Thursday, April 28, 2016

DO YOU NEED A BREAKTHROUGH IN YOUR LIFE?

Do You Need A Breakthrough?


“So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The LORD did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).” 2 Samuel‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you feel stuck in life?  Has it been awhile since you have felt the moving of God on your life?  Are you in need of breakthrough?

I think most of us relate to these type of feeling.

David needed a breakthrough over his enemy - the Philistines who had been coming against him and Israel in battle.

The Bible states that God came through “like a raging flood.”  It was like a dam that was so full of water that it “burst through.”

You might ask - “How do I know if I need a breakthrough?”  It might be that you are bored. You have no joy, no peace, no passion for Jesus.  It might be that your life is without vision or direction - there is no excitement in your spirit.  You are not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus died to bring you.

You might need a breakthrough in your emotional state, health, finances, relationships, etc.

One of the first things you need to do if you need a breakthrough is to turn to your first love.  Revelation 2:4-5 states that we have left our first love and that we need to remember where we once used to be.

Another thing we need to do is that we need to persevere in prayer.  Jacob wrestled with God all night long until he received the blessing of God. (Genesis 32:24-26).

As a result, God changed his name to “Israel, Prince of God.” It would no longer be Jacob - the decider but Israel.  God responded to him by giving him a new life, new nature, and a new name.

We must also be hungry for breakthrough.  Psalm 42:1-2 talks about our soul panting for God as a deer pants for water.

Do you notice the thirst and the hunger for God to come and bring breakthrough to your life?

David: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.” (Psalm 63:1-2).

David was a man after God’s own heart, and He was hungry to know God. When David went to church, he wasn’t content to just sing songs about God, or hear stories about Him, but he wanted to encounter Him personally in His power and glory.

PROMISE: “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3).

Do you need breakthrough today?  Are you in need of experiencing the presence of God in your life?  Are there situations that you are dealing with that need the hand of God to perform a miracle? 

When I think of “The God Of Breakthrough” I think about a dam that is reading to burst forward.  That, the water is just waiting for someone to open the floodgates to release the blessings in our life.

Get hungry for God.  Get serious with Him.  Cry out with all that you have and tell God that you need breakthrough.

He is willing and ready to burst forth on your behalf.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Are You A FLOURISHING Christian?



“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”” Psalms 92:12-15 NLT

I’ve had different seasons in my life as a Christian.  There have been times that I’ve really flourished and grown and then there are times that I seem to just be barely making it.  Quite frankly, I enjoy the flourishing times much better.  Not to discount the lessons learned in the difficult season but the season of growth is really enjoyable.

But through it all we keep growing - just like a cedar tree.  Even in the hard times the cedar tree grows.

The cedar is mentioned in 65 places in the Bible and “cedar tree” is found in 6 places. The word cedar means strong and firmly rooted tree.

They often grow to 40 feet in circumference. The psalmist says that we who are righteous will grow in an incredible fashion.

Please notice four things about cedar trees.

1. They Grow DOWNWARD 
As it grows - it sends its roots deep, seeking hidden springs and wraps around rocks for anchorage.

It’s roots wrap around other cedar trees to form an allegiance of unity to withstand the elements.

“They (Israel) … are like tall trees planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters.”
Numbers 24:6
NLT

Paul urged the Ephesians to be “rooted and grounded in love.”

E Stanley Jones: “Before we can go farther, we must go deeper.”

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:7 NLT
Three uses of a root:

A.            It is necessary for the life of a plant. We are not really alive until we are united to Christ.
B.            It carries nourishment to the plant...we need nourishment from Jesus to grow and endure.
C.           It keeps the plant in its place.

2. The Cedar Grows UPWARD

It has been documented that a cedar tree can grow to a height of 120 to 150 feet!

Is your faith growing upward?  Is it getting taller?

I like what J.G. Holland says: “God, give us men, tall, sun-crowned, who live above the fog.”

Smith Wigglesworth used to say, "I might be 5'2" on the outside but I'm 10' tall on the inside.

3. Cedars Grow OUTWARD 

As a rule, the cedar branches starts about 9 or 10 feet from the ground, the branches grow out horizontally and become very wide-spreading.

Should not our lives reach out like branches to touch the needs of others?

The cedar tree also creates cones: In the 1st year they are small and pale green.  In the  2nd year they are browner and about 3" across. In the 3rd year they are dark brown and open up to
release seeds.

It’s interesting in that these seeds do not emit like they really should until they are placed into
intense heat like a forest fire.  It’s during those times that they shoot forth and spread their seed in many directions.

Isn’t that what we are to do with our lives - grow stronger and taller and then become seed to other’s that are around us.

As the cedar tree grows - their branches provide shelter and shade from the elements.

They possess a certain beauty that is unmatched as they stand majestically against the sky.

I love the last phrase of this passage: “Even in old age they still produce fruit.”  Just because a cedar tree is hundred’s of years old - it still produces fruit.  

The older you get the more fruit you should be producing.  You’ve withstood storms and fires and you’re still flourishing and producing seed.  The down’s of life don’t hold you down because you still growing and becoming like a cedar tree that can’t be brought down.

4. Cedars Grow ONWARD   

Cedar trees are noted for their longevity. There are some today over 2,000 years old.

The cedar is a perennial evergreen. As a Christian, we should always be “instant in season and out of season.”

It has remarkable lasting qualities. It last for a long time as building material.

Like a cedar, be those who grow downward and draw nourishment from Christ.

So, as a cedar tree that is flourishing…

Grow downward and allow your roots to grow deep.

Grow upward as you keep your spiritual eyes on eternity.

Grow outward as you seek to touch others with your faith

Grow onward with the lasting qualities of Christ.

I pray that you would continue to flourish in your Christian walk and that you would become stronger and stronger each and every day.


Thursday, April 21, 2016

SAYING THE RIGHT THINGS


May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever said the wrong thing?  Have you ever opened your mouth and said something that you wish you immediately take back?

I know I have - lots of times!  My mouth has got me in so much trouble that I’ve had to repent over and over again.

I think that’s why I like this verse so much from Psalms.  It is a prayer of surrender of my mouth and heart with an intent to say only what is pleasing to God.

David knew that real godliness was not only a matter of what a man did, but also of what he said and thought in his heart.

Just like you and I - David wasn’t perfect. He made lots of mistakes that he regretted and wished to have a do over.  But he always came back to God.  He knew the transforming power of God.

At the end of the day he wanted to be that man that was saying and doing the right things.  He wanted to “be pleasing” to God.

He referred to God as his rock and redeemer.  He knew he needed a Redeemer and that our faithful God would help and rescue him.

He knew that God's strength is like a mighty rock that rescues us and gives us a firm standing place.

The Redeemer is that great Hebrew word goel, the kinsman-redeemer. It was the goel who bought his relative out of slavery; who rescued him in bankruptcy and total loss. King David looked to God Himself as his kinsman-redeemer.

"If our Rock were not our Redeemer, we should be without hope. If our Redeemer were not our Rock, we still might we be afraid. (Morgan)

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“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.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Fast forward to tonight.  As you get in bed, will you be able to be at peace about your words during this day?  Will your words have been pleasing to God?

People tell me often that can’t help what they say - that it just comes out.  May I encourage to allow the “rock and redeemer” to help you and give you words that will be pleasing to God and those you around today.  God will help you if you just ask Him.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

HOW TO BE TOTALLY FREE


So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I was contemplating this morning I was struck at how good God is and all the blessings that have come my way, which are innumerable.  I count my blessings everyday of how good God is and has been to me.  He has freed my in so many ways.

But it wasn’t always that way.  Even though I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, there were seasons where I was angry at God at some of the things that He allowed in my life.  As a result, I walked in much bondage.

Most people wouldn’t have noticed because I kept this happy go-lucky attitude on the outside but on the inside I was dying.

Now I look back and thank God for my journey and the places and people that God has allowed to interact with me, both good and bad.

At the time I wasn’t able to see the whole picture but God did.  He knew exactly what I needed and led me in the way that was best for my life.

I look at Christians nowadays and see some of the same things that I often struggled with in my life - unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, impurities, unhappy, depressed, etc., etc.

The early Corinthian Church also struggled with bondage.  They were a vibrant Christian Church but yet they were in bondage.  This is why the Book Of 1 Corinthians was written.

Look at these verses about different people in the Bible that struggled with bondage.

Paul - “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ...” Galatians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Galatians 2:9-14 tells us that these Galatians were going back to their old ways.

David brought bondage in his life because of his impurities.  Psalm 5 is his prayer of forgiveness.

1 Kings 19 tells us that Elijah was in bondage because he was afraid of Jezebel.

So, why are people in bondage?  

The answer lies in the fact that most people don’t understand the freedom from guilt and sin that God gives.  People don’t understand what God does with our forgiven sins (He takes it completely away.)

Some people are in bondage because they choose to carry their own loads rather than allowing God to do that.

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew‬ ‭11:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some people are bondage because they can’t accept themselves and then in turn can’t accept others.

Isaiah 61:1 tells us that it is our calling in life to bring people out of bondage - whether it be to themselves or to the world.

The pathway to freedom is found in John 8:31-32…

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is by getting into God’s word and finding out the truth about you and your life.  It is then that you are truly God’s disciples.  “The truth will set you free.”

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is living and active.

John tells us that the Word convicts us of our sin.  It is like a mirror - it shows us where we are and where we should be.

Acts 20:32 tells us that the Word builds us up.

Psalm 107:20 tells that the Word brings healing to our lives.

The list could go on and on.

The Word declares to us that “When the Son sets us free - we are free indeed!”  What a great promise.

Why are we given freedom?  It is so we can serve God better.

“Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

Romans 6:18 (NLT) 18  Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.




“And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬


“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬


Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I know that God has set me free and that He can do it for you also.  I pray God’s abundance and blessings will come to you in freedom to your whole being.  I pray that as you apply His Word to your heart and life that GOD WOULD TOTALLY SET YOU FREE TODAY!  I ask this in Jesus’ strong name.  Amen.


Monday, April 18, 2016

WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO


Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” I Samuel‬ ‭30:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I’ve got over 6 decades under my belt now. I’ve seen just about everything there is to see in regards to life.  I’ve had my ups and I’ve had my downs just like everyone else.

It’s funny, people still put pastors on pedestal as if they never have problems.  I would like to say that was always true - but it is not.

I share the same temptations, trials, and difficulties just as any of you would.  I also share the same joys, peace and blessings that you also share.

I deal with the same stresses, aches and pains as each and everyone of you do also.

John Wesley in his famous sermon called "Satan’s Devices" states that Satan has three main methods of discouraging the believer. He tries to:

1- Damp our joy

2- Attack our peace

3- Targets us especially in times of sickness and pain.

Satan tries to bring discouragement upon us in order to bring us down and rob us of life and power. This is no new strategy for we find it way back in the pages of the Old Testament in the story of a many we know - David.

Notice the CAUSES of his discouragement:

a) Severe loss

David arrived at his home in Ziglag to find it a scene of rubble and devastation. His family had been taken off into captivity. 

There was a loss of confidence in his leadership to the point where those who had been his closest companions spoke of stoning him.

b) Mental and physical strain

David’s body and mind were tired. His nerves were frayed. 

He felt "on edge"...At such times as this vision becomes distorted and we do not see things in their true perspective. 

The best thing to do in such circumstances can sometimes be rest and bed....a short break in the daily routine.

c) David was alone

His friends seemed in the process of deserting him. 

These are some of the reasons why David was discouraged and in need of inner strengthening. 

At other times in his life he suffered discouragement because he was not in fellowship with God. 

Sometimes we can be out of fellowship with God when we follow ways of our own. Living carelessly or backsliding will lead to deep discouragement in the Christian life. 

The Christian who has backslidden is probably one of the unhappiest people in the world for having tasted the grace and mercy of God they turn their backs deliberately away from it.

(There are other causes of discouragement of which result from our own deliberate actions ...sin, disobedience, over indulgence, harbouring grudges etc)

Notice the CURES For Discouragement:

a) The presence of God 

David strengthened himself in God. 

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” I Samuel‬ ‭30:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

To help overcome discouragement we need to deliberately get into the presence of God and tell him how we feel.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and” Psalms‬ ‭42:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

b) The people of God

David reached out to God’s people. He went to see Abiathar the priest

There is great strength in sharing joys and sorrows with other believers. I am greatly encouraged by the love and support of other believers.

This is so true: If you are discouraged try encouraging someone else.

In Job 42 it was after Job had prayer for his friends that God restored his fortunes.

c) Be urgent in prayer to God

The devil uses discouragement as a device to turn us away from God. We can see it as something to turn us towards God and his resources.

d) Rely on the promises of God

David sought the Lord urgently in and was promised success…

Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”” 1 Samuel‬ ‭30:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

He believed the promise and saw success come. Believing God’s promises is an antidote for discouragement so we need to get to know them.

David went through and came out of a time of great personal difficulty and discouragement. 

With God’s help so can you.  The next time you feel discouraged and don’t know where to go - trust in God and you will find a great source of help and strength for your life.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE


David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Almost everyone is interested in success. If you have any doubt, look at the business section and self-help section of the local bookstore. Look at the best-selling books. Examine your mail for all the ads for success seminars.

Of all people in the world, Christians should want to succeed. What makes us different are our definition of success and our strategies to get there.

There is a story in Luke 5:1-11 of a group of fishermen who were tired and weary and who felt like failures until Jesus taught them a lesson. It was a lesson that sustained them the rest of their lives.

The fact is this: we all have limitations in our efforts of life and sometimes we fail. Peter, Andrew, James and John did all they knew to do and still had come up empty.

While God gave us brains to think with, sometimes we don’t have enough cleverness on our own to do the job.

It’s at times like this that we need to trust the word of Jesus even if it doesn’t make sense.

How do you think these fisherman felt, taking advice from a carpenter turned preacher? Didn’t they know fishing? It was their business.

Still, there was something in Jesus that caused them to trust him. He did not, of course, ask them to do something immoral, just something that did not seem to make sense.

There comes a time when we need to be willing to take risks. When Jesus asked them to go out, it was into the deep water.

Every great person in life has to take some risk in their life if they are every going to be successful. 

Yes, there will be disappointment and fatigue.  It’s at times like this that we cannot quit.

The fishermen were tired, but willing to do their part. They were discouraged, but willing to try again.

Success came.  Their nets were full and overwhelming.  As they worked together - success came.  They had to share the burden.  Since Jesus was the ultimate focus, it didn’t matter who got the credit.

I believe the scriptures are clear that God promises us more than we ask or imagine.  The catch of fish was even greater than they would have expected.  Our God delights in surprising us.

Be humble in your success.    Peter did not take credit for the success. In fact, he humbled himself before God and came face to face with His own unworthiness.

It is interesting… After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter, in the throes of regret, decided to go back to fishing. 

Peter no doubt felt he had failed. Jesus came to him again and did a similar miracle. He evidently never forgot the lesson. He went from that place to become a great fisher of men. He became a spiritual success, and so can you. You now know the secrets.

Think of how a bird must feel the first time it is pushed from the nest by its mother. The feeling must begin with fear, but as the bird stretches its wings and soars, it becomes exhilaration. Risk is a part of all achievement. A risk-free life is terribly dull.

Runners describe a feeling called the “runners high.” It only comes after the runner has pushed past his fatigue and kept on going when every cell of his body is yelling for him to stop. The feeling of exhaustion yields to the feeling of euphoria. It happens only if we are willing to keep on going when we feel like quitting.

I’ve always been inspired by this poem and I think that you will also.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Edgar A. Guest

Friday, April 8, 2016

WHERE IS THE GLORY?


Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth. She died in childbirth, but before she passed away the midwives tried to encourage her. “Don’t be afraid,” they said. “You have a baby boy!” But she did not answer or pay attention to them. She named the child Ichabod (which means “Where is the glory?”), for she said, “Israel’s glory is gone.” She named him this because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and husband were dead. Then she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭4:19-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Where is the glory? That was a good question then and it is a good question now.

Unlike many people who come to church now days, I am a little different in that I was raised in church from my birth on.  I think I was around 3 days old when I went to my first service.

Having said that, I have seen many things over my lifetime - especially when it comes to experiencing God’s presence.

I have been in many services where the presence of God is so “thick” that you can barely get out of your seat.  I have seen miracles and victories that make your spirit soar with faith.

But where is the glory now?  Yes, I still see God moving and I still feel His presence but it seems that experiencing that deep overwhelming presence of God is so somewhat of a novelty now.

The phrase “glory of God” comes from a Hebrew word “Phaneim” meaning the “face of God.”  This speaks of an intimacy with God - as in God turning to speak to you “face to face.”

Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.” Exodus‬ ‭33:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 There is another word called “Kabowd” which means "glory or  weight.”

Exodus 40:34 (NLT) 34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle. 

Romans 3:23 (NLT) 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

God is basically saying "I will bring my presence among you and my weight will be upon you.  It will stamp upon you. It is that which comes into our midst with such a force that it makes a mark upon everyone in that place.”

So... glory has to do with countenance, sustenance, power, weight.

The Bible is filled with pictures of what God’s glory looked like:

- Adam and Eve were clothed in the glory. They did not know what their garments were made of.  Sin revealed their nakedness.  

- God's glory was then in the temple (tabernacle) – God made a covenant with His people that His glory would rest there.  The priest fell under the power (weight) of God's glory.

GOD'S PROMISE  "I will dwell in your midst."

Isaiah 4:5-6 (NLT) 5 Then the LORD will provide shade for Mount Zion and all who assemble there. He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day and smoke and flaming fire at night, covering the glorious land. 6 It will be a shelter from daytime heat and a hiding place from storms and rain. 

This was a prophecy that whenever we meet in an assembly together that God's glory would be prevalent. 

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."

Acts 2:4 (NLT) And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 


This glory spilled out to the church - A sign  tongues of flames rested upon them.  This was a token manifestation of God's glory.

Now…We know the gift of glory is upon us.  We know the grace of glory is with us.  But to walk in obedience to glory is often another thing.

The increase of God's glory in us can only be by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to free us from bondages we carry  (flesh, fear, failure, success, the past, etc.)

This is elaborated in II Corinthians 3:411
     
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT) 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 

CHANGE - Transformed  gr. metamorphis – It is the concept of a caterpillar and butterfly.  There is an ongoing transformation taking place in us.
     
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT) 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 

Glory – Greek - doxa – “splendor/ bright.”

Do you have a desire to know God?  To know His ways?  Do you want to line up with His will? Do you want to experience the Glory Of God?

Notice that Moses is the first student of the glory to say "Show me Thy Glory."

Adam wore the glory of God and walked in it.  Abraham followed and feared the glory.  Jacob encountered the glory of as he wrestled all night with an angel.

All these men were in touch with the glory of God but it is only Moses who sought after the glory.  He had a passion for it  v.15.  "If your presence won't go with us we won't go any further."

I pray that God so fills my life that His presence just “oozes” out of me.  That people would see and experience the “glory of God” that I have experienced and continue to experience.

I desire for this now generation (my kids and grandkids)  to experience God’s glory and presence in their lives.  I desire that we never have to ask the question “Where is the glory?”

I am hungry for more of God and His presence in my life and in the church that I pastor.  I am contending for “more” of God and His presence in my life.

I stand on this promise today - Colossians 1:27  "...Christ in you is the hope of Glory..."





Thursday, April 7, 2016

HAS YOUR WELL RUN DRY?


Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” Psalms‬ ‭51:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you relate to this?

- You’re a Christian but lately the stresses of life are getting to you more and more.
- You are irritated by even the smallest inconveniences and problems
- You rarely laugh
- You are quick to snap at people
- You flop in bed each night, exhausted
- You have lost your joy in life

It is this last matter that I want to address to you today - that you’ve lost your joy amidst the stress and difficulties that are in your life.

Your Christian experience has been laborious rather than natural and flowing.  That, you are straining to make something happen rather than it flowing from your heart.  As a result, somewhere along the way, you have lost your joy.

Although not without troubles, the normal Christian life is to be brimming with joy.

But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.” John‬ ‭17:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬


You might ask - “Where does that joy come from?” The fact is: Deeper joy is not found in power, position, or possessions, but rather in relationships.

We tend to get busy with our jobs and status and forget to relate to God in an intimate way.

We don’t relate to God through a religion, but rather through a relationship.

““I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John‬ ‭15:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus shares the simple but profound idea that a life of joy and fruitfulness comes by abiding in Him. That is, it is the closeness of the relationship that matters most.

His relationship with His Father was Jesus’ primary source of joy (He even referred to it as His “bread”).

In the same way, our greatest source of joy is a relationship. . . with God.

Jesus’ second greatest source of joy came from giving Himself away for those around Him.

If Jesus’ primary joy was His relationship with His Father, next in line was His relationships with those around Him.

After the disciples returned from doing ministry - the Bible states that Jesus was filled with joy (Luke 10:21).

Hebrews 12:1-2 teaches us how to keep the joy in our lives - it is “by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

We can never take our eyes off of Christ and must always look forward inspire of the circumstances that surround us.

How Can I Have That Deeper Kind Of Joy In My Life?

1. Decide if you’re satisfied where you are or if you want your saucer full.


There’s a great old song that says, “I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.” Do you want to live a life of overflowing joy?

Psalm 51:12 is a prayer that we all need to pray - “Restore to me the joy of my salvation.”

You will never get to that deeper joy unless you decide you’re dissatisfied with where you’re at right now.

2. Recognize that joy increases the closer you get to God.

You cannot be distant from God or preoccupied with other priorities in your life and still expect to enjoy a deeper joy.

Getting closer to God is not about being “religious;” it’s about abiding in the fullness of the joy of the Lord. It’s about receiving the abundant life He wants to give (John 10:10).

3. Search for ways to make those around you happy.

Stop believing the lie that joy will come as you put yourself ahead of others. Joy will come in your life through giving to those around you.

What can you do today that would bring a smile to your spouse’s face? What can you do this week that would cause your kids to say, “Cool!” Put a smile on their faces and there’ll be one on your’s too. Why? Because you’re investing in those important relationships.

4. Reject “instant happiness” temptations that are actually pathetic imitations of Jesus’ deeper joy.

The lure of pornography or becoming a shopaholic includes the promise that such things will make you happy. Watch out for the hook in those lures! Those shallow attempts at happiness are a pale and pathetic substitute for the lasting and deeper joy that Jesus offers.

Are you tired of living with your well dry? Step toward God this morning in the belief that He is the source of deeper joy.  Ask Him to saturate your life once again and fill you to overflowing with His Joy.  Put your eyes on Jesus and look past your problems and difficulties that you are facing right in life.  Draw close to Him.  Know that joy is waiting to return and fill you to overflowing.

Monday, April 4, 2016

6 CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERS WHO END WELL




I’ve always been fascinated by everything to do with leadership principles and training.

What makes a leader? Is it a natural gifting that they are born with? Is it trained and developed? How is it sustained?  What are the makings of a great leader?  How do leaders leave a lifetime legacy?, Etc., etc.

Bobby Clinton (Professor from Fuller Theological Seminary -who has studied biblical leaders) makes a poignant observation that few leaders finish well. There are around 800 or so leaders mentioned in the Bible. There are about 100 who have data that helps you interpret their leadership. About 50 of these have enough data for evaluation of their finish. About 1 in 3 finished well. Anecdotal evidence from today indicates that this ratio is probably generous. Probably less than 1 in 3 are finishing well today.

He then shares six characteristics of individuals who finished well.

1. They Maintain A Personal Vibrant Relationship With God Right Up To The End.

Daniel is the classic O.T. leader who exemplifies this. In the N.T., Peter, Paul and John all demonstrate this. See their last writings—the tone, the touch with God, the revelation from God, their trust in enabling grace for their lives.

 2. They Maintain A Learning Posture And Can Learn From Various Kinds Of Sources— Life Especially.

Daniel is the classic O.T. leader who exemplifies this. See Daniel chapter nine for a late in life illustration of one who continues to study and learn from the Scriptures. Paul and Peter are the classic N.T. leaders with a learning posture (see 2Pe 3:18 and 2Ti 4:13).

3. They Manifest Christ-Likeness In Character As Evidenced By The Fruit Of The Spirit In Their Lives.

Daniel is the classic O.T. leader who exemplifies godliness (See the summary references to him in Eze 14:14,20). In the N.T. note the evidence of character transformation in Paul’s life (2Ti 2:24 and an illustration of it—the book of Phm). These were men who over a lifetime moved from strong

4. Truth Is Lived Out In Their Lives So That Convictions And Promises Of God Are Seen To Be Real.

Joshua’s statement about God’s promises never having failed him in his closing speech demonstrate this characteristic of someone believing God and staking his life on God’s truth (Jos 23:14). See the many aside truth statements that Paul weaves into his two letters to Timothy. See his famous stirring convictions echoed in Ac 27:22-25.

5. They Leave Behind One Or More Ultimate Contributions.

In a study on legacies left behind by effective leaders who finished well I have identified the following categories: saint, practitioners, mentors, public rhetoricians, pioneers, crusaders, artists, founder, stabilizer, researchers, writers, promoters.

Examples: Daniel’s ultimate contributions include: saint, (mentor), writer, stabilizer. Paul’s ultimate contributions include: saint, mentor, pioneer, crusader, writer, promoter.

Of course, in addition to these standard categories there are also unique legacies that leaders also leave behind. These have to be described individually for each leader.

6. They Walk With A Growing Awareness Of A Sense Of Destiny And See Some Or All Of It Fulfilled.

A sense of destiny is an inner conviction arising from an experience or a series of experiences in which there is a growing sense of awareness that God has His hand on a leader in a special way for special purposes. Over a lifetime a leader is prepared by God for a destiny, receives guidance toward that destiny, and increasingly completes that destiny. No Biblical leader who accomplished much for God failed to have a sense of destiny, one that usually grew over his/her lifetime.

Examples: Joseph’s dreams and his saving of the embryonic nation; Moses’ saving of the nation; Paul’s vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Think about this: What needs to change in your life to finish well? What characteristics do you need to develop in order to have a sustaining leadership over your lifetime? Who are the people mentoring you and who are yourself mentoring?

These principles apply to all sorts of leadership skills from being a top executive to being a parent of a two year old.  We all lead in some way but do we lead well and are growing in our leadership abilities.

I pray that God would hone in your abilities and make you to be the most awesome leader over the areas that have been assigned to you.  And… Above all things that you would end well in all your endeavors.  

James 4:8 “Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.”

Saturday, April 2, 2016

I WANT MORE!


When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.” Isaiah‬ ‭41:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have been blessed over the past few weeks and years to see a renewed hunger and thirst for God that is developing in people across our nation.  There is an explosion of revival that is being felt and experienced in my lives and cultures.  Nations are being changed.  Stadiums are being filled and new churches are springing up all over with a people who are serious about kingdom life and making a difference here on earth.

I had begun to wonder if some of the great moves of God would permeate this next generation.  The truth is, yes He has and yes He will.  God’s spirit is blowing on all ages, cultures and peoples.

How many are hungry and thirsty for God today?  How many want of you want a move of God in your life?  How many would like to be part of revival that God is pouring out in these last days? 

Here’s the thing: When revival comes it will bring an intense desire in believers to be right before God in every area of our lives.



Revival is BELIEVERS receiving new life - becoming renewed. 

The very word “revival” implies that something WAS alive, but has died (or taken on a condition very much LIKE death), and is then resuscitated - given life again - restored. 

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”” John‬ ‭7:37-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are you thirsty today?  Do you want more of God? Do you feel empty and dry? Are you hungry for God to come and fill you?

John 10:10 … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 

God comes to quench your thirst and He brings His joy in our hearts also.

Leonard Ravenhill: “The reason we do not have revival is that we are content to live without it.”



WUEST’S TRANSLATION: “Let him be coming to Me, and let him be drinking.”



Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 

Do you want more of God?  Are you content to stay as you are or are you willing to make yourself available for God to use and fill?  Ask God to put a desire in your heart for more.  In fact, tell God, “I want more.  I want more of you in my heart and soul.  I want your presence in my life.  I am hungry and thirsty and I am will to do anything you want in order to be filled by you.  Revive me and saturate my soul with the presence of God.  I ask this in Jesus’ strong name.  Amen!”