Sometime ago I went through a dark time in my life. And on my search for a word or a message from God I visited many churches. And what I found was much of the same ol' rhetoric. Preachers regurgitating the same ol' stuff. Often times I went away feeling like it was a waste of my time even getting up and going to church. I did it more out of religion than expectation.
I have recently gone back and I still feeling the same way. The church is just having church. While families within the church are falling apart, people are loosing homes and businesses. All the while the preachers seemed to be concerned with one thing. How do we keep our profession going? How do we get people to give more in these tough economic times. How do we keep people from leaving the church?
The answer lies within the prayer closet preacher! Not gimmicks and crafty sermons. Prayer brings God into the pulpit and then He saturates the sanctuary. It is the priestly duty! To minister to God first! Our churches are dying because the pulpits are withering. Our pUlpits are withering cause many preachers have stopped chasing God and have become professional in what they do.
The result is rather than getting a healing word or a word of hope, people have been subjected to crafty sales pitches and brow beating sermons that make them feel guilty for not giving.
Prayer needs to be brought back to the pulpit. We need God in our services! We need men and women who are on fire first in the prayer closet then they transfer that to the church. God is looking for such a human being to carry that life changing fire into the church.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Prayer The Avenue of Change
It was interesting to watch the campaign of Barack Obama. He ran a campaign based on two words "Change" and "Hope" The turn out at the polls was remarkable. Individuals who had never voted their entire lives showed up to participate in election. The participation of these people themselves demonstrated both words. People showed up with change on their mind and hope in their hearts.
In 15 yrs of being a Christian having experienced both great success and terrible failure, it has been prayer that has been the avenue of change in my life. Greatness begins with adversity and prayer is the thing that brings you through it into your greatness.
Moses was in the wilderness and standing next to a bush God begins to communicate with him. He is transformed through the fellowship of prayer. Elijah was in the cave and his time alone God changes his life for his next season. You will never move any further in life than your ability to pray.
PRayer is the avenue of change! Walk down it for you will never be the same!
In 15 yrs of being a Christian having experienced both great success and terrible failure, it has been prayer that has been the avenue of change in my life. Greatness begins with adversity and prayer is the thing that brings you through it into your greatness.
Moses was in the wilderness and standing next to a bush God begins to communicate with him. He is transformed through the fellowship of prayer. Elijah was in the cave and his time alone God changes his life for his next season. You will never move any further in life than your ability to pray.
PRayer is the avenue of change! Walk down it for you will never be the same!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Prayer vs. Methods
Prayer will always be the vehicle that God moves about in the earth. It is through prayer that methods are conceived,developed and given by God. It was prayer that gave Noah the Ark, and Prayer that has given us some of the methods that have changed the world today. Great men and women were in prayer when they received their assignments. Choosing to be God's methods in earth. Man has always been a great thinker being that he has been created in the likeness and image of God. The ability to think and create. It is a gift!
We loose sight of God and prayer when we try too many methods and they work. We stop praying because we figure that we can do it all on our own. Methods will never be able to outdo prayer. Prayer is progressive. It Brings answers from eternity and unlocks a potential the world has never seen.
Next time you are in a situation that seems impossible...PRAY!
We loose sight of God and prayer when we try too many methods and they work. We stop praying because we figure that we can do it all on our own. Methods will never be able to outdo prayer. Prayer is progressive. It Brings answers from eternity and unlocks a potential the world has never seen.
Next time you are in a situation that seems impossible...PRAY!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Compromise
Satan does not want you to believe that you can have a good life in the will of God.
In the garden of Eden he planted a seed of doubt against God's word into the mind of Eve. Causing her to question her God and the provisions that God had made for her. Making her believe that she was actually missing out on something better than what she already had.
His tactic is one of confusion that starts out with the question "Did God say?" If he can get you to question the will of God, then he can get you to fight with the purpose of God. Which then brings the doubt of God's judgment. Table of compromise is the table of devil's. No human ever wins at that table. Once you are there you obviously mean to do business with him. Anything he gives you is nothing in comparison to what you will have to give up for a temporary pleasure in exchange for an eternal life in Hell. Prayer exposes the enemy for what he is and gives us the power to resist him through the Holy Spirit. Pray and pray some more. When you are done doing that. Pray again.
In the garden of Eden he planted a seed of doubt against God's word into the mind of Eve. Causing her to question her God and the provisions that God had made for her. Making her believe that she was actually missing out on something better than what she already had.
His tactic is one of confusion that starts out with the question "Did God say?" If he can get you to question the will of God, then he can get you to fight with the purpose of God. Which then brings the doubt of God's judgment. Table of compromise is the table of devil's. No human ever wins at that table. Once you are there you obviously mean to do business with him. Anything he gives you is nothing in comparison to what you will have to give up for a temporary pleasure in exchange for an eternal life in Hell. Prayer exposes the enemy for what he is and gives us the power to resist him through the Holy Spirit. Pray and pray some more. When you are done doing that. Pray again.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Prayer and the Possibilities
Prayer makes the impossible turn to possible. In fact it was God Himself who said "With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible" MT 19:26 We see in scripture where on two occasions the impossible was made possible with a prayer.
The first is found in Mark 6 Five Thousand Fed
" He took the five loaves and two fish and looking up toward Heaven He blessed the food"
The second is found in Mark 8 Where He does the same thing instead of five thousand it four.
When we take it to God He is always able. But as long as we continue to hold on to it and try it ourselves and within our own strength we delay the miracle. It is not until we put it into the hands of God and follow His instructions that the miracle takes place.
God is always able to make the impossible very possible. So long as it is in His hands.
The first is found in Mark 6 Five Thousand Fed
" He took the five loaves and two fish and looking up toward Heaven He blessed the food"
The second is found in Mark 8 Where He does the same thing instead of five thousand it four.
When we take it to God He is always able. But as long as we continue to hold on to it and try it ourselves and within our own strength we delay the miracle. It is not until we put it into the hands of God and follow His instructions that the miracle takes place.
God is always able to make the impossible very possible. So long as it is in His hands.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Private Prayer
The man or woman of God fervent in prayer and full of the word are the ones that make a difference in the world. It is in private not public that they take the greatest stance against sin and hyprocrisy. The mightiest men of God were forged privately in prayer. Moses went to the mountain. David was left alone to tend sheep and there discovered the Lord.
"The way to the palace is by way of the cave."
Elijah was a man of solitude and prayer. Abraham constantly had fellowship with God. These are the people the bible is written of. Men and women who loved God privately before the were ever confirmed publicly. People who left and indelible mark on the face of the earth.
"The way to the palace is by way of the cave."
Elijah was a man of solitude and prayer. Abraham constantly had fellowship with God. These are the people the bible is written of. Men and women who loved God privately before the were ever confirmed publicly. People who left and indelible mark on the face of the earth.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Prayer Always Produces What Men Can't
Prayer will always produce a result or a miracles that men cannot. God gave us prayer as a means of tapping into His resources and bringing into fruition miracles and dreams that He has placed in our spirit. Perhaps you have a loved one who has gone astray, and you have called in ministers hoping that they can get through to them. But to no avail. Because with man this is impossible and with God all things are possible!
Are you working on a project and it seems fruitless? A ministry with no results and limited resources? Stop relying on your own ability and start relying on God's. Watch what happens! Prayer has always produced what men can't. In fact the bible shares with us that Elijah prayed and the drought was over. He prayed again and it didnt rain for three years.
When Jesus fed the five thousand He took the bread and prayed over it providing enough for everybody in the crowd. What seemed to be limited in the hands of men, now became an abundance in the hand of God.
Prayer always produces what men cannot!
Are you working on a project and it seems fruitless? A ministry with no results and limited resources? Stop relying on your own ability and start relying on God's. Watch what happens! Prayer has always produced what men can't. In fact the bible shares with us that Elijah prayed and the drought was over. He prayed again and it didnt rain for three years.
When Jesus fed the five thousand He took the bread and prayed over it providing enough for everybody in the crowd. What seemed to be limited in the hands of men, now became an abundance in the hand of God.
Prayer always produces what men cannot!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Dwelling in His Presence
1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The key to all this is to simply trust God and abide in His presence. Invite Him into your life today.
Psalm 91:1 (King James Version)
There is a place in God that we can only come to through prayer. It is a place of peace, protection and provision. As the writer of this particular Psalm discovered. A place where the enemy is not allowed.
Prayer opens up these places of refuge in the Lord. It extends God's shadow over us and with that shadow comes the presence of peace that encompasses our lives.
Even though others are falling all around us that harm shall not come to us because we dwell in His presence. And then he goes on to list the things that we shall conquer. Because Of relationship with God and the connection to Him he also gives us the power to overcome.
The key to all this is to simply trust God and abide in His presence. Invite Him into your life today.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Spiritual Pride Will Always Keep You in Spiritual Darkness
"always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7
Pride is one of the abominations of the bible. Over and over we see people brought down by pride who once held prominent positions in our country. In the bible we read of men like Nebuchadnezzer who tried to exalt themselves instead of God. He had a spiritual life but it was one that did not include God. Many of us are the same way. We have a spiritual life but it is not the God of the bible it is the god of our convenience and our knowledge.
We attend church and participate in ministry yet there is no ministry between us and the Holy Spirit. Spiritual pride will always keep you in the dark. Some of the by products of spiritual pride are:
1. Ignorance- Not knowing what the scriptures say
2. Arrogance- "I know the word and what it says and you can't teach me what I already know"
3. Unrepentance- Refusing to turn from sin or mend your ways, denying you have a problem or that you are living contrary to God's word
These things will always keep you in the dark. That is exactly where Satan wants us all to abide. IN THE DARKNESS! God wants you to come out of that and into the light. Because in the light there is freedom and a life of abundance.
God Bless
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Where Faith Abides God Provides
"You shall drink of the brook and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there" I Kings 17:4
The story Of Elijah can be found in the book of Kings. Elijah was one of the prophets of God who performed many great miracles under the anointing of God. Yet even though he possessed the ability to heal raise the dead and cause droughts. Elijah's greatest power was His ability to have faith in God for the small things.
Because he was a true prophet he was not the most liked person of his time. On many occasions his life was in danger. He would find himself isolated and it was in these times of isolation that God would provide for him in the most oddest ways.
The truth that we can learn from here is that God will always provide for you but it may not be the way that you expected Him to. Many of the provisions Of God show up in the strangest ways. Yet we have become conditioned to looking for extra checks in the mail or getting over and calling it a blessing. But it is faith and obedience in God's word to us that brings the provisions into our life. Being content with the way He does it. Rather than the way we would have him do it.
3 things caused God to move on is behalf constantly.
1. His trust in God
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
2. His obedience
When God spoke Elijah moved. And God always met Elijah at the end of the commandment. In other words when God told him to go down to the brook God met him there with the provisions that He promised.
3. Being open minded
If I told you that God was going to bring you a steak by way of a raven you more than likely would not believe me. Yet God would send Him to the oddest places and have him perform some strange acts. Being open minded means being open to miracles! And in each situation God moved! Stop looking for God to show up the same way He did last time.
God bless!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Prayer evicts sin and sin evicts prayer
" Apostasy begins in the closet. No one ever backslid from the life and power of Christianity who continued constant and fervent in private prayer" ( Adam Clarke)
Sin must flee from the presence of God. It cannot cohabitate with the Spirit. One must always leave the room. Nothing rids the life of sin like prayer. Many people try to overcome by simply listening to many sermons on a specific sin that they struggle with. But it is the word and the prayer over the word of God that unlocks the confidence and authority to eradicate sin in your life.
Intentional sin will always quench the fire of God in a persons life. God will not continue to abide in a house where willful disobedience is always welcomed. It has been my experience that when I choose to sin the desire for prayer decreases. When I choose the sin that faucet of prayer begins to slowly close in my life. Before you know it I am stuck with chaos and confusion.
On the flip side of that coin, when I begin to pray there is a peace which passes all understanding that comes down from Heaven. There is a blessing that flows into my life, and the Spirit of God takes up residence in my mind and Soul. Evicting the desires of sin out of my life. The more I pray the less I desire to sin and the more I sin the less I desire to pray.
Sin must flee from the presence of God. It cannot cohabitate with the Spirit. One must always leave the room. Nothing rids the life of sin like prayer. Many people try to overcome by simply listening to many sermons on a specific sin that they struggle with. But it is the word and the prayer over the word of God that unlocks the confidence and authority to eradicate sin in your life.
Intentional sin will always quench the fire of God in a persons life. God will not continue to abide in a house where willful disobedience is always welcomed. It has been my experience that when I choose to sin the desire for prayer decreases. When I choose the sin that faucet of prayer begins to slowly close in my life. Before you know it I am stuck with chaos and confusion.
On the flip side of that coin, when I begin to pray there is a peace which passes all understanding that comes down from Heaven. There is a blessing that flows into my life, and the Spirit of God takes up residence in my mind and Soul. Evicting the desires of sin out of my life. The more I pray the less I desire to sin and the more I sin the less I desire to pray.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Prayer the water of life!
There have been times in my life that I have had to work under stressful and chaotic circumstances. In fact some of the places made me feel like I did not want to ever go back to work. But it was prayer that changed the atmosphere and transformed it from chaos to pleasant. Prayer has the ability to shape even the hardest of situations turning them into the most pliable.
Man's deliverance has always come through a prayer. Not religious rhetoric prayer with out faith but pure Holy Ghost filled prayer has always brought forth results. Prayer is the conduit through which the water of Heaven flows into a dry and thirsty situation. As we continue to pray it brings change to the atmosphere. And what once seemed shut up now flows abundantly.
Perhaps in your life you are experiencing a drought. Hoping to catch something going from church to church becoming a church junky! Looking for a fix or a drink. When all along God has said "Come unto me" and "I will give you living water. "
When you tap into that well of prayer the water will flow and the circumstances that onced seemed to be full of thorns and nettles will become a fruitful field. Prayer waters and refreshes, it gives a better perspective. Prayer is the water of life that the believer cannot live without. Many times in the process of healing or bringing back what was dead Jesus prayed. Elijah prayed and it rained for three years.
Is there a drought in your walk or life? Pray and watch the water begin to flow.
Man's deliverance has always come through a prayer. Not religious rhetoric prayer with out faith but pure Holy Ghost filled prayer has always brought forth results. Prayer is the conduit through which the water of Heaven flows into a dry and thirsty situation. As we continue to pray it brings change to the atmosphere. And what once seemed shut up now flows abundantly.
Perhaps in your life you are experiencing a drought. Hoping to catch something going from church to church becoming a church junky! Looking for a fix or a drink. When all along God has said "Come unto me" and "I will give you living water. "
When you tap into that well of prayer the water will flow and the circumstances that onced seemed to be full of thorns and nettles will become a fruitful field. Prayer waters and refreshes, it gives a better perspective. Prayer is the water of life that the believer cannot live without. Many times in the process of healing or bringing back what was dead Jesus prayed. Elijah prayed and it rained for three years.
Is there a drought in your walk or life? Pray and watch the water begin to flow.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
HUMBLED TO GAIN DEUT 8:3
When God is working with a person or people for a specific purpose or calling, there will always be a humbling process.It is for the greater good that we go through this. It doesn't feel good at all! Sometimes you wonder if God is off course. And in our finite thinking we say to ourselves "Surely this is not the road to the palace in life!"
The bible tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. It was Peter who quoted that. The same proud Peter who denied Christ, and experienced humility in the process. The same Peter who was later on used and three thousand people got saved. The same Peter who preached grace and mercy, because he now understood it first hand!
Humility does two things to us in the process that serve a greater purpose.
1. HELPS US TO DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING "make you understand"
Solomon said that in all thy getting get unto you understanding. Our pulpits today are filled with text book pastor's and men with degrees, yet very little degree of understanding. Humility gives you understanding that you may be effective with others. No one wants to speak to someone that is out of touch. Someone who lacks compassion. One of the idiosyncrasies of the church and Christian leaders today is that they are out of touch. Humility produces understanding and compassion.
2. IT PRODUCES KNOWLEDGE "that you may know"
In the process of being humbled you start to develop an appetite for learning. Which produces growth. See when all is well you begin to think that you have arrived. And they say "you can't teach a man what he thinks he already knows." I have consulted for churches have sat down with people who think they know it all. I know cause I was one of those young arrogant successful ministers! But in this process you begin to develop a hunger to learn and seek out knowledge. You start searching for knowledge and gaining understanding. Doing things that you did not do because you want answers.
The next time you experience something in your life that is humiliating, don't just stand there dazed and confused. Ask God what are you trying to get me to understand? What are you trying to help me learn? The process of humbling always produces a better man or woman. Let God have his way today.
The bible tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. It was Peter who quoted that. The same proud Peter who denied Christ, and experienced humility in the process. The same Peter who was later on used and three thousand people got saved. The same Peter who preached grace and mercy, because he now understood it first hand!
Humility does two things to us in the process that serve a greater purpose.
1. HELPS US TO DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING "make you understand"
Solomon said that in all thy getting get unto you understanding. Our pulpits today are filled with text book pastor's and men with degrees, yet very little degree of understanding. Humility gives you understanding that you may be effective with others. No one wants to speak to someone that is out of touch. Someone who lacks compassion. One of the idiosyncrasies of the church and Christian leaders today is that they are out of touch. Humility produces understanding and compassion.
2. IT PRODUCES KNOWLEDGE "that you may know"
In the process of being humbled you start to develop an appetite for learning. Which produces growth. See when all is well you begin to think that you have arrived. And they say "you can't teach a man what he thinks he already knows." I have consulted for churches have sat down with people who think they know it all. I know cause I was one of those young arrogant successful ministers! But in this process you begin to develop a hunger to learn and seek out knowledge. You start searching for knowledge and gaining understanding. Doing things that you did not do because you want answers.
The next time you experience something in your life that is humiliating, don't just stand there dazed and confused. Ask God what are you trying to get me to understand? What are you trying to help me learn? The process of humbling always produces a better man or woman. Let God have his way today.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"But God was causing the growth" 1Cor 3:6
As Christian's we all want to prosper and have faith. But many of us do not want to have to go through anything in order to have it. Have you ever prayed the prayer "Lord let your will be done?" Have you ever expressed a desire to grow in the Lord? Maybe even prayed like the disciples who were anxious to grow in faith and learn to pray like Jesus.
We ask these things of God yet we are puzzled by opposition and so easily intimidated by attacks of the enemy. Our first reactions are to run for cover and put up the white flag of surrender. But what we fail to realize is that God in His out of the box wisdom is growing us. It is in these things that the prayer of "God grow me" is being answered.
So many times I have asked God to grow me. Yet after the prayer I waited for a super-natural experience that automatically brought increase to my life. The experiences never showed up. But in my current situation I can now see the Lord answering that prayer in my life. Causing me to grow in the most abrasive time of my life.
You can go to church 7 days a week, work on staff at a church, purchase all the DVD's, CD'S and latest books of the newest fads in the church. None of that will cause you to grow. Ultimately it is between you and your God. Your obedience to God in prayer. Your will to practice publicly what God told you privately. Your willingness to allow God to teach you causes growth into your life.
Don't allow your failures and setbacks in any area of your life to triumph over you. These are the hand tools of God. My friend Steve Williams told me one time "Be encouraged when you go through the fire, because God has his hand on the thermostat."
We ask these things of God yet we are puzzled by opposition and so easily intimidated by attacks of the enemy. Our first reactions are to run for cover and put up the white flag of surrender. But what we fail to realize is that God in His out of the box wisdom is growing us. It is in these things that the prayer of "God grow me" is being answered.
So many times I have asked God to grow me. Yet after the prayer I waited for a super-natural experience that automatically brought increase to my life. The experiences never showed up. But in my current situation I can now see the Lord answering that prayer in my life. Causing me to grow in the most abrasive time of my life.
You can go to church 7 days a week, work on staff at a church, purchase all the DVD's, CD'S and latest books of the newest fads in the church. None of that will cause you to grow. Ultimately it is between you and your God. Your obedience to God in prayer. Your will to practice publicly what God told you privately. Your willingness to allow God to teach you causes growth into your life.
Don't allow your failures and setbacks in any area of your life to triumph over you. These are the hand tools of God. My friend Steve Williams told me one time "Be encouraged when you go through the fire, because God has his hand on the thermostat."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Prayer and Fasting
In Mark's gospel of chapter 9 we read of a life threatening situation. A boy is possessed by something that tries to kill him and kill him often. The boy's father brings him to the disciples and they are not able to free him from this demon.
Jesus asked the boys father how long has this been going on?
Sometimes we have to ask the same question in our own lives pertaining to a struggle, sin, or obstacle.
How long have I struggled with this?
If it's been so long and yet nothing you have done has seem to cure the problem, then like the father maybe it's time to take it straight to Jesus. His attempts to cure the boy on his own have failed. At this point we see the disciples (church) has failed also. Religion doesn't cure anyone it usually makes them worse.
Jesus rebukes the spirit names it and commands him to come out and never enter again. But he also says this about the situation.
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. - Mark 9:29
In my own personal life I have struggled. Today I am driving that thing right out of my life forever. Never to return! Fasting breaks chains and causes you to be free from the thing that would try to kill you. If it's been along time. Then maybe it's time to fast. Watch what God does. Join me on a 40 day fast. Imagine what's on the other side of 40 day fast.
I want what Jesus has in mind for me. How about you?
Jesus asked the boys father how long has this been going on?
Sometimes we have to ask the same question in our own lives pertaining to a struggle, sin, or obstacle.
How long have I struggled with this?
If it's been so long and yet nothing you have done has seem to cure the problem, then like the father maybe it's time to take it straight to Jesus. His attempts to cure the boy on his own have failed. At this point we see the disciples (church) has failed also. Religion doesn't cure anyone it usually makes them worse.
Jesus rebukes the spirit names it and commands him to come out and never enter again. But he also says this about the situation.
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. - Mark 9:29
In my own personal life I have struggled. Today I am driving that thing right out of my life forever. Never to return! Fasting breaks chains and causes you to be free from the thing that would try to kill you. If it's been along time. Then maybe it's time to fast. Watch what God does. Join me on a 40 day fast. Imagine what's on the other side of 40 day fast.
I want what Jesus has in mind for me. How about you?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pray
Prayer brings God's will into manifestation, and materializes what was spiritual and we could not see it. To make it plain prayer makes things happen that have been waiting to happen all along. For the minister who attends all sorts of conferences hoping to find a formula to grow his church, stop looking. The answer is in your prayer life.
There are two types of prayer. The first is the most common used. Prayer for ritualistic purposes, and the second is prayer for God purposes. The second requires alone time. It involves sanctification, and a shedding of the carnal believer's mindset. But this prayer makes things happen. It grabs a hold of God's will and brings it forth. It is not selfish, and it's motives become even more purer as the believer continues to grow.
I have met many men and women who were marked with this prayer life. They were genuine, humble and loving. Yet they were wise, discerning and powerful people. Men and women whom I will never forget. They prayed, listened and prayed some more. And when all else failed. They prayed some more. These people changed the world and made it better.
There are two types of prayer. The first is the most common used. Prayer for ritualistic purposes, and the second is prayer for God purposes. The second requires alone time. It involves sanctification, and a shedding of the carnal believer's mindset. But this prayer makes things happen. It grabs a hold of God's will and brings it forth. It is not selfish, and it's motives become even more purer as the believer continues to grow.
I have met many men and women who were marked with this prayer life. They were genuine, humble and loving. Yet they were wise, discerning and powerful people. Men and women whom I will never forget. They prayed, listened and prayed some more. And when all else failed. They prayed some more. These people changed the world and made it better.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hope/Faith/Expectancy
Hope is a hybrid of faith and expectancy. It is trust in God's word. And expecting him to show up when he said He would. It pulls the believer through the toughest of times and keeps them encouraged in the darkest of nights.
Hope is a faith coupled with expectancy and emotion. Believing God's word is truth, God's word will perform, and God's word will not disappoint.
Hope is a faith coupled with expectancy and emotion. Believing God's word is truth, God's word will perform, and God's word will not disappoint.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Fix your hope on God
"Fix your hope completely on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 1:13
Today there is an anxious hope that is prevalent in our country. One that has made the economy the object of our faith. Many are hoping in the President and his team to turn things around. Others are hoping that one circumstance can change their situation.
We have been so caught up in this country hoping for something to break through and have forgotten that we as believers are not stuck here. This is not our final destination! There is something to be hopeful about. Often we are disappointed badly because our hope is in other things. Temporary fixes and when we are let down it is devastating.
Peter was basically saying "Hey pull all the stock you have in this world and place it in God."
Then when things don't go the way you wanted them to, it's no big deal. Because you always know this is not your final destination. Your hope is in Christ.
Today there is an anxious hope that is prevalent in our country. One that has made the economy the object of our faith. Many are hoping in the President and his team to turn things around. Others are hoping that one circumstance can change their situation.
We have been so caught up in this country hoping for something to break through and have forgotten that we as believers are not stuck here. This is not our final destination! There is something to be hopeful about. Often we are disappointed badly because our hope is in other things. Temporary fixes and when we are let down it is devastating.
Peter was basically saying "Hey pull all the stock you have in this world and place it in God."
Then when things don't go the way you wanted them to, it's no big deal. Because you always know this is not your final destination. Your hope is in Christ.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Failure...God's handy tool.
To the average man failure is the end of his existence. But to the man that is destined for greatness, failure is merely a hand tool that God uses to finish carving out his destiny. You will never be greater than your failures. Great failures often make great people! Makes them genuine, humble, teachable and gives them a new passion and outlook on life. Understand that whatever you have failed in, it is merely a tool in the hand of God. The failure can make you better or bitter. Nevertheless it is great tool most often overlooked.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
DON'T GIVE UP!
Many years I ago I read a quote that went like this:
"On the plains of hesitation lie blackened bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory laid down to rest and in resting they died" Adlai Stevenson
It is the natural man that looks at the process of prayer and says "forget it, this is for nothing" and the weak say "I prayed already!" Knowing they prayed only once and gave up. But it is the men and women who say to themselves "I have absolutely nothing to lose in the process and eternity to gain that go on to win the prize."
Prayer can be a tedious process and sometimes it can be disheartening. Yet I say to you, do not give up! Keep pressing in and you shall reap the reward. Prayer is not something too many preachers speak about because they don't pray. In todays church world we have replaced prayer with gimmicks, media and church growth strategies.
Those things will always produce bodies, but it is prayer that will always produce the miracles. In these times we need prayer not more church. We need miracles and deliverances, the things only prayer can produce! Again I say to you pray, pray and when you have done all you can pray some more!
"On the plains of hesitation lie blackened bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory laid down to rest and in resting they died" Adlai Stevenson
It is the natural man that looks at the process of prayer and says "forget it, this is for nothing" and the weak say "I prayed already!" Knowing they prayed only once and gave up. But it is the men and women who say to themselves "I have absolutely nothing to lose in the process and eternity to gain that go on to win the prize."
Prayer can be a tedious process and sometimes it can be disheartening. Yet I say to you, do not give up! Keep pressing in and you shall reap the reward. Prayer is not something too many preachers speak about because they don't pray. In todays church world we have replaced prayer with gimmicks, media and church growth strategies.
Those things will always produce bodies, but it is prayer that will always produce the miracles. In these times we need prayer not more church. We need miracles and deliverances, the things only prayer can produce! Again I say to you pray, pray and when you have done all you can pray some more!
There is a God who still rules and reigns and loves to shower His children with gifts and request. The bible says that we ought to seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon Him when he is near.
Daniel prayed for 21 days, and the messenger was sent to Him with an answer but the enemy tried to war against the message! Your answer is on its way! DONT GIVE UP!
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