“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6. Saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.'' 7. And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him.'' 8. The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9. "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, `Go,' and he goes; and to another, `Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, `Do this,' and he does it.'' 10. When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11. "And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12. "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'' 13. Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.'' (Matthew 8:5-13)
Much could be said and taught from what we read above but I want to point out one verse; “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (v. 8b)
Not long ago in prayer the spirit of the Lord spoke something to me that pricked my heart; “stop doubting and believe.” I meditated on what the Lord had spoken to me. What would happen if I and we would truly take God at his word? His whole word? If we abandoned every bit of doubt and unbelief? The great Smith Wigglesworth said, “Only believe.” When will we start taking Jesus Christ at His word? When will we start living like we believe? Sure we may say we believe the word of God but do our actions show otherwise? When his word tells us not to worry and we worry are we truly taking him at his word? When his word tells us not to doubt and we doubt are we truly taking him at his word? When he tells us something through his word about our lives and yet we doubt that are we truly walking in faith? Why do we not take him at his word? Is it because others words are no good to us? Jesus is not a man that he should lie! We can take him at his word!
The centurion had such faith in Jesus that he didn’t even need him to come to his home to heal his servant but only “send his word.” His word was enough! His word was sufficient! We can build our lives on his word! We can truly take him at his word!
So many times we show up for meetings or for church for everything other than the word! His word is just as powerful today as it was when it was written by the Holy Ghost!
“In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1)
“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
Simply put; Jesus Christ is the living, breathing, walking word of the living God! We see God when we see Jesus! We see the will of the Lord when we look to Jesus; his word!
What are of your life are you being challenged to take him at his word? In the area of healing? In the area of deliverance? In the area of provision?
Psalms 138:10, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”
Believe God and take Him at His word!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Gospel still saves!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
When you read the above verse, does the word “it” stand out to you? What is “it”? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel for “it” is the power of God for salvation…” So what is “it” in the above verse that is the power of God unto salvation? “It” is the gospel! The gospel is still enough and always will be sufficient!
Now I am so thankful for all modern technology and tools that we have to help reach people for the kingdom and even Paul tried to find “common ground” with folks but we still must realize the gospel is what saves!. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22: says, "I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. . . . To those not having the law I became like one not having the law . . . so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
We still must be loyal to the gospel and we must never forget that the gospel (“it”) is still the power to save! Not our tools nor our methods! Not our human invented ways! The gospel is the power! The gospel convicts us of sin! The gospel is what sets us free!
I. Corinthians 1:23 says, “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness…”
Sounds too simple doesn’t it? Our own human efforts can save nobody!
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (I. Corinthians 1:17)
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-37)
When the gospel is preached “it” (the gospel) truly sets us free! The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
When you read the above verse, does the word “it” stand out to you? What is “it”? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel for “it” is the power of God for salvation…” So what is “it” in the above verse that is the power of God unto salvation? “It” is the gospel! The gospel is still enough and always will be sufficient!
Now I am so thankful for all modern technology and tools that we have to help reach people for the kingdom and even Paul tried to find “common ground” with folks but we still must realize the gospel is what saves!. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22: says, "I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. . . . To those not having the law I became like one not having the law . . . so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
We still must be loyal to the gospel and we must never forget that the gospel (“it”) is still the power to save! Not our tools nor our methods! Not our human invented ways! The gospel is the power! The gospel convicts us of sin! The gospel is what sets us free!
I. Corinthians 1:23 says, “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness…”
Sounds too simple doesn’t it? Our own human efforts can save nobody!
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (I. Corinthians 1:17)
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-37)
When the gospel is preached “it” (the gospel) truly sets us free! The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Monday, April 23, 2007
This is the day
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Today when you woke up I hope you appreciated the very breath that you are taking. I pray that you noticed the sun beaming through the blinds, the birds chirping, and the freshness of the air outside. I pray you looked up into the deep blue sky and said, “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.” God has given us a gift and it is called-Today. Today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. You see today is a gift. It is another day on earth and it is one that God has made. It is a day that he has made for us to fellowship with Him. It is a day that he has given us to enjoy the blessings of family. It is a day to spend in hot pursuit of him. It is a day to expand his kingdom and let his name be known.
You see we have a choice when we wake up each day whether or not we realize this is the day the Lord has make. We have a choice of whether or not we are going to rejoice or allow the enemy to take the joy of the Lord’s day from us. Psalm 118 says, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s a choice. A choice that know matter what the day may bring it is a day that the Lord has made and I’m making a conscience choice to rejoice and be glad!
Have a great day!
Today when you woke up I hope you appreciated the very breath that you are taking. I pray that you noticed the sun beaming through the blinds, the birds chirping, and the freshness of the air outside. I pray you looked up into the deep blue sky and said, “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.” God has given us a gift and it is called-Today. Today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. You see today is a gift. It is another day on earth and it is one that God has made. It is a day that he has made for us to fellowship with Him. It is a day that he has given us to enjoy the blessings of family. It is a day to spend in hot pursuit of him. It is a day to expand his kingdom and let his name be known.
You see we have a choice when we wake up each day whether or not we realize this is the day the Lord has make. We have a choice of whether or not we are going to rejoice or allow the enemy to take the joy of the Lord’s day from us. Psalm 118 says, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s a choice. A choice that know matter what the day may bring it is a day that the Lord has made and I’m making a conscience choice to rejoice and be glad!
Have a great day!
Friday, April 20, 2007
May I see your license please?
“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign Lord.” (Jude 1:4)
In John 1:29, John the Baptist said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Thank heaven that Jesus Christ came into the world to take away our sin so we could live free from its hold not for us to continue to live in it. I was raised in a particular denomination that helped program me to think that because I had whispered the name of Jesus as a young boy I could live as I wanted and have no eternal consequence of that. In essence; I was given a license to sin! Many people claim to know Jesus Christ but by their actions deny him! “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16)
I John 3:5-6 says, “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”
After coming to know Jesus Christ on August 30th, 1997 I realized I wasn’t living by grace but abusing it! God didn’t give me a license to sin but through his son Jesus gave me a license to be forgiven, set free, and live free from it! I heard someone say once, “Sin doesn’t bother Jesus it bothers people.” After shuttering in my spirit I thought to myself, “It bothered him so much he got on a cross!” Thank goodness he did!
“But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:7-10)
We read above about a group of people who said one thing and yet lived another! We are told to produce fruit in keeping with repentance!
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (I. John 2:1)
As we see above it is willed that we not sin but as you and I both know we are human. But because we are born-again we have the power to repent! We are not to willfully continue to live in it (sin). Jesus Christ is our perfect sacrifice that takes away not only our sin, but the sin of the world! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life for us! May we honor you not just with lip service, but with our lives! Your name be praised!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Family Church
I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be ministering the word of God on Wednesday May 2nd in the main auditorium at Family Church here in West Monroe and also on May 9th to E3 Student Ministries, the youth ministry of Family Church.
Go to http://www.familychurch.org/ and click on the media link to see some of the most phenomenal teachings from the word of God you will ever get to hear and also check out some recorded worship from some of the services.
The vision the Lord has given to Pastor Michael D. O'Neal is both biblical and crucial to this day in which we live. Biblically functioning homes and community! Let's start from the home and keep our homes functioning biblically!
I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I as we seek out the exciting will of God for our lives. His name be praised!
Go to http://www.familychurch.org/ and click on the media link to see some of the most phenomenal teachings from the word of God you will ever get to hear and also check out some recorded worship from some of the services.
The vision the Lord has given to Pastor Michael D. O'Neal is both biblical and crucial to this day in which we live. Biblically functioning homes and community! Let's start from the home and keep our homes functioning biblically!
I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I as we seek out the exciting will of God for our lives. His name be praised!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Fear Not!
“Fear not. I am with you so don’t be afraid.”
These were the words the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart this morning as I sat still waiting for Him (the Holy Spirit) to speak.
It is a comforting thought to know that the one who has my life in his hands tells me to not be afraid because he is with me. I don’t know who is all with me. I don’t know who is praying for me. Maybe you read this blog and don’t even like me but I do know this; God is with me so I shall not fear!
Let me ask you a question. What keeps you up at night? No, I don’t mean your screaming newborn baby! But what keeps you up at night? What weighs heavy on your mind? What “fear” tries to grab you by the throat and choke the life of God out of you? Fear of failure? Fear of man? Fear of losing the honor of man? Fear of losing everything? Fear of the enemy? Maybe you are afraid of the unknown? Maybe you are fearful that your kids could be gunned down as they sit in a classroom? Maybe you have stepped out in faith not knowing where the road may lead and you are afraid.
As my family and I have embarked on this journey we have an uncompromising mission; to be completely obedient, fully-devoted, and uncompromising in our walk with Jesus Christ; regardless of the cost! We have seen the Lord penetrate the darkness. We are seeing the Lord bring us out of this tunnel that seemed to be never ending. We are seeing something come about in the desert we couldn’t see a few months ago. We are seeing the hand of God move in our lives! We are seeing doors of opportunities that have been closed start to open. We are seeing doors that needed to be shut, close. We have abandoned all this world would have to offer to see Christ come alive in our lives and to “finish” the calling he has upon our lives. When you come to that conclusion fear will try to wrap his devilish hands around your throat and choke the life out of you. He will try to show you all that you have “missed out on.” It (fear) will try to bring his demon friends of doubt, unbelief, anxiety, and more of his fearful friends. As Jesus said in the gospel of Mark, “This kind (demon) only comes out by prayer and fasting.” As a Pastor of uncompromising values said this past Sunday, “Some demons won’t leave until you’ve been given to prayer and fasting.” Well then, they will leave because we will be given to that. They will leave because when they look at us I pray they see the Lion of the Tribe of Judah staring them back in the face with a mighty roar! He is with us! He is with you!
Don’t let fear dictate your life. Don’t allow fear to control your emotions. Don’t let fear be the deciding point of your decisions. Don’t let fear cause you to back down from the forces of evil. Stare it right in the face and say as David said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)
No fear! I love you and I pray for many of you!
These were the words the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart this morning as I sat still waiting for Him (the Holy Spirit) to speak.
It is a comforting thought to know that the one who has my life in his hands tells me to not be afraid because he is with me. I don’t know who is all with me. I don’t know who is praying for me. Maybe you read this blog and don’t even like me but I do know this; God is with me so I shall not fear!
Let me ask you a question. What keeps you up at night? No, I don’t mean your screaming newborn baby! But what keeps you up at night? What weighs heavy on your mind? What “fear” tries to grab you by the throat and choke the life of God out of you? Fear of failure? Fear of man? Fear of losing the honor of man? Fear of losing everything? Fear of the enemy? Maybe you are afraid of the unknown? Maybe you are fearful that your kids could be gunned down as they sit in a classroom? Maybe you have stepped out in faith not knowing where the road may lead and you are afraid.
As my family and I have embarked on this journey we have an uncompromising mission; to be completely obedient, fully-devoted, and uncompromising in our walk with Jesus Christ; regardless of the cost! We have seen the Lord penetrate the darkness. We are seeing the Lord bring us out of this tunnel that seemed to be never ending. We are seeing something come about in the desert we couldn’t see a few months ago. We are seeing the hand of God move in our lives! We are seeing doors of opportunities that have been closed start to open. We are seeing doors that needed to be shut, close. We have abandoned all this world would have to offer to see Christ come alive in our lives and to “finish” the calling he has upon our lives. When you come to that conclusion fear will try to wrap his devilish hands around your throat and choke the life out of you. He will try to show you all that you have “missed out on.” It (fear) will try to bring his demon friends of doubt, unbelief, anxiety, and more of his fearful friends. As Jesus said in the gospel of Mark, “This kind (demon) only comes out by prayer and fasting.” As a Pastor of uncompromising values said this past Sunday, “Some demons won’t leave until you’ve been given to prayer and fasting.” Well then, they will leave because we will be given to that. They will leave because when they look at us I pray they see the Lion of the Tribe of Judah staring them back in the face with a mighty roar! He is with us! He is with you!
Don’t let fear dictate your life. Don’t allow fear to control your emotions. Don’t let fear be the deciding point of your decisions. Don’t let fear cause you to back down from the forces of evil. Stare it right in the face and say as David said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)
No fear! I love you and I pray for many of you!
Monday, April 16, 2007
He will make everything right
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
This Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to do something I very seldom get to do; spend the entire day alone. Of course I wasn’t alone but in prayer the entire day to my Lord. I have several speaking engagements coming up and I want to “pull something out of heaven” to those I will be ministering to. We can’t live on “yesterday’s bread” but we need a fresh word from the Lord for today!
The Holy Spirit directed me to Romans 12 where there is a whole bunch of “spiritual nuggets”!
In Romans 12:2 Paul tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. You see the world has a patterned way of thinking (through the carnal mind) but Paul tells us not to conform to those ways! One pattern we must change is our way of thinking towards those who have wronged us, lied about us, or persecuted us. Now the carnal mind would tells us to seek revenge, gossip, slander, backbite, or payback wrong for wrong! An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth right? Wrong!
When we take upon ourselves the right to “seek revenge” we take God right out of the picture! When we “open our mouths” and want to “defend” ourselves we take God out of the picture and become judges. You see we only “know in part” but the Lord sees the whole picture and he alone is the righteous judge! The word tells us to “feed our enemies” and “give them something to drink.” I encourage you to bless your enemies today! Don’t allow the enemy the victory in your life! Don’t allow the enemy to flood your soul with anger or bitterness! Take on the character of Christ and shout out, “Father, forgive them because they know not what they do! Take on the character of Jesus Christ and walk in goodness! He will make it all right in his destined time!
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
When there is “evil” done to you and you allow it to embitter you or to retaliate you have been overcome by evil! The devil wins! But if you overcome evil with good you win and the Lord gets honored!
You see those who are overcome by evil live embittered, unforgiving, and unproductive lives and with the help of the Lord, I refuse to be overcome by it. It is a freeing experience when we “do good to those who do us evil” because we are acting in accordance to the character of Christ not the character of the devil!
I encourage you and yes, challenge you today to not be conformed by the patterns of the world, but by the word of God, allow your mind to be transformed! I encourage you to seek the heart of Christ and allow the goodness of God to flood your soul! Bless and not curse! Do good and not evil! Be an over comer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony!
Be blessed! I’m praying for you!
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
This Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to do something I very seldom get to do; spend the entire day alone. Of course I wasn’t alone but in prayer the entire day to my Lord. I have several speaking engagements coming up and I want to “pull something out of heaven” to those I will be ministering to. We can’t live on “yesterday’s bread” but we need a fresh word from the Lord for today!
The Holy Spirit directed me to Romans 12 where there is a whole bunch of “spiritual nuggets”!
In Romans 12:2 Paul tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. You see the world has a patterned way of thinking (through the carnal mind) but Paul tells us not to conform to those ways! One pattern we must change is our way of thinking towards those who have wronged us, lied about us, or persecuted us. Now the carnal mind would tells us to seek revenge, gossip, slander, backbite, or payback wrong for wrong! An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth right? Wrong!
When we take upon ourselves the right to “seek revenge” we take God right out of the picture! When we “open our mouths” and want to “defend” ourselves we take God out of the picture and become judges. You see we only “know in part” but the Lord sees the whole picture and he alone is the righteous judge! The word tells us to “feed our enemies” and “give them something to drink.” I encourage you to bless your enemies today! Don’t allow the enemy the victory in your life! Don’t allow the enemy to flood your soul with anger or bitterness! Take on the character of Christ and shout out, “Father, forgive them because they know not what they do! Take on the character of Jesus Christ and walk in goodness! He will make it all right in his destined time!
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
When there is “evil” done to you and you allow it to embitter you or to retaliate you have been overcome by evil! The devil wins! But if you overcome evil with good you win and the Lord gets honored!
You see those who are overcome by evil live embittered, unforgiving, and unproductive lives and with the help of the Lord, I refuse to be overcome by it. It is a freeing experience when we “do good to those who do us evil” because we are acting in accordance to the character of Christ not the character of the devil!
I encourage you and yes, challenge you today to not be conformed by the patterns of the world, but by the word of God, allow your mind to be transformed! I encourage you to seek the heart of Christ and allow the goodness of God to flood your soul! Bless and not curse! Do good and not evil! Be an over comer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony!
Be blessed! I’m praying for you!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Were not our hearts burning?
I pray this will bless and challenge you as we enter into the weekend.
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
After Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension, He spent time with some of his disciples “breaking bread.” Not long after this, their eyes were opened to the fact that this truly was Jesus raised from the dead. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (v. 31)
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32)
I imagine after this statement the disciples were thinking to themselves, “Man, we should have known it was Him!” “Whom else do we surround ourselves with whom makes our hearts burn like fire!?” “Whom else are we around who when reading the word of God causes a white hot fire to burn within our souls?!” “This is Jesus!” “This is the son of the living God!” “This is the same Jesus who healed the sick, delivered people, and fed the multitudes!” “This is the same Jesus who promised He would rise from the dead!”
You see when we spend time with Jesus Christ our hearts will burn brightly with the Holy Spirit of God! People will wonder, “Why doesn’t he or she just calm down a bit?” “Why do they have to be so “radical?” When you have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ there will be a fire that burns to brightly in your heart that nothing can put it out! Although the devil and hell comes at you it can’t be quenched! Although people and certain religion come your way to tell you to “settle down” a bit it just can’t go down! Although you may experience trials of many kinds and the fire may “dwindle” down just a bit it won’t go out because He lives within you! His spirit burns within you and something happens when you crack open His word and they (His words) coming leaping off of the red letters!
How about it? Does your heart burn for Jesus? Does your heart burn when you spend time with Him? Does your heart burn when you open the word of God?
I pray that we too can say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
After Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension, He spent time with some of his disciples “breaking bread.” Not long after this, their eyes were opened to the fact that this truly was Jesus raised from the dead. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (v. 31)
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32)
I imagine after this statement the disciples were thinking to themselves, “Man, we should have known it was Him!” “Whom else do we surround ourselves with whom makes our hearts burn like fire!?” “Whom else are we around who when reading the word of God causes a white hot fire to burn within our souls?!” “This is Jesus!” “This is the son of the living God!” “This is the same Jesus who healed the sick, delivered people, and fed the multitudes!” “This is the same Jesus who promised He would rise from the dead!”
You see when we spend time with Jesus Christ our hearts will burn brightly with the Holy Spirit of God! People will wonder, “Why doesn’t he or she just calm down a bit?” “Why do they have to be so “radical?” When you have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ there will be a fire that burns to brightly in your heart that nothing can put it out! Although the devil and hell comes at you it can’t be quenched! Although people and certain religion come your way to tell you to “settle down” a bit it just can’t go down! Although you may experience trials of many kinds and the fire may “dwindle” down just a bit it won’t go out because He lives within you! His spirit burns within you and something happens when you crack open His word and they (His words) coming leaping off of the red letters!
How about it? Does your heart burn for Jesus? Does your heart burn when you spend time with Him? Does your heart burn when you open the word of God?
I pray that we too can say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Prison Report
We ministered to a dorm full of people last night on the subject of "unforgiveness". We spoke of how Satan has so many captive in the world and yes, in the church, through yielding to unforgiveness.
We also spoke of God's forgiveness offered to those who will receive it and allow it to flow in and through their lives.
We prayed and ministered to about 18 people who came forward for prayer. God wants people free from bondage!
Upon leaving the dorm we had an inmate follow us outside who had been touched through the word. He shared with us the complications he had been experiencing in his marriage. That day he had written an "ugly note" to his wife and regretted sending it; he had forgiven her. He had asked for us to contact her to disregard his letter.
It is an honor to minister the word of God!
We also spoke of God's forgiveness offered to those who will receive it and allow it to flow in and through their lives.
We prayed and ministered to about 18 people who came forward for prayer. God wants people free from bondage!
Upon leaving the dorm we had an inmate follow us outside who had been touched through the word. He shared with us the complications he had been experiencing in his marriage. That day he had written an "ugly note" to his wife and regretted sending it; he had forgiven her. He had asked for us to contact her to disregard his letter.
It is an honor to minister the word of God!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Forgiveness
As I pray and meditate about what God would have me minister on tonight in the jails, I am leaning on the subject of “forgiveness.” I personally believe Satan has used “un forgiveness” to keep many, not only in the world, but in the body of Christ in bondage. Un forgiveness binds us when we don’t deal with an “offense” or a “hurt” in our life. Paul even stated that in the last days people would be unforgiving.
The Bible says “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled…” (Hebrews 12:15)
If we “miss the grace of God” and allow a root of bitterness to spring up, our lives will become defiled! I’ve seen the power of un forgiveness work in my own life and also in others. I’ve seen people go for years and not speak. I’ve seen ministers avoid each other in public places not speaking to one another because of an offense. I’ve seen grown adults walk in unforgiveness towards their parents over something that happened years and years ago. Many that sit in the church today harbor unforgiveness and it is wrecking their lives. I’ve seen unforgiveness eat people away from the inside out like a disease spreading like wildfire. We justify our unforgiveness because of the “wrongs” others have done to us and in our self-righteousness we are deceived!
So do we have a choice to forgive? What are the consequences if we don’t?
Let’s go to the word for answers.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
The key to overcoming the evil one and “resisting” him is by submitting to the word of God. Forgiveness! You can’t give something you haven’t first received yourself! “Freely you have received not freely give.”
I once was told a story by a Christian lady about how a person who had hurt her didn’t deserve her forgiveness and because of that, she will not forgive! After the Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us of our miles of sin what right do we have not to forgive others!? This infuriates Christ!
Matt 18:23-35 tells us the parable of the unforgiving servant.
“Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."
The Bible is very clear on this matter. If we don’t forgive others, Christ will not forgive us! I don’t know about you but I need to be walking in forgiveness!
If we want the world to know that Christ is a forgiving God than we need to begin forgiving others!
We need to start realizing the schemes that the enemy is trying to bring using “un forgiveness” by defeating him by walking in forgiveness towards others!
Today, will you choose to forgive or will you continue to be held in bondage? Let's defeat the devil by allowing the forgiveness of God to flow in and through our lives! Hallelujah!
The Bible says “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled…” (Hebrews 12:15)
If we “miss the grace of God” and allow a root of bitterness to spring up, our lives will become defiled! I’ve seen the power of un forgiveness work in my own life and also in others. I’ve seen people go for years and not speak. I’ve seen ministers avoid each other in public places not speaking to one another because of an offense. I’ve seen grown adults walk in unforgiveness towards their parents over something that happened years and years ago. Many that sit in the church today harbor unforgiveness and it is wrecking their lives. I’ve seen unforgiveness eat people away from the inside out like a disease spreading like wildfire. We justify our unforgiveness because of the “wrongs” others have done to us and in our self-righteousness we are deceived!
So do we have a choice to forgive? What are the consequences if we don’t?
Let’s go to the word for answers.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
The key to overcoming the evil one and “resisting” him is by submitting to the word of God. Forgiveness! You can’t give something you haven’t first received yourself! “Freely you have received not freely give.”
I once was told a story by a Christian lady about how a person who had hurt her didn’t deserve her forgiveness and because of that, she will not forgive! After the Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us of our miles of sin what right do we have not to forgive others!? This infuriates Christ!
Matt 18:23-35 tells us the parable of the unforgiving servant.
“Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."
The Bible is very clear on this matter. If we don’t forgive others, Christ will not forgive us! I don’t know about you but I need to be walking in forgiveness!
If we want the world to know that Christ is a forgiving God than we need to begin forgiving others!
We need to start realizing the schemes that the enemy is trying to bring using “un forgiveness” by defeating him by walking in forgiveness towards others!
Today, will you choose to forgive or will you continue to be held in bondage? Let's defeat the devil by allowing the forgiveness of God to flow in and through our lives! Hallelujah!
Monday, April 09, 2007
He got up
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, the did not find the body of the Lord Jesus…” (Matthew 24:1-3)
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Matthew 24:5-6)
Satan thought he had finally done it! I can imagine Hell rejoicing as Jesus lay “dead” in the tomb during those three days. Hope seemed to be gone and the King seemed to have been finally defeated. His disciples were tested in their faith, “Was He really Lord?” Doubt, unbelief, and confusion must have tried to flood their souls as the King lay dead in the tomb.
When Jesus Christ rose from the dead he defeated death, hell, and the grave giving us eternal hope! He overcame it all! Death couldn’t hold up! Hell couldn’t defeat Him! The grave couldn’t contain Him! He got up! It couldn’t hold Him nor keep Him down! He rose victoriously!
Maybe you are finding yourself in a “tomb” today. Maybe you feel like you are “done”. Maybe you’ve been knocked down by sickness, bankruptcy, divorce, addiction, marital problems, etc! Maybe Satan has been whispering in your ear, “You’re done, you’re through”. “Why don’t you throw in the towel?” “Now, I’ve got you right where I want you.”
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
What we need to realize is that the SAME spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is now living in you and I! HELLO! Did you hear what I just said!? THE SAME SPIRIT THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD NOW LIVES IN YOU AND I!
When Hell comes your way and knocks you down, get up! When sickness comes your way and tried to take you out, you can get up! When the locusts come and eat at your finances, you can get up! Don’t let it keep you down! Don’t let it hold you down! Don’t let it defeat you! Get up, get out of your tomb and walk in victory!
We serve a resurrected Lord!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
"Whatever happened to the Mothers and Fathers of the Faith?"
"Where are the Mothers and Fathers of the Faith?”
As I was praying tonight the spirit of the Lord led me to I. Timothy, II. Timothy, and Titus to point out some things that I also would like to point out to you.
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith:” I. Timothy 1:1-2 (italics mine)
Notice when Paul is addressing young Timothy he addresses him as his, “son”.
Again in I. Timothy 1:18 Paul says, “Timothy, my son…” (Italics mine)
Over in II. Timothy 1:2 Paul says, “To Timothy, my dear son:” (Italics mine)
In Titus 1:4 Paul refers to young Titus in the same way; “To Titus, my true son in our common faith;” (Italics mine)
So what is Paul speaking of here and why is he addressing these young men of God as, “sons”?
We find in I. Corinthians 4:15-17 where Paul is addressing the Church of Corinth and he says, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my dear son whom I love, who if faithful in the Lord.” (Italics mine)
Paul both knew and understood the need for spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith. He knew in order to have “sons” and “daughters” there first had to be “Fathers and Mothers” who would produce these “spiritual children.” Whether Timothy and Titus were saved under Paul’s ministry or not the point is we do know that they became his “sons” through the gospel! Now are we speaking of natural kids here? No. We are speaking of spiritual kids, sons of the faith whom Paul fathered to become mature “sons”. You see it is one thing to “teach or instruct” someone but it’s another thing to “father” them. I can instruct you from a distance but when I father you I am in direct relationship with you.
You see when you are just merely “instructing” someone it may or may not be relational. When I was a kid my earthly “father” took care of me and raised me the best he knew how. There came a day when it was time for him to “let me go” and “release” me. What kind of father would he have been if he would have kept me confined to his house and not blessed me to go out into this world? He “equipped me” and “fathered” me the best he knew how and then he “released” me.
So why is there such a lack of spiritual mothers and fathers in the church of Jesus Christ in the year 2007? Jesus said plainly to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
He said disciple them, not control them! Serve them, not Lord over them!
See we aren’t just to have people give a show of hands who want to respond to the gospel and then send them on their merry way. No! We are then to disciple and father those whom God has given to us as sons and daughters!
I believe there are numerous sons and daughters in the faith who are looking for mothers and fathers to teach them! Who says older people don’t play an important role in the kingdom of God!?
Titus 2:3-5 says, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted too much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is right.” (Titus 2:6)
Sons and daughters of the faith can’t learn affectively unless they are in relationships with mothers and fathers of the faith!
I heard a great evangelist once say, “The greatest thing you can be entrusted with is the soul of another human being.” So who has God entrusted to your care? How many sons and daughters of the faith are you raising? Maybe you are reading this and you are unable to have natural children, but be encouraged, God can allow you to raise up spiritual children!
The sons and daughters can’t follow until the mothers and fathers step up! Help us Lord Jesus!
As I was praying tonight the spirit of the Lord led me to I. Timothy, II. Timothy, and Titus to point out some things that I also would like to point out to you.
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith:” I. Timothy 1:1-2 (italics mine)
Notice when Paul is addressing young Timothy he addresses him as his, “son”.
Again in I. Timothy 1:18 Paul says, “Timothy, my son…” (Italics mine)
Over in II. Timothy 1:2 Paul says, “To Timothy, my dear son:” (Italics mine)
In Titus 1:4 Paul refers to young Titus in the same way; “To Titus, my true son in our common faith;” (Italics mine)
So what is Paul speaking of here and why is he addressing these young men of God as, “sons”?
We find in I. Corinthians 4:15-17 where Paul is addressing the Church of Corinth and he says, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my dear son whom I love, who if faithful in the Lord.” (Italics mine)
Paul both knew and understood the need for spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith. He knew in order to have “sons” and “daughters” there first had to be “Fathers and Mothers” who would produce these “spiritual children.” Whether Timothy and Titus were saved under Paul’s ministry or not the point is we do know that they became his “sons” through the gospel! Now are we speaking of natural kids here? No. We are speaking of spiritual kids, sons of the faith whom Paul fathered to become mature “sons”. You see it is one thing to “teach or instruct” someone but it’s another thing to “father” them. I can instruct you from a distance but when I father you I am in direct relationship with you.
You see when you are just merely “instructing” someone it may or may not be relational. When I was a kid my earthly “father” took care of me and raised me the best he knew how. There came a day when it was time for him to “let me go” and “release” me. What kind of father would he have been if he would have kept me confined to his house and not blessed me to go out into this world? He “equipped me” and “fathered” me the best he knew how and then he “released” me.
So why is there such a lack of spiritual mothers and fathers in the church of Jesus Christ in the year 2007? Jesus said plainly to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
He said disciple them, not control them! Serve them, not Lord over them!
See we aren’t just to have people give a show of hands who want to respond to the gospel and then send them on their merry way. No! We are then to disciple and father those whom God has given to us as sons and daughters!
I believe there are numerous sons and daughters in the faith who are looking for mothers and fathers to teach them! Who says older people don’t play an important role in the kingdom of God!?
Titus 2:3-5 says, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted too much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is right.” (Titus 2:6)
Sons and daughters of the faith can’t learn affectively unless they are in relationships with mothers and fathers of the faith!
I heard a great evangelist once say, “The greatest thing you can be entrusted with is the soul of another human being.” So who has God entrusted to your care? How many sons and daughters of the faith are you raising? Maybe you are reading this and you are unable to have natural children, but be encouraged, God can allow you to raise up spiritual children!
The sons and daughters can’t follow until the mothers and fathers step up! Help us Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Word of Encouragement
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In prayer this morning the Lord put this verse upon my heart and now I want to dissect it with you.
Proverbs commands us to do three things before we see the result of implementing these three things. It speaks first of trusting God with everything, secondly, it tells us not to lean on our own understanding, and thirdly, it tells us to acknowledge Him in every area of our lives before we see him directing our paths.
The first part of this verse speaks of trust. Now it isn't speaking of just a little trust here and there but trusting with all of our heart; that is, all of our being! Now some of us may be hesitant in that because the word “trust” as we know it has been thrown around so much in today’s time. Have you ever had someone tell you “Trust me” only to find out you couldn’t?! Even Jesus wouldn’t entrust himself to man!
“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them for he knew all men.”(John 2:24)
Someone may have let you down in the past but you can be rest assured, Jesus will not! He is not a man that he should lie! You can put all your trust in Jesus Christ and He will not disappoint you!
Secondly, Proverbs tells us to not lean on our own understanding. Sometimes we will go through things in life that we just don’t understand. “God, why is this happening?” “God, why did that have to happen?” “God, why am I going through this!?” We need to come to a place where we don’t try to figure everything out and simply trust God! “Lord, I don’t understand this but I’m not leaning on my understanding I’m leaning on you!”
Thirdly, we are to “acknowledge him all all our ways.” Simply put, we are to put Christ first in every area of our lives! Acknowledge him in your life, your marriage, your finances, and let every decision you make be based upon and around Him!
Lastly, when we follow these three commands, he will be directing our paths! You may be in a place of frustration right now where you find it hard to trust and don’t understand what you are going through but if you’ll say, “Lord I’m trusting you with everything that is within me and although I don’t understand, I’m acknowledging you, now direct our paths Lord Jesus!” Be encouraged! Keep the faith!
In prayer this morning the Lord put this verse upon my heart and now I want to dissect it with you.
Proverbs commands us to do three things before we see the result of implementing these three things. It speaks first of trusting God with everything, secondly, it tells us not to lean on our own understanding, and thirdly, it tells us to acknowledge Him in every area of our lives before we see him directing our paths.
The first part of this verse speaks of trust. Now it isn't speaking of just a little trust here and there but trusting with all of our heart; that is, all of our being! Now some of us may be hesitant in that because the word “trust” as we know it has been thrown around so much in today’s time. Have you ever had someone tell you “Trust me” only to find out you couldn’t?! Even Jesus wouldn’t entrust himself to man!
“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them for he knew all men.”(John 2:24)
Someone may have let you down in the past but you can be rest assured, Jesus will not! He is not a man that he should lie! You can put all your trust in Jesus Christ and He will not disappoint you!
Secondly, Proverbs tells us to not lean on our own understanding. Sometimes we will go through things in life that we just don’t understand. “God, why is this happening?” “God, why did that have to happen?” “God, why am I going through this!?” We need to come to a place where we don’t try to figure everything out and simply trust God! “Lord, I don’t understand this but I’m not leaning on my understanding I’m leaning on you!”
Thirdly, we are to “acknowledge him all all our ways.” Simply put, we are to put Christ first in every area of our lives! Acknowledge him in your life, your marriage, your finances, and let every decision you make be based upon and around Him!
Lastly, when we follow these three commands, he will be directing our paths! You may be in a place of frustration right now where you find it hard to trust and don’t understand what you are going through but if you’ll say, “Lord I’m trusting you with everything that is within me and although I don’t understand, I’m acknowledging you, now direct our paths Lord Jesus!” Be encouraged! Keep the faith!
Monday, April 02, 2007
What He Wants
“What He Wants”
Recently in prayer I asked the Lord, “What is it you want from me?” I am confident in my heart I heard, “Your obedience.” Simply put, God wants our obedience not just in one area or some areas of our lives; He wants obedience in EVERY area of our lives! Total obedience in our relationship to Him! Total obedience in our marriage! Total obedience at the workplace! Total obedience in our finances! Total obedience in our relationships! Total obedience to the ministry He has called us to! Total obedience period!
If we truly are in love with Jesus Christ our Lord we will live a life of obedience to Him!
"If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:1)
So many times we try to “earn” God’s approval through a performance based faith and all He is wanting is for us to simply be obedient!
To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Submitting to God is yielding ourselves to Him or better yet; being obedient to Him!
James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
What good in your life should you be doing but aren’t doing? In other words, what area in your life are you not being obedient to either God’s voice or God’s word?
Jesus had a mission…to be obedient to the Father! Our life mission should be the same!
John 6:38 "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
We don’t hear nor do we like to talk much about suffering in the year 2007 but even Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. So must you and I!
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
Where does your obedience run out? Will you be obedient to Christ regardless of the cost?! Regardless of status? Regardless of paycheck? Regardless of position? Regardless of losing the honor of man? Regardless of being made fun of?
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
Remember, He is either Lord over all or not Lord at all! Obedience is the key!
Recently in prayer I asked the Lord, “What is it you want from me?” I am confident in my heart I heard, “Your obedience.” Simply put, God wants our obedience not just in one area or some areas of our lives; He wants obedience in EVERY area of our lives! Total obedience in our relationship to Him! Total obedience in our marriage! Total obedience at the workplace! Total obedience in our finances! Total obedience in our relationships! Total obedience to the ministry He has called us to! Total obedience period!
If we truly are in love with Jesus Christ our Lord we will live a life of obedience to Him!
"If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:1)
So many times we try to “earn” God’s approval through a performance based faith and all He is wanting is for us to simply be obedient!
To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Submitting to God is yielding ourselves to Him or better yet; being obedient to Him!
James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
What good in your life should you be doing but aren’t doing? In other words, what area in your life are you not being obedient to either God’s voice or God’s word?
Jesus had a mission…to be obedient to the Father! Our life mission should be the same!
John 6:38 "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
We don’t hear nor do we like to talk much about suffering in the year 2007 but even Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. So must you and I!
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
Where does your obedience run out? Will you be obedient to Christ regardless of the cost?! Regardless of status? Regardless of paycheck? Regardless of position? Regardless of losing the honor of man? Regardless of being made fun of?
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
Remember, He is either Lord over all or not Lord at all! Obedience is the key!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
When Hell Comes Your Way
“When Hell Comes Your Way”
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” (Luke 14:28).
This is a warning to all who would seek God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength! To the ones who are willing to forsake the ways of the world to follow the true ways of the Lord! To the ones who will set their hearts to prayer and fasting. To the ones who will stand on the whole counsel of the word of God and expose the lies of the enemy through the word of the living God. To the ones who are willing to be obedient even to the point of losing everything. Plainly put, when you seek the Lord with everything that is within you, you are going to face evil attacks like you’ve never faced in your entire life! Not only that, the enemy will come against everything that is dear to you; your family, loved ones, health, etc.
The warning is not to scare you but to prepare you and to prompt you to action! No matter how intense the battle against your faith, stand strong on the promises of God!
What about you? Is your "Wanted Sign" posted in Hell? Are you a threat to the devil and his kingdom? Does he worry about you? Or does he show no concern for you?
If you never experience any attacks on your faith I would be very concerned. Now, there are times and seasons of rest we will all go through and praise God for them and I’m not talking about those times. I’m talking about if you are lukewarm, startling the fence, or just not any threat to the kingdom of darkness! Easy? Yes! Good? No!
I want to encourage you today, wherever you are, there are numerous saints of God that are going through demonic attacks all across the world! Yes, you are not the only one! There are many believers who are facing the trials of their lives right this very moment!
No matter how tough it gets, don’t back down from the evil one! You may say, “I’m not going to seek God like this anymore, I can’t take these attacks!” That is just what the devil wants you to do, back off! He hates you, is jealous of you, and you are embarking on some of his territory! Don’t let him invade your life with fear and anxiety!
Men of God, stand in the gap for your family! Fight the enemy off of your spouse and children! May they see your courage and determination and follow you into the battle!
So what area or area’s of your life are being attacked at this VERY moment! Your faith? Your mind? Your health? Your finances? Your marriage? Your children?
Go find promises in the word of God, believe them, and then stand upon them!
Here are some scriptures I pray encourage you:
1) "Once I was young, and now I'm old, and I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed to beg bread." David
2) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
3) The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
4) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8
5) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” (Luke 14:28).
This is a warning to all who would seek God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength! To the ones who are willing to forsake the ways of the world to follow the true ways of the Lord! To the ones who will set their hearts to prayer and fasting. To the ones who will stand on the whole counsel of the word of God and expose the lies of the enemy through the word of the living God. To the ones who are willing to be obedient even to the point of losing everything. Plainly put, when you seek the Lord with everything that is within you, you are going to face evil attacks like you’ve never faced in your entire life! Not only that, the enemy will come against everything that is dear to you; your family, loved ones, health, etc.
The warning is not to scare you but to prepare you and to prompt you to action! No matter how intense the battle against your faith, stand strong on the promises of God!
What about you? Is your "Wanted Sign" posted in Hell? Are you a threat to the devil and his kingdom? Does he worry about you? Or does he show no concern for you?
If you never experience any attacks on your faith I would be very concerned. Now, there are times and seasons of rest we will all go through and praise God for them and I’m not talking about those times. I’m talking about if you are lukewarm, startling the fence, or just not any threat to the kingdom of darkness! Easy? Yes! Good? No!
I want to encourage you today, wherever you are, there are numerous saints of God that are going through demonic attacks all across the world! Yes, you are not the only one! There are many believers who are facing the trials of their lives right this very moment!
No matter how tough it gets, don’t back down from the evil one! You may say, “I’m not going to seek God like this anymore, I can’t take these attacks!” That is just what the devil wants you to do, back off! He hates you, is jealous of you, and you are embarking on some of his territory! Don’t let him invade your life with fear and anxiety!
Men of God, stand in the gap for your family! Fight the enemy off of your spouse and children! May they see your courage and determination and follow you into the battle!
So what area or area’s of your life are being attacked at this VERY moment! Your faith? Your mind? Your health? Your finances? Your marriage? Your children?
Go find promises in the word of God, believe them, and then stand upon them!
Here are some scriptures I pray encourage you:
1) "Once I was young, and now I'm old, and I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed to beg bread." David
2) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
3) The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
4) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8
5) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
God-fearing Families
“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” (Acts 10:1-2)
I want to point out in the above verse the part that says, “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing.” Wouldn’t it be nice for your family to be known as “devout and God-fearing?” You see it all starts in the home! Devout families build devout churches and God-fearing families build God-fearing churches! Godly families will produce Godly churches which in return will produce Godly communities and so on!
We invest so much of our time and energy into so many other things it leaves little or no time with the family? If we aren’t spending time with our kids where will they learn godly core values? T.V.? The Brady Bunch? Rosanne? If we aren’t investing time in our spouse will somebody else?
I’m talking about God fearing families who get on their knees together! Pray together! Worship together! Get in the word together! Families who aren’t ashamed of Jesus Christ! Aren’t afraid to live totally by his word! Families who aren’t ashamed to forsake all to follow Christ! Families who are bonded together, who make memories together, and who will fight the enemy off of each other! Families on fire for God! Husbands who will love their wives! Wives who will respect and submit to their husbands! Children who will obey their parents! Can you picture it?
In a world where there has been literally a "melt-down" in the home, we all should be striving to have a love filled, spirit-filled, family bonded, God-fearing home. May it be so in Jesus name.
I want to point out in the above verse the part that says, “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing.” Wouldn’t it be nice for your family to be known as “devout and God-fearing?” You see it all starts in the home! Devout families build devout churches and God-fearing families build God-fearing churches! Godly families will produce Godly churches which in return will produce Godly communities and so on!
We invest so much of our time and energy into so many other things it leaves little or no time with the family? If we aren’t spending time with our kids where will they learn godly core values? T.V.? The Brady Bunch? Rosanne? If we aren’t investing time in our spouse will somebody else?
I’m talking about God fearing families who get on their knees together! Pray together! Worship together! Get in the word together! Families who aren’t ashamed of Jesus Christ! Aren’t afraid to live totally by his word! Families who aren’t ashamed to forsake all to follow Christ! Families who are bonded together, who make memories together, and who will fight the enemy off of each other! Families on fire for God! Husbands who will love their wives! Wives who will respect and submit to their husbands! Children who will obey their parents! Can you picture it?
In a world where there has been literally a "melt-down" in the home, we all should be striving to have a love filled, spirit-filled, family bonded, God-fearing home. May it be so in Jesus name.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Dirt Pulpits
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4)
Following service yesterday, my family and I, along with another couple, spent the afternoon making memories at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Spending time with your family, next to God, is of utmost importance! We can’t go out to win the world for Christ until we first start with our own family! I can win thousands of souls for Christ but if I lose mine…I fail.
As we arrived in downtown Monroe yesterday, I was informed that I, with another minister, would be doing the preaching on the streets that day. Boy, you talk about short notice! The word says “preach the word: in season out of season.” (II. Timothy 4:2) I had to pull something out of heaven fast! Thank you Jesus for the quickening of the Word and your Holy Spirit in our lives! Sometimes we minister best when there is a demand on the anointing.
After the first minister preached on “perversion”, I wrapped up the “street service” with a message on “hope.” I spoke out of Proverbs13:12 which says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” With everything that is going on in the world today it leaves a lot of people feeling, “hopeless.” Many of those of whom we minister to on the streets are in hopeless situations. Many of their “hopes and dreams” have been deferred, put-off, and crushed! Many may have put their hope built upon sand, in money, in “dreams”, in people, in organizations, in a drug, in a bottle and are left with the soul feeling sick. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” You see when we have hope in Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter what we are faced with…we press on! When you have hope in Christ you know that no matter how bad it gets you can keep your eyes on what lies ahead! You can fully put your hope and trust in Jesus Christ! He is what makes you get out of bed every morning! He is what gives you the strength to keep going when you don’t’ feel like going any more! In Christ alone will we place our hope! After praying and ministering to several people, we then fed a large line filled with hungry people. There were also some cloth distributions to both males and females. It is amazing to see how many people, both young and old, are in poverty situations right here in Monroe, Louisiana.
Thank you Ricky Nolan for being faithful to those whom God has called you to. I can only imagine the great rewards that await you in heaven for remembering the poor. Only heaven knows the great treasures that await you.
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4)
Following service yesterday, my family and I, along with another couple, spent the afternoon making memories at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Spending time with your family, next to God, is of utmost importance! We can’t go out to win the world for Christ until we first start with our own family! I can win thousands of souls for Christ but if I lose mine…I fail.
As we arrived in downtown Monroe yesterday, I was informed that I, with another minister, would be doing the preaching on the streets that day. Boy, you talk about short notice! The word says “preach the word: in season out of season.” (II. Timothy 4:2) I had to pull something out of heaven fast! Thank you Jesus for the quickening of the Word and your Holy Spirit in our lives! Sometimes we minister best when there is a demand on the anointing.
After the first minister preached on “perversion”, I wrapped up the “street service” with a message on “hope.” I spoke out of Proverbs13:12 which says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” With everything that is going on in the world today it leaves a lot of people feeling, “hopeless.” Many of those of whom we minister to on the streets are in hopeless situations. Many of their “hopes and dreams” have been deferred, put-off, and crushed! Many may have put their hope built upon sand, in money, in “dreams”, in people, in organizations, in a drug, in a bottle and are left with the soul feeling sick. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” You see when we have hope in Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter what we are faced with…we press on! When you have hope in Christ you know that no matter how bad it gets you can keep your eyes on what lies ahead! You can fully put your hope and trust in Jesus Christ! He is what makes you get out of bed every morning! He is what gives you the strength to keep going when you don’t’ feel like going any more! In Christ alone will we place our hope! After praying and ministering to several people, we then fed a large line filled with hungry people. There were also some cloth distributions to both males and females. It is amazing to see how many people, both young and old, are in poverty situations right here in Monroe, Louisiana.
Thank you Ricky Nolan for being faithful to those whom God has called you to. I can only imagine the great rewards that await you in heaven for remembering the poor. Only heaven knows the great treasures that await you.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
"Until you've been there"
*Just some thoughts I had yesterday.
As I am writing this article, I am literally seeing distance from where the gospel is preached every Sunday afternoon and has been for the past 21 years. As I stare out my office window I am watching a man standing by a grocery cart that is being used to transport his belongings as he waits for the train to pass by. As I sit and watch, I can’t help but wonder…what happened? How did he end up in this condition? Life has “kicked his tail” and I don’t say that in judgment but in compassion because I don’t know where he has been or what he has been through. If I would have gone through some similar things, I myself may be in the same boat! I understand that if not for the grace of God I would be where he stands or worse! Does that make me any better? Absolutely not! It makes me thankful of the endless mercies of God!
My heart has always been for the outcast, the hurting, and the lost but the past few weeks God is enlarging my heart to have even more compassion on these people.
As it is far too easy for people to point a finger or watch in judgment as someone sits on a sidewalk strung out on drugs, we should maybe take another approach; until you’ve been there, maybe you don’t know what they’ve been through so don’t pass judgment on them!
As I am writing this article, I am literally seeing distance from where the gospel is preached every Sunday afternoon and has been for the past 21 years. As I stare out my office window I am watching a man standing by a grocery cart that is being used to transport his belongings as he waits for the train to pass by. As I sit and watch, I can’t help but wonder…what happened? How did he end up in this condition? Life has “kicked his tail” and I don’t say that in judgment but in compassion because I don’t know where he has been or what he has been through. If I would have gone through some similar things, I myself may be in the same boat! I understand that if not for the grace of God I would be where he stands or worse! Does that make me any better? Absolutely not! It makes me thankful of the endless mercies of God!
My heart has always been for the outcast, the hurting, and the lost but the past few weeks God is enlarging my heart to have even more compassion on these people.
As it is far too easy for people to point a finger or watch in judgment as someone sits on a sidewalk strung out on drugs, we should maybe take another approach; until you’ve been there, maybe you don’t know what they’ve been through so don’t pass judgment on them!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Sufferings of Christ
"Endure hardships like a good soldier." Paul
The Sufferings of Christ
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. (II. Corinthians 1:3-8)
There are three “s” words I believe we either disregard or avoid altogether and they are: sin, sacrifice, and suffering. Although contrary to popular belief I believe the days that lie ahead of us as Christians are difficult ones. I didn’t say we wouldn’t have the victory but it may not come without first enduring some very difficult times.
In the above passage in verse three is says, “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives…” So what are the sufferings of Christ and why in the world are they overflowing in our lives?
Paul was stating above that they had suffered so much for the gospel’s sake that it was beyond their natural ability to endure. We find a few chapters over in II. Corinthians 11:16-27 which is far too lengthy for me to type out, his tremendous, and I do mean tremendous sufferings he endured in the name of Christ. One chapter over in II. Corinthians 12 we learn of Paul being caught up in the third heaven and having visions and revelations from the Lord. So that he would not become puffed up and proud there was given him a “thorn in his flesh which was a messenger of Satan to torment him.” Now what was that thorn in his flesh? It is found in the prior chapter we discussed in II. Corinthians 11:16-27. His thorn was simply this; his sufferings! He pleaded three times for the Lord to take it away but the Lord replied to him in verse 9 of chapter 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Now remember in II. Corinthians 1:3, we learned that God was the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. It also goes on to say, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Maybe you aren’t necessarily going through what Paul experienced but nevertheless you are enduring some hard, difficult, and trying times! They come so we cannot boast upon our own strength or godliness but that in our weakness God’s strength may manifest in our lives! May He alone receive glory and praise!
Remember this, you may be going through now, what others will soon be going through and at that time, may you comfort them with the same comfort you received from God when you yourself endured trials!
May His name be praised in our weakness and hardships!
The Sufferings of Christ
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. (II. Corinthians 1:3-8)
There are three “s” words I believe we either disregard or avoid altogether and they are: sin, sacrifice, and suffering. Although contrary to popular belief I believe the days that lie ahead of us as Christians are difficult ones. I didn’t say we wouldn’t have the victory but it may not come without first enduring some very difficult times.
In the above passage in verse three is says, “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives…” So what are the sufferings of Christ and why in the world are they overflowing in our lives?
Paul was stating above that they had suffered so much for the gospel’s sake that it was beyond their natural ability to endure. We find a few chapters over in II. Corinthians 11:16-27 which is far too lengthy for me to type out, his tremendous, and I do mean tremendous sufferings he endured in the name of Christ. One chapter over in II. Corinthians 12 we learn of Paul being caught up in the third heaven and having visions and revelations from the Lord. So that he would not become puffed up and proud there was given him a “thorn in his flesh which was a messenger of Satan to torment him.” Now what was that thorn in his flesh? It is found in the prior chapter we discussed in II. Corinthians 11:16-27. His thorn was simply this; his sufferings! He pleaded three times for the Lord to take it away but the Lord replied to him in verse 9 of chapter 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Now remember in II. Corinthians 1:3, we learned that God was the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. It also goes on to say, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Maybe you aren’t necessarily going through what Paul experienced but nevertheless you are enduring some hard, difficult, and trying times! They come so we cannot boast upon our own strength or godliness but that in our weakness God’s strength may manifest in our lives! May He alone receive glory and praise!
Remember this, you may be going through now, what others will soon be going through and at that time, may you comfort them with the same comfort you received from God when you yourself endured trials!
May His name be praised in our weakness and hardships!
Walking Blind
“Walking Blind”
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II. Cor. 5: 7)
The above verse says we are to “walk by faith.” Where does faith come from?
In Romans 10:17 it says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through hearing the word of God.”
Faith isn’t something we “muster up” within ourselves if we close our eyes and think real hard. Faith comes when we hear the word of God! We believe that we can “take God at His word!”
So if we walk by faith we aren’t looking through our natural eyes but through our spiritual eyes. Our natural eyes can’t see (blind) what faith can see! Natural eyes can only see the problem and not the outcome or solution! Natural eyes only see the circumstances and what appears to be a “victory” by the enemy, the devil. Faith sees what the natural cannot!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
What are you hoping for and certain of that you yet cannot see? Your healing? Your deliverance? Your victory? A promise? The salvation of your loved ones?
You see faith is not just believing but acting upon what you believe! Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance comes from acting on your faith! Taking God at His word!
In Matthew 9 two blind men begged Jesus for their sight and when Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I’m able to do this?” The blind men answered, “Yes Lord.” Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
So what happens when you have faith for someone to be saved, healed, or delivered and they don’t? Does that mean you didn’t have enough faith? No, it should simply mean no matter what happens, you don’t lose faith!
The Bible says in Romans 1:17 “The righteous will live by faith.” The word also tells us in Psalm 119:105 that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Sometimes we cannot see the “big picture.” The Psalmist says your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” Sometimes we tend to think it is a spotlight for our path and a total laid out map for our future. Sometimes God only gives us a “step at a time.” But as we walk in faith trusting in His word that guides us “one step at a time” (lamp unto our feet and a light for our path) He will lead the way.
May our Lord increase our faith as we trust blindly in Him! For He and His word alone are the only source that we can fully trust to follow “blindly” after!
The word of our Lord!
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” (II. Cor. 5: 7)
The above verse says we are to “walk by faith.” Where does faith come from?
In Romans 10:17 it says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through hearing the word of God.”
Faith isn’t something we “muster up” within ourselves if we close our eyes and think real hard. Faith comes when we hear the word of God! We believe that we can “take God at His word!”
So if we walk by faith we aren’t looking through our natural eyes but through our spiritual eyes. Our natural eyes can’t see (blind) what faith can see! Natural eyes can only see the problem and not the outcome or solution! Natural eyes only see the circumstances and what appears to be a “victory” by the enemy, the devil. Faith sees what the natural cannot!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
What are you hoping for and certain of that you yet cannot see? Your healing? Your deliverance? Your victory? A promise? The salvation of your loved ones?
You see faith is not just believing but acting upon what you believe! Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance comes from acting on your faith! Taking God at His word!
In Matthew 9 two blind men begged Jesus for their sight and when Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I’m able to do this?” The blind men answered, “Yes Lord.” Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
So what happens when you have faith for someone to be saved, healed, or delivered and they don’t? Does that mean you didn’t have enough faith? No, it should simply mean no matter what happens, you don’t lose faith!
The Bible says in Romans 1:17 “The righteous will live by faith.” The word also tells us in Psalm 119:105 that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Sometimes we cannot see the “big picture.” The Psalmist says your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” Sometimes we tend to think it is a spotlight for our path and a total laid out map for our future. Sometimes God only gives us a “step at a time.” But as we walk in faith trusting in His word that guides us “one step at a time” (lamp unto our feet and a light for our path) He will lead the way.
May our Lord increase our faith as we trust blindly in Him! For He and His word alone are the only source that we can fully trust to follow “blindly” after!
The word of our Lord!
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