Today many are looking at the condition of the nation and the world and wondering, "How much longer can this go on?" Even those who do not know the Word of God are questioning, "How much longer can things continue to spiral downward without complete chaos and collapse of everything as we know it?"
There is an answer found in the Word of God. Matthew 24 tells us that everything we are now witnessing is the prelude to the end of time.
Many are looking for the one called the antichrist. That one who will seem to have the solution to everything. Then, once he is in complete control, he will reveal his true agenda, which is to dominate the world.
Here is a Word for the world and the Church: Stop looking for the antichrist and start looking for Jesus!
Just like John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, we now must prepare the way for His return. There is much work to be done because many still do not know how much He loves them.
Soon, He will call the Church out of here and then He will return again, bringing the Church with Him. When His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
We have work to do. Let's go-->
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
IT"S THE BLOOD!
I am amazed at how, over time, we lose sight of very profound truths. Truths that are an integral part of our faith, that somehow slip away into the shadows, only to be re-discovered.
Of late, it seems, I am going through a 'renaissance' period. I have been reading books written by Watchman Nee, specifically the "Normal Christian Life" and one by Arthur Katz, "Ben Israel, Odyssey of a Modern Jew.
Both of these guys from two entirely different cultures and perspectives, but their stories have touched deep within my soul and brought to light some precious truths of God.
I have not completed Watchman Nee's book yet, but out of the shute, he speaks of the power of the Blood of Jesus! He helped me to understand that Jesus took His Blood and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. Much like the high priest did each year, on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, as the True High Priest, took His Blood( that of the True Pure Lamb of God) into the Holy of Holies, once and for all, to wash away the sins of the world.
Once man believes and receives Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice for his sin, he becomes a child of the Most High God and now has access to Him. However, it can feel intimidating to approach Him in prayer and we can question how He could even look at us or hear us.
Watchman Nee, who was imprisoned the last 20 years of his life because he refused to deny Christ, explains that we can enter into the Holy of Holies with boldness, as the Word instructs us, because we go through the Blood everytime. The Blood is covering us each time we bring our petitions before the Lord. The Righteousness of Jesus Christ is all the Father sees.
It does not depend on how good we have been. We do not need worry when we have failed Him. The Blood covers us as we surrender to Him. All the time, everytime. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
I praise Him for the Blood of Jesus that washes my sin away, that allows me to stand before Him in prayer, without fear, and know that He hears my petition: not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has covered me.
Of late, it seems, I am going through a 'renaissance' period. I have been reading books written by Watchman Nee, specifically the "Normal Christian Life" and one by Arthur Katz, "Ben Israel, Odyssey of a Modern Jew.
Both of these guys from two entirely different cultures and perspectives, but their stories have touched deep within my soul and brought to light some precious truths of God.
I have not completed Watchman Nee's book yet, but out of the shute, he speaks of the power of the Blood of Jesus! He helped me to understand that Jesus took His Blood and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. Much like the high priest did each year, on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, as the True High Priest, took His Blood( that of the True Pure Lamb of God) into the Holy of Holies, once and for all, to wash away the sins of the world.
Once man believes and receives Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice for his sin, he becomes a child of the Most High God and now has access to Him. However, it can feel intimidating to approach Him in prayer and we can question how He could even look at us or hear us.
Watchman Nee, who was imprisoned the last 20 years of his life because he refused to deny Christ, explains that we can enter into the Holy of Holies with boldness, as the Word instructs us, because we go through the Blood everytime. The Blood is covering us each time we bring our petitions before the Lord. The Righteousness of Jesus Christ is all the Father sees.
It does not depend on how good we have been. We do not need worry when we have failed Him. The Blood covers us as we surrender to Him. All the time, everytime. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
I praise Him for the Blood of Jesus that washes my sin away, that allows me to stand before Him in prayer, without fear, and know that He hears my petition: not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has covered me.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
WHAT IS YOUR 'REALITY'?
Today, as I have spent several hours with the Lord ministering to me, I have come to realize a great gap in what I perceive my 'reality' to be and how the Lord sees it.
I recognize, and admit, that as long as I dwell in this house of clay, I am subject to faults and even sin, because of the choices I make based on my perception of 'reality'. Does it sound complicated? It really is quite simple.
We perceive our 'reality' based on how it relates (relative morality) to our core beliefs, standards set individually or by society or by the paradigms by which we govern our lives. In other words, we basically write our own 'reality'. The atheist or unbeliever and even the Church buy into the following: there are no absolutes; if it feels good, do it; if it doesn't hurt anyone, do it; there is no God, do it; there is a God but He is love, do it; everyone is doing it; there are no consequences....etc.
The Truth is there are absolutes that govern our life here on earth, beginning with: there is a God. We want to hide from this absolute, so that we do not have to experience guilt and can continue to satisfy our own lusts, of which there are many. It's just easier to go with the flow, than to follow the Truth, which was placed in all of our hearts at conception
The Truth died and was resurrected two thousand years ago, so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Not for us to squander it upon ourselves, but to let the Truth live through us.
We need to consider the way we interpret our 'reality'. God has placed Eternity in the heart of every man/woman. Whether we accept this or not is irrelevant. What His Word says is relevant and what His Word says is the guideline for being 'real'; how we must define our own 'reality'.
"You draw near to me with your mouth, and honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)
WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?
I recognize, and admit, that as long as I dwell in this house of clay, I am subject to faults and even sin, because of the choices I make based on my perception of 'reality'. Does it sound complicated? It really is quite simple.
We perceive our 'reality' based on how it relates (relative morality) to our core beliefs, standards set individually or by society or by the paradigms by which we govern our lives. In other words, we basically write our own 'reality'. The atheist or unbeliever and even the Church buy into the following: there are no absolutes; if it feels good, do it; if it doesn't hurt anyone, do it; there is no God, do it; there is a God but He is love, do it; everyone is doing it; there are no consequences....etc.
The Truth is there are absolutes that govern our life here on earth, beginning with: there is a God. We want to hide from this absolute, so that we do not have to experience guilt and can continue to satisfy our own lusts, of which there are many. It's just easier to go with the flow, than to follow the Truth, which was placed in all of our hearts at conception
The Truth died and was resurrected two thousand years ago, so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Not for us to squander it upon ourselves, but to let the Truth live through us.
We need to consider the way we interpret our 'reality'. God has placed Eternity in the heart of every man/woman. Whether we accept this or not is irrelevant. What His Word says is relevant and what His Word says is the guideline for being 'real'; how we must define our own 'reality'.
"You draw near to me with your mouth, and honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)
WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
ONLY DEAD FISH FLOAT
From the title of this message, you could probably preach your own message and would not need any assistance!
We all know that in the real world of all things fishy....only the fish that are alive are swimming and they are not always going with the flow. They work their way in and out of the current, always searching for just that right tidbit of food or just that right shady spot to keep away from the summer's hot sun. Maybe, even more importantly, evading the enemy above the water who is using a well concealed hook to catch them and end their life.
Using this analogy representling the life of the Followers of Christ, we can see that we must be continually on the move, looking, searching for that purpose we were created for and continually executing that purpose, being aware of the tricks of the enemy who would like to lure us into a place we do not want to go and even ending our purpose here on earth if he can.
If we are sitting by, just waiting for a special move of God before we get out there and do what we are called to do from the moment of conception, we are actually operating in disobedience and are in danger of getting hooked by one of the tricks of the enemy that cause us to just sit idly by while he is free to move about, looking and searching for whom he may devour.
This is our opportunity to shine for Jesus, using every opportunity afforded us to pray, comfort, encourage, strengthen, restore and rebuild and help the Body stay focused on our mission and our homecoming. It may never be convenient for us to fulfull this calling, but neither was the cruel death that Jesus submitted to convenient for Him.
This is the time that we need to empty our schedules and make sure that things of Christ and the souls of men are our priority. If we are otherwise occupied, it's only a matter of time before we will no longer have the option to do so.
What bait is the enemy using on you? Is he luring you into slothfulness, apathy, hardened heart? What is it that stops you from fulfilling God's call upon your life, that stands between you and a heart that breaks for those who do not yet know how much He loves them?
Only dead fish float!
We all know that in the real world of all things fishy....only the fish that are alive are swimming and they are not always going with the flow. They work their way in and out of the current, always searching for just that right tidbit of food or just that right shady spot to keep away from the summer's hot sun. Maybe, even more importantly, evading the enemy above the water who is using a well concealed hook to catch them and end their life.
Using this analogy representling the life of the Followers of Christ, we can see that we must be continually on the move, looking, searching for that purpose we were created for and continually executing that purpose, being aware of the tricks of the enemy who would like to lure us into a place we do not want to go and even ending our purpose here on earth if he can.
If we are sitting by, just waiting for a special move of God before we get out there and do what we are called to do from the moment of conception, we are actually operating in disobedience and are in danger of getting hooked by one of the tricks of the enemy that cause us to just sit idly by while he is free to move about, looking and searching for whom he may devour.
This is our opportunity to shine for Jesus, using every opportunity afforded us to pray, comfort, encourage, strengthen, restore and rebuild and help the Body stay focused on our mission and our homecoming. It may never be convenient for us to fulfull this calling, but neither was the cruel death that Jesus submitted to convenient for Him.
This is the time that we need to empty our schedules and make sure that things of Christ and the souls of men are our priority. If we are otherwise occupied, it's only a matter of time before we will no longer have the option to do so.
What bait is the enemy using on you? Is he luring you into slothfulness, apathy, hardened heart? What is it that stops you from fulfilling God's call upon your life, that stands between you and a heart that breaks for those who do not yet know how much He loves them?
Only dead fish float!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
HOW PRECIOUS ARE THE CONVERSATIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS!
Sometimes we, as Followers of Christ, tend to think in terms of our life here on earth as separate from the life to come, but recently, I have discovered that God has, perhaps, a different opinion.
We have many conversations throughout any given day: with other Followers; with family members; with people in the market place; with people on the internet; with ourselves in our heart of hearts, and hopefully, with our Heavenly Father.
We all know that God knows everything about us. He knows our deepest secrets, nothing is hidden from Him. He knows every motive behind everything we do and in that final Day of Judgment, all that we have done, thought or said will be tried by fire, some to be burned up, others to be rewarded.
God is so with us, even now, on this earth that He keeps an account of our conversation: "Then those who feared the Lord, talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be mine", says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." (Malachi 3:16-18)
Those conversations that we have had between ourselves, lifting Him up and expressing our devotion for Him to each other, He will remember. When we stand before Him, He will recall the times when we have reminded another of His faithfulness even in the dark hours we have faced. The times we have spoken just that Word that lifted our faith and the faith of others to trust and believe that all His Word has spoken is true and that through it all, He is faithfull and full of mercy and grace. The times we have spoken that warning, in love, that turned a wandering one around and back to Him. He will remember the comfort that we received as one or the other spoke of the Life to come.
What is your conversation?
We have many conversations throughout any given day: with other Followers; with family members; with people in the market place; with people on the internet; with ourselves in our heart of hearts, and hopefully, with our Heavenly Father.
We all know that God knows everything about us. He knows our deepest secrets, nothing is hidden from Him. He knows every motive behind everything we do and in that final Day of Judgment, all that we have done, thought or said will be tried by fire, some to be burned up, others to be rewarded.
God is so with us, even now, on this earth that He keeps an account of our conversation: "Then those who feared the Lord, talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be mine", says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." (Malachi 3:16-18)
Those conversations that we have had between ourselves, lifting Him up and expressing our devotion for Him to each other, He will remember. When we stand before Him, He will recall the times when we have reminded another of His faithfulness even in the dark hours we have faced. The times we have spoken just that Word that lifted our faith and the faith of others to trust and believe that all His Word has spoken is true and that through it all, He is faithfull and full of mercy and grace. The times we have spoken that warning, in love, that turned a wandering one around and back to Him. He will remember the comfort that we received as one or the other spoke of the Life to come.
What is your conversation?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR WAY?
How does it happen? We know Jesus, we know the Word, we have walked in the power of His Holy Spirit, then one day we find ourselves on the outside looking in! Did it happen all at once? Did we not see it coming? Can we ever find our way back?
Sometimes it comes through an injury, delivered by someone we loved and trusted; sometimes through our own neglect, pride. We can't forgive them and we can't forgive ourselves. And then the true enemy begins to reveal himself, and make it personal, as he speaks to us regarding: all the time you have wasted; how could they have done this to you?; you deserve better than this?; what has this life ever gotten you but grief?; where was God when you needed him?; you have been a fool! And then, as you continue to allow him to speak to you, he convinces you that God is not who He claims to be and how could you ever hope that He would ever want you or use you again!
All of this takes place on the battlefield of your mind. Now is the time to stop the enemy with the Word of God. All of these things happened to Jesus but He used the Word of God on the enemy. No matter what you have done, no matter what you have thought, even denying that God exists, you do know the Truth!
God had no illusions about you when He called you. Do you think this day was a surprise to Him? He knew the roads you would take and the twists and turns you would be confronted with but He still called you anyway.
Your gift and calling is without repentance. Turn back to Him and repent. He is faithful and just to forgive you and you must forgive yourself. Who do we think we are in believing that we can't be forgiven? Is anything too hard for God? The Word is in you and you will never be able to expunge it from your spirit. God knows the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. That's why Jesus came here, in the form of a man, and suffered every temptation that is common to man, yet He sinned not. He gets it, beloved!
Don't let the enemy win! You are still a King and a Priest! Do not give your Authority away!
He is not mad at you and He is waiting for you to turn and say, "I'm sorry! Help me!
Sometimes it comes through an injury, delivered by someone we loved and trusted; sometimes through our own neglect, pride. We can't forgive them and we can't forgive ourselves. And then the true enemy begins to reveal himself, and make it personal, as he speaks to us regarding: all the time you have wasted; how could they have done this to you?; you deserve better than this?; what has this life ever gotten you but grief?; where was God when you needed him?; you have been a fool! And then, as you continue to allow him to speak to you, he convinces you that God is not who He claims to be and how could you ever hope that He would ever want you or use you again!
All of this takes place on the battlefield of your mind. Now is the time to stop the enemy with the Word of God. All of these things happened to Jesus but He used the Word of God on the enemy. No matter what you have done, no matter what you have thought, even denying that God exists, you do know the Truth!
God had no illusions about you when He called you. Do you think this day was a surprise to Him? He knew the roads you would take and the twists and turns you would be confronted with but He still called you anyway.
Your gift and calling is without repentance. Turn back to Him and repent. He is faithful and just to forgive you and you must forgive yourself. Who do we think we are in believing that we can't be forgiven? Is anything too hard for God? The Word is in you and you will never be able to expunge it from your spirit. God knows the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. That's why Jesus came here, in the form of a man, and suffered every temptation that is common to man, yet He sinned not. He gets it, beloved!
Don't let the enemy win! You are still a King and a Priest! Do not give your Authority away!
He is not mad at you and He is waiting for you to turn and say, "I'm sorry! Help me!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
WHAT'S IT GONNA' TAKE?
In this life, we spend so much time searching for what seems to always illude us. We are never quite satisfied; we are unsettled; we create busy-work/activities; always seeking what seems, in the end, to escape us.
It takes many forms such as: knowing the 'right' people; driving the 'right' car; participating in the 'right' social activities; dating the 'right' man/woman; having the 'right' house; wearing the latest fashion; belonging to the 'right' clubs. The list is endless and yet, nothing satisfies.
C. S. Lewis said, "If I find myself a desire which no experience in this world will satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
There it is! We were known before we were every formed in our mother's womb! We were called into this world, by whatever process, for a purpose and when that purpose is our focus, we will find satisfaction in this world.
What is it going to take?
It takes many forms such as: knowing the 'right' people; driving the 'right' car; participating in the 'right' social activities; dating the 'right' man/woman; having the 'right' house; wearing the latest fashion; belonging to the 'right' clubs. The list is endless and yet, nothing satisfies.
C. S. Lewis said, "If I find myself a desire which no experience in this world will satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
There it is! We were known before we were every formed in our mother's womb! We were called into this world, by whatever process, for a purpose and when that purpose is our focus, we will find satisfaction in this world.
What is it going to take?
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