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Category Archives: Light and Salt
Everyone has an Opinion
Everyone has an Opinion
The word opinion is defined this way, (a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.)
As anyone knows that has studied the Bible there are some conclusions that can only be defined as an opinion.
Depending on how each theologian, student, teacher, or commentary, understands the principle.
These opinions are formed from many different things. Author, time line, translation. The use of words from the time, and the culture of the people.
In many cases you can actually form a clear understanding, void of opinion, if you look hard enough, and pray for revelation.
Remember this from the Apostle Paul.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Still, there are folks who hold fast to their opinions. We all have them, and for the most part they are held by good, sincere people. People who are praying, believing, and loving God, and His word.
I have never been someone to sit back and read, or listen to Biblical principles that have been corrupted by individual opinions, and not address the issue. I speak of Biblical principles that are clearly defined in the Bible.
I am quite sure that there will be someone to read this post and say, that is just his opinion.
I have no problem being accountable for the things I say and teach. There are Biblical principles that I defend with an unrelenting passion.
Unrelenting, (not yielding or swerving in determination or resolution, as of or from opinions, convictions, ambitions, ideals, etc.)
Just thought I would let you know that these issues are not changed by opinions.
There are Biblical principles that are clearly defined. They are not up for yours, or my opinion. These principles are clearly represented and taught by the writers of the Bible.
One such Biblical principle is the Gospel. The Gospel is clearly defined and taught in the Bible. It is not up for opinion, nor can you make it better by adding your personal agendas to it.
Even the world knows what the Gospel means. If you put define Gospel, in the Google search this will come up.
The teaching or revelation of Christ.
Webster defines Gospel this way. The message concerning Christ, the Kingdom of God, and Salvation.
The word Gospel comes from the Greek word, (Evangelion) and it is defined this way by Vines dictionary.
“It denotes the good tidings of the Kingdom of God and salvation through Christ. To be received by faith on the basis of His expiatory death, His burial, resurrection, and ascension.”
The Gospel is the story of Jesus. The good news that the Savior has come.
It has not, nor has it ever been the story of Jesus, plus. Plus your favorite sin, or your personal agenda.
I recently read a post from the Patheos blog. He was talking about missions and the areas where they are needed most.
He shared a sobering truth. One that I have preached for several years. Here it is.
(The kind of missionary the world most desperately needs are missionaries who are sent to introduce the message of Jesus to one of the last unreached people groups: Americanized Christians.)
For years I have wept for the American church and the opinions that have corrupted the message of Jesus. Opinions derived from prejudice, hate, arrogance and pride.
People criticize me all the time for my bluntness when it comes to these issues. Failure to address the corruption of the Gospel is the reason it has continued to grow.
The truth of the Gospel is not open for opinion. It is an irrefutable fact. One that was preached throughout the book of Acts, and throughout generation after generation of Christians.
The Gospel has one purpose. To declare and reveal Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The promised sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
The Gospel is the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This is not up for opinion. It is a fact.
(Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.)
Blessings to you always, in His name.
#lovewins #hopelives
The Mystery Lives On
The Mystery Lives On
Finally got some time to sit down and share some thoughts. I love life. I love The Holy Church, and I love the local church. In particular, Amazing Life Church.
For almost 14 years God has blessed abundantly. We give Him all the glory.
Next week will be our 10th annual Backpack and school supply giveaway. We look forward to serve the families in our community each year.
With that short update behind me I will get to what has been bugging me for a while.
A few weeks ago I heard someone challenging those of us who believe that it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance. The message that God loves you, and sent His Son to redeem you through the process of shedding blood, dying, resurrecting, and ascending back to the Father.
The statement made said that love was not mentioned in the book of Acts. Since Acts was the building of the church love was not a part of it. “His ridiculous statement, not mine.”
The message was, we must preach sin. “His not mine.”
I looked it up in the KJV and the word love is not found in Acts. Guess what? The word sin in the KJV is only found 8 times in Acts, and it is used broadly as repentance from your sins and follow Christ.
No real specifics about individual sins. They preached the message of Christ. From the Old Testament they shared His story. From their own witness they shared the story of Christ.
When they chided the hearers it was because of their unbelief.
There are some, if they have stayed with me this far saying, He is compromising. Watering down the Gospel. Trying not to offend.
Once again I say, nothing is farther from the truth. My message has been, and will always be to strengthen the Gospel message.
Sin is a destructive force. It invests itself in our minds and our fleshly desires. Creating lust and hunger for power and attention. Making everything about us, and our personal satisfaction.
Interestingly these same sin preaching folks forget to tell you that sin has been defeated. The enemy has been conquered.
In John 16:9 Jesus defined sin as not believing in Him. WOW
You mean that it could be possible that all sin is derived from not believing in Christ.
The Apostles went through the book of Acts telling the story of Jesus. At times, rebuking those who would not believe in Jesus.
In Acts 16 Paul and Silas were singing, In Prison. An earthquake happened and the doors were opened. The jailer saw this and was about to kill himself. Paul stopped Him then this occurred.
Acts 16:30-32
30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. You mean he got saved without meddling in his business. Listening with open ears while he named all his sins and failures.
Seems like that would have been a good message for Paul. The next time he had a crowd he could tell them how he got the jailer to confess all his sins and failures. Naming them one by one for the crowd.
Please forgive me if I sound a little angry. I mean no harm to anyone. Most of these folks are good folks. They just don’t get it.
Somehow over the years the message has been changed. It has gone from Jesus loves me this I know. To hell awaits you because of your sin.
2 Peter 3:8-9
8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.
9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
I wonder if God tarries, giving time for His church to return to the Gospel. The message of Christ. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This is the Mystery that lives on. Paul shared this.
Colossians 2:1-3
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Don’t be afraid to love. It was love that moved the Father to send Jesus. It was love that led Him to the cross. It was love that cried Father forgive them.
It was love that moved the Apostles, and countless numbers of Christians to die at the hands of unbelievers. Over thousands of years. Happening still today.
It is love that drives missionaries to foreign lands. Love for God and His people. Love moves moms and dads to weep for their children. Love moves street evangelists to share the story of Jesus to those who are lost and without hope.
It is love that a Pastor has for his church. Weeping and crying in the wee hours for their pain and loss. Praying and believing for them through every season of life.
It is love that the enemy fears. Why, because it covers a multitude of sins.
Sin has been defeated. Let us hold fast to the love of God. The love He had for us, and the love He has given us for others. It will change you, and your world.
#lovewins #hopelives.
Would You Agree Together?
Would You Agree?
Grace, mercy, and love. Three of my favorite words from the Bible. When you put faith with these words you open a door. A path, if you will, that leads people to repentance.
A path that the unbeliever can embrace and follow. Grace, mercy, and love are certainly three of Christ’s most dominant character traits.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
John 3:16-17 Msg
Here are some words from Christ
Luke 11:5-13
5 Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;
7 and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’
8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?
12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?
13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
The statement seems to say to those of us who pray to God. We shall be heard. This statement, promise, revelation, rests entirely on one very important thing. “Christ’s authority.”
Matthew 28:18 AMP
Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
The word authority from the Greek means, “the power of choice, the liberty of doing as one pleases, the power of influence and privilege.”
Hebrews 1:1-2 AMP
1 God, having spoken to the fathers long ago in [the voices and writings of] the prophets in many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the truth], and in many ways,
2 has in these last days spoken [with finality] to us in [the person of One who is by His character and nature] His Son [namely Jesus], whom He appointed heir and lawful owner of all things, through whom also He created the universe [that is, the universe as a space-time-matter continuum].
Sometimes we think that God is deaf to our prayers. In fact this is far from His reality.
The delay in fact has a purpose. It is to deepen our faith, and educate us in His ways. Aligning us with His will.
Will He always answer? “All I can say is pray, pray, pray, persistently.”
Matthew 7:7-8 AMP
7 “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.
There is something to be said of perseverance. Many successful businesses started from failure after failure. Many dreams have been realized. Many churches have conquered adversity and thrive in their communities. Individuals have overcome extreme difficulties to realize their purpose and walk it out.
“All because of perseverance.”
Today the word perseverance is defined this way, “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”
I want to add an ingredient to these thoughts of persistent prayer. It is found from the words of Christ in 2 distinct verses.
Matthew 18:19-20 NASB
19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
AMPC
19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.
Being a follower of Christ will often take you places that you never thought of. Places in prayer, crying out to God in the Spirit for needs far beyond the world you live in. In difficulties that stretch your faith. Christ followers will often have dreams that seem impossible. So impossible, that at times we will not even reveal them for fear of failure. Afraid that people will think we are crazy.
So what do we do with all these seemingly impossible tasks, prayers, difficulties, and dreams.
“Find someone to help you pray.”
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
“I want to agree with you today!!” Video link to message below. #lovewins #hopelives
Itching Ears
Itching Ears
I have been so busy the last couple of weeks. Blogging has taken a back seat. “I’m back” lol.
I have had a note on my desk for several weeks that simply said. Itching ears. These words are in the KJV, and I use the NASB so it will sound a little different.
Here are the passages.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
Now these scriptures for years have been used as something of a rebuke, for preachers who are accused of not preaching against all the sins of the world.
Let me remind you that what the Bibles says is sin, is sin.
These passages are not referring to people outside the church. They refer to those within. This is a rebuke to preachers who preach shallow, flesh driven messages that make their congregations feel good about themselves.
Preachers who beat up every sinner in the world, when for the most part, none of those folks are in hearing distance.
What has happened to challenging congregations with strong doctrine. Kingdom authority, passionate prayer, fully committing their lives to Christ and His purpose for their lives.
Teaching them to study and pray for revelation.
Too often what is heard are heart warming stories about the past, or dogs, or squirrels, or cracks in the sidewalk. Then you will hear about all the wicked sinners in the world, and how we need to thank God we are not that way anymore. I have heard it all.
Please don’t get me wrong. I love the church. If you read my blogs, facebook posts, or watch my sermons on youtube, you will find that to be true. I love the church.
We must remember who we were and the grace of God that changed our lives. We remember this for a specific purpose. It should cause us to have compassion for those who have not followed Christ.
Let me share verse 3 from 2 Timothy 4 from the Amplified Bible.
“For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,”
As a Pastor I fully understand that there are all levels of commitment in every congregation. Every one is necessary to move a congregation forward in their community, and their relationship with Christ.
Some pray and give. That is their purpose. They are the foundation that we can build upon. Others want more than just a good sermon, they want to be challenged. Then there are those who have an intense desire to walk in Kingdom authority.
It may sound difficult to create a message that will reach every level within a church. With God’s grace that is exactly what I attempt to do every week.
I am not perfect by any means, yet I refuse to tell flesh driven stories with no challenge to do better.
How can we spend an hour each week jumping and shouting about who we are, when our world needs us on our faces, praying for God to use us to change our world.
We are the light of the world. Of course light cancels darkness. It will reveal who a person is, but it has a broader and really more important characteristic. It will reveal Jesus.
The Gospel is not up for different interpretations. The definition of the Gospel is very clear.
The Greek word used means, good news. Good news is defined as the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
It is His story that must be told. When Peter left the upper room the only sin he mentioned was unbelief in the Messiah. Throughout Acts this was shared over and over. Telling the prophecies of Jesus from the OT, and their personal relationship with Him.
When the jailer asked, what must I do to be saved. The response was believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you, and your house will be saved.
Why have we complicated the message so much?
Blessings and favor to you all, In His Name.
#lovewins #hopelives
Taking Another Look
Not in Vain
Much is being said today about the church and its influence in the world. Many are expecting a revival in America. I have been praying, along with others for several years, that an awakening would move across this land.
It is needed. People are often confused about revival. Revival is for the church. Of course in great revivals people will come to know Christ as their Savior. Still, it comes, God sends it, when the church is found in repentance for the darkness it has embraced.
When I speak of darkness, I simply mean that often the light of Christ is diminished in the church world. With all the hate filled rhetoric streaming from pulpits. Diving into the politics of the world. Fighting over theology and interpretation.
The only message that will change a heart is shrouded in the darkness of opinion and anger.
Of course this is not true across the board. Even those caught in this web of darkness are good people. Still they move forward with the whims of the majority, and leave behind the most important story from the Bible.
The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
I know, if you have read one of my blogs, or one of many Facebook posts, you have heard this before.
I see an awesome change taking place in ministry.
Change is occurring in the message from many pulpits and organizations across this awesome country.
Jesus is alive. He loves everyone. You can not live like you want when you come to Christ. We know that, and teach that.
Over the years I have come to realize that people will change when they know they are loved.
When you convince someone of the great love that God has for them. When they embrace it, things will change. People will repent and turn to follow Christ.
I love the church. Still we must be aware of the influence we embrace. The message we give. The church must be willing to repent.
Repent from such things as growing cold in our praise and prayer. Repent for our lack of forgiveness, and our religious self righteousness.
Repent for rejecting the needs of your community. Even if all you can do is pray. You must shine in the place that God has planted you.
Somehow from the very beginning I moved away from my original thoughts. Still, they have become relevant now.
Over 2000 years the church has weathered every storm. From persecutions, poverty, religion, disease.
It has never been perfect, only in heart. Still we move forward in glory at times. At other times in repentance.
With our ups and our downs we keep moving. Shining the light of Christ. The light that reveals His love for us, and our need for Him.
Paul gave the Corinthian church this encouragement.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
I love this stuff.
Have a blessed day and keep on working for the Lord. Some plant, some water, some reap. Everyone has a part in this wonderful movement.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
You Have to be Kidding
Recently I posted a blog with some short thoughts on the condition of the church, and the message it shares. Of course I was speaking broadly, as I indicated in the post.
You will find no greater advocate for the church than me. Betty and I have fought for more than 14 years for the right of all people to find safety and love in the church. For some unknown reason to me, some people define the love of God for all people as flesh pleasing. Avoiding the truth of their sin filled lives.
There is nothing further from the truth. At Amazing Life Church we have seen many over the years come to Christ and be baptized, all because they were shown God’s love. They turned to Christ because they heard His story. The only thing that can redeem them is to believe in Christ as their Savior.
I hate sin. The problem in many churches is there is only one or two sins preached. Heaven forbid you teach Proverbs six, or the rejection of Christ by the wealthy young ruler. The story of how we put things before Him. Jealousy, pride, or failure to forgive.
Who are you worried about offending when you will not acknowledge these sins?
There is not a person, in my belief, that does not see their sin,when in the church, you create an atmosphere of love and praise.
When this happens you allow God, and the Holy Spirit to do their job. (When He comes, He will convince the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.)
I have to say that I love it when religion is angered. It confirms the word from the Lord and its relevance to us today.
Some may take from my earlier post that I am criticizing the church. Once again, nothing is further from the truth. I call it like it is. I am a Pastor, not someone who just shows up. I pastor a church, not just a group of people.
I love the church, and it is nothing more than arrogant hypocrisy to tell the world it needs to repent. All the while refusing to look at ourselves as members of His body, and acknowledge our faults and failures. Then repent ourselves.
In Romans 2 Paul was rebuking the church for passing judgment on others. Then He said this.
Romans 2:4
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? The Kindness of God!!!
Five different verses in Revelation show Jesus calling on His churches to repent.
The church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:5. The church at Pergamum, Revelation 2:16. The church at Thyatira, Revelation 2:21. The church at Sardis, Revelation 3:3.
I love the fifth one, it is the church at Laodicea.
Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
You see, I love the church, and when you find me challenging the church and its message, two things are going on.
First, I look at myself and the work we are building. Have I, or others within our church wandered off course. Is there something we need to improve. Something requiring repentance.
Secondly, because I love the church I will point out what I believe to be the danger that occurs when the church rejects the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
From the Greek, the word Gospel is defined as good news. Vines dictionary further defines the Gospel as the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It is not Jesus plus, it is just Jesus.
Hope this clears things up for some of you who were confused.
As Paul said, let me show you a more excellent way.
I pray you are blessed and empowered by His love.
#lovewins #hopelives
Friend or Enemy
Friend or Enemy
What an awesome season of time for the church. Many across this great country are leading prayer services with the focus on revival, and the great awakening coming to the church.
When I started this blog it was not my intention to be controversial. With that said, knowing me and my desire to get things right. I have from time to time addressed issues that have not been accurately represented.
Case in point was a blog I wrote on accepting accountability for the work you have been called to do. The blog was titled, You Have to be Kidding. You can find it on this site. Take a look when you get a chance.
Although my thoughts were not focused on any single individual. It must have hit home to some because I got un friended on Facebook.
Well, here we go again.
I have been seeing posts on social media about the enemy of the Gospel. I have, what I believe is a clear understanding of what this is. Most often when this term is used it is in combination with the world.
The world, in this understanding is used to point out unbelievers.
Most often when the Bible speaks about the world it is referring to ideology. Flesh driven principles that ignore Christ, and His mission to redeem all people.
Lifestyles that are driven by our sinful nature.
With that said, and here it comes. I don’t believe that those who have not followed Christ are enemies of the Gospel. They are the ones who need to hear the Gospel in its true and relevant form.
The story of Jesus, His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
These folks can not discredit the Gospel. They can not minimize the Gospel. They can not taint the Gospel, by the way they live. They are unbelievers.
It is true that down through time people have hated Christians. Cultures have killed, afflicted, and banned Christians.
These things did nothing to hurt the Gospel. These tactics only strengthened the movement. It ratified the Gospel principles and many were saved because of these persecutions.
When Jesus ministered He encountered constant resistance. It was not from the world ideology. Not from sinners. His resistance came from the religious ideology. The very people who should have known who He was.
The ones who prayed every day, let me live to see the consolation of Israel. The ones who knew all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. These people became His unrelenting enemy.
So what does the Apostle Paul say.
Philippians 3:17-19
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
Paul is not talking about people who don’t follow Christ. He is calling out those who claim to be a Christ follower, yet they will not pick up their cross and follow Him.
They live for self gratification, and self approval by others. Looking for any and all that will appease their fleshly desires for attention.
They reject humility, And the service that God has commissioned all of us to do.
“Tell the Story of Jesus”
The real enemies of the Gospel are those who profess the finished work of the cross. Yet they do not represent it, in the world they live in.
We have been called to be the light of the world. The salt of the earth. Called to walk through deep waters, and soar high above the world and its standards.
The stains on the Gospel don’t come from the world. They come from the flesh driven lives that many who claim to follow Him live. Those who refuse to take up their cross. Those who will not pick up the towel and the pan of water to serve.
It is a process. Doesn’t happen overnight. Revival and awakening will come. It will come like a tidal wave of glory when the church, the church that I love with every fiber of my being. This church, the Bride that Christ loves.
When this church falls on it’s face and repents for its complacency. Its worldly ideology.
When it repents from changing the Gospel to Jesus plus.
Bringing the Gospel back to its original form. Just Jesus.
Let me know what you think. There is an email link at the top of the page.
Be blessed always.
#lovewins #hopelives
Stand and Watch
Stand and Watch
The Lord has blessed with an awesome week. His presence and grace has moved me. I am so humbled by His constant presence and love.
This season of victory and revelation has strengthened all who believe and trust in His purpose.
When we focus our minds, our hearts, and our efforts, on His purpose for our lives. Things will change.
There will be a progressive movement in your life to establish influence in your world, and to help you embrace the awesome plan of God for you.
I want to thank everyone for your love and support. It is humbling to move forward with you all, in the greatness of God.
I want to share some thoughts titled “Stand and Watch”
Psalms 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
This Psalm was written by the sons of Korah. It is a Psalm of Consolation. Written when Israel was facing a very destructive enemy. They were consoled by the thought of God’s might and protection. God has the ability to shatter all the weapons the enemy can form against them.
There is a general consensus that the enemy they were facing was, Sennacherib. He was a ruthless and cruel leader of the Assyrians.
This Psalm speaks of God being accessible. It speaks of His grace and love for His people. It has a prophetic word for the destruction of their enemies. With a constant assurance that God is with them.
With all of this I want to focus on verse 10.
Psalms 46:10
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Amplified
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
The phrase cease striving, or be still, simply means, “relax or let go”
God is saying I have to do this one Myself. What about Paul telling us we are fellow workers with God.
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Hear this. Israel was in a no win without the Father. There are things throughout history, and even our lives that would be impossible for us.
“In these times man must stand detached, and all must be left to the hand of Almighty God.”
In 2 Chronicles Judah had been invaded by three different groups. The Prophet Jahaziel heard from the Lord, and said this.
2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”
Moses had a similar word for the people.
Exodus 14:13-14
13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.
14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”
In Jeremiah 15 God was very angry with His people. For 14 verses He revealed His anger, and His plans for their destruction.
“In verse 15, Jeremiah began to pray.”
He spoke of his faithfulness, and innocence. Even the prophet had issues that must be dealt with.
Jeremiah 15:19-21
19 Therefore, thus says the Lord, “If you return, then I will restore you—Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them.
20 “Then I will make you to this people A fortified wall of bronze; And though they fight against you, They will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” declares the Lord.
21 “So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked,
And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.”
This sentence interested me from v19. “And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman.”
Extract, “to go out, come out, exit. Precious, “valuable, prized, weighty, splendid, highly valued.” Worthless, “vile, insignificant.”
“God is speaking to Jeremiah’s thoughts and speech.”
Your speech and your character make you relevant. Jeremiah had lost His influence from complaining about God’s people. God said He would restore Jeremiah if he would look beyond the junk, and see the value.
Paul said this to three different churches.
Romans 14:19
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
To fully embrace the character traits expected of us we must have a review from time to time. Reviewing our thoughts and our words.
Do they honor God?
Do they speak of faith?
Do our words and our thoughts bring light and salt to our world?
Blessings to all, and I pray you have a great week.
#lovewins #hopelives
The Lord Is Near
The Lord is Near
God is great, and He is greatly to be praised. We are in an awesome season of the presence of the Lord. I believe that He is positioning some of His churches, in this region and state, to create an atmosphere relevant to revival.
When true revival comes, brought on by repentance within the church, it will burn like a fire. The fire will spread to other areas as well.
It is the way it has always been.
Mother’s day, is an amazing day of honor and tribute. It is a day we give tribute to our mothers who have passed on. We also honor the moms who are still with us.
My mom was awesome. She was my strongest advocate. She was also, funny, opinionated, and loud.
She would often speak without thinking. These traits worked well with my dad. He was quiet, and simply listened when she got on a rant.
I took after my dad. “Not”
In the Bible there was a woman named Hannah. Her husband had another wife as well. This other wife had children but Hannah had not given birth. Yet she was Elkanah’s favorite wife.
1 Samuel 1:9-11 NASB
9 Then Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the door post of the temple of the Lord.
10 She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.
11 She made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”
Hannah dedicated her son to the service of the lord, and Samuel became a prophet in Israel. The prophet that anointed David king.
I know this sounds weird but it has always sort of made me think of my mom. She gave birth to me , 3 months short of her 44th birthday. Because of her age, I was supposed to have died before birth.
To make this very long story short, one day I asked mom if she had dedicated me to the Lord.
This was her reply. There was a very well known Pastor, named J.C Hibbard. He Pastored the Gospel Lighthouse in Oak Cliff. He had hundreds in his congregation. Mom watched him on tv. On a Sunday morning she wrapped me up, took a bus, and walked in his church, all the way to the pulpit, during his sermon. He stopped preaching and asked mom what she needed.
She wanted him to dedicate me to the Lord. He fulfilled her request, mom left and came home.
Her love and courage will be with me always.
She felt the person who laid hands on me, and prayed, should be someone with anointing. Someone she had a connection with.
I want to move from this, and share some words of encouragement.
Philippians 4:5-7
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Amp
5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.
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].
There are four words that moved me. “The Lord is Near.”
The word Lord from the Greek means, He to whom a person or things belongs, the possessor or disposer of a thing. The word near means, near of place or position, those who are near access to God.
There are those who believe this passage is referring to the second coming of Christ. “I do not believe this.”
Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, (and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”)
I believe the Apostle was confirming these words of Christ.
He will be with us in the end, but He is with us now. He is near when we need Him. Every step, every season, of our lives.
It is His goodness that we embrace, as we walk out our purpose. What an awesome Father.
#lovewins #hopelives
Greater Love, The More Excellent Way
Greater Love, The More Excellent Way
This is one of those days when all I could think about was the awesome love of God. His love was manifested throughout the Bible, but never more significantly than these words from our Lord.
John 15:12-13
12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
Verse 12 presents a problem from time to time.
“Don’t sit there with your smug religious attitude. Thinking that you haven’t had a problem loving someone in the way Christ loves you.” LOL
I say this with a humorous tone. I would suspect that all of us humans have met someone in our life that presented us with a challenge. The challenge being, how will I love this person, like Christ loved me.
Just so you know, God most likely puts these people in our lives from time to time, to teach us. He is teaching us to look beyond personalities and see people like He sees them.
Teaching us to forgive, as He forgives. “Forgive our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
In verse 13 our Lord really raised the bar. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us.
Love was never meant to be used as a tool to hurt and confuse people. I hear those 5 famous words, taken out of context all the time. People will say they have the right to condemn others because they are, “speaking the truth in love.”
This approach has turned more people away from Christ, than it has ever brought to Him.
Jesus also said this.
John 3:16-17
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
Note. God sent His Son because He loved. The Son didn’t come to judge, He came to save. Why?
BECAUSE HE LOVED.
I have a passion for this. With all my heart I believe that when you reveal God’s love to a sinner it becomes a seed in their heart. It will grow as it is watered, and will reach a season where this soul can be harvested.
It is so much easier to embrace someone that loves you.
This is why 8000 souls came to Christ in the 1st few chapters of Acts.
Peter preached the story of Jesus. The sin He recognized was simply unbelief. All sin stems from that same principle today. People don’t believe that God loves them, because many times the message is one of judgment and condemnation.
It is not God’s anger, but His goodness, that leads men to repentance.
The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthian church chapter 12 had some great instruction for the church. He taught on spiritual gifts and the function of the body of Christ. Ending with the function of ministry and spiritual gifts as well.
Then He made this statement.
1 Corinthians 12:31
But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
That excellent is found in its’ entirety in Chapter 13. I will close with the first and last verse. Read the whole chapter when you get a chance.
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Be blessed as you follow Christ and remember this.
#lovewins and #hopelives
In His Image
In His Image
I am so thankful for Amazing Life Church. I love what God is doing, and the faithfulness of all those who have joined with His purpose.
It is my sincere belief that God is positioning this church, along with specific individuals within, to bring change to the world.
Everyone has a place in the process. No wall of conquest will stand attack, if there is a break in it.
Last week some thoughts came to mind that weren’t in my notes. I remember saying that God believes in you, even if you don’t believe in yourself. That prompted me to find some reasons why God believes in you.
Psalms 8:1-9
1 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
4 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
David understood Kingdom authority and dominion. Would God give us that kind of power and authority if He did not believe in us. Believe that with faith and confidence in Him, we can do all things.
This is David talking. Where did he get this idea? How about the voice of God?
Genesis 1:26-27
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Now we understand that like Him, in His image, to mean His character. His dominion. His authority.
God believes in us, because He made us in His image. Not only that, He made us with the capacity to be like Him.
Why are we afraid to accept this? There are probably two significant answers. 1St, we don’t feel worthy. That is across the board. David did not feel worthy.
The solution is not becoming worthy, we never will. The solution for this answer is faith. Believing what God said.
“He Believes in us”
The second thing we fear is accountability. Some people in ministry fear accountability so much they will not even accept the title for the role they have acknowledged in the church.
I have heard a lot about revival lately. It is always associated with the lost being saved. That is absolutely a result of great revivals. It is however, not how true revival begins.
Dead and dying churches, with a dead message, catch the eye of God. People who are tired of seeing the world get their loved ones because a message of death is more important than life.
These saints begin to pray. There is usually a small nucleus of prayer warriors in churches everywhere. Their prayers move in synergy with people that have prayed these same heart felt prayers for generations.
Revival will begin with repentance. Repentance within the church, for their failure to tell the story of Jesus. Wrapped up in their pride, and complacency. Neglecting their community. Neglecting the supernatural. This process has happened many times over the history of the church.
Revival is the catalyst to make the church relevant again. Focusing on the mission of the Gospel. Embracing our communities, and the world with the love and grace of God.
Being the light and salt we were called and anointed to be.
Back to Genesis. In His image.
Sin became an obstacle to this kind of authority. Yet there were instances throughout the OT where men and women of God walked in Kingdom authority. How about today?
“God still believes in us”
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled,(return to favor) us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (Literally, means exchange.)
Our relationship will help others make the exchange as well.
Colossians 1:19-22
19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,
22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.
“Reconcile and reconciled, brought back to former state of harmony.”
If you have followed Christ, you are walking, “In His Image.”
There is a call for the power of prayer, and the constant need for humility.
God believes in you!!! Will you believe in yourself?
#lovewins #hopelives