DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE IN

And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites,... Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron [and several cities]. Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, or Zidon (Jdg 1:28-31),

This is a story of an incomplete victory. God had commanded them..."When you come into the land, you're to utterly drive out the inhabitants thereof. You're not to make any covenant of peace with them. You're not to dwell together and try to coexist with them in peaceful terms."

It is also the story of many of our lives.  We get a little taste of freedom or we experience some minor victories and then we give up and fail to push through for total victory.

I know for myself (and I probably speak for many of you) - that has been the case many times over.  Our lives would all be so different had we just made the extra effort to do what God has laid out before us and not give in.

We must not "stop" or "give in" ever.  We cannot make peace treaties with "sin" (the different cities) rather than to eradicate them as God commanded them to do.

I see so many Christians start off well only to cave in when things get a little difficulty.

Mickey Rooney once said - "You always pass failure on your way to success." That is so true.  There will be failure along the way but don't give up.

Until we understand and fully surrender to Christ - we cannot or will not be able to secure a full victory.

In one of his meetings, D.L. Moody was explaining to his audience the truth that we cannot bring about spiritual changes in our lives by our own strength. He demonstrated the principal like this: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?” One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” But Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter it.” Finally after many suggestions, he picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing Christ to take full possession.

The only way that we are going to experience "full" and "complete" victories is to empty ourselves of ourselves and then to allow Christ to fill us up with Him.  Without Him I have failed and will continue to fail.

I like what Hebrews 12:1-3 says...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1-3‬ NIV)

We must "press on" with "endurance" in this race that is before us.

I'm always amazed at the endurance athletes go through to win a race.  I once read a story about American Gail Devers won the 100-meter dash by only 6/100 of a second over her four top competitors in 1992.

The back story is this: Gail suffers from Grave’s disease. Just one year before she won the Olympic gold, Gail came within two days of having both feet amputated. After surviving that scare, she began to train and push herself toward her goal. Her determination and persistence won the day. Who would have thought the fastest woman in the world was the same woman who almost lost her feet.

She did not give up or give in - she pressed through for the complete victory.

It the same for you and I - that we must "endure to the end" and allow Christ to fill us us with Him that our strength is not in ourselves but totally dependent on Him who died for each of us.  Press in for your victory is just around the corner!

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the Book of Jeremiah we see that God sends Israel warnings and then ultimately judgments for their sins.  In the end, God allows the Babylonians to conquer their land and take the people into captivity.

Lamentation, the Book that immediately follows the Book of Jeremiah, is a book of weeping and grief by the people of Israel over the losses that they had experienced.  It is a funeral dirge.

As Jeremiah trudged through the ruined city, he smelled destruction everywhere.  He knew the invading Babylonians had destroyed the city because the people had forsaken their God. He knew that the Lord's people had brought misery upon themselves - yet his heart still broke.

For two whole chapters Jeremiah laments the calamity.  He recognizes the chastening hand of God.

“Does not the Most High send both calamity and good?” Lamentations‬ ‭3:38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Right in the middle of this dirge he stops to express one of the most hopeful pronouncements in the Old Testament... "The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the midst of the carnage, in the midst of his own wailing, the prophet finds hope in knowing that God still reigns.  He knows that restoration and repentance can occur - God's anger will not burn against His people forever.

Jeremiah can go on - with hope. So can we.

Even though there are more tears as you read through the last two chapters of Jeremiah, there is this small light in the midst of the darkness - Because God lives - so can we!

No matter how dark things might look right now, now matter how hard life is and can be - don't give up, give in or quit.  Don't give up on hope! We can move forward because He lives and is going to reward those who remain faithful to Him.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD...” Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

HOW TO SUSTAIN THE BLESSING OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE

“In the midst of her sadness and wandering, Jerusalem remembers her ancient splendor. But now she has fallen to her enemy, and there is no one to help her. Her enemy struck her down and laughed as she fell. Jerusalem has sinned greatly, so she has been tossed away like a filthy rag. All who once honored her now despise her, for they have seen her stripped naked and humiliated. All she can do is groan and hide her face.” Lamentations‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We've all been given so much in life, blessings upon blessings.  If one would stop and count the blessings, they would be innumerable.  I know that is true for my life and it is true for many of you.

In the Bible, God gave His people every blessing imaginable, even the Promised Land of abundance.  But then they lost it because of their sin.

My contention is this, great conquest must be supported by great character.  Whatever gains any of us make can also be lost in a heartbeat, unless they develop the character to support those gains.

Over my years of ministry I've watched many leader come and go because their "charisma" (gifts) exceeded their character (moral infrastructure).  The gift grew bigger than the person.

I've sat with many leaders who have wept in my office over the moral decline in their lives which disqualified them for ministry.

Even now I am shocked by today's headlines that states that there are thousands of people from the High Desert (not counting across our country) who are part of a website seeking to have an affair in their life.

What's wrong with this picture?  Where is our moral compass?

It has been said, "Nothing is so hard to gain, and so easy to lose, as our reputation."  We must all recognize how fleeting is fame or popularity.

- We usually recognize talents and gifts.  We should equally recognize solid character and integrity.

- We usually recognize the superb product.  We should equally recognize the process that develops on the way.

- We usually recognize evidence in performance.  We should equally recognize excellence in discipline.

- We usually recognize external appearances.  We should equally recognize stability and obedience.

The only way to sustain the gifts and blessings that God has endowed to us is to go deep and develop the character to sustain those blessings.  We must align our moral compass in regards to our integrity and holiness in life.

Others can.  I cannot.  I must make life decisions that are sustainable for the long haul and not for the short term pleasures they might bring.

Our vessels must be worthy to hold the anointing that God has placed upon us.  We must constantly guard our lives that holes and cracks don't disturb the foundation.  It is then that our blessing our sustainable for years to come.  May God help each of us in this regard!

SEASON OF WAITING

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint. Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is something that I'm not good at in life - that is "waiting."  The irony is this: It seems though that I've spent a lot of my life waiting for things to happen and come my way.

I have hung on to this promise more than once...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We may be waiting for specific fulfillment of God’s plan in our lives which God promised to us during our prayer.

•    It might be your job promotion
•    Salary increase
•    Dream house
•    Spouse (for single)
•    Healing
•    Salvation of loved ones

Waiting is not an easy job.  It is difficult and hard and even annoying.

This passage teaches us Three Ways To Wait:

1. Wait Prayerfully (Build Up Your Faith)

“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”” Luke‬ ‭21:36‬ ‭NLT

•    Pray expectantly (Faith)
•    Pray consistently (Effort)
•    Pray accordingly (Base on God’s Word)

2. Wait Actively (Build Up Others)

“Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    Read God’s Word
•    Meditate God’s Word
•    Spread God’s Word (tell everyone else)

“Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.””
‭‭Job‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3. Wait Patiently (Build Up Your Character)

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    God’s plan may come slowly
•    God’s plan will come steadily
•    God’s plan will come surely

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

•    Noah waited 120 years until it began to rain
•    Abraham waited 99 years before the promised son (Isaac) came
•    Moses waited 40 years in the desert before the promise deliverance of Israel from Egypt took place
•    Joseph spent several years in prison before he became 
ruler of Egypt
•    David waited until the death of Saul before he became king

Even Jesus waited for 30 years before He started His ministry.

I like the attitude of Prophet Habakkuk when he said:

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perhaps you are in a season of waiting right now.  Don't give up.  Hang in there.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and ask Him to give you the needed patience to get through this.

May God give you much grace today.  Remember that God's delay and is not necessarily denial. It's just "not now."

JUDGMENT FOR OUR SINS

““Now prophesy all these things, and say to them, “‘The LORD will roar against his own land from his holy dwelling in heaven. He will shout like those who tread grapes; he will shout against everyone on earth. His cry of judgment will reach the ends of the earth, for the LORD will bring his case against all the nations. He will judge all the people of the earth, slaughtering the wicked with the sword. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”” Jeremiah‬ ‭25:30-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I read a quote this last week by Francis Chan that makes a lot of sense - "People don't want to be saved from their sin, they just want to be saved from the penalty of their sin."

That is so true - especially in today's society.  People enjoy their sin - they just don't want the penalty of sin later.

Earlier in this chapter we see the warnings of  impending judgment that was coming upon Israel because of their flagrant sin.  In fact, God tells them...““Again and again the LORD has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention.” Jeremiah‬ ‭25:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This reminds me of a story I once heard about a very religious man who was once caught in rising floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his house and trusted God to rescue him. A neighbor came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” A short time later the police came by in a boat. “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll take you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me." A little time later a rescue services helicopter hovered overhead, let down a rope ladder and said. “The waters will soon be above your house. Climb the ladder and we’ll fly you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me." All this time the floodwaters continued to rise, until soon they reached above the roof and the religious man drowned. When he arrived at heaven he demanded an audience with God. Ushered into God’s throne room he said, “Lord, why am I here in heaven? I prayed for you to save me, I trusted you to save me from that flood.” “Yes you did my child” replied the Lord. “And I sent you a canoe, a boat and a helicopter. But you never got in."

Listen to me today, (This is not just me speaking but prophets and pastors across America are hearing and saying the same thing) - that  judgment is coming soon to America for its sins.  Judgment is coming to the House of God.  Judgment is coming to individuals who continue to walk flagrantly in their sins of pride and arrogance.  Someday soon, we will all have to stand in accountability for our sins.  It's time for us to wake up and heed the voice of God which is coming more and more frequent to turn and repent of whatever sin besets us.

“...be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers‬ ‭32:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

SUBMITTED TO THE POTTER'S HAND

““O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever watched a potter make a clay vessel? To me it is one of the most fascinating things to watch as he shapes the clay with his hands - sometimes over and over on the potter's wheel.

Let's talk about the potter’s wheel for a bit... It consisted of two wheels, one large wheel and one small wheel. The wheels were on a vertical axis and they were connected by a wooden rod. The large wheel was on the bottom and the small wheel was on the top. The large wheel was turned by the feet that would in turn spin the upper wheel. 

To us this wheel represents the circumstances of life that are used by God to the mold the believer, but in order for there to be a work on the wheel there was some things the potter had to have before he could mold us.

Clay is basically useless when it is dug out of the ground. It is shapeless, has no purpose, no beauty, it is no good and is of basically no good to anyone.

This is a picture of us when we were in our depraved state. We were sinners and a like a piece clay we were shapeless and had no purpose. There was no beauty in our life. But the potter put us on the wheel and we became a work on the wheels and the circumstances of life started us spinning

We didn’t end up on the potter’s wheel by mistake. There is a motive behind everything the potter is doing.  When he is forming that vessel he already has something in mind as to his will for us. He knows what kind of vessel he wants to make. A potter doesn’t sit down to make a vase and by chance make a bowl.

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans‬ ‭8:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is a perfect Will of God for each and everyone of us but it is up to us to find it.

The wheel begins to spin starting to work. The ugly piece of clay is on the wheel. The potter has kneaded it out like dough so he could have something to work with. He got some water just in case the clay gets a little dry or to hot. It doesn’t have any form. It’s just laying there helpless. It can't stand on it’s on.

The potter begins to apply a little friction causing the clay to stand upright giving it a little power to stand on its own. He then applies some pressure. This pressure was applied to get out some the small stones and burrs out that cause imperfections. Then the potter trims the clay. He cuts all of the excess away

Finally, he uses the heat to purify his work. He puts it in a kiln and covers it up. Nobody can see what is going on inside that kiln and it is hot and that vessel is being tried and tempered to see if is worthy to be used as a vessel of honor.

There has been many vessels gone in but some of them came out bent or broke and couldn’t be used.  But this time the potter pulls the vessel out of the kiln and to his delight he sees that piece of clay that was without shape and it was ugly and useless now it shape and is beautiful. 

But he wants to see if it is useful. So he takes it and gives it the ultimate test. He pours oil in it.

Oil represents the Holy Spirit and if the vessel can hold the oil it is a vessel of honor.

The question for you right now is this. Have you become a broken or bent vessel? Are you unable to hold oil anymore? 

If you hesitate or question yourself at these questions - do yourself, do your church and more than anything do God a favor and come back to the potter and let him put you back on the potter's wheel to become everything that God intends for you to be.

GIVE YOUR WORRIES TO GOD

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

Do you ever worry? I know I do - too much.  I think and rethink things over and over in my mind.  I rehash conversations and events until it wears me down.  I toss and turn in my sleep trying to figure things out.  

I know I'm not alone.

The truth is this... It takes more than will power to stop worrying. You already know that, because you’ve already tried it. You’ve thought, “I shouldn’t worry about this,” and yet you just keep on worrying about it.

It’s going to take more than your willpower to stop worrying. Basically, it's going to take four things to overcome worry.

1. Get To Know God. 

Jesus says in Matthew 6:32, “People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things” (MSG). 

If you don’t have a relationship with God, you have every reason to worry. You’ve got to get to know God! As a believer, you have a heavenly Father who has promised to take care of you. You are God’s child, and children get special privileges. When you worry, God says, “You’re my child. Why are you acting like an orphan?”

2. Put God First In Every Area Of Your Life. 

Matthew 6:31-33 says, “Don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing …. Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to” (TLB). 

Any time you take God out of the center of your life and put anything else there — no matter how good it is — you’re going to worry.

3. Live One Day At A Time. 

The Bible says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NCV). 

If you’re worrying about tomorrow, you can’t enjoy today. You miss today’s blessings. It’s OK to plan for tomorrow, but you have to live for today. Also, when you’re always worried about tomorrow, the future gets overwhelming. But God will give you the grace and strength you need when you get there. Right now, you only need enough power for today.

4. Trust God To Care. 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). 

How do you do that? One way is to memorize God’s promises in the Bible. 

They’re like an insurance policy for believers. When you know something’s covered, you don’t worry about it anymore. Another way is to pray. If you prayed as much as you worried, you’d have a lot less to worry about.

What’s the result of taking these four steps? Incredible peace of mind: “You will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Philippians 4:7a TLB).

Pray this prayer today: “Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that you are with me. I often forget what you’re like. Would you please forgive me for that? I need to get to know you better. I need to get to know your Word and your promises better. Help me to put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what you’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust you more and worry less. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”