RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED....

“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed…” Romans 1:17
Those of you who either read “The Chronicles of Narnia,” by C.S. Lewis, or saw the film, will know that the way into Narnia was through the wardrobe. Upon entrance, there was a disclosure of what before had been unknown. Once the land of Narnia was discovered, the young girl, Lucy desired her siblings to join her, but she was met with skepticism. However, over time, one by one, her brothers and eldest sister entered through the wardrobe and into this new land.

The above scripture refers to the gospel where righteousness from God is revealed. The gospel is from old English roots meaning "good news". The Gospel is the heart of the Christian message: that Christ died for us, and that through him we can be reconciled to God and live in communion with him forever and ever. This good news is veiled to those who choose to ignore it, just like the wardrobe that led to Narnia, but to those who are curious; those who come like little children (Mark 10:14-16) such as in the Chronicles of Narnia and dare to uncover the secrets of God’s kingdom….. will discover God’s Righteousness - his integrity, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.

You will never find God’s righteousness in the world‘s system. The world lives by its own standards, even making them up as they go along. The last verse in the book of Judges says, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Does this sound familiar? Everyone who has “no king” will do as they see fit. They will live their lives unto themselves and not unto God. But those of us who have been exposed to the Good News and have received it by faith can now acknowledge Jesus as our Savior, our Lord and our King. We have discovered that there’s a better way to live - a righteous way. We recognize that there is nothing good in ourselves and we are drawn to the Righteous One, Jesus Christ.

Get the news… the Good News and read all about it…

DEMONSTRATING RIGHTEOUSNESS.....

What’s your response to injustice, especially when it affects you personally? Do you take matters into your own hands or do you entrust the situation to the Lord?


In the book of 1 Samuel, we read of a young man named David who was anointed to be King of Israel. While awaiting God's timing for the Kingship, he was being pursued by the reigning King Saul who had become jealous of David and desired to kill him.


One day, it seemed a perfect opportunity had come to David. He could have taken Saul’s spear and plunged it into Saul putting an end to this never-ending chase (1 Sam.26). He would have been justified in doing so by those in his company, yet David, a man after God’s own heart knew that God would deal with Saul. Perhaps God Himself would strike him or he would die in battle (1Sam.26:10). David knew he must respond to Saul in a way that would honor God. He had to be a man of restraint in this battle, unlike the previous battles with lions, bears, and a giant named Goliath. In those battles, God gave the perpetrator into David’s hand for their demise.

This battle was different. It gave opportunity for David to mature in his trust level with God. This time, he would walk away. He would make room for God’s deliverance in God‘s ways and timing. David even proclaimed to Saul his belief that God would reward him for the mercy he had shown him. One day, God did reward him with the promised Kingship.

God not only credits us with RIGHTEOUSNESS for our belief in Him like the Patriarch Abraham, but He will reward us for demonstrating His RIGHTEOUSNESS to others as David did.

1 Samuel 26:23 “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness…”

THE GIFT OF RIGHEOUSNESS - MEANT TO BE RECEIVED~NOT EARNED

This being the Christmas season, let’s fast forward to Christmas morning… You’ve been given several gifts to open, but before you unwrap one, you get out your checkbook and insist on paying the giver whatever value the gift holds. Ludicrous? This is the way we treat God when we try to earn “Righteousness” which is right standing with a Holy God.

“Abram believed the Lord, and he (God) credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Because Abraham simply “BELIEVED” in God and His promises to him, God declared that Abram, later changed to Abraham was in right standing (RIGHTEOUS) before Him. He never asked Abraham to DO anything to be right with Him. Does that surprise you?

Today, many people feel they have to DO righteous acts in order to achieve God‘s RIGHTEOUSNESS. Some of those acts might be -- to be a faithful attendee to a place of Worship or a consistent giver of money to God’s work. Everything we DO should be a result or fruit of our faith in a God who is, and who was, and who is to come… (Revelation 1:4) and not a prerequisite to obtain Righteousness.

Paul says, in the book of Romans that if works is something to boast about, then he would have had something to boast, but not before God. All of our works do NOT make us RIGHTEOUS (right) before God. If you simply have faith in God, your faith is credited as RIGHTEOUSNESS, a free Gift such as Abraham received. It's that simple!

James, on the other hand talks about a person being justified by what he does and not by faith alone (James 2:23&24). There is no contradiction here between Paul and James. The way to reconcile these statements is that works won’t ever justify us before God, but works or deeds will be a fruit or result of your faith in God.

If you really believe in God and what His Word says to you, then you are walking in faith like Abraham and share with him the Gift of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Receive today the Gift of Righteousness!


“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Genesis 15:6

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?

Many people acknowledge Jesus as a great prophet, teacher, good man, etc. Someone I talk to occasionally said to me one day that she thought Jesus was “cool.” This person acted like she had no problem whatsoever with Jesus, yet her life demonstrates otherwise.

Jesus asked his disciples one day, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Matthew 16:13. The responses ranged from, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the Prophets to the right answer given by Peter which was… “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16.

I believe every one of the disciples, including Judas heard this response that day. From that point on, there was no excuse as to who Jesus was and is. However, it’s not enough just to know who Jesus is. There must come a time when we all must make a choice as to who Jesus is to us personally. Even Joshua, before leading the Israelites into the promised land said to the people, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15. If we make that choice for Christ, Jesus will become more than a great teacher, prophet, cool guy, and becomes your Lord.

Earlier I referred to Judas, who we all know betrayed Jesus. People have often wondered how he could have done such a thing after spending three years with the Son of God who healed the sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, etc.

Perhaps that last meal with Jesus revealed Judas’ true heart. Jesus told the disciples that one would betray him. “They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” But later, “Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

Notice that the disciples referred to Jesus as “Lord,” Lord is Kyrios in the Greek meaning “He to whom a person or thing belongs; the possessor and disposer of a thing, one who has control of a person.”

Judas referred to Jesus as “Rabbi,” Rhabbi is the Greek word meaning “my great one, my honorable sir, a title used by the Jews to address their teachers…”

So you see, Judas never came to a place in his life where he saw Jesus as possessor of him. Judas still controlled his own life and John 13:27 says that satan entered Judas as he took the bread that day out of the hands of Jesus. Judas may have been a follower of Jesus, but never a lover!

There are “Judas’s” among us today. Judas is in the Church, bible study, in the choir and worship team. Jesus was aware all along that Judas would betray him, yet he gave him every opportunity to share in an intimate walk with him.

Jesus continues to extend that invitation to us all. He knows right now where your heart is. You may be fooling people around you, but you will never fool God. You may even believe you’re okay because you know about Jesus.

But, Jesus wants to be more to you than a cool guy. He desires to be more to you than a teacher or a prophet who did good things and said wise sayings. Jesus longs to be your Lord. He wants to be the possessor of your heart. He wants to give you life and be the love of your life and give you eternal life!

Think about it…. Who is Jesus to you? Lord or Rabbi?

DO WE HAVE IN MIND THE THINGS OF GOD OR THE THINGS OF MEN?

One day as the disciples were walking with Jesus, He began to talk about a matter of His own death and this topic did not sit well with one of the disciples, namely Peter. Peter loved the Lord and had recently experienced a revelation about Jesus that came from the Father, but this day, Peter was not commended by Jesus, but rather rebuked (Matthew 16:23).


“…Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” Matthew 16:21).


“Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew 16:22.


Can you imagine, first of all, rebuking the Lord? Well, before we all throw stones at Peter, let’s look a little deeper.


Right then, Jesus gave His own rebuke. He said to Peter… “Get behind me, Satan!” “You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” Matthew 16:23. This last comment by Jesus should strike all of our hearts because Jesus never stops at a symptom, but always goes to the root. The root of Peter’s words toward Jesus was that he didn’t have in mind the things of God - but rather the things of men.


Let’s stop there and ask ourselves… How many times have we too been earthly minded? We launched into our ways because we didn’t understand the plan and purpose of God in that situation.


Six days later, Peter, James and John were invited by Jesus to come along with Him to a high mountain. Jesus was transfigured before them. These three disciples were given a rare opportunity to see Jesus as he really was. If you study the book of Revelation, you will see the majesty of Jesus. John records that Jesus’ head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Revelation 1:12-16). The disciples, this day on the mountain saw what John would later see on the island of Patmos. What an awesome sight that must have been.


In addition to seeing Jesus glorified before them, Moses and Elijah also appeared and they were talking with Jesus. What a holy moment to observe quietly, yet Peter had something to say, rather, something he wanted to DO.


“Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters --- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” Matthew 17:4.Peter wanted to DO SOMETHING. Isn’t that the way we are? We don’t know how to be silent and meditate for awhile on the holy things God wants to impart to us. The first thing we want is to "DO SOMETHING."


While Peter is still speaking, the voice of God Almighty breaks in…. while a cloud envelops them all. “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Matthew 17:5.

Peter is no longer talking! He’s on his face along with James and John terrified! The Father identified Jesus as His Son whom He loved and was pleased with, but He also said, "LISTEN TO HIM!"


We've all heard it said that there’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth. Most likely, it's because we should listen more (twice as much) and talk less. That’s a tough one for people like me who can really relate to Peter. I have been guilty of opening mouth - inserting foot sooo many times in my life. Yet, like Peter, I know that the Lord will finish the good work He has begun in me until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:3).


The reason I’ve connected these two passages of scripture is because I believe “listening to the Lord” will produce “having in mind the things of God.” Remember when Jesus told Peter, you are a stumbling block to me because you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men? Peter demonstrated once again at the transfiguration someone who still did not have in mind the things of God.


The mountaintop experience that Peter, James and John had was not to be a building project for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. It was a holy experience that did not need WORDS & DEEDS.


Remember, Jesus did nothing of himself, instead He only did what He saw the Father do (John 5:19). This is an example for us. God is more interested in how we are transformed by what’s been revealed. You might recall a time when Jesus revealed Himself to you as a faithful unconditional loving friend or perhaps as your healer. How ever the Father reveals His Son to you and me is not so that we run and do something. It’s that we immerse deeper in our relationship with Jesus. Our doing His will comes only out of our knowing Him.


Ephesians 1:17, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” (Prayed by the Apostle Paul)


The point of it all is that we may know HIM better. The way to get to know Jesus is by listening to Him as we spend time with Him everyday. As a friend of God, He will reveal his secrets to you, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know“ Jeremiah 33:3. As we listen, we will learn His ways and He then will be able to order our steps. We will have in mind the things of God!


When we do not have in mind the things of God, we can be more of a hindrance and a stumbling block just as Peter would have been had he been in charge of Jesus’ future. His protection of Jesus would have kept Jesus from going to the cross! We know that it was God’s divine plan, from the beginning of time to send Jesus to die once for the sins of all. Isaiah 50:10, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause him to suffer….” He was sent as a guilt offering for you and me.


Well, Praise God there came a time for Peter when he did have in mind… the things of God and that should give us all hope. Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), Peter stood up with his fellow disciples and raised his voice to speak to the crowd (Acts 2:14). He began by saying to the people… “LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY.” Hmm… I believe Peter had learned to listen and now God gave him a platform!


Peter told the people that Jesus was handed over to them by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge…. (Acts 2:23). So, you see, Peter did finally have in mind the … things of God!

This has given me hope and I pray the same for you. We all have fallen short in our knowledge of God and His ways. That is why we must ask the Father for wisdom and knowledge that we may know him better. We do not want to be a stumbling block to his purposes coming forth in the earth today. We do not want to hinder His work. In fact, we should long to join Him in fulfilling His dream for us and for the lost.


We must desire to be in alignment with Him at all times that we may share in God’s purposes and plans being fulfilled in the earth. From the words of the Father…. LISTEN TO HIM! I pray that this burns in your heart today so that we have in mind… THE THINGS OF GOD!

DIVINE DELAY...

Have you ever heard the saying, “hurry up and wait?” I have found it to be true in my walk of faith with Jesus. The other night the Lord began to talk to me about waiting after you’ve been called. I thought of how Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all the world, yet in the same breath told them to stay in the city until they were clothed with power from on high.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:19.

“You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” Luke 24:48-49.

After Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected, he spent 40 days among the disciples continuing to teach them, but after He ascended into heaven, the disciples were to wait for the gift the Father promised… “On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” Acts 1:4-5.

So the disciples had been commissioned to go, yet Jesus told them to wait. It’s as if He pushes the pause button. Have you ever felt like God has pushed the pause button on your life? When you’re told to go, but yet you’re to stay… seems to send a mixed message. Notice Jesus said… in a few days you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. He didn’t say how many days, what they should do while they waited or what time of day this gift was coming. We are able to read the Word and see that it was ten days later, but the disciples did not have that information.

Do you ever wonder what they discussed after Jesus was taken up in the clouds? What we do know is that they began to worship him ~ yes worship. I do believe this is the first time we see the disciples worship Jesus and after that they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Luke 24:53 says they “stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

I believe much can be learned from their example. They knew first-hand how true Jesus was to his word. They spent days and nights with Him for three years. So, they never had a doubt that He would keep his word to them. Do we know him that well?

And, Jesus actually opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45) right before he left them because they would reflect the rest of their lives upon what He told them.

What they didn’t know was that the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was soon to come to them would remind and reveal all that they had learned from Jesus. They must have been on fire with anticipation before they were filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

When God shows you something that is to come.. it’s easy to become like a child waiting for Christmas. I remember my children when they were little would ask…. “How many days mom till Christmas?” I believe the Lord wants us to be filled with anticipation of not only the most important date on a calendar which is His return to receive us, but also for the divine appointments along our journey towards him.

So, if you’re in a “pregnant pause” as some say… just know, you can’t carry that baby forever. The pause will end and the new shall come forth in my life and in yours. But, while we are in the “pause” mode, let’s worship Him and carry joy in our hearts for that day when we shall experience the commission the Lord has placed upon us.

HUNGERING & THIRSTING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).


Have you ever been beyond hungry? Most of us in America have rarely known extreme hunger, not to say that it doesn’t exist, but is less common here. The times when I felt I was about to starve were also the times I felt most satisfied when food finally reached my stomach. It’s as if we appreciate food most when we’ve experienced the greatest hunger.


Recently, I had the privilege of watching a dvd of several testimonials of people who were searching for God throughout their life. Most gave their life to serving dead gods and in all their attempts to please this god, they felt unloved, purposeless and unfulfilled ---- still hungry. As they journeyed through their lives hungering and thirsting for RIGHTEOUSNESS (the state of being right with God), each one encountered the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth who revealed himself to each person, just as he promised he would do (Isaiah 65:1).


You see, God doesn’t hide from us - quite the contrary. He longs to reveal himself to us by filling our aching hearts with Himself. God is looking for people who are hungering and thirsting for Him. There are many people in the world; you may be one, who really wants to live a godly life. You may say, “I’ve tried to live righteous my entire life, yet I feel empty.” If that’s you - please know that God sees you and your attempts to be RIGHTEOUS. But, Righteousness is not "achieved," it's "received." God loves to see a hungry heart and it‘s his promise that he will fill you (Matthew 5:6).


Open up your heart today to Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He has already chosen you to receive His RIGHTEOUSNESS. Ephesians 1:4, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…” (RIGHTEOUS).


Come, all you who are thirsty! Today - may your hunger and thirst be satisfied as you cry out to God…… “Fill me Lord Jesus with RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

GRACE FOR MORE!

As I was reading in Joshua this morning, I encountered a person named Acsah and my heart was stirred with grace to ask for more….of Him. I pray it will have the same effect upon you.

I want to introduce you to a young woman named Acsah, who was the daughter of Caleb, who along with Joshua explored the promised land under Moses’ leadership. You may have never heard of Acsah, but she is a woman who was much like her father Caleb who was a man of great courage, tenacity and confidence in God.

Turning back to Numbers 13, the Lord told Moses to send some men to explore the land of Canaan which he had already given to the Hebrew people. Moses told the twelve men to go up through the Negev and into the hill country to see what the land was like and whether the people there were strong or weak, few or many. Was it a good or bad land? The last thing Moses said was to bring back some fruit. Isn’t that interesting. If a land is a prosperous land… it should be fruitful and it was.

Consequently, in that exploration, only two men came back with a good report, namely Caleb and Joshua along with ONE single cluster of grapes carried on a pole between them… now that’s some fruit!! The other ten gave a report that erupted fear into the Israelites ultimately leading to their demise.

Caleb believed that if God was with them, they could take the land, giants and all. Unfortunately, the people gave in to fear and settled for “less than” God had for them. They were willing to stay in a barren place, forsaking all God had promised.

After forty years and the death of that generation, Caleb and Joshua continued to believe the Lord’s promise to give them the land that flowed with milk and honey. The day came when Joshua took the next generation into the promised land and when he did, he divided the land as Moses had instructed him (Moses had died by this time). Guess who was waiting for his portion? Yes, Caleb! He was now 85 years old and proclaimed his years had no negative affect upon the strength and tenacity he still possessed (Joshua 14:11).

Joshua blessed Caleb with his portion of land called Hebron as his inheritance. Caleb took possession and began to drive out the wicked inhabitants. Not only had Caleb been given land, but God had blessed him with a daughter named Acsah whose hand in marriage was given to Othniel for his bravery against the enemy occupants.

Now… this is the good part. Acsah, which means “Upper Spring” or “Adorned” was blessed by her father with a field, a portion of his inheritance. But, one day, as she got off her camel, she was approached by her father who asked her what he could do for her. Acsah never hesitated. She asked her father for a favor. When you ask for a favor, you are pretty sure you will get what you ask for… right?

Acsah knew she was favored by her father and even though she had been blessed with the field, she desired something more. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water” (Joshua 15:19). Oh my… she asked for more? Acsah knew that land without WATER would not be fruitful. She was not willing to live in a land that was BARREN as her ancestors had chosen. She was choosing life for herself and her husband and future descendants. Her boldness makes me think of Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

I’m sure Caleb was delighted to grant his daughter’s wishes by giving her the upper and lower springs (Joshua 15:19) to water her land. This is such a picture of God who always exceeds our expectation (Ephesians 3:20).

God is looking for Acsah’s in the earth today who will be bold enough to contend for SPRINGS OF WATER which Jeremiah said is the Lord (Jer.17:13). Just as Acsah asked for natural water - we the Believer should be asking for spiritual water (1 Corinthians 15:46). I’m not talking about asking for a little more of God… No, I’m talking about asking for ALL that God has for you ~ your inheritance. We will never be able to produce anything good unless the springs of water are in us and flowing out of us to the world.

Remember when Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in John 4? She had been trying to find happiness in many men? Instead of lecturing her, Jesus told her that everyone who drinks from the wells of the world will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the Lord will never thirst again. Jesus said… “Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” John 4:14.

The point I want to make here is that we have every right to ask for “springs of water” and we must. You may say, well, I just want to be thankful for what I have. I’m saved and on my way to Heaven and that’s enough. May I suggest, we should be content with what we have, while contending for MORE OF HIM. I remember when I had one child and was longing for more because God had spoken to me through His Word that I would be a happy mother of “children” Psalm 113:9. A well-intending person said to me that I should be thankful for the child I had. I told her I was…. But I was contending for what God had promised me - MORE and several years later…..God kept His Word to me and I’ll praise Him forever!

You may be in a dry and barren place right now in your walk with Jesus. You may have said to yourself, is this all there is? I don’t feel the joy of the Lord. I don’t hear his voice anymore, I don’t even feel His presence. John 15:8 says… “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, (not a little fruit) showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Bearing fruit is not just winning souls into the Kingdom, although that’s part. To bear fruit is to demonstrate Christ in the way we live and influencing those around us. It’s experiencing the joy of the Lord, faith in His Word, peace in our hearts, hearing and responding to His voice. It’s having a relationship like no other. You can’t give away what you do not have.

Or you may be in a different kind of desert place. You have caught a glimpse of something God has for you far greater than your present reality. You know in your heart that you will never be satisfied to stay where you are because there are springs of water flowing in a distant land.

Whatever desert experience you are in, it is to the Father’s glory that we bear much fruit! So, if this is God’s will for us, then just as Caleb granted Acsah’s wishes….. So will our Father in Heaven make all grace abound to us so that in all things at all times, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8). As Caleb granted favor to Acsah, so shall our God remember us - his favored ones.

A natural field without springs of water is a dry and barren place producing nothing good; so is a man without the overflow of the spirit. Begin to cry out to God as David… who likened his thirst for God like a deer who pants for streams of water (Psalm 42:1). Jesus said that all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness WILL BE FILLED (Matthew 5:6). Ask the Lord to release in you hunger and thirst for more of Him.

Today is the day. Begin to cry out to God as Acsah cried out to Caleb her father. According to your Word Lord, I am going to ask you for “SPRINGS OF WATER” to immerse and consume this barren and thirsty land. May I bear MUCH fruit such as the giant cluster of grapes brought back upon the shoulders of Joshua and Caleb that others may taste and see that the Lord is indeed good. Thank You Lord that there is GRACE FOR MORE.

RIGHTEOUSNESS ~ GOD'S GIFT TO US!

What is Righteousness? According to Webster’s New International Dictionary of the English Language …… Righteousness is:

* Holiness, purity, uprightness, rectitude
* A righteous act or righteous quality
* The act or conduct of one who is righteous
* The state of being right with God; justification, the work of Christ, which is the ground of justification

Now that we know what righteousness is --- is it possible to be righteous apart from God? According to a Prophet named Isaiah who wrote the book bearing his name, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isa.64:6).

Isaiah was saying, even in our best attempts to do good things, in light of the perfection and glory of God, we are nothing and no matter what we do, it will always fall short of the glory of God. However, because God desires to have relationship with us ---- He extends His mercy to us, a sinful people and accepts us as we are. Because of our faith in His finished work upon the cross and His saving cleansing power, we are made righteous in his sight. It’s like he strips us of those filthy rags and gives us new garments to wear and invites us to sit at the King’s table. Yahooo!

In the book of Romans, the author Paul said that there was no one who was righteous -not even one. He said that we all have turned away and that there is no one who does good. No one will be declared righteous by observing the law, or by doing right things according to Paul. Does this mean we shouldn’t do right things? Absolutely not! We should do right things, but we should be aware that those “right things” we do --- do not make us RIGHTEOUS apart from God. We must realize that everything we do is only righteous because we are now in and one with Christ since we have made Him Lord of our life.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." Isaiah 64:6

TESTING “FAITH” 1-2-3

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
There’s a beautiful place that our trials will take us if we’ll have the right approach to them. The Word says that the end of a matter is better than the beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8) and a mature believer is the end goal that James was encouraging every believer to attain to.

The only way to achieve maturity is by the testing of our faith. Oh how I wish there was another way, but we all know that --- if, what we say we believe is not tested - an inmature believer is what we remain and that‘s not God‘s plan for us. So, how is ones faith tested? The word “testing” in the NIV is “trying” in the KJV which means the proving or that by which something is tried or proved, a test.

In order for faith to be real or proven in YOU, it has to undergo a test. Let’s say you make a claim that you can outrun all your friends. I guarantee you… someone will ask you to prove it. You may expect people to simply take you at your word, but it doesn’t work that way and quite honestly - it shouldn’t. You, personally will never know if that claim can stand if you never prove it by running a race against all who oppose you. Hopefully, you’ll come out a winner, But, you’d never really know unless you proved your claim to others and more importantly to yourself.

That’s how it is with what we believe about our relationship with our God. Faith in this passage is the Greek word Pistis which is the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ.

We can say we are people of faith, but this belief will be tried and tested by God until we become mature and complete in Christ, lacking nothing. How will our claims be proven true if we never welcome the tests?

A few years ago, as a believer in Christ, my faith was being tried once again. Even after years of infertility and God’s reward of our son Travis Jordan through Invitro-Fertilization, we still longed for another child and IVF was no longer an option. I was standing on what God had spoken to me out of Psalm 113:9, “…he settles the barren woman as a happy mother of children.” We were faced with questions on how we could afford the costs of adoption vs. new incurred debt, yet we believed God had another child for us through adoption. How to reconcile the reality with the Word of God was the test.

One day a friend of ours boldly said to us…. “If adoption is what God has said to do, then why worry about money.” I’m soo thankful for his boldness because later standing in their driveway, I said to my husband, “Do we believe what we’ve been singing for weeks now in Church?”, which was “All Things Are Possible,” by Darlene Zscheck. It’s one thing to sing or speak something, yet quite another to walk it out. God wants us to see for ourselves what we truly possess. It’s merely a confession until it’s proven to be your heart’s possession. We concluded that if we said we believed all things were possible with God then we must act on that belief.

So, that was the first step and the first words out of our mouth to the Case Worker at the Adoption Agency. We told her that we didn’t know how we would pay for the adoption, but we served a God who would provide. During this time of standing strong, something remarkable began to happen INSIDE of us. Just as James says, when your faith is tested or tried, you begin to develop steadfastness, constancy, and endurance, also referred to as perseverance. If you can imagine a picture with me - it was like Chuck and I locked ourselves in a room with God and would not let anyone or anything in UNTIL we saw God’s proving of our faith develop into our maturity. We were deliberate and loyal to act on what we believed about God and His promise to us.

Was it an easy ride from there? No, in fact, there was more testing to endure. But, when the trying of our faith had run its course, Chuck and I were more mature in Christ. In March of 2000, we welcomed our little Ariel into our home and our hearts. The money for the adoption came from sources we could never have imagined because we allowed the proving of our faith to produce something good in us. Every time we experienced another setback, we went to the Lord and to our faithful praying friends and family and asked for more grace to believe Him. We asked for the strengthening of our hearts as we waited for God to do what only He could do. We saw it through to the end and we weren’t disappointed.

Ten years later, faced with more testing of our faith, I remember the history I have with my faithful Father above and within. He has made me who I am. I am stronger now than I was ten years ago because of the testing of my faith. I believe I possess more of what I confess because I’ve been running the race expecting to finish my course by keeping the pace alongside Him. One day, He’ll give me the Victor’s crown, but I’ll know it really doesn’t belong to me and I’ll cast it at His feet as I bow and thank Him for proving my faith genuine.

Peter said it much better, “These (trials) have come so that your faith ---- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire --- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ….for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” 1 Peter 1:7-9.

May Christ be revealed as your faith is proven genuine!

HOPE ~ AS WE WAIT

Today, as my family was pressing into God with prayer... these were some scriptures the Lord gave us.

Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm for God can be trusted to keep His promise."

Are you waiting on something today? Has it been a long wait? God knows. He really sees you as you press in day in and day out and HE WILL RESPOND to the cries of His children, but before He does... He will do something in you and me that would have never happened had we not been pressing into His heart every day.

v.35, "So do not throw away your confidence - it will be richly rewarded." (NIV) Oh what a promise this is. Believe me when I say, we can stand on the promises of God and we must. I remember a preacher saying he literally took the Bible and stood on it declaring to God that he was standing on God's promises. Whatever you do... don't give up. If you feel like giving up, go to God and ask Him to release supernatural faith to believe Him. You were created to dream God's dreams. You were created to believe not only in Him, but to believe everything He has said He will do. Be as a child and remind the Lord what he has said to you. This does our heart good to remember what God has said. Just as my children NEVER forget "allowance" and they don't mind reminding me... God is not like me in that He forgets... NO, He never forgets, but he wants us to REMEMBER because when you forget what God said to you, you begin to die inside. You no longer have hope and you begin to shrink back from your faithful friend.

v. 37 "He who is coming will come and will not delay." Remember this, if Jesus will not delay His coming back to receive those who are His, then why would He go against his own character by delaying in responding to questions and concerns in your life. You and I have a timetable that we put the Creator God on and this in itself is WRONG. If God has begun something in you (and he has) then Paul said in Philippians... "...being CONFIDENT of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Phil 1:5.

God's maturing us with little reminders of his attentiveness through prophesy, dreams, visions, the Word, etc. God knows how to sustain us as we wait. I love Isaiah 50:4-5 that says.... "The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back."

Just last night, I remember waking up and hearing in my spirit..... "I put on Christ." Then, I went back to sleep. Even as we sleep, the Lord is speaking and yes... singing over His children reminding us of how much He loves us.

Let it not be said of us that we drew back from God for it is rebellion. We need to repent of drawing back from him, when we should be drawing near to Him. There's no better place to be then close to the heart of God. Where could I go, oh where could I go... where could I go but to the Lord. I grew up singing this song in Church. How true it remains. There's no comfort anywhere else, but in the secret place of the Most High God.

Ask the Lord to give you a word to sustain you in your time of weariness. Does not Matthew 7:7-8 say, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to Him who knocks, the door will be opened." He will sustain you as only He can do. As you wait and God sustains you day after day..... you are maturing in your walk with Him. There may come a time in your life when many may be against you saying you're crazy to believe Him, but because of your history with Him... you will not shrink back. You will boldly declare the works of YOUR God.

Let it be said of us that "...we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved" Hebrews 10:39.

Hopefully I've encouraged someone today, if only myself. King David learned to encourage himself in the Lord and we must do the same. There are times when no earthly encouragement heals the ache of one's heart. But, when we remember the faithfulness of our Father towards us - it should stir us towards faithfulness to Him.... as we wait.

GOD'S GRACE FIRST ......

"And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace (favor,acceptance) in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand." Genesis 39:2-4 (KJV)


Joseph already had God’s GRACE upon his life before he found FAVOR in Potipher’s eyes. In other words, Potipher didn't make Joseph great. God was already prospering Joseph and Potipher took note of it and may have thought... Hmmmm maybe some of this blessing will fall on me when I promote Joseph (something to think about). God will use men who do not know Him to further bless his children.

Are you looking for FAVOR with your boss, your family, friends? When you seek God's face first - then FAVOR will find you. GRACE is God's gift to us as believers. It's his divine influence upon our hearts reflected in our lives. FAVOR, in my opinion and much study is the reward or benefit of the already existing GRACE. Joseph, who had been sold into captivity by his own brothers never allowed unforgiveness or bitterness to disqualify him from experiencing God’s blessing in his life nor future FAVOR from men.

As a result, Potipher recognized the presence of God in Joseph. He discerned the character of God in this young man. FAVOR resulted with a promotion for Joseph and complete trust with Potipher and authority over everything Potipher owned. Now, the blessing of God was upon all that Potipher owned, even the outside fields (Gen.39:5). Just think of this.... when God's FAVOR rests upon "you," His blessing now affects your sphere of influence; workplace, family, friends, etc. You are affecting those around you just because you are highly FAVORED of God.

Can people tell you are GRACED by God? Is it evident to those around you that the Lord is prospering/blessing you? How does your character reflect Christ? Because of His GRACE, we can live in expectation of receiving the FAVOR of God and men every day of our lives IF WE ARE CARRIERS OF GOD'S GRACE. I say "IF" because not everyone who is a Believer enjoys the GRACE of God.

As I said earlier, GRACE is God's gift to you and me. He desires that you open that gift of GRACE every day experiencing His divine influence upon your heart. Think of this - what if you gave someone a gift that would benefit them greatly, but they never opened it. Similarly, if you don't open the gift of GRACE from God - you may be toiling - stressing for something that could easily fall into your hand if only you rested in God's GRACE. Joseph may have had some hardships, but He never forgot who loved him. He never forgot the God who gave him dreams about his future. In spite of his circumstances, he believed God was for him and would not abandon him. He knew in time God would redeem all that had been taken from him. And Joseph was not disappointed.

Remember, the famous line of Joseph to his brothers when he revealed his identity -
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" Genesis 50:20.

If you are lacking FAVOR with men, first of all.... do you know God? Confess your sin (Romans 3:23) and invite Jesus to come live in you and through you. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you. Invite the the Holy Spirit to flood your heart with God's GRACE and expectation of FAVOR to be extended to you on every side. Don't allow the hardships of life to sour you and cause a root of bitterness to grow in you. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one misses the GRACE of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." This will cause you to miss the bountiful blessings the Lord has reserved for you. Even Jesus our Lord grew in wisdom and stature (maturity), and in FAVOR with God and men (Luke 2:52).

This is my prayer for you today. As Joseph and Jesus grew in the FAVOR with God and men - may the same be said of You.

OIL SPILL DISASTER ~ IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?

This morning as Chuck and I were praying, I felt the Lord taking me to the oil crisis in the Gulf. I hadn’t planned on praying for that situation this morning, but it was evidently on God’s mind.


Now, before I say anymore, I will tell you that we can pray with our minds or as I tell my children - we can pray from our hearts. There is a difference. Many times, I pray from my mind. Sadly, when I don’t take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to pray through me, the consequence is ---- I may have missed the mark with my prayers. Because the Holy Spirit knows the mind of Christ (John 16:13), He can order my prayers if I’ll surrender to Him.


As I alluded to earlier, when I give myself completely to the Lord in my prayer time; not being so quick to rush in with my words and waiting/listening to the Holy Spirit, then I begin to pray in unexpected ways. The anointing (presence of God) is on every word and with that comes an inner excitement and strength which gives way to faith rising within me. I know that I’m touching God’s heart and He’s touching mine along with every concern I’ve brought before Him. Generally, when this happens, the Holy Spirit will faithfully bring to remembrance the Word of God that I have placed upon my heart day after day. Finally, when we pray what Holy Spirit has brought to our mind, the power of God is then released into the earth.


Prayer is an awesome thing. It’s a privilege to be able to commune with the God who created the heavens and the earth.


So, with that said, let’s go back to the oil crisis. As I began to pray this morning, I felt like the Lord wanted me to know that He really cares about this matter more than we think He does. Unfortunately, many would say God caused it. I don’t believe that, but I do believe God can use it to bring people to Himself.


God created this earth (Genesis 1:1). It’s the work of His hands. Yes, and He created it for us to enjoy and to rule over by taking care of it. He doesn’t want us to be wasteful or careless with what He’s given us. So, when the earth is affected by something we’ve done as a people - I believe it grieves Him more than it grieves us. It’s just like a parent who gives his child a special gift and if that child doesn’t value the gift, it hurts the parent deeply.


God is very aware of the present situation. I know the Lord cares about this more than anyone; whether it’s BP, our government, or the people who earn a living from the water, etc.


Earlier this year, in my quiet time with the Lord, I was reading in Exodus and a particular scripture stirred my heart and I’ve not been able to let it go. I pray it every time Holy Spirit brings it to my mind. And this is it… “Then the Lord said: I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you” Exodus 34:10. I initially thought the Lord was speaking directly to me and my family with decisions we are making for our future, but I’ve since begun to believe that it’s really much bigger than me.


I believe all scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and that the Lord God wrote this Word through men for it NOT to be forgotten, but to be remembered by all generations. This Word is powerful and effective and this morning, I began to stand on God’s powerful Word that people all over the world would see - SEE WITH THEIR EYES how awesome is the work that GOD will do for our Nation.


God wants to turn the hearts of every man and woman, boy and girl to Himself. He will do it in ways we don’t always understand. As I said earlier, man doesn’t always take care of the earth the way we should. We make mistakes, but God knows how to correct our failures and He desires to do just that.


God can stop the oil from spilling!!!! But, whether He does or does not, I believe it’s an opportunity for his purposes to come to pass in the earth. Even bad situations can lead to something good. I know this from experience and from reading the Word.


All God has to do is put His finger in that hole and plug that well!!! With man ----as we’ve been seeing for the last two months, it seems impossible to fix this tragedy, but Jesus himself said “…. with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26.


Can you imagine what people all around the world would say if the oil just “STOPPED” coming out of that well. And… we would all see it for ourselves because we’ve all witnessed the same picture for weeks of the oil gushing from the well. It would be such a miracle that no-one could deny. Well, I'm sure some would. We wouldn’t be taking anyone’s word for it - we would see it for ourselves.


This is a crisis with man, but not a crisis with our God. Let’s stand on God’s Word today and believe.....

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14



"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land" Psalm 95:3-5

FAVOR ~ LIKE SEEING THE FACE OF GOD

“If I (Jacob) have found FAVOR in your (Esau) eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.” Genesis 33:10


Jacob was saying… You, brother have been like God to me! You’ve shown unlimited KINDNESS~FAVOR towards me; one who doesn’t deserve it. I did nothing to earn it.


If you read last weeks’ blog, you’ll understand why Jacob didn’t feel worthy of Esau’s favor toward him. The past twenty years Jacob had been working for his Uncle Laban ~ fourteen of those years to receive Rachel (Genesis 31:41), the woman he loved and longed to marry. May I say - no favor there. Laban represents the world which is a hard task master. But, in this passage, Esau is a type of Christ. Jacob’s gifts (things he’d earned) were meaningless to Esau. Just as Esau had no need for Jacob’s gifts, neither does our Father in heaven. We cannot earn His favor - it is free as I said last week. Favor is unmerited; meaning there is nothing we can do to deserve it. We are a gift to Jesus that He desires to fill with Himself.


Jacob was saying to Esau, it's like I've seen God's face the way you've treated me with such kindness. FAVOR is like seeing God’s face! What a beautiful thought. We can actually see Christ in one another when someone extends FAVOR to us or when we extend FAVOR to another.


The Apostle Paul said that we, with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory….(2 Cor.3:18). Just as Esau was like the face of God to Jacob ~ we can see the face or be the face of God to others when we extend God's kindness.


You will notice the picture of the beautiful child above. This happens to be my precious little niece, Mia. We've all heard it said, when you see the face of a child, you've seen God. There's a lot of truth to that so I couldn't resist posting this pose of her. I just want to end this teaching by saying.......


We've all seen God's face as we've experienced God's FAVOR, whether we realize it or not. He touches each of our lives in so many different ways. I pray you encounter Him today and tomorrow and forever!

FREE FAVOR.....

You may remember the story of Jacob and Esau. If not, here's a brief overview of their early years. Esau was the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah. He did not value his “birthright,” which was a special honor given to the oldest son carrying with it a double portion of the family inheritance along with becoming the future leader of the family. So one day, in haste, he (Esau) relinquished it to his twin brother Jacob for a mere meal of bread and stew. Later, Jacob, at the urging of his mother, deceived his father and received Esau's blessing. When Esau realized what had happened, he cried out loudly to his father and said, “Bless me - me too, my father! But he (Isaac) said, Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing” Genesis 27:34.

Now, more than twenty years later, Jacob was preparing to meet his brother Esau. The last time he had seen his brother was when Esau vowed to kill Jacob as soon as their father Isaac died (Gen.27:41). So, what do you do when you expect the worst? Jacob decided to send some gifts in the form of various animals to his brother in hopes that the gifts would subdue any lingering anger from the past.

Jacob desired FAVOR (kindness) to be extended to him (Gen.32:5). Instead of going to his brother and asking forgiveness for his past sin, he attempted to purchase FAVOR with the display of his riches before Esau. Jacob even thought to himself, “I will pacify him (Esau) with these gifts…perhaps he will receive me” Genesis 32:20.

After sending ahead the gift of goats, ewes, rams, camels, cows, bulls, and donkeys, Jacob approached Esau, bowing down to the ground seven times. Jacob obviously expected the worst from his brother, but what happened was unimaginable. Esau, the brother who lost his birthright and blessing to Jacob was now running toward him and embracing him, throwing his arms around his neck and kissing him while weeping. What an exhilerating moment this must have been for Jacob and Esau. The pain of the past was gone. Esau no longer hated Jacob, but loved him.


Esau said to Jacob in my words… Hey Jake, what’s up with all those animals you sent me? Jacob admitted, I just wanted your favor. I just wanted us to be brothers who love each other. Is that possible?

Too many times, we too attempt to purchase God’s FAVOR by displaying our good conduct ~ “Look at me Lord - look at what I‘ve done for you…” But, Isa.64:6 says… "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” Esau refused to accept Jacob’s gifts. He didn't need them nor did he want them. He had already forgiven Jacob and out of that forgiveness came a kindness that could not be bought.

Like Esau, our Heavenly Father has no need of our gifts - He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and as my husband always says…. He owns the hills too. So we need to quit trying to purchase His FAVOR. He took our sin upon himself before we had need of him. He has forgiven us long ago so that we may freely approach His throne of grace with confidence that we too may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16


“I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, men-servants and maid-servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find FAVOR in your eyes” Genesis 32:5

RESTING IN HIS FAVOR......

Noah found something in God that we too can have today. Noah was a real person - not just a weird guy who built a big boat saving his family from the destruction that came in the form of rain for 40 days and nights. What did Noah find? He found God’s favor ~ another word is GRACE, which in this passage is ACCEPTANCE with God.


I don’t know about you ~ but I’ve wasted too much of my time wondering if I was acceptable to God. I have tried to get his attention by the “good” deeds I was doing hoping to achieve something; when all along His eyes were upon me with affection and acceptance.


The key element I want to bring to light in this passage is that Noah “found” Grace. The Hebrew word for find is “matsa.” To “matsa” is to find, secure, acquire, get, meet, encounter, learn, to come upon, or light upon. Nowhere in those defining words do you find “work” or “strive.”



Noah was a man unlike those of his generation. That in itself says a lot about Noah. Consequently, there was a contrast between Noah and the people on the earth at that time. Man had become wicked and “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” The Lord was grieved that he had made man and Jehovah’s heart was filled with pain.


But there was Noah…… whose name means “rest.” He was a just, lawful, righteous man and perfect, meaning without blemish, complete, full, and sincerely undefiled in his generation. Noah didn’t work to find God’s GRACE. He came upon it and rested in it as he pursued God and His purposes.



His very name reveals how we too can find God’s GRACE. Our lifestyle as Believers must be one of resting in God by walking every moment of every day trusting in His amazing, overcoming, overwhelming, unconditional, steadfast love and acceptance. The result of consciously involving Him into our life is that God’s eyes of favor are upon us. You don’t have to “DO” to have his eyes upon you...ever.


Stand undefiled in this generation resting in the fact that You are God’s favored one. You are acceptable to Him, not because of what you do, but because of who you are before Him.


I know a woman who, every time you ask her how she is, she says, “I am highly favored by God.” Tell yourself today - I’m God’s favored one and His eyes are upon Me. It will change the way you see Him and the way you see yourself.



“But Noah found FAVOR in the eyes of the Lord.”
Genesis 6:8

SHOW ME THE POWER!

A familiar passage has been burning in my heart. 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and of self-discipline." The Message version goes like this... "God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible."

As I read this passage over the weekend, it was as if the Holy Spirit was hovering over it and I found myself meditating upon it the rest of the day. I long for the day when timidity no longer trumps power in my life and in the Body of Christ. Just reading the Acts of the Apostles lately has caused me to long for the confidence and courage of the early believers. Becoming a believer is merely the beginning of an adventure with God. We should expect to experience signs and wonders,"And these signs will accompany those who believe..."Mark 16:17. Jesus told the disciples in John 14:12, "I tell you the truth, anyone (ANYONE-that's you and me) who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things then these, because I am going to the Father."

The spirit of fear is like a squatter on your property. If The intruder is not given immediate evacuation notice from you, then before long ... all that is yours is accessible to the trespasser and you will be living with a thief. Can you imagine? I heard it once said, when you give a foothold to the enemy, in time it becomes a stronghold in your life. The spirit of fear will keep you from all that God has for you.

Knowing the truth and walking in the truth can sometimes be miles apart. Sure, there will be missed opportunities to walk in the power Paul was talking about because of that spirit of fear. But, because God continues to believe in our potential, He will certainly provide more divine appointments where we lean into His power. Just recently, I wimped out with fear about sharing the gospel with an intoxicated man. Yet, there have been other times in my life where great boldness rose up inside of me to the point I had to follow the leading of the Spirit of God. I can only say...I didn't even take time to think about the consequences of it. I just knew the Lord was leading me and even though what I thought was going to happen "didn't" ~ I rest knowing that I walked in His power even for a moment or two and I pleased the Lord because I trusted in God more than myself.

We should pray, every day for God to order our steps wherever it may lead in order that we may lean into the one we love and care for the ones he loves by giving them the truth. God has welcomed us into His royal family and we are heirs to everything He has. We need to stop seeing ourselves as beggars before God and cowards before the world because we are sons and daughters of the Most High God with incredible privileges and opportunity.

Remember the saying.. "Show me the money." Well, I would like to start a new saying, something like.... "Show me the Power."

Paul encouraged young Timothy (and us) that being timid or weak before the world is not from God. We've been given POWER, (Greek word - Dunamis) which is boldness - ability for performing miracles. This power operates through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Jesus was never timid while walking the earth so why are we? Jesus walked in power. We should be God's dynamite in the earth today doing great exploits for the Kingdom of God and much of the time, this is done while upon our knees.

But, we're not just to be dynamite to be showy; we're supposed to be full of God's love, affection, good will and brotherly love while we're doing damage to the kingdom of darkness. That means we need to be broken over those who've never met Jesus or who've slipped away from his grip. We need to see them through our Father's eyes. The other day I heard a Pastor encourage his congregation to pray for this particular unknown person as if it were their own child, sister, brother, mother, father, etc. If we don't have love, we most certainly WILL NOT be effective for the Lord - we'll just be a bunch of noise makers (1 Cor.13:1). When we love, it validates everything we do for Christ.

And finally, Paul said we should be self-controlled or sensible. We need to set an example in our speech, life, love, faith, and purity (1Tim.4:11). THAYER defines it as: "the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites . Remember, self-control is a fruit of the spirit which a believer should purpose in his heart to submit and yield to.

It's time for the Church to do what Jesus did. There was a common phrase a few years ago and bracelets worn by many that said, "What Would Jesus Do?" Well, we know what Jesus did - now let's do it! We all have a voice. When Jesus walked the earth, he never silenced people, but was known for empowering people, male and FEMALE to GO and preach the Good News. I praise God that He has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and of self-discipline.

Rise up Church and proclaim His Glory to the Nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples, 1 Chr.16:24.

HE NEVER LEAVES US.....

Today I had a “menopausal moment” that was really a little longer than a moment. My husband and son were participating in an up-hill race called “The Summit.” They both did extraordinarily well and I was soo proud of both of them. From that exhilarating high of emotion later came anxiety that led to tears for no real reason. Suddenly, I just wanted to be left alone. But, my family would have none of it. They stayed in the car with me till I could pull it together. I told them to go on knowing they were hungry. Food was awaiting them after the race, yet they were determined to stay with me as long as necessary.

Just by them staying showed how much they loved me. They could have gone on and satisfied that ache in their tummys, but instead they lingered by my side. Even though I acted like I didn’t want them with me, they refused to go and leave me alone.

It makes me think of Jesus who never leaves us ~ Never! Even when we don’t seem to want him around… he refuses to go because He made a promise to those who know Him to never ever leave us…”Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you“ Hebrews 13:5. In the Greek, this scripture basically means Jesus will never, certainly not, by no means relax, loosen, give up, leave you. Jesus will neither abandon, desert, leave you in a difficult situation or hardship, or helpless, totally abandoned, utterly forsaken, or ever leave you behind.

You may say, how can Jesus be with us if He is no longer on the earth. That’s true that Jesus is not in physical form on earth today, but before He ascended to heaven, he lovingly shared with His disciples that He was sending the Counselor to be with them forever - the Spirit of truth which is Jesus in Spirit form. He told them that He would not leave them as orphans (John 14:17). So, even though Jesus ascended to heaven, he kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit to live in them and in all who would believe in Him today. Jesus, in the form of Holy Spirit indwells and empowers the Believer today.

What a gift of love is the Holy Spirit living within us. By repenting of sin and committing ones life to Him - Jesus comes to live in your heart. He is committed to you. There’s absolutely NOTHING more important to Him than YOU.

Even so, you may say to Him.. I don’t want You; I want to be left alone. But, just as I said to my family today and they didn’t listen…….Jesus knows you really need Him and he’ll plead to be with you because He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Whether you’ve never known Him or you’ve slipped away from Him….. Either way, you can open wide the door of your heart today and let him come in and share the remaining “moments” of your life. There’s really nothing more important to Him than being with You!

OH HOW HE LOVES US!

Good Friday, the day Jesus died for mankind was such a memorable day for me unlike any other in the past. Why? Well, my friend, Marianne and her son Simon were visiting and with our family we embarked upon a Geocashing adventure. Geocaching is a project organized by Groundspeak, which is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world.


The adventure we expected was not what we experienced. We drove out a local road, took a left, another left, and before you know it we were out in the middle of seemingly "nowhere." I remember asking Marianne... how much gas you got in your tank? We drove on what appeared to be worse than cow paths, yet we continued towards our treasure. Travis, my 16 year old son was driving ahead of us with his daddy and with ever such caution we finally reached the top of a hill where we pulled to the side of the road. Now, it started to get interesting. We all got out of our vehicles, ready for the trek into the woods to find this prize awaiting us somewhere "up there...."


My husband Chuck had our GPS in hand so we all kind of lined up behind him. None of us were dressed appropriately as we soon found out there were more briers then we'd ever seen in a lifetime awaiting us. We went from the beautiful meadow to an abandoned road with debris to an upward climb toward the cache. About half way up what seemed like a mountain, we all began to spread out. Some were way ahead while others were beginning to struggle and straggle. I found an old stick which became my walking partner. I felt like Moses as we trekked along.


Chuck cautioned us all not to touch this fuzzy stuff on the trees as it was poisonous, most likely oak. So, we moved along until we encountered nothing but a brier "patch." I looked for ways to go around it, but there were none. So, being about the fourth in line, I dove into it when I let out a few screams .... the thorns had found my legs and arms. Blood began to ooze out of me. I grew fearful and felt such pain that I turned back. Our little dog Kirby was also with us and I immediately used my dog as my reasoning for staying behind. After all, what if Kirby got a thorn in him. Chuck reminded me that he was a hunting dog and he'd probably be fine, but I knew better.


There we were, me, my daughter and our friend Simon. We all were waiting below the brier patch. All of us had tried it and turned back and opted to wait. Chuck, Travis and then Marianne were blazing through it all and getting closer to the treasure. We could hear them above us...yelling out....... 200 feet and we're there... 100 feet...


To my amazement.... Ariel said with a chuckle ... "Take cover... I'm going in..." And, off she went up the hill towards the rest. Simon and I could hear the anticipation among those who had gone on. I wanted to go, but held off. Then something was said that stirred my young friend Simon and all of a sudden he was like a rocket going through that brier patch with ease. Then I heard the guys.... "oh my, I think we found it.... WE SEE IT!


Well, something stirred in me.... There actually was a prize. It was real - not a joke.... I began to move towards the brier patch and something in me would not turn back again.... The pain... yeah it was hurting because I felt the briers all over my legs, but I kept moving. I didn't stop. I was right behind Simon and when I looked down, there was Kirby. It was like he was saying... I've got your back.. let's go. After we got through those briers.. we began to attack that hill with a strength we hadn't had before. I couldn't believe we were doing this.


Finally, we had reached the top. After catching our breath, Chuck said... ok... now you all have to find it. And one by one.... WE FOUND THE PRIZE! There it was waiting for us! Simon opened the prized box and within it was a steno pad for us to write upon if we wished, first aid, little trinkets, and a laminated note congratulating us for the find. Then the emotions began to come forth in us. Some of us cried (me) and others were elated that we did it giving hands up to one another, hugs and smiles of relief. Many of us spoke what we felt about the experience - others were silent. We took a few pictures and commended one another and began to go back the way we came.


I came to the realization that I had suffered today... though just a little and had nearly turned back - but Jesus had suffered A LOT AND CONTINUED TILL HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR ME! We were His joy set before Him. I saw at the top of this hill thorns that could have been similar to the ones they put in Jesus' head and I cried. I could hardly handle the sting of a few little thorns in my legs and arms, yet Jesus endured a crown upon his head with streams of blood going down his face. I couldn't even imagine the nails in his hands and his feet and the piercing of his side. No, I couldn't even imagine..... HE WOULD DO THIS FOR ME! I cannot tell you how this has touched me.


I didn't go somewhere to hear about what Jesus did for me, but I actually got to experience something that touched me even more. I realized that our life is this adventure or journey up the hill and sometimes there are no ways around the brier patch. We must trust the Lord as we go through every dark place in our life because we will go through them all to reach the PRIZE which is Jesus. He's worth the temporary pains of life. He's worth it all. I'm sooo glad I didn't stay behind as others went up the hilll to get the prize. I was thankful for the encouragement from others, symbolic of the Body of Christ in order that we could all seize the moment together. I felt a sense of accomplishment and was grateful to have had the opportunity to suffer .... even if it was just a little to be like Jesus.


From the words of David Crowder... We are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking. So Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss, And my heart turns violently inside of my chest, I don't have time to maintain these regrets, When I think about, the way........... He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves......

CONTINUING IN THE GRACE OF GOD.......

Have you ever heard anyone say ….. “Continue in the GRACE of God?” It’s unlikely you have, but it was a powerful admonishment given by Paul and Barnabas to some Jews and devout converts to Judaism in Antioch in Pisidia, now known as Turkey.

Continuing in the Grace of God was a message of forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt that the religious leaders could not receive because it released people from the bondage of trying to keep the law. They were jealous of the freedom that Paul and Barnabas had and consequently attempted to shut them down everywhere they went. The religious leaders were clinging to their set of rules in order to make themselves feel acceptable before God and pious before man.

But, Paul was saying, having faith in Christ would forgive their sin and make them righteous before God ---- period. “ …through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses….” (Acts 13:38&39).

Paul had GOOD NEWS and it’s still GOOD NEWS today. When you become a believer in Christ, some wonderful things take place. First of all, you have the affection and acceptance of Jesus. He not only loves you, he likes you. You have the authority to use His Name to further the Kingdom of God and hinder the works of satan and you have the privilege of carrying the precious gift of the Holy Spirit within you who will lead you into all truth. Your sins are forgiven and you have begun a relationship with a real person - Jesus. You are no longer under the law of sin and death which brings bondage, but you will be under God’s amazing GRACE which brings freedom.

Perhaps the above statement that Paul made is what got him kicked out of the city. He was saying… your compliance to the Law can never make you right before God. Ouch! It’s what Christ has done ---- not what you are doing. God’s forgiveness and favor are available to you right now. It’s that simple! Just receive it.

God’s Grace, which is his divine influence upon the heart reflected in one’s life gives the freedom to rest from all our striving before God and man hoping to achieve an A+ for all our earthly effort. God’s GRACE enables us to do what we cannot do ourselves. It’s His super to our natural.

My prayer is that we too can receive this Good News. It’s not a set of do’s and don'ts. It is NOT a RELIGION, but a RELATIONSHIP with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It‘s believing in the finished work of Christ - the only one who can forgive sins and make you right before a Holy God. It’s refreshing and freeing…. Don’t let the law rule over you anymore. Let us….

“…continue in the GRACE of God.” Acts 13:43

FINDING FAVOR IN HIS EYES.....

“Your servant has found FAVOR in your eyes and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life.”
Genesis 19:19

There was a man named Lot in the Old Testament who was the nephew of the Patriarch, Abraham. Lot was a righteous man, according to 2 Peter 2:7, living in a very ungodly city called Sodom. The wickedness of the city was so great that God revealed to Abraham his plans to destroy it.


Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy the city if there be at least ten righteous people. Evidently, there wasn’t even ten righteous because God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah; however, God sent angels to rescue righteous Lot and his family. Lot and his two daughters were spared, yet his wife became a pillar of salt because she looked back (Gen.19:26). Lot spoke the following words to the two angels. “Your servant has found FAVOR in your eyes and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life.”


Lot’s response to the angels would sound something like this in today’s language: “I must really be special to you that you’d be so kind and spare my life.”


GRACE is a gift from God. We can’t earn it. Lot did NOTHING but receive God’s acceptance of him. God sent the angels to spare Lot’s family and mercy was extended. He was spared, not because he deserved it, but because of God’s kindness that he continually exercises on the earth even to this day. Shouldn’t our response to God be the same as Lot? How many times have we too been rescued by God, not counting our salvation experience which is in itself the highest form of Favor.


Thank-you Father that I, your servant, have found FAVOR in Your eyes and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life from destruction just like Lot. You’ve taken me out of the darkness and brought me into Your marvelous light (Col.1:13) not because of anything I’ve done to deserve it, but because of who YOU are.

UNDER GRACE......

“For sin shall not be your master,

because you are not under law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14

When I was a child, I can remember times when my parents would say…. “now don’t touch that,” or “whatever you do, don’t do that.” The first thing I wanted to do was the very thing I was told NOT TO DO. Was I just a curious child or is there something more we need to see here?

The Apostle Paul said that when you’re under LAW, you’re mastered by sin. This means that when you’re given a list of do’s and don’ts without love’s influence, one can easily lean into rebellion because the thing you are focusing on is the law and not Grace. According to the NIV Commentary, the law will never be able to help you overcome your sin nor will it justify your actions.

When we begin to understand the love that our Father has for us and we respond to His love, we no longer desire to go against Him by doing things that would displease Him. When you are settled in the love of the Father, you will desire only what your Father desires. You’re not thinking --- oh I can’t do that because it’s a law I have to obey.

Sin no longer is your master. God is. Having God’s GRACE, which is His divine influence upon our heart reflected in our life causes us to rest in His love for us. We no longer have to do things to make God love us or refrain from doing things to make Him love us more.

Living under GRACE does NOT mean we won’t ever sin, but it does mean that when we do sin, we are focused not on trying harder next time, but thanking God for forgiving us and cleansing us and embracing us in our weakness.

Thank you Lord for your GRACE that removes sin as my master.

Justified freely by His GRACE....

Many years ago, as a young driver, I had a heavy foot. One day, I acted very irresponsibly and consequently was cited for driving too fast in a school zone. I was devastated over what I had done and worse yet, what would my father do and say? My next thought was, “how am I going to pay this fine?” My father did not take pity upon me nor did he offer to pay my ticket. He was very disappointed with my actions and offered no quick remedy to my situation. I had to take full responsibility for my actions which was a lesson I needed to learn. As difficult as it was, I found a way to satisfy the debt.


In contrast, there is a man named Jesus who took pity upon me and my sin and 2000 years ago, he died on a cross, shedding his innocent blood because he knew I had no way of getting out of this debt I owed. His blood was the ransom that set me free for all the offenses and consequences of a life of sin against God. He did this out of extreme loving- kindness towards me and the whole world. He didn’t put shame upon me even though I deserved it for all that I would ever do in my life that was against him. He paid my fine. It’s like right across my forehead …. the words “NOT GUILTY” are forever engraved.

If that wasn’t enough, he further made sure there would never be a ticket with my name on it filed in some drawer somewhere. No… he destroyed all evidence of crimes committed by me. He paid everyone’s fine out of his sacrificial love for mankind.The amazing thing is that now I’m in right standing with God - the place God always wanted me to be. Sin no longer separates me from my Creator and loving Father.


This too can be your testimony if you have accepted this pure gift (GRACE) from God the Father to the world.

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his GRACE through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:23

Grace.... to say no to ungodly passions

Referencing Titus 2:11, this Grace - which brings joy, pleasure, delight, good will, and loving-kindness is from God. Even on those days when we feel like we’ve been “good,” let’s give credit where credit is due. All praise be to God’s GRACE which operates through us on a continual basis if we are filled with His Holy Spirit for the purpose of living to glorify God.

God actually influences souls and turns them to Christ. Yes, that‘s right. We don‘t even come to God without his wooing us. God‘s desire is in keeping, strengthening, and increasing his children in Christian faith.

He increases our knowledge, affection, and kindles our hearts to exercise Christian virtues. God’s divine influence upon our heart, reflected in our life, has appeared to us all --- male and female ---- all races. Not all have responded, but for those who do, God’s Grace is like a teacher instructing us how to live a life pleasing to God. When we trust God’s gift of Grace more than we trust our human will, we will be more than a conqueror over ungodliness and worldly passions.

Thank You Lord for this gift of Grace that teaches and trains us to live a life that is pleasing to you.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age…“ Titus 2:11-14