The Hit List

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”.    Ephesians 6:16

As I was glancing through this month’s edition of Ebony Magazine, there was a page entitled “Hit List”.  To summarize, this page included items that were considered “must haves” for the season.

Well, as usual – I began to relate that concept to the realm of the spirit.  I wondered, “What would be considered the “must haves” to be on the “Hit List” of our adversary”?  So below I’ve listed the top five requirements that I feel are compulsory.

1. The acceptance of Christ as your Saviour. 

One of the reasons that the enemy is able to gain an upper hand is that we fail to realize when the warfare begins.  As soon as we make an outward declaration to take a stand for Christ - immediately we are thrust into an intense battle ground.  We have made the decision to leave the family of darkness and become a member of the body of Christ.  This alone initially qualifies one to become an open target and earn a place on satan’s list…. On “The Hit List”.

        2. Developing and spending time in the presence of the Lord.

This is the place where we gain our genuine strength, wisdom and discernment.  We can receive encouragement from others.  However there is nothing, nothing that can replace what one can receive from developing a relationship with the Lord.  The enemy is fully aware of this.  That’s the reason that he makes it so difficult for one to spend time alone in the presence of the Lord.  The determination to build such a relationship definitely make one as a prime candidate for “The Hit List”.

       3. Living a lifestyle that is in obedience to the word of Lord.

This transcends the mere presence that is exhibited in church or in the company of those who know us as being “saved”.  What happens when others can’t see us?  Are we living one type of lifestyle during the week and another on the weekends?  And what about our integrity??? When we’ve committed ourselves to allowing our lives to be an open book for all to see (by fasting, praying, paying tithes, reading our Word, maintaining that temper, not gossiping, etc.); and that open book reflects holiness…. We’re on “The Hit List”.

      4.  Actively being a Soul winner.

This statement really needs no clarification.  If you are seeking and seizing every opportunity to be a witness for the Lord, and showing the unsaved their road to freedom; you already know – you are on “The Hit List”.

     5. Be a channel for the Holy Spirit and putty in His Hands.

Lord, what will you have me to do?  This is the question we’ve asked in all sincerity. However, when we wholehearted avail ourselves to such; advance from the plateau of focusing on ourselves; and permit God to totally use us –then the enemy really “throws a fit”.   Our commitment (not our promise!) to use ALL of who we are for the Lord – definitely earns you a number one position on “The Hit List”.

There are many others that could be added.   I would like to encourage you to tailor the list as necessary and discover why you are on “The Hit List”.   (If you’re not….get to steppin!!!)

Are You Still Committed?

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck

I recently heard about a young man who has implanted a small magnet into his finger.  He states that this implant gives him the ability to feel electrical currents that are undetectable to the naked eye but ever present. He attributes his ability to obtain superior knowledge to the energy which is produced from this implanted magnet.

Of course, my mind immediately began to compare his implant with the “implant” that we who are believers in Christ have.  The more I heard about the details and effects of those magnetic implants that many people are getting – the more I began to relate them to OUR Spiritual “implant”.

Since you, as a believer,  have the Holy Spirit living and abiding – implanted within you – what is His power within you attracting?  Think about it for a minute.  Unlike the magnet’s power which is uncontrollable – we are in complete control of our implant’s ability to effectively function. 

Are you permitting the power of the Holy Ghost to attract to you those who could really benefit from your experiences and your love for Him?  Are you attracting those who can assist you and increase you in some fashion; instead of decreasing or attempting to diminish who you are?  Also, have you attracted the attention of the enemy?  Does he regret and stand in wonder of what you are permitting the power of the Holy Ghost in you to do against his kingdom?

The question is not if, but what.  We are all attracting something.  However, we must make certain that we are allowing our responses to these attractions, to be governed and directed by the Word of God.

Colossians 3:16a tells us to let the word of God dwell richly within us.  When we apply this notion we will be certain that we are attracting only what will be beneficial to the kingdom of God….as well as to bring destruction to every diabolical plot, plan and scheme!

No doubt most of you have completed various tasks during your lifetime.  I would just like to remind you that life still ye holds more for you – without regards to your: age, educational achievements, or your current economic status.

I can remember that in preparation for one of my graduation ceremonies, we had to learn a song entitled, “We’ve Only Just Begun”.  Although I don’t remember the song in its entirety, I can recall the phrases: so many roads to choose; watching the signs along the way and we start out walking but learn to run.

Philippians 1:6 states “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV).  Therefore, whatever dream, ideas, projects and the like that God has given to you; (yes, God gave you the thought…you just didn’t conjure in up in your mind!) He will make available the proper conditions for them to be manifested.  

So many times, we have said that we are waiting on God….but that’s just an excuse whose expiration date is past!  Begin TODAY by dusting off that area of your mind that is holding the padlock to every “good work” that has been initiated.  Don’t be concerned about what you are lacking.   Our Jehovah Jireh will provide!

There will always be “so many roads to choose” – but pick one and abide therein.  There will be “signs along our way” – stay alert in the realm of the Spirit, He Will always give you the proper signs and direct your path.  “We start out walking and learn to run” – yes and now is that time when we need to pick up our pace and swiftly be about our Father’s business.

It doesn’t matter how many accomplishments you’ve already achieved – still – You’ve Only Just Begun!!!!

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Romans 13:12

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”           Acts 16:25 & 26

I’m one who doesn’t believe that there are coincidences in the occurrences of life.  I believe that every single thing has a purpose and a reason for transpiring.    I also know that everything - every detail; that is recorded in the Bible has relevance and is significant. 

Therefore, whenever I’ve read this story about Paul and Silas, I’ve noticed how very descriptive it is.  Now, Paul and Silas were praying and singing – but why was it necessary to record the actions of the other prisoners?  Could it be that we were supposed to be made aware of the great impact that their praise and worship experience  had on others? 

So the sake of time…let’s fast forward.  What about YOUR praise?  What impact does it have on those who are bound?  Does your praise radiate to the extent that it will cause an effect, which will promote a ground moving, door opening, shaking chain release in the realm of the spirit?  

Effectiveness in the realm of the spirit, is not determined by the intensity or the loudness of a sound. The sound must authoritatively be released from someone who does not feel threaten by the actions or motives of those who are opposing them.  

Paul and Silas, although locked in prison – were free men!  It is only when we obtain the ability to remain focused – regardless  to where we are, and who we are around; and when we can yet take a stand in the midst of it all….  that our praise will have such potency.

As a result of their praying and singing – the very earth itself could not be contained!  However we must also remember that they didn’t wait until they were in prison and THEN begin to develop a relationship with the Lord.   

So back to our original question, “What about YOUR praise?”.   In terms of effectiveness….  Is it powerful or pitiful?   In terms of sincerity…Is it heartfelt or hollow? 

Anyone can praise God, however not everyone can render an “effective praise”.  You are not called to be ordinary.   God has called, appointed and anointed you to be one or the ones whose praise WILL loosen the demonic entanglements of others.  

I would like to encourage you to re-read this story about Paul and Silas AGAIN!– this time with your focus on the details and how they can effective impact you to the extent that you will be determine to take your praise to the next level.

^“ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”                                                              II Corinthians 1:3&4

When we usually refer to scars, our minds tend to envision some type of mark on the surface of our skin which has resulted from an injury.  Scars can also occur as the result of: surgical procedures, burns, acne and from some diseases (like chickenpox).  Whatever initiated the problem, the fact still remains that there was an abnormal break in or trauma to the skin, which then healed, and now a scar has formed.

We all bear scars.  However, some of the scars that we have “earned” can’t be seen.   There are those which have resulted from injuries which have occurred to and affected our hearts and our minds.  Invisible scars.  When we have scars on our skin, we can see them and then we can understand, why we react the way that we do to certain stimuli or in certain situations.  However, when we have invisible scars; in many instances, we aren’t even aware of the fact that they exist.  Scars are constant reminders of yesterday.   Yet, if I can’t “see” the scar, (and I don’t know how to spiritually discern and analyze) I may not understand my reactions in certain situations.

No one can bear a scar from an incident that has not yet transpired. Therefore, my scars are those connectors to my past, which reveal areas where the skin was once sensitive and pain once occurred.  Some scars are permanent.  Yet, when the skin under the scar has healed – there is no more pain in that area.  Although the scar may remain – the pain is gone.

So it must be with our invisible scars.  Many incidents may have left permanent scars on our minds and in our hearts.  However, we must allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing to our total being – body, mind and spirit.  We can no longer allow our past hurts, failures, disappoints, etc. to remain “open sores” in our lives.  We may not have any control over the healing process that occurs in and on our skin.  However, we do have the ability to advance or delay the healing process of our inner being.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas where your invisible scars haven’t completely healed and remain to be like an “oozing wound”.  

Invisible scars, once healed can and should be used as victory banners to wave to others – proclaiming the faithfulness of the Lord.  They will also be reminders to us of God’s power to bring healing to those areas which at one time only yielded total despair and devastation.  Scars may remain – but the pain MUST subside….and vanish!

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.”  II Corinthians 1:3-5 (The Message Bible)

  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed , but not in despair ;  Persecuted , but not forsaken ; cast down , but not destroyed ;  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.                      II Corinthians 4: 8-10

As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, 9 but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. 10 What they did to Jesus, they do to us - trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us - he lives! 

                                                                                      II Corinthians 4:8-10 (The Message Bible)

Life has a way of introducing “interruptions” which usually are unexpected and have a tendency to throw us off course for a second.  The Lord wants to remind us that whatever causes a break in our daily flow should only present a momentary pause.  We must reach beyond that break …and keep it moving!  Delays are many times unavoidable.  However, a delay must only be present a “comma” in our lives – and not a “period”.  Reach beyond every break and keep it moving.

Below I’ve added another prayer.  Be blessed and always remember never stop, never quit,  never give up or give in – reach beyond that break…..and KEEP IT MOVING!!!

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Power To Press Beyond

(©2003)

Father in Jesus’ name, I thank you for the innate force within me that prompts me to seek a deeper revelation of you.

For my only desire in pressing beyond this realm is to obtain a greater insight of you and your solemnness; thus enabling me to not walk on the surface, but to have available to me those hidden, partially revealed spiritual treasures that are vital at this time.  These jewels are required for me to excel and will afford me the opportunity to properly lead others.

Lord God, I thank you that I have learned to persevere and to press beyond the obstacles, the road blocks and the detour signs - the hidden snares designed to delay your divine will for my life.  Thank you for the courage to press; - that courage which is required to recognize and discern; to subdue and call to nought every demonic and satanic force sent to oppose me on every level.  I now know how to press through and not request that you to remove from me difficult situations.  For I recognize that all of these have been foreordained for my advancement.

Since you have told me that the best is in the press, I will press into you at any cost.   I will press beyond the feelings of defeat, frustration, adversity and opposition. I will press beyond the spirits of despair, dejection and rejection.  I have learned that I must press beyond any of the feelings in my flesh, and rely only what my spirit discerns for you. Then and then only will I maintain this realization that in my press, YOU will never deny me.  So forgetting those things which are behind, I press.

Growing and still maturing in the process, I press.

Awaiting your divine intervention……..

I press, I press, I PRESS!!!

What’s That Smell?

“Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”   James 3:12

Whenever someone enters a room where there is a concentration of a certain type of smoke – it will be very evident to everyone else that they have spent some time there.  For example, you may enter a place where there is cigarette smoke.  Even though you may not have smoked – just because you were in that environment, the smell of the cigarette will infiltrate your clothing.  Or, if you are in a room where there is food cooking or incense burning – the effect will be the same.

Wherever there is a fire burning, and that fire comes in contact with another substance, there will be a release from the object which is being burned.  This released vapor – smoke – is the evidence that something was or is burning.  The more intense the fire, the greater the lingering smell of the smoke. 

That brings us to our questions for today, “What do you smell like”?   “What is really burning on the inside of you”?  Is the time that you spend in the presence of the Lord potent enough to have a lingering, lasting, and even a transforming effect?  Whatever is on the inside – will when it is ignited, will begin to burn and emit a scent. 

Whatever is burning on the inside of you, will become evident when your flame is ignited!  For example, what happens when you are waiting in a long line at the market, bank or the mall (For those who don’t use cyberspace for everything?) – or when another driver is driving too slowly in front of you – and you are late!  How about when you are given too much change or the waitress get your order incorrect – again!  What type of fragrance does your smoke produce at these times?

Let’s be more determined to make certain that we, on a regular basis keep the fire of the Holy Ghost burning within us.  It is only when we allow His fire to come in contact with us, and to burn within us, that our “smoke” will have the fragrance of the fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit – and be demonstrated fully in the gifts of the Spirit.

“……….. but be filled with the Spirit;” Ephesians 5:18

“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.. “UNDERSTAND”!

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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)

 God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?                                       Numbers 23:19 (AMP)

Today the Lord is simply saying that when we say “Amen”, we are voluntarily confirming that we will stand firmly:

Anchored on what we know and never deviate from our principles – although our methodologies, and strategies may need to be amended from time to time – our principles must remain unchanged.

Motivated by Whose we are– and daily affirming the same. Saying –I am the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom. (Colossians 1:13); I am redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death. (1 Peter 1:18-19, Galatians 3:13), etc. 

 Equipped mentally, to use every available weapon that is at our disposal. (II Corinthians 10:4&5)

Never succumbing, submitting, or yielding to the spirits of defeat; discouragement and the like – which are ever present. (II Corinthians 4:8)

Yes, because God has already spoken --- now, let the church say AMEN!

I Can’t Fail

“And this is the confidence that we have in him that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”                          I John 5:14 & 15

Walk today as if you have already received everything that the Lord has promised! Wealthy and riches are in your hand.  God has already placed within your hand the valuable keys which will give you access to every resource needed. However, you must use every available avenue – wisdom, people and opportunities – use them all. 

God has already given heard your request, appositionally established you, and strategically aligned every detail concerning the manifestation of your recovery.  

Reread the recorded accounts of Joseph’s life (Genesis 37-45) and compare them to your life.  He went from the pasture to the pit, to the prison and then to the palace. Also, ask God to reveal to you your three key people….Your butler (the person who will open the doors for you); your Pharaoh (the person who will give you access to unlimited resources); and your baker (the person who will pull everything together).

Trust God! He can’t fail you – REARDLESS!! Whatever you would do if you were assured that you would succeed …DO IT!  He IS able to do exceeding and abundantly more than you could ever ask or think.

The ball is in your court… the bat is in your hand.  You have thought that you were waiting for God …..but in all actuality - He is waiting for You!

“And Let Us Not Be Weary….

We Will Reap –If We Don’t Quit”

^“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”         Galatians 6:9       (The Message Bible)

Be encouraged!  The journey may have been long and the nights sleepless.  However, just remember that God will always prove Himself to be faithful.  Whatever He has promised … it SHALL, and it MUST come to pass (Numbers 23:19).

 Endurance is the key at this stage of the game.   Change = Endurance.  The more drastic the change, the more intense will be the level of endurance.  When we begin to think about that word endurance– we will immediately relate it to some sort of battle, struggle or adverse condition.  If there are no opposing forces, or conflicting circumstances then there would not be anything to press through – there would be no reason to “endure”. 

When we look at a bowl of fruit, it may very well be balanced and neatly arranged.  However, at that state, the fruit which is just sitting in a bowl, is not serviceable. It is not fulfilling its purpose.  Even though it has endured and weathered various stages to arrive at its present state, it still hasn’t reaped the benefit for which it was created.   Now, if the fruit is going to be consumed, it must still undergo even more changes.  It must be transformed so that it will obtain the ability to be totally useful and beneficial. 

We, like the fruit which is sitting in a bowl, must endure and not become: fatigued, worn-out, drained….weary.  Sometimes we become weary because we have focused only on our spiritual man and haven’t amended our physical lifestyles.  Remember….There is no substitute for maintaining healthy eating habits, and getting the proper amount of rest and relaxation. 

Change = Endurance…..and Endurance also = Change!  It IS our due season…. However we will only reap our harvest if we continue to endure every facet of change as a good soldier

(2 Timothy 2:3), and be determined to EMBRACE every stage change and not give up nor become weary.

“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. 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 we will be totally satisfied and gratified.  However, above all, God will be glorified, His Spirit edified and His presence modified in our lives.

….They are Only A Weight

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.”  Hebrews 12:1 (The Message Bible)

Today the Lord has said that we are running this race…..and we are running well….however we are still carrying too much baggage.  God has said that we are still attempting to drag and pull everyone with us to our next place in Him.  Some – NO…. most of the people with whom you communicate on a daily basis are not ready to go with you.  They haven’t made the proper preparations in the realm of the spirit.

Everyone will not, has not and cannot receive nor apply the mantle that the Lord has given unto you. They are just not ready to go where you are going.  The pace will be too rapid; the journey too long; the mission too intense and the level of strategic maneuvers too in-depth.  Therefore, even without your knowledge, they have become the hindrance – the weight, which is preventing you from running with the speed and endurance that you know you possess.

The Lord has also said: “In this new dimension, we must stay free, move quickly, cautiously, and quietly.  Don’t disclose the information that I give to you to everyone.  Only reveal what I tell you to reveal – to whom I direct you.  View everything, everything through the eyes of your spirit.  Listen through the ears of your spirit.  Sensitize and synchronize your spirit to the emotions of my Spirit – not your mind.  Rest in me to the point that nothing “catches” you in a state of being “unaware”.  Fear no man nor his position.  Go where I send you.  They are already waiting and expecting your arrival.”

The Lord has also said that I am not to further explain or add anything else.  Those who are to receive more – will get it directly from Him!

“……. eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].”  

                                I Corinthians 2:9 (Amplified Version)

Have you ever searched franticly for something only to discover that is was in the first place that you looked?   Much to your dismay and frustration - the item had been in the place where you had left it – just sitting there waiting to be discovered.  Or maybe in your search to find something, you may have even covered it up while searching for it, making it even more undiscoverable.  Then, when you finally stopped, and settled down – you found with ease all that was previously not seen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

So in the natural, so in the realm of the spirit.  God has, before the foundation of the world, placed on the inside of you everything that is needed for you to excel in this world.  As he told the prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb of your mother I know you, and set you apart to be a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

 Are you looking for something which God has already placed on the inside of you?  God has given to us the potential and the ability to excel in every area of life.  We have at our disposal access to the governing forces of this world!  We have at our disposal the ability to voice a command and to bring into alignment everything that is out of order.  God has given to us the advantage of being an heir and a joint heir with His Son! (Romans 8:16-18)  Have you really ever grasped the essence and significance of that statement?  That means that whatever Christ did – I have the permission to do likewise. I even get to further advance and operate with a greater magnitude than He! (John 14:12)

 However, many times, because we haven’t fully understood this perception – we go through life functioning and operating from a position of inferiority instead of superiority!  We aren’t aware of whom we are …. more less whose we really are.  And what’s even worst, we have no clue of the potential within us that’s lying dormant.  Your physical characteristics and achievements (nor the lack of them!) don’t alter the fact that you still have lying within you untapped potential.  

It has been often stated that the cemetery is the richest place that there is. Why? Because millions of people die and take with them multitudes of untapped potential.  For whatever reason, they never made a deposit from their inward bank of that untapped potential. 

Whenever we become aware of something – it then becomes our responsibility and we will be held accountable for our actions thereafter. 

Remember – roots run deep.  Whatever we see is only the plant that the roots have produced.  Therefore, whatever you can see of yourself, is only a representation of what is on the inside of you.  God has made you and He is the only one who truly knows your potential.  Ask Him to reveal to you your areas of untapped potential.  Then seek Him for the wisdom to gain access to, and to activate those areas.  Time is running out – but you still have time to get the ball rolling!

Be determined that you won’t allow the enemy to use his strategic maneuver (untapped potential) any longer to in your life.  Be bold and very courageous! (Joshua 1:9)

The best is truly yet to come… and YOU play a vital role!

Read - Deuteronomy 28:1-14

As the Lord begins to restore you to your wealthy place it is imperative that you have already made the proper preparations to maintain the same.  Planning, discipline and an open ear are a few of the essential tools that must be implemented.

(As a reminder, wealth is not limited to monetary increase or the gain of possessions in the physical realm.  We’ll discuss the subject of wealth at a late time.)

Begin now to write and develop an enhanced, strategic plan.  This plan must incorporate the well-defined vision that the Lord has given to you concerning your destiny.   Your plans must satisfy the required steps which are needed for you to obtain your God given goals.  Most of the people who are sudden advanced to a higher plateau don’t maintain that status mainly because they didn’t have a written plan that they could use as their guide.  (Refer to Habakkuk 2:2a)

Although some people have very well organized plans – they lack the discipline and the tenacity to adhere to their plans.  In order to change my disciplinary actions, I must change my approach – my mind must be renewed. (Refer to Romans 12:2)  Discipline requires renewal.  Most of us lack the discipline to adhere to those tasks that go “against the grain”.  However, we must also realize that most of us would have been in a different arena of life had we applied just a little more discipline in the areas that are more significant. 

Lastly we must fine tune our ability to hear the voice of the Lord. (Refer to John 10:27) Our ear must be open only to His guidance and direction.  Break that mold that causes you to think that our God is limited in His access to you.  When you know His voice, you will be able to recognize it without regards as to where it is being projected.   When you know His voice, you will have a receptive spirit to the obedience of His voice.  When you know His voice, you will have an open ear to His voice.  When you have an open ear to His voice, He will be able to lead you to the make the proper investments – those which WILL bring a profitable gain.

Yes… God has promised to return the years that: the locust, the canker worm, the caterpillar and the palmerworm have stolen (Refer to Joel 2:25).  However, as the return is given to you – it now becomes your responsibility to be a good steward, apply the proper strategies and maintain your position as; the head and not the tail …  and above ALWAYS and never, ever beneath!

Read: Proverbs 3

In corporate America many have the desire; expressed or unexpressed; to become the Chief Executive Officer of a particular establishment.  They think that they could maintain the degree of assertiveness, and stability which accompany that title.   Some also like the prestige that they feel accompany such a title.  

In the business arena, a company can’t function properly under the direction and leadership of an ill-advised, immature and inadequately prepared C.E.O.  The fate of such a business is never one that will yield a positive return.  It doesn’t matter how weighty the potential of its employees; their ability to excel or to benefit greatly, will be significantly diminished because of the incompetence of the C.E.O.

The same holds true in the realm of the spirit.   Far too often we are wondering why we haven’t reached certain plateaus in life.  We wonder why things appear to be “sailing high” for a while – and then they seem to plunge or take a spiral twist downward. 

Could the possible reason be that you are still attempting to govern your life from the position of the C.E.O.?  Are you still inadvertently calling the shots and establishing the rules?  Have you decided that the rules that have been tried and proven; established centuries ago; and really required for your success are just too rigid?

Let’s take a quick inventory.  In the area of showing compassion; is it shown to everyone, or do you pick and choose to whom you will display acts of kindness (according to Ephesians 4:32)?  What about studying and memorizing the Word of God (according to Ps. 119:11)?  Are you still memorizing your sword on a regular basis – or do you think that’s just for those new converts?  What about in monetary giving – above that menial 10% that is required as a tithe (according to Malachi 3:10)?  How about the visitation of those who are; incarcerated, homebound, in nursing homes, juvenile detention centers etc.?  What about in the area of assisting the widows, orphans, single parents, and the elderly? (according to Matthew 25:31-46)

The above listing is very abbreviated.   However when the Lord is in control; when He is the true C.E.O. of our lives; He will make certain that our lives are being lived according to the ground rules that He has given to us.  Many times a particular task may seem too difficult.  Many times we will eagerly say that we weren’t “called” to function in a specific area.  However, we are all called to relinquish the position as the head of our lives.  When God is truly the C.E.O. of our lives He will lead and guide our every step.  Although our walk will experience “seasonal” time frames – each season will occur under the careful and productive hand of the Lord – when He is the C.E.O.

So don’t hastily say that the Lord is in control of your life.  I feel as though we all have an area (or maybe areas!) where we haven’t totally and graciously surrendered the reins.  Ask Him to reveal them to you.  Then ask Him for the wisdom and direction needed to totally place Him in control. 

Yes it’s a new day in the realm of the spirit.  So embrace the “newness” by allowing a shifting of the guards.   Permit a new C.E.O. to come on board…..and when He comes, permit Him to replace EVERYTHING that is not in accord with what He deems correct.

(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 represents: 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 axehead 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 someone who can provide you with the careful and watchful guidance that is relevant to you for your recovery.  

On your mark……Get set……WAIT!

The waiting game!  For many of us, life seems to have given us a first class seat in this section of time called “waiting”.  We seem to always think that we are ready to advance to our next place.  We seem to think that we are focused and in the correct lane….we are disciplined and in the correct position ….yet we still haven’t heard the correct sound that signals us to move forward……so we WAIT.

Waiting is a word that’s familiar to everyone – across the board.  From the youngest infant to the oldest adult: the rich, the wealthy, the poor, the educated and unlearned – everyone has had their dealings with this thing called waiting. 

Although we don’t always view it as so, when we are waiting, we are actually saying, “I haven’t given up….. I’m still anticipating that something is going to happen”.

So as we wait in the physical realm, in the realm of the spirit we must remain:

W - Watchful.  Maintain your attentiveness; stay on the lookout.  Don’t fall asleep! (I Peter 5:8)

A -  Active.  Mark time if you must – but do something! Don’t permit your spirit to become lazy.

                       (Proverbs 6:6)

I  -   Ideological.  Never allow your creative abilities to cease.  There are still new inventions to

                            be discovered!  Just because you are waiting in one area doesn’t mean that you   

                            can’t progress in other areas.  (I Corinthians 2:9)

T – Truthful .  Uphold your level of integrity in word and in deed.  Don’t begin to lower your

                        standards nor your expectations.   (II Corinthians 8:21)

So, against popular belief… the waiting game does have its positive aspects.  However, it’s our decisions and our expectations (or the lack of them!) that permit us to make lemonade from the lemons, rather than drink its juice and complain about its tartness!