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New and Better
Have you ever had a tremendous need for a miracle? And, just at the right time, God provided the miracle?Have you had times when you felt like you were drowning in the sea of sorrow and grief, only to have a pathway of joy open up before your very eyes?
What about the times you knew God wasn’t anywhere near you, but then discovered He never left you?
Do you recall crying out to God, “Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered”, and then look around to find not an enemy in sight?
Have you considered the power involved when the Lord created the Heavens and the Earth? And what about His ability to change someone’s nature? Someone like you…
Who is like our God?
And, in spite of all He’s ever done, He always has something NEW in store for those who will trust Him. Something beyond their imagination, experience, and reason. Something NEW and BETTER!
“I am the Lord , who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:16-19 NLT)
The old Heavens and Earth will be no match for the NEW! “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.” (Isaiah 65:17 NLT)
Just because it looked as though God exhausted His power when He met your needs last month, don’t underestimate His riches in glory. He will always have more than enough for you, and anyone else. He is able to do…you fill in the blank; and He’ll do it BETTER than before.
“…God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)
You and I can be joyful in this truth: everything He’s done before is nothing compared to what He’s going to do! Old wilderness ways are changed to NEW pathways. Dry, barren wastelands are recreated into NEW, fertile lands; complete with NEW rivers of God’s refreshing waters. Loneliness is changed into NEW, life-giving fellowship and the old nature is completely refashioned into a BRAND NEW creation in Christ!
Even when it’s time for a Christian to die physically, Paul said, “to depart and be with Christ” is FAR BETTER! (Philippians 1:23) See? Even our “end” is really a NEW and BETTER beginning!
Never give up on God’s ability. Never quit reminding yourself that God WANTS to do NEW and BETTER things in your life!
And, He does all things well!
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Hands To War, Fingers To Fight
“Praise the Lord , who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” (Psalm 144:1 NLT)
“Hands trained for war, fingers skilled for battle”, doesn’t necessarily mean someone trained for fighting in hand to hand combat, or someone skilled in bow and arrow. Not necessarily.
There is a battle ground far greater and even more deadly than any Vietnam or Armageddon. It is the battleground of the spirit realm.
Notice Paul’s reference to it: “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT)
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
Many battles are won or lost in the unseen realm of the spirit. People understand the power of prayer; intercessory, praying in faith, and other types of prayer. Yet many believers do not know the spiritual power released through true worship. Even the simple faith act of prayerfully playing a piano can allow the Holy Spirit to join in the spiritual battle and bring a victory.
David, the kingly psalmist, waged as many successful battles through worship as he did with his sling, sword, or fist. The psalms he wrote describe his battles, won through his connection with God as he worshiped.
“For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” (Psalm 32:7 NLT)
“I called on the Lord , who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3 NLT)
“May the nations praise You, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise You. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear Him.” (Psalm 67:5-7 NLT)
See what happens when praise is given to God? The spiritual affects the natural.
David said, also, that “God inhabits the praise of His people.” Psalm 22:3
Moses sang a song, declaring his commitment to preparing a “habitation” for God through praise and worship. “The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” (Exodus 15:2 KJV)
Much spiritual power is released through spiritual playing, as well as praying. May God anoint your heart and hands to fulfill His will in this world.
Amen!
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Sleeper Cell
Over the last 15 years or so, the term “Sleeper Cell” has become widely used to describe unknown terrorist groups planted in the United States. A sleeper cell consists of individuals who, publicly, are known to be fine, upstanding, moral people. A benefit to society, the cream of the crop, others might call them. The kind of neighbor everyone would like to have. But privately, known to only a few, is an allegiance to an ideology that is far from neighborly. In fact, their purpose in life, as a “sleeper cell”, is to provide aid and, if necessary, their life, to terrorism and anarchy.I’d like for us to consider using the term “Sleeper Cell” in a different context.
Sleeper Cells are in the American Church! No, I do not mean the church is engaged covertly or overtly in terrorism; Jesus sure wouldn’t condone such a thing! Nor do I want to indicate I believe Sleeper Cells are God’s will. Actually, quite the opposite. However, as you and I both know, God’s will isn’t always accomplished!
But Sleeper Cells exist. Maybe you and I, unbeknownst to us, are part of the Sleeper Cell network.
The kind of activity the Church Sleeper Cell is involved in really isn’t a mystery. It may be hard to locate, because the cell members don’t give away their true identity. They couch their words delicately, making sure their true beliefs are not known. Their actions fit in with everyone else at their place of business, and on the golf course. No one can tell they are really a sleeper cell. Why?
Because the cell is hiding under the covers; asleep.
“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 NKJV
The Apostle Paul wrote that it was time, 2000 years ago, for the sleeper to awake! There is too much to accomplish in the Kingdom of God.
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14 NKJV
The Body of Christ, made up of individual members, “cells”, was and is never to be a covert operation. Jesus didn’t die secretly for mankind. God didn’t sneak in and defeat the devil! Scripture says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (the cross).” Colossians 2:15 NKJV
“Therefore He says: “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. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit…” Ephesians 5:14-19 NKJV
It’s time to rise up and do the work Jesus has called us to do. “Go into all the [your] world…” It’s time to declare our complete allegiance to Jesus Christ, alone. We are Christ’s Ambassadors! We have been delivered from the authority of darkness and conveyed into the Kingdom of Light and Life. We are no longer our own; we’ve been bought with a price!
This is not the time to be conformed to this world; just fitting in and hiding out until “Jesus comes”. “The righteous are bold like a lion…”, the writer of Proverbs states. That is supposed to be US!
I have never seen, or heard of, a bold sleeper.
Let’s not sleep any longer! Let’s shake ourselves and stand up publicly for what we know to be true.
I believe the Lord is desiring to expose His sleeper cells. Shake them, wake them, use them.
America needs the Church’s sleeper cells to wake up.
What do you think?
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:1-3 ESV)
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The Key
What unlocks the door that has kept family members apart, church members at odds, and neighbors at each other’s throats?What opens the gates of a city that has divided the races, cultures, ethnic groups, and the young from the old?
What is the instrument that tears down strongholds of injustice, prejudice, and hatred among brethren?
How do we see all Heaven has to offer; reconciliation, salvation, deliverance, healing, wholeness, and peace of mind (just to name a few), appear in our world, our city, even our own back yard?
Is there a key we may be overlooking?
Yes!
There IS a key that unlocks all Heaven has to offer. Jesus “used” it, demonstrating the power God really wants to release in and through our lives.
The key is humility. Not exactly something people want to shout about.
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 ESV)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)
“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33 ESV)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV)
“And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:18-21 ESV)
“…But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2 ESV)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 ESV)
“And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” (Isaiah 2:17 ESV)
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18 ESV)
“He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.” (Luke 1:53 ESV)
Humility is NOT walking around with your chin on the ground, telling all you see what a worm you are. It is not self-abasement! It rather has a connection with truth, honesty, and an understanding of one’s place in the bigger picture.
Two important words that help describe humility are forgiveness and submission. I do not mean the humble are people who are weak and cowardly, always running from conflict and never able to defend their cause. Actually, humility is one of the strongest spiritual forces in the universe. It doesn’t have to rely on an over-inflated ego, a multitude of enforcers, an uncontrolled temper, or even loud and bombastic speech designed to elevate the speaker and diminish the listener. It rather relies on truth, and the inner knowledge that God is the great equalizer, and can be trusted in any and every situation.
Humility can be seen in the company of Love and Faith, and is recognized more by what it does or doesn’t do, instead of that it says, or doesn’t say. It is quick to yield to others, but can take the lead when necessary.
It can accept praise with a simple “Thank you”, or, “You’re welcome”, and not fret if the praise doesn’t come. It is secure in its relationship with love and truth; it never has to prove its ability by attempting to live larger than it really is.
It will embrace the weaknesses of others, adding its strength to the weak, without exploiting the weak or the fallen.
It is the key to a relationship with the Creator God, for it is the force that overcomes pride and selfishness. It submits to God, and the desires of God’s heart, even if it is uncomfortable at the time.
It will allow relationships to grow and become fruitful, for, like love, it is patient and kind, never seeking its own way.
Yes, it is the key to opening the windows of Heaven! Humility before The Lord and before one another is the key to seeing God’s power released like He desires.
The only way to enter the domain of the evil one, release the captives, and live to tell about it, is the way of humility.
Humility… The Key to unlock the city. Just ask Joshua…
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IGNITE!
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1-3 ESV)“…let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31 ESV)
“Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence – as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil – to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:1-4 ESV)
“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Revelation 5:9-14 ESV)
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV)
The above scriptures describe the purpose of the upcoming worship and prayer service called “IGNITE!”
People from the Des Moines, Iowa vicinity, as well as those from around the state, are gathering on July 28th, 6pm, to:
Unite as one under the banner of Jesus Christ.
Pray together for the city, state, and each other.
Worship together in spirit and in truth.
Believe God for a mighty breakthrough; the heavenly release of God’s revival spirit.
Declare, with one voice, the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our city and state.
Reconcile, through repentance and obedience to Jesus’ command to love one another, every kindred, tribe, ethnicity, culture and race.
Expect God’s Spirit and Anointing to cover His Body, allowing us the ability to do His good works; minister compassion, comfort the afflicted, heal the sick, preach deliverance to the captives, and witness multitudes receive access to the Kingdom of God!
Please join us for this momentous occasion! Unite with us as we declare, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, in Des Moines, in Iowa, just like it’s done in Heaven!”
Amen!
Service location is the New Life Center, 1057 23rd Street, Des Moines, IA. In the Drake University vicinity.
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Walk Like Jesus
“Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6 ESV)I wonder…am I walking in the same way in which Jesus walked? Maybe I should ask myself another question; am I walking WHERE Jesus walked? Do I dare allow Him to lead me into the same situations He was led into by the Spirit of God?
Let’s see, where all did He walk?
He walked among “common” people, inviting them to a higher walk, a greater life’s calling, an opportunity to know the Living God personally. Matthew 4:18-22
He walked on water, even during stormy weather. Not only did He walk there, He invited others to join Him. Matthew 14:25-31
He walked into the territory of the demon possessed! He never went to condemn them, ridicule them, or entertain them. He went to set them free. Mark 5:1-20
He walked according to the Word of His Father, and not in conformity with the traditions of men. Mark 7:1-13
He walked into the Temple, though He knew people would try and trap Him in His words. Mark 11:27-33
He walked with people during their moments of confusion and heartache. Luke 24
He walked with those who went everywhere, preaching His Word. Mark 16:19-20
He walked on dusty roads, into the lives of filthy, poor, and broken people. He walked into the lives of people wandering aimlessly through life, like sheep without a shepherd.
He left His comfort, His glory, His riches, and His Father’s side, to walk among the dead. To walk with people who, at best, could only stumble along in their darkness.
His walk changed everything about this planet.
So, here I am, a born again child of God. And God is calling me to walk as He walked, wherever He would walk.
Maybe you disagree? The scripture doesn’t say “where”, only “the same way”. Do you mean I am to love with the same love and compassion, bring the same hope and encouragement, pointing people to the same God. Is that what you mean?
Okay. I accept what you say. However, if I don’t walk WHERE He walked, how can I give people what He gave them? If I isolate myself from the people He loves, how can I say I am walking in the same manner as Jesus walked?
All I know, really, is this. Years ago He walked into my life. He then invited me to walk with Him, in the same way He walks. And since He still walks into the lives of people who don’t have life all figured out, I guess that’s where I’ll need to walk, as well. With Him.
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Jonah
Hello. My name is Jonah, son of Amittai. I come from a little town called Gath-hepher. Maybe you’ve heard of it, but probably not. I am a prophet of God. Yes, I have heard the voice of God, for through the years He gave me different messages to speak to my generation. At times His word was so compassionate and full of mercy; like He was slow to anger and didn’t want to punish the people. You know, it’s as though His love was unfailing and He’d rather turn away from destroying anything or anyone.
But I’ve seen a side of Him most will never witness. I’ve experienced His words of displeasure. I’ve felt His intense anger, even hatred, towards evil doers and the rebellious. I’ve declared His word to ungodly kings and have sensed the spiritual forces at work in their lives. God has, at times, even shaken me right to the core of my being as I’ve heard the word I have been given to share.
A prophet’s ministry is not a glamorous one, that’s for sure. Allow me to give all you momma’s a tip; don’t let your babies grow up to be prophets. But then, maybe I’m biased. Yeah, just a little.
One day I got “the call” to go to the metropolis of Nineveh. What a huge, nasty city! A city given to worshipping the goddess Ishtar. Sexual perversion and an obsession for combat and war, were characteristic of her followers. A city so steeped in pride and arrogance, it was as though Lucifer had saturated the area with his presence. Pure evil!
Now, mind you, I wasn’t afraid of hard work. I wasn’t a coward when it came to speaking a Word from God, even if it was to the devil himself! Of course, you all know that I initially ran from my Nineveh call. But it wasn’t because I was afraid of what the people would do to me. Not at all. Rather, I had a uneasy feeling of what God might do. I’d heard that voice before, remember? That “I’m going to judge you if you don’t repent, and I really hope you’ll repent” kind of voice. I could see it coming!
So I picked up and started going; just as fast and far as I could go! In the opposite direction.
Do you know what it’s like to love God so much, and have such a desire to obey His every desire, and yet hate a group of people so intensely you can’t think straight? Do you have any idea what it does to a guy?
I figured I’d get out of town without letting anyone know where I went. No forwarding address, cell phone shut off, completely off the grid. Didn’t work, though. God never lost track of me. He followed me to the travel agency, watched me purchase the one way ticket to Tarshish, stood back while I boarded the liner, then, when we were out to sea, caused such a commotion among the crew and passengers they ended up throwing me overboard. Great! At least I would be able to be relieved of the battle of love and hatred raging in my heart and mind.
Wrong again! I’d heard of submarines before, but had never seen one, let alone been inside one. But there I was, sinking into the ocean one minute, then, from out of nowhere, I was swallowed by a big, ol’ fish. I tell you what; I remembered one time skimming through some of those fishing magazines at the local convenience store, and looking at pictures of some pretty big fish. But I had never seen a fish the size of the one I was now a resident of. Never!
It looked to me like I was right where God wanted me. Well, sort of. Where He really wanted me was in Nineveh. Then it dawned on me that He loved them, actually cared for that evil city, more than He cared for me and my feelings. By the way, where does a guy go to resign?
Yes, I realized God would go to the greatest measure, using whatever means available, to get His message of love and restoration to the ones I could only hate. I wouldn’t have been surprised, that if necessary, He’d even send His own Son to such an awful place, just for the sake of people who only practiced evil and cared nothing for their Creator.
As I said, being a prophet is not all it’s cracked up to be.
So, from the belly of the fish I prayed, searched my soul, contemplated the purpose of my life and God’s prophetic claim on my life. And though I did not want to go to Nineveh, I still wanted to be faithful to the Lord. So I cried out in repentance and He heard my cry. The next thing I knew, I was sailing through the air, heading for a beach with a road sign on it which read, “Nineveh – 102 miles”.
Isn’t that just like God! He had arranged for me to get stuck in a fish that was more obedient to His voice than I had been!
So, I cleaned myself up a bit, making myself a little more presentable for hitch hiking. Kind of hard to get a ride when you smell like a fish, with seaweed hanging out your pockets, sticking out your ears, and wrapped around your neck.
I arrived at the outskirts of the city a few days later. Feelings of hatred began to rage within me, and the urge to run from the assignment almost caused me to try and flee from God’s presence a second time. But I stayed, trying to focus on the message He’d given me to share.
“Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed! Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!” For 3 days I said nothing else. I walked and talked, talked and walked. 3 whole days of,”Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed.” There, I’d done my part. All I had to do was wait for 37 days, then watch the show. Sweet!
Except it wasn’t sweet! The king of Nineveh somehow got this bright idea to call everyone together for fasting and repentance. When I heard that, I just cringed. God could be such a pushover. I’ve always thought it would be best if God would allow me to take care of some of His less than desirables. It’s obvious to me, He doesn’t think straight at times. But that’s just my opinion.
Did I tell you it’s not easy being a prophet?
So there I sat, from my ringside seat, watching a mighty revival take place. I could see and hear people crying out to God, asking for mercy and forgiveness. I saw the city take on a new personality, a new character, as the old perverse ways gave way to the righteousness and holiness of God. Pride and arrogance yielded to humility as people submitted themselves to God and each other. What a sight!
I only wish I had been more receptive to the revival spirit. Maybe I would have been changed, and the hatred in me would have yielded to the love and forgiveness of God.
See, it’s possible to be someone God uses, and yet miss out on the most important part of the process! The part where one experiences the very thing they preach. When one understands the love that is beyond comprehension.
Great days are ahead for you, my friend. But tough days are coming, as well. Take a tip or two from me, will you? Don’t be satisfied with only being used by God. Don’t be content with your spiritual status. Everyone needs to change; to grow more and more into the likeness of the One Who is called God!
Your cities need revival, just as Nineveh did. And God calls people like you to speak His Word, declare His Righteousness and Holiness, and call for repentance. It may seem like an impossible feat. The cities are full of people obsessed with sexual perversion, pride, greed, and seeking after their own pleasure. And, remember, “no one really wants to seek God”. But don’t listen to that thought. It could just be your prejudices and hatred showing through.
“Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7 NLT) -
Cause and Effect
I woke up this morning with an old song on my mind; an old Gaither song called, “Because He Lives”. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”, is the beginning of the chorus. As I kept thinking about those words, the phrase, “cause and effect” jumped into my mind, waving its arms and hollering loud enough to keep me from falling back to sleep.The cause and effect of the Gospel! “Because” and “Therefore”. The “cause” is why it happened, and the “effect” is what happened as a result. For example:
“So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision – the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” (Colossians 2:10-15 NLT)Let’s look at this idea using a simple ’cause and effect’ format. The first line of each group will be “the cause”, the second, “the effect”.
Creator God loves fellowship, loves creating good, loves giving life.
He created everything seen and unseen, and called it “Good”.God gave Man total authority to rule and reign on earth.
They had the authority to give it away to the Deceiver.The Deceiver is the father of lies, rebellion, wickedness, sickness, fear, torment and death.
Man began to experience the nature of the new ‘boss’, and pass it to each subsequent generation.God never quit loving His ‘lost’ family.
He found people who would ‘cut the covenant’ with Him.Abraham believed and obeyed God, even to the point of offering his son as a sacrifice.
Abraham’s covenant partner, God, could offer His sinless Son as a sacrifice for Abraham’s family.Jesus died on the cross.
He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The judgment upon Him was for our peace, and the stripes He bore were for our healing.God raised Him from the dead.
We are raised with Him! Through faith in God’s answer to our need! Jesus!I left out a lot of examples between Abraham and Jesus’ death, but I’m sure you have the idea. As you read your bible, see if you can find more examples of ’cause and effect’.
Here are some examples that thrill my soul:
He cancelled the list of sin that was on our account.
We can walk in newness of life.He delivered us from the authority of darkness.
We can walk in the light of His love.He openly displayed His triumph over the Deceiver.
The Deceiver actually has nothing to blackmail us with, or to hold over our head.Jesus’ Spirit lives within the heart of the believer.
The believer is not obligated to listen to the desires and dictates of the old nature.The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
As a ‘temple’ of the Holy Spirit, those things can flow from our heart.God works within us, giving us the power and desire to do what please Him; the right thing.
We can ‘work out’ our salvation; actually do what He’s placed in our heart to do.God resists the proud but helps the humble.
Submission to God gives power to our resisting the devil, so he flees.Whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
That’s me! Saved: delivered, made complete, a new creation, child of God, someone with a hellish past but, now, a heavenly future.Because He lives, I can face my yesterdays, tomorrows, and even my todays.
How about you?
“Because He Lives”
(written by Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither)God sent His son, They called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died, to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.How sweet to hold a new born baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives. But greater still is that assurance the child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He hold the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.And then one day, I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory. I’ll see the light of glory and I’ll know that He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He hold the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives. -
No-Named Nobody
“Lord, I can’t do it”, I cried to the Lord.“Why not?”
“Because I’m only a no-named nobody!”
“So you think if you were well known, you could do it?”
“Probably.”
“Are you saying it’s your name that makes the difference between accomplishing My will or not?”
“Uh, well, I…”
“You’re right. You can’t do it, if you trust in your name. And, if you won’t attempt to do My will because you are ‘a no-named nobody’, you’ve failed already!”
Can you identify with the above conversation? I can. So can a lot of people mentioned in the Bible.
For instance: “How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.” (Hebrews 11:32-38 NLT)
Gideon, Barack, and the rest, didn’t have a “name” when God used them. There were others, such as Noah, Moses, Aaron, who were well known during their day, but not for what they accomplished for God. What they accomplished by faith in God’s Name is what gave them their place in Hebrews 11.
Throughout the New Testament there are scores of examples; examples of people who didn’t have a “name” until they yielded to, trusted in, and were empowered by “The Name”. Peter, James, John and the rest; we would never have heard of them. Others, used mightily by the Lord, did great things but didn’t have their names recorded.
In Acts 11, when people were leaving Jerusalem by the droves because of persecution, some no-named believers went to Antioch, preached Jesus to the people, and started a great church.
Even the Name of Jesus became great AFTER He believed and obeyed His Father.
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11 NLT)
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV)
“…obtained a more excellent Name…”
The Kingdom of God isn’t about you or I. It doesn’t increase because God finds someone with “a name” who can help Him out. As far as He is concerned, there’s only one “Star”; Jesus.
It’s quite alright to be a “no-named nobody”. It really takes away the burden of having to live up to a name that has, at best, only a limited amount of power. For even the greatest name on earth cannot save, deliver, or heal a single soul! But the Name of Jesus…ah, now that’s a Name!
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” (Mark 16:15-20 NKJV)
Your name may not be on the lips of everyone in corporate America. It may not be listed in the book of Great Christian Leaders. You may not know if you are an Apostle, Prophet, or a Teacher. Maybe no one calls you “doctor”! But if you know God, HE KNOWS YOU. If you’ll trust Him, He’ll empower you!
Jesus! All the Name a “no-named nobody” needs!
-
Run or Walk?
The pastor counseled, “you need to run after God!”
The evangelist shouted, “God is waiting to be discovered! You must run after God!”
The prophet whispered, “God is calling you; speaking to your heart, through prophetic people, through the Word. Run after God!”
The apostle cried, “the foundation of the Kingdom of God is found through intimacy with the Most High God. Your spiritual life is built as you run after God.”
The teacher explained, “Study the Word, especially the Psalms and the Gospels. Notice that David ran after God through worship and being honest with God. He invited God to search him and know his heart. Jesus taught us by precept and example how to run after God.”
Many people are saying the same thing; run after God.
Worship leaders sing, “Lord, I’m running to Your arms…”
Writers are publishing book after book; all dealing with the subject of running after God.
But I have to wonder…are we running for the exercise or for the prize? The capture?
I don’t believe the Lord is calling us to run, run, run, and never obtain! No, a thousand times, No! Over and over He says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” “Seek and you will find…” “Call unto Me and I will answer you…”
But sometimes it’s easier to keep running, to keep praising and singing, reading, teaching and preaching; going through the whole list of spiritual exercises, than it is to stop and be still in the Presence of God.
God only wants you to run after Him if you haven’t been walking with Him! Running gets you back to where you should have been. Of course, every one of us have had times where we’ve stayed a little too long at a certain stage in our life, only to discover the Lord kept right on walking. So, we run to catch up.
But don’t run past God! Keep your heart and spiritual eyes open and stop when you are face to face with Him.
The Church loves to sing praises, loves to worship, loves to keep busy with a number of good things. But please don’t let “good” rob you of “best”, which is walking in step with your Savior and God.
Run to God until you can walk with Him. For walking with God is eternal life.
“And this is the way to have eternal life – to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth.” (John 17:3 NLT)
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
