Christmas, A New Genesis

photo from stockxchng/ven-

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. It's also a time to consider why he came. Scripture tells us Christ came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). The baby born into this world, whose birth we celebrate, came to be the Savior of mankind.

The First Genesis
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (GE 1:1 KJV)." Scripture tells us God saw each phase of his creation as being good. God created Adam and placed him in a perfect garden, Eden.

Adam's disobedience in the matter of the forbidden fruit plunged all humanity into a world of sin resulting in both physical death and spiritual death. God instituted a plan of sacrifice for humanity to follow to push redemption from sin forward until the time of the ultimate sacrifice of the coming Messiah.

Hebrews 10:4 tells us it's not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. Something more was required. God never intended to leave humanity without the hope of redemption and restoration. God had a plan from the beginning. The sacrifice of a Lamb was already in his mind when he spoke this world into existence. However a new genesis was required.

A New Genesis
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise (Matthew 1:18 KJV)." My Pastor presented this verse in a recent Bible study. His focus was on the word birth. The original Greek used for this word is gennesis (Strong's 1083). The birth of Jesus Christ was a new genesis for this world.
 
Jesus came into this world as a baby. He experienced all the troubles and trials of human life. His life ended as a man cursed to die on a tree. Thank God he didn't stay dead, he arose! His resurrection put into motion the process of a brand-new creation. God made that same Jesus, who was crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

We can become a part of God's new genesis through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul put it like this, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)."

As we celebrate the "reason for the season", let's remember the reason was he came to seek and save the lost. He came to bring a new genesis for humanity. May all be blessed and have a safe and joyful Christmas.

Book Review: Lead Like Ike

World War II history buffs will enjoy reading the book, Lead Like Ike, by Geoff Loftus. Lead Like Ike takes an in-depth look at the methods and planning utilized by General Dwight D. (Ike) Eisenhower while he served as the supreme allied commander of the forces of Operation Overlord.

Geoff Loftus applies a business analogy to the planning, the structure, the communications, and the challenges General Eisenhower faced while executing Operation Overlord from a solid business perspective.

A history buff myself, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Geoff Loftus details the leadership of "Ike" in terms which are clear and easy to understand. The major message brought forth is the acceptance of responsibility for one's decisions and actions. This message could not be presented any clearer than in the never-released "just in case" press release of General Dwight D. Eisenhower (quoted from the book):

"Our landings... have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops... The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

Leaders make plans and decisions in business every day affecting cost, profit, and employment. In Lead Like Ike, we come to understand the profit was the ultimate allied victory in World War II. The cost was human life, not only of the allied forces (the employees), but of civilians and the enemy.

I highly recommend this book to those interested in the history of World War II, to any who are already in leadership positions, and to all who aspire to become leaders. The thought process presented for the decisions made by "Ike" are an excellent example of the character of an outstanding leader. They will be an inspiration to and for any leader.

A Friend Request

Social networking via Facebook, MySpace, as well as many other forums and discussion groups opens a new world of opportunity and possibility for those willing to engage themselves in this exciting form of friendship and fellowship. I have made many new friends through the use of this medium. Many of them have been more of a friend than they'll ever know until I meet them face-to-face in heaven.

I got to thinking about all of the friends I've acquired yet never met in person. I thought of a particular one who sent me a message saying I didn't know her, but God placed me on her heart and she was praying for me. She had no idea I was going into a meeting that afternoon which had the potential to change my future drastically.

I thought of another friend, whom I've come to know as a sincere prayer warrior. She saw my profile picture and sent a message saying God had told her to pray for me. She had no idea that I was to preach one of the hardest, yet strongest messages I've ever preached that night.

I've requested and made many friends, many more than have rejected or "ignored" my requests. I've received many requests for friendship. I joked with a dear sister in my home church, "I accept 'em all and preach to them all the same!" Some choose to stick around, some choose to "defriend" me.

I couldn't help but think in the wee hours of the night what would I be if Jesus decided he needed a recommendation from one of his friends before accepting me as I am. Yes, I mean as I am, not as I was. I'm flesh and blood. This flesh and blood still possesses a strong will. My Friend, Jesus, accepts me still. If he accepts me as I am, there's no doubt he'll accept you as you are.

A close circle of dear friends is a cherished possession. Each of us should have an inner circle of friends upon whom we can call on, lean on, and trust in. These are "prized" friendships indeed. Yet even Jesus exposed himself to the masses. He even touched the lepers thus making himself "unclean". He even called to and touched this leper requesting me to be his friend.

I am a friend of God. What a glorious honor! What a tremendous witness! I am a friend of God. God continually requests our friendship from the moment of our existence.There are only two choices. The ignore button doesn't work for this request. You will either accept it or you are rejecting it.

Allow me to pass along a recommendation from a friend and brother whom I've never physically met. His words of recommendation have endured the test of time.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good (Ps. 34:8 KJV)."

I highly recommend all humanity accept the friendship request of the Lord. I have tasted and I have seen, my God, my Friend, he is good. God bless...

Rivers of Water

"Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law (Ps. 119:136 KJV).

This world is a wicked place. We're surrounded by wickedness. We're bombarded daily with wickedness. How many in today's culture know what the Holy Bible really says? How can an evil world keep laws it doesn't know?

This world is full of Christians, yet not one will deny this world is an evil place. It's easy to speak of the evil. It's easy to point out the evil. Yet why is doing something about it so hard?

The psalmist David was grieved to his core because humanity of his day disobeyed the law of God. The man who left the world some of the finest poetry ever penned poured his heart out to God because of the wickedness of humanity.

Jeremiah grieved deeply over the iniquity of his people. He prophesied it then watched his prophesies fulfilled as his people were carried away captive. This is what he said...

"Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission, Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven (Lam. 3:48-50 KJV)."

When's the last time you shed a tear for the wickedness of humanity, Christian? When's the last time the grief and the sorrow of the wickedness drove you to your knees in intercession for the lost, Christian? Who among us is willing to shed rivers of water for the lost until God in Heaven beholds our tears?

The story of Job is a great one. He suffered tremendously. He endured, maintained his character and integrity with God, and God poured out a double-portion blessing on him in the end. But the blessing came only after Job interceded for the sin of his friends.

Christian, will you do as the label you bear implies? You see, even Christ grieved and shed rivers of water for the sin of his people (Lu. 19:41-42). Let's intercede for the sin of the land. Let's reach out to those trapped in the sin of the land. Let's win a soul for Christ. God bless...

Shepherds and Lost Sheep

This Bible verse shook me to my core this morning...

"My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace (Jer. 50:6 KJV)."

Could it be the Lord God is passing an indictment on humanity? In its original context this indictment was passed on the nation of Israel and its leaders. So in an overall sense, the lost sheep are all of humanity and the shepherds are the leaders of humanity. There's no secret that our present world is a dark, idolatrous place. It's no secret that humanity is wandering like lost sheep moving from sin to sin.

However, let's go ahead and bring this into the realm of what is called Christianity...

Christian radio is engulfed in the political landscape of America. I can't make reference to Christian television because I don't watch television. But my email inbox is flooded daily with emails desiring me to get involved in this political cause or that political cause.

Prophets and prophetesses are springing up all over the land. One prophesies one thing while another prophesies exactly the opposite. It's really not much different than in the days of the prophet Jeremiah. How many of these modern spokespersons for God would be willing to stand to the end for the words coming from their mouths and face death by being cut in half? Jeremiah did.

Modern Christianity is deeply entrenched in American consumerism. Shepherds refuse to speak out against sin because of its negativity. Shepherds back away from preaching godly morality because it will offend the sheep. So the sheep are led from mountain to mountain, idol to idol, sin to sin. 

It's the last statement of Jeremiah 50:6 which troubles me deeply...

"They have forgotten their restingplace."

David writes in Psalms 23:2, "He maketh me lie down in green pastures." The sheep are tired. They're worn out. Shepherds tickle their ears and lead them to another mountain promising rest.

Yet there is hope. We have this promise...

"For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search out my sheep, and seek them out. (Eze. 34:11 KJV)."

How is God going to do this? Through the voices men and women committed to the sacrifice of seeking those lost sheep. Who is willing to join with me to proclaim the day of salvation to the lost sheep? Who will join with me and commit to leading the lost sheep back to the true place of rest, the Lord Jesus Christ?

The only way we'll "get America back" is to search out and find the lost sheep by proclaiming salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name that has the power and the authority to save humanity from sin. God bless...

Reflections of the Journey

A friend asked me the other day to keep her updated about the journey God is leading me on. This request caused me to stop and think about where I've been and where it is I'm going.

"Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee (Jer. 1:5 KJV).

God knew me before I ever existed.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (Jn. 14:2-23 KJV)."

God knows the destination of this journey.

"And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know (Jn. 14:4 KJV)."

I know the final destination of this journey. I have the directions, the map, of how to get to the final destination of this journey. I know the path which I must take to reach the final destination of this journey.

The final destination of this journey is eternity. The map of directions is clear. The path, the way, we will take to reach eternity is known.

There are two locations in eternity. There are paths leading to each location. There is only one map. The paths are clearly marked. The locations are clearly identified. Location one is eternal life:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jesus, Jn. 14:6)."

The journey to the location of eternal life must go through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 KJV)."

Jesus Christ is the only Path, the only Way, to eternal life. Any other path, any other way, any other direction will lead to the other location, eternal death. The map of directions clearly distinguishes between the Path to life and all paths which to eternal death.

You are taking this journey to eternity whether you think you are or not. You are on a path leading to one of the two locations in eternity. You can't ignore it. You can't delay it. You have made your choice.

What makes this journey unique is that while you're traveling, you can change the choice of your final location in eternity. But you must always remember, there is only one Path to life.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16 KJV)."

God bless...

The Potter and the Vessel

"Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it (Jer. 18:3-4 KJV)."

I've read this passage of Scripture many times. I've heard multiple sermons preached about the Great Potter and the vessel. What a wondrous concept to comprehend the Potter will mold us into a vessel as He sees fit to make!

A choice is placed before us. We can watch the Potter remake a marred vessel into one which will bring glory to the Potter. We can choose to become the marred vessel in the hands of the Potter.

Those who choose to watch possess a front row seat in the scrap pile of damaged, marred, and imperfect vessels. Those who choose to watch can see the pain and suffering of the vessel on the wheel as it's being remade. Those who choose to watch feel they're safe in the scrap pile. However, the vessels in the scrap pile are useless. The only value they possess is to be crushed back into the clay they were formed from.

Those who choose to get on the wheel, placing themselves in hands of the master Potter, have the guarantee they will become vessels of honor and glory to the Potter. Yet the remaking process is painful. Severely damaged areas must be removed and replaced. Marred areas must be softened, scraped, and resurfaced.

When the vessel is in the shape desired, the Potter places it in the fire of the kiln to harden it withstand the rigor of daily use. The Potter doesn't create these vessels to sit in a display case. These vessels are made for intensive, daily use. They're designed and made to bring glory and honor to the Potter.
 
You're presented with a decision today. You can become a vessel in the hands of the master Potter to endure the pain of being born again to a vessel of value. You can remain in the pile of scrap, broken, damaged, marred, useless vessels awaiting eternal destruction. The decision is yours. Life is wrought with many choices. Eternity offers two. God bless...

Book Review: Change Your Church For Good

Change Your Church For Good, Revised Edition, by Brad Powell, brings to the forefront the success and the testing which will come when transitioning a church from near death to relevance. Importance in placed on not compromising the Gospel of Christ while working to change a church into one which works and is relevant to the community it serves.

I found the thoughts and ideas presented by Brad Powell to be interesting. I caught myself saying, "Wow!" more than once. The book begins with an accurate, yet disturbing description of the modern church in comparison to the church in the book of Acts. The book presents explaining a vision of church transition to the congregation very well. Keeping the vision in the mind and focus of the congregation is emphasized strongly throughout the book. Proper leadership and selecting leaders is dealt with and runs as a major theme throughout the text. The presentation of the Gospel without compromise is given precedence in every phase of church transition.

This book isn't a "how-to" manual of changing a church for good or bad due to the nature of differing culture and circumstances in different communities. However, the thoughts and ideas presented can assist the pastor, or church leader, to develop a plan to change a church for good. Brad Powell does an exceptional job of getting readers to examine the relevance of their churches and challenging those who want their churches to become relevant living organisms in their communities. I recommend Change Your Church For Good to all who desire to see their churches become what God intends them to be, life-changing, soul-saving, growing bodies of believers in Jesus Christ.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

See It, Touch It, Smell It

I knelt at the edge of the river and placed my hand below the surface of the dark flowing water. I felt the nudge in my spirit alerting me to God wanting my attention. His voice spoke to my heart, "You've seen, you've touched, and you've smelled."

What did I see? What did I touch? What did I smell? Was it the river? I saw it. I put my hand in it. I could smell it. I spoke with the pastor of the church where I preached the next day about this. He said, "You went to the wrong park. There's a better, cleaner, prettier one downtown." I still sensed in my spirit God was trying to tell me something more. 

"For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous. There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines (Jer. 30:12-13 KJV)."

What does this verse have to do with putting a hand into a river, seeing it, touching it, and smelling it? A seriously infected wound stinks. It wasn't the river I was smelling that day. It wasn't the river or the sights of the city that I was seeing. It wasn't the river that touched while kneeling at its edge in that particular park. It was an infected wound. It was sin.

Sin stinks. I could see it. I touched it. I smelled it. The stench turned my stomach like the view and smell of a festering, infected wound. In the days which followed, I faced a decision. I could choose to do something about the wound or I could walk away and let the nature of the wound run its course. 

Jeremiah 30:13 could stand as a serious indictment of Christianity today. Who is there to plead the cause of the ones who bear the infectious wounds of sin? Who is there to bring healing medicines and bind the wounds to keep the infection fro spreading? Who did Jesus command to go and make disciples?

The enemy is offering humanity many "cures" for the infected wounds of sin. They only assist in the spreading of the infection. The Church has the medicine to not only stop the infection, but to cure it once and for all. Jesus Christ is the only medicine which will sure the stinking wounds of sin. 

The time is now for the Church to plead the cause. The time is now for the Church to take the healing medicine of Jesus Christ to those suffering the infectious wounds of sin.

I saw it, I touched it, and I smelled it. Yes, I was in the right park. Yes, I walked the right river walk. God put me exactly where I was supposed to be that day. The field is white, ready for the harvest. O Lord God, send laborers into the field. God bless...

The Lion and the Lamb

We're familiar with this verse, "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire (Jude 23 KJV)." I like how the Amplified Bible puts it, "[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire."

We're also familiar with the story of the young David rescuing a lamb from a lion and a bear. David was testifying of his exploits to King Saul because Saul doubted David's ability to face the giant, Goliath. I want to parallel the rescue of the lamb from the mouth of the lion to Jude 23.

We can read the details as given by David in 1Samuel 17:35. "And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him (KJV)." However, David gave the credit to God (1Sa. 17:37).

Who in their right mind would run down a lion and attempt to take away his meal? Who in his right mind would grab a lion by it's mane and kill it? Doesn't 1Peter 5:8 tell us the devil walks about like a roaring lion, looking for those he can devour? How many lambs has Satan trapped in the jaws of sin? How many lambs has he escaped with to devour?

As God delivered David from the lion when he rescued the lamb, so to do we have the promise God will give us the power to rescue the lambs who are trapped in the mouth of Satan. Notice David said in 1Samuel 17:35, "And I went out after him." If we're going to rescue the lost, we must go after them.

We are to be witnesses of Christ. We're to go and make disciples. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do this. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to snatch the lost from the jaws of Satan. It is our Christian duty to strive to save others, snatching them from the fire of an eternity in Hell. God bless...

Servants of God

Chapter 2 of 2Peter goes into explicit detail concerning the false prophets who arise to speak in the last days. Peter is scathing in his description of them. He prophesies in the second verse saying many will follow their imoral and lascivious ways. He prophesies the true Way will be maligned and defamed (Amplified Bible).

However, as I was reading this chapter in 2Peter this morning, the latter portion of verse 19 hit me like a brick.

"For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."

Many today are claiming to be prophets. One says God told them this thing, while another claims God told them exactly the opposite. Many of them use the combination of fear and faith to get and tighten their grip on those who choose to believe and follow them.

Allow me to introduce the latter portion of 2Peter 2:19 from the Amplified Bible.

"For by whatever anyone is made inferior or worse or is overcome, to that [person or thing] he is enslaved."

This statement applies itself to more than just following false prophets. "By whatever" means anything. Whatever we willingly yield ourselves to will enslave us. The thing which overcomes us will become our master.

Jesus tells us we'll have troubles and trials. He tells us to rejoice because he overcame the world (Jn. 16:33). The Apostle John carries these world of Christ one step further.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world (1Jn. 5:4 KJV)."

We who are born of God, by the water and the Spirit (Jn. 3:5), have the power and the authority to overcome anything we face in our flesh. We can overcome because Christ overcame. Here is the key...

The person, or thing, which overcomes us enslaves us. We Christians should be overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit, enslaving us to God. We are granted freedom when we choose to become servants of God.

What is it that Jesus said? "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Lu. 4:18-19 KJV)?"

Jesus answered this question... "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Lu. 4:21 KJV)."

Let's allow ourselves to be overcome by the Spirit of God. Let's allow ourselves to become servants of God, thereby attaining true freedom in Christ. Let's allow ourselves to accomplish the duty of being a servant of God by sharing the Gospel with someone today. God bless...

A Unique View of Illegal Immigration

The point of this posting isn't political. Illegal immigration is a hot topic across the United States. My intent isn't to persuade you into taking sides for or against illegal immigration. I hope to present another view, possibly a view which Christians should take on illegal immigration. What does the Bible say?

"Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt (Exo. 22:21 KJV)."

God is telling the children of Israel they shouldn't mistreat or oppress strangers because they were once strangers in Egypt. Let's examine another verse.

"But the stranger that dwelleth among you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God (Lev. 19:34 KJV)."

Notice the language of this verse is stronger than in Exodus 22:21. God is telling the children of Israel the stranger is to be treated as one born among them, a citizen. God is telling the children of Israel they are to love the stranger as they would love themselves.

The word stranger used in both verses is the same. It means a foreigner or an alien. The label illegal immigrant could apply here also. If God required the ancient Israelites to treat immigrants as on born among them, should the modern Christian not do the same? If God required the ancient Israelites to love the immigrants as themselves, should not modern Christians do the same?

Am I advocating immunity to illegal immigrants? No. I'm advocating telling them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They're here, illegally or not. They need Christ as much as any naturalized citizen of the USA.

When the illegal immigrant becomes born again in Jesus Christ, they become bound to either obey Christ or reject Christ. They become bound to obey the Word of God. What Word applies to this situation?

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake...(1Pe. 2:13 KJV)."

The ordinances of man give immigrants to the USA the opportunity to become legal immigrants. Those illegal immigrants who've become born-again Christians have a duty to obey the Word of God. They should work to become legal if they wish to remain in the USA.

The Church, the body of Christ, has been given the opportunity to reach illegal immigrants with the Gospel. Instead of becoming entangled in the political debate, why don't we, the Church, begin reaching out in sincerity and in truth to these people. They need Jesus every bit as much as us "naturalized" Christians do. God bless...

The Relevance of Local Churches

Are Christian churches relevant to their local communities? This is a broad question. What makes local churches relevant in their communities? This question is much more focused.

The answer to what makes local churches relevant is the same as what is the reason for the existence of Christian churches. We can find a clear answer to this question of relevance by examining the birth of the Church on the Day of Pentecost.

Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. Luke expands on this command in Acts 1:8 with these words of Christ, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me."

"When the day of Pentecost was fully come," the Holy Spirit arrived. The Spirit of God filled the house. The Spirit of God filled each person. They began speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:4). Peter preached the first message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41)."
"And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47)." 

Why? The words of Christ in Acts 1:8 were being fulfilled. They had become witnesses of Christ. Those Christians of the first apostolic Church turned their world upside down. They became relevant to their world because they were witnesses to and of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their priority was taking the Gospel to the lost souls around them.

What then makes today's local churches relevant to their communities? The witness of, and to, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Local churches will be the only Jesus Christ our communities will ever see in this life.

We must share the Gospel with those around us to bring them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We must love the lost souls around us, and not exclude them from the great salvation found in Jesus Christ.

This may be a hard statement, but the measurement of relevance could be taken by the number of lost souls being won to Christ in our local churches. Every individual Christian makes up the Church. It is the personal witness of each Christian that will determine the relevance of the Church.

Yes, you will be a witness. You may never utter a word to another person about Christ. The souls around you are watching you. You profess to be Christian. What witness does your activities display? What witness does your daily conversation portray? God bless...

The River of Living Water

"I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water (Isa. 41:18 KJV)."

When the thirsty cry out to God for water, God provides. you see, there's this river. The water flowing in this river is clear as crystal. This river is a pure river of the water of life.

The One who is called Alpha and Omega gives those who thirst this promise, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely (Rev. 21:6 KJV)."

Jesus cried out, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink (Jn. 7:37)." Jesus Christ is the only source of Living Water. There's no other method of obtaining this water than through Jesus Christ. As Peter stated so clearly, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 KJV)."

You can die from thirst, or you can come to the Source of Living Water and drink deeply. The choice is yours.


Here's what I find interesting. Jesus said whoever drinks of the water he gives will never get thirsty again. He also said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (Jn. 7:38 KJV)."

Why do I find this interesting? Do we think the river of Living Water stops flowing once it's inside of us? The river of Living Water should flow in us, through us, and back out of us to bring a pure supply of drinking water to any thirsty man, woman, or child we come into contact with.

When is the last time you shared a Drink with someone else? God bless...

Christian Revival and Politics

We've been looking at the requirements for genuine Christian revival this week. It will help us to take another look at intercessory prayer as a key requirement for Christian revival. Let's move into the realm of Christian revival and politics.

The level of Christian participation in the hot issues of politics today somewhat unnerves me. I'm not saying we shouldn't get involved, that today's political climate shouldn't concern Christians. What I want to get across is exactly the opposite message, only from a different angle.

I am bombarded daily with emails and messages concerning today's politics. Do the activities and actions of our government concern me as a Christian? Absolutely. Will I voice my opinion? Absolutely.

So what does politics have to do with genuine Christian revival? Intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is the most important activity the Christian can participate in to affect today's political environment.

• "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
• For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
• For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
• Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1Tim. 2:1-4 KJV)."

Don't be fooled. God knows exactly what the leaders of the USA are doing. God knows exactly what they're planning to do. I hear of how godless this nation has become, and is becoming, every day. Where are the intercessory prayers of the Christians?

When is the last time you prayed for President Obama? When's the last time you prayed for your representatives in the Congress and Senate? I'm not just speaking of formal lip-service prayers. How about praying for your governor and state representatives?

If we truly want to change the course of direction the USA is moving in, or is being moved in by our politicians, we should seriously start interceding for them with God. 1Timothy 2:3 tells us this is good and acceptable in the sight of God.

If we truly want a nation-changing Christian revival, we should seriously start interceding for our politicians as well as for each other. God bless...

Christian Revival - Putting It All Together

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2Chr. 7:14 KJV)."

I've heard this Bible verse quoted many times over the last few weeks. The formula for genuine Christian revival is contained within its words. Three items are listed:

• humility - if my people shall humble themselves
• pray - if my people will make intercession in prayer
• repentance - if my people will turn from their wicked ways

Humility is coming before the God broken in spirit. The broken spirit will lead us to see and acknowledge our shortcomings when we're in the holiness of God's presence. 

Godly sorrow for our failures and rejections of God's leading will compel us into genuine repentance and intercession. As we become reconciled to the One whose name is Holy, we can't help but feel the pain and sorrow of those we know and love who need reconciled to God.

We consider revival to be when countless sinners come to the knowledge and acceptance of God's saving grace. Look closely at whom this verse is directed. "If my people, who are called by my name." This is a direct statement to the church, not to sinners.

True, lasting, genuine revival must start with the believer. It must start with the Church, the body of Christ. We can choose to humble ourselves or eventually the mighty hand of God will do it for us.

We can choose to come to repentance, turning from the wicked ways of our flesh, or we will one day stand before God and plead for mercy.

How can we lay claim to so great a salvation in Jesus Christ and not take the time to share it with at least one person we know? How can we be so justified in the presence of God when we know friends and loved ones who need reconciled to God?

The key ingredient to bringing mighty Christian revival lies in intercessory prayer. The burden for the lost will grow when we begin interceding for them, standing in the gap between mercy and wrath. God turned Job's suffering when he interceded for his friends (Job 42:10).

2Chronicles 7:14 says God will hear us in our brokenness. He will respond to our genuine repentance. He will answer our intercessory prayers. He will forgive the sins of all and heal the land.

My friends, Christian revival is about the forgiveness of sin for all humanity. It's about the healing and restoration of all things God originally created humanity for. Genuine Christian revival is about Jesus Christ. "For God so loved, he gave... that whosoever believeth in him should not perish."

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 KJV)."

Let's humble ourselves before God, turn from our iniquity, and begin interceding for the lost souls of our families, our friends, our communities, and our world. Let's begin to proclaim the name of Jesus to a world which is so desperately trying to abolish it. God must respond with genuine Christian revival. He promised it in 2Chronicles 7:14. God bless...

Repentance and Christian Revival

Repentance is the outward action taken based on the inward decision to change. Simply put, repentance requires action based on a decision to change. Today, we will look at genuine repentance as the third requirement for Christian revival.

Let's look at 2Chronicles 7:14 again:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (KJV)."

Genuine Godly sorrow leads humanity to repentance. This sorrow usually comes as the result of severe personal trial. We tend to look to a higher source, either for help, or to place blame. When we bring this into the spiritual realm, we begin speaking of revival.

I am baffled when people talk of how great being in the presence of God is. I've heard descriptions ranging from being surrounded by warm goo to sheer terror. It would stand to reason when one stands in the presence of a holy God, lasting change will be the result. Allow me to explain...

One of the most vivid descriptions of being in God's presence is found in Isaiah chapter 6. Isaiah is a prophet, a mighty man of God. Surely he was an upright man living in holiness. But listen to his reaction when he was in the presence of the One called Holy:

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts (Isa. 6:5 KJV)."

On  our best day, a day where we are sinless (if that's even possible apart from the mercy of God), our righteousness is at best nothing more than filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Genuine repentance is required for revival because we must be willing to turn from our wicked ways (2Chr. 7:14). Turning from our wicked ways requires change.

We're saved. We're covered by the blood of Christ. We're not wicked. Why do we need to repent? If we're that good, then why do we want, or need, revival? We desire the blessing. We desire the holy anointing revival brings. After a few weeks, however, the emotion fizzles and we're still what we were before. This is why genuine Christian revival requires genuine repentance.

Humility, intercessory prayer, and repentance are the three requirements needed to bring genuine Christian revival. Next, we'll put them together into the context of 2Chronicles 7:14. Comments are welcome. God bless...

Prayer and the Christian Revival

We're praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a wave of major Christian revival. We speak of praying for revival. We continually request all to pray for revival. We're all in agreement we should be praying for Christian revival.

I must bring 2Chronicles 7:14 to the forefront today. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (KJV)."

This verse lays out three requirements for revival. We focused on humility yesterday. We 'll focus on prayer today. The verse tells us we're to pray and seek God's face to reap the reward of Him hearing, forgiving, and healing us.

What exactly is this verse speaking of when it says, "and pray, and seek my face?" We often interpret it to mean praying for revival. However, the word pray used here means to intercede. The word seek means in worship or prayer.

To intercede means to intervene between two parties to reconcile their differences. We are to pray for those who need reconciled to God. We tend to make prayer for revival all about us. Yes, we need revived. For this to happen, we are instructed to begin interceding in prayer for those living apart from God.

I have friends who aren't living for God. I have family and relatives who have need to be reconciled to God. I'm not alone in this situation. Everyone of us can identify with this. We need to begin intercessory prayer for these friend, family members, and relatives. Genuine Christian revival will be the resulting answer to these prayers.

Genuine repentance as a requirement for Christian revival will be the next topic of discussion. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments. They are much appreciated. God bless...

Christian Revival

Are you hungry for an outbreak of genuine Christian revival? Do you desire to see and experience a true outpouring of God's Spirit? Do you long earnestly for the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit?

There are three basic requirements which must be met for a genuine outbreak of Christian revival. Let's look at the first one today. It's humility.
 
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in a high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isa. 57:15 KJV)."

This verse begins with an exalting description of God speaking to humanity. God is the high and lofty one. God is the honorable one. God is Alpha and Omega. God inhabits eternity, and God's name is Holy. But this lofty One whose name is Holy also dwells with the one who possesses a contrite and humble spirit.

This first instance of the word contrite in this verse means crushed. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:3 KJV)." We must approach the One whose name is Holy in humility. We must crush all human pride. We must break all ties to self-exaltation. Then, we will be blessed. Then the kingdom of heaven will be ours.

Isaiah 57:15 tells us the One named Holy dwells with the humble to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. The second use of the word contrite is the actual Hebrew root meaning to bruise or to be broken.

We must approach God in total humility and brokenness if we want to experience a genuine Christian revival. We display no need for Christian revival without humility and brokenness. Next up will be prayer and its place in the desire for Christian revival.

Comments and suggestions are welcome. God bless...

The Wrath of God and Repentance

Is God really going to pour out his wrath on this world? How could a nice, loving, good God be so angry with humanity that he'd destroy it? Does God require repentance?

"Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abomination. (Eze. 7:3 KJV)."

If God didn't spare Israel and Judah, what makes us thing we're privileged to be spared the judgment of an angry God? Let's take this one step farther. If there's no judgment for iniquity, why do we preach salvation in Christ?

We read over and over again of God rendering judgment on humanity throughout the Old Testament. His judgment was swift and decisive. Except for Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives, God wiped out the entire human race because of its sin. What makes us think God won't do the same to us?

It must stand to reason if there's salvation, there must also be judgment. We read throughout the Old Testament of the mercy and longsuffering of God. We will find the first reference to God's longsuffering when Moses receives the second writing of the Ten Commandments from God.

"The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin (Ex. 34:6-7 KJV)."

This is why Jesus could say these words, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16 KJV)."

That's why Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2Pe. 3:9 KJV)."

If there's no punishment for sin, there's no need for salvation. If there's no sin, there's no need for a Savior. Maybe the time has come for Christianity to face the fact sin is sin, and God requires repentance. It's eternity that hangs in the balance.
 
Isaiah cried for weeping, mourning, baldness, and sackcloth (Isa. 22:12). Ezekiel preached to cast away all transgressions and make a new heart (Eze. 18:31). Hosea cried out for repentance (Ho. 14:2). Joel called for fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 2:12).

John the Baptist preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mt. 3:2). Jesus said except we repent we will perish (Lu. 13:3). He repeated himself two verses later. Peter called for repentance in Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19. Paul said God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30)."

God is merciful. God is gracious. God is longsuffering. But one day, Christ will return. Humanity will be judged for its deeds, good or bad (Acts 17:31). I wonder, who is God waiting for? Who will be the last one to repent? God bless...

Today: A Good Day to Praise the Lord

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2Co. 5:1 KJV)."

Today is a good day to praise the Lord! Yes, it can be said that every day is a good day to praise the Lord. Yesterday is already past. The opportunity to praise the Lord yesterday is gone. Tomorrow hasn't happened yet. Today is the day of opportunity in which we can praise the Lord.

What does this have to do with 2Corinthians 5:1? Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "it is appointed unto me once to die." You and I will one day pass from this earthly existence. We are going to die; it's inevitable. We don't know exactly when we will die. We aren't guaranteed we will be alive tomorrow.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanished away (Jas. 4:14 KJV)."

2Corinthians 5:1 is my hope of tomorrow. There is an eternal home awaiting in the heavens for me the moment this flesh draws its final breath. Those who are dead to sin and alive in Christ can take hope in the knowledge we will one day put of this mortality. Therefore all we have is today.

It is said that Christ is our guarantee for tomorrow. I'm not sure how, being as we have no assurances of tomorrow based on James 4:14. My friends, Jesus Christ is our tomorrow! Therefore, "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2Co. 6:2 KJV)."

Being as today is the only time I still have, today is a good day to praise the Lord! God bless...

Prophecy and the Word

Does God take issue with all the noise in the land? Does God have a problem with all those who claim to be prophesying in his name? What should we do when multitudes of men and women are crying out, "Thus says the Lord?"

A Serious Indictment
"Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land (Ho. 4:1 KJV)."

I've heard many speak of the darkness covering our land. I've read articles speaking of the iniquity which so captivates the inhabitants of this land.

Hosea 4:1 speaks clearly of God having a problem with the inhabitants of Israel in his day. Does this same controversy apply to us today? Yes, it does. Look around you. Where is truth? Where is mercy? Where is the knowledge of God in this land?

Want of Truth In the Land
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD (Amos 8:11 KJV)."

Are we experiencing a famine of the Word of God in our land today? America is being flooded with prophets speaking all manner of words from judgment and damnation to incredible prosperity and wealth. They all claim, "Thus says the Lord."

How can so many prophesy with such diversity? How can so many fall prey to so many words? Could it be there's a famine of the true Word of God in this land? Could it be because so many really don't know the true Word?

Jesus said the Scriptures tell us of him (Jn. 5:39). Paul admonishes us to study the Word (2Ti. 2:15). Why? So we, you and I, can correctly divide the Word of Truth. The word divide, or dividing, means to expound correctly. Expound means explain. We are to study the Scriptures so we can explain the Word of Truth. 

Who, or what, is the Word of Truth? "In the beginning was the Word (Jn. 1:1 KJV)." Jesus Christ is the Word of Truth. Period. How can we lay claim to knowing the Word of Truth when we don't know Scripture? How can we know Scripture without reading it? How can we know truth if Truth isn't in our hearts?

Try the Spirits, Believe the Spirit
The Apostle John tells us to not believe every spirit, but try them to see if they're of God or not (1Jn, 4:1). When somebody says, "Thus says the Lord," it must be in alignment with Scripture. If "thus says God" doesn't line up with the Word, the one speaking is a false prophet.

I encourage all who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, to get into the Scriptures. Feast on them. Hide them in your heart. It is the knowledge of the Word which will allow you to discern between truth and fable. God bless...

 

Suffering and Intecessory Prayer

"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10 KJV)."

Job suffered horribly. God trusted Job to remain true. Satan was convinced Job would curse God and die. The end of Job's story excites us. He endured and God gave him double what he lost.

Are we missing something in the excitement of Job's blessings? We love knowing God reversed the fortunes of Job. We lay claim to this as a promise God will do the same for us.

There's a nugget of truth in this verse we may be overlooking. Focus on the phrase "when he prayed for his friends." There's tremendous power in this statement.

God had instructed Job's friends to bring a sacrifice and Job was to pray for them. God required this because Job was accepted by God (Job 42:8). The word pray, as used in these verses, means to intercede. They brought their offering to Job. It was Job who was to intercede for their errant ways.

The word captivity in verse 10 means prisoner. Job was a prisoner to his suffering. God set Job free from the prison holding him captive when he interceded for his friends.

We pour our hearts out to God when we suffer, looking for God to intervene. Job's restoration came when he prayed for his friends. Is it possible that God would release us from the bondage of suffering if we were to start making intercessory prayers for our friends? Just my thoughts for today. God bless...

God Appoints Our Leaders

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Ro. 13:1 KJV)."

Higher Powers
The word powers is the plural form of the word power used throughout this Bible verse. It means a magistrate, potentate, delegated influence, and authority. The word subject means to be under obedience.

"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers" means every person is to be obedient and/or to their governing authorities. This is a pretty strong statement being made by the Apostle Paul.

There's No Power But of God
The delegated authorities exist only because God allows them to.The authorities which exist do so only by the direct appointment of Jehovah God.

"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth (Pro. 8:15-16 KJV).

Our president, our congressman or woman, our senator, our governor, our state legislator, our mayor, our county councilman or woman, our Supreme Court justices, our federal judges, our local judges, each and every one of them can only do what they do because God permits them to.

What's A Christian To Do?
Our current government leaders can make no new laws which God hasn't allowed them to make. Does that mean Christians must agree the leaders decisions are right? Not at all.

The United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to exercise free speech. We Americans can say anything we want about anything or anybody we want. But does being a Christian grant us license to do so?

I don't agree with the current administration of the United States. I'm deeply concerned with the direction they appear to be taking us in. I possess serious misgivings concerning some of the laws being passed by this administration.

Are Christians surprised by the beliefs, speech, and activities of not only this administration, but previous ones as well? You shouldn't be. God is in control. They do what they do only by God's permission. It means they're doing exactly what God wants them to do. This is a hard concept to grasp. This concept is exactly what Paul is telling us in Romans 13:1.

So what are Christians supposed to do? If you must speak out, speak out. Yet do so in a manner that isn't derogatory or defaming. Speak and act in a manner which will bring glory and honor to God.

The most important thing Christians can do right now is pray. I don't mean talk about it. I mean on-your-face, on-your-knees, pouring you heart out to God. We must pray for our leaders whether we agree with what they're doing or not. We must pray for our leaders even if we don't like them. We must continue to pray for our leaders even as they keep passing legislation contrary to Christian beliefs and doctrine. God bless...

A Book Review, Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart, Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul, by John Eldredge, reveals the true, but hidden secret locked deep within a man's soul. The author does an outstanding job of conveying the message that God indeed created the human male to possess a wild nature. This book deals clearly with the issue of masculinity and the wound inflicted when it's repressed or stripped away.

Wild at heart is well-written and easy to read. The message is interesting and easy to understand. I found this book difficult to put down. The revelation of God creating men to be wild and masculine is challenging, inspiring, and provocative. I was compelled to look deep into my own heart while reading this book.

John Eldredge presents the material in a progressive manner. You are led to not only search your heart, but to take decisive action to begin healing your heart if it is wounded.

Revealing the secret of a man's soul appeals to those men, and women, who seek for the truth of what the Bible says about men and masculinity. I found the message of Wild at Heart timely for the men of today. I rate this book five out of five stars. I highly recommend this book to every man to read, then to act upon what is read.


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
 

Conforming and Transforming

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Ro. 12:2 KJV).

The Apostle Paul starts this chapter in Romans with the words, "I beseech you." He is literally begging the believers of the Roman church, and consequently believers of our time, to present themselves a holy, living sacrifice to God. It's our reasonable service as Christian believers.

Paul then follows with the text of Romans 12:2. What does it mean to not be conformed to this world? The Amplified answers this question clearly. "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]. To quote a local radio preacher, "Let the Bible speak."

What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our mind? This word transformed literally means changed. Paul is telling believers to not conform to their culture, (whoops) world, but to change from it.

Change is always a hot topic in politics. We all wanted change in the 2008 American presidential election. Change will be a hot topic again for the 2010 American congressional election. The politicians can preach change, but the preacher of the Gospel shouldn't?

Why is change an extremely dirty word when used to describe Christian conversion? Even the Amplified Bible defines this word transformed as changed. We want the benefits of salvation, but we also want the pleasure of satisfying the desires of our flesh with the vices of this world.

How then are we to be transformed, changed? This change takes place by the renewing of our minds. What is renewing the mind? The Amplified Bible answers this question quite well also, "but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideas and its new attitude]."

The transformation of Christian conversion takes place because the thought process is transformed. New, pure thoughts are introduced. Old attitudes are replaced by new ones. This transformation happens when we put on Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2Co. 5:17 KJV)."

The Bible is very clear that change must take place when one puts on Christ. Paul wrote the words of Romans 12:2 to the church, not to the unbelieving world. Believers are to be different than unbelievers. Our thoughts, our ideas, and our attitudes are supposed to be different than the unbelievers.

I've heard the argument all my life the change is to be internal. Who and what you are on the inside will manifest itself on the outside. Can you imagine Christ doing some of the things we do today without batting an eye? Yea, I know, we live in a different culture.

Conforming and transforming. It's simple. How can we be transformed into the likeness of Christ (that is what the word Christian means) and still be conformed to our culture, (whoops) excuse me, world? Just my thoughts for today. God bless...

A Good Samaritan

"Go then and make disciples of all the nations (Mt. 28:19 AMP)."

I read an article about the death of a homeless man this morning. The man lost his life trying to intervene in a domestic dispute. The portion I read telling how seven people walked away from a dying man pierced my heart.

You might be asking, "What's this have to do with Matthew 28:19?" Hold on and I'll get there.

Nearly all are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. We all nod our heads in agreement when we hear it spoken that we are to love our neighbors. We all are quick to condemn the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan.

How many of us, myself included, will quickly pass judgment on the seven people who walked away from the dying man in the news article? How many of us, including myself, will quickly condemn them to eternal damnation for their lack of concern and compassion? Yet, how can we, myself included, lay a claim to innocence?

Are we not all guilty of the same indifference, lack of concern, and lack of compassion? Souls are passing into eternity every day. People are around us every day who are hurting, dying inside by the troubles and trials of life. Are we not guilty of walking away from them in their time of desperation?

We're there now. Allow me to bring in the command of Christ to go and make disciples (Mt. 28:19). We have a commanded duty as Christians to share the Gospel wherever we're at. That's what the word go means in Matthew 28:19. 

We're surrounded by dying souls, laying face down in the ditches of sin. How can we stand and render judgment on seven people who walked away when we do the same thing by not sharing the Gospel?

O God, we need Christians who are willing to speak the Word. Who, Lord, who is crying for the lost? Who, Lord, who weeps for the hungry? Who, Lord, who hurts for the poor? Who, Lord, who is breaking for the broken? Who, Lord God, who is willing to give all to reach one lost soul? God bless...

God's Great Mercy

"O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies (Da. 9:18 NKJV)."

I had the privilege to sit at the table, across from a young man and his wife. They were transients, homeless, passing through. They were taking advantage of a free, warm meal. They shared their story with me as they were eating.


The young couple were recently homeless and living in their car. At this point, they hadn't had a shower in a week. They didn't have any food. What money they had, or get, goes into the gas tank of the car. I couldn't help but see the look of sheer panic in their eyes as I listened to them.


Another worker and myself found them a place where they could shower. Through careful questioning, I learned they possessed a little single-burner campstove on which they could cook. We made sure they ate till they were filled. We supplied them with about a weeks worth of food.

With the shelters in our area are already at capacity, we set about finding them a place where they could park their car and not worry about having to drive from parking lot to parking lot every couple of hours. They then left our facility to face a life of uncertainty and struggle.


I will never forget the look in the eyes of that young couple for as long as I live. The eyes of sheer despair pierced deep into my core. I was instantly reminded of the verse, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels (Heb. 13:2 NKJV)."


The couple could have been angels. No matter, they were homeless, scared, and in desperate need of assistance. They are now gone. It's not likely we'll ever see them again. I can only pray I gave them nearly as much as they gave me.


You might be asking how a homeless couple could give anything? Their situation and story so moved me to my core that I couldn't help but think of my own circumstances. They gave me this truth; I am blessed. It's only by the grace and mercy of God that their situation isn't my situation.


It is precisely what this couple gave me that leads me to this prayer of Daniel 9:18 today. I am blessed, not because of any righteous deeds I have done. I am blessed because God is merciful. I am blessed because God is gracious. I don't pray to God because of anything good that I do. I pray because God is grace and mercy.


I offer prayer today for the young couple. I thank God for bringing them to my table. They have taught me a tremendous truth. By the grace and mercy of God I am blessed. By the grace and mercy of God I have redemption through the blood of the Lamb. By the grace and mercy of God I will one day rise and be transformed into His eternal likeness. God bless...


Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Open Your Mouth

"I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it (Ps. 81:10 KJV)."

Egypt is a metaphor for sin to the present-day Christian believer. It is God who has delivered us from the bondage of sin by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16 KJV)."


It is God who leads us through the wilderness of this present world to a land of promise, to a mansion of mansions, to an eternity with Him. To those of us who are still breathing, we're not there yet. We're pilgrims and strangers in this world through which we journey.


The God who frees us from our sin, "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out," grants us this absolute promise:


     "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."

Go ahead, think about it. Open your mouth wide. God will fill it. What are you hungry for? What are you searching for? What are you lacking? This is an absolute promise that God will fill it, grant it, or give it.

I don't know what you may want, but I'm hungry for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I don't desire this for myself. This world is a dark, chaotic place, rapidly becoming void of anything godly. This earth was void and dark in the beginning. "And the Spirit of God moved (Ge. 1:2)." Yes, the Spirit hovered, brooded over the dark void of this earth.

I don't know about you, but I hunger for the Spirit of God to move, to hover, and to brood over this dark void earth has become. One more time, Holy Spirit; flow one more time. God bless...

Confession, A Form of Worship

"And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh 9:2 KJV)."

The word separated literally means to divide or separate.The word confessed is what makes this verse interesting. We automatically think repentance when we read this verse. Repentance is applicable here. However, let's dig deeper...

The word confessed comes from the Hebrew root meaning to use the hand, to throw at or away, to revere or worship with extended hands, or to bemoan by wringing the hands. The definition then goes on to list these words:

• cast (out)
• (make) confess (-ion)
• praise
• shoot
• (give) thank (-ful, -s, -'giving)

Is it possible for confession and repentance to be a form of worship? Today's verse states the "seed of Israel separated themselves." Should we Christians, the grafted seed of Israel, not take the time to separate ourselves from the affairs of this life? Should we not take the time to present ourselves to the living God, extending our hands in worship, confessing our iniquities?

What greater form of worship could there be than to acknowledge God is the Savior when we extend ourselves to him in confession and repentance every day? We are acknowledging the sovereignty of God and his power to cleanse us from all sin when we confess our iniquities to Him.


I encourage all to take a moment of time today to separate themselves from the chaos of the day, from the people around you. Get alone with the Creator of everything. Extend your hands to him in surrender, confessing all faults and shortcomings. What greater worship is there than to give your life to the Lord? God bless...

Lord of Hosts, God of War

"Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies (Isa. 1:24 KJV)."


This verse references God as the 'LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel'. The word hosts means a mass of people organized for war. A one-word definition would be army. The mighty One of Israel, Jehovah, is the LORD of armies.


What is the purpose of an army? Is it to fight? How then could a loving God Almighty be a God of armies? How could a loving, peaceable God be a God of war?


"And there was war in heaven (Rev. 12:7 KJV)."


"That old serpent, called the devil: ... he was cast out into the earth (Rev. 12:9 KJV)."


"And I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Lu. 10:18 KJV)."


War began when Lucifer rebelled against God. Lucifer lost the battle in Heaven. He was cast to the earth. He launched another offensive against God in Eden with the deception of Eve.


Satan may have thought he'd won when Christ took his last human breath on the cross. We know, however, ultimate victory was declared when Christ rose from the dead. The devil must be aware of his final demise, yet he continues to battle.


We love to read of and hear sermons about the spiritual armor of Ephesians 6. We get excited when we read and hear of the Apostle Paul having fought a good fight (2Ti. 4:7). Do we understand the concept that our God is a God of war? Do we comprehend that those whom God has chosen are called to fight? Paul does refer to those whom God chooses as soldiers (2Ti. 2:4).


The chosen ones of God, the people who are called by his name, the redeemed of the Lamb, are in a fight for eternity. The destination of our eternal soul hangs in the balance of victory or defeat.


Christ won complete and perfect victory at Calvary. The war, however, still rages in our minds because the enemy is a master deceiver. We must keep fighting the good fight. We must keep the faith and finish the course. Defeat should not be an option.


Prayer is communication with the Commander, the LORD of hosts. Prayer is where we receive our orders. God did not call us as soldiers to fight his war without equipping us with a weapon. He has given us, and we should learn to use, the Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is quick, powerful, and sharp (Heb. 4:12).

I encourage all who follow Christ to put on the armor of Ephesians 6. I encourage all to endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ (2Ti. 2:3). I encourage and admonish all who fight the good fight to not get tangled up with the affairs of this present life (2Ti. 2:4).

The moment will come when we rise victorious as we look directly into the eyes of Jesus Christ. The moment will come when we relish the victory when we hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant". God bless...