Never before has the past been so significant to the present. Clothing Styles from years past repeat themselves over again during shorter periods of time. Music has its revival after a short period of being considered out dated. After being created a few short years ago, a duplication of effort and small improvements to a design is all it takes to breathe new life into an otherwise lost version.
There was a time when duplication was considered offensive. In the 80's to repeat another person's style was considered, "Biting." In other words one would be criticized for taking a piece of an idea conceived by another. Today to duplicate someone or something is almost considered paying respect to the originator.
Duplication has always been a part human society. In fact, traditions were formed by the repetition of a past generations actions. We celebrate days during the calendar year. We take time off or special care to honor the day on holidays, anniversaries and birthdays. Traditions are formed as a result. Paying homage to the significance of special days has always been a means of remembering the past and or looking forward to the future. New Year's day has the special ability to do both. On New year's day one can etch old and new. One hundred and eighty degrees in the other direction is the opposite of where you were. Give yourself another chance to do whatever you missed in the last year. Duplicate the things you did correctly. Place a twist on your past sins. Repent and be made new in Jesus Christ.
Mark 8:23-25
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
We have come to a new place in time. There are many things that may not be as clear as they should be. Let us allow the Word of God to touch a place in our hearts and remove confusion while clearing our blurred vision.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Unmatched Faith
A know a man who had a vision to build a house but there were obstacles in his way. He had no money and he had no land. He felt so strongly about his vision that he began to clear a piece of property without the owners knowledge or consent. His neighbors asked him what he was doing. He told them he was making preparation for his house by clearing the land. They laughed at him and told him he was crazy because it was not likely this could happen to him. They knew he had no money and the land was not for sale. Despite the railings and discouraging words he received from his neighbors and friends he continued to work. Eventually he finished clearing the land. He found the owner's phone number and gave him a call. That day the owner agreed to sell the property, but said he would not pay to have it cleared. This man's faith was great enough to believe he could obtain the things he desired. He labored towards his vision without seeing the ending while trusting God to offer grace for its completion.
There was a woman with an issue of blood twelve years. Because of her sickness she was banished from her home and separated from her family. She spent all she had on doctors and none of them were able to find a cure. She heard that Jesus was passing by and purposed in her heart to touch His garment. Her faith allowed her to beleive she did not need to speak to Him. There was no need for Him to stop and waste His time with her. All she needed was a single touch and her cure would be found. She went against societal traditions to be in places she should have avoided. She touched people from which she should have distanced herself. In one final gesture of faith she reached and touched the hem of the garment Jesus wore that day. Jesus felt the touch because a healing virtue was released. He stopped and asked who had the faith to receive such a release from him. There she was, broken from her circumstances but healed by her faith. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole.(Mk. 5:34)"
Pursue your faith to obtain an unmatched blessing. Salvation is available to all who believe. Deliverance, whether it is from sickness, disease or sin is available in Jesus Christ. Your faith alone provides access to God's grace.(Acts 2:38)
There was a woman with an issue of blood twelve years. Because of her sickness she was banished from her home and separated from her family. She spent all she had on doctors and none of them were able to find a cure. She heard that Jesus was passing by and purposed in her heart to touch His garment. Her faith allowed her to beleive she did not need to speak to Him. There was no need for Him to stop and waste His time with her. All she needed was a single touch and her cure would be found. She went against societal traditions to be in places she should have avoided. She touched people from which she should have distanced herself. In one final gesture of faith she reached and touched the hem of the garment Jesus wore that day. Jesus felt the touch because a healing virtue was released. He stopped and asked who had the faith to receive such a release from him. There she was, broken from her circumstances but healed by her faith. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole.(Mk. 5:34)"
Pursue your faith to obtain an unmatched blessing. Salvation is available to all who believe. Deliverance, whether it is from sickness, disease or sin is available in Jesus Christ. Your faith alone provides access to God's grace.(Acts 2:38)
Monday, December 20, 2010
I'm Sorry It's Not You, It's Me
In this age of information people are unable to escape the scrutiny of their peers. Nothing is able to fly under the radar of our friends and associates. Much of the time we fall victim to their opions and sometimes even allow ourselves to governed by them. That's what we define as people pleasing. As long as no one is offended by our actions we are fine with ourselves. The issue is, there will always be those who are offended by the things we do. One person may agree and another disagree. Neither of them are wrong. They are both entitled to their opinions. The real issue is the individual who is not aware of their own. When we release our own desires for the sake of attempting to please others we fall victim to the spirit of people pleasing.
Solomon said, "The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.(Ecclesiastes 12:13)" If we are to fear God rather than man how do we get caught by the temptation to surrender to man? Could the lack of purpose or knowledge of purpose be the reason? We perish because we lack knowledge and sometimes reject knowledge.(Hosea 4:6) The knowledge of purpose is important for us as individuals and as members of the Body of Christ. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28) God assigns purpose to man's life. God also appoints things to enlighten and to mature the believer. It's those things that cause man to waiver back and forth and to sometimes be influenced by others expectations. God's ways are not always understood or even visible. We are placed in situations that encourage our growth and maturity. We learn to trust in God. We learn that every person has an opinion and is entitled to have one. We as believers have to be transformed. Our expectations have to be redirected. Man can not assign purpose to our lives, neither can he produce growth and or maturity. Our relationship with the Lord is what provides for us the things we can not provide for ourselves.
Purpose is assigned by God. The scripture states, "to them who are called." Christ said He came to call sinners to repentance. (Matt. 9:13,Mk. 2:17, Lk. 5:32) Those who recognize they are sinners should understand they are also called. The call is first to repentance then into purpose.(Heb. 11:6) In order for purpose to be fulfilled there must be a process. The process is called salvation or deliverance. Man can be released from the power of the flesh only by recieving God's power.(Jn. 1:12) Recieving God's power means a side has been chosen. Man can choose to remain in sin or be saved set free and delivered by the power of God. Once on God's side His power must be relied upon to endure. We struggle with the flesh to remain faithful to a God who is all spirit.(Jn. 4:24) There is nothing good in the flesh. We can not enter into the heavenly realm in the flesh. We must be changed. The motions or the actions of the flesh must be destroyed for the life in the spirit to thrive with us.
The battle ground must be defined if we are going to as Paul put it, "war a good warfare." (Tim. 1:18) We struggle against spirits that would desire we carry out the deeds of the flesh. (see Gal. 5:19-21) These are the things we fight to resist. They are spirit and we have been given power. 2Cor. 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) If our weapons are not carnal it is safe to assume our enemy is not carnal either.
Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our surroundings are filled with opposition. Those things that are in opposition to God are also in opposition to us. Let us seek the will of God to know our struggle and purpose in our hearts to press using the power we have been given to endure.
Solomon said, "The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.(Ecclesiastes 12:13)" If we are to fear God rather than man how do we get caught by the temptation to surrender to man? Could the lack of purpose or knowledge of purpose be the reason? We perish because we lack knowledge and sometimes reject knowledge.(Hosea 4:6) The knowledge of purpose is important for us as individuals and as members of the Body of Christ. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28) God assigns purpose to man's life. God also appoints things to enlighten and to mature the believer. It's those things that cause man to waiver back and forth and to sometimes be influenced by others expectations. God's ways are not always understood or even visible. We are placed in situations that encourage our growth and maturity. We learn to trust in God. We learn that every person has an opinion and is entitled to have one. We as believers have to be transformed. Our expectations have to be redirected. Man can not assign purpose to our lives, neither can he produce growth and or maturity. Our relationship with the Lord is what provides for us the things we can not provide for ourselves.
Purpose is assigned by God. The scripture states, "to them who are called." Christ said He came to call sinners to repentance. (Matt. 9:13,Mk. 2:17, Lk. 5:32) Those who recognize they are sinners should understand they are also called. The call is first to repentance then into purpose.(Heb. 11:6) In order for purpose to be fulfilled there must be a process. The process is called salvation or deliverance. Man can be released from the power of the flesh only by recieving God's power.(Jn. 1:12) Recieving God's power means a side has been chosen. Man can choose to remain in sin or be saved set free and delivered by the power of God. Once on God's side His power must be relied upon to endure. We struggle with the flesh to remain faithful to a God who is all spirit.(Jn. 4:24) There is nothing good in the flesh. We can not enter into the heavenly realm in the flesh. We must be changed. The motions or the actions of the flesh must be destroyed for the life in the spirit to thrive with us.
The battle ground must be defined if we are going to as Paul put it, "war a good warfare." (Tim. 1:18) We struggle against spirits that would desire we carry out the deeds of the flesh. (see Gal. 5:19-21) These are the things we fight to resist. They are spirit and we have been given power. 2Cor. 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) If our weapons are not carnal it is safe to assume our enemy is not carnal either.
Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our surroundings are filled with opposition. Those things that are in opposition to God are also in opposition to us. Let us seek the will of God to know our struggle and purpose in our hearts to press using the power we have been given to endure.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Word of the Day "Suddenly"
I woke up one morning this week with the word suddenly in my spirit. I thought to myself that must be the word of the day. I remembered the Bible tells us that on the Day of Pentecost they were with one accord and in one place (Acts 2:1). The word suddenly appears and we see the events that follow. I had to ask myself how the word suddenly could be applied to me. I searched the scriptures a little more for the word and found it can be used to describe the results of many different circumstances. I found in the book of Proverbs the naughty, spiritually mischeveous or wicked person. They are intentionally deceptive in their actions and they seem to know the right things to do or say . They take every opportunity to sow discord or to speak against fruitful relationships. The evil in their hearts cause them to constantly disrupt the things that are intended to be a blessing. The end of that person is pronounced as calamity. It will come suddenly (Prov. 6:12-15).
How much better it is to live a life that will afford us the opportunity to expect the blessings of God. The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (2Pet. 3:10). If we apply the word suddenly to our right now, would it be blessing or curse, heaven or hell? The people of God wait with great expectation for the comming of our Lord. Watching for a visiting loved one is nothing like waiting for our Lord. He's coming back for those He has redeemed. His return means our departure. The day will come suddenly to those who are not watching (Luke 12:39). Suddenly can mean the best is yet to come or it only gets worse.
Questions:
What should I be doing when Jesus returns?
How do I know I will go with Him?
Where will I be taken?
For answers see: http://www.streetsquad.org
How much better it is to live a life that will afford us the opportunity to expect the blessings of God. The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (2Pet. 3:10). If we apply the word suddenly to our right now, would it be blessing or curse, heaven or hell? The people of God wait with great expectation for the comming of our Lord. Watching for a visiting loved one is nothing like waiting for our Lord. He's coming back for those He has redeemed. His return means our departure. The day will come suddenly to those who are not watching (Luke 12:39). Suddenly can mean the best is yet to come or it only gets worse.
Questions:
What should I be doing when Jesus returns?
How do I know I will go with Him?
Where will I be taken?
For answers see: http://www.streetsquad.org
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Honest with God
Ever held a conversation and felt there was no need to be completely honest? Did you feel that being totaly hones would cause you some harm or loss? There have been times when I would speak with people and share information that I felt was sensitive. I would hold back information for fear of losing respect or causing someone to misjudge my character.
King David was confronted about his adulterous encounter with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. God chose to reveal the gravity of David's actions by telling him a story that would expose his sin. Otherwise David could have been dishonest in his reasoning. The propeht Nathan told him the story of a rich man who wronged a poor man with one little ewe lamb. David was enfuriated and demanded justice for the poor man. Nathan then told David he was that rich man. The story pricked David's heart and caused him to see the degree of wrong committed against the poor man (Uriah). David confessed and was lead to a place of contrition before God. Honesty has to begin with us before we can demand it of others.(2Sam. 12:1-13)
David later wrote a psalm that described his spiritual condition after being confronted with the truth. In that psalm he stated, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." (Ps. 51:6) King David acknowledged he would be unable to approach God with a lie in his heart. I have had experiences that revealed a lie will hinder the ability to hear from God. Like going to God in prayer to ask for a blessing knowing there has not been any earnest prayer in days. Intentionally not spending time with Him and kneeling to pray out of habit with no real desire to speak to Him or hear from Him. This type of truth creates distance between us and God. But, He desires it. Sincere desire to be with God will reveal hinderances. I thought if I just ignored it everything would one day blow over and my relationship would be restored. I guess David thought the same thing, until he was confronted. Let us be honest with God and ourselves. We need Him to survive. Repent and be restored.
King David was confronted about his adulterous encounter with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. God chose to reveal the gravity of David's actions by telling him a story that would expose his sin. Otherwise David could have been dishonest in his reasoning. The propeht Nathan told him the story of a rich man who wronged a poor man with one little ewe lamb. David was enfuriated and demanded justice for the poor man. Nathan then told David he was that rich man. The story pricked David's heart and caused him to see the degree of wrong committed against the poor man (Uriah). David confessed and was lead to a place of contrition before God. Honesty has to begin with us before we can demand it of others.(2Sam. 12:1-13)
David later wrote a psalm that described his spiritual condition after being confronted with the truth. In that psalm he stated, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." (Ps. 51:6) King David acknowledged he would be unable to approach God with a lie in his heart. I have had experiences that revealed a lie will hinder the ability to hear from God. Like going to God in prayer to ask for a blessing knowing there has not been any earnest prayer in days. Intentionally not spending time with Him and kneeling to pray out of habit with no real desire to speak to Him or hear from Him. This type of truth creates distance between us and God. But, He desires it. Sincere desire to be with God will reveal hinderances. I thought if I just ignored it everything would one day blow over and my relationship would be restored. I guess David thought the same thing, until he was confronted. Let us be honest with God and ourselves. We need Him to survive. Repent and be restored.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Grow
I have a plant that is almost twenty years old. I recieved it for my twenty second birthday. It has been in the same container the whole time. It's growth has been intentionally stagnated to keep it from out growing the room in which it is stored. We as believers grow from one faith to another faith in Christ. I believe God moves us so that we gain increase and never out grow where we are at any given point. The next trial always seems to be greater than the last. The coming season seems to last longer the the previous one. That plant could be much larger than it is right now but because it has not been moved, it is much smaller than it should be. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:(Phil. 1:6) God is constantly working in our lives to produce the maturity that will allow us to be productive in His kingdom. The next faith we obtain wiill equip us for the next trial we endure.
Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't send a boy to do a man's job?" When Jesus was twelve years old He was found in the temple. While in the temple He amazed the priests with His knowledge and the way He expounded on the Holy Scriptures (Luke 2:47). Despite His knowledge of the Word of God He was not ready or the time had not come to enter into His ministry. Jesus responded to Mary when she found Him after three days. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49) Knowing who we are does not give us the right to ministry. The Scripture tells us that Jesus grew from that point in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. Jesus followed the process of growth. It would be seventeen years until He does a miracle or calls a disciple. He didn't rush His anointing or force His way into ministry. He waited for His appointed time.
Faith is a container that allows us to grow. By faith we are enabled to please God. (Heb. 11:6) When our faith moves us from one place with God into another we are responsible to grow in that place. Waiting on the Lord is a process that takes place during the growing season. We learn how to renew our strength. We learn how to use divine providence and continue to make forward progress dispite obstacles. He will move or even transplant in due season. The next place will be different from the current one and by faith we grow to achieve the goal which is favor with God. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Rom. 1:17) There is only one thing left to do at this point. Grow.
Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't send a boy to do a man's job?" When Jesus was twelve years old He was found in the temple. While in the temple He amazed the priests with His knowledge and the way He expounded on the Holy Scriptures (Luke 2:47). Despite His knowledge of the Word of God He was not ready or the time had not come to enter into His ministry. Jesus responded to Mary when she found Him after three days. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49) Knowing who we are does not give us the right to ministry. The Scripture tells us that Jesus grew from that point in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. Jesus followed the process of growth. It would be seventeen years until He does a miracle or calls a disciple. He didn't rush His anointing or force His way into ministry. He waited for His appointed time.
Faith is a container that allows us to grow. By faith we are enabled to please God. (Heb. 11:6) When our faith moves us from one place with God into another we are responsible to grow in that place. Waiting on the Lord is a process that takes place during the growing season. We learn how to renew our strength. We learn how to use divine providence and continue to make forward progress dispite obstacles. He will move or even transplant in due season. The next place will be different from the current one and by faith we grow to achieve the goal which is favor with God. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Rom. 1:17) There is only one thing left to do at this point. Grow.
Today is the Day
We spend a lot of time thinking about our past and future, along with the decsions we have made. All of those things shape how we feel about our right now. We may say to ourselves, "If only had gone to college, or why did I allow myself to get pregnant so soon?" Life is filled with choices. The way we percieve them matters. We can not just stop living and start over at a different place in life. Starting over is a reality only for those who accept God's plan of redemption. At that point our past does not matter and our future is already determined (Jer. 29:11).
The way we think about ourselves is not able to add anything to our lives. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matt. 6:27) Nothing we do is able to change the past or modify our physical make up. What we can do is trust Christ and allow Him to direct our paths. Too much time is wasted worrying about yesterday's mistakes and the consequences of tomorrow. Let the grace of God for tomorrow handle the things of tomorrow. Use the strength you were blessed with today for today's issues. Tomorrow is not a promise (Jas. 4:13-14). Worrying about tomorrow is not an investment. It is actually being wasteful. Take better care of the time God has given and trust Him to provide. We will either be blessed with the grace that is sufficient for the trial or blessed to be in His presence. Either way, those who have been redeemed are assured blessing in this life or the next. That is a promise that lasts. Are you prepared? See http://www.streetsquad.org for more details.
The way we think about ourselves is not able to add anything to our lives. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matt. 6:27) Nothing we do is able to change the past or modify our physical make up. What we can do is trust Christ and allow Him to direct our paths. Too much time is wasted worrying about yesterday's mistakes and the consequences of tomorrow. Let the grace of God for tomorrow handle the things of tomorrow. Use the strength you were blessed with today for today's issues. Tomorrow is not a promise (Jas. 4:13-14). Worrying about tomorrow is not an investment. It is actually being wasteful. Take better care of the time God has given and trust Him to provide. We will either be blessed with the grace that is sufficient for the trial or blessed to be in His presence. Either way, those who have been redeemed are assured blessing in this life or the next. That is a promise that lasts. Are you prepared? See http://www.streetsquad.org for more details.
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