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Seeds and Bread
Seeds and Bread
But this I say: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NKJV
God supplies seed to plant and bread to eat. It’s important to know the difference.
It’s also important to understand something about your seed, your soil, the amount of moisture needed, and the length of the growing season.
Did you know that everyone has some kind of seed to sow? Absolutely. Everyone has something they can sow into someone else’s life and/or ministry. It may not seem like very much, but everything sown generously has the prospect of producing a fruitful harvest…
…The seed in your hand represents your future. The bread on your plate testifies God has blessed you with what you need for the day. Hoard the seed and you’ll have no future. Plant the bread and, again, your future will be bleak and your present strength will fail.
God gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), to help establish his kingdom and declare his covenantal love and provision to those who will listen and respond to his call. The wealth is divided into bread and seed. Again, bread helps cover the day’s needs. The seed is preparation for the future.
–Excerpts from my new eBook “Generosity – the Life Giving Power of Doing Good to Others”.
To download book, please go to Amazon Books and type in Jan Grace Books. Thanks.
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My Healing Resolution
I have come to realize I have been more lazy than diligent where faith for healing is concerned.
So it’s time for action.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The kind of action God is calling me to is believing Him above all else. Every pain, every symptom, every thought; he is above each and every one.
And since “all things are possible to him who believes”, and “faith comes by continually hearing the word of God”, here is my Healing Resolution.
Maybe it could help you, as well.
My Healing Resolution
WHEREAS, “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4 – 53:6 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “…they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:14 – 8:17 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 KJV); and
WHEREAS, The Lord said, “…If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26 KJV); and
WHEREAS, He further stated, “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.” (Exodus 23:25 – 23:26 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “…the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.” (Deuteronomy 7:15 KJV); and
WHEREAS, He “forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1 – 103:5 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:20 KJV); and
WHEREAS, His words “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20 – 4:23 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:17 – 3:19 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me” (Psalm 30:2 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:11 – 30:12 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death” (Psalm 68:19 – 68:20 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “When he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened” (Matthew 9:27 – 9:30 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel”(Matthew 15:30 – 15:31 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Jesus said…’If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth’” (Mark 9:23 KJV); and
WHEREAS, Jesus said, “That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith…. What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:23 – 11:24 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:15 – 16:18 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one” (Acts 5:12 – 5:16 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5 – 8:8 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately” (Acts 9:34 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:8 – 14:10 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts 19:11 – 19:12 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:14 – 5:16 KJV); and
WHEREAS, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV); therefore be it
RESOLVED, I shall “not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday”
(Psalm 91:5 – 91:6 KJV); and be it furtherRESOLVED, “I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7 KJV); and, “No weapon that is formed against (me) shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against (me) in judgment (I) shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and (my) righteousness is of God…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV); and, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16 KJV); and be it further
RESOLVED, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD”(Psalm 118:17 KJV); and, since I have “the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV); and be it finally
RESOLVED, “What things soever (I) desire, when (I) pray, (I) believe that (I) receive them, and (I) shall have them” (Mark 11:24 KJV). I believe Jesus is my healer; the one who has taken sickness and disease from my midst. I believe he bore my sickness and carried away my disease as he was nailed to the cross in my stead.
I declare with my mouth, what I believe in my heart, Jesus Christ is Lord over my spirit, soul, and body.
Amen.
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Some “Last Days” Thoughts
“Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.” (Psalm 105:38 ESV)
There’s coming a day, and what a glorious day it will be, when the Church, the Body of Christ, followers of Jesus, the remnant of believers, will be called into the very presence of God. Some call it “the Rapture”. I prefer to call it “the Great Catching Away”.
Israel is a type of the Church, the “called out ones”. As Israel was called out of Egypt supernaturally, so it shall be with the Church.
Israel was called out, then joined together in the wilderness. In the wilderness they had to learn about their God. They learned faith, obedience, following leadership, how to fight together against a common enemy. When the time for them to cross the Jordan, they were ready.
Israel became a unique nation among nations and so did the Church.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
The Church began in power, but through the years, and succumbing to man’s traditions and doctrines of demons, has all but lost its identity and unique message.
But God has always had a remnant. And he has one today.
Over the last couple hundred years, God has been rebuilding his Church, and restoring its power and ministry gifts. God is bringing the Church to the culmination of his plans and purposes. A time when the Church, the Body and the Head, function as one. A time when the dread and fear of God cover the earth like never before. A period that allows the world (Egypt) to witness the God of Creation, and experience his great power – through the Church.
“Egypt was glad…” That will happen again. The world will be glad when the Church finally leaves. Presently, the Church has very little influence in the world. Most people can either “take it or leave it” where the Church is concerned. But that will change, and change quickly.
And as it was when Israel departed from Egypt, and a number of Egyptians left with them, so it shall be once more. For the final demonstration of God’s power is not only a declaration of God’s greatness and his ultimate triumph over every enemy, it will also be the greatest gathering of souls into his kingdom. Harvest Time!
So what should we look for?
–House cleaning – the people of God judging and purifying themselves – 1 Peter 4:17
–Ministry gifts operated in humility and purity – 1 Corinthians 12-14
–A definite division between light and darkness – Acts 5; 1 Thessalonians 5
–God working through the Church in power and holiness – Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 3:10
–“Come up here” – the Great Catching Away – Revelation 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4I realize not everyone will see things like I do. How do you think things will be, as the end of this present age draws near? Are you ready for the end of this period, and the beginning of the next?
One thing is certain. When all is said and done God will still be the one in charge.
Forever and ever, amen.
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Chuck E. Cheese, Skeeball and Fisticuffs
I just finished reading a bunch of news reports of recent riots and brawls taking place at a national restaurant chain near you. All over the country people are going nuts and breaking out the fisticuffs between bites of pizza and games of Skeeball. In Florida, there were more people involved in one single fight than attended my wife and I’s wedding back in 1972. Not to be misleading, there were 11 who attended our wedding counting my wife and I.
Eighteen adults acted worse than a thousand toddlers at the Chuck E. Cheese in Boynton Beach, Florida. The brawl started when two men started arguing in the restroom. I’m not sure what the argument was about; maybe they both wanted to use the same urinal and couldn’t decide who got there first. Shortly, as they were arguing in the dining room, it escalated to face punching, at which time sixteen others joined in.
Hey, if you’re going to rumble you might as well make it a doozy. Might as well let the children know how tough you really are. And you might as well fight where you can grab a slice of pizza between punches.
Maybe they were training to play hockey.
The mother of the birthday child was arrested for possession of illegal drugs and marijuana.
At Chuck E. Cheese!
Apparently Mr. Cheese couldn’t be reached for comment. But I find it beyond amazing that people can become so short tempered, short fused, and ready to fight at the drop of a hat. In fact, they don’t even need a hat.
But really, why should it surprise me at all? How come I’m amazed?
People are going nuts; out of control.
Ever attend little league baseball, soccer, or football games? Do you ever listen to some of the parents? Are YOU one of THOSE kind of parents?
Like I said, out of control. Yet the very ones who can’t keep their hands, or mouth, to themselves are the very ones who will say they don’t need any help. Really?
Maybe the government could appoint a task force to determine what should be done with the Chuck E. Cheese family entertainment center. I would suggest Iowa’s own Chuck Grassley as the task force chairman. After all, his name sounds similar to the restaurant’s name.
I must admit, their registered trademarks are awesome, even if they have a different meaning to the public than to the company executives.
“The best place for family fun.”
“Where a kid can be a kid.”
And my favorite, “Where awesome parents go.”
Chuck E. Cheese. A place to go to have a brawl, er, uh, I mean, ball.
And people still have the audacity to say they don’t need a savior. But it’s a well documented fact: when revival of religion (or a new awareness of God’s holiness and righteous standards) prevails in a society, or a community, people begin to behave better, kinder. They begin to treat one another with dignity, honor, and respect.
Mr. Cheese, maybe you should post the Ten Commandments some place in each of your stores; or, at least, post a few warring angels to help keep the peace.
And call upon Gideon’s International to come and hand out pocket New Testaments. You know, the kind they give to people heading off to war.
Crazy, man, crazy.
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Generosity (excerpt from eBook)
Windows of Heaven/Doorway of Destruction
When I was a pastor, I always enjoyed saying to the congregation, “Please turn to Malachi, chapter three.” I’d hear little whispers, and once in a while, a groan or two.
What was exceptional fun was to then add, “And no, I’m not preaching about the tithe today.” A few chuckles, more whispers, and a sigh or two.
And I’m not going to emphasize the tithe here. Why? Because to me the tithe is only a number. It’s a good place to begin training yourself to be generous, but it isn’t the heart of the matter. The heart of the matter is the heart.
Here is the passage from Malachi that we’ll reference:
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from my ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’ “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:6-12 NKJV
Many have taught, and I have as well, that the Lord tells us to prove him, test him, by tithing. I don’t believe that any longer. And here’s the reason why.
The Lord told the Hebrew nation that they had departed from him. They replied, “What?!? What are you talking about? We worship you, attend services each Sabbath; what do you mean we’ve departed?”
He said, “By withholding your tithes.”
“Oh.”
Do you know many “tithers”? I’ve known a number of them through the years. In fact, I’m a tither. But did you realize people may tithe and still be far from God? Sad, but true.
The Hebrews could have been tithing, but still be running away from God.
Let’s say, just for teaching purposes, that God had given the Israelites this commandment: “You shall not walk on the grass.” For years, the Hebrew children stayed off the grass. But one day a rebel began walking barefoot in the grass. He enjoyed it so much, he started telling everyone he met about the joy of doing things their own way. He even started blogging, posting pictures of God’s people all over the world walking barefoot in the grass.
God, finally tired of all the rebellion and mockery, appoints the prophet Malachi to proclaim the word about returning to the Lord. Malachi said, “The Lord says you have left me by walking on the grass. Return to me.” “How?” “Stop walking on the grass!”
Tithing wouldn’t have brought them back to God in my example. Sacrifice of any kind never covers ongoing disobedience.
So in Malachi three, the tithe isn’t really God’s focal point. What is?
Obedience.
“You are cursed with a curse! Therefore, quit walking on the grass and see if I’ll not open for you the windows of heaven. Watch me pour out for you more blessing than you can handle.”
“And I’ll rebuke the devourer for your sake.”
It’s not about the tithe, it’s about obedience. And so is giving. So is generosity.
Allowing the Lord to direct every part of our lives (to include ALL of our finances) is where generosity and obedience connect. He leads, we follow. His leading includes every help Heaven has to offer. Disobedience has a way of slamming shut any heavenly windows. Instead, doors of destruction seem to open at the most inopportune times.
There is a God in Heaven who is so in love with you and I, the only way to describe it is by using such words as whip, cross, and empty tomb. Get the picture? He has a wonderful life in store for anyone who’ll simply trust him enough to follow his lead.
May our hearts be willing to do just that. Don’t let the word “tithe” trip you up. Instead, allow your heart to fall in love over and over with Jesus. A generous, prompt to obey spirit will develop.
To order the complete eBook “Generosity – the Life Giving Power of Doing Good to Others”, please click on link: -
Young Prophets
This is the day of the young prophets. God is raising up his prophets to help usher in the next phase of his kingdom. Powerful men and women of God who will speak with heaven’s authority and sensitivity. Prophets who have God’s anointed word in their heart and on their lips, along with a passion for holiness.
The calling of prophet is not an indication of spirituality, nor is it a free pass for someone to avoid certain kinds of discipline from the Lord. Actually, with the call comes the Spirit’s cry for greater consecration, separation, and imitation.
Imitation? Yes. Imitating what’s observed from the older generation of prophets.
Young prophets are not called to boot out of ministry any of the “old timers”. God takes care of all the timing issues. Since he’s the one who gives the words to the prophets, he has something to say about how his new prophets function.
Take Samuel for example. He didn’t kick Eli out of the way. He actually was mentored by Eli. He learned a number things about hearing God’s voice and judging the people. Sure, Eli wasn’t the greatest example but God still used him.
“Now the young man Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.” (1 Samuel 2:26 ESV)
“Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.” (1 Samuel 3:1 ESV)
“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” (1 Samuel 3:19 ESV)
It’s of utmost importance that the young prophet remain humble and submissive to God given authority, regardless. It doesn’t matter if it is taking too long to get “their ministry” off the ground. God won’t bless or anoint someone who pushes others out of their way.
Samuel grew into his ministry under the covering of Eli. He would eventually replace Eli, but that was God’s operation, not Samuel’s.
Young prophets, you need your elders. You need to hear what they have to say, watch what they do, and imitate their faith. You need to sit at their feet as a student, not towering above them as a successor. You must honor them, esteeming them highly for their work’s sake.
Your “promotion” does not come through your “contacts” but by your contrite heart.
Eli hadn’t lived exactly the way he was supposed to. Plus, his boys were selfish, greedy, guys. Out of control. God told Eli that a change was coming. Then he told Samuel. But Samuel kept his heart tender to God and loyal to Eli.
That, friends, is a must. The next step follows for the ones who would rather have a “slow start” in ministry than act in an untoward manner.
“And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.” (1 Samuel 4:1 ESV)
Some day, young prophets, should the Lord delay his return, you will be old and gray. Your body may not be what it was when you first began in ministry, but your spirit and mind will be very much alive. You’ll be able to discern the voice of God even better than today.
Remember this along the way. It is the plan of God to raise up your replacements; to pour into them all you can.
Both Eli and Samuel failed in this regard. God used them mightily, especially Samuel, but there was no replacement when it came time for Samuel to move on.
“When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:1-9 ESV)
God always works with multiple generations. Are you?
Are you pouring into others? Are you imitating an older person?
A prophet’s ministry has much more to do with God’s anointing, than the actual words he speaks. It has much to do with character, and little to do with contacts and charisma.
And it has everything to do with humility.
Has God called you to a prophetic ministry? Who’s mentoring you? Who do you have as an “understudy”? What’s God speaking to you in regards to these days of shaking and pruning?
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How Well Do You Do At Waiting?
Is suffering for a long time the same as long suffering? Does waiting for an answer to prayer endanger the lives of those near and dear to you? While you’re waiting for God to answer, do you cause others to “suffer” right along with you?
If patience is really a virtue, how come we have such a hard time waiting? Where’s the power to wait if patience is all it’s cracked up to be?
Can patience really hold us steady? What anchors our patience to the ground, keeping it from blowing all over the countryside?
Have we put such an emphasis on believing, only to neglect the exercise called patience?
Patience has quite a reputation. It’s something nobody wants to ask for, but everyone needs. Some despise the very idea of patience, while trying the patience of everyone around them.
There are those who won’t wait, can’t wait, for anything or anyone.
They’re also the slowest, most aggravating people in the world.
They demand everyone give them the benefit of the doubt, but doubt the word of anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They’ll ask a question, but before an answer can be given, they’re out the door running like a wild banshee.
Hunting for someone to answer their question.
Are you a patient person? Are you disciplined enough to pace yourself, drive the speed limit, and get enough rest or do you always race your engine, squeal your tires, and run into things while trying to keep your life on the road? Are you dangerous to be around because you can only trust God for a short period?
Have you reached out in faith to grab hold of a promise from God more times than you care to remember? Have you held on long enough or did your hand cramp, dropping both the promise and your patience?
Have people doubted your ability to believe God? Have YOU wondered about it?
Maybe your patience should be tested a little more often. After all, testing builds endurance.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT)
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)
Faith wasn’t designed to go the distance by itself. Faith is only NOW, not tomorrow and the next day. Faith requires assistance from its pal named Patience. When those two work together, the promise becomes the possession.
“Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.” (Hebrews 6:15 NLT)
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A Trapped Cat
Lately I’ve been thinking about traps and snares. I’ve thought about trapping animals and I’ve also remembered the feelings I had a number of years ago, when, like a wild animal, I was trapped.
It would be insane for anyone who’s married to believe they are above and beyond ever falling into a snare or crawling into a trap. There are spiritual entities, spirits if you will, whose sole purpose is to cause you and I to let down our guard, run after forbidden fruit, and totally disregard the holy vows we made to our spouse, and thus climb willingly into the trap.
Traps and snares are never placed where they will readily be seen. They’re never marked with big bold red letters saying, “This is a trap. Stay out.” No, they’re camouflaged, blending in with the scenery. We can become so used to the landscape we fail to notice something out of place. For instance, talking with, or working with someone from the opposite sex can begin innocently enough that nothing seems out of order. But little by little, if not careful, the heart may become unguarded and actually addicted to those “innocent” conversations. A trap is being set, and there’s no time to linger. It’s time for action.
But the proud, the arrogant, believe they are strong enough, and wise enough, to flirt around with someone outside their marriage covenant. After all, shouldn’t two adults be able to enjoy each other’s company without someone trying to make a federal case out of it?
One time, years ago, there was a stray cat that kept hanging around our house. It was a real nuisance, and I decided I’d had enough. So, I bought a trap, put bait in it (dog food which the cat seemed to love to eat) and waited.
A couple of days later, my efforts were rewarded. The cat was trapped. I didn’t kill it, because I’m a nice guy. I did, however, take it to a park a couple of miles away where I released it.
The cat got off easy. Much easier than most people who have been caught in the trap of adultery.
Adultery is too common, don’t you think? And it does not enhance one’s life. It only steals, kills, and destroys anything and everything good.
It’s a cage that imprisons its catch until the master of the cage decides what to do with its prize.
It’s baited with things that draw us in. Things like friendships, lust, problems in the marriage, and sharing intimate knowledge with someone other than our spouse.
The cat couldn’t resist the bait. It loved dog food. It didn’t have the wherewithal to reason within itself, or to call on the Lord for help. It couldn’t dial a friend or anyone else; it was simply left up to its animal nature.
But you and I don’t have to take the bait. We don’t need to crawl into the trap. We can call for help at the first sign of a compromise or a threat to our marriage.
“Lord, help me!” That’s a great place to begin.
Call a friend, talk with your spouse, change jobs if necessary…whatever it takes to keep your head out of the trap, do it! Do it!
I personally know what it feels like to be caught in a trap. I am very fortunate, and grateful, that I was finally released from the snare; but it wasn’t without some consequences and personal damage. Yes, my God delivered me, my wife forgave me, and I’m walking free of the enemy’s shackles. But at least two things were affected, things I can never change. My testimony and my walk. My testimony is a great picture of God’s saving power, but it isn’t without the blemish of my infidelity. My walk is a holy walk with God, though I now walk with a limp. A limp, as someone whose legs were almost removed by the powerful jaws of the snare.
Folks, it matters not if you are a committed Christian or not. You are not beyond the reach of temptation. But if you will be wise and humble, you’ll recognize areas in your life that may be a good place for the enemy to set a trap.
What do you hunger for? What kind of bait would you go after?
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15 ESV)
May you remember this verse, and be quick to implement God’s action plan, his way to escape, should your head get just a little too close to the trap.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)
Action plan? A two part plan.
Ask for help.
Run for your life.
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Hypocrisy
Does the number 23 billion mean anything to you? How about the number 487 million?
The first number is the amount of money this nation gave to other nations last year, in the name of humanitarian aid.
The second number is the amount of tax dollars given to Planned Parenthood last year to fund abortions.
On one hand, our nation’s leaders appear to be so concerned for the humanitarian needs of other nations. They’re quick to promise money, billions of dollars, to help the victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, just an observation. Though I do wonder how how we can afford it.
On the other hand, this great caring nation spends, every three years, many tax payer’s dollars to rip a million living babies from the “safety” of their mommy’s womb.
What’s wrong with this picture?
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.” (Proverbs 14:34-35 NKJV)
The king’s favor, or grace, is toward people whose wisdom comes from the Lord. People who seek to do the right thing, say the right thing, and live the way the righteous king would live, are recipients of God’s grace and favor much like Noah. And in Noah’s day, sin prevailed over righteousness so God had to destroy the earth. Civilization couldn’t be trusted to govern themselves any longer so God’s wrath was poured out.
“As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be…”
Society is quickly moving to that same place; they are losing sight of what is right and what is wrong. How can they know since they keep voting God out of their lives?
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20 ESV)
Hypocrisy is alive and well throughout our nation. Any moral compass we once had has lost its magnetic signal. No longer is it possible to lock in on “true north”. Society is continually adding its own version of “north” into the mix, making their humanistic desires seem logically and gratifyingly wonderful. “If it feels good, do it.”
And as long as people step farther and farther away from God’s way of doing things, our society will continue to dig its own grave. If righteousness isn’t important any longer, this nation is doomed. It will go the way of Sodom and Gomorrah, since it is so insistent on promoting that sort of “anything goes” lifestyle.
“Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day – just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:5-7 ESV)
Notice the phrase “likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued UNNATURAL desires…”
America’s obsession with humanitarian aid is a symptom of its humanistic philosophy. “Man can take care of everything. We can police every nation, send aid for every need, and bring peace and safety to our world. Who needs God?”
We want to stop the killing in Iraq, China, and other places around the world. Again, a great idea!
Yet we won’t protect the lives of over 333,000 babies a year. In fact, our tax dollars are used to fund their demise.
Our nation spends millions of dollars annually trying to protect a bat or some kind of bird, but won’t spend a single dime protecting the pre born.
Kind of makes you go “hmmm”, doesn’t it?
By the way, August 19, 2014 is World Humanitarian Day. World Humanitarian Day is a global celebration of people helping people.
Just in case you’re interested.
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Needed: Revival In America
Where will the next Great Awakening begin? Will it be somewhere in America?
With every true revival, a great shaking of religious tradition occurs. Is it possible that the American Church will witness such a degree of shaking? Will the epicenter of the Holy Spirit induced shaking be a large denomination, or a small church no one but God pays any attention to?
Will it begin in the hallowed sanctuary filled with worshippers shouting praises to God? Or might it be ignited in the dimly lit bedroom of a faithful prayer warrior?
What will be the reaction of those whose traditions are challenged? Almost everyone agrees things must change; that the religious traditions and dogmas need an overhaul. But not everyone agrees which ideas, or whose ideas, need to take the hit.
It’s like, “Yes, God needs to change THOSE people! When THOSE people get in line with God’s word this nation will witness a great outpouring of God’s Spirit.”
Really?
I wonder what would happen if the Church slowed down its activities and programs enough to take time to seek the God of revival. The God who has promised to “once more shake the heavens and the earth. The God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or even think. Yes, the same God who said, “Ask of me, and I will give the nations as your inheritance.”
If it’s true that God does nothing in the earth except as an answer to prayer, why must we be so busy with everything but prayer?
Here are some quotes by a man of prayer whom God used to shake his nation, and the world, almost three hundred years ago. His name? John Wesley.
“I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.”
“It seems God is limited by our prayer life – that He can do nothing for humanity unless someone asks Him.”
“God does nothing but in answer to prayer; and even they who have been converted to God without praying for it themselves, (which is exceeding rare,) were not without the prayers of others. Every new victory which a soul gains is the effect of a new prayer.”
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer.”
As I look at my life, and as the Spirit of God shines his searchlight into the depths of my heart, I must admit I’ve been busy with many good things, but have neglected the most important thing. I’ve witnessed his touch on my life, and I’ve seen him touch others through my life, but he’s telling me there’s much more that he wants to accomplish through me.
And you.
Revival in America? The Spirit is saying that we have not because we ask not. Or we ask that we may build a big congregation, earn a bigger salary, or gain a larger platform. In other words, we ask so we can spend it on our passions (James 4).
God will have the final say. He will bring revival to America. He will answer the prayers of those who have only one passion. Him.
Those who don’t share such a simple passion, will find themselves and their beliefs shaken to the core.
I believe the Spirit of God is admonishing the church to cut the busyness and get down to business.
It’s now or it’s never. For us.
We’ll either be involved with his holiness and power or we will find ourselves becoming irritated with and jealous of those he has chosen to anoint.
When will the next, possibly the last, Great Awakening occur? May the fires and shakings begin now!
Where will they start? How about with you and I?
If God is going to use someone’s prayers, he might as well use ours.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
