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A Predetermined Course
Destiny Part 6, Step 7
The simple definition of destiny is, “a predetermined course of events.”
My series on destiny will end. My prayer is that something was said that brought understanding to the concept of destiny. I believe that everyone has one, no matter if you believe it or not.
Really it all boils down to character. Everything, thoughts, words, decisions, actions, habits, and character all play a part in accomplishing our destiny.
Let me summarize a few points and then finish with some scriptures, and a story from the Bible.
Eventually your character will lead you to your destiny. There are no shortcuts to success, no easy roads to get there.
Everybody wants to have their destiny fulfilled, but not everyone wants to walk through the entire process. But that is what is required.
Realizing your destiny requires deliberate thought and action. You have to continually watch your thoughts because whatever you obsess about is what you’ll bring about. You must follow the appropriate path and organize adequately. Everything you think, say, and do must be in agreement with your destiny. If it isn’t, you won’t end up in the place you want to go.
Does God work in a predetermined course of action. The Bible most often speaks of purpose which is basically the same as destiny.
Job 42:2
I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Isaiah 5:19
Who say, “Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near And come to pass, that we may know it!”
Luke 4:43
But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”
I want to share a very familiar Biblical story that really defines destiny.
Joseph was highly favored by his father Jacob. He was the son of Jacob’s old age. His name means, Jehovah has added. Joseph had two dreams, and I will read the second one.
Genesis 37:9-11
9 Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
10 He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?”
11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
What Joseph dreamed would be a result of him fulfilling his destiny. He had no idea what destiny was at that time.
There is nothing in his story that indicates that he ever knew what his destiny would be.
He reached his destiny because he was willing to go through the process. His character remained faithful to God.
#inHisname #hopelives
What’s In Your Center?
What’s In Your Center?
The love and grace of God is an eternal flow. God loves unconditionally, and forgives with the same authority.
The last few years of my life have been a period of transformation. Understanding and revelation have been consistently communicated to my spirit.
I believe that should be true at some level, for everyone.
I love the word of God. I believe it is His inspired words. I also believe that it is fully revealed and understood, when read with spiritual revelation, study, and prayer.
It has always been my hope, and my prayer, that I would bring just that kind of revelation to those that hear me share the heart of God.
I come to you, in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “What’s In Your Center?”
The Gospel message, and its presentation, has been my heart, and my concern for many years.
Over time the message has been corrupted with all sorts of add ons. Things are changing. We are entering a new season, but the church will always be tempted to preach a man centered gospel.
A man centered Gospel is all about God meeting our desires, our wants, and our needs. I strongly believe that God does want to do good things in our life. Yet the Gospel is not about getting, it is all about giving.
The message of the Gospel must not be man-centered. It must be Christ centered. Paul said it this way.
Roman 14:7-8
7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
In 1st Corinthians the second chapter Paul shares His total reliance on the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:11-15
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.
Would that we all would have a sincere, faith and confidence in God.
Appraises,appraised means, “To determine the excellence or defects of any person or thing.”
I Corinthians 2:15 AMP
But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature].
TLB
But the spiritual man has insight into everything, and that bothers and baffles the man of the world, who can’t understand him at all.
We should Understand and reveal the heart of God.
Colossians 2:8-15
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.
11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ
12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,
14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Colossians 2:11 AMP
“In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but by the [spiritual] circumcision of Christ in the stripping off of the body of the flesh [the sinful carnal nature.
In Peter’s second letter, while writing to several cities, influenced by his ministry, he said this.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
This is not man-centered stuff. This is Christ centered.
Revelation 3:20-22 Amplified
20 Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.
21 He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
We have a responsibility to build our life, our hopes, and our dreams around the Gospel message of Jesus. Working from the center out our world will change. Our lives will be enriched, and promises will be fulfilled in our life with Christ.
Would you make Jesus the center of your life today?
#inHisname #hopelives
There is a Builder
There is a Builder
I have never been more encouraged by the changes taking place today, in the American Church.
For too long many have embraced a man centered Gospel. One that makes everyone feel good about themselves. A gospel that is about getting from God, when the Gospel is truly all about giving to God.
We are building churches across the world to benefit people and there needs. Even in desperate situations and unfamiliar cultures the message is still Jesus.
Speakers who say nothing about sacrifice are deceiving their listeners. Causing people to believe that the gospel is about making them feel good. Precious memories that have no relevance to the kingdom living that God has inspired us to live.
I hear and read so many. I suppose that people are sincere.
In an age of itching ears it is demanded by many groups of people. Make us feel good, remember the good old days.
The Gospel is all about giving up who we are, and becoming who He is. Taking on the life of Christ and His heart of giving and sacrifice.
Individually we turn from our past, and turn towards Christ. Changing our lifestyle, and our way of thinking.
Christ is building churches. That is what He commissioned the Apostles to do, and nothing has changed.
When Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God Jesus responded this way.
Matthew 16:18
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Build my church!!!!!
This same work is taking place today. Men and women are moving forward in their communities, cities, and regions to reach people for Jesus.
Sharing the Gospel message. The story of His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This is who He is. Who our foundation is built upon. Teaching people to move beyond their feel good mentality, and give of themselves to change the world they live in.
He gave us the tools and the authority to build upon the Gospel message. The Christ, the Son of the living God.
Blessing to you all. #inHisname.
“Enlarge and Extend”
Enlarge and Extend
I am one of those folks that believe in seasons. Yes we have 4 seasons in every year of our life. The longer you live you will have many more than that in your relationship with God.
There will be dry spells, then times of refreshing. Revelation, then where’s God at? Tragedies, failures, then healing and victory. Times when things stay the same for a season, then God begins to open the gates of increase.
I come to you, in His name, to share some thoughts titled,“Enlarge and Extend” “Aggrandize”
Aggrandize means, to widen in scope, increase in size or intensity. Enlarge and extend.
There is an awesome Messianic prophesy found in Psalms.
Psalms 110:1-3
1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2 The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.
The whole chapter is just 7 verses read it when you can. I want to deal with verse 2 for just a few minutes.
“The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
I need to deal with some words.
The word stretch, means to stretch out or extend. Strong means to be strong and prevail. Scepter is referring to a staff. The staff is most often represented as a tribe.
I am fixing to unwind because I love this stuff. One more word. Zion.
Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.
Peter reminded his readers of the same passage.
1 Peter 2:6
For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
These passages from the old and the new are confirming the prophetic word of the coming of Christ.
Back to the one more word. Zion.
Psalms 14:7
Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.
Zion is the place where God lives.
Psalms 9:11
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; Declare among the peoples His deeds.
We know from study that Zion is a type and shadow of the church. The body of Christ. Jesus, who dwells within us by revelation and power.
I found the definition of the word from the Hebrew very interesting. The Hebrew word, tsee-yone’, is translated Zion, and it means, “parched place.”
Preach, why does God live in a parched place. Where He is there is life, and life in abundance.
Jesus shared this with the woman at the well.
John 4:10
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
John 4:13-14
13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again;
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
So what did Psalms 110:2 say? “The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
Isaiah 54:1-3 Amplified
1 “Shout for joy, O barren one, she who has not given birth; Break forth into joyful shouting and rejoice, she who has not gone into labor with child! For the spiritual sons of the desolate one will be more numerous Than the sons of the married woman,” says the Lord.
2 “Enlarge the site of your tent [to make room for more children]; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them; Lengthen your tent ropes And make your pegs (stakes) firm [in the ground].
3 “For you will spread out to the right and to the left;
And your descendants will take possession of nations
And will inhabit deserted cities.
When one season ends, the very next thing is a new beginning.
I love the word aggrandize. It is time for you, and for us, to “widen in scope, increase in size or intensity. Enlarge and extend.”
There is a city, a church,whose builder and maker is God.
#inHisname #hopelives
Seven Steps to Destiny, Part 5
Seven Steps to Destiny, Part 5
There is a powerful presence of God calling to His people across this land. Leading, convincing, equipping, and calling for workers to harvest the fields.
Times of uncertainty open doors in the hearts of people who are looking for answers.
We need to be aware of this, and align ourselves with God and His Holy calling for all the church.
Tell the story of Jesus. His grace and His love.
I want to share some thoughts, focusing on the 5th in the series on destiny. It involves the 6th word that will move you to destiny. We have talked about thoughts, words, decisions, actions, and habits.
I want to talk about character. Remember last week I shared the process that defines our character. Our character is defined by our habits.
Aristotle wrote, “We are what we repeatedly do,” he made it clear that there’s a direct connection between who we are and what we do. He underscored this fact by concluding, Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” A habit that is performed long enough becomes part of you character.
Character today, is defined this way, “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.”
Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.
This would seem to be the attributes of a man with a very healthy, and honorable character.
Still, his whole world crumbled before his eyes in a very short time. Yet his habit of honoring God kept him from making things worse.
Job 1:20-22
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
“Somebody tell me why and how he could respond this way.
“Words reveal character.”
Matthew 12:33-37
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
34 You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
35 The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
These are very weighty passages from Jesus. Putting a huge responsibility on us, to be careful what we say.
2 Questions.
1St, Part A, How meaningful are the words we speak, to our own life. Part B, How meaningful are the words we speak to others.
2Nd, How do the words we speak, define our character?
Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Let me share a couple of different interpretations of verse 4.
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;”
AMPC
And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
TLB
And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.
When our character develops, or let’s say been successfully proven. We will respond with strong and unwavering faith in God.
Trusting and believing that as we develop excellent habits. We will also develop excellent, and reliable character.
Job’s excellent and proven character, and His complete trust and faith in God, provided this ending to His story.
Job 42:10
The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.
#inHisname 
“Changing Seasons”
Changing Seasons
We are coming to a season change. Summer is quickly coming to an end, Fall will come, and things will begin to change.
The foliage will turn, temps will lower, and people will begin to look towards Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I love fall and spring the best. Fall because it signals to me the beginning of renewal. Things will begin to die, then reborn again when spring comes. I love it.
These same principles are true in our life with Christ.
When we turn from our past, begin to change the way we think. God begins to show us things that need to change.
This is our fall season of life. Doing what we can to keep some of our unproductive ways. Nothing wrong with this, or that. Still God continues to deal with us about our habits, and our character.
Eventually, as we pray, read, and listen we let go of these things. Spring has come, and our relationship with Christ grows stronger and stronger.
Life can be difficult at times. The Bible doesn’t promise a life with no problems.
What God does promise is, He will always be with us.
Faith is tested, answers are sometimes not what we want. God is not being mean. He is developing in us complete confidence and reliance on Him. Strengthening our character.
We grow stronger as we pray. Closer to Him as we walk out our life.
All of this is pointing all of us, to one specific corporate destiny.
Being the light and salt of the earth. Telling His story, with our story, will change the world you live in.
This is how the church began, and how it will continue.
Let me be clear, and if you follow me on anything, you have read or heard this many times.
The Gospel is clearly defined Biblically. It is the story of Jesus, His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The prophecies from the OT, and confirming His authority with the supernatural.
Anything else will diminish the effectiveness of the Gospel message.
When your seasons begin to change, fear not. God is renewing, restoring, and strengthening you.
Be faithful to pray, and believe that He is always with you.
Praying for you always.
#inHisname
Do You Not Know?
Do You Not Know?
I love the Lord. Together we love the Lord, as a body united to give Him glory. To praise Him for His greatness. To worship Him for who He is. Unified in our purpose to make a difference in the world we live in.
We walk in faith. Believing that God has called us, and positioned us to fulfill destiny. Our individual destiny, and our corporate destiny will define this body. It will be what people remember long after many of us have gone to our eternal destiny.
I want to share 2 verses before I get into my message. It will kind of set the tone for the rest of the day.
Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified
6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.
7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
“Isn’t that awesome?”
I come in His name to share some thoughts titled, “Do You Not Know?”
My mind has been focused this week on how God thinks. It came to me while remembering something that happened more than 38 years ago. I may not get to that, but when I considered understanding God’s thoughts this came to mind.
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Since I can’t fully understand His thoughts, for just a few minutes I want to talk about what He has said. It is relatively easy to understand what He has thought, by what He says.
Exodus 32:1-3
1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”
2 Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.”
3 Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.
Moses was gone a relative short time. The people needed a god that they could embrace. One that they could see.
Little has changed even today. “It has always been easier to believe in what you can see, than it is to believe in what you can’t.”
God responded to this lack of faith.
Exodus 32:7-10
7 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.
8 They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’”
9 The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people.
10 Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.”
Anybody wonder what God was thinking?
The word obstinate interested me. God used it in the same context in Exodus 33:3 and 5, and in Exodus 34:9.
In the KJV the Hebrew word is translated, stiffnecked.
It is used figuratively to mean, “apostasy.”
Today the word apostasy means, “The abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief.”
Here is what it meant in 1446 BC. “Faithless, turning back.”
All the spoil they left with, still they wanted to go back.
Why? Because they understood and accepted where they were at. They did not know what awaited them ahead, and they were afraid.
How many today want to live like they are, and never move forward in the Kingdom promises of God?
Romans 11:1-4
1 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?
3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.”
4 But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
“No matter how much division there is. There is always someone held close to God. Someone He has kept close, called to carry on His purpose.”
David said it this way.
Psalms 55:22 Amplified
Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).
What’s my title?
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.
29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Moving forward, not looking back!
“inHisname”
What’s Next?
What’s Next?
We live in an awesome season of opportunity as Christians. I say this often, and I believe it with all my heart.
The division that has taken place over the last 100 years is shrinking because of the story of Jesus. This is happening because of two very important principles.
First, ministries are moving back to the teaching of the Gospel. The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This, and only this, is what the Apostles used to win the early converts, and build the church across the known world. Confirming who He was from the Old Testament, and confirming His Kingdom authority with signs and wonders.
Secondly, people are being encouraged to pray. I recently addressed that issue at Amazing Life Church. We have focused on prayer for years, but I felt prompted to encourage folks to set a daily appointment to pray.
I am in my third year of setting an appointment to pray each morning, and it has changed my life.
Some of us old guys from the 70’s are having a hard time dealing with the culture of the day we live in.
We went to church twice on Sunday, and often 3 or 4 times during the week. Yes we worked, raised kids, and did all this as well.
Today we minister to people who watch church on the computer. On television and You Tube.
Some congregations may be small, but if they work within the culture of today, they can reach hundreds and yes, even thousands.
It is not compromising. It is ministry. The message is still the same. Our ministry, our churches, are all about Jesus.
With all that said, there is nothing like the local church, and the family relationship that occurs when you gather together with a unified purpose.
Every Christian should be a part of a local church in their community. Making friends, meeting needs. Developing relationships that will last forever. Bonding with someone in prayer. Becoming prayer partners to call upon the Father to meet a need. Open a door, and reveal Him to those who do not know Him.
Pastors are there to teach and reveal Jesus. Helping their congregations to grow in Kingdom authority. Learn to walk in His presence, and tell your story to help someone else.
Pastors are there to visit in hospitals, nursing homes, and yes, even bring comfort when someone dies.
Pastors and their teams work together to reach their communities, strengthen their congregations, and make disciples of followers of Christ.
I love the new stuff. At Amazing Life Church we use every opportunity to reach people for Christ. Sermons on line. Welcome videos and gifts for first time guests.
Visit our website for more info.
I write blogs. Especially when I read something that attempts to diminish the value of the local church. I will address it with a very passionate response.
I love the local church.
It is the heart and soul of every community. Breathing life, and light to advance the Kingdom of God.
The most important thing to remember is that God has not changed.
In our attempt to be relevant, we sometimes make these subtle changes in the message to satisfy a changing culture.
Let me offer some advice, for whatever it is worth to you.
Keep the message pure. Tell the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It is as powerful today as it was over 2000 years ago.
And don’t forget. If you are not already a part of a local church in your community, find one. It will enrich your Christian life.
#inHisname
Where’s God At?
Where’s God At?
Your love and support has changed the landscape in this community. It has taken a while, but as always God has been faithful to keep us in His perfect will.
I want to encourage everyone to continue in prayer for the devastation that has occurred in Texas and Louisiana. We support an organization that is responding in the area. The IOCC.
I come to you, in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “Where’s God At?”
I kind of want to set the tone for these thoughts with this very familiar passage.
Matthew 1:23
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
With a passage well known like this one I asked myself, why there are times that we wonder, where’s God at?
David shared an awesome declaration of God’s constant presence in his well known Psalm 23.
Psalms 23:4 AMP
Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
What remarkable trust and faith in God!! You are with me; David said
In Genesis 28 Jacob had this awesome dream. Here is a part of what God said.
Genesis 28:13-15
13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.
14 Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
I love the prophet Jeremiah and his response when God called him, and appointed him a prophet to the nation of Israel.
You will find the whole story in his 1st chapter.
Jeremiah responded this way.
Jeremiah 1:5-6
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”
What an awesome destiny, with a pitiful excuse.
“What excuse are you using today to keep from fulfilling your destiny?”
Here is how God replied.
Jeremiah 1:7-9
7 But the Lord said to me,“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
“Don’t tell God you can’t do something when He has called you, and then touched you!!!”
The great I Am is with you, He will deliver you, He will equip you. He will touch you and move you forward in your purpose.
Nothing can stop you, except your lack of faith in Him.
God told Moses-Joshua-He would never leave nor forsake them. Isaiah prophesied it, Solomon wrote about it. David shared the words many times, that God would always be with him.
Why do we sometimes find ourselves in a situation asking, “Where’s God At?”
The enemy of your peace-The enemy of your love-The enemy of your family-Friends-Your job. The enemy of your relationship with Christ, has set his purpose to discourage. Put doubt and fear in your heart.
To say I am too old, too young, not qualified. All the while God has said this through the Apostle Paul.
Philippians 4:13 AMP
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
God is with you always. Isaiah, the prophet often noted as the prophet of calvary spoke often of God’s presence.
Here is a couple of examples.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”
Preach-God equips and finishes what He starts.
The writer of Hebrews is giving some instruction. In chapter 13 the writer said this.
Hebrews 13:5-6 NASB
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”
6 so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
God is here right now. Here always. In you, surrounding you. Embracing you.
Ready to meet your need,calm your storm, forgive your fall.
Remember always when you are tempted to ask, “Where’s God At?”
You need only to look in the mirror. He is with you always.
#inHisname