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Wanted: Prophets of God

Has the world become so sophisticated and educated we no longer need Godly men and women declaring the word of the Lord?
Is everyone pursuing God with utter abandonment? Do they yet know the freedom Jesus has purchased with His very own blood?
Wanted: prophets of God.
Has the church of Jesus Christ finally grown to the full stature of Christ?
Wanted: prophets of God.
The Pharaohs of our land continuously mock the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of the Christians. Where are the Moses’ and Aaron’s who will stand before the rulers and declare, “We’re going to serve God, according to His instructions, regardless of what you think or threaten to do to us.”
Wanted: prophets of God.
Society no longer is interested in the old time religion; there are much better things to do with their time then spend it worshipping a God Who’s outdated and outclassed.
Yet there are massive amounts of people burdened with worry, fear, heartbreak and empty promises from the intellectually elite. Those who “tried” God and were “wise enough to see through the scam of Christianity”.
So where are the Elijah’s and Elisha’s who can declare to the masses, “You’re being sold a bill of worthless goods! Let me show you the God Who alone is worth knowing and worshipping!”
Wanted: prophets of God.
Where are those who will set aside those devilish distractions and pointless pursuits and rise in the Name of the Lord and say, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life I live in this flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Wanted: prophets and prophetesses of God.
Prophets?
“Oh no, brother. They passed away with the last apostle.”
Sorry, but there’s no scripture to confirm that belief.
Prophets?
Yes, those who hear what the Spirit of God says, are anointed to deliver what they’ve heard fearlessly, lovingly, and accurately. Nothing more, nothing less.
Prophets?
Those who, along with apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, spend their lives teaching, mentoring, and equipping the saints to be active in the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Prophets?
People with only one allegiance; King Jesus.
Maybe you aren’t called to be a prophet or prophetess. But you ARE CALLED to take God’s message, His good news, and declare it far and wide.
Wherever you go, He goes. And vice versa.
There are plenty of opportunities available. You don’t need a title, a pulpit, or four years of bible school. All you need is God’s word burning like fire in your heart, and a servant’s attitude.
Wanted: prophets of God.
People who aren’t afraid to call things as God calls them. People who aren’t ashamed of the gospel of God which is the power of God to salvation.
Are YOU ready to answer the call?
Then get ready…
Don’t be surprised when you witness God’s power like never before.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
You call, He’ll answer.
You step out on His word, you’ll experience His miraculous provision.
Empty yourself of your opinions, ideas, selfish pursuits, and false humility and you’ll discover the Anointing of God rising within your spirit like never before.
What this land so desperately needs right at this moment are people who will address society and say, “How long are you going to vacillate between two opinions? If God is God, then serve Him. If not, well…”
Well, Elijah, is that you I’m talking to?
How about you, Elisha? Moses? Samuel?
Barnabas? Agabas? Silas?
It’s time.
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Weak Reeds and Flickering Candles

Does a person have to scream and holler to prove they’re right? Must they write in ALL CAPS to get their point across?
What would Jesus do?
“He [would] not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle…” (Matthew 12:20 NLT)
Big doesn’t spell best, loud doesn’t mean legitimate, and it’s not a sin to listen to another’s opinion.
I’ve read the verse about the weak reed and flickering candle a number of times, but never paid much attention to it.
“He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle…” (Matthew 12:20 NLT)
But the Spirit of God showed me just how important the verse is if I’m going to walk like the Savior, which includes walking in the Spirit.
If there was ever a Person Who had the right to blast away at anyone and everyone, it was the Son of God.
If anyone had the resources to prove His point, in no uncertain terms, it was Jesus.
But how did He react when questioned or ridiculed?
He held His peace. He controlled His emotions. He was led, and governed by, the Spirit of God.
Weak reeds and flickering candles can be a real annoyance. People who don’t agree with us, challenging our beliefs with their overused rhetoric can sometimes push us to react in a not so loving manner.
“Yeah, but Jesus gave those Pharisees and money changers what for!”
Yes, He did. But that’s not how He responded to everyone who didn’t believe, understand, or fall in step with His cadence the first time they heard Him.
That’s why I’m saying that maybe we should reevaluate the way we present ourselves and our Savior to those around us.
You know, people we consider to be weak reeds and flickering candles.
Paul said things just a bit different, but the message is clear.
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” (2 Timothy 2:23 – 2:26 NLT)
“The servant of the Lord must not quarrel…”
Let’s be careful how we handle the weak reeds and flickering candles.
I remember when I was one…
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Lawlessness – the Spirit of the Age

The spirit of antichrist is becoming more and more prominent.
Lawlessness. “I can pick and choose which laws, if any, I will keep.”
Is it any wonder so many police officers are being targeted and killed?
Lawlessness.
The spirit of the age.
“Oh, brother!”
“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1 – 2:12 NKJV)
Yes, there is coming a day when the man known as Antichrist will come on the world scene as, first of all, Mister Fix-It. He’ll bring peace to the nations, and right all the wrongs societies are facing at this time.
However, it’s only a temporary fix.
Mister Fix-It’s true character isn’t one of peace and stability. He’s not interested in anyone’s welfare except his own.
The lawless one. Satan incarnate. The man of sin.
The apostle John made this statement many years ago: “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18 NKJV)
If that was the last hour, I have to believe this is the last part of the last hour.
And I see the spirit of lawlessness pervading throughout this land; this world. From the highest sectors of government, to the thug on the street, lawlessness.
Sure, they obey SOME laws. But only as it suits them. If the law gets in the way of their agenda, forget it.
It’s happening in all areas of our society. Moral lawlessness.
At home, on the job, driving on the highway, within a marriage; if we like the law, or it serves our purpose, we obey.
But we still may be lawless in our heart.
We may agree with God as long as He allows us to do as we please.
But the real test is when He, or someone else stands up to us and says, “No!”
The spirit of antichrist, the spirit of lawlessness, is behind the police shootings, racial tension, LGBT “rights”, and many other societal ills we face today.
It’s even within some of our churches.
The time is later than we’d like to imagine. But like it or not, the Antichrist will appear to a world ready to receive him.
Such an evil dude accepted as a man of peace?
Sure. Why not. Our world is becoming just like him.
Brothers and sisters in Christ: now’s the time to wake up. Shake off any signs of lawlessness that may be part of your life.
For Jesus is coming again.
Don’t be caught up in the spirit of the age.
Lawlessness.
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The “Cellphone Walk”

As I’ve said on more than one occasion, I enjoy watching people. I can sit for hours and watch as they, lost in their own little worlds, file by.
Lately I’ve noticed something about people. There are many who can’t take a step unless they have a certain electronic device in their hand.
With the dexterity of a brain surgeon, they read and send text messages while they walk; making sure they stay in contact with their world.
Even though they run the risk of stumbling.
And yes, I’ve done the very same thing.
But think about how dangerous it is.
Walking while preoccupied, eyes focused on something other than what you’re supposed to be doing, can result in a tragic accident.
Much like trying to walk with God while preoccupied with everything but what I should be paying attention to.
“Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.” (1 John 2:10 NLT)
The word, “stumble”, is a greek word meaning “offense”. The picture painted by the word reveals offense as a snare, a trap, or a pit.
If we don’t watch where we’re walking, or how we’re walking, we can fall into the pit of offense or push a fellow walker into it.
Scripture reveals God is able to keep us from falling, or stumbling, as we walk in the light and with one another; walking in accordance with God’s Word.
Those who are constantly watching their hands and feet, instead of what’s happening around them, become self-centered and easily offended and/or offensive.
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19 ESV)
Walking in the light isn’t merely walking with our nose stuck in the Word. The bible isn’t a book to absorb while isolating ourselves from the rest of the world.
No, walking in the light includes loving our brothers and sisters, and the world around us, with the love of Jesus.
Yes, there are times we need to concentrate on ourselves, our phones, our world; while paying attention to our surroundings.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 ESV)
See? Walking in the light INCLUDES having fellowship with one another.
So let’s raise our eyes, pay attention as we walk, and find ways to help those around us.
Amen.
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We don’t have to sin!

“Everyone sins, at least a little bit.”
“No one’s perfect, you know.”
Guess what? Both of those comments are cop outs. The only thing they do is help the sinner justify their actions in their own mind.
They do not agree with God’s Word.
Sure, people sin. I do, and probably you do, as well. But to act as though it’s no big deal is to deny God’s work on the cross, and the power of grace.
According to God’s word, we don’t have to sin!
And He’s told us how to keep from it.
There are a number of scriptures dealing with listening to and obeying God’s voice, being careful about who we hang out with, putting to death the old man, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus, and things like that.
But I’d like to focus on two scriptures, and two things to consider. I believe these two things will help you and I walk before God and fulfill His word as recorded in 1 Peter, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.”
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
“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)
The first thing to consider is this: Look around you, stay alert, constantly vigilant. Where could the enemy be hiding? In your thoughts, motivations, actions? Why are you typing in that particular word on google search? Why are you driving on THAT street?
Where could the enemy be hiding? What’s his plan? What are the weak, unprotected areas in your life?
The second thing is this: If and when you’re attacked, what’s your plan of escape?
Since God is faithful and will always provide the way of escape, why not look ahead a bit and be prepared?
Where’s the door? The telephone to use for help? Fire extinguisher?
Have you practiced saying, “No!”? Sometimes that’s the way of escape. Other times, it may be simply leaving the area, starting a different conversation, or turning off the television or computer.
But if your desire is to “sin not” (1 John 2:1), it would be a great idea if you started practicing those two things; watching for the enemy, and planning your escape route BEFORE you need it.
I’ve written several books to help us in our walks as followers of Christ. “Picked Off”, “Arm Yourselves”, “Beating Back the Bully”, and a brand new one called, “30 Days to a Renewed Mind”. All are available at amazon.com. Or if you are in the Des Moines area, we have copies for sale.
We don’t have to sin. Even as a believer, saved by grace through faith, sin carries with it a deadly cost. Each time we disobey God we run the risk of making our heart more and more hardened to the things of God.
Let’s make up our minds and set our jaws! We don’t have to sin!
So, in the Name of Jesus, let’s be doers of the word; not hearers only. (James 1:22)
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When no one seems to notice…

I watched a little three year old playing in the “corn crib” with other kids.
The corn crib is a play area for little kids; a blocked in place filled with dried corn approximately six inches deep.
The bigger ones were standing on the surrounding hay bales, counting to three, then jumping over the little board into the play area.
The little girl, wanting to be like the bigger ones, tried and tried to stand on the hay, jump four inches over the board, and into the crib.
But she kept slipping; and ending up sitting on the hay.
Finally, after about twenty minutes, she was able to balance herself on the board.
As she held out her arms as if she was an Olympic diver, she yelled, “1-2-3”, and jumped.
No fanfare, no applause. There was absolutely no notice by the other kids, or any of the parents sitting nearby.
Her actions were completely unnoticed by everyone else. But she knew what she had accomplished.
And so did I.
Did that bother her? Apparently not. She just went on about her business; playing and jumping.
As I reflected on what I had witnessed, I got to thinking of the times I’m disappointed when people don’t notice my feats of daringdo, or my personal achievements.
It’s like I’m invisible to everyone. Unnoticed by all the world.
Maybe I need to stop worrying about whether people notice me or not. Perhaps I should be like the little girl and carry on with life.
No applause? No recognition? No accolades? No one cares about the “life-changing” books I write?
No problem.
Life doesn’t stop because people aren’t aware of me.
God didn’t call me, or you, to build an audience or a tribe.
He called us to live. To do. And not stop.
Okay.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever…” (Psalm 138:8 ESV)
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Love is more than a four letter word.

Someone said to me the other day, “Love is the most overused word in the world.”
I started thinking about it, and had to agree she is right.
Sure, we all use the word “love”.
We love pizza, popcorn, and pretzels.
We love the Bears (well, some of us do), baseball, and baked goods.
We love television, movies, and video games.
But honestly, I’m not thinking of those things.
I’m referring to people who tell you how much they love you, when there’s nothing behind their words to show it.
Love is more than a four letter word.
True love will always have corresponding actions; proof the professed love is genuine.
For example, “I love you” means nothing to me if in the next breath you’re talking bad about me to whoever will listen.
Would you like a good picture of real love?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)
God didn’t just leave us a voicemail, or write us a message in the clouds, “I love you.”
No, there was an old rugged cross on a hill called Golgotha, some 2000 years ago to show His message of love to all mankind.
God didn’t try to win our allegiance with words of affirmation and promises of love and favor.
He loved us.
And still does.
So if you love me, show me.
If you say you love your spouse, your kids, your church, or even your country, show it.
How?
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ” (John 15:13 ESV)
In other words, true love is willing to pay the ultimate price if that’s what it takes.
So, if you say you love God, how will you show it?
Or are you simply using a four letter word?
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Are you tired of your stinking thinking?
You know what? Sometimes we become so good at fooling others, we forget the truth about ourselves.People at church, family members, and others we come in contact with may think we’re so wonderful. The model Christian; a poster child for the kingdom of God.
Of course God knows the truth, but until we come to grips with it we will never change.
Change what? Our thoughts. Our stinking thinking. No, this isn’t a post about positive thinking, or negative thinking for that matter. Stinking thinking occurs when we allow ourselves to meditate on things contrary to God’s word.
It’s so easy to do. We get a lot of help from those around us; even if they’re children of God.
The Lord knows the power of a person’s thoughts. He knows they are the first step toward action. And actions are the beginning steps to a habit.
That’s why He said to Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8 NKJV)
“…that you may observe to do…” Joshua had a huge task ahead of him. He was to lead God’s people across the Jordan River, into the promised land, up against the giants and walled cities, and finally divide the land between each of the tribes. But he would have given up from the start if his thoughts hadn’t been governed by the Words of God.
We’re no different than Joshua, even though we may be born again. Our minds are still strong enough to derail us from God’s plan for our lives if we don’t change our stinking thinking.
Paul calls it, “renewing the mind.”
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1 – 12:2 NKJV)
Our responsibility, as followers of Jesus Christ, is to make a change in our world. To represent the Kingdom of God in the same way Jesus did. So we must have renewed minds.
I’ve just finished a book to help those who are struggling with stinking thinking; who have found themselves beaten up and left for dead by the adversary, simply because they couldn’t control their thoughts. It’s called, “30 Days To A Renewed Mind.” Here’s a short excerpt:
“30 Days to a Renewed Mind” has over 175 scripture verses, as well as some personal notes from me, divided into 30 bite-sized portions; one for each day of the month. In this book you’ll discover God’s will and power to help you defeat every temptation that comes your way. Since “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), I encourage you to go through this book every day of every month. Do whatever you can to arm yourselves for victory.
(The book will be available @ Amazon.com July 8th, in both paperback and eBook versions.)
Whether or not you get a copy of my book, remember this: unless you’re honest with yourself about the struggles you have with your mind, you’ll never change. You’ll always get beat up by life.
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God is NOT a liar!

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Let’s not waste another moment wondering whether or not God can be trusted.
God is not a liar!
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19 ESV)
He doesn’t say one thing and mean another.
So why do we struggle so much?
Maybe we aren’t sure there really is a God.
If we’re certain God is real, maybe we’re a little iffy about His ability to care for us.
But if we’re convinced God cares for us like He says He does, are we saying He doesn’t, every time we worry?
Are we calling God a liar?
“Of course not! We simply aren’t convinced He had us in mind when He made all those promises recorded in the Bible.”
Maybe I can help you with that.
First of all, God has always chosen His words carefully, and every word counts. When He says He cares for you, He means it. You, and you, and even you; He cares for YOU!
The next thing is, God is no respecter of persons. “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” (Acts 10:34 NKJV)
In fact, Paul wrote to the Romans and told them God’s promises were available to whoever believes. No one can earn them by being good enough, but everyone can believe (Romans 4).
God made sure of that! He’s given to every person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3); the ability to believe.
Everyone can believe.And everyone believes something.
Finally, and probably most importantly, God’s covenant with Abraham (the father of faith) was not just with him, but also with the coming Savior and all who would believe on Him.
In other words, His seed.
“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NKJV)
ALL the promises of God are yes, and amen, in Christ.
And we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3).
God is not a liar!
He said He’d save our souls, make us new creations in Him, and take us to Heaven when this life is over. Right?
Amen!
God is NOT a liar.
He knows what we have need of before we ask.
He’ll never leave us or forsake us, so we can confidently say, “God is my helper.”
His word declares in several passages, by more than one writer, that He is the Healer of all our diseases.
Heaven and earth will pass away before His word does.
His word is forever established in Heaven.
He watches over His word, to make certain it comes to pass.
For God to ever lie, even once, He’d have to yield His Throne to the devil (the father of lies).
Not gonna happen.
Okay, I’ll assume you get the message. God is not a liar, even if it appears as though He slipped up and forgot about us.
Our situations do not, can not, authenticate God’s word. His word is true, period. It stands even if everything else falls.
God is not a liar! Faith still pleases Him, and He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
All things are possible to those who will believe.
When we resist our adversary by standing steadfast in faith, he flees.
As we allow patience to work, we are well taken care of. We find ourselves lacking nothing.
We are born of God, and the evil one touches us not (1 John 5).
He Who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it.
He meets all our needs, heals all our diseases, directs our steps, and empowers us to minister life to those around us.
We abide in Him and He abides in us.
Let’s not call God a liar, simply because we can’t see the end from the beginning like God can.
Rather let us act like Abraham, with the same spirit of faith, and trust the One Whose promises are the anchor of our soul.
Let’s not “…waver at the promise of God through unbelief”, but become “strong in faith, giving glory to God…” (Romans 4:20 NKJV).
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God in Whom I do trust’” (Psalm 91).

