Open To/With God - May 31, 2015

Psalm 51: 1- 4     For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.…

Acts 3:19     Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Colossians 2:14     having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Isaiah 44:22     I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

Jeremiah 9:24     but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

The contrast between David and Saul was stark. Saul looked and acted like a king; he presented fresh and polished. David on the other hand always appeared to be a ragged shepherd. Where Saul flashed and impressed in his armor; David was open and vulnerable with his slingshot. Where Saul lives in a palace David lived in the fields and in caves. Saul had many ways of covering and shielding and David was so out in the open and transparent that he often seemed vulnerable and naive. When David gives into his desires it’s out in the open for the whole world to see but when he repents it’s with the same openness and fervor that even the staunchest critic has to admire his connection with God.

Live your life beyond the superficial…strive for the supernatural.

Coming Against Our Enemies – May 30, 2015

Psalm 3:1-4     A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.…

Proverbs 30:5     "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

2 Samuel 15:14     Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword."

Psalm 25:19     See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me!

David tells us that the Lord sustains us in times of strife. He helps us to understand that it is the peace of God that eases our minds when we are trying to make decisions in the midst of the struggle; when you come to the realization that there are some people who never want you to be successful and the pressure mounts. David teaches that the safest place to be is in the will of God.

Align your pleas for help with your purpose in Christ and you will come through any trial wiser and unscathed.

Fighting Within – May 29, 2015

Romans  7:22-24      For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

Ephesians 3:16     I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

1 Peter 3:4     Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

Romans 6:6     For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

The life of a believer brings conflict. The question is why don’t more people talk about it? We rarely hear more people discuss the conflict of living holy; it isn't natural way of life but it’s spiritual and there will always be conflict between the desires of the flesh and the desire to live spiritual. Without God some things cannot be done.

Transformation takes faith and patience; we must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit….God wants to take us from the superficial to the supernatural!

Remodeling – May 28, 2015

2 Corinthians 5:1-5     For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Mark 14:58     "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'"

Acts 7:48     "However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

Hebrews 9:11     But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.

What you believe to be suitable housing is actually an infested death trap.  There is an infestation in our thought process…..this sentence describes the house we call Christianity. This does not mean that we do not have joy in our lives; it just goes to show that there will be struggles in our faith walk.

We hear groaning and creaks during the night and we tend to dismiss them as ‘The house settling.” Just a question to ask yourself: how old does your house have to be before it settles? The reality of the situation is that the creaks and moans you’re hearing are a result of you grieving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will continue to groan until we yield to the conviction and make the necessary renovations.

Do What Is Ordained – May 27, 2015

2 Timothy 1:9     He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Romans 8:29     For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Titus 3:5     he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 1:4     For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

Talent will take you places in the world but will it feed you purpose? Talent will seek to expose itself in any way possible but will the exposure bring glory to God? If you know your purpose you will do what you are called to do.

Being able to hear “the call” allows you to align with His purpose and your efforts will be blessed in doing so.

Working within your calling will not absolve you of times of frustration. Sometimes your natural process and birthing of ideas will not line up with the will and purpose of God….don’t try to negotiate it. God cannot and will not be manipulated. You can pray about it and He may give you a foretaste of the thing to show you that the thing is not His purpose for your life.

We cannot pray – thy kingdom come my will be done! Whenever we bring our efforts into alignment with His purpose , we WILL be blessed

Forgetting What Is Behind– May 26, 2015

Colossians 1:13     For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Isaiah 60:2     See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

Acts 26:18     to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Ephesians 6:12     For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

God answers prayer and provide a miracle; He will show up and do it very publicly to display His dominion. Many people will stop and ask is the transformation/works real because they will use how things “used” to be as their point of reference.

Take for example is Matthew, he was a man that everyone hated to see or deal with because he USED to be a tax collector. He worked for the enemy of his people. He collected taxes for Rome and Jews were under subjugation. People would often ask how he could have forgotten who he was. Tax collectors were little more than extortionist, Matthew was a gangster of his time; tax collector were required to collect a certain amount but anything above and beyond the tax was considered a commission.

Regardless of his past, Jesus called him…

We must be mindful to understand and respect the line that defines someone’s past…..mercy and forgiveness are the gifts that define the boundary.

Internal Turmoil – May 25, 2015

1 Corinthians 9:27     No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Romans 8:13     For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

2 Corinthians 13:5     Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

Romans 6:23     For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Colossians 3:5     Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Do we cover our unrighteousness and fleshly desires in the camouflage of empty words, religious platitudes, dogma and rhetoric?

Christianity is not an act or a soliloquy! It’s a life of constant action; it’s a mindset and focus on the things of God; it’s a life of humility, confession and repentance. Our daily practices should be those that honor, nurture and feed the Holy Spirit.

Paul stated that he battled to bring into submission the hidden things in his life that left unchecked would destroy him. He states that he waits for his change but until it happens he will keep his body in chains and beat back the evil that seeks to consume him.

The renewing of the body and mind is a daily exercise that starts with the heart!

Test Is Always A Part Of Testimony - May 24, 2015

Psalm 55:16 – 18     …As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me.…

Psalm 5:3     In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 88:13     But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Psalm 141:2     May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Daniel 6:10     Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Jesus actions specialized in pain….He constantly reached out and ministered to the people who were in pain. He kept company with the people with obvious afflictions and He could sense and heal the people with hidden pains..(Luke 13:11-13) God called out a woman who had been faithful in her church attendance – He saw her affliction when others ignored her presence. He did it in such a public manner because He wanted the people to see how to move toward Him and how He moves in us when we do.

We need to learn how to move and work in conjunction with God; we need to learn how to invest and work toward our deliverance….turning a test into a testimony.

This Old House - May 23, 2015

Ephesians 2:21 -22       in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16     Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?

1 Timothy 3:15     if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Corinthians 3:9     For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.

Have you ever noticed new aches, pains, squeaks and creaks as you age? Buildings age and show the wear and tear with age. If an angel of the Lord were to ask directions to your house would he pass mansions, posh 5 star hotels , cathedrals and mega-churches to the edge of town to find your shanty? Imagine the shock and surprise of the modern day Pharisee and Sadducee's when the angel singles out you/your shanty and boldly claims it.

We plod, blunder and stumble through our faith walk; we  continually to question how God can trust so much in so little, so ill-equipped, so inadequate. What we fail to realize and embrace is that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in such a place as a matter of choice, not a matter of happenstance or desperation. Inhabitation is a matter of freewill, predetermination and predestination. Who is called is also equipped; we must never feel inadequate because we will be prepared despite the appearance or conditions.

Your Talent Has A Purpose - May 22, 2015

1 Corinthians 14:12     So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

Romans 14:19     Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:3     But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

1 Corinthians 14:4     Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5     I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Many of us go through life without focus or determination without ever taking time to examine how much more we could accomplish if we set a plan in motion. The difference between a master and an apprentice is the amount of time and the quality of effort. Although some people are considered masters in mediocrity when they can’t see past themselves or their SOURCE.

In order to cultivate talents we must be committed to being all that we are intended to be; we have to develop a vision past our sights and scope of understanding. We must return to God what is His; His first fruits.

You can have multiple talents and use them in a line of service but we must never confuse talents with purpose….a purpose is nothing that you aspire to, you are CALLED to purpose (Romans 8:28). You purpose is brought to life and nurtured by God.

A Day of Beckoning - May 21, 2015

Matthew 11:28     "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jeremiah 31:25     I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

John 7:37     On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink

Isaiah 45:22     "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Revelation 22:17     The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Just as the hospital understands that people periodically get sick and they need a place to recover, the church understands that a body can sometimes succumb to sin. Scripture is fraught with people who struggled with sin. The only holy man in the entire Bible is Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God.

We all sin and fall short; we may not have the same struggles at the same time but if I am wrestling with something when your life is at peace it does not give you the right to sit in judgment of me or my struggle because your fight may not be of equal magnitude but odds are you are most likely fighting with something.

Thank God He calls us out of our past; thank God He sees past that “thing” that we believe that no one could possibly love in us. He knows all about us and He still calls us.

No matter what you believe about yourself or what other people tell you that you can and cannot do you must make your way to Jesus. Just know that He has a call that cannot be muted, He has a call with a purpose, He knows your history and He continues to call you.

Earthen Vessels - May 20, 2015

2 Corinthians 4:7 – 8     But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;…

Job 33:6     I am the same as you in God's sight; I too am a piece of clay.

Lamentations 4:2     How the precious children of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!

1 Corinthians 2:5     so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.

2 Corinthians 5:1      For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

2 Timothy 2:20     In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.

Many believers produce and force their change rather than wait on and to allow a God cultivated and God ordained change.

A God ordained change can happen only in His timing and as He wills it. We can’t change our nature/flesh. God intends for us to grow spiritually as we live in the world; a dichotomous lifestyle between the fleshly walk and eternal purpose.

It’s amazing that God would entrust something so valuable in something so invaluable; eternal life in compromised flesh. God shows His majesty and might when the old person is transformed; our weakness is used for His strength.

Think about it, while we have changed in our spirit by being born again, our old selves are still active. We are Spirit controlled but not Spirit destroyed. The Holy Spirit is living in squalor and it chooses to stay with us in it…..