I Must Forgive!

Lord, May I remain cognizant that forgiveness is a decision!

“El NORE”

(God that forgave - Psalm 99:8)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Read Psalm 99 & I John 1

Until we have received an in-depth comprehension of God’s love for man, we cannot even initiate a conversation on His forgiveness.   

Although we don’t usually envision it to be so, the concept of forgiveness is birthed from a seed of love.   The act of forgiveness is more beneficial for me than for my offender. Inevitably, when we increase in our knowledge of; and become engulfed with an awareness of God’s love - then the decision to forgive one another will become as natural to us as breathing.

For far too long we have been deceived into thinking that the act of forgiveness must involve forgetting as well.  Forgiveness is a decision not a feeling.  The act of forgiveness is not reliant upon the acceptance nor the initiation of the offender.  

Forgiveness is a principle that was established by God because He knew that man would sin. He also knew that (1) sin would separate man from Himself and (2) His love for man was so great that He didn’t want to be separated from him.   Hence He has given to us His most precious gift in the person of His son Jesus to atone for our sin, thus bridging the gap caused by sin. 

Therefore, whatever “traps” that I become ensnared in that will cause me to commit a sin - because of God’s unconditional love for me - the blood of Jesus has already made atonement for them. I must now learn how to receive God’s forgiveness for myself and apply it to others who may offend, misuse and abuse me.  I must also realize that to walk in unforgiveness is only a deceptive tactic which has been released from the kingdom of darkness – which permits me to establish a gap in my relationship with the Lord!

Now… contrary to popular belief…..what a blessing it is to forgive and not forget – but REMEMBER! To remember the offenses that have scarred me – yet, to have finally reached a plateau of spiritual maturity in the Lord, where I now possess the ability to decide that I will administer true forgiveness to my offenders!  HALLELUJAH!!!!

So, Lord may I daily embrace and extend to others the true forgiveness that you have extended to me….. and walk in the freedom thereof!

Faith, Faith, Faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

We have been taught through the Word of God, that Faith is obtained by not simply listening to the Word of God – but through understanding that Word that we hear.  However, what so frequently occurs is that we don’t properly understand the Word.  Then, since we don’t fully understand the Word, the enemy is able to steal the effectiveness of the Word.  (Read the explanation of the parable about the sower and the seed as recorded in Matthew 13:18-23).  Without the proper understanding – we open the doorway of our minds to the knocks of fear, doubt and unbelief. 

We are all given a measure of faith.  However, it then becomes our responsibility to move forward and upward on the “faith ladder”.  I would like to encourage you to check out the seven types of faith that I’ve listed below.  No doubt this list is not conclusive - just a simple measuring stick to get the ball rolling. 

Want to unlock the pathway that leads to more faith??? – The master key is labeled.. “HEARING”!  But not mere listening.  Repetitious listening that will enter my outer ear; begin to penetrate through and dismantle my former mindsets….. and find a resting place in the depth of my spirit.   When the Word that I hear begins to institute change …. I am on the road to producing a HEARING ear.  It is this “hearing ear” that creates the platform my faith to be increased!

********************************************************************

Seven Types of Faith

(Not Listed in any Specific Order)

1.     Natural Faith (Ex.- The type of faith that we extend to: bus drivers, our Doctors, our  

       banks,  - no one has ever questioned a bus Driver about their credentials – we just 

       by “natural faith” take a seat and ride!)

2.     Little Faith (Matthew 6:30)

3.     Mustard Seed Faith (Matthew 17:20 – small but potent)

4.     Great Faith (Matthew 8: 8 & 10)

5.     Measure of Faith (Romans 12:3)

6.     Faithless Faith (John 20:27)

7.     Visual Faith (Luke 5:20)

My Ultimate Creator

 “JEHOVAH BORE”

(The Lord Creator - Isaiah 40:28)

“Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

                                                                                                        Psalm 51:10

Read Psalm 51

Today O God may my cry unto you flow from a heart that has the capacity to receive more of your creative nature.   I acknowledge now that it is only through your Divine craftsmanship that I will be freed from every impurity.  So I ask you not to renew my heart; but to create - to take from “my nothingness” and compose a completely new heart; a throne from which I will have the ability to receive a renewed spirit.  May I no longer be enslaved to those concepts, precepts, ideologies and strongholds that are relative to my former sin nature. 

Today Jehovah Bore, may I begin to totally understand the awesomeness of who you are.   Only you could CREATE a plan that would permit the redemption of fallen man.  Only you could CREATE a plan for the justification of fallen man. Only you could CREATE a plan for the sanctification of fallen man.  Only you Jehovah Bore could CREATE a plan that reveals your ultimate love for fallen man.

So today, I submit and surrender my heart to you Jehovah Bore, for a complete cleansing; thus producing a “newly created” heart which is now composed from none of the negativity or ignorance of my past.  A brand new heart which possesses a “newness” that only you through the power and presence of Holy Spirit have the ability to CREATE…… AND IT IS SO!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!!!

"Create In Me A Clean Heart" by Donnie McClurkin

Create in me a clean heart; And purify me, purify me
Create in me a clean heart; So I may worship Thee.

Cast me not away from thy presence; Please don't take your spirit from me
And restore the joy of salvation; So that I may worship Thee.

Create in me a clean heart; And purify me, purify me
Create in me a clean heart; So I may worship Thee.

It’s The Process

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Today we in America are living in an era where spending long hours preparing and cooking food is almost to be compared with typewriters and dinosaurs!  We’ve adhered to and adjusted to the notion of reducing some of the steps; cutting a few corners; while yet expecting the end product to still remain the same. For example; if you are going to bake rolls – the dough must be made, permitted to rise; punched down; reshaped; and then permitted to rise all over again.  Then, after more preparation… placed into a hot oven where the process continues.  If just one process is eliminated; if just one ingredient is measured incorrectly; if just one condition adjusted – the end product will not produce the expected and anticipated results.  The entire process must be permitted to “run its course” – if you desire to have rolls which have the correct texture and taste.

When we read the story of Joseph’s life; (Genesis 37:3-41:4); we can realize that life is a process.  Joseph didn’t advance to be the King without enduring every stage of his process.  Far too often we are attempting to reign as a King, without the experiences of a pit.  Joseph had to endure the consequences and glean wisdom learned; in the pit, at the house of Potiphar, and in the prison; prior to his ability to reign in the palace.

Every occurrence in your life is vital!  Every circumstance is a building block that has been permitted, as a foundational pillar, from which your future will be erected.  If just one incident in your life had been altered – you would not have gleaned the experience, nor the wisdom that you now have.  Every process is of grave importance.

Always remember the concept of making rolls.  When making rolls, the dough will rise only to be punched back down again… and sometimes again. Then reshaped and set aside to rise again.

So don’t become discouraged when you have exceled….. only to find yourself knocked down and back at square one all over again…. But rather rejoice.   There are lessons to be learned on every level that will equip us for our future stability.   God has made plans for your life.  He is simply taking you through the process that will bring you to His expected end for you.  Wherever you are right now – your present conditions are only temporary.

Remember…. It’s life.   It’s vital.  It’s God ordained….. and……   It’s the process. 

God Has Called You To Greater

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20

Take a look at where you are now – physically…. God has called you to a greater place.  Now consider your vocation or your daily routine…. God has called you to a greater place.  Think about your spiritual walk…. God has definitely called you to a greater place!  Whatever you have already achieved; whatever you have already accomplished; whatever ground you have already acquired – it just doesn’t matter – God has called you to a greater place!

Therefore, we must now embrace an expectation from the Lord, which will give Him no other alternative than to catapult us to our next place in Him.  The initial step is to acknowledge that you are called to greater! Then, seek to advance yourselves in the spiritual arena.  As you embark upon enhancing your walk in the realm of the Spirit…the manifestation of your “greater” will become a reality in every other area of your life.  For far too long we have settled and become “comfortable” in our current state. 

We must realize that we are all unique – alike …. But yet different.  God hasn’t made any two people from the exact same mold.  It has been discovered that even identical twins have at least one distinguishing characteristic.  Therefore we must engulf the notion that we are called to operate in our giftings as originals, and not carbon copies of anyone else.  I cannot excel to my greater place; spiritually, economically, socially, financially or emotionally until I establish the “God appointed”; unique goals for MY life.

Begin today with the determination that your mind will achieve a “greater place” status.  Increase your mental capacity by learning at least one new fact daily.  It isn’t necessary that it is spiritual in nature (however that would probably be of the most benefit in the long run!).   Advancing to my greater status begins with a thought… which when activated… will become a reality.

One of the surest and quickest avenues to obtaining my “greater” status is to assist and to push someone else on their road to acceleration.  Seeds sow will still manifest the same.  Whatever I sow – that will I also reap (Galatians 6:7).  This is a natural as well as a spiritual law!  Luke 6:38 is still relevant! Give and “IT” shall be given to you.  Don’t judge – just give! (Matthew 7:1).  Don’t be stingy in your giving – because your return will reflect the same (II Corinthians 9:6).

Unless I can realize that I still have a “greater” within me; I will not advance to that place ….. and next year…  I will be in the same place that I am now!  Dreams are excellent and are necessary – however, the time has now arrived for our dreams to become the manifested reality of the “greater” that we all have within us!

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].”

Ephesians 3:20 AMP

Don’t Just Read… Absorb & Apply

“And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed.”  Joshua 1:8 (The Message Bible)

While studying the Word of God is vital for today's leader, meditation is essential.  Meditation is compared to a form of rumination.  There must be a "chewing" and a digestion of the word of God if we are to avail ourselves to the embedded power, wisdom and vision that the Lord desires for us.

To obtain a deeper insight into meditation, consider the digestive system of a cow. This same process is applicable to meditation.  The quality of your Christian life and the level of your spiritual maturity will largely be determined by what you think about.   We in America have a saying, "You are what you eat."  Absorption and transformation can begin only after we have masticated the word of God.  This process is initiated through meditation.

Please note, I don't have ANY reference here to transcendental meditation which involves totally clearing your mind, chanting and incantation.  Our reference is solely to spiritual meditation.  Not just any spiritual meditation, but only that of which we seek to gain ALL of our power, strength and insight from God the Father….That which has been demonstrated by Jesus, His Son… and imparted to us through the Holy Spirit …. Period!

We place far too little value on the material that we permit our minds to meditate upon.  We fail to realize that if we think on the things that we have been instructed to think upon (Philippians 4:8); then we will do what we are supposed to do.  We are a called to be living testimonies. People see what we do. Therefore if our actions are not God motivated – it’s because our minds are not meditating upon the correct information.

Leaders, the revelations that we had obtained "yesterday" are not going to equip us to effectively minister and endure the end time attacks of our adversary today. We must daily meditate on the word of God.  Not for the sake of vain glory, arrogance nor self-promotion; but for growth, wisdom and endurance.

Meditation is a vital…usually overlooked weapon, that will equip us with the end time strategies and tactics that we MUST have in our arsenal as we continue to stand undefeated against our adversary.

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”

Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

New Place – New Position

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19 (New Living Version)

The Lord has said: “My people are all in a new place and have a new position.  (You should have realized this – if you didn’t already know this; go into a period of consecration as to awaken your discernment.)

Think it not strange that you “feel” different and that the things around you appear to different. The winds have shifted and you are in a new place.  You are now in an enhanced dimension.  You are about to embark upon a new venture.  For some your physical location may be the familiar; however your mission has now been altered, elevated, enlarged and broaden.  Advance, proceed and press forward quickly and cautiously.  It is important that in this dimension you don’t become stagnate, idle or inactive.  Don’t look back. 

Stay freed from every entanglement that once held you captive …. the positive as well as the negative.  The enemy knows the important role that you are now in the position to assume.  He is going to attempt to keep you preoccupied with “being busy”…. doing and engaging in assignments that are positive but not God ordained for this season.

Embrace the change by altering whatever you can in the physical realm; this will assist your mind in forming new thought patterns.  If possible change something in your décor; the places where you shop or dine.  Be creative. It may even be as simple as changing something in your normal daily agenda….. But change something!  The shift has already occurred in the realm of the spirit; therefore it won’t be difficult to transform your physical realm.   We have the mind of Christ; therefore, change is only difficult because we have been programmed to believe so. Remember Philippians 4:13!

Don’t expect the assurance or the acceptance of others.  As long as you have my validation, said the Lord….that’s all that matters. Your mandate has already received my stamp of approval.  Continue to guard your heart.  Stand boldly and stand strong in your authority.  It is imperative that your mind stays free.  Walk in peace, walk in power, walk in my promises … and you will continue to walk in my provision as never before.”

“May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”  Romans 15:33

Be Who God Has Created You To Be!

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalms 139:14

WARRIORS!!! Remember that you are uniquely, fearfully and wonderfully hand crafted by God. Therefore you must stand boldly; embrace your uniqueness….and not unconsciously imitate others.

God has given unto you a strategic battle plan - that can only be properly implemented by you. However, if you are not comfortable in being yourself - you will not be able to effectively invade the satanic data bases and be the effective warrior that God has designed you to be. There are diabolical plans of the enemy that continue to stand firm because many of us are not standing in our own uniqueness. Far too often, we are not fulfilling our God given assignments because we have unconsciously engulfed patterns, traditions and the like which are limiting our effectiveness.  We will discover that our journey will become much easier once we learn how to walk in the footprints and leading of the Holy Spirit, instead of those of other saints!

Advancing towards maturity now demands that we stand our ground in the realm of the spirit and BOLDLY use the weapons that God has instilled within us!  Seek the face of God for the boldness to venture into the uncharted waters of your own life.  Refuse to remain the same. 

Growth demands some form of alteration.  Anything that is alive grows and experiences some type of change.  Therefore, if everything: your prayer life; your sense of discernment; your tolerance level; your love and concern for the homeless, imprisoned, etc…. if everything has remained the same day after day, month after month year after year…. I would question your growth in the realm of the spirit.  I would question whether you have tapped into your God given uniqueness.  I would question whether you are advancing towards being that threat to the kingdom of darkness that you were created to be.

Learn to be satisfied with who you are…..but not where you are!  God has carefully and wisely created you ….to be you.  Embrace who you are… and remember, No one can perfect you …..Being you….. Except you!

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”

 I Peter 2:9 & 10 (The Message Bible)

Joy Produces Strength!

Read Psalm 43 and Nehemiah 8

 “……...This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”                                                             

                                                                                                                                 Nehemiah 8:10

Today, Lord may I begin to comprehend that you ARE my joy.   May I realize that my mind must be renewed to the concept, that my ability to remain joyful (full of joy) in the midst of adversity, is one of the battles that must be won.  Consequently, Lord I will totally understand that you and you alone are the nucleus of my joy.  Everything that is necessary for my “JOY” has its basis, its focus and its core emanating from you Lord.

Therefore today I invite you, Holy Spirit to infiltrate my mind, and to release me from every thought pattern that is not God ordained ……. thus permitting me to remain joyful throughout this day.  I decree that I will not allow any circumstance that may arise today cause me to lose my focus.  May I always remain cognizant that joy is not an emotion –but a mind set.

So I thank you now, for your guidance, your direction and the provision of your “joy” - that will be required for this day.  May the joy that you bring empower me and offer to me the foundation which is vital concerning my ability to stand strong today and always.  May I not be a partaker nor the recipient of anything that will allow my mind to wander….. thus causing me to surrender my joyous state.  Because I am in control of my thoughts – I choose to focus on only what will bring: joy, peace and happiness.  May I KNOW that because I do have the JOY of the Holy Ghost – no demonic force has the power nor the authority to steal it.

May I continue to reflect on the strength and encouragement of our patriots who walked by faith as they sang:

 “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” 

How Do YOU Measure Success?

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

The word success is one of those words whose meaning is understood or established by the intent of its user.  Therefore, because everyone has pre-determined differently their own set of aims, goals and purposes – we can agree as well as disagree on what we deem to be successful.

In this era it is imperative that we re-determine who and what we use as our “plum-line” to measure success.  Our overall motives must be geared more towards the eternal than the temporal.  In other words; it’s time for us to permit our spiritual appearance to outweigh our natural appearance.  It should be of greater importance to us that we are recognized in the realm of the spirit – than in the natural.  When you arise in the morning; even prior to getting out of your bed; what impact have you made in the realm of the spirit?  What level of success did you achieve even prior to entering into your devotional time with the Lord?

To accomplish any plateau of success, one must realize that their future estate hangs upon the decisions that they permit their minds to develop and conclude.  Therefore, I must realize that if I use what the world deems as success to govern my life; I might not avail myself to gleaning the best of life.  (Romans 12:1&2).

Prayerful re-consider your goals; long term, intermediate and short term.  Never permit the enemy to convince you that you can’t accomplish whatever your dreams may include.  If you can dream it – you CAN accomplish it! (Philippians 4:13) Lastly, don’t become apprehensive about seeking the advice of those who have already accomplished something similar.  Be determined…. The first person that you ask might not be the person that the Lord has decreed to assist you…. But don’t be a quitter! History has revealed that most of the accomplished writers, inventors, musician, etc. were once told by “professionals” that they would never make it…. BUT GOD…….!!!!!

So remember: Every level of success is achieved when YOU have accomplished the intent that YOU have pre-determined. 

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Who Does My Love Cover?

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”     I Peter 4:8

I’m reminded of an illustration that I saw many years ago concerning God’s love for us – and how we are to mirror the same.  The love of God has no boundaries, limitations or restrictions.   His love is totally unconditional and transcends every sin that we could ever imagine.  He has a love for ALL of mankind and so desires for us to: first be recipients of that love…and then to share it with EVERYONE that we encounter.

Now, for the most part, we have no real issue or reserve assuming the position of the one who is the recipient.  However, we then become like the unmerciful person in Matthew 18:33 . When God extends His love to us and forgives us – we fail to permit that same virtue to permeate our spirits.  We will often become judgmental, analytical, insensitive and downright hypercritical concerning the faults and failures of others.

In the illustration that I mentioned earlier; a person was placed in the center of the circle.  This person had several cards pinned to them that bore the names of various sinful deeds and lifestyles.  Then another person had a very large quilt with only one card. This one card read, God’s Love. This quilt was large enough to completely cover the person who was sitting in the circle.  So someone took the quilt and placed it over the person who was sitting in the middle of the circle. The person seated in the circle could no longer be seen because they were  completely covered with the quilt. Was the person still in the center? Yes.  But they couldn’t be seen because God’s Love  (the quilt) had completely covered them!

So I ask you.. Who does your love cover?  Do you have the love of God that is COMPLETELY unconditional? Or…do you make excuses for the boundaries and the stipulations that you’ve placed on what “you call” God’s love?  We must boldly stand for those who have not yet had the ability to experience the love of God.   Once someone has encountered the true love of God –they will turn to Him…and “HE” will bring the deliverance.  He will give them the ability and desire to turn totally unto Him.  (Note: While we are never to make provisions for nor any acceptance of the sinful acts or lifestyles of others; we must learn how to DEMONSTRATE genuine love to all.)

Remember that God needs US…the body of Christ to SHOW.. not just talk and sing about His love.  I’m often asked about the connections that I have with certain groups of people.  My response is always – if I don’t show them God’s love….then who will? 

Let’s be more adamant in our daily walk concerning our love walk.  The world is in dire need of true love.  And…. Yes,  they are looking for love in all of the wrong places.  However, when they do come to the right place which is the house of the Lord; and when they encounter the correct people – who are the current day disciples of Christ….. Will they find the love of God … that covers?  We have what they need – but we must be willing to let go of our prideful mindsets, venture outside of the walls of our buildings, and “show some love”.

So….. Ask yourself, “Does my love cover?”  If not…..why not?

We Submit in Praise ….. He Calms

“Your God is present among you a strong Warrior there to save you.  Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs”. Zephaniah 3:17

                                                                                                                     (The Message Bible)

Although we all; who have breath in our bodies; are required to praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6); there is a type of praise that when offered, permits the presence of the Lord to enthrone us.  Psalm 22 references this type of praise. 

The Hebrew word “Tehillah” is one of the seven expressions for the word praise.  This type of praise is what we commonly refer to as singing in the Spirit.  The Tehillah praise is what I refer to as a “worshipper’s praise”. Psalm 22:3 states, “Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises (tehillah) of Israel” (NIV).  The King James Version states: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel”.

It is the Tehillah type of praise which can only be uttered when one is in a state of total: submission, humility and reverence to the Lord.  It is this type of praise that will usher in His presence.  It is this type of praise that will permit us the privilege of and the ability to, receive a personal audience with the Lord of Lord and the King of Kings.  Is it this type of praise that Zephaniah references. It is this type of praise that would be considered “inner court” praise…. And it is this type of praise that will permit us to have a disciplined ear; which will have the ability to hear the Lord’s song.

Learn to sing in the Spirit.  Learn to enter into this type of praise on a regular basis.  Let your ultimate goal be to offer unto the Lord the type of reverential praise that will impact not only your daily walk – but will make an indelible mark in the lives of others.

 
I shall confess you, Lord Jehovah, from my whole heart; in front of Kings I shall sing praise to you! (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

Your Samuel Is On The Way!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9

The Lord has instructed me to remind you that all of your praying and all of your fasting  has not been in vain.  When we consider the example which was given to us by Hannah; we can glean an insight into the diligence which is required to remain faithful until your “Samuel”  has been manifested.

The Lord has said that we must read once again the story of Hannah (I Samuel 1.)  We must remember that Hannah’s womb was closed by the Lord.   There was nothing wrong with the seed that was sown.   The seed had been sown into good ground.  The potential of the ground to produce wasn’t the problem.  God had intervened and would not permit the ground to receive and produce the seed.

God today is saying that for many of you, you have sown good seed, into good ground; however His appointed time for your manifestation had not arrived.  He has permitted you to be ridiculed, criticized, and mocked….. Even by those in the house of the Lord.  (Remember Hannah’s actions and intents were even mistaken by the man of God!)  Yet, you, like Hannah have continued to remain faithful and to endure through every test and trial. 

We must remember that as we have been awaiting the arrival of our Samuel – our level of faith has been greatly increased and our stamina intensified.  Birthed within us; as we waited, has been a powerful level of humility and strength.  This dimension from which we now operate permits us to be a synonymous to a “bull walking through a china store”… however not breaking a single dish!  The wait has so fortified our faith and our relationship with the Lord – to the extent that we have become that profitable servant; totally sold out for the Him.

No one had to remind Hannah of the vow that she had made to the Lord.  If you have not arrived at the place in your walk with the Lord that you can honor your vows made to Him without the assistance of anyone – then you are not ready for the birth of your Samuel!

However, if you have prayed like Hannah did; remained faithful like Hannah did; endured the times of disappointment, discouragement and seemingly being defeated year in and year out – like Hannah did…..then you will receive you Samuel…..just as Hannah did!

Be encouraged….. God’s appointed time IS at hand!

^“ For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”  Habakkuk 2:3

I reverence you

“JEHOVAH El ELOHIM”

(The Lord God of Gods - Joshua 22:22)

“As the deer pants for flowing streams, so my soul pants for you, O God.“                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                Psalm 42:1

Read Joshua 22 & Psalm 42

Lord, as I reverence you today - I am aware of the fact that diabolical plots, plans and schemes have been emitted from the kingdom of darkness in an attempt to lessen my allegiance to you.  In this dimension, I must therefore continue to create an immutable foundation, which possesses the necessary components, upon which I will maintain a stable platform.  It is essential therefore, if I am going to excel in the intensity of my reverence for you, then …………...

I MUST “P.A.N.T.”  -

P - Position & Pour -  (Psalm 31:5)

Position myself to be used of God; as well as to engage in the continual process of pouring out of myself before the Lord; then He will Pour back into me….and I will be equipped to Pour into others.

A - Align -  (Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 51)

Align my entire being (inclusive of my thoughts, actions and motives) to the obedience of God; thus availing me the opportunity to be the recipient of everything that God has decreed for ME.

N - Nourish - (II Timothy 2:15)

Discipline myself to the concept of “daily” nourishing my spirit man by the studying God’s Word and the APPLICATION of the same.

T - Turn - (Psalm 101:5; 2 Timothy 2:22)

Turn away from any and everything that doesn't assist in the growth, advancement, or the maintenance of my entire being.  I must never forget that every good thing is not a God ordained thing… at this time.   Remember seasons change.  Would you wear just a swimming suit to shovel snow?  Sounds crazy?  Well, we are modeling the same when we are not using the correct tools in their proper season!

Conclusion

Our reverence for the Lord must excel our love and admiration for everything and everyone else…… Lord may I NEVER lose that yearning for you that will cause me to P.A.N.T. after you.

As The Deer (Martin Nystrom)

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee

You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
So much more than anything.

I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.

Chorus

You alone are my strength my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship thee

Our Omniscient God Is Still In Control!

With the occurrence of the recent missing Malaysia aircraft comes once again the awareness, that at any given moment our lives can be unexpectedly, permanently altered.

Also immediately following such a tragedy, people will begin to focus on the Lord.  Some for comfort and answers, some in anger.  Still others in disbelief that a loving God would permit such to occur.  Records have revealed that after such tragedies the attendance in most churches will increase – for a while as people seek a “refuge”.

We who know the Lord must seize these opportunities to remind people everywhere that everything that the Lord permits to occur is motivated by His love for us.  I would encourage you to use the discussion of this tragedy to bring an awareness of the Lord to those with whom you come in contact with.

Inform people that:

1.     You may not be able to answer all of their questions; however, God is still in control; and that can be verified by the fact that we can witness His covenant of the “day & night”. In these last days, everything that can be shaken – will be. But as long as we can see the daytime followed by the nighttime; we know that God is still in control. (Genesis 8:22)

2.     God has already warned us that these times would come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

3.     God has promised to give us peace in the midst of every storm if we keep Him as our focal point. (Isaiah 26:3)

4.     Everything that the Lord permits is still motivated by His love for us. (Romans 8:37-39)

Remember – we must continually equip ourselves with the proper understanding of the Word of God.  The report of this missing aircraft is just the onset of the tragedies that will occur in the days ahead.  Don’t be caught unprepared.  Don’t permit the spirit of fear overtake you.  It doesn’t matter what you observe; maintain your focus. Refuse to permit the negative opinions of others to sway you or your knowledge of your God.  God will strategy place you in areas where you will be able to be the most effective at this time.  Seize every opportunity.  The salvation and eternal fate of someone may be dependent upon your responses!

Continue to pray for those who are immediately affected by this tragedy; because when we pray…God has promised to respond!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. II Chronicles 7:14

Nobody Greater!!!

Lord, you are supreme in power & position.

“Elhoy Marom”

(The God of heights – Micah 6:6)

As this text is researched, we can observe that the word “height” here signifies supremacy of power and position.

So Lord, may I now align and place everything under the authority of who you are.  May I never exalt the power of my thoughts or actions above what your word demonstrates and declares.

I will no longer surrender to; and I forbid, any other power to rule or to reign in my life.  My acceptance of your sovereignty and my knowledge of your omnipotence validate who you are.  I ask that those character qualities fully infiltrate my every thought.  May I renew my mind to the extent that I have reworded my vocabulary to release from my mouth, only the words that will reflect what your Word declares.

There is no other; nor has there ever been; nor will there ever be; any force; - visible or invisible, that is able to be in comparison with who you are.  Your attributes reveal that you are matchless. Therefore you are the monarch, the exalted one.  We could climb up to the highest mountain; even search the lowest valley….  And the supremacy of your power and authority would yet reveal that… There’s NOBODY GREATER THAN YOU!

May I continuous position my spirit to operate in submission only to your sovereign reign, your absolute authority and your ultimate guidance… For YOU ALONE ARE GREAT!

"You Are God Alone" (Marvin Sapp)
There's no question of Your greatness, no searching of Your power.
All the wonder of Your glory, to You forty years is but one hour.
Your knowledge is all encompassing, to Your wisdom there is no end;
For You alone are God, You are God alone.

Your mercy is everlasting; Your truth is here always.
You are He who was and is, and is to come.
Who is He that can number you day, You've flung the sun to burn in space,
And the night's moon powers light from day; You are God alone.

Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible,
The only wise God, the only wise God;
You alone are God, For You are God alone.

Be all glory and honor, dominion, and power - forever and ever, amen.

For You alone are God, You are God alone!

….. And you will never THIRST again!

“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again” John 4:14a

In recent years, the spirit of man has increasingly become aware of the fact that there is a lack in a vital area.   We have become conscious of the reality that we have within us an area that seems to have an unquenchable thirst.   We have a constant longing for fulfillment.    As always, the spirit of pride has persuaded us to think that we have the perfect answer! 

So, as the end of time as we know it draws nigh, and our spirits (saved or unsaved) sense a global spiritual lack of the presence of God.  Our spirits can even detect the abnormal occurrences that nature is revealing.  We can “feel” that we need something – which is fantastic!  However our solution is inadequate.  Man has attempted to satisfy a spiritual necessity with a physical device.

We have chosen the correct element – but in the wrong form!

Wherever we go (at least here in America), what do we see in the possession of most people –  even during the winter season?  The rich, the poor; the young, the old; blue collar, white collar – EVERYONE seems to feel the need to have one of these in their possession – wherever they go.  What is it?  It’s their bottle of water!  Many people will not leave home without it!

Have you ever questioned where this notion of an inseparable water bottle has surfaced?  Now.. of course we are aware of our body’s natural requirement for water – especially during times of exertion. However, we must wonder if this obsession with the constant need of physical water is an attempt to satisfy in the natural what can only be fulfilled in the realm of the spirit.   Is this a strategic ploy from the enemy to divert our attention from the real issue?   Or do we so lack the ability to discipline our flesh that we must revert to the scenario of a toddler and their “sippee cup”?  Whatever the answer, we can all (well… some of us) remember the days when people so respected the Lord that they would never bring anything to eat or to drink into the worship service.  People would rarely even give the babies a bottle during a service. Why? Because everyone was taught to respect the presence of the Lord…..and not to focus on themselves but on the Lord.  However, now… we aren’t as disciplined – the church and the government have strayed from “the ancient landmark” (Proverbs 22:28).  As a result, now we - our entire nation - have undeveloped, underdeveloped, undisciplined spirits – that have a longing and a thirst…… that we are attempting to satisfy with physical water.

To wrap this up (because there is a lot more that could be added concerning the physical vs. the spiritual water) – I’ll say this, when we begin to appease our spirit man with that spiritual water, then and only then will we be totally satisfied and gratified.  Above all, God will be glorified, His Spirit magnified and His presence multiplied in our lives.

Encourage, Enlighten, Empowered

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus….” Philippians 2:5a

During my prayer time this morning, I heard these three words: encourage, enlighten and empowered.   The Lord has said that in this season; if we can embrace the essence of these words…..  permitting their meanings to become as one anchor… we will obtain the ability to stand firmly in any situation.

First, I must learn how to truly encourage myself….as David did (I Samuel 30:6). Because of the rapidity of events in the realm of the spirit and in the natural; unless we establish a pattern of daily renewing our minds with the Word of God; depression, oppression and the like will attempt to take residence within our minds.  However we must not allow our attentions to wander, nor our allegiance to the Lord to become altered.  We must maintain an attitude of gratefulness.  Remember to speak over yourself and encourage yourself …..REGARDLESS!

Next, we must daily seek to educate ourselves concerning some subject. Enlarge your territory! (I Chronicles 4:9 & 10).   Never let a day end without having learning something new.  Be determined that you will learn at least one new thing every day.  When we don’t actively use our minds, because of the inactivity of certain brain cells; we have opened to door to various psychological disorders.  To become enlightened concerning any subject on a daily basis only requires one key element…. Discipline!  

Lastly, I must remember that I have already been empowered to accomplish EVERY task that I may encounter.   I will triumph in every situation!  (II Corinthians 2:14). God has given to me the power and the authority to successfully triumph in every situation.  However… when I am uncertain concerning this; I will permit the enemy to make me think that he has the upper hand.  We have the power…we have already been empowered.  Therefore, we must stand in the midst of any and every situation……commanding it to come into an alignment with what the Lord has said.  Our dilemma isn’t a lack of power.  However it could very well be: fear; a lack of wisdom; or a lack of correct information.

Therefore, it I encourage myself; become more enlighten; and walk in the empowered state that the Lord has already given unto me…..I can’t be defeated!  When my mind has truly been renewed to this position…… and I used these words as my foundation…… then I have become that feared individual that the enemy’s camp so dreads!!!

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Proverbs 4:7 (ESV)

Your Axe-head Will Float Again (part 2)

(Read: II Kings 6:1-7)

In yesterday’s devotion our focus was drawn to the servant.  Today we will begin to discuss the stick in this story.

Briefly, here are a few facts:

·       The stick that was used was a freshly cut branch.  Elisha, didn’t use the helve after the hatchet had been lost.  He dispatched something new to retrieve something old. 

·       He released a lesser vessel (the wood) – to expose the heavier (the iron axhead).

·       The stick is symbolic of the cross.

What is our application for today?

·       God is using new strategies to bring restoration to old situations.  The axehead was symbolic of hard work.  Today, God’s new strategy is to get us to realize that HE has already done the hard work – physically.  Our focus must now be directed more to the realm of the spirit than to that of the natural.  We are no longer accountable to the law – which gave us rules and regulations that were accomplished through “working”.   We are now governed by the grace of God – which requires us to appropriate faith.   (Yes, faith w/o works is dead – but we don’t work to gain faith.  We work as a corresponding action “TO” our faith….. Another lesson!) 

·       In this season God is using those people and ministries that appear to be of a weaker and less notable reputation to have an authentic impact in the realm of the spirit.  He is using those who have the ability to be thrush into situations; and to bring exposure, closure and restoration to that situation.  He is using those who are pure in heart, actions and devotion to Him.  It therefore doesn’t matter how weak or limited one may appear to be….. Purity = Power. 

·       The stick represents wood.. which represents the cross.  The cross settles everything.  Whatever the issue, dilemma, adverse situation or problem.  It was settled at the cross.  It doesn’t matter.  The blood which was shed on the cross – settles EVERYTHING!  The blood of Christ was shed from at least 7 different places on His body.  Therefore wherever we throw our stick ….(wherever we apply the cross); restoration will occur.

(to be continued)

Just as God was able to use Elisha to move strategically in that emergency situation; He wants to have the ability to use you – immediately in any given situation.  However you must have made the proper preparations prior to the onset of an emergency situation.

Are you ready to be used as an “Elisha” ?   If so…. Expect God to use YOU in seemingly impossible situations!

(Not ready to be used?  Then stop the procrastination and begin TODAY the daily process of mind renewal.)

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Your Axe-head Will Float Again

(Read: II Kings 6:1-7)

This story as recorded in II Kings has always been among one of my favorites.  Today we will not even be able to “scratch the surface” to reveal all that can be gleaned from the examples and principles provided in this story.  However, we’ll probably come back to it at a later date.

The focus for this meditation is the servant.  He was: working, in the right place, doing what he was instructed to do, using the proper tool and appearing to be accomplishing the task that was required of him.  However, all of a sudden – he was faced with a dilemma.  The very tool that he was using for advancement – which wasn’t even his, (he had borrowed it) – had vanished into the river – never to return again…. So he thought.

When you are faced with a dilemma – who is your first line of defense?  Many times we turn to a spouse, friend, colleague or family member.  Our servant in this story cried to his master.  He cried to someone who had the wisdom, faith and the solution to recover for him what he had lost.

So, just remember that your situation isn’t hopeless – no matter how it may appear to you.  The axehead in this story can represent any weapon that’s necessary for me to be effective against the kingdom of darkness.  Or any weapon used to bring down, cut down or cut up something.  The servant had temporarily lost sight of his weapon.  However with the proper guidance, and instruction, he was able to see the return of his valuable tool.

It is only when we are in the proper place; receive the proper supervision; are anchored by the proper support and obey the instructions which are given to us -that we will be able to cause our axhead to float again.

The servant had to do something. Faith without corresponding actions – is dead. So go now and recover your axehead – but don’t do it your way (leaning to your own understanding!).  You must listen to the voice of wisdom….which may be delivered by someone who can provide you with the careful and watchful guidance…. which is relevant to you for your recovery.  

  “Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes,…….” Matthew 23:34 (ESV)