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Tag: Love
Grace has Appeared
Grace has Appeared
There is an old Hymn that came to my mind as I embraced this word that God has given me for today.
There’s a name above all others,Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer. It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.
Chorus
What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. Reaching higher far, than the brightest star. Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.
There is no name more relevant for the times we live. For the season we are in. For the difficulties we face. The tragedies we endure. The joy we experience. The love that has embraced us. The blood that has cleansed us, and continues to cleanse all who follow Him.
What an awesome name, the name of Jesus.
I want to share some thoughts titled, “Grace has Appeared” (little history before I get started)
Titus, or Saint Titus as he is known today was a Greek convert of Paul, and a recipient of one of three Paul’s Pastoral Epistles. He was installed as the first Bishop of the island of Crete by Paul. This letter to him was one of instruction and encouragement in the ministry.
Something interesting about Titus that followed him to today. He is the Patron Saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. The order of Titus award is the only award presented by the chief chaplain to recognize outstanding ministry by chaplains and their associates.
Titus 2:11-15 NASB
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Titus 2:14 Amplified
who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.
From the Apostles, to the Bishops, to the Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, and the prophets. There is no more faithful, and profound word of encouragement, than the story of Jesus.
The heart and soul of our Christian lives, ministries, and purpose, is Jesus and His story. Jesus said this to Thomas, when Thomas questioned how would we know the way.
John 14:6 NASB
Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
There is only one door to walk through that leads to redemption, restoration, and eternal life.
That door is Jesus.
Chapter 2 of Titus ended with verse 15 but the exhortation of Paul continued in chapter 3
Titus 3:1-8 NASB
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Titus 3:8 Amplified
This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.
The word translated good in this passage has a very broad and inclusive meaning. It comes from the Greek word, kal-os’, and it means, “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, and admirable. Excellent in its nature and characteristics. Genuine and approved.
These passages are not referring to good deeds that earn salvation. “that’s impossible.”
It is referring to doing good deeds because of your salvation.
The church today must define its responsibility to the world. 1st,the world we live. 2nd , to our global community.
Why?
For the grace of God has appeared
#lovewins #hopelives
My heart, To Yours
My heart, To Yours
I wanted to share some thoughts today about my responsibility as a pastor, and all of our responsibilities as Christians.
There are those who tend to complicate these issues. Wrapping them around theological issues and statements of faith. This approach is ok for those who enjoy the depth of the scriptures and the plan of God for our lives.
I am one of those who digs deeper and deeper as time goes by. Looking at the church fathers and writings from the Apostles who studied and followed the original 12, and throughout over 2000 years of writings from church fathers, desert fathers and so on.
There is so much great stuff available. It is awesome. With that said, the Bible is my heart and my life as I follow Christ. It is knowing Him. The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Back to my original point. As a Pastor I believe that we all must take on the heart of Jesus. He looked beyond the religious community and their acceptance of people. He offered His love and compassion to everyone He came in contact with.
The world today is raging with controversy. Even in the church world people are divided by boundaries and theology.
Before I go further, I have never been a fan of the reformation. It had to happen, but it created an historical divide in Christianity. At the time there were basically 2 recognized churches. Catholic and Orthodox.
Today, the most recent statistics I could find, tell us that there are over 41,000 different denominations and religious institutions. Many of these are related to each other, still there is too much room for division.
There are many praying in intercession today to tear down these walls of division. Revival is coming. With all my heart I believe it.
The Gospel is simple in nature, yet profound in accomplishment. The story of Jesus, His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension is the Gospel message. It has changed the lives of millions when delivered in that form. It will continue to do so today.
To take on His heart means I have to care about others. Every Christian has this responsibility.
Not only to care, but we must endeavor to help in what ways we can.
Prayer is the most effective way to join people together, and feel the burden of those who need us.
Prayer softens our heart and moves our will, to His will. It will reveal your purpose and the steps you must take to fulfill it.
One of the things that the Holy Spirit moves in me is a burden for those who are struggling. Often I don’t even know the reason, but when prompted to pray, I do so.
Many times it is a physical drain as intercession cries out from my heart to His.
I want so much to help, yet often I can only pray. God positions healing, and answers as we intercede in prayer.
From feeding thousands and healing the sick. Encouraging the hopeless, and teaching His followers, Christ taught us how to care.
How can we turn our face from the tragedies in this world and call ourselves, followers of Christ.
Start in your local area and begin to pray. The Holy Spirit will open a path for you to follow.
It will lead you to more prayer, and intercession. It may also lead you to someone in need. Be ready. He will test your faith.
I am praying everyday for His love, mercy, and grace to move throughout this world.
Remember this. It moves through us. He loves, through us. Heals, through us. Reveals Himself, through us.
We are the light of the world. We must shine the light of Jesus.
Be blessed this day. In Jesus name I pray.
#lovewins #hopelives
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s A Wonderful Life
It has been a long road back this week from the sickness I had dealt with. I do appreciate the prayers and well wishes for those who knew. If you didn’t know don’t worry, I didn’t do hour by hour postings on facebook.
When my head began to clear from the medicine I felt pain in my spirit. (still today) So many people feel like they have no value. Their life is insignificant.
When I thought on this it got worse, and I could not hold back tears.
I shared my thoughts with Betty and it brought to her mind one of our favorite Christmas movies. I want to share some thoughts titled, “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Before I really get into my message, I want to share some short stories about some folks in the Bible, that left a small historical footprint in Bible history.
You have probably hear of Jabez. Mentioned briefly in
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NASB
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.”
10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.
The guy got in 2 scriptures and people are praying his prayer still today.
Josiah became king at 8 years old.
2 Kings 22:2 NASB
He did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the way of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left.
What about Shamgar?
Judges 3:31 NASB
After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.
There is really only three things we know about the thief on the cross. He was a criminal-He was crucified next to Jesus-When he died he entered paradise with Jesus.
Love this one. Who knows of Elishama? “el-ee-shaw-maw” It means, My God has heard. He was a scribe to the king in the book of Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 36:12 NASB
he went down to the king’s house, into the scribe’s chamber. And behold, all the officials were sitting there—Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the other officials.
Here is what interested me. In 1986 outside Jerusalem a clay seal was found that read, Elishama, servant of the king.
The passage was written approx 588 BC. The seal was dated to that time period proving that He was a scribe to the king.
My heart has been heavy this week. Burdened for the broken, the scattered, the hopeless. People who have found themselves slammed against a wall, with no way to get around it, and no heart to climb it.
“Used Up”
Paul was defining his Apostolic role in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians, chapter 4.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 NASB
5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
“It’s a valuable treasure”
Your life has meaning. If you could only see the people you have touched. The people you are destined to touch. The used up person that you held the door open for with a smile. They decided to go one more day. “Nothing is insignificant in God’s purpose.”
(We have a treasure to give. It never runs out)
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 NASB
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
“This transformation is a process.”
Philippians 2 Is a great chapter. Read it when you can. I want to share 3 verses.
Philippians 2:8-10 NASB
8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
All of this said comes to this.
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
(What a wonderful life awaits you)
#lovewins #hopelives
Who’s Accountable to Who?
Who’s Accountable to Who?
This blog has been a work in my mind for several days. Over and over I have written it in my mind since I read a post that disturbed me.
It was really nothing new except it made an insinuation about judging others. The completely misrepresented phrase used in the post was this. If you want a church that doesn’t judge, you must want a church that doesn’t care.
Really what these people are talking about is a couple of social and sexual sins.
Before all you law breathers start breaking open your extensive arsenal of sins, I must make two things clear.
One-What the Bible says is true. If it calls something a sin, that it is.
Secondly, God did not call me to preach death. He called me to preach life.
Here comes my answer to people who think they have the right to judge another. By the way, stop splicing the word. You know full well what you mean when you say it.
Many of these folks who would hold others accountable couldn’t be held accountable with an armored tank brigade.
It is simply a means to ease their conscience by telling others their sins and the penalty assigned. Somehow believing they are the watchman on the wall. I don’t mean to sound so hard but I have learned to measure results. This has never worked well.
I would believe in their sincerity if they would spread this speak the truth in love stuff a little broader. For example. Maybe they should quote Revelation 21:8 occasionally.
“But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
That’s a good one, right?
Or how about Proverbs 6: 16-19.
16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
These are very relevant to the condition of the heart, and to the local body.
Once again I would believe that they really cared if they had the courage to address issues that hurt the church and it’s influence in the world.
So, after many days I pray that I have given something of a calm response to a very common issue that people deal with. It is, however a path I moved away from many years ago.
Jesus revealed in John 16 the role of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:8-11 NASB
8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;
9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me;
11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
You see, it is the role of the Holy Spirit to convict. I stopped trying to do His job years ago.
Before I finish I think you need to know what to expect during a visit to Amazing Life Church.
We hold ourselves accountable to you.
Accountable to provide you a safe place to come and hear the awesome story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, is the essence of the Gospel.
We are accountable to you, to share a word that will speak to your heart and to your needs. A word that will quicken the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about any issues you need help with.
To a more seasoned saint we are accountable to share a word that will enlighten, reveal, and inspire.
Finally, we are accountable to you to be ready to answer questions and concerns. Offering our prayers always, and help as possible.
One more promise. When you come to Amazing life Church, you will not be judged, and we care immensely about your relationship with Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
I’ve Been Sick
I’ve Been Sick
Well folks, this week has been a mess. Last Saturday night I ran fever all night. Felt good enough to preach so I did my best all the while trying to stay away from folks so I wouldn’t pass it on. Whatever it, is.
Fever continued the next couple of days along with a deep seated cough. Fever has subside but the cough has not. Although it is better.
I want to thank all of my church family, and friends that have been praying for me. I feel the strength of your prayers.
Please pray for Betty. To those who know me the reason is obvious. When I am sick I am a big baby.
This is not meant to be a special report on my illness. I mainly want to let everyone know I appreciate your prayers and comments.
I also want to address a couple of issues before I close this blog.
Yes I know, I am not as young as I used to be. Guess what? Nobody is as young as they used to be. LOL
Secondly, my kids in particular have wanted me to go to the Doctor. Probably should, and would if the over the counter stuff didn’t work.
Doctors are awesome. Their education and experience is a gift from God, and their dedication to help humanity is amazing.
When this stuff has come on in the past few years I have gone to the Doctor to get a shot. They wouldn’t give me a shot because they said my blood pressure was too high.
No kidding, the blood pressure machine was across the hall from the finance office. Just saying!!
I hope to return to my daily prayers and posts. Thanks so much for the prayers and the well wishes.
God is awesome and His comfort and peace has kept me focused.
God bless all of my friends and family with His favor and grace. In Jesus name.
#lovewins #hopelives
The Storm Shelter
The Storm Shelter
While I was praying last night the thunderstorms that had been forecast arrived. While listening to the thunder roll, and the heavy rain, something from my childhood came to mind.
When I was 4 years old I was playing with a friend a couple of houses from mine. I looked toward home and saw a concrete truck in the driveway. Dad was having a concrete storm cellar poured in our backyard.
In later years I found out why. Dad was working on the freight docks in West Dallas when one touched down in sight of his job. The damage and destruction alarmed him, and prompted him to have this shelter built.
It was really kind of nice inside. It had a half round bench where Dad placed plywood across. It made a bed large enough for Mom and I to sleep.
Dad would always sit on the steps near the door so his transistor radio would get good reception.
When an alarm was issued we went to the cellar. Dad would not leave until he heard the official notice that the storms had passed.
He saw the devastation a storm could cause. That prompted Him to prepare. “Boy there is a sermon in that!!”
From that moment when the shelter was built, until I moved away and began a family, we went to the storm shelter. I can not tell how many hours I spent in that concrete hole in the ground.
I remember once when Jennifer was a baby that Dad and Mom wanted to keep her. It was a Sunday and I left her while we went to church. During church a storm came up.
When I got to their house it was still raining. No lights on so I knew where they were. I waded through the water to the storm shelter and beat on the door. Dad, I need to get Jennifer.
I didn’t think he was going to let me have her. The storm warning had not been lifted. After much pleading he let me have my child.
The next door neighbor always made fun of us for going to the shelter during storms. How ironic one day when a storm tore through his yard and destroyed several of his trees.
He came to dad and asked if he could put a gate in his fence so that when a storm came he and his wife could join dad in the cellar.
Like so many, he didn’t find it necessary until it affected him. Of course dad let him put the gate in, and he joined them several times in the safety of the storm cellar.
I knew that my father went to all this trouble because he loved life, and he loved his family. The storm he witnessed first hand created an urgency for preparation.
When I thought on this I was reminded of Jesus, and the storms He stilled in the Gospels.
Everything He did was to teach, and to confirm. Teach us how to trust Him and believe His words of life. Confirm to us, who He was and the kingdom authority that He was sent to pass on to believers.
The Father loved us so much that He spent thousands of years in preparation. When the proper season of time arrived, His Son stilled the rage of death, hell, and the grave. Rising with the keys in His hands that would free us from the fear of judgment, and the bondage of sin.
In the shelter of His arms I rest today. When a storm arises I look to Him for courage. When failure comes I look to Him for mercy.
He is my shelter in the storm.
Still we must be prepared. Even when things are going smoothly a storm could arise suddenly in your life. A life event that came unexpectedly. A tragedy or failure that causes fear and doubt to trouble you.
We must pray faithfully. Read His word regularly. These two things are like building a storm cellar.
They will hold you up when things around you are crumbling. The connection you have with the Father will give you full assurance and peace that you will endure the storm.
The words He shared will be the foundation. The walls are built with His love.
In Him we live, move, and have our being. He is our shelter to protect us from the storms of life.
Remember, just like my dad. It is His love for us that moves us forward. It is His love for us that guards and protects our steps. It is His love for us that builds a shelter to protect us from the storms of life.
#lovewins #hopelives
Living Hope Leadership 2
Living Hope Leadership 2
This is my second blog on leadership principles. Helping identify principles that will help you flourish in a ministry that is founded on the example that Christ gave us.
I will do so by taking up where we left off in the Gospel of John.
John 13:12-17 NASB
12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.
14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
The message that immediately jumps out at us is service. There was a service that needed rendered and Christ took it upon Himself to do so. He did it as an example, a teaching example of how we must do the same.
I get another lesson from theses passages and the life of Christ.
No matter your calling or level of ministry. Whether you are part of the five fold ministry. “Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist” “or someone with specific gifts and callings in the body if something needs done and you have the means to do it. Then do it.”
Pride or position must not limit your service. He was the Son of God. He is our example of ministry.
His ability to do this came from His acceptance and realization of several things. I will share four for your consideration.
One
All things had been put in His hands.
Everything He would need to succeed was at His disposal. So it is with those whom He calls and anoints to lead. Putting in your heart a service to render to His people is nothing short of a Divine call to do so.
John 3:35 NASB
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.
Romans 8:32 NASB
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
Two
He understood His true identity.
John 10:38 NASB
but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”
Romans 8:14-15 NASB
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Understanding who you are goes a long way to help you do the things that Christ did. It is never about you. It is always about Him and rendering service to someone in need. That is what every form of ministry is. Meeting a need.
Your calling and your ministry will be a work of grace for the glory of God. Even though we have been given all things we must be willing to impart these things to others. “Freely you have received, freely give.”
Three
He knew He had a destiny.
John 18:4 NASB
So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, “Whom do you seek?”
You also have a destiny
Psalm 139:13-16 NASB
13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
Has God spent so much thought on us that He would not have a plan for our lives. I will never believe that. He has planned good things for all His children. Some, like you that are here He has destined to serve in even greater measure than we all must serve.
Four
He had a profound security in His Father’s love. Let me read a passage I mentioned earlier again.
John 3:35 NASB
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.
We have also been given this security if we will believe His words.
John 15:9 NASB
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
John 16:27 NASB
for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.
This may sound like beginners class and in some ways it is. We need to understand that things are not always as complicated as people tend to make them seem.
The very foundation of becoming a leader and developing a ministry in service for the kingdom of God is following the example of Christ. What He taught us was not complicated.
If you will understand that He has given you all things to succeed. Know who you are in Christ. Trust in Him to move you forward in the destiny He has planned for you and remain unwavering in the love that He has for you, you will be strong in leadership and ministry.
The more you lay hold of God’s riches, the more you will be capable of serving others.
Mark 9:33-37 NASB
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
36 Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,
37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”
I think it is interesting that He asked them what they were talking about and they would not answer. He knew the topic because he knew their hearts so He began to address greatness in His upside down theology.
If you want to be first you have to be last and you have to be servant to all.
Matthew recorded a similar discussion when the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked for her sons to sit in places of honor in His kingdom. Christ taught leadership and ministry in His response.
Matthew 20:26-28 NASB
26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,
27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
I want to close these foundational principles with an example of the upside down theology. Where we have to go down to come up and what happens when we faithfully serve as Christ did. Following His example.
Philippians 2:5-11 NASB
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
You see when you follow His plan for leadership you will have to give up something now; so you can get something better in the future.
#lovewins #hopelives
“He’s Always There”
“He’s Always There”
God has been so awesome and faithful as this year has progressed. Each week His presence has been awesome. Humbled yet determined I find myself expecting more.
There is something frightening, at least to me, about being satisfied.
I look to Father everyday for revelation. Strength, and answers to prayer. He is the source of my breath, and the surety of my faith. I love Him always.
I want to begin with some passages from Isaiah. His writings are unique considering he often fails to distinguish intervals of time. In many of his writings he will begin with Israel being judged for their rebellion. Revealing God’s plan for their punishment or their demise. Then, in the same chapter begin to write prophetically about the Messiah that would deliver them and save them from sin.
Isaiah 59:19-21 NASB
19 So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream Which the wind of the LORD drives.
20 “A Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares the LORD .
21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD : “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words
which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says the LORD , “from now and forever.”
In this Messianic prophesy we find the promise of an eternal covenant. It has always been God’s purpose to reveal Himself to every generation. Eternally embracing the people of the world with His awesome love and grace.
Verse 21 NLT, “And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
His plan has always been an eternal plan. From your 1st heartbeat, to your last, God’s plan for you was established. The plan for salvation. The plan for victory and peace. Every aspect of our lives He is aware of.
His love is eternal. He loves you in your rebellion, your failure, your doubt, your insecurity. He loves you in tragedy, in your fear. He loves you in obedience. When you follow Him and reveal Him to others. His love for you will never be diminished by your sin. I love Him because He first loved me.
Isaiah 62:10-12 NASB
10 Go through, go through the gates, Clear the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway, Remove the stones, lift up a standard over the peoples.
11 Behold, the L ORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes; Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”
12 And they will call them, “The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD ”; And you will be called, “Sought out, a city not forsaken.”
Isaiah 62:10-12 Message
Walk out of the gates. Get going! Get the road ready for the people. Build the highway. Get at it! Clear the debris, hoist high a flag, a signal to all peoples! Yes! G OD has broadcast to all the world: “Tell daughter Zion, ‘Look! Your Savior comes, Ready to do what he said he’d do, prepared to complete what he promised.’” Zion will be called new names: Holy People, G OD – Redeemed, Sought-Out, City-Not-Forsaken.
When God restores, He changes our name. From who we are to who He has destined us to be!!
These passages have a very clear meaning. His purpose is an eternal purpose. He is always with us. Forgiving, directing, speaking, and protection.
God comforted Abram about His promises.
Genesis 15:1 NASB
After these things the word of the L ORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
The word shield in this passage is defined from the Hebrew, “defending, covering, surrounding.”
Not a promise has He ever made that He would not defend. To the giving of His only Son, in death for our sins.
Love this one. Psalms 91 is called a Psalm of protection. The author is unknown. Here is a very familiar verse.
Psalms 91:1 NASB
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
“Everlasting protection”
There are a couple of words need some attention. The word shelter from the Hebrew means, “covering, hiding place, protection,” I love that.
Dwells is an awesome word. From the Hebrew it means, “to be inhabited.”
It implies living in Him, but it means Him living in us!!!
2 Peter 1:3-4 NASB
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
His promises are eternal. Eternal love, forgiveness, protection. “He’s always there”
Be blessed this week with His favor and grace.
From The Heart
From the Heart
There is a word that can’t be completely avoided in my posts. The word is, I. I use it when necessary to say, this is what I believe, or what I think. Used in a broad sense to clarify my positions or feelings.
Talking about myself is not something that I like to do. My life is not about me. It is all about my Savior. His love and grace that has moved me forward. That has picked me up from failure. Loved me without exception.
There are many times in prayer when I have difficulty hearing. All the clamor of the day and the tragedies of life sometimes drown out that still small voice.
In these times I say something to Him that I have said for years. “Father, I have always been in your hands, and I always will be.”
That may sound simple, but I feel it sort of bridges that silent gulf and let’s Him know I am listening.
Believing that He will keep on speaking. When the racket dies down, I will hear.
I know there may be some read this that don’t believe that God speaks in any way but through the Bible. I have to say that the Bible is my constant source of Him speaking to me. Through prayer and revelation His words of life ring loud. Still I love that still small voice in prayer.
Bringing comfort in chaos. Revelation in confusion. Peace in storms. And on and on His love keeps giving.
Well into the last half of my life, I have come to realize the things that should have been. Decisions that I never should have made. People I never should have let into my life. Looking at my life and the life of others. Seeing what could have been done, or should have been done.
For the most part it is not relevant. I can’t change a thing.
What it does for me as a pastor is this. When I see gifts in people’s lives. Talent that needs cultivating. I look back sometimes, so I can see the things they should not do. Then, because of my experience I can help others reach their potential much quicker. Maybe even help them avoid mistakes that could slow their purpose.
You see, everything in life is education. We shouldn’t continue in regret for our own mistakes. We must move beyond them and help others with what we have learned.
I mentioned above about people that I shouldn’t have let into my life. There are several types of people that you should avoid confiding in if you can. I will share the two types that are most common. There are people who may come to you because they see success or favor in your life or ministry. They will make you believe that they are on your side and will help you any way they can.
This requires prayer before you go further because they really could be sent from the Father, to do just what they said. Often they are people who are trying to ride your wave of success.
Thinking that if they stay around you long enough they can use your hard work to advance themselves.
I don’t mean to sound negative. This is from my heart and years of experience.
The second group have no such agendas. They are generally good people, who you may be able to help move forward, in their God given destiny. You do need to be aware that many of these amazing folks are not going where you are going. Their dreams may be much smaller than yours. Embrace them with the goal of helping them reach their potential. Take their counsel with much prayer.
These two groups of people can be found in many areas of life. From ministry to business they exist.
It is just life.
Going forward from a mistake or failure has an element of fear. Will you be respected? Considered to be serious in your endeavor. Will they blow it again? These and more are questions that people will have in their minds. Not everyone. Just the ones who really don’t want you to rise above your mistakes.
It is ok. This is just life.
There will be others that will encourage you, and embrace you, as you move beyond these things. Find these people. Listen to their counsel and accept their help.
The negative ones. Pray for them, but ignore them. They are not going where you are. Their dreams are small if they even exist. It doesn’t always make them bad people. It takes all kinds to build a church and a business.
Surround yourself with winners. At least people who want to win. To dream. To work hard, and to believe.
It is what Jesus did. Do what He did!!!
PS. Please forgive me for all the I”s in this blog.
My life and my heart belongs to Jesus. The source of everything good in me, and in the world.