Monday, September 29, 2014

21 REASONS GOD MAY ALLOW YOU MORE THEN YOU CAN BEAR

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I grew up in a very faith filled environment where faith sometimes took precedent the understanding that our Sovereign God had different plans for my life and ministry.  I’ve seen people step out in faith only to end up looking like a fool and then end up in a very distant relationship with God. 

I distinctly remember a story that a pastor friend of mine told me one time about his “faith” moment one morning while he was walking and praying.  It seemed that he was suddenly filled with so much faith that he felt he could literally walk on water.  Without thinking about it, he started running down the pier and jumped off the end (did I say that it was in the winter) believing that he had the faith that he would walk on water.  After splashdown he swam to shore with egg on his face.  He says that it was a long time later that he finally was able to really talk to God.  He was angry and confused.

My understanding of faith came during the really dark season of my life in which my firstborn grandson died.  We prayed, we fasted and we believed.  Yet he died.  Little did I know during that time that Sovereign God would become more to me than I would ever know.  The lessons learned through that terrible experience would literally end up helping many people and pastors who themselves were going through their seasons of doubt and despair.

I came to learn during that dark season about who Sovereign God really is. Yes, He wants us to walk in faith but He wants us to learn to pray “according to His will” in everything that we do.

Jesus made it clear when He said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” It’s when we’re going through our darkest hour that we learn to trust in Him alone.

You do have power—but it is NOT you—the power is Jesus in you.

The key here is you won’t have more on you than you can bear—IN JESUS. Paul said, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

So, God allows you to go through things.  He allows you to endure pain and suffering – and there is a reason.  Actually, there are many reasons.

Ron Edmondson blogs about the reasons why God may allow you to endure more than you can bear. I submit them to you today:

21 reasons God may allow more than you can bear:

-So you will rely on Him. 1 Peter 5:7
-So you will call on Him. Acts 17:26-27
-So you have no choice but Him. John 15:5
-So He can tell us things we wouldn’t know otherwise. Jeremiah 33:3
-So He can be gracious to you. Isaiah 30:18
-So He can show His kindness and compassion. Lamentations 3:21-24
-So He can restore your soul. Psalm 23:3
-So He can demonstrate His strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9
-So you will trust in Jesus—and the Father. John 14:1
-So you can produce character and hope. Romans 5:3-5
-So He can keep us from being self-reliant. 2 Corinthians 12:7
-So He can discipline His children. Hebrews 12:6-7
-So God’s power is revealed. 2 Corinthians 4:7
-So He can show our need for salvation. Psalm 119:67
-So He can comfort us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
-So we can learn to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
-So He can reveal His unseen workings. Psalm 77:19
-So He can demonstrate how all things work for an eventual good. Romans 8:28
-So the Gospel might be proclaimed. Philippians 1:12-13
-So He can draw prodigals home. Luke 15:17
-So He can build character and hope. Romans 5:3-4

Don’t believe the lie. God WILL allow more on you than you can bear—alone. You and I need Him for our every breath.

If you feel overwhelmed today—defeated—like there is more on you than you can bear—turn to the burden bearer. 

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest'” (Matthew 11:28). 


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭13-16‬ ESV)

You’ve probably heard the adage, "behind every good man is a good woman." I prefer, "Behind every good man is a surprised mother-in-law." Today, I want to turn that around from the story of Esther by saying - "Behind a great man (who was not a good man) was a great woman (who was a good woman) who changed the course of history."

The background: Our story begins with King Xerses of Persia in the years 481 or 483 BC. It has been 103 years since Nebuchadnezzar took the Jews into captivity (2 Kings 25), 54 years after Zerubbabel led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1,2) and 25 years before Ezra lead the second group to Jerusalem (Ezra 7). All but a few thousand of God’s people -Israel - were in the Persian provinces. The King had the leaders of 127 provinces come to his impressive palace for a celebration that lasted 187 days -- more than six months.

It was a feast of drinking, of sin, etc. At the end of a week-long drunken feast, the King sent for Vashti to come and display her beauty. She refused. The King accepted the suggestion from some of his leaders to reject her and choose another to be queen in her stead.

Esther was chosen. She was a young, beautiful Jewish girl. Her cousin Mordecai had offended a vain official named Haman, who by trickery got a decree signed that all the Jews should be put to death. The decree was unalterable.

God stepped in and in a providential way delivered His people from the decree that Christ might come of their seed as promised. Gen. 12:1-3. This story was written for our benefit (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Mordecai thought Esther had come to the throne "for such a time as this." What sort of a time was it? 

It was a time when the King and the leaders of the nation were selfish, wicked, and immoral. Sin was rampant.

(Proverbs 29:2 NIV) When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Haman was wicked to the core. The leaders of the provinces were wicked. It's not unlike the leaders we have today over government and schools and even in churches.

Esther came "for such a time as this" - Esther 4:13.

It was time of much sin with drinking and debauchery and with no morality.

(2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. {2} People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, {3} without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, {4} treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- {5} having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

It was a time when the king demanded Vashti the Queen to come before the leaders of 127 provinces and display her body before the lustful eyes of wicked lewd and lecherous men.

We should be thankful that the Queen had the moral courage to dare to do right. We should constantly pray that men and women in high places do the right thing.

It was a time when the sanctity of marriage was at low ebb. The King was willing to get rid of the Queen for no fault of hers. We are now seeing one divorce for every two or three marriages in our country. This should not be.

It was a time when human life was cheap. The leaders were willing to sign a decree to have 2,000,000 Jews killed, because one of them would not bow to Haman, a wicked scoundrel.

You might say, "We would never do anything that wicked."  Did you know 98% of all abortions in America are for reasons of convenience. The papers are full of murder, adultery, theft, and hate.

It was a time that cried out for good woman of courage, Esther to stand up. Esther 4:13-16.

Her silence would have been sin – in a responsible position, in a time that needed good people – of conviction and prayer.

It was true in her time. Is it true in our time? Has God placed you here for such a time as this?

All around us people are dying in sin. If you are Christian you know the solution. Do you have the courage to step up and speak up?

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” Edmond Burke.

"The hottest regions of Hell are reserved for those who do nothing at a time of great need." - Dante 

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17).

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

3 SINS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT

I think it is really important for us to better understand the person of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes people think of the Holy Spirit as more of an “It” than a “Him.” But according to Scripture, the Holy Spirit is not only God, but He has a will, a personality, and can even be offended!

There are six specific sins that can be committed against the Holy Spirit. Today, allow me to focus on one that can be committed by believers—grieving the Holy Spirit.

One of the places in Scripture where we read about grieving the Holy Spirit is in Ephesians 4:29-32. The apostle Paul writes:

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live…. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

To grieve means to make sad or sorrowful. It means to cause sorrow, pain, or distress.

But what makes the Holy Spirit sad or sorrowful?

1. Foul and abusive language makes the Holy Spirit sad.

Verse 29 says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language.” The word used here speaks of something that has gone “rotten.” This includes obscene language, profanity, dirty stories, vulgarity, double entendres, etc.

When did it become “cool” for preachers to speak this way from a pulpit? Some people would say this is being “real” or “authentic.”

Guess what? You are not to speak this way—privately or publicly. How about being authentically godly instead?

2. Bitterness makes the Holy Spirit sad and sorrowful.

The definition of bitterness is “an embittered and resentful spirit that refuses to be reconciled.”

Some people just like to be mad. They live for conflict, arguing, and fighting. This, as with all sin, only gets worse if left unchecked and unrepented of.

The sad thing is that bitter people rarely want to keep it to themselves. Instead, they spread it around. The Bible speaks of “a root of bitterness defiling many” (see Hebrews 12:15).

I have a better idea: forgive!

3. Fits of rage and uncontrolled anger make the Holy Spirit sad and sorrowful.

“Rage” speaks of the person who is easily angered and who raises his voice—shouting and screaming. “Slander” is speaking evil of others behind their backs. “Malicious behavior” speaks of ill will and plotting evil against someone.

Look, all of us have been hurt in life, but we have a choice as to how we react. We can be like the moneylender Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, demanding our “pound of flesh.” We can say, “They did this to me; therefore I will have my vengeance!”

Or we can believe God when He says “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

It is said that Augustine had a sign on his wall that read, “He who speaks evil of an absent man or woman is not welcome at this table.”

Try the acronym T.H.I.N.K. the next time you are not sure whether or not you should say something.

T – Is it Truthful?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Inspiring?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?

Instead of speaking evil of someone, we are to “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

“But they don’t deserve that!”

True, but neither do you or I—yet God still forgave us.

Paul concludes Ephesians 4:32 by saying, “…just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Forgiven people should be forgiving people. Otherwise, we are grieving the Spirit.

Greg Laurie

Friday, September 19, 2014

DON'T QUIT NOW: THE BEST IS YET TO COME

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ESV)

In 1972, NASA launched the exploratory space probe Pioneer 10. The satellite’s primary mission was to reach Jupiter, photograph it and its moons, and beam data it collected about this giant planet back to earth. Scientists regarded this as a bold plan, because up until then no satellites had gone beyond Mars, and they feared the asteroid belt would destroy the satellite before it would ever get to Jupiter.

But Pioneer 10 accomplished its mission and much, much more. Flying past Jupiter in November 1973, the space probe continued its incredible journey toward the edge of our solar system. At one billion miles from the sun, Pioneer 10 passed Saturn. At some two billion miles, it hurtled past the planet Uranus, then past Neptune, at nearly three billion miles, and Pluto, at almost four billion miles. By 1997, 25 years after its launch, Pioneer 10 was more than six billion miles from the sun.

And it’s still going. Though now nearly 8 billion miles from the sun, the satellite keeps sending signals; some were received as recently as April 27, 2002. And despite that immense distance, Pioneer 10 continues to beam back radio signals to scientists on Earth. Commenting on the Pioneer 10 in Time magazine Leon Jaroff says, “Perhaps most remarkable, is the fact that those signals emanate from an eight-watt transmitter, which radiates about as much power as a bedroom night-light, and take more than nine hours to reach Earth.”

"The Little Satellite That Could" was not qualified to do what it did. Engineers designed Pioneer 10 with a useful life of only three years. But it has kept going and going and going. By simple longevity, its tiny eight-watt transmitter radio accomplished more than anyone thought possible.

So it is when we offer ourselves to serve the Lord. God can work even through someone with only eight-watt abilities. God cannot work, however, through someone who gives up and quits.

(Craig Brian Larson, Pastoral Grit: The Strength to Stand and to Stay; Bethany House, 1998)

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

ARE YOU HEARING GOD?

How is your prayer life going?  Is it hit and miss or is it a constant communion with God?  Do you just talk to God or do you take time to listen also.  It's interesting... some people only pray on Sundays, or at a meal, or when their lives are up against a wall.  Others, have learned to live a life of prayer.  Literally, it is "praying without ceasing."  Every part of their day is in constant connection with their Heavenly Father about every event of their lives.  They are talking to God but they are also listening at the same time.

Hearing God is vital to our lives.  I like what Matthew says, " He that has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13.9)

Daniel 10 helps us in this regard as it is a time in Daniels life in which he was fervently praying and seeking God over some matter.  God comes and anwers him in a dramatic and powerful way.

Before I get into our text, let me explain a little of the background leading to the event we will read about. Daniel had been taken prisoner from his homeland and hometown as a teenager with other gifted young men and had been incorporated into the culture of Bablyon. Daniel continued to maintain his relationship with the Lord, and in his captivity he came across a prophetic passage speaking of the bondage of his people. God had promised that the slavery would last 70 years. As we begin to read, here is what has happened.

The king of Babylon had fulfilled the Scripture and had issued a decree two years earlier that allowed the Jews to return to their homeland. But a mass exodus from Babylon had not happened. You see, the Jews had spent 70 years - that is two generationsin Babylon. Many of them had lost their identity. They were Jews in name, but in reality they were apathetic about the true things of God.

Daniel is an 85 year old man, retired from public office, and heartbroken over who the Jews have become. He begins to pray for their apathy. In this passage he has been praying and fasting for three weeks, when He receives a visit from the pre-incarnate Christ.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭1-12 ESV)

I Will Begin To Hear God When:

1. I Truly Desire To Hear Him (10:2-3, 12)

I believe that the first aspect of truly hearing God is being in a position that all other voices are hollow echoes of emptiness. You must hear God.

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ ESV)

Daniel expressed his overwhelming desire to hear God. He wanted to hear God so much that all other desires became second.

I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬ ESV)

He wanted to hear God. He desire to hear from God was so great that Daniel did not want to eat, drink, or even bathe!

Why was Daniel so anxious to hear from God? He looked around and was in such despair over the apathy of the people of God that he wanted to know how to be a part of the solution. Daniel easily saw the problem. God's people enjoyed being in captivity. But he could not see what to do to wake them up to the incredible blessing that they were missing.

Let me ask you something. As you look around at culture, within and without the church, what do you see? Do you see people content to live without God? Does it break your heart? What can you do about it? This is what Daniel was mourning about. This is why he so desired to hear from God. He wanted to somehow be a blessing to other people!

Here is the point. Daniel wanted to hear from God so much, that it consumed him. He had to hear. His motivation was pure, and his desire absolute. These are the type of people that hear from God. This is when/how God speaks. To people who want to hear from Him so they can communicate His love to others.

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬ ESV)

You will hear God when you really want to hear Him. This is pretty much what God does. He gives us what we want when it comes to our relationship with Him.

2. I Totally Dedicate Myself To Respond To What I Hear (10:10-11; 1:3-17)

The next aspect of people that hear God is this. When they hear Him, they respond to His voice.

And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭10-11‬ ESV)

Daniel instantly responded, even in a moment that was beyond human comprehension. He did not understand what was happening, but He knew Who was causing it to happen and that was enough.

This was a pattern in Daniel's life. He prayed to God, listened to God's instructions and immediately responded.

If you do not listen to God now, and respond to what you hear, why would he continue to speak to a wall? God speaks to those who truly desire to hear Him, and to those who are dedicated to let His voice change them.

3. I Am Completely Devoted To Him (10:9-19)

This is the driving force. God speaks to us in love, and when we are in love, God speaks to us.

When I am devoted to God, my desire is to hear from Him, and my love compels me to trust and respond to what He says.

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. (‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬ ESV)

Looking at this passage we see how Daniel viewed God. It was in worship, love and trust. This is what God wants.

Daniel was deeply devoted to and in love with God.  That is the heart that God responds to.  He wants to be loved by you freely today.  He wants you to make Him your choice.  He doesn't want to force you to love Him, He just wants you to come freely and without apprehension.  As you do, you will enter into this beautiful communion of you talking to Him and He with you.  It is then that He lavishly pours out His blessings and favor upon your life.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

12 THINGS TO THANK GOD FOR IN THE MIDST OF AFFLICTION

One of the most important things we must do when we suffer is to give thanks. I don’t say this lightly and I know many believers who have endured unimaginable pain and tragedy.  Giving thanks in the midst of agony and affliction is certainly not easy to do. 
Yet Ephesians 5:20 tells us we should give thanks “always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” and 1 Thess 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Giving thanks helps us focus on God in our affliction, steers us away from complaining, strengthens our faith, and brings glory to Jesus.
There are many things we can give thanks for when we suffer, but here are 12 that I try to remember:
1) That God is sovereign and in complete control of the intensity and the duration of your affliction.
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose’ Is 46:9-10

2) That God’s love and mercies never cease
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lam 3:22-23

3) That Jesus will never leave nor forsake you.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5
4) That God is with you in your affliction
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Is 43:2
5) That God hears your every prayer
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry. Ps 34:15

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles. Ps 34:17

6) That God is using this affliction to make you like Christ.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28–29
7) That this affliction is momentary and light compared to the eternal reward it is producing
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… 2 Cor 4:17
8) That Jesus is your sympathetic High Priest who intercedes for you constantly
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:25
9) That God is near you in your pain
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

10) That Jesus is your refuge, strength, and strong tower you can run to.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps 46:1, ESV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Pr 18:10
11) That God has saved you, washed away your sins, and adopted you as his own child.
Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Rom 4:7
12) That someday Jesus will wipe away every tear from your eyes and you will see his glorious face.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4

By Mark Altrogge 

Monday, September 15, 2014

THE TENSION BETWEEN DREAMS AND VISIONS

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. (Joel 2:28-29 ESV)

I have read these verses over and over, and to be honest, I really didn't know the difference between dreams and visions until just recently.

To begin with - let me give you some defintions that will help your understanding of this passage.

First, it says that "your old men shall dream dreams."  This refers to that which started out as a vision.  Perhaps it was successful and perhaps it was not.  Eventually, they became just that - dreams of what was or what could have been.

Secondly, we are told that "the young men shall see visions."  This is a vision for the future - or what could be or what they could do.

Now, I beleive that there are healthy tensions in that the old men would dream dreams and the young men would have visions.  We need both as we walk this Christian walk.

Let's break this down a little more.

YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS

It's interesting - the word "revive" from which we get the word revival is found only 4 x's in the whole Bible. The first use of the word is found in Genesis 45:25-28.

So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:25-28 ESV)

Genesis 45 is speaking of Jacob who was grieving because he had lost his son Joseph to death.  But at that very moment, unbeknown to him, Joseph was sending wagons of blessing to Jacob and his family.  He was sending word that he was alive.

But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. (Genesis 45:27 NIV)

Here is an old man who got revived in his dream.  His once vision for his son was snuffed out upon hearing of his supposed death.  When he heard that his son was acutally alive - his desire to live and his unction came back at an old age.

This lines up with Joel's prophecy that "in the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh... and your old men shall dream dreams..."

It's interesting how scripture weaves together.  When the first time this word "revive" is used in the Bible - it's about an old man who had lost his dreams.

Are you older today?  God want to revive your dreams.  He wants to breath life into those dreams that you would see them come to pass.

Just because you are older doesn't mean that God is finished with you.  Let God breathe deep into that which has died - that dream of what you thought would happen or that which came to life and died.  Allow the Holy Spirit to show up and bring renewal to those drams and desires.

Here's something to think about if you are older..

How God Used Older People in the Bible

 Moses and Aaron... They were chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage at the ages of 80 & 83.
   
Joshua and Caleb... Joshua was given the charge of leading the conquest of Canaan during the last thirty years of his life (he lived until he was 110.) Caleb was also very much involved in the conquest, and he was
in his eighties.

 Daniel... He served God from the days of his youth, for over 70 years! He was well over eighty when he: 1- Served as one of three governors over the kingdom of Babylon 2- Was thrown into the lions' den 3- Received a series of visions

Zacharias and Elizabeth... These were the parents of John the Baptist. They were "both well advanced in years" and he served in the temple.  She gave birth to John!

Simeon and Anna...  These were two elderly people who witnessed when Jesus presented to the temple to be circumcised - Lk 2:25-38. Anna herself was at least 84, and had been serving God "with fastings and prayers night and day"

Paul, the aged... As he refers to himself in Philemon 9.  In his old age - he wrote the books fo Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians - even while in prison.

Back to Genesis 45 - Jacob was at a point in life where his dreams had died.  But God restored those dreams in his old age.  It was given back to him.

Sometimes we almost give up on life.  His dream of his son Joseph, was gone forever.  Sometimes we give up too quickly. When God sends revival - He restores our dreams.

When Jacob saw the wagons again - something kicked in - he began to dream again. Even in an old age - God gave him a dream.  It's about HIS time - not about our time.

Moses was 80 years old when God said, "Now it's my time.  I know your time would have been when you were in your 20's, 30's or 40's, etc.  But that was not my time.  My time is now."

Some of you may have given up on the dream that God had for your life.  You are ready to give up just before God is about to say, "Now, it's my time."

Caleb was 85 when he said, "Give me my mountain," and then ran every giant off the mountain. (Joshua 14:2)

That's why we need to pray, "Teach me to number my days" and not give up when God is about to do something.

We have to get an attitude when we're around the Holy Spirit - "The rest of my years will be the best of my years.  God is not through with me.  God is not finished with me.  I'm not 65 and sliding for home."

God has a purpose and a plan and He still has dreams that He wants to put in our hearts.

I don't care how old you are - you are here for a reason and you are part of the revival.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. (Proverbs 4:18 ESV)

Not darker and darker but brighter and brighter.

Paul had a vision and he heard a voice.  26 years later he stood before King Agrippa and said, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."

God had given him a vision and he kept that vision alive.  Don't give up on the vision that God has given you.

God would say to all of us - "In this last revival - I want to restore the dreams that I've given you and I want to fulfill my plan for your life."

YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS

Here's where the tension comes in - old men dream dreams and it tells us that the young men see visions.

These are those of you who are in your 20's, and 30's and 40's. These are those who are according to 1 John are "strong and have overcome the evil one." These are the one who feel as if they can take the world on and nothing can hold them back or stop them.

It's interesting - the 2nd time the word "revive" is used in the Bible is the story of Samson in the book of Judges 15.

Samson was a young man who had great strength, power and anointing - but his own family turned him over to the enemy.

Samson is out doing what Samson does - killing Philistines.

Then Samson said: “With the jawbone of a donkey, Heaps upon heaps, With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men!” (Judges 15:16 NKJV) 

He fought and fought and fought.  And, when he killed the last Philistine, the scripture says that his spirit left him. He was worn out from the fight.  He was weary.

Do you feel the same way - fighting for your vision, for your families, for your spirituality, for your business, your schedules, your house, etc.?

Then he became very thirsty; so he cried out to the LORD and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant; and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?” So God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out, and he drank; and his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore he called its name En Hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day. (Judges 15:18-19 NKJV)

He ran out of inward strength so God showed him some fresh water.  God had to replenish him.

After you have fought - the devil wants you to be exhausted.  He wants you to go from bad to worse.
If you are fighting the battles over and over (especially if you are young) - there has to be times when you get replenished and refreshed.

It's where God restores your soul.  You might be inwardly tired from fighting over and over but you have to get to the living water which is the Holy Spirit.

You have to drink and be replenished and feel alive again.

Suddenly, Samson found the place of refreshing - the place where God restored his soul.

Keep in mind that I'm talking to those who are in their 20's and 30's and 40's.  You are building and doing and carrying the load.

But how long has it been since you stopped and looked at yourself and said, "I'm dry inside." "I'm weary inside." "I'm putting on a good front but I wish I could have a good cool drink from the river of life."

I believe that God wants to revive you.  God wants to bring purpose to your lives.  God wants to send the Holy Spirit. You've been fighting in your own strength and you need the anointing to come back on you.

The thing about Samson is that he lost his vision.  He was a young man who had lost his vision.

The Philistines had captured him and poked his eyes out.

But God gave him a little boy who became his vision.  He took Sampson and put his hands on the pillar of Dagon.

While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. When they stood him among the pillars, Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. Then his brothers and his father’s whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years. (Judges 16:25-31 NIV)

Sampson destroyed the devil's playhouse.  He did this when his vision got restored.

Can I prophesy today that in this last revival that there are going to be people in their 20's and 30's and 40's who have been fighting with life and fighting with God who are going to get their vision restored.  You are so dry and so weary.  God is going to pour out that living rain and water and its going to restore and fill you with vision.

THE OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS BUT THE YOUNG MEN WILL GET THEIR VISION BACK.

Habakkuk - "Without a vision you will perish."

God has a vision for your family.  God has a vision for you if you are  single right now.  Don't be diverted by the enemy and his distractions.  God has a vision and He has His time that is the right time. Yes, the young men will have visions but they must lean into the experience of the old men.

Wall hard.  Nose soft. You can look at my bloody nose and learn from my experience or your can hit the wall yourself and learn from that experience.  The choice is yours.

As a man who getting up in age - I want my dreams revitalized.  I want to dream dreams again.

But as a pastor and mentor and a dad and a grandpa - I want to help the younger generations with all of their visions to be able to maximize their strength and run the race that is set before them

We need both - old men who are dreaming dreams and young men who are having visions.  God help us both.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

GOD WILL COME TO US LIKE RAIN

HE WILL COME TO US LIKE RAIN

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (‭Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭1-3‬ NIV)

In 1904 a young ministerial student named Evan Roberts, began to feel that God was sending an urgent message that He was going to pour out a mighty spirit of revival on Wales, which is now a part of Great Britain.

Roberts soon returned to his home church to preach the message of revival but his pastor was reluctant to allow him to speak. In a compromise, the pastor announced that Roberts would be speaking following the regular prayer meeting and any who wished to stay were welcome. Only 17 people stayed to hear Evan speak and most of them were teenagers and young adults.

When Roberts was finished speaking all 17 young people were at the altar on their knees crying out to God. They prayed until 2am that night and it was the beginning of one of the greatest movements of God in all history. By the end of the week, over 60 people were won to Christ and over the course of the next year and a half revival swept through the nation of Wales. Over 1,000,000 people were led to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

The revival was so great that the national culture changed dramatically.
• A rage of bankruptcies took place - All of the taverns and liquor stores went out of business
• Work at the coal mines was brought to a near standstill - The mules who pulled the wagons were so accustomed to hearing foul language from the workers that after the men were saved the mules no longer recognized their voices or commands
• The entire police force was dismissed for almost 18 months due to a complete lack of crime
• One of the few court cases that was actually brought before a judge was unusual. The defendant came into the court and admitted his guilt, the judge led the man to Christ and the jury closed the case by singing a hymn.

When I read stories like this - my heart hungers and yearns for a great revival to come to the High Desert.  We have many places of worship and many godly christian people who live in the High Desert.  We've been blessed in so many ways - but there is more.

Perhaps we, unlike other communities, recognize the need for rain.  We get so little of it - that when it does come it's like a refreshing on the earth.  I am often dissapointed when I hear of rain coming down the hill but never reaches the High Desert.  I was so blessed last week when the rain came through - if even for a few hours.

This passage in Hosea teaches us that God is going to come back "like rain" on a dry and thirsty land.  Notice the invitation Hosea gives that people might return to God.

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. (‭Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ NIV)

Hosea ministered during a spiritually turbulent time in the nation of Israel. The kingdom of David was divided into two separate nations: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom

The invitation was to live in the ways of God. It was an invitation to come back to the ways that the people knew were right.

Hosea tells the people to return to the LORD. Idolatry had become a standard practice in Israel and the people were worshipping idols instead of God. We have a difficult time understanding this. The people dropped their convictions and left their beliefs behind. How many times have you given up a conviction for convenience? How many times have you changed what you believe to gain some sort of benefit?

God's promise to them and to us is "Return to God and I will heal you and I will restore you."

The word restore is a great word. God promises not just to give us life but to raise us up, to restore that which has been lost, to prove His faithfulness. When God brings restoration to us, it is to make things as they were meant to be. It is to give us back that which we lost and to ensure us a bold and wonderful life.

Notice, He will come to us like the winter rains.  The winter rains played a vital role in Israel’s agricultural economy. The winter rains washed away the remnants of the previous season. For example, the rains would wash away the chaff from wheat left in the harvesting areas. They served as a way to clear the fields of anything left over from the harvest season and then prepared the fields for planting.

So how does this affect us? Before we do anything for God we must first be in a right position with Him. This means that there must be a cleansing in our lives. God does this in two distinct ways. The first is through the work of Jesus on the cross giving us the opportunity for salvation. Salvation cleanses us from the effects of sin. Just as the winter rains cleansed the fields of harvest. The second is through the work of the Holy Spirit indwelling us giving us the opportunity for sanctification. Sanctification cleanses us of the effects of the sinful nature.

He will come to us like the spring rains.  The spring rains played a different role in Israel’s agriculture. The spring rains watered the ground for the planting season. This made the springs rains vital for the coming of new life. These rains were the renewing of the land for a new season of life. Spring rains made it possible the seeds to take on a new cycle of life and brought growth to the new plants. Without a good season of rain in the spring there would not be a good harvest.

Do you feel like you have been beat up by the world around you? Are you hurting today because of choices you have made? God is calling and He will bring healing and wholeness to your life

Maybe today your life feels dry and lifeless. Maybe today you are in need of a downpour of the Holy Spirit on your life. Today God still promises to send the cleansing winter rains to wash away the old life. God still promises to send the life giving spring rains.

Today, you have a choice to make, no one else can make it for you. You are only as close to God as you choose to be.

God is waiting to come to you "like rain."  Make one step toward Him and He will make five toward you.  He so wants to bless you and pour His spirit into your life.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

THE WIND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A number of years ago, Los Angeles used to have a major pollution problem.  For those of you that weren't around during that time - it was really bad.  Visibility was like a hot fog that hung over the city and the issue of breathing was a major concern.  Denise's granpa used to joke around by saying - "I I don't like to breathe anything I can't see."  I thought that was funny.

In order to deal with the problem the City Of Los Angeles paid a huge amount of money for a 'study' to be made on how to clean the pollution problem.  After many month and thousands of dollars they came back with their findings.  In front of TV camera's, newspaper reporters - the person in charge simply said, "We don't know what to do.  They only thing to fix this is that a wind needs to come from elsewhere and blow all this pollution away."

I've thought about that a lot - "a wind from elsewhere" aka - The WIND Of The Holy Spirit.

It's interesting in the Bible - the word SPIRIT is mentioned more than 800 times.

In the OT, the Hebrew word is RUWACH, which literally means “a violent exhalation, a blast of breath, a strong wind.”

In The New Testament, the Greek word for this same kind of breath is PNEUMA, which translates “a breath or wind, a current of air, a strong breeze.”

If the Holy Spirit is like breath or wind – then let’s think through the characteristics of wind and perhaps we can gain a clearer, more concrete idea of who the Spirit is and His role in our lives.

INVISIBLE WIND

Wind is something we feel and experience but don’t see.  While we can observe its effects and see its impact on leaves and trees, kites and windmills, we never actually see the wind itself.

But the fact that we can’t see it doesn’t keep us from acknowledging it as a reality.

Similarly, we must realize that while the Spirit can’t be seen, He can be felt, experienced and observed in action.

Have you ever been in a service and can just feel that something is different in the service?

People get frustrated sometimes because we can’t quantify and objectify the Spirit; we can’t catch Him and take Him apart and study Him in a scientific way.

Instead, we must rely on faith. The Bible defines faith this way:

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

UNPREDICTABLE WIND

From the cool summer breeze that caresses us on a front porch swing to the furious tornado whipping at more than 100 miles per hour, we know that wind changes speed and direction frequently.

Despite the best efforts of our weather satellites and Doppler-radar reporters, we still experience the unpredictability of the wind.  It goes where it wants.

The Holy Spirit moves in different ways as well. In fact, there’s one instance in the scripture where English translators use the word wind instead of spirit.

Jesus told the Pharisee Nicodemus…

John 3:8 (NIV)  The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 

Wind – PNEUMA – This wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from where it is going.

So… it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:8).

Jesus made it explicitly clear that the Holy Spirit moves like the wind – a seemingly unknowable way. This unpredictability makes a lot of us uncomfortable.

Most people like everything orderly and it ins place.  Yet the Spirit wind can blow through and quickly change that order.

If this quality makes us so uncomfortable, they why does it seem to be a key part of the Spirit’s essence?

I suspect if He were predictable, then we’d put our trust in a system – the structure, the kind of cause-and-effect behavior that leads to legalism rather than relationship.

If we could consistently predict the Spirit’s movement, then we would figure out a way to accomplish things without Him.

God wants us to depend on Him and interact with Him on a daily, ongoing basis.

To receive all He has for you, you’ll have to get comfortable with the unexpected and unpredictable. You’ll have to rely on Him instead of just what your senses, scientific method or research experts tell you.  You’ll have to accept mystery as part of the relationship.

POWERFUL WIND

Wind can generate electricity, sail a ship or destroy an entire city.  Wind has power.

At the heart of it all, the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, is about power – supernatural power.

This kind of divine, unseen, unpredictable power has been part of our faith since Pentecost.

In 19th-century America, revivalist Charles Finney, whose ministry reportedly led more than 500,000 people to Christ, was a major leader in the Second Great Awakening. While training to be a lawyer, Finney became intellectually curious about Christ but resisted turning his life over to God for a long time.  However, he eventually felt so drawn to the Spirit that he could no longer resist. He later described his first encounter with God’s Spirit like this: “The Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression like a wave of electricity, going through and through me.  Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it any other way.  It seemed like the very breath of God.”

All of us want that kind of power in our lives, even if we think it’s easier to serve God on a merely intellectual level.

If we can contain something in our thoughts, understand and analyze it, then we feel like we have at least some control over it.

If we truly want to experience a breath of fresh air in every area of our lives, we have to allow God’s breath to resuscitate us.

I’ve been serving the Lord all my life and I have found out that if there’s anything we need to do – it’s to not hold back with God. We need to go all in.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

As you consider how to let go of your own fears and misperceptions of God’s Spirit, imagine that you’re wading away from the shore of self into the open water of God’s love.

Ezekiel 47:3-5 (NIV)  As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep.  He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist.  He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in--a river that no one could cross.

God calls us to let go of our attempts to control and find the place where He directs us.

In the shallow water, we tend to feel in control because we can touch bottom.  But in the middle, God invites us to swim, to immerse ourselves in all that He has for us.

Many of us prefer just to wade in the river, experiencing some of God’s mystery while staying in control by keeping our feet firmly on the river bottom.

Yet the Spirit of God invites us to go from an ankle-deep faith to one that’s knee-deep, then waist deep, and finally to one which we can no longer touchy the bottom at all.

It’s a faith where we dive into the middle and swim in the powerful current of God’s love and joy.

So many people are afraid to jump in because they want to stay in control. But the truth is - none of can ultimately control our lives, nor do we really want to try.

We long for the safety of our Father’s arms and the intimate friendship of His Spirit.  I dare you to go for what you long for most. I challenge you to put yourself on a spiritual adventure where you experience the breath of God’s spriit filling your sails.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

A DEVOTIONAL FROM HOSEA 14:4-7

A dear friend of mine, Robin John, wrote me the other day with something God had put on his heart in regards to me and my life.  I think it is worthy of blogging on this morning and might be a help to others who read these blogs.  Notice the passage from Hosea 14:4-7.

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like a vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon. (‭Hosea‬ ‭14‬:‭4-7‬ NKJV)

Let's break this down a bit:

- "I will love them freely" - The Message Bible states it this way - "I will love them lavishly."    Think about that statement and the fact that you are loved by God in this manner.

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ ESV)

- "For My anger has turned away from him" - Think about that - God has turned His anger away from you.  He has completely forgiven you.

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭15, 17‬ ESV)

ALL that you've done in the past is now in the past.  God has forgiven you completely and chooses to dwell in your midst right now.

- "I will be the like the dew of Israel" - I wrote yesterday about how dew brings a refreshing to the earth.  It is the same with God's Word.  Every morning I am refreshed from spending time in The Word and it penetrates (just like dew) my spiritual ground.

The Bible teaches that we will receive a fresh anointing every day (Psalm 92:1). The Holy Spirit is desiring to come into your life and fill you with His presence on a daily basis.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; (‭Psalm‬ ‭45‬:‭7‬ ESV)

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. (‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ESV)

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. (‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭27‬ ESV)

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭1-3‬ ESV)

- "He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree" - This is a healthy growing plant or tree.  It is one who is growing and spreading.  It is a look of God wants each of us to live our lives in the spiritual realm - with much growth and much health.

But (the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly) his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (‭Psalm‬ ‭1‬:‭2-3‬ ESV)

- "HE will lengthen your roots" -  This speaks of greater stability and favor in the ministry that The Lord has called you.  You will be marvelled and imitated by many and you won't get worn out easily or frustrated because you will be strongly rooted in the ways of The Lord.

There will be more and more stability and favor in the ministry the LORD has called you (marveled and imitated by many), so that you would never get easily worn out or frustrated because you are strongly rooted in the LORD.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6-7‬ ESV)

- "His branches shall spread" - God will make your branches spread by enlarging your borders to the extent of influencing people.  You will be a shade to many and you will walk in the ways of the LORD.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭2-3‬ ESV)

- "His beauty shall be like an olive tree" - Olive trees are a vital part of the Israel landscape.  Every part of the tree is used - the olives, the oil, the wood from the tree.  This passage state that HE (God) will make you beautiful like an Olive tree speaking of fruitfulness and productivity.

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. (‭Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬ ESV)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7-8‬ ESV)

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (‭Psalm‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ESV)

- "And his fragrance like Lebannon" - Your fragrance will be like a sweet aroma unto the LORD which would draw people to you and you would in turn point them to the LORD JESUS.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14-15‬ ESV)

Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ESV)

"Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like a vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon" - Those who dwell under your shadow or being ministered through you will return to the LORD, be Revived and Spiritually grow and be blessed like the Vine and bear good fruit and lasting fruit.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬ ESV)

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭16‬ ESV)

Have a blessed and fruitful day!

Monday, September 8, 2014

THE DEW FROM HEAVEN

“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine— Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon. (‭Hosea‬ ‭14‬:‭4-7‬ NIV)

Today I want to talk to you about a salvation experience that is not marked by spiritual downpours of joy, but by the dew of heaven saturating and penetrating your soul and your walk with God. So many times we are looking for those great downpours from heaven which often comes like the summer rain when we should be looking for that gentle constant dew from heaven that continues to fill our souls with the blessings of heaven.

In this text in Hosea, God says He will be as the dew to Israel, and more especially to backslidden Israel when they have returned to Him.

Dew is used in the scriptures as an example of the blessing of God. Isaac prophetically pronounced a blessing over Jacob that included dew:

Ge 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

Ge 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

In an arid climate, moisture is an especially valued commodity. The dew Isaac spoke of is the, "dew of heaven," in a desert land all water is believed to be God given. So when He gives it, it is viewed as a blessing and a sign of His favor.

Dew withheld, likewise, is considered a curse or judgment:

1Ki 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Hag 1:9-11 Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed [from] her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land...

Dew is used as an example of being blessed by the word:

Too many Christians get hung up wanting, "Showers of Blessing," and don’t understand the value and greatness of the, "Dew of Heaven". So to help with that lets talk about some of the qualities of dew and how they relate to a real and genuine work of the Holy Spirit.

Notice the following about dew...

1- Dew falls silently.

Commenting on dew, Spurgeon said, "You will notice, first of all, that grace, like the dew, often comes down imperceptibly into man’s heart. When did the dew tell us that it was about to fall? Who ever heard the footsteps of the dew coming down upon the meadow grass? Who ever knew when it was descending? We see it when it has fallen; but who saw it come? And so with Christianity: it is very often imperceptible in its operations."

A scripture that comes to mind is in Luke 24, and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They meet Jesus and converse with Him for quite a while and don’t realize who it is. Later their eyes are opened, He leaves, and when rehearsing the event among themselves, they realized the whole time He was there and opening the scriptures to them, their hearts were burning. (My doctrine shall distill as the dew.) Spending time in the word, allows the dew of heaven to saturate you in ways that may not be perceptible at first.

One more point about the validity of dew like experiences in God. Some people think that only loud and exuberant worship is genuine, a scriptural example would be:

Ps 47:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.  O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

But the next example is just as valid an experience in God:

Ex 34:8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

It is not the volume that matters to God, but the sincerity of heart. It’s not about whether or not you lift your hands during worship. A quiet person can worship, as great or greater, than the loudest singer in church. In fact Jesus described some of those outspoken worshippers as complete frauds. (Mt. 23:14)

2 - Dew is cooling and refreshing to the tenderest of plants. 

As opposed to the potential dangers of a torrential downpour. The drooping plant it will be revived, without being overwhelmed. The root systems on some plants can’t handle a downpour, additionally dew often satiates more completely. It feeds, it produces growth, it sustains, it completely satisfies the plants needs without overwhelming.

3- Dew is penetrative. 

A visitor to Mt. Hermon said the dew penetrated everyone and everything and saturated everything, the floor of the tent was soaked, their beds were covered, guns were dripping and dew drops hung everywhere. The area around Mt. Hermon is drought stricken yet its base is clad with beautiful orchards and gardens, because of the dew in that area.

"Mr. Maundrell says that "with this dew, even in dry weather, their tents were as wet as if it had rained the whole night." (Clarkes commentary). Don’t ever underestimate the power of God’s dew to meet your needs as fully as His downpours!

4- Dew usually falls in times of low visibility. 

It falls most generally in the pre-dawn hours, while men are asleep, and at the darkest part of the night. Even in our dark times God is moving. Even when we can’t see the hand of God, His dew is forming and moisturizing in unseen and quiet ways.

The dew of heaven is just as important and valid as the rivers of living water. Sometimes we overlook this phenomenom in the Kingdom of God by always looking for the loudest, most boistrous, most outgoing ministries when in essence God is bringing His gentle Holy Spirit in the form of dew on an everyday basis.  The Holy Spirit is with us - even we don't see it or even when we don't feel it.  Trust God today that He is with you and that He will never ever leave or forsake you.  And, even when thing seem dark and tough - God is still moving and ministering on your behalf.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

CAN YOU HEAR THE WHISPER OF GOD?

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 ESV)

While I was in the hospital recently, connected to all sorts of wires and hoses, I kept asking God what was going on and what it is that He wanted me to "get" while I was there. I kept waiting for that whisper from God that so often happens in my life when I'm going through some major life change or decision.  Everytime I asked, I heard God speak to my heart, "I have you right where I want you, I'm in this."

That isn't exactly what I wanted to hear but it was nevertheless the whisper of God's heart over me.

Over the years, I've learned to listen for the whisper of God.  It is that quiet inner voice that comes to us from God Almighty over the course of our lives.  A whisper from God can change destinies and can change the course of direction for your life..

Bill Hybels wrote a book called THE WHISPERS OF GOD. He states "If you will be sensitive to the whispers of God in your life - amazing things will start to happen."

Jesus said in John 10 - "My sheep know my voice and they heed it."

Usually His voice is not going to scream.  His voice is going to whisper. Adam and Eve heard the sound of God's voice as they came into the garden. When God speaks to us - it is usually through whispers.

When God whispers into your life to risk everything - failure, reputation, it is so important that you be obedient to that inner voice that God is speaking to you.

When Samuel was in the temple as a little boy - God was trying to speak to Him.  God would call his name at night, "Samuel, Samuel..." - 1 Samuel 3. He thought it was Eli the priest because they were the only two who lived in the temple. He went to Eli over and over and said, "Why did you call my name?"  Eli said, "I didn't call your name." Eli finally gets it - "If you're hearing someone call your name - it could be God whispering to you."

The next time you hear that voice say, "Lord, Here am I. Speak, your servant hears."

We should all make that our declaration - "Speak, your servant hears."

By being obedient to the whisper of God - Samuel heard God's plan for his life.

Here's the thing - GOD IS STILL SPEAKING TO MEN AND WOMEN AND BOYS AND GIRLS.  HE DOES NOT  WAIT UNTIL WE ARE GROWN.  DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE VOICE OF GOD ON YOUR CHILDREN. God speaks to all generations.

I like what Jentezen Franklin says - "God's biggest whispers in your life are yet to come."

YOU ARE ONE WHISPER AWAY FROM EVERYTHING CHANGING.

If God can speak to Eli and to Samuel and even to me - THEN I KNOW FOR A CERTAINTY - GOD CAN SPEAK HIS INSTRUCTIONS TO YOU.

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13 ESV)

There was Example of the whisper of God on Elijah in a cave. Queen Jezebel was trying to pursue and destroy him.  He did what a lot of us do - go hide in a cave.

Sometimes because of pressure we allow our lives to cave in.  Sometimes because of the pressure of life allow other voices to speak into our lives. Unbelief.  Depression.  Discouragement.  Health. Family, etc.

God came and talked to him "What are you doing here - come outside and hear the whisper of God."

You've been the cave long enough.  It's time to come out and hear the voice of God! You've been grieving, crying and depressed long enough.  God has new orders for your life.  He has a new whisper for your.  He wants to bring you out of your cave.

They put Jesus in a cave and He came out after three days.  I'm sure He knows how to get you out of your cave. It might come through a whisper from God about His plans for your life and future.

Some of you are in need of destiny changing words.  You are in a cave and God is calling you out.

When God called Elijah out of the cave there was an earthquake and a mighty wind - but God was not in it. Fire fell but God was not in the fire.

It's not that God is never in the wind as we was in the wind in the upper room. It's not that God is never in the earthquake as we was in the earthquake when Paul and Silas were in prison. It's not that God has never been in the fire.  Just ask Shaddrack, Messhack and Abendego. They will tell you that God is the God who walks with His children through the fire.

Sooner or later in life you will go through the fire and your life will feel like there's been an earthquake.  The winds of adversity are coming against you.  And... God's not in it.  You're going through hell and you don't know why.

That's when a still small voice (that God was in) spoke to Elijah.

We have a God who knows how to speak to His children when the world is shaking and the winds of adversity are blowing.

When... it feels like the fire of trials and tribulations are just consuming you and everything you have.
That's when you need (as the Amplified Bible puts it) "a gentle whisper."

God came in a gentle whisper.

God spoke to him and told him to go and anoint 3 different people - Jehu, Hazael, and Elisha. What is interesting - he only anointed one of the three - Elisha, and then went to heaven.

It's interesting - Elisha then anointed Jehu and then Jehu anointed Hazael.  Three generations passed off the blessings of one little whisper.

You may be going through the fire, the wind and the earthquake spiritually speaking, but one whisper from God can impact 3 generations. One whisper of God can send an anointing.  When God sends a whisper it can change everything.

We need to pray for Samuel ears where we say "Speak Lord, for your servant hears."

God can give you a whisper in a storm you might be going through. The disciples were in a storm and Jesus sent them (in the will of God) to the other side.While they were out in the middle a storm came up and Jesus came walking on the water and spoke one word to Peter - "Come."  Peter got out of the boat and walked to Jesus.

You might be needing a gentle whisper to your spirit today that says, "You're going to the other side.  You're going through this storm.  You're going to make it.  You're going to come out of the cave."

The same God who spoke in a still small voice to Elijah is speaking to someone today saying, "I have not abandoned my plans for your life. I have not torn up your birth certificate in the spirit because you have failed or have messed up."

God still loves you and calls you by name.  He has a gentle whisper for direction for your life.

When you get a word from God - it can impact generations.  It is just like Elijah who got a word that impacted three generations.

It is my pray today that you and I would develop that "inner ear" that would be sensitive to the gentle and quiet whisper of God over our lives.  May God help us all in this regar.