Seeds of Change

“Self is the very citadel of Satan in the heart;
it is the great stronghold of the enemy.”
John Gregory Mantle: Beyond Humiliation The Way of the Cross (p33)

Seeds of Change:

I always loved teaching children about seeds. It was part of their gaining an understanding about the beauty and complexities of plant life. I would preface my lesson on seeds by asking about the life that was inside the dormant seed.
I’d hold up a lima bean (or other seed) and ask, “Is this seed alive?” Without fail the students would classify the seed as something that was not living.
We would then take some seeds and soak them in water overnight. The next day we would examine the seeds and find the seed coats were usually shriveled and broken. Of these seeds we would plant some in soil and others in clear jars filled with cotton batting and water. Still others were left out on a shelf in dry Petri dishes as controls to the experiment. The students would examine the seeds each morning as they came in. They would draw a picture of their seed and journal about the observations they had made for the day.
Within a few days the students were surprised to see a sprout emerge from the seed. When this happened I would ask again, “Is this seed alive?” With big smiles of discovery on their faces they proclaimed that there seeds had been alive all along, they just didn’t know it! It was always amazing to watch their daily discoveries of the root systems growth and then the emergence of the plants first pair of dichotomous leaves (which in fact are not real leaves, but a food source to allow the growth of real leaves). Within a few weeks they had journal entries and diagrams a-plenty documenting the growth of their seeds that could verify their findings that ‘seeds really are alive.’

Anyone who has been a believer in Christ for any length of time comes to understand that one of the biggest obstacles in the life of a believer is ourselves.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that our outer man (our soul) often fails to be in harmony with our inner man (our spirit).
The Apostle Paul observed it this way in his letter to the church in Rome:

14For we know that the Law is spiritual,

but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15For what I am doing, I do not understand;

for I am not practicing what I would like to do,

but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16But if I do the very thing I do not want to do,

I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17So now, no longer am I the one doing it,

but sin which dwells in me.
18For I know that nothing good dwells in me,

that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me,

but the doing of the good is not.
19For the good that I want, I do not do,

but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want,

I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21I find then the principle that evil is present in me,

the one who wants to do good.
22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23but I see a different law in the members of my body,

waging war against the law of my mind

and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?
25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God,

but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:14-22 NASB

When we are born again in Jesus Christ our inner man (the spirit)

is regenerated and desires the things of God and His kingdom.

The outer man however, still seeks its own way and own will.

The soul of man finds it difficult to surrender to the control of the inner man

and the Spirit of God which dwells in our human spirit..

We quickly discover that the inner man is hampered by the outer man,

which sets up road blocks for us to hinder the use our spirit for the kingdom.

The regenerated spirit of man

desires to discern God’s Word and walk in its fullness

to bless others with the truth

through the power and anointing of God.

Because the soul resists submitting to the draw of the Spirit

there is a continual battle for supremacy and control

of our thoughts, actions and behavior.

Until the outer man of the soul is broken

and becomes submissive to the spirit

this raging will continue

and we will be less effective for the purposes of God,

and a target for the wiles of the enemy.

Because of this battle,

there is a preoccupation in the church for revivals,

pleading prayer and a zealousness toward activity

to prove ones worthiness

(which of course can only come through Christ, not the works of men).

Believers will travel across the country

to attend Christian seminars and workshops

seeking the solution that lies only in their soul’s surrender to the spirit.

8For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB

The Word of God clearly describes these parts of all men:

22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
Romans 7:22 NASB

Our inner man takes great delight in the Law of the Lord.

16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,
to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
Ephesians 3:16 NASB

Paul reminds us again of the daily encounter

between our inner man and his adversary the outer man

which makes it imperitive

that we be renewed daily by the Spirit of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying,
yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB

When we are born again God comes to dwell in our spirit.

There He provides all the abundant life and power

that we need in order to live a faithful and productive walk with Him.

We are co-laborers in Christ.

To be fruitful we must be yoked to the Master, following His lead.

29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
Matthew 11:29 NASB

This regenerated spirit is found at the center of our being is the inner man.
Surrounding this inner man indwelt by God, is the soul.

This outer man is comprised of our mind, will and emotions.
The outermost part of man is surrounding both the inner man (spirit)

and the outer man (soul).

This is our physical body or the outermost man.

Because we deal with our outermost man the most,

we tend to get consumend by its concerns.

We often allow the issues

of our physical comfort

or our thinking, will or emotions

to dominate over the inner man.

We must never forget that our inner man

is the human spirit where God has chosen to dwell.

This is the interface of our spirit with God’s Holy Spirit.

It is the place from which we embark on every desire of God for our life,

the place of peace, the place of love and compassion, the place of Christ-likeness!

17But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB

21that they may all be one;
even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You,
that they also may be in Us,
so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
John 17:21 NASB

9However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit,
if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you
But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,
he does not belong to Him.
10If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin,
yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of Him
who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead
will also give life to your mortal bodies
through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:9-11 NASB

If we are to be ambassadors fro Christ

and the kingdom of God

then this inner man must be allowed to control

both our soul (mind, will and emotions) and our physical body.

2And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NASB

5Have this attitude [mind ed: fkj] in yourselves
which was also in Christ Jesus,
6who, although He existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
a thing to be grasped,
7but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a bond-servant,
and being made in the likeness of men.
8Being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 NASB

8for bodily discipline is only of little profit,
but godliness is profitable for all things,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8 NASB

We must always remember

that the largest issue in our walk with God

is not others, or even the enemy… it is ourselves.

Our spirit is like the life inside the seed coat

that is waiting to spring forth…

but the outer man must be broken and put to death

so that the life of God can be released in all its glory.

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End Part 1
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The Lion of Judah's Roar

"When Christ reveals Himself there is satisfaction in the slenderest portion, and without Christ there is emptiness in the greatest fullness."
Alexander Grosse

The Lion of Judah's Roar
5For John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1: 5,8NIV


One of the principle reasons we are given the Holy Spirit of God
is so that we will be empowered
to be powerful witnesses for the kingdom of God and His Christ.

The word witness means:
Someone who has seen something so amazing
they are compelled to share it with others.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ
the Holy Spirit is desiring to fill us with the courage and determination
to build up our faith
so we can become star witnesses for the Gospel message.

In the third and fourth chapters of Acts we see a striking example of this in the account of Peter and John as they entered the Gate Beautiful of the Temple in Jerusalem.

1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple
at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.
2And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb
was being carried along,
whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple
which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms
of those who were entering the temple.
3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple,
he began asking to receive alms.
4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said,
"Look at us!"
5And he began to give them his attention,
expecting to receive something from them.
6But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold,
but what I do have I give to you:
In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!"
7And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up;
and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.
8With a leap he stood upright and began to walk;
and he entered the temple with them,
walking and leaping and praising God.
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God;
10and they were taking note of him
as being the one who used to sit
at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms,
and they were filled with wonder and amazement
at what had happened to him.
Acts 3:1-10 NIV

It is worth noting that once healed this man…
Walked – he received his physical healing
Leaped – he received an emotional healing
Followed – he was spiritually transformed.

It is also interesting to note that Peter –
yes the guy who had just recently denied Christ;
was now filled with the Holy Spirit
and working miracles in the name of Jesus.

God’s Spirit distributes His gifts,
because we have need of the gifts…
We are needy of physical, emotional and spiritual healing and renewal.

If God distributes such gifts,
both for our benefit
and for the further work of the Gospel,
they we ought to seek them
and be obedient to use them to that end.

In Acts 4 we see that this one incident resulted in over 5000 men coming to the Lord. One has to wonder what the total effect was, considering these men had families; brothers, sisters and many had wives and children.

4But many of those who had heard the message believed;
and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Acts 4:4 NASB

Of course there was another reaction to this miracle…
The religious leaders of the day were threatened by such an outpouring amongst their “flock.” They had Peter and John thrown into jail, so they could conspire against them in an attempt to destroy or kill this “radical message.”

1As they were speaking to the people,
the priests and the captain of the temple guard
and the Sadducees came up to them,
2being greatly disturbed
because they were teaching the people
and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
[the Sadducees didn’t believe in a resurrection - Edit fkj]
3And they laid hands on them
and put them in jail until the next day,
for it was already evening.
5On the next day, their rulers and elders
and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;
6and Annas the high priest was there,
and Caiaphas and John and Alexander,
and all who were of high-priestly descent.
7When they had placed them in the center,
they began to inquire,
"By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
Acts 4:1-3, 5-8 NASB

There are still these kinds of “religious” men in the world
who would deny the power of the Gospel of Christ.
They still hold on to the vain traditions of men,
and deny the fullness of the Word of God.

1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful,
arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips,
without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4treacherous, reckless, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5holding to a form of godliness,
although they have denied its power;
Avoid such men as these.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NASB

13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John
and understood that they were
uneducated and untrained men,
they were amazed,
and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
(my emphasis bold and underlined)

This is the source… being in the presence of Jesus!

14And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them,
they had nothing to say in reply.

When we receive the power of the Holy Spirit and walk in the light
signs and wonders follow after us…
there is no argument when God miraculously heals someone…
this is especially true of non-believers!

15But when they had ordered them to leave the Council,
they began to confer with one another,
16saying, "What shall we do with these men?
For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place
through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem,
and we cannot deny it.
17"But so that it will not spread any further among the people,
let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name."
18And when they had summoned them,
they commanded them
not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
(my emphasis bold and underlined)
Acts 4:13-17 NASB

The enemy of God’s people has not changed his tactics. This meeting could have taken place in almost any city in America today. In this “Post Modern Culture” you can espouse almost any radical spiritual view with immunity. But when you proclaim the Gospel of Christ the “religious types” are still saying “Go and don’t speak or teach in the name of Jesus.”

After they threatened them, they let them go…
They didn’t want to, but they were afraid of the people.

21When they had threatened them further,
they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them)
on account of the people,
because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;
Acts 4:21 NASB

Peter and John went back to the disciples and followers of Jesus and recounted all that had happened and then they prayed
“Lord, fill us more!”

One might think they would have laid-low for a while.
But no, they sought more
until they were filled with the impartation and boldness
that only the Holy Spirit can impart.

29"And now, Lord, take note of their threats,
and grant that Your bond-servants
may speak Your word with all confidence,
30while You extend Your hand to heal,
and signs and wonders take place
through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."
31And when they had prayed,
the place where they had gathered together was shaken,
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak the word of God with boldness
(my emphasis bold and underlined)
Acts 4:29-31NASB

Boldness is the characteristic of being “secure in being conspicuous.”
[Thayer’s Dictionary]

The Holy Spirit empowers us to be secure in the things of the Spirit…
 Stepping out for Jesus in uncomfortable places.
 Becoming comfortable with His moving
in the supernatural through us.
 Enduring ridicule or suffering for the sake of the Gospel

We were created to be lights on a stand set on a hilltop.

14You are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,
but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:13-14NKJV

We are to be the living words of life that change the atmosphere around us.

In the classic movie The Wizard of Oz the cowardly lion finally comes to the realization that courage has been within him all along…

to which he asserts: “Put ‘em up!, Put ‘em up!

Such is the type of transformation of our spirit
when we allow the Holy Spirit to take His rightful place in our lives.
There is no need for a learning curve,
He simply imparts the courage we need for whatever the situation.

The highest priority of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Christ to us.
If we will submit to His tutelage however, we will find that He will lead us in many wonderful and surprising ways:
He will lead us into courageous worship
He will lead is in revelation of the Word of God
He will lead us in fervent and effectual intercession
He will lead us into all Truth….

Our confidence comes from confiding in who He is!

Long before David was to face Goliath
He learned the power of being in God’s presence.
He spent years in praise and worship before the Lord
He spent years of pasturing his father’s flocks
and learning to face their adversaries.
I visualize him spending years of leisure time in the fields as he tended the sheep, practicing with his sling, never imagining its pending import.

The courage to face Goliath came from a lifestyle of intimate worship,
and the demonstration of God’s faithfulness to him.

Adoration of the Lord leads to revelation and empowerment.

The Holy Spirit also will lead us in such courageous remembrances.
He reminds us of the love, mercy, kindness and goodness of God.

Of course we all have the natural capacity to remember…

The Holy Spirit however brings us a supernatural ability to remember
just the right thing at the right moment of time.

I am often amazed at the faithfulness of God to bring a particular memory, or Scripture verse, or account to my mind when I am ministering to others. It is most always just what they needed to hear, so that they could be encouraged or walk in faith. These are Gilgal moments (see Joshua 4) that recall the power and faithfulness of our God.

Such remembrances keep us focused in the positive and allow our faith to grow.

Far to many are held captive by negative thoughts and fears
simply because they fail to go back to Gilgal
and be refreshed in the goodness and surety of God’s faithfulness.

Paul Harvey used to sign off by saying “That’s the rest of the story!”

In Christ we can say “That’s the BEST of the story!”

In our every situation and circumstance we need not face life alone…
Christ is with us in every circumstance and He is committed to us.

Surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b NIV

It is Christ in us that is the hope of glory.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles
the glorious riches of this mystery,
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27 NIV

The Holy Spirit keep us dwelling in the Shadow of the Almighty.

There is an interesting nature film simply named “The Bear.”
In this film there is a young bear cub that gets separated from its mother and is discovered by a hungry cougar. The cougar chases the little frightened cub and finally corners it. The little cub cowers and wines in the face of its impending doom. Just as the cougar gets ready to strike, it freezes.
The little cub suddenly looks down and sees his mother’s shadow in front of him. She is standing behind him and her shadow surrounds him. When he sees her shadow he rises up and lets out a “little bear roar.” Almost at the same instant the mother lets our a resounding “get away from my baby roar!” The cougar flees for its life and the baby bear is saved under the shadow of its mother.

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD,
"He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

The Word says that the devil is like a lion,
who goes about roaring seeking whom he may devour.

Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8NIV

Jesus did say we would have tribulation in this world…

But when the roaring lion meets the Lion of Judah in us
It is like the cougar that met the mother bear… no contest!

Jesus continued to say: Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

33"I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 NIV

The time is approaching and now is for the church to ask for this kind of courage.
It is time for us to stand in our authority in Christ
and defeat the enemies around us.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them.
This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 149:6-11 NIV

We stand in the shadow of the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings!
It is time to roar with the Lion of Judah!

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Part 2 The Assurance of Things Hoped For

“Faith expects from God
what is beyond all expectation.”
Andrew Murray


Part 2 The Assurance of Things Hoped For: The Nature of Faith

Salvation is obtained by faith in Christ Jesus’ finished work on the Cross. Salvation comes as a result in our belief that Jesus died as our Passover Lamb, our substitute. This raises an interesting question. When were the disciples and believers of Jesus saved? As salvation rests on His being our Substitute for sin, then there faith prior to these acts wasn’t based on His crucifixion, death and resurrection.

When the disciples walked with Jesus they didn’t fully understand the concept of salvation as we do today. Jesus foretold them of His impending death for our sin and resurrection for our justification… they heard, but they didn’t truly understand.

9For as yet they did not understand the Scripture,
that He must rise again from the dead.
John 20:9 NASB

22So when He was raised from the dead,
His disciples remembered that He said this;
and they believed the Scripture
and the word which Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22 NASB

Martha’s “faith” in the Lord is related in the Gospel of John:

27She said to Him, "Yes, Lord;
I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God,
even He who comes into the world."
John 11:27 NASB

Martha’s faith was clearly not based upon Jesus as the One who would die and be risen as a personal Substitute for her sin.

She had faith in Him as the Son of God as the promised Messiah.

Likewise Simon Peter made the Spirit inspired observation:

16Simon Peter answered,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:16 NASB

Again this is not an observation that Christ would die for his sin and be raised for his justification, but that He was the Son of God. As striking as this was, it showed no knowledge of saving faith.

There is yet another type of faith mentioned in the Gospels that is quite surprising:

30So they said to Him,
"What then do You do for a sign,
so that we may see, and believe You?
What work do You perform?”
John 6:30 NASB

Note the expression “that we may see, and believe.”
This is an example of Sense Knowledge driving the belief system.
In-other-words “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

This echoes Thomas’ statement regarding the report of Jesus’ resurrection.

25So the other disciples were saying to him,
"We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them,
"Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails,
and put my finger into the place of the nails,
and put my hand into His side,
I will not believe."
John 20:25 NASB

Thomas was willing to believe only if he had hard evidence.

When finally faced with the Lord, He invited him to indeed examine his wounds and Thomas believed saying, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus reply to Thomas is very revealing…

"Because you have seen Me, have you believed?
Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
John 20:27-29 NASB

In this one example are contrasted two distinct types of faith.

One is Sense Knowledge Faith, which is predicated upon physical evidence.
If I can see it, feel it, taste it or smell it then I’ll believe it…

Jesus however speaks of a superior faith one where physical evidence is not present, yet one believes.

The faith that is exemplified by the men and women of Jesus day was predominantly Sense Knowledge Faith.

The Jews of Jesus’ day were still under the old covenant… they were still sacrificing Passover Lambs… the blood of animals still was atoning for their sin.

They didn’t have eternal life until Christ died on Calvary and rose again.

There is no reference to Christ as their savior or redeemer.

They did not believe in the Lords Substitutionary work,

indeed they demonstrated no knowledge of it.

We get a clarifying description of the disciples condition following the Lord’s resurrection in Luke 24: 10-53

Jesus appeared to Mary, Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and the other women who accompanied them to the tomb.

They rushed to the place where the disciples had gathered to share the good news that Jesus had risen. Note the reaction of the disciples…

10Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.
11But these words appeared to them as nonsense,
and they would not believe them.
Luke 24: NASB (my emphasis bold)

There was no saving faith on the part of the disciples…

They didn’t say:
“Ah yes, remember the Lord said this would happen…
it must be true He has risen!”

They didn’t believe until they saw for themselves.

The disciples had faith in Jesus as a Messiah, and as the Son of God.
There is no evidence that they beheld Him

as a Substitute for sin… as the Passover Lamb of God…

they viewed Him as their deliverer from Roman oppression.

The knowledge of Christ as their substitute for sin was only made clear to them later when God gave this revelation through the apostle Paul, as recorded in the Epistles.

End Part 2

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Part 1 The Assurance of Things Hoped For

“Faith is the strength

by which a shattered world

shall emerge into the light.”

Helen Keller


Part 1 The Assurance of Things Hoped For:

Have you ever voiced this familiar prayer from the Gospel of Mark (9:24)?
“Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief.”

I have to admit I have prayed it all too often myself.

When I do deep down in my “knower”

there is a slight discomfort as I realize

my faith is being hindered by ‘what I see’ in the situation that confronts me.

Now faith is
the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NASB

Faith is taking hold of the uncertainties of hopefulness
and bringing them into the realm of reality.

Faith is birthed in the Word of God…
Jesus alone is the Author and Finisher (Perfecter) of our faith…

17So faith comes from hearing,
and hearing by the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17 NASB

17So faith comes by hearing [what is told],
and what is heard comes by the preaching
[of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
Romans 10:17 Amplified

2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 NASB

Faith gives us the assurance that our need or desire will be met
in the face of circumstances to the contrary
because of the One who is our provision.

Faith proclaims that
“I belong to Jesus…
He is my source and my strength…
In Him I have all that is needed
for my present condition or situation.”

Faith is not simple mental assent or what E.W. Kenyon calls “Sense Knowledge.”
[E.W. Kenyon The Two Kinds of Faith: Faith’s Secret Revealed pg. 7 (Kenyon’s Gospel Publishing Society – Lynnwood, Washington)]

Sense knowledge resembles faith but falls short of true faith. It proclaims that the Word is true but that it doesn’t apply to my situation. Sense knowledge relies on the person’s seeing, hearing or feeling results before believing. Sense knowledge is big in Missouri the “show me state.”

True faith relies not on what we see as it is “the conviction of things not seen.”
It declares…
The Word says “I am healed… so I am!”
The Word says “No weapon formed against me will prosper… so this temptation will not dissuade me!”
The Word says “I am righteous in Christ… so I will walk in His righteousness.

When we are exercising true faith we rest in the peace of Christ no matter what the circumstances around us. Faith does not hinge on what we see, feel, or hear.

When we falter in faith it is usually because

the Word of God in us

has not overcome our perception of the situation before us.

End Part 1
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In Him

"A rule I have had for years is
to treat the Lord Christ as a personal friend.
When I go away from home I bid my wife and children goodbye;
I bid my friends and acquaintances goodbye,
but I never heard of a poor backslider going down on his knees and saying,
'I have been near you for ten years;
your service has become tedious and monotonous;
I have come to bid you farewell. Goodbye, Lord Christ.
'I never heard of one doing this. I will tell you how they go: they just run away!"
Dwight L Moody


In Him:

In the fourth chapter of Ephesians Paul begins to describe the Christ-like walk that all believers are called to. In the first verse he says that we should: "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you are called."
He then in the following verses outlines what it means to walk in a "worthy manner." He outlines the following characteristics and attitudes:
1. We are to walk "humbly" Ephesians 4:1-3
2. We are to walk "united" Ephesians 4:4-16
3. We are to walk "with renewed minds" Ephesians 4: 17-32
4. We are to walk "in love" Ephesians 5: 1-7
5. We are to walk "illuminated" Ephesians 5:8-14
6. We are to walk "in wisdom" Ephesians 5:15-17

Paul is making a plea here for us to walk separated from the ways of the world. Throughout the testaments we are called to be a separated people.
[ Deuteronomy 22:10; II Corinthians 6:14,17;
Leviticus 20:24,26; Hebrews 7:26]
We as followers should be different from the world:
The world does not walk in humility but seeks self-fulfillment and is bent upon exercising "rights."
The world refuses to be united because it is engaged in exalting personal differences one over another.
The world can’t understand the kingdom mind because it is caught up in the Madison Avenue massage and the lustfulness of material acquisition and fulfillment.
The world can’t truly love, because they have not tasted of the true love of God.
The world can’t know the light because they have been blinded by the darkness of their own sinfulness (John 1:5).
The world can’t be wise because true wisdom only comes from above and must be sought diligently through intimacy with God.
The world is busy justifying Paul’s evaluation when he said: "they are ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth."
(II Timothy 3:7)
Our being different from the world is like a two edged sword. In one sense because of our commitment to Christ we can be assured that the world will persecute us…if the persecuted the Master the will do the same to the servants. (John 15:18,19) Yet, where sin abounds, grace is far more prevalent, (Romans 5:20) and the light will always prevail over the darkness.
The life and light of Christ in us in it’s contrast to the worlds standards and customs will allow the lost to see the great light (Christ) in the darkness (John 8:12). Although Godliness may lead us through seasons of suffering and rejection, it also invites others to ask: "Why do you have so much hope?" We know this because Jesus suffered as our example. The godly person will always return good for evil because they have lived the kingdom principal of sowing and reaping; they understand that their reaction may well be the very incident that either brings the lost to Christ, or alienates them from Christ.
Walking with you in the hope of His Glory!…

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Wanted Dead, but, Is Alive Poster:

“The ‘least of my brethren’ are the hungry and the lonely, not only for food, but for the Word of God; the thirsty and the ignorant not only for water, but also for knowledge, peace, truth, justice and love; the naked and the unloved, not only for clothes but also for human dignity; the unwanted; the unborn child; the racially discriminated against; the homeless and abandoned, not only for a shelter made of bricks, but for a heart that understands, that covers, that loves; the sick, the dying destitute, and the captives, not only in body, but also in mind and spirit; all those who have lost all hope and faith in life; the alcoholics and dying addicts and all those who have lost God (for them God was but God is) and who have lost all hope in the power of the Spirit.”
Mother Teresa


Wanted Dead, but, Is Alive Poster:

From the beginning of the world to its end,
there is no place you can look and not see Jesus.
He is everywhere. He is everything.
"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
(Colossians 1:17)
If Jesus were to do His same ministry on earth over again in 2009,
He would be wanted by...
the FDA for turning water into wine without a license,
the EPA for killing fig trees,
the AMA for practicing medicine without a license,
the Dept. of Health for asking people to open graves, for raising the
dead and for feeding 5,000 people in the wilderness,
the NEA for teaching without a certificate,
OSHA for walking on water without a lifejacket
and for flying without an airplane,
the SPCA for driving hogs into the sea,
the NATIONAL BOARD of PSYCHIATRISTS
for giving advice on how to live a guilt-free life,
the NOW for not choosing a woman apostle,
the ABORTION RIGHTS LEAGUE for saying that
whoever harms children, it is better that they had never been born, the INTERFAITH MOVEMENT for condemning all other religions, and by the ZONING DEPT for building mansions without a permit.

Selah

Have a blessed day in the Great I Am!…

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Who is this Jesus?

"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you."

Corrie Ten Boom


Who is this Jesus?
In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
In Exodus, He is the Liberator.
In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
In Numbers, He is your guide.
In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse;
In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
In Esther, He stands in the gate as your deliver from your enemies.
In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles,
but He can do something about them.
In Psalms, He is your song-and your reason to sing.
In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life
and live it successfully.
In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace,

the everlasting Father, and more.
In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel- the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.
In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.
In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies
In Zechariah, He is the Lord of Hosts.


In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.
In Mark, He is the servant.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
In Philippians, He is your joy.
In Colossians, He is your completeness.
In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
In I Timothy, He is your faith.
In II Timothy, He is your stability.
In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
In James, He is the power behind your faith.
In I Peter, He is your example.
In II Peter, He is your purity.
In I John, He is your life.
In II John, He is your pattern.
In III John, He is your motivation.
In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
In Revelation, He is your coming King as
"King of kings and Lord of lords!"
Selah.
Have a blessed day, knowing what Christ desires to be for you and I….

Glory!

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Yielding to God's Holy Spirit

"If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only one way - obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our life, there is only one way - Obey Him. If we always obey impulses of fear or doubt or resentment, what will have authority over our minds? Fear, and doubt and resentment."
Tom Marshall

Yielding to God's Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit of God will never force Himself on us. We are called to surrender and yield ourselves to Him and His anointing. He graciously takes the Word and makes each message plain and personal, giving the believer the desire and ability to obey and become a “doer” of the Word.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will show you things to come”

John 16:13

This thought of being yielded is the fundamental requirement of living a Spirit-filled life and ministry. Our ministry to others must always come from the ministry of the Spirit to us, if it is to be fully life-giving.

So, has your king thrown a spear or two your way lately?
“What do I do now Lord?”

Well most everyone in the world can tell you the answer to that query.
You should of course “Pick up that spear and throw it right back”.....or,
“Secretly get even so the king will get what they deserve, and you won’t be discovered.”
Most surely most people would select from one of these, or a more creative
“get-even” response.

Should you agree, you will surely prove many things:
You are very courageous...
You stand for righteousness...
You boldly stand for the underprivileged when
they have been wronged...
You are tough and can’t be pushed around...
You will not stand for injustice or unfair treatment...
You are a defender of the faith...
an emissary of the light...
exposing of every false doctrine...

Now you will also be convinced that you are destined for leadership, in fact, you just might be the anointed hand of God yourself!....
After the birthright of king Saul...
One thing is for sure, if you are made the new king, it most likely won’t be very long before others recognize how adept you have become at throwing spears.

“There is a way which seems right to a man
and appears straight before him,
but at the end of it
is the way of death.”
Proverbs 14:12 Amplified Bible

After this must result in our yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit of God. God seeks for us to learn from the very beginning of our relationship with him, how to yield to His will over our will.
This is something that is virtually unteachable from person to person. Some seek after the fullness of the Spirit-filled walk for years, because they are unable to learn the lesson of yielding to Him. When they have received, each will tell you the secret to living in this resurrection life is found in seeking and yielding to the Lord.
But each one of us must discover this on our own, as God wants each individual to know how to let Him have His way in the times to come. This is a lesson that is highly specialized by the hand of God, fitted to the nature and needs of each believer.
We must realize however, that at no time does the Lord require or desire the believer to surrender his/her own personality. The Lord has instilled in each the personality which He intends to possess and work through, to His glory and honor. The Holy Spirit does not take the place of the individual. He simply seeks to shine the light of Christ through the filter of our yielded vessel; enhancing and glorifying Himself. This emphasizes the highly individualistic nature of God in dealing with His children; as we must do with the children God has entrusted in our care.
Moses was amazed as he turned aside to see the bush that was burning on the backside of the desert (Exodus 3:2.3) . The thing that caught his eye was not the burning of the bush, so-much-as the fact that the bush was not consumed in the fire.
Likewise when the Holy Ghost sets the hearts of believers on fire, aglow with the love and presence of the Lord, the personality of the individual is not consumed.
The dross in our lives may be separated and consumed, but our lives become radiant in the glow of God’s glory.

Come lets walk together in the Glory of God’s Call....

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Whoever Takes the Son

“Let it be known once and for all, God will not abdicate His lordship to the power of our minds, negative or positive. We are to seek only the mind of Christ, and His mind is not materialistic; it is not focused on success or wealth. Christ’s mind is focused only on the glory of God and obedience to His Word.”
Dave Hunt & T.A. McMahon - The Seduction of Christianity


Whoever Takes the Son:

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who , with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed elder man looked on with great satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.

Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holiday with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man.

As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.”

As the two began to talk, the soldier told how the man’s son had told everyone of his father’s love of fine art. “I am an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task.

True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.

As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he ever received.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation. With the collector’s passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at auction. According to the will of the old man, all the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings held in a private collection. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim “I have the greatest collection.” The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting?” It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.” More voices echoed in agreement. “No, we have to sell this one first”, replied the auctioneer.

“Now who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.” “I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice, Gone!” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can get on with it and bid on these treasures!” The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what is going on here!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son...gets it all.”

Author Unknown

A father’s greatest joy had come from his son who went away and gave his life rescuing others. And because of that Fathers love....whoever takes the Son....
gets it all.

Selah (Pause, and think about that)

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Romans 3:32

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son
that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16

Blessings to you and yours...
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The Love Command

“The center of man’s love must either be in himself, in other creatures, or in God. He may love all, but he cannot love more than one supremely.”
John Gregory Mantle Beyond Humiliation The Way of the Cross (p. 38)

The Love Command:

Jesus said, “I am among you as One who serves.” (Luke 22:27)
He also gave us the command to love one another. (John 13:34) If there is one thing that depicts the fallen world around us, it is a lack of love and servitude.

If we miss this later commandment, we miss everything about relating to God and our fellow man. Every other directive in the Word, in the teachings of the Prophets, and in the fullness of God’s Spirit, are bound up in this command to love, for God is Love. We were created in His image that we too would love. The deeper order of all that is meaningful in our lives, to becoming more and more like Jesus, is rooted in His love.

Reaching this attitude is not for the timid of heart. It requires a diligent effort to remain in an attitude of lowliness and meekness. We must be willing to submit ourselves, in order that we may be useful to God and to one another. We must because of the love of God in us place the well being of others above our own.

When we come to the place that we are able to serve because to the intimacy of our love of the Lord, we will find the mark of our Master’s hand upon us, and our lives will bear much fruit for his kingdom. Love never fails when it is divinely inspired.

Of course human love can fail; there is an abundance of evidence around us to sustain that fact. There is no good thing within our old human nature. Therein lays the difference. Human love has failed from the beginning, and it always will be frail at best.

The issue is simple: are we living in the old nature, or as a new creation in Christ. For within the newness of life in Jesus, there is exemplified an attitude of lowliness and humility that produces meekness (Godly control) which brings us to the place of being separated unto the Lord. It is in this place that we know the intimate touch of our Master’s hand, hear the sweet guiding voice of His Spirit, and experience the inner peace that His presence alone can bring. It is here that the presence of God brings understanding and the outward demonstration in our testimony, that we are free from the power of the enemy’s lies.
One of the greatest plans that Jesus demonstrated in His ministry was this attitude of servitude. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,

and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in the appearance of man,

He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,

even the death of the cross.”

Philippians 2:5-8

In His service and love,

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CHRIST IS THE WAY

“The Lord does not want to cut us off,
but He will if we become arrogant.”
Francis Frangipane –

“A World Without America”

CHRIST IS THE WAY
men without Him are like Cain...
wanderers and vagabonds;
men living in him are more than conquerors!

CHRIST IS THE TRUTH
men without Him are liars
and deceived by the "father of lies";
men trusting in Him will always live free in the truth!

CHRIST IS THE LIGHT
men without Him walk in darkness
and don't know where they are going;
men walking with Him
will always have their way illuminated!

CHRIST IS THE LIFE
men without Him are dead in their trespasses and sin;
men living for Him are alive to all things in Christ Jesus!

CHRIST IS THE VINE
men who are not in Him are as
withered branches prepared for the fire;
men attached to Him will bear good fruit
that honors their Father!

CHRIST IS THE ROCK
men not built on Him
will be carried away by the flood of judgement;
lives built on him are steady and sure,
and able to crush any enemy!

From: Uncle Bens Quote Book

Have a blessed day in the King of Kings!

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Called to Active Duty

“We cannot pick and choose from God’s Word. “To pick and choose what we want is an abdication of His Lordship. He cannot be received as a Savior unless He also comes as Lord. It is abdication to His Lordship that delivers us from the self-centeredness that kills us. Those who claim to have received His as Savior but continue to live according to their own will are deceived. True salvation is the deliverance from self-will and our self-life in exchange for His life. If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.
When we compromise the gospel to make it acceptable or for any other reason,

we strip it of the power to save.”
Rick Joyner There Were Two Trees in the Garden


Called to Active Duty

God has called you to active duty, in His kingdom
Never fear; He will always provide
the equipment you need to do your duty.
God never requires that which He can not perform in your life.
The world might say...
there are many reasons why God
wouldn't want to use you or me...

But don't worry, because...

Moses stuttered…
David's armor didn't fit...
John Mark was rejected by Paul…
Hosea's wife was a prostitute…
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning...
Solomon was too rich...
And he didn’t finish the race very well…
But the Spirit included his writings, in His Word…
Abraham was too old…
Sarah laughed at God…
David was too young…
Timothy had ulcers…
Peter was afraid of death…
Lazarus was dead…
John was at times self-righteous…
Naomi was a widow…
Paul was a murderer...
So was Moses…
Jonah ran from God…
Miriam was a gossip…
Gideon and Thomas both doubted…
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal…
Elijah was burned out…
John the Baptist was a loudmouth...
and he was not a very good dresser…
Martha was a worry-wart…
Samson had long hair…
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?..
So did Peter, and Paul…
well, lots of folks did…

But God doesn't require a job interview.
He doesn't hire-and-fire like most bosses;
because He's more our Daddy than a Boss.
God doesn't look at financial gain or loss.
He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging,
grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry,
not blind to our need.
And as much as we might want to earn them,
all the God's gifts are free.

We could do wonderful things for wonderful people,
and still not be... Wonderful.
satan proclaims, “You're not worthy.”
satan looks back and sees, and reminds us of our mistakes.
God looks back and sees the cross.
He doesn't calculate what you did.
If it's repented sin, under the Blood,
it's not even on the record.
Sure, there are lots of reasons
why God shouldn't want us.
But if we are utterly in love with Him,
if we hunger for Him more than our next breath,
He'll use us in spite of who we are,
where we've been, or what we look like,
or what our shortcomings may be.

The bottom line is… God loves you!!!
He desires to have you as a star witness of his love
to a lost and dying world.

Have a blessed day on the Master’s pallet …

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The King’s Domain

“I believe that if an angel were to wing his way from earth up to Heaven,
and were to say that there was one poor, ragged boy, without father or mother, with no one to care for him and teach him the way of life;
and if God were to ask who among them were willing to come down to this earth and live here for fifty years and lead that one to Jesus Christ,
every angel in Heaven would volunteer to go.
Even Gabriel, who stands in the presence of the Almighty, would say,
"Let me leave my high and lofty position,
and let me have the luxury of leading one soul to Jesus Christ."
There is no greater honor than to be the instrument in God's hands
of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan
into the glorious light of Heaven.”
Dwight L. Moody


The King’s Domain

“For seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness,
and all these things will be provided for you.”
Matthew 6:33 (my emphasis bold)

Have you ever contemplated the word kingdom as it appears in the New Testament? Kingdom (or King’s dom) refers to the “King’s Domain.” This phrase implicitly speaks of our Savior’s authority and Lordship over us and the Earth. It implies that all of the realm of God’s domain (or His dominion), is a part of the kingdom.
It is of this kingdom we speak when we recite the disciples prayer saying:
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Thus we are pledging ourselves to proper spiritual alignment: having the Spiritual to rule over the soul (mind, emotions and will) and the body.
When His kingdom is established in us we will walk in righteousness, peace and joy; and we will become a spiritual magnet to a lost and dying world around us.
The King’s Domain must be of the highest spiritual priority, if the nature of Christ is to be birthed within us.
We must decrease, that He might increase.

May the Joy of Jesus be your strength this day,

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A Table for Two

“There is no breakthrough without follow through.
For every impartation there is always a process.

All prophesy leads to process.

A process is a series of steps that takes us

from where we are right now to what God has promised us we can be.”
Graham Cooke


A Table for Two:

He sits by himself, at a table for two.

The uniformed waiter returns to his side and asks,
"Would you like to go ahead and order, sir?"
The man has, after all, been waiting since seven o'clock
-- almost half an hour.

"No, thank you," the man smiles.
"I'll wait for her a while longer.
How about some more coffee?"
"Certainly, sir."

The man sits, his clear blue eyes
gazing straight through the flowered centerpiece.
He fingers his napkin, allowing the sounds of light chatter,
tinkling silverware, and mellow music to fill his mind.
He is dressed in sport coat and tie.
His dark brown hair is neatly combed,
but one stray lock insists on dropping to his forehead.
The scent of his cologne adds to his clean cut image.
He is dressed up enough to make a companion
feel important, respected, loved.
Yet he is not so formal as to make one uncomfortable.
It seems that he has taken every precaution
to make others feel at ease with him.

Still, he sits alone.

The waiter returns to fill the man's coffee cup.
"Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?"
"No, thank you."

The waiter remains standing at the table.
Something tugs at his curiosity.
"I don't mean to pry, but..."
His voice trails off.
This line of conversation could jeopardize his tip.

"Go ahead," the man encourages.
His is strong, yet sensitive, inviting conversation.
"Why do you bother waiting for her?" the waiter finally blurts out. This man has been at the restaurant other evenings,
always patiently alone.

Says the man quietly, "Because she needs me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."

"Well sir, no offense, but assuming that she needs you,
she sure isn't acting much like it.
She's stood you up three times just this week."

The man winces, and looks down at the table. "Yes, I know."

"Then why do you still come here and wait?"
"Cassie said that she would be here."
"She's said that before," the waiter protests.
"I wouldn't put up with it.
Why do you?"

Now the man looks up, smiles at the waiter, and says simply, "Because I love her."

The waiter walks away, wondering how one could love a girl
who stands him up three times a week.
The man must be crazy, he decides.
Across the room, he turns to look at the man again.
The man slowly pours cream into his coffee.
He twirls his spoon between his fingers a few times
before stirring sweetener into his cup.
After staring for a moment into the liquid,
the man brings the cup to his mouth and sips,
silently watching those around him.

He doesn't look crazy, the waiter admits.
Maybe the girl has qualities that I don't know about.
Or maybe the man's love is stronger than most.

The waiter shakes himself out of his musings
to take an order from a party of five.

The man watches the waiter, wonders if he's ever been stood up.
The man has, many times.
But he still can't get used to it. Each time, it hurts.
He's looked forward to this evening all day.
He has many things, exciting things, to tell Cassie.
But, more importantly, he wants to hear Cassie's voice.
He wants her to tell him all about her day,
her triumphs, her defeats....anything, really.
He has tried so many times to show Cassie how much he loves her. He'd just like to know that she cares for him, too.
He sips sporadically at the coffee, and loses himself in thought, knowing that Cassie is late, but still hoping that she will arrive.

The clock says nine-thirty
when the waiter returns to the man's table.
"Is there anything I can get for you?"

The still empty chair stabs at the man.
"No, I think that will be all for tonight.
May I have the check please?"

"Yes, sir."

When the waiter leaves, the man picks up the check.
He pulls out his wallet and sighs.
He has enough money to have given Cassie a feast.
But he takes out only enough
to pay for his five cups of coffee and the tip.
Why do you do this, Cassie, his mind cries
as he gets up from the table.

"Good-bye," the waiter says,
as the man walks towards the door.

"Good night. Thank you for your service."
"You're welcome, sir," says the waiter softly,
for he sees the hurt in the man's eyes that his smile doesn't hide.

The man passes a laughing young couple on his way out,
and his eyes glisten as he thinks of the good time
he and Cassie could have had.
He stops at the front and makes reservations for tomorrow.
Maybe Cassie will be able to make it, he thinks.
"Seven o'clock tomorrow for party of two?" the hostess confirms.
"That's right," the man replies.

"Do you think she'll come??" asks the hostess.
She doesn't mean to be rude,
but she has watched the man many times alone at his table for two.

"Someday, yes, and I will be waiting for her."
The man buttons his overcoat and walks out of the restaurant alone. His shoulders are hunched,
but through the windows
the hostess can only guess whether they are hunched
against the wind or against the man's hurt.

As the man turns toward home, Cassie turns into bed.
She is tired after an evening out with friends.
As she reaches toward her night stand to set the alarm,
she sees the note that she scribbled to herself last night.
"7:00," it says. "Spend some time in prayer."
Darn, she thinks. She forgot again.
She feels a twinge of guilt, but quickly pushes it aside.
She needed that time with her friends.
And now she needs her sleep.
She can pray tomorrow night.

Jesus will forgive her.
And she's sure He doesn't mind.

Selah.

Looking with you to Jesus
The Author and Finisher of our faith.

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Beauty for Ashes:

We count the Scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy.
I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible
than in any profane history whatsoever!
Isaac Newton


Photo:

Bill Strickland

Beauty for Ashes:

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me;
because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good tidings....
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord....
To appoint to them that mourn in Zion,
to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise
for the spirit of heaviness...”
Is. 61:1a,2a,3a (my emphasis: bold)

In December of 1997 I met a man named Bill Strickland, who is by my way of thinking quite a remarkable man. Bill was born and raised on the North side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you know anything about Pittsburgh, you know that the north side of town is a place most people would generally not like to be after dark. It has the highest crime rate in the city, the greatest concentration of illegal drug activity and all the rest that goes with that scene. It is a desolate place resembling in places, a war zone, with decaying and burned out buildings. If you talked to the Pittsburgh police department, or some of the residents of this neighborhood they would tell you it is a “war zone”. As you drive through the streets you can see the look on some of the people’s faces: defeated, tired, angry, and disillusioned.
What a startling contrast when in the midst of the squalor you step into the Bidwell Training Center. In the midst of the desolation grows an orchid of great beauty. Its founder Bill Strickland is the antithesis of what is beyond his doors. Confident, enthusiastic and compassionate, Bill has decided to make a difference in the neighborhood in which he was raised, and he has.
Bill was a poor boy, and was a marginal student at best. In his own words Bill says of his youth: “There was one man who made a difference in my life, Mr. Ross my art teacher in high school. He took a special interest in me when everyone else had given up.” Mr. Ross was instrumental in getting Bill accepted in college despite his poor GPA and personal insecurities. He was somehow able to look past the underachieving poor boy, who had little concept of his self worth, and see Bill’s potential. Following high school Bill was accepted in college in a probational status, and worked hard to achieve his B.A. in art. When Bill returned home to North Pittsburgh, he returned to the same desolate neighborhood and seeming lack of opportunity to rise above his situation.
When you look around the Bidwell Center there is no question of this man’s impact on his community. The center is a nine million dollar state-of-the-art vocational training facility. Beautiful works of art hang unpretentiously and unprotected throughout the complex. In a neighborhood filled with graffiti, not a single dissident mark can be found anywhere in the building. In ten years of operation, there has never been an act of vandalism, or theft. There has never been a need for the police. There is no electronic security system, no armed guards or security personnel in the building, despite the valued collections of art works displayed.
If you ask Bill why, he will tell you....”It’s all an attitude!” You see Bill has discovered the value of people. He says “If you treat people as though they are worth something, they will become something.” That philosophy is seen written on the faces of the students that Bill works with. They are respectful, congenial and on-task because they do not want to disappoint their “Mr. Ross” - Bill. His attitudes and work ethic are evident everywhere in the lives of those the center touches. “This is no free ride!” Bill will tell you, despite the fact that the centers service are free. He is quick to assert; “Our standards are high, and students who persistently refuse to comply with them are asked to leave the program.” Few do.
Bill isn’t the type of man who goes about preaching about Jesus, he’s the type of man who exemplifies the love of Jesus to every one he meets. What a marvelous testimony.
Now, I think in reflecting, how much more do each of us have in Christ Jesus. Despite all our shortcomings and failures, He never gives up on us. He values each and every one of His children beyond their understanding. He has made available to us the vast resources of heaven...all that we might choose to follow after Him, act like Him...and grow by His grace to be, more and more, the sweet savor of Christ to all those we meet.
Today, you and I can be a Mr. Ross to someone who has lost their way-
It only takes the eyes of Jesus in us, and an obedient heart to love.
Selah.

“As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you:
continue in my love.
This is my commandment,
That you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no man than this,
that a man lays down his life for his friends.”
John 15:9, 12,13.

If you would like to know more about this amazing achievement you can find it in Bill's book, Make the Impossible Possible. The subtitle pretty much says it all: One Man's Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger and Achieve the Extraordinary.

In His love, for His love,
because of His love....

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The Trial of Job

“Many set out trusting Jesus in a measure, but looking to themselves for continuance and perseverance in the heavenward way. If we trust in ourselves for our holding on, we will not hold on.”
Charles Spurgeon

The Trial of Job:

Job was both a pious and prosperous man. His devotion to God resulted in the Lord’s blessing in his life and his family. Although it is difficult, it is possible for a wealthy man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Matthew 19: 23-24 NIV

By God’s grace the varied temptations of a wealthy man can be overcome. The Word’s documents that Job’s wealth and piousness, proceeded his afflictions, demonstrating that neither can secure any believer from tribulation.

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
1 Peter 12-13 NASB

Job was all too aware of the nature of the human heart, as evidenced by his concerns for his own children’s spiritual well being. He urged his children to be sanctified frequently, and he even provided the sacrifices necessary, reminding them of their need to confess and repent from sin so that God would forgive them.

1There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.
2Seven sons and three daughters were born to him.
3His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
4His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
5When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.
Job 1:1-5 NASB

Job’s afflictions began in the malice of Satan’s heart. Satan’s aim is always to kill steal and destroy.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…
John 10:10a NASB

He is the enemy of righteousness and is continually seeking to lead us astray or destroy those who love God and are called to His purposes.

God had such confidence in the integrity of Job, because he knew Job’s heart. So he asked Satan if he had considered the holiness of Job. Satan’s response was to claim that Jobs devotion was only due to the fact that God had blessed him.

6Now there was a day when the sons of God
came to present themselves before the LORD,
and Satan also came among them.
7The LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?"
Then Satan answered the LORD and said,
"From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it."
8The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job?
For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man,
fearing God and turning away from evil."
9Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing?
10"Have You not made a hedge about him and his house
and all that he has, on every side?
You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his possessions have increased in the land.
11"But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has;
he will surely curse You to Your face."
12Then the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power,
only do not put forth your hand on him."
So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1:6-12 NASB (my emphasis red)

How extensive Satan’s influence on us is, difficult to assess, but certainly some of the difficulties we experience in our walk with Christ can be attributed to him. While we are sojourners on this earth we are certainly targets for Satan and his fallen hordes. It is therefore in our best interest that we are conscious of his efforts and vigilant to stand against his works.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert
Your adversary, the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 NASB

The devil falsely slanders Job calling him a hypocrite without having any evidence that this was the case. He is the accuser of the brethren, and he continually brings allegations against us.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Revelation 12:10 NASB (my emphasis bold)

We must strive to live our lives in Spirit and Truth, that we are not able to be called hypocrites. Having said that we should never fear being falsely accused, but stand in the face of the enemy’s false assertions, confident in our position in Christ Jesus.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you,
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great;
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12 NASB

God allowed Job to be tested as he allowed Peter to be sifted...

31"Simon, Simon, behold,
Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
32but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;
and you, when once you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:31-32 NASB

God never allows Satan to tempt us without having a plan of how he will make it work together for our good and His glory.

And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:29 NASB

Indeed, Satan has no power to lead men and women to sin… that progression always comes from our own poor choices. Likewise the enemy has no power to afflict us unless the Lord grants him permission. To our comfort, God has the devil on a short chain.
The account of Job shows the goodness of God’s command in all the affairs of men.

All we possess is a gift from God. All that is ours should technically (under the Law) be forfeited by our sinful nature. So if we suffer any loss, we ought not complain.
Ultimately all God allows, which may seem in the moment loss, is designed for our becoming mature in our reliance and faith in God. If we are discontent with circumstance or impatient for outcomes, what does that say about our level of faith? It proclaims that we believe we know better than God!

8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.
9"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
11So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:8-11 NASB

Notice that Job guarded against making any accusation against God.

If anyone does not stumble in what he says,
he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
James 3:2b NASB

Job knew he dare not accuse God for his suffering.
Instead he humbled himself falling to the ground to worship God, saying:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked I shall return there
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
Job 1:21 NASB

Job suffered and refused to place any blame on the LORD.

22Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
Job 1: 22 NASB

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and to deliver us from sin, sickness, death and the bondages of dark influences of evil.

8 the one who practices sin is of the devil;
for the devil has sinned from the beginning
The Son of God appeared for this purpose,
to destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8 NASB

Job suffered, and yes we suffer… but no one suffered more than the LORD Himself.

2For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
3He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
6All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.
7He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
8By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living
For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?
9His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
10But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
11As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.
12Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:2-12 NASB

I will several times a year watch the movie The Passion of the Christ. I know many Christians who say they can’t bear to watch this account of what Christ suffered for our redemption. I watch it so I may put into perspective the slight sufferings of my life and call in Christ.
Indeed as graphic as the movie is, I believe it falls far short of the actual suffering Christ bore for our sin. Consider what it says in Psalm 22…

6But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
7All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,
8"Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."
12Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13They open wide their mouth at me,
As a ravening and a roaring lion.
14I am poured out like water,
And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
16For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
17I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
18They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.
Psalm 22:6-8; 12-18. NASB

We can be certain that whatever we are asked to suffer in this life the outcome will be worth it.

9 and may be found in Him,
not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law,
but that which is through faith in Christ,
the righteousness which comes from God
on the basis of faith,
10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection
and the fellowship of His sufferings,
being conformed to His death;
11in order that I may attain to
the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:9-11 NASB (my emphasis bold)

As we mature in Christ we can come to understand that our sufferings are an integral part of our walk with Christ. As the above scripture denotes, they allow us to be partakers of Christ’s suffering. These experiences allow us to better understand the extent and significance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sin. They also become a benchmark for our developing Christ-like compassion to those we meet who are walking through a suffering experience. They serve to demonstrate to us the faithfulness of the Lord, to carry us through suffering times, allowing our faith to stretch under the hand of the Author and Finisher of our faith. These events become character building episodes in our lives that result in our being better able to minister to others… to see as Christ did:
11 As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 53:11 NASB

When these things transpire in our lives we are then able to echo the words
“Count it all joy’…

2Consider it all joy, my brethren,
when you encounter various trials,
3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4And let endurance have its perfect result,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 NASB

Notice again what Jesus said to Simon Peter…

31"Simon, Simon, behold,
Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
32but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;
and you, when once you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:31-32 NASB

Jesus walks with us through our trials that our faith may be strengthened and that we will not fail. When we come out the other side of suffering we will be able to strengthen our brothers and sisters.

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