dream in which she heard an audible voice that sometimes speaks with her, which has always proven to be accurate. The voice said to her that there was going to be a hurricane on Rosh Hashanah to signify God's intent to cleanse the land. We shared it with many of our team and ministry friends months before Hurricane Humberto formed on September 13th and came ashore.
Days before Rosh Hashanah, there was no hurricane in sight. Incredibly, on the day before this Biblical holy day, a simple storm began to increase in intensity faster than any storm in recorded history and became a hurricane in 18 hours; it came ashore on Rosh Hashanah.
Wikipedia records that "Hurricane Humberto formed and intensified faster than any other tropical cyclone on record within 18 hours of landfall; developing on September 12, 2007 in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, the cyclone rapidly strengthened and struck High Island Texas with winds of over 85 mph early on September 13. It steadily weakened after moving ashore, and on September 14, it began dissipating over northwestern Georgia as it interacted with an approaching cold front. Humberto was the eighth named storm and third hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, and became the first hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Wilma of 2005. Damage was expected to total out to less than $500 million in damage."
This was an absolute prophetic prediction to give us complete confidence and assurance that the Lord is giving us the grace to be cleansed and to begin the process of restoring our land. He is going to do a quick work!
Moab is our washbasin; God's army will walk on the promise of spiritual cleansing and the removal of humanistic leaven. It will be forerun by the pioneers and leaders. Bob saw many people on the carpet set before us by the Holy Spirit. Each one is being trained and prepared to provide leadership in this crucial hour of history.
Verse 10:
"Who will bring me into the besieged city? Who will lead me to Edom?"
This is the season that we will break through into regions and areas that have beforehand been inaccessible. Part of our responsibility is to agree with God through our prayer, praise and prophetic proclamation. Many of the intercessory prayer movements will be armed with this reality and find greater authority in their prayers to open doors that were previously shut.
This will take place by the impartation of His scepter, denoting greater spiritual authority. This truth will have multiple applications. Business opportunities that were not available before will now flourish, evangelistic regions will open up, and access to politicians and leaders will be made accessible. Many within the world will begin to ask spiritual questions for which you have Biblical answers.
Verse 11:
"Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us? And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?"
This is a year of reverse; even our natural army fighting in the Middle East has experienced great losses and difficulties in their quest. Thousands of American and Arab lives have been touched by the Iraq conflict. Wonderfully, the Lord is promising during this Atonement season that He will go with our armies and tread down spiritual adversaries attempting to escalate end-time confrontations before their appointed season. This however will require our focus and intercession to bring it into reality.
This is a year of change in the Middle East. If we will respond to this call, America will be able to get out of this conflict with honor. Our current President has another year to go. If we will pray, God will redeem the time and allow great accomplishment.
We have a very real help as long as we stay in the straight and narrow way provided by God's path. When the righteous cry out for God's intervention in the affairs of man, we will see a notable escalation in this Heavenly release. This will involve both the commissions that have been given for the harvest, as well as political issues attempting to derail Heaven's agenda.
Verse 12:
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
As we petition Heaven, God has promised to answer the righteous and offer help against our adversary. We have entered the time for answered prayer and fulfilled promises. The Lord's extending a scepter to accomplish in His power what mankind has been incapable of achieving in our own strength. This will be a day of divine intervention! God will inject Himself into our lives and circumstances when we walk before Him in righteousness and holiness.
Verse 13:
"Through God we will do valiantly, and it is He who shall tread down our adversaries."
This will be a time of measurable victory and strategic positioning for breakthrough and advancement. We are being called to break through and occupy in the spiritual arena. The Lord is putting a word in our mouths and covering us with the shadow of His hand to do three things: (Isaiah 51:16)
1. Establish the Heavens.
2. Found the earth.
3. Say to Zion, "You are My people!"
The Lord is going to do valiant things through us by allowing us to articulate His words from an atmosphere of the anointing. When we do, it will establish the revelation of His Kingdom in the Heavenly places which will then be manifested on the earth. It will also be a prophetic call to the "Zion company" or overcomers to take their position of authority and eradicate the adversaries set against God's end-time harvest.
(To view Part 1 of Shepherd's Rod 2008 posted on the ElijahList click here.)
Paul Keith and Wanda Davis and Bob Jones
WhiteDove Ministries
Email: inquiries@whitedoveministries.org
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"SHEPHERD'S ROD 2008--PART 2"
"Presently, we stand on the brink of the most significant breakthrough of all--leading to the manifestation of a Body of believers who function as sons and daughters of God and do the works that He did."
A Carpet of Covenant
Next, Bob saw a carpet of many colors laid in the desert about eight feet wide. It was completely straight and provided a direct path to the "bank of the Jordan" in preparation for crossing over. There are two paths set before us, requiring that we choose wisely in the days ahead. The Lord is setting a course before us with a beautiful multicolored carpet of covenant to make the journey favorable.
On the other hand, there will be an Angel of the Lord withstanding the other paths and even speaking through "burden bearers" like Balaam's donkey in order to turn the misguided back to the place of God's provision. Numbers 22:24-28 declares:
"Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again.
The Angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?'"
These prophetic images portray God's provision to take us from our present position to the place of our greatest fruitfulness. If we remain on the path the Lord has orchestrated for us, we will discover fruitfulness, favor and a direct path to our destination. If we divert from it, we will encounter difficulties and delays.
This next season will require sensitive discernment and a willing heart to follow the Holy Spirit's leadership. As contrasting as a beautiful, soft carpet is with a hot, barren, rocky desert, so is the polar difference we will discover in doing things God's way as opposed to our own. One will be easy and direct while the other harsh and overbearing.
This time will provide greater opportunity for all saints to hear His voice more fluently, not just the prophets and seers. To fully participate, both personally and corporately, in the fresh outpouring, we must follow carefully the bearing God sets before us and not waiver from it to the right or to the left. The prophet Isaiah foresaw a future day declaring:
"Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:20-21
Many of the "burden bearers" will be individuals who have encountered the Teacher and identify God's way and the beautiful carpet He has provided. The carpet is a symbolic indication of personal and corporate covenant. The Lord has promised to hold us by the hand and watch over us and bring us into the bond of covenant in order to restore the land and cause us to inherit desolate heritages.
In Bob's vision, it was important to remain on the carpet. Those who did, had the appearance of an army in perfect order and alignment. They were like a stream flowing through the desert with living water. All of our essential provisions needed for personal development and maturity were allotted on this path. It was also evident that we would have to make a conscious decision to leave the path to pursue another alternative, if we so chose. However, this would be a fatal mistake. Isaiah 35:7-8 declares:
"The scorched land will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes.
A highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for him who walks that way, and fools will not wander on it."
The importance of remaining on God's path stems primarily from our need for greater development in personal character. This path is a highway of holiness! A grace is being provided for cleansing of our failures and the extraction of strongholds withstanding our highest calling.
This imagery highlights our path for the future. As already outlined, this next year will see the completion of many aspects of God's plan and the introduction of new ones. It will be a time of completion and a time of new beginnings.
From God's path, many people will be sent to the various nations with the message and ministry of the Kingdom. This path leads to the nations and a harvest of souls who will be equipped as harvesters. The awakening of the dawn will be the crossing over into a fresh new day. As one day is culminating, a new one is dawning.
Prior to the Day of Atonement, Bob Jones' wife, Bonnie, also had a confirming revelation. In a dream, she was on a journey. She was told that the destination was the Jordan River. When she looked at her ticket that gave her access to the train, she recognized the number on it as 888. This could be highlighting a certain season of the time around August 8, 2008--as a time of significant importance for this transition.
The most important aspect of these revelations is the bringing to completion of our preparation and the commissioning of authority and power essential to introduce the next installment of God's plan.
Furthermore, this will not be a season for observation but participation. All of our essential provisions have already been provided according to His riches in glory. Calvary has supplied every need for the Kingdom to be demonstrated in our generation along with the perfecting of the Bride without spot or wrinkle.
New Tools for the Journey
In the revelatory experience, Bob saw a large stockpile of tools and implements that had been discarded at the beginning of the carpet. This represented our willingness to lay aside various spiritual tools we have used in past seasons in order to prepare ourselves for the fresh and unprecedented. That is not to imply that we discard the elementary principles, but build on them in order to move forward into maturity.
God has something exceedingly powerful prepared for us. We must be willing to cast aside the good in order to implement the best. We have utilized various tools and spiritual weapons over the last season of time, but now many of those tools are outdated and obsolete. The Lord is opening His armory to provide new tools and equipment. The Lord said through Isaiah:
"You have heard (these things foretold), now you see this fulfillment. And will you not bear witness to it? I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things (kept in reserve) which you have not known. They are created now (called into being by the prophetic word), and not long ago; and before today you have never heard of them, lest you should say, Behold, I knew them!" Isaiah in 48:6-7 (Amplified Version)
Formerly, we have had measures of success with various gifts and techniques that worked for a season. However, to be most fruitful in the coming days, we must remain spiritually sensitive to receive plans and strategies direct from Heaven. Bob observed a stockpile of old tools and weapons at the beginning of the carpet, and new ones given as people walked along this uncharted path.
If we insist upon holding on to the familiar, it would be like attempting to fight a modern-day war with Civil War era weapons. To say, "This is the way we have always done it," would be a fatal mindset that could lead away from the carpet of covenant into the desert, which is a dry and waterless region. We will be given the opportunity to obtain fresh manna each day as long as we remain in His ways. In some cases, the Lord is only going to give us enough trust to take the next step without seeing the totality of His plan. This will indeed be a faith journey!
The carpet ran through the desert leading us to the "Bank of the Jordan" to the precise place He has chosen for us to breakthrough and cross over. This next spiritual season will be both a time of completion and a time of commissioning. Many individuals that have been in a preparatory mode will see this season culminating and a new commissioning transpiring on this straight and narrow path that God has provided.
Even when mantles of individuals manifested in prior generations are captured by today's leaders, they will function in that anointing with a fresh new perspective. Joshua received the Spirit that rested upon Moses but displayed it in an entirely different way. Elisha wore the mantle of Elijah but utilized it with an altogether unique ministry.
Although we are still in the wilderness and haven't yet crossed over, we have a wonderful provision through the desert, which is a place of His voice. Everything we need will be provided on that carpet. It is a multicolored rainbow type carpet illustrating the Seven Spirits of God and covenant.
There is a new way being provided for this season. Each step will be a step of faith and dependence upon God's leadership. Only the righteous can walk this path and remain on it. The good news is the path was smooth and clear. If we continue in God's ways over this next season it will become very fruitful.
Restoring Desolate Heritages
Interestingly, many of the most significant things that transpired in the last generation took place in desert regions. There were numerous important visitations and revelations given in the 1960's in the Arizona desert with direct application to our present mandate.
We have a short season left in the desert, but it will actually be a very good time for the righteous. Our grooming will be brought to completion and a new commissioning imparted to prepare us to apprehend our desolate heritage. It will be a time for the literal fulfillment of Isaiah 49:8 saying:
"In a favorable time I have answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you; and I will keep you and give you for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages."
The Lord has been holding us by the hand and watching over us in preparation to become a covenant to the people and a light to the nations in order to restore the land and cause the people to inherit the desolate heritages.
It is a straight walk and one that we will continue for the remainder of this year until the next Rosh Hashanah in anticipation of what lies beyond. Although it would be wonderful to prophesy that we will walk in the fullness of our inheritance over this next year, we believe it is more accurate to identify this as a season of finalization in preparation and also commissioning for the crossing over; Joshua was commissioned on this side of the river in anticipation of leadership for advancement.
In this next season, many people will be commissioned with the "mantles" of others who have gone before us. There is presently an emphasis on honoring our spiritual fathers and mothers who provided leadership in the last great outpouring of God's Spirit. They were pioneers who overcame great difficulties to manifest God's Kingdom in their generation.
Although some experienced failures and made costly mistakes, the foundation they provided is our platform to launch the next major outpouring. This opens the door for the deposit of God's Spirit they carried to be appropriated to individuals in this generation.
In our own ministry, we have been emphasizing the importance of honoring healing revivalists such as A. A. Allen, John Alexander Dowie, John G. Lake, William Branham and others. Some of these have been the most dishonored individuals of the 20th century Church, yet used most notably in soul winning and the miraculous. Our adversary has effectively attempted to neutralize the testimony of these individuals as forerunners by overly emphasizing their shortcomings and weaknesses. Even so, the Lord is allowing a body of people to recognize the pioneering influence these individuals conveyed in order to position us to carry forward the unfinished commissions.
Spiritual gifts are the result of supernatural grace purchased at Calvary's Cross. Nevertheless, personal spiritual maturity can be costly, requiring that we buy from Him:
"Gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." Revelation 3:18
It has always been the Lord's intent that we progress from Glory to Glory, but unfortunately, the Church has historically failed in this responsibility. Children should always start on a higher plain than their parents. That is the entire Biblical principle of heritage and inheritance. Proverbs 13:22 states:
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous."
We are once again presented with an opportunity to apprehend our desolate heritages and appropriate them to our generation. Mantles of revelation and power that were introduced in prior generations are accessible. We must pay whatever price is necessary to achieve this place in God. The important aspects of this revelation are to highlight the "open door" opportunity set before us for this purpose.
The Lord has clearly demonstrated through these revelations that individuals will be visited by His Spirit over this next season for the purpose of "mantle" impartation. Many of the people soon to emerge in leadership are not presently known or recognized in broad public forums. Nevertheless, they are known in Heaven and have been prepared to carry notable deposits of revelation and power.
Therefore, this prophetic promise is to initiate our desperation to contend for this heritage. Our council is to position ourselves before Him, so that His Spirit can be released to us in much the same way that Elisha captured the anointing that rested upon Elijah.
Part of the revelations I had on the morning of Atonement dealt with our desolate heritage. In the experience, I found myself in a desert and mountainous region excavating an archeological site in hopes of finding treasures of great value. As I did, I uncovered ancient books containing revelations that were started by leaders of the past that are to be finished in our day. I considered these books of greater value than gold or silver. Some were older than others, but I knew this would be the completion of all mandates, commissions and promises.
This revelation speaks of our opportunity and responsibility to carry forward the task initiated by individuals of the former generation. Even as Joshua completed the commission of Moses, so also will we facilitate the fullness of unfulfilled promises.
Lovingkindness and Truth to Awaken His Glory
The desert is a place of visitation and impartation to be established in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 57:7-11 states:
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For your lovingkindness is great to the Heavens and Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the Heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth."
Our present opportunity is to embrace this final segment of our desert experience to be fully prepared for what is to come. The Shekinah glory descended upon the Tent of Meetings and Moses was granted the privilege of meeting with God face-to-face for an extended period of time. Although Israel was not yet in the Promised Land, they remained in the desert in order to prepare them to occupy the land of promise. So shall it be in this day. This coming season will be a time of visitation and tokens of God's glory manifested among the righteous.
The righteous will bear the glory; there will be tokens of God's glory resting upon a body of people that will illuminate them to shine like the sun in the Kingdom of our Father.
Realms of Glory
Corporate meetings will experience realms of glory on a level we have not yet experienced in this generation.
We are entering the season of human history prophesied by Isaiah when he foretold there would be a Heavenly brightness shining upon the righteous in the midst of great darkness. It is by the Spirit of Truth that we will be illuminated as we share in the mysteries of the Kingdom reserved for this hour. Isaiah 60:1-3 declared:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
There is a "weighty" presence or Glory that the Lord intends to place upon His people during these last days as a testimony to the nations of His redemptive virtue. It is truly amazing that sinners saved by grace can be endowed with this commission and responsibility. As Daniel prophesied, "Many will be purged, purified, and refined...and those who have insight will understand." (Daniel 12:10)
The understanding this company possesses will be the mystery of "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory." It is only through this refining process that we are capable of manifesting His Glory in the earth without it destroying us. That is the importance of prophetic material like this one. If we have the understanding that the process we have been in is for preparation, then it gives us the hope of our calling. Without that understanding, we would be prone to discouragement, hopelessness and feelings of disqualification.
Another purpose for highlighting this reality is to equip the prayer and intercessory ministries with a key to unlocking this 21st century provision. It will be through prayer, praise and prophetic proclamation that we will contend for this reality. It will not be accomplished through human soulish striving, but by a revelation of the Spirit and the activation of our faith to speak in agreement with God's plans. As recorded in Job 22:26-28:
"For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you; and you will pay your vows. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways."
The end result of this expression of God's Glory will be a notable harvest of souls beyond anything we have presently experienced in modern Church history. It will not only be a message to our nation, but also the nations of the earth; nor will it be administered or controlled by human agency, but by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The Glory Separates
Korah's rebellion was judged by God's glory. Numbers 16:19-21 outlines that:
"Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the doorway of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 'Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.'"
The "panel of seven judges" is to help separate truth from leaven, the precious from the profane; this must be a Holy Priesthood who have dined at the Lord's table. Only from this place are we able to separate the clean from the unclean. In the same way that Korah's rebellion was judged by the glory of God, so also will the seeds of rebellion be separated from within us as individuals and a Corporate Body!
The stress and turmoil in the world will continually increase as this present age reaches its completion and the Lord's Kingdom is prepared to be revealed. The confrontation between light and darkness will also escalate as evil will become greater. Likewise, the children of light must respond to offer hope and salvation through the Lord's redemptive work.
I recently saw this escalation in a revelatory encounter. In it, I saw a door being opened from the bowels of hell releasing a horde of evil spirits of a profound nature. I was actually able to recognize the characteristics of some of them. One had an appearance like Adolf Hitler and another like Joseph Stalin. I believe these represented evil spirits that functioned through these historical tyrants.
I watched as these evil spirits began to manifest themselves before people and train the individuals to walk in realms of darkness and evil--never before seen in our generation. It was as if individuals were being identified and equipped to carry "mantles" of darkness as foretold by ancient prophets concerning the latter days.
While this was taking place, I heard an audible voice say, "The children of Light must respond in like fashion." With that admonition, I saw angels descending from Heaven that were specially prepared for the end-time confrontation. They too were commissioned to meet with individuals through angelic visitations in order to train the people to walk in mantles of revelation and power.
The Lord's Kingdom that is characterized with righteousness, peace, and joy will become more pronounced within an overcoming Body of believers while darkness runs a parallel course of acceleration. While we are in this world, we are admonished not to be a part of this world's spirit. Light shines brightest during times of exceeding darkness!
Those who have yielded themselves to the work of God's spirit will be developed in righteousness and:
"Will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Matthew 13:43
The last few hundred years of Church history have seen numerous expressions of spiritual "breakthrough" that changed every following generation. God used Martin Luther with a breakthrough anointing to re-establish the reality that the just shall live by faith.
Following Luther, John Wesley and others advanced further with the message of sanctification and a breakthrough anointing that altered present understanding of the Christian life. We then experienced another breakthrough during the days of William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street outpouring; following that, came yet another during the days of William Branham and the Latter Rain outpouring.
Presently, we stand on the brink of the most significant breakthrough of all--leading to the manifestation of a Body of believers who function as sons and daughters of God and do the works that He did. This will be the only antidote for the darkness and evil that will permeate the coming years. Our current admonition is to embrace our opportunity for preparation and qualification for this responsibility.
This generation will see the greatest demonstration of grace never experienced and every indication points to its imminent reality. This generation will come forth with shouts of "grace-grace."
Vision for the Future
The Bible stresses that mankind will perish when there is a lack of true spiritual knowledge, and without a vision, the people are unrestrained and without order. Therefore, the Spirit of Revelation is a prerequisite to cooperate with God in this last day functioning of His plans.
To each of us is given a measure of faith; therefore, it requires spiritual vision for us to appropriate our faith towards the things that are of lasting spiritual value. The Lord is granting to us in this season fresh deposits of His revelatory anointing to provide clarity, insight and the true knowledge of Him. This will begin to sanctify us for the coming battle.
Recently, I heard the Holy Spirit say, "You can see things as they appear or you can see them as they really are." This admonition is challenging us to begin to see things from Heaven's perspective; that was the experience granted to Gehazi when Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened. When the revelatory anointing was granted, Elisha's servant saw the mountains filled with Heaven's host that greatly outnumbered the enemy. Suddenly, his perspective changed from fear to faith, because of spiritual vision and seeing things from God's point of view.
Leaders will become increasingly aware of this opportunity and find great grace to train and equip a body of people to live in Heaven's revelatory realm. This also will go hand-in-hand with the functioning of the panel of judges who are being delegated to separate true prophetic utterance from the false.
There is an "occupying" anointing that is being distributed among us. It is one thing to experience breakthrough, but altogether another to occupy where the enemy has been displaced. We must be prepared and mobilized with a plan of occupation when we address various cities and regions. We are given the authority and dominion to occupy the areas for which we have spiritual revelation. Jesus said:
"When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, "I will return to my house from which I came. And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes (along) seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." Luke 11:24-26
This year's Shepherd's Rod highlights the importance of formalizing a plan of occupation by mobilizing the Body of Christ. Great grace will be given in this next season for training and equipping leaders who are not afraid to conquer and occupy the land for which they are given spiritual vision.
It is a sad reality to discover that many of the places that once experienced great spiritual victory have now become havens of darkness. Even so, our grace for this season is to take back that ground and remind the Lord of His promise stating:
"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
Continued Extremes
Extreme weather patterns will continue in the days ahead in Heavenly places, on the earth, and under the earth. It will be contrasting extremes as a prophetic indication of the era in which we live. Volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts will be taking place in various regions simultaneously. While one area is experiencing a drought, another will be in during floods.
One of the primary areas for which we must be mobilized deals with our need to take authority over these extremes. The earth has been delegated into the hands of mankind and the Lord has appropriated His authority through us to articulate His desire. We must learn how to speak to these weather issues from a position of faith and authority in the same fashion the Lord did on the sea of Galilee. Psalm 115:16 declares:
"The Heaven, even the Heavens, are the LORD'S; but the earth He has given to the children of men."
There have been numerous instances in recent years where key leaders have been sent into drought stricken areas in order to call for rain. This trend will continue! This will also be true with spiritual as well as governmental leaders. Recently, the governor of Alabama joined his faith with Bob and others for rain to come to our state. Shortly after the prayer, we had rain.
Psalm 108
This Psalm initiates a series of messages through King David, highlighting times of tribulation but also deliverance. A portion of this Psalm is also taken from Psalm 57:7-11, written at a time when David was pursued by Saul.
This Psalm also emphasizes the conflict that existed among Israel's neighboring countries; It seems to highlight an escalation in the conflict between the Islamic radicals and the nation of Israel. This once again punctuates our tremendous need for continued prayer on behalf of Israel.
Psalm 108--A song, a Psalm of David.
Verse 1:
"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul."
We are presently entering a season that will be accentuated with radical faith and the unwavering reality that we are created in God's image. With that, we will sing praises from the depths of our soul to articulate the vastness of His redemptive plan and the miracle of taking sinners saved by grace and using them to manifest His Kingdom.
Verse 2:
"Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn!"
One of the most dangerous conditions existing in today's Church is the Laodicean lukewarm spirit. The Lord said this form of lifestyle makes Him sick and He will spew it from His mouth. This spirit promotes a sense of stupor, lethargy and apathy. Even so, this next season will see increased anointing on praise and worship to awaken us from sleep and ignite us with radical passion for the King and His Kingdom.
A new day is dawning and with it will be fresh creative realms of music and worship that will set ablaze the seeds of destiny resident in this generation of worshiping warriors. There will also be a notable anointing to help people recognize that the Lord is a God of redemption. He can redeem what has seemingly been lost and make up for lost time. The apostle Paul emphasized:
"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:14-16
Verse 3:
"I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations."
Things that are being birthed at this time will be taken to the various nations of the earth. In many respects, we must broaden our vision to include, not merely our city or region, but the many nations around the world. This also highlights our need to become more compatible and receptive to different cultures and ethnic groups. We are born of one blood at an appointed time and must recognize God's gifts resident in diverse people groups. Acts 17:26 declares:
"He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings."
This next season will see many groups who are seemingly polar extremes apart nevertheless, come together for a common cause to advance the Kingdom. There will be an anointing and emphasis on this aspect of God's plan. We must begin to recognize one another according to the spirit more so than the flesh. There is a plumb line of truth that is going to be delegated in this generation. Many diverse groups will rally around that plumb line as a platform for spiritual unity. That does not imply that we relinquish our identity or cultural differences but incorporate them together with a spirit of harmony.
Verse 4:
"For Your lovingkindness is great above the Heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies."
This is a year to discover God's lovingkindness and mercy along with His revelatory truth as we journey through this last phase of our preparation before a tremendous release of grace for advancement. We are to walk the carpet or path the Lord is laying before us. On it is every provision that we need to sustain us in life and Godliness.
The Spirit of Truth will begin to flourish in more pronounced ways in and among individuals and groups who are pressing in to encounter the Teacher and hear expressions from His lips. This will create the plumb line around which we will rally and attach our faith.
Our focus should be more vertical than horizontal at the present hour. As we turn our attention Heavenward, it will open realms of understanding and insight crucial for the journey. We must begin to see things as they really are, more so than the way they appear. This can only be achieved by viewing circumstances from God's perspective.
Verse 5:
"Be exalted, O God, above the Heavens, and Your glory above all the earth."
There will be measurable increases in the tangible Glory realized in our meetings when we wholeheartedly exalt the Lord above all things. Many books and messages have been made available that outline the wonderful expressions of power and Glory that existed in the prior generations.
There are many witnesses who testify of experiencing much greater realms of Glory in those days than what we presently enjoy. Nevertheless, that is going to change as we continue to meet God on His terms and walk with Him intimately like Enoch. There is a spirit of restoration being launched in this hour to recapture lost mantles and commissions. This will especially be true in the areas of healing and manifestations of the Glory.
The Glory is primarily associated with God's goodness. The Lord allowed His Glory to pass before Moses and He said it was His goodness. This will be a season to discover more ardently that God is good and His mercy endures forever.
We have entered a season of Church history that will be characterized with God's glory illuminating a body of people in the midst of great darkness. It will literally be a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy stating:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you." Isaiah 60:1-2
Our role and responsibility is to recognize this time and season and contend for its reality.
Verse 6:
"That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and answer me!"
The right hand denotes the faith of God; not merely having faith in God but possessing the faith of God. Many within the Church are oppressed, sick and immobilized with fear; this is the year to be delivered of these circumstances. Great emphasis will be placed in the coming days on deliverance meetings. Before we can set the world free from its oppressions, we must first be delivered from our own. This will initiate a wave of outpouring within the Church to prepare us to take this message to the world.
Verse 7:
"God has spoken in His holiness: "I will exult, I will portion out Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth."
Great emphasis will be placed upon the message of holiness at the present time. In its purest form, holiness is derived from close encounters with the Lord and intimate fellowship with Him. It is an impartation!
The priesthood was required to put on garments of holiness in order to perform their service and minister to Him. Likewise, we also are to be adorned in holiness to minister to the affections of Heaven.
Verse 8:
"Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter."
Gilead = Rough, rugged, rocky region.
Manasseh = Causing to forget.
Ephraim = To be fruitful.
Judah = Praise.
The Lord is going to reveal Himself as the lawgiver and judge. This will be initiated through "Judah" which is praise. There is a message of divine justice that will take precedence in these coming days. Gilead is a rocky region and Manasseh means causing to forget the pain of our past. The Lord is going to render a verdict on behalf of the saints to prepare us to take possession of the Kingdom. Psalm 125:3 states:
"For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong."
Although we may be surrounded by many spiritual enemies, the Lord is granting the authority to flourish. We will begin to exercise that authority in the midst of our enemies.
"The LORD will stretch forth your strong scepter from Zion, saying 'Rule in the midst of your enemies.'" Psalm 110:2
Verse 9:
"Moab is My washbowl; over Edom I shall throw My shoe; over Philistia I will shout aloud."
There is much uncleanness in the Church that is about to be dealt with. The Edomites were a spiritual type of this condition. God is going to cleanse the land which includes us.
On February 25, 2007, my wife Wanda had a dream in which she heard an audible voice that sometimes speaks with her, which has always proven to be accurate. The voice said to her that there was going to be a hurricane on Rosh Hashanah to signify God's intent to cleanse the land. We shared it with many of our team and ministry friends months before Hurricane Humberto formed on September 13th and came ashore.
Days before Rosh Hashanah, there was no hurricane in sight. Incredibly, on the day before this Biblical holy day, a simple storm began to increase in intensity faster than any storm in recorded history and became a hurricane in 18 hours; it came ashore on Rosh Hashanah.
Wikipedia records that "Hurricane Humberto formed and intensified faster than any other tropical cyclone on record within 18 hours of landfall; developing on September 12, 2007 in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, the cyclone rapidly strengthened and struck High Island Texas with winds of over 85 mph early on September 13. It steadily weakened after moving ashore, and on September 14, it began dissipating over northwestern Georgia as it interacted with an approaching cold front. Humberto was the eighth named storm and third hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, and became the first hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Wilma of 2005. Damage was expected to total out to less than $500 million in damage."
This was an absolute prophetic prediction to give us complete confidence and assurance that the Lord is giving us the grace to be cleansed and to begin the process of restoring our land. He is going to do a quick work!
Moab is our washbasin; God's army will walk on the promise of spiritual cleansing and the removal of humanistic leaven. It will be forerun by the pioneers and leaders. Bob saw many people on the carpet set before us by the Holy Spirit. Each one is being trained and prepared to provide leadership in this crucial hour of history.
Verse 10:
"Who will bring me into the besieged city? Who will lead me to Edom?"
This is the season that we will break through into regions and areas that have beforehand been inaccessible. Part of our responsibility is to agree with God through our prayer, praise and prophetic proclamation. Many of the intercessory prayer movements will be armed with this reality and find greater authority in their prayers to open doors that were previously shut.
This will take place by the impartation of His scepter, denoting greater spiritual authority. This truth will have multiple applications. Business opportunities that were not available before will now flourish, evangelistic regions will open up, and access to politicians and leaders will be made accessible. Many within the world will begin to ask spiritual questions for which you have Biblical answers.
Verse 11:
"Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us? And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?"
This is a year of reverse; even our natural army fighting in the Middle East has experienced great losses and difficulties in their quest. Thousands of American and Arab lives have been touched by the Iraq conflict. Wonderfully, the Lord is promising during this Atonement season that He will go with our armies and tread down spiritual adversaries attempting to escalate end-time confrontations before their appointed season. This however will require our focus and intercession to bring it into reality.
This is a year of change in the Middle East. If we will respond to this call, America will be able to get out of this conflict with honor. Our current President has another year to go. If we will pray, God will redeem the time and allow great accomplishment.
We have a very real help as long as we stay in the straight and narrow way provided by God's path. When the righteous cry out for God's intervention in the affairs of man, we will see a notable escalation in this Heavenly release. This will involve both the commissions that have been given for the harvest, as well as political issues attempting to derail Heaven's agenda.
Verse 12:
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
As we petition Heaven, God has promised to answer the righteous and offer help against our adversary. We have entered the time for answered prayer and fulfilled promises. The Lord's extending a scepter to accomplish in His power what mankind has been incapable of achieving in our own strength. This will be a day of divine intervention! God will inject Himself into our lives and circumstances when we walk before Him in righteousness and holiness.
Verse 13:
"Through God we will do valiantly, and it is He who shall tread down our adversaries."
This will be a time of measurable victory and strategic positioning for breakthrough and advancement. We are being called to break through and occupy in the spiritual arena. The Lord is putting a word in our mouths and covering us with the shadow of His hand to do three things: (Isaiah 51:16)
1. Establish the Heavens.
2. Found the earth.
3. Say to Zion, "You are My people!"
The Lord is going to do valiant things through us by allowing us to articulate His words from an atmosphere of the anointing. When we do, it will establish the revelation of His Kingdom in the Heavenly places which will then be manifested on the earth. It will also be a prophetic call to the "Zion company" or overcomers to take their position of authority and eradicate the adversaries set against God's end-time harvest.
(To view Part 1 of Shepherd's Rod 2008 posted on the ElijahList click here.)
Paul Keith and Wanda Davis and Bob Jones
WhiteDove Ministries
Email: inquiries@whitedoveministries.org
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