Friday, March 28, 2008

The Bible is God's Letter to You

I know this is a stretch but I really like this song and I was wondering why. A couple of scriptures came to mind. They are Jeremiah 29:11-13 in the NIV and Isaiah 46:10 NKJ

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ (Emphasis mine)

Listen to the words of this song and think about the promises God has written to each of us in His word. Isn't the Bible a letter He has written to you? Or, maybe I just like country music. Either way, I hope you enjoy my video pick this week.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Can you Limit God? Part 2

Notice the title reads YOU. It was written to get your attention not to cause you to foam at the mouth.

The question I am really asking is, "Can you limit God in your own life?" I believe you can and do limit God and what He can do for you.

Do you think everybody is going to heaven? (I do not)
Do you think it is God's will for you to go to heaven? (I am certain it is)

Let's look at a couple of scriptures.

2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2)(Emphasis mine)

9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) (Emphasis mine)

I read the above scriptures to say that Jesus died for all the sins of the whole world. It is also fair to read that God is not willing that any should perish. (Read God's will)

God wants everyone to be saved. Jesus has already paid the price for all your sins. So what keeps everyone from going to heaven if the price has been paid? The answer is only two words, free will. Having a free will gives each person the ability to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior or reject His free gift of salvation.

If you rejected Jesus, you are not in God's will for your life; you are exercising your will for your life. This limits what God will do for you. Salvation is an individual decision that each of us must make. The price has already been paid; you must accept or reject His sacrifice. (Making no decision for or against Christ, counts the same as rejecting Him) We are all born into sin. (I will deal with this in a later post.)

Yesterday's post used the unbelief of the "children of Israel" to illustrate how they limited God in their life, before Jesus came. It cost each one of them their life. The same is true now, if you reject Jesus, it will cost you your eternal life. (A much higher price)

You can not limit God's ultimate plan for His creation. God's word is true. But, God works in the guidelines He set up in His word. He will use people to bring His word to pass; He just might not use you. That is why it is so important for you to study the word of God for yourself. Study your Bible today, it is the "Ultimate Owner's Manual".

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Can you Limit God?

It is my belief, that you can limit God with the unbelief in your life.

My first example, is when Moses sent 12 (church leaders) spies into Canaan. Read the whole story in Numbers 13 and 14, here are the highlights:

1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.”

25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days.

27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Read unbelief)

30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” 6 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
(Read faith in God)

The congregation chose to believe the bad report and it cost them their lives in the wilderness. Their families had to wait 40 years for the Word of God to come to pass.

28 Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the LORD, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: 29 The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. 30 Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in. 31 But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. 32 But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. 33 And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness. 34 According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection. 35 I the LORD have spoken this. I will surely do so to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.’”
36 Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, 37 those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD.


Now I want everyone reading this to understand, I am not saying God's word will not come to pass or we can limit what God says in His word. As you know, Israel entered the Promised Land 40 years later. My point is, you can limit God in your life. If you choose not to believe, it can cost you your life as well.

I believe it is the individual believers that limit God in their own life, but the word of God has no limits and will come to pass. Because of your unbelief, God might not be able to use you to bring His word to pass in your life. Your unbelief can also negatively affect the lives of those around you.

Know this, I am not saying you can stop the word of God from coming to pass. I am saying you can limit its power in your life.

Here is one last scripture, to make my point.

40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness,
And grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God,
And limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power:
The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,
(Emphasis mine)

They limited God by their forgetfulness and unbelief. I have much more to say but this looks like a good stopping point. Meditate on these until tomorrow.

Can you Limit God?-Part 1

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Are You Walking in God's Will?

Are you walking in God's will or running on Satan's treadmill?

There are days when I actually slow down and enjoy the things God has given me. Today is that day. The most important things in my life are family, friends, and home.

Things that while I run after life, (because I feel like it is passing me by) I tend to take for granted. I rarely take time to enjoy the world around me. I am not attentive to details. (As you have probably noticed)

Satan wants you distracted, God wants your attention. Make time to spend with the Lord today and everyday, you will be glad you did.

Monday, March 24, 2008

If Jesus is Sitting, Someone needs to Stand

If the Bible is the truth, and I am sure it is. Then Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of the Father, right now.

He is making intersession for us but He (Jesus) is finished with all He was sent here to do. I covered this on Friday, but now someone (read the church) needs to stand.

What does that mean exactly? It means when Satan starts spreading all of his lies and deception in your life, use the authority Jesus won back at Calvary, to stand against him. The Bible is clear on this, read James 4:6,7:

6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


How do you win against Satan in your life? It is right here; humble yourself before God, submit yourself to God, then resist the devil and he will flee from you.

The word says resist, which means to actively stand against or withstand. This means to do more than say, "I need you to leave me alone devil." I read this as saying after you have humbled yourself and submitted to God's word, you than have the power to overcome the devil.

Why would Jesus leave this world and sit down in heaven, if He did not give you the power to overcome the enemy? He did and you can, but it takes effort on your part. That is where many get tripped up, they think God and Satan are some how working as a team to "make you stronger" by allowing Satan to pound you. That does not happen.

Satan is defeated and only has the power over you that you give him. I know that puts the responsibility on you but it is your life, your free will and so God is counting on you to choose His truth over Satan's lies.

So my post reads if Jesus is sitting someone needs to stand. Read what Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Emphasis mine)

Do you think Paul is talking to you? If you are part of the body of Christ, you are exactly who he is talking to. So humble yourself and admit to yourself that without Jesus you are nothing. Next, submit yourself to God's word. (Learn it and live it.) Then take your stand against a defeated enemy. I have covered this before but notice it says "wiles" of the devil. Not power of the devil but lies, deception schemes etc.

Wow, I wasn't even going to post anything today but this is what was on my heart, I hope it speaks to yours.

Friday, March 21, 2008

New Again-Passion of the Christ Video

Friday is video day, so in keeping with the season and my posts earlier on The Passion Week and Good Friday, I wanted to show a video about the price Jesus paid for you and I.

There are so many videos to choose from about the crucifixion, I choose a song I had never heard, this song is by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans, I thought you would enjoy it.

Remember Jesus paid this price for you.



Thursday, March 20, 2008

What so Good about Good Friday?

It took me almost 30 years to confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart God raised Him from the dead. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior but I have not always been a follower. With that said, I sometimes have a different perspective on Biblical teachings and events.

I always wondered why the church called if Good Friday if Jesus died. What was so good about death, I thought. To an outsider, it sure seemed silly but I didn't mind Easter because we had lots of chocolate and a big dinner.

But now Good Friday is special to me. After watching the Passion of the Christ I have a new visual playing in my head. Reading and meditating on Isaiah 52 and 53 I believe Mel Gibson went light on the way Christ looked. Mr. Gibson even said so in an interview. So what does this all mean?

Good Friday is followed by Easter and that is when the celebration begins but Jesus' sacrifice on Good Friday paid for everything. When I say everything I mean a complete work, lacking nothing. Read 1 John 2:2

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

All sin past, present and future were paid on Good Friday. What about sickness? Great question, Isaiah prophesied about this before it happened in 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
(Emphasis mine)

Peter wrote about this in a different tense in 1 Peter 2:24

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. (Emphasis mine)

Isaiah wrote "You are healed" and Peter wrote "You were healed", same stripes, the only difference is one man saw into the future and the other looked back in the past. Why would God write this in His book? Because you are healed! It is a done deal just like salvation.

All sickness, like all sin, was also taken care of past, present and future. Jesus paid it all Good Friday. There is so much more He accomplished for you and I but time and space do not permit me to continue.

Meditate on Isaiah 52 and 53, and watch the Passion of the Christ. Jesus died for the whole world. This is the Atonement, it is the completed work. What a great God we serve.

Traditions of Man or the Word of God

Yesterday I opened a big ol' can and got some people stirred up. I am not saying I have all this figured out about the "Sovereignty of God" but where does it say in the Bible, God controls everything?

In Mark 7, Jesus teaches on defilement mostly, but I believe His teaching fits with what I have been saying.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”
9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.


My question to you is this, "Is Sovereignty (total control) a truth or tradition of man?

Hear what Jesus said next:

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

Remember a stronghold is a rigorously defended position. There are good and bad strongholds in your life that you defend daily. Some are traditions of man and not the truth of God. I am asking you to revisit where you heard the "Sovereignty of God" teaching and why you believe it.

Ask yourself this question, "Is this from God or man?"

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Passion Week and the Sovereignty of God

This is Passion week. Christians will celebrate Easter Sunday all around the world.

Part of me is excited and part of me is solemn. I am excited because the grave could not hold my Lord and Savior! I am solemn because I am reminded of everything Jesus did for us.

What a great God we serve. I have been in a discussion with other Christians about why God would allow suffering to go on in this world. My response was God is bound by His word and He gave dominion and authority to Adam.

He did not tell Adam if you mess this up I will take it back. No, He gave Adam the right to mess it all up. Adam did mess up, he gave his authority to Satan and Satan is now the prince and power of this world. God did not create suffering, Satan did.

Satan, in my opinion, is the one who deserves the credit for all of the bad. Satan is the one who tempted Jesus. Satan is the reason Jesus had to die on the cross. By dying, Jesus made a way for everyone to live.

He paid the price for the whole world. Read 1 John 2:2

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Jesus paid the price, but the individual must accept by faith the grace of God. Jesus did more than redeem us from sin, He totally freed us from the power of Satan. But like salvation we must appropriate it to our lives.

He became poor so we might become rich, by His stripes you were healed, the chastisement of peace was upon Him. He bore it all on the cross, but we must accept it by faith.

That is where many struggle, they don't feel worthy. Let me let you in on a secret, you are not. None of us are, but Jesus completed His work anyway. When He said, "It is finished." The price was paid in full. You name your problem in the flesh; Jesus paid the price.

I know many people think this is over the top but I think anyone who would assign bad things to God after the New Covenant, is not honoring all Jesus did at Calvary.

Why do people suffer? Because sin entered the world. The spiritual law of sowing and reaping did not get turned off, so many suffer because of the sins committed by others. It is as simple as cause and effect. Jesus paid the price, but you must use your faith to appropriate the grace of God for your life.

So what about the Sovereignty of God. It is easier to blame God, than to blame of ourselves. We don't come right out and blame God, instead, we use a (lazy) teaching like the Sovereignty of God to do it for us.

My definition the Sovereignty of God is:

God is supreme, the absolute top, answering to no one. God is everywhere, knows everything and can do anything without getting permission. God is not subject to time, He is the Beginning and the End. God has no limits in heaven.

God's word will come to pass but God can be limited here on earth. (This is for another post, this is way too long already.)

Jesus said, "Be of good cheer I have overcome the world." The war has been won but the battle is still raging here on earth. I believe it is up to His body (the church) to make His enemies His footstool.

The whole concept of One Drop of Blood is we (the church) defeat Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) It is all about what God has done for us and through us, but we must open our mouths and tell others.

Remember, your life is all about giving God the Glory. How much glory can God get from giving you cancer? What kind of sick God would give you cancer to show you how much He loves you? That is where the extreme Sovereignty of God teaching takes you. If God controls everything, then He picks and chooses who gets cancer, who gets rich, who gets saved, etc. Not much for you to do except praise God, go to church and hope God does not "bless" you with a disease or calamity.

Sorry, The God I serve does not use bad things to "bless" me. And if He won't do it to me, God will not do it to you.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

That is not to say that God does not correct me, He does, like any good father would. But He does it in love and uses things other than cancer, disease, etc. (God actually uses His word most of the time to get my attention and get me back on track.)

So Rejoice this week and again I say Rejoice, because Jesus arose from the dead. Meditate also on all Jesus did for whosoever believes in Him. It will make you rejoice even more.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Jesus Christ and March Madness

This is my favorite time of year. Spring brings new life all around. Winter is over and we can start getting outside more. It also brings Easter and March Madness. I really enjoy the college basketball playoffs. It showcases talent and effort, in a winner take all atmosphere.

Easter showcases a winner take all scenario as well. Jesus Christ went against the powers of this world and what looked like a total failure on Good Friday turned out to be a complete victory on Easter Sunday.

The Bible clearly states you shall have no other gods before Me. I want to challenge you (If you are like me and are excited about March Madness) to spend more time with Jesus than you do with your bracket.

We are so distracted here in the United States. We have the freedom to pick and choose what we do with our time and money. Pick someone you can share Jesus with this in this season of new beginnings and make an effort to "connect". Don't just try to "share the Gospel", commit to being a better friend, brother, daughter etc. God will give the opportunity after you have spent some time just hanging out with them.

Try wearing our clothing line as you make an effort to connect. Think about a Final Four party. Jesus went where the people were. I guarantee most people will be watching the Final Four. It may be too late to order from us this year for a Final Four party but pray about getting a shirt or hat and wearing it around your friends and family. Ask God to give you the right words or give them a tract that comes with your purchase.

I am excited about what God is doing in my life. Get excited about God and you will be able to say the same thing. Basketball is exciting because both teams are trying to come out victorious. We watch because we are do not know who will win.

Jesus Christ has already won the victory at Calvary. He defeated evil once and for all. This victory is as powerful today as it was over 2000 years ago. Now you and I need to share the victorious life in Jesus Christ with everyone around us. Make a difference in someone's life today.

Have fun too, I will pick my bracket this year. I will also enjoy watching the games but remember, put God first in all you do. God instructed you through His word to have no other gods before Him. He did not say, "Shut yourself in a room and think of only Me." Take Jesus where the people are and make a difference in their lives.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Casting Crowns- If We Are The Body

Since I spent most of the week talking about the body of Christ I thought this would be a good video. The group Casting Crowns is probably my favorite group. So look for more songs from them in the future. Enjoy!


Thursday, March 13, 2008

Did Jesus Give Us Any Power?

I was recently on a different site and my mouth flew open. I read a comment from someone that said, "You know we have no power over Satan". I understand that everyone is taught and receives the word of God differently but come on!

No power over Satan!

You fight this kind of argument with the word of God.

This is what Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them out: Luke 9:1,2

1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.


Power and authority over all demons. Not just the little ones or not all except Satan. It says all demons. So when someone says Christians have no power over Satan it tends to fire me up.


More Bible; Hebrews 13:8


8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.


So if this is true, and it is, how can Jesus give this power to His disciples and that not include us? Again, I do not want to fight other people's belief but this is wrong teaching. Denying this power gives the Deceiver way too much power over them.


I don't have all this figured out but read one more verse: Ephesians 6:10


10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Emphasis mine)


Notice the Bible does not say mighty awesome power of the devil. It says wiles! This is schemes, lies, deception, etc. The devil is very good at what he does. And what better way to fight the body of Christ, then to deceive them into thinking they have no power over him.


Satan already has many Christians not sure he even exists and some that acknowledge his existence, think they have no power. So my mouth is open in amazement. The power is in the name of Jesus and there is not one thing any demon can do against that name. I am not suggesting we all run around looking for demons. But what I am saying is quit running from them! The Bible says we need to stand, not run. Now it also does not tell us to fight either.


One last example: Acts 19:14-17


14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.


So you need to make sure you have the power before you start using the name of Jesus. So who has the power? Go back to Luke 9:1 and answer this question; Are you a disciple of Jesus? If you are a follower of Jesus you have it. Now believing that takes faith and that is a whole different topic.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Body of Christ

Have you ever wondered what the body of Christ looks like? I really do not have much to say today. (Somebody take my picture!)

I have it (The body of Christ) pictured as one (spiritual) body moving as the Holy Spirit guides it; to do the Father's will and bring His word to pass. This body will also be used to destroy the works of the devil.

So how do you think His body is doing? Unity is the word that keeps coming to my mind and the one thing I find lacking in the body today.

Many are either doing their own thing or picking a fight with another part of the body. Not much unity or movement against a common enemy. What can bring us together? I really believe it is something we all have in common; the blood of Christ.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Save the World vs. Save Your Neighbor

Why do most beauty contestants when asked, "With one wish, what do you wish for?" answer: World Peace. On a similar note, most Christians have no problem talking about "saving the world" but have trouble speaking to their neighbor or family member about Jesus!

I believe we are in a society that is all about being a spectator, cheerleader or critic. In a previous post about evangelism and prayer I basically said, you want Christians to scatter, call a prayer meeting or evangelism class.

Since writing that I have wondered why Christians do not want to get involved. Do they think Hell is not a real place? Or maybe since God is Love, everyone really gets to go to Heaven. That is not in the Bible I am reading. No, I think most Christians are caught in this spectator, cheerleader, or critic society.

There is no personal accountability for them or their actions. (Since they really have none.) They treat life like a Nascar event, watching and waiting for the next wreck. Once the wreck happens, they get together and talk about it.

Why not pick one person in your life, ask God for an opportunity to share the Gospel with them. Make every effort to pour yourself into their life, every chance you get. If something bad happens in their life, pray. Something good happens, cheer. Get involved, and make a difference in one person's life. Maybe you won't get them "saved", but I don't remember Jesus stopping to pray the "Sinner's Prayer" with anyone.

Jesus poured Himself out for us. Our response should be to pour our life out for Him. We love Him because He first loved us.

Quit trying to save the world. That will lead you to be a spectator in life. Life is meant to be lived; be a participant, start by praying for one person in your family. Find a need and fill it in their life. This could make an eternal difference in their life and will benefit you as well.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Why Did God Tell Jesus to Sit?

The more questions I try to answer, the more questions come to mind.
Why did God tell Jesus to sit down?

I will never attempt to play God, and I in no way think I have it all figured out but I do find it amazing to ponder what it means to you and me when God told Jesus to have a seat until Your enemies become Your footstool.

This is the picture I have in my mind. Jesus just finished all His work the Father had for Him to do. How do I know this? Jesus said on the cross, "It is Finished."

Have you ever been given a specific job to do? Think back to when you were a child and your parent or guardian gave you a job to do. This job may have had many tasks, but what all jobs have are a beginning and an end. When you were done, you told the person who gave you the assignment, "It is finished."

Does Jesus mean He is finished with the cross or was He speaking of all the "work" God had for Him to get done before reentering heaven? I believe the cross was the most important task to complete, and is arguably the reason He came to earth as a man, but that is not all Jesus got "finished." He completely defeated Satan and obtained victory on every level.

I believe Jesus was finished with all His work on earth, not just the work of the cross. What does that mean exactly? I think it means it is our turn to do the work God has for us to do in our life. Using Jesus, the word of God, as our example. It has to do with being imitators of Christ.

We are the body of Christ. Jesus is the head and is sitting at the right hand of the Father. We are His hand, feet, mouth, etc. So what are you and I supposed to do? Does God need us or can He do it all Himself? See what I mean... the more questions you start to answer, the more questions come up. I think I am going to be on this for a little while longer.

Next we will discuss scripture that backs up what I believe we as the body of Christ are supposed to be doing.

Friday, March 7, 2008

One Drop of Blood- Ray Boltz



Here is the song by Ray Boltz that started all of this for me. Ray Boltz is one of my favorite artists. He can sing a song, tell a story and help you better understand God's word all at the same time.

I was listening to this song when I asked God for help with an idea of something I could put on my shirt to be a better witness for Jesus. This is a powerful song and video. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Sit Down Jesus!

In a previous post, Am I the Only One? I quoted a scripture spoken through the prophet David in Psalms 110:1, Here it is again:

..."Sit at my Right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

Now read what Jesus said to the religious leaders (Sanhedrin) in Luke 23:67-70

67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. 69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” 70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” (Emphasis mine)

Jesus tells them and us where He is going. This is great news because of the promise He made earlier in John 14:12-14. Again let's look at that scripture

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (Emphasis mine)

One last scripture reading to tie all this together, Ephesians 1:17-23 (I know it is a lot but it will do you good to read the word of God.)

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Again, emphasis mine)

Notice it is God's power that He worked in Christ. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is living on the inside of every believer. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are part of His body. He is the head, we are His body of believers. The body is what will destroy the works of the Satan being guided by Jesus (The head of the body).

We can do all things through Christ, but we must be lead by Jesus.

Unity of the body is what is needed in the church today to overcome the enemies of Christ. In order to make Jesus enemies His footstool, we must come together as His body. Without the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, unity of the body will be impossible. Why, because we have an enemy that knows he will be defeated when the church comes together again.

Think about it, if you were the devil, wouldn't you do everything in your power to keep the church fighting against itself? I know I would, and I believe that is what Satan is doing with his "tares" in the church. More on this later.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

By His Word and In His Name

To continue the thought of my last entry. How is the church going to defeat the enemies of Jesus? I believe it is only possible by using the word of God and the name of Jesus. Read John 14:12-14

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (Emphasis mine)

Jesus Himself tells us we will do greater works than He did because He was going to His Father and sending His Spirit. Now Jesus, by His Spirit, could be everywhere, all at the same time. Now that is power!

I love the book of Acts; it is a picture of the early church learning and using the power of God. Look at Acts 3:1-10 this is where Peter healed the lame beggar. Notice Peter's words and where his power came from for the healing. (I know he was baptized in the Holy Spirit earlier.)

6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Emphasis mine)

Peter healed this man by using the name of Jesus. This is exactly what Jesus said would happen after He went to the Father.

How do we get this kind of power? It will only come when you plant the Word of God in your heart and let it take control of your life. I do not want this teaching to go on and on, but there is a lot here. Read Psalm 138:2:

I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. (Emphasis mine)

At the name of Jesus all things are possible and God has elevated His word above His Name. Again I am going to let that sink in, meditate on that and I will continue next post.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Am I the Only One?

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Am I the only one ..." You fill in the blank.

As I read the Bible, and observe "Christians", I wonder, am I reading the same book they are?

What does the following verse mean to you?

"Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

I am no theologian but I think God is trying to teach us something. We find this verse in Psalms, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, and Hebrews. What does this say to you? Think about where Jesus is and what He has done.

Jesus is back in Heaven. He has come from the cross, the grave, He left His disciples back on earth and now God says, "sit down at my right hand, until I make everyone against You, Your footstool."

Wow! This will happen. But how is this going to happen? I believe it will be His church, but not in its current state. Stay tuned for more.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Power in Your Words- Part 4

I will conclude this teaching with this post. I am not finished with this topic but I need to move on. The more you dive into the word of God the more it opens new questions and studies.

In this post, I would like to look at a small potion of David's life starting in 1 Samuel 16:12-17:52. There is plenty going on in these verses but I want to concentrate on the "spoken" word.

David is anointed as king and the spirit of God comes upon him. The Spirit of the Lord also departs from Saul and a "distressing spirit" starts to hassle Saul about this same time.

Look at what Saul's servants say about this in 1 Samuel 16:15, 16:

And Saul's servants said to him, "Surely a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. (15) Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his own hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you and you shall be well." (16) (Emphasis mine)

This is where I would say, "What?, get out of here with that nonsense." But not Saul, he must have had a better understanding of the power of the spoken word than I do, because in his response he says:

So Saul said to his servants, "Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me." (17)

You can read on your own the rest of the story but one of Saul's servants tells him about David and how he is skillful in playing. The servant also talks about how David is a mighty man of valor and a man of war. David is still a kid! I do not know of any record of him fighting before he defeats Goliath.

I believe the servant said these words because God wanted those words spoken about David before he has to face the giant. This is an incredible example of the power of your spoken words over people in your life. (Think kids, spouse, family or friends)

David found favor before the king, and as Saul's servants had said, every time the troubling spirit came upon Saul, David would play and Saul would be refreshed and well and the spirit would depart.

The last point I want to make is David's battle with Goliath. Read what Goliath speaks to David. Read also David's response to Goliath's words. I am going to go out on a limb a little here, but I believe if David would have kept silent the giant would have defeated him. We must speak to our mountains or giants. It has to be out loud and on purpose.

Read the exchange before the battle. Would you have spoken to the giant or would you have tried to fight him using your own might? Let this be the major lesson ...you must speak to your current mountain or problem. Speaking, with faith, and then taking action, is God's way of overcoming. I am more confident than ever, David's victory started with the power of his spoken words. 1 Samuel 17:43-47:

So the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. (43) And the Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" (44)

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (45) This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. (46) Then all this assembly shall know that the lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hands." (47)

Notice, David spoke to everything Goliath said he would do to David. David added that he was going to take off his head. (David did not even have a sword) He gave God the credit for the victory before he won the battle, David then took action. We might talk a good game, but God needs people that will talk it and then back up what they say with action.

I have said many times, "God won't steer a parked car." Meaning, you need to get out and do something. God will direct you as you move. If you are going the wrong way, God will turn you around.

This is by no means a complete teaching on the power of your words but I hope it will give you a starting point of continued study on what the Bible teaches us about the spoken word. I know God spoke this world into existence. I also know I can change my environment by my spoken words.

I have been given a Christian Clothing Company, and like David, I was not looking for a fight when I wandered onto the scene. To be honest, until recently, I did not even know there was a fashion giant. That discussion is a post for another day. Know this; God will get the glory in all we do.

May God bless you with a new understanding of the power of your spoken words.