Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Psalm 85 - Psalms of Steel by Robert Dean Steel

Psalm 85 - Psalms of Steel

Why is man so wicked and what causes His sin?
Why is man more foolish than wise?
What are the common delusions of the wicked?
How can a person be so blind and not see the truth?
I have pondered this is here are my conclusions.

The wicked and foolish think that sin gives fullness of life.
Sin when fully conceived brings only death.
The fool trusts in family, friends and others to give them life.
God is no respecter of persons only the repentant will be spared.

The religious wicked think they will be heard,
Because of their long and vain prayers.
They fool themselves into thinking that righteousness,
Is created because of dead works and vain traditions.

The wicked are self reliant, self confident and self seeking.
They only think of themselves, forgetting others.
Man is not the measure of all things,
Selfishness in any form leads to destruction.

The fool is like the home owner who builds on the sand.
The view may be pretty,
But at the first storm the house will collapse.
Such is the wicked who builds outside the Lord.

The foolish trust in riches and are enslaved.
The very thing they think will free them,
Is the very thing that traps and ensnares them.
Prosperity is more deadly than poverty to the child of God.

The wicked thinks that creation is more important than the creator.
Idols of nature or man lead to destruction.
Delusion is thinking creation comes without a creator.
God made all things but is not in all things.

The wicked think they have all the time in the world.
They do not know that every day they live they are one day closer eternity.
The fool does not discern the time in which they live in.
The wicked wastes valuable time on themselves.

The Lord counts the days.  They are like a sand glass.
Each moment is closer to eternal life or death.
The wise discern this and live life accordingly.
The fool will miss this and die in their foolishness.

Jesus is the Light

In John 12:46, Jesus uses one of the most powerful imaginary in scripture, light verses darkness.  In Jewish thought light always meant good and darkness always meant evil.  Jesus stated that He is the light of the world. Jesus has come to bring men into the light.  He came to reveal holiness, righteousness, truth and grace.  Jesus as the light of the world expose sin, evil and demonic strongholds.  He shows us what we are so we can be healed and set free.  He states in this verse that whoever believes in Him will not abide or live in darkness.  Jesus stated in another place in the book of John that men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.  Jesus came once and for all to deal with the power of sin, hell and the grave.  He destroyed the works of the devil on the cross.  Any accusation, temptation or deception cannot stand in His presence.  As the light of the world, He exposes and deals with things that lead men to death.  He has come to give us life and with that life an abundant future.  So here is our part.  Will we believe in Jesus, accept Jesus and live for Jesus?  When we do that we are abiding in the light.  Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.  I am always amazed when people choose to stay in darkness rather than come to the light.  Sin has a strangle hold on so many lives the good news is all mankind can be free and that is our decision.  Jesus is the light of the world who came to release all who live in darkness I pray you will choose light over darkness.  Your life both now and in the future depends on that choice.  Choose wisely.

Monday, April 29, 2013

In My Life

There is an old song that says, "In my life Lord be glorified."  That was the theme of Jesus' life.  It is evident by what He said in the book of John.  Jesus often said,  "If you see me, you see the Father and if your see the Father, you see me."  He would also say, "I only do the work of my Father."  What a testimony, to be so in tune with the Father you only do His will.  So how does one accomplish this?  Well to see the secrets of this holy life you only have to examine Jesus' personal times with God.  Now the gospels only give us glimpses of Jesus prayer life but here is what we see.  We see a man who often went by Himself all night in prayer.  He certainly had extended times of prayer whenever He had a major decision.  The clearest picture of His personal prayer time is shown in the garden of Gethsame.  Jesus went off by Himself and fell to His knees and prayed with such intensity that He sweat drops of blood.  Jesus was a man of emotion and prayed with such intensity, it was a physical as well as a spiritually exercise.  The content of His prayer is also of note.  He prayed, "Lord not my will be thine be done."  His desire was to do not His will but the will of God.  Lastly, He did not leave that place of prayer until the  matter was settled.  So from this prayer time we glean three truths to leave with you this morning.  First when you pray, put everything into it.  The deeper the intensity and emotion, the deeper the meaning it has for you personally.  Secondly, pray until you are sure of the will of God.  That is why having a bible close at hand is so important.  As you pray God will give you scriptures to go along with what He is saying into your heart.  Lastly, do not leave that place of prayer until you are sure what the will of God is.  Usually a peace will come upon you and you then know the matter is settled.  Jesus is our example in all things.  Follow His example and you will have a strong relationship with God like He did.

Friday, April 26, 2013

One day

There is an old hymn that tells us that Jesus is the sweetest name I know.  Jesus is that name which is above every name.  At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.  One day all mankind will have to stand before Jesus and give an account.  That includes the devil.  Imagine this, here you are as a redeemed person and you see the devil being brought before Jesus and there He is, bowing His knee before the great sovereign of the universe and saying, "Jesus is Lord."  What a great and glorious day that will be.  One man said, "You can say Jesus is Lord under grace or you will say He is Lord under judgment."  I am so glad I said Jesus is Lord under grace.  One time in the area of Galilee Jesus asked His disciples who people say that He was.  Their response was, "Well some say you are John the Baptist or one of the prophets."  Jesus then said, "Who do you say I am?"  Peter said, "You are the Christ the Son of the Living God."  Jesus then replied to Peter, "Peter heaven has made this known to you."  The Lord Himself lets us know that Jesus is Lord.  Today allow Jesus to be Lord of your life.  Serve him with everything you have and do it while grace is being offered because one day whether you like it or not you will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord.  Better now than later. 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Hear Jesus

In Luke 10:16, Jesus makes it very clear that when people listen to Him hear the Lord and those that do not hear Him do not hear the Lord.  Jesus is the face of God.  Jesus said, in the Book of John that if the people saw Him they saw the Father.  It was Jesus' desire to do the will of the Father.  It should be our desire as well.  The will of God is such a privilege.  To be able to follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself is wonderful.  To be able to go into our world and preach the gospel and make disciples of all who we win for Jesus Christ is such an awesome responsibility.  To be an ambassador for Jesus Christ in a lost and dying world is at times over whelming.  When I came to know Jesus Christ back in 1974, the first thing I realized that this message of redemption and love must be told to everyone in my world.  I also remember my first conversation about Christ was when I had returned home from the weekend after getting saved.   I walked in the door and my mother looked at me and said, "What happened to you?"  I replied, "I came to know Christ this weekend?"  She replied, "Well, I do not want anything to do with that nut house religion."  Right away I told my first person about Christ.  Since then I have had the privilege of sharing about Him thousands of times.  As I close this morning I remind you that if you hear the message of Jesus Christ you are hearing what the Father wants you to hear.  So hear what the Spirit is saying to you today.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Letters to David - Letters written to a friend by a disciple of Jesus Christ on his journey of prayer. Letter Three

Hello David

What I find fascinating today is that I went to my time of prayer and I did not feel all that inspired or even powerful. I have often wondered if emotion and enthusiasm is the key to prayer. Does God hear us more when we are focused and directed as much as when we seem to pray out of duty and obedience.
This to me is a paradox in prayer. At times you really feel the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. Everything fits and feels right and yet other times it is dry and lifeless. You know God hears and answers prayer. The word declares it. Ask anything in the name of Jesus and you will have it. So the reality is that God hears you whether you feel the emotion or not. He promised in Matt 28:20 that He would never forsake you or leave you so I guess emotion has little to do with the power of prayer. God answers prayer out of grace and mercy. He answers because we ask and not because we feel inspired or emotional at the time. James says in James 4:2, that we have not because we asked not. So I think I will just ask.
I will never completely understand the whole concept of prayer. I know it is the means by which we comminucate with God. That part I get. The part I struggle with is why it seems at times He answers right away and other times it takes so long. Then the other times where He almost seems to ignore us. I am aware that He answers three ways, Yes, No and wait awhile. I love when He says Yes, I do not like it when He says no but this wait a while really is hard. I read in Isaiah 40:31, that they who wait upon the Lord shall be renew in strength, they will mount up with wings as eagles, they can run and not be weary, they shall not walk and not faint. But waiting is so hard. I am also aware that the will of God and comedy have one similarity, timing. I know all things things but it never makes it easy. I suppose that is where faith and trust come in.

Your Friend

Robert

Letters to David - Letters written to a friend by a disciple of Jesus Christ in his journey of prayer. Letter Two

Letters to David

Hello David.
I love prayer so much it gives such focus and direction for life. What a beautiful concept to know you are one on one with the Master of the Universe. It is just you and Him. To be able to set time aside to be with Jehovah, the great, I Am. I marvel how when Moses asked the Lord, "who shall I say sent me." His reply was, "I am that I am." I am the all sufficient one, I neeed nothing and no one. I am complete in myself. I have always been and always will be. He is the beginning and the end. The first and the last.
What a privilege it is to know that God is concerned about the smallest details of my life. Every problem, situation and circumstances can be covered in prayer. But it all starts with the right heart attitude. David, I never want my prayer time to be unfruitful. It has to be from the heart. I know I have had those times where it feels like duty or obligation. It is during these times I feel unfruittful and unfulfilled. Yet I must persevere because desire, becomes discipline and eventually becomes delight.
I love the fact I can focus on hallowing and worshipping the Lord. What a wonder it is to be hanging with Jesus. I guess what I find so fascinating is that God would want to be spend time with me. I know He loves me and has gloriously saved me but to actually to want to spend time with me is beyond my comprehension. This is truly amazing. I will really have to think about this more.

Your Friend.

Robert

Letters to David - Letters written by a Disciple of Jesus Christ on his journey in the Lord - Letter One

Letters To David

Hello David
I have wanted to write to you for a long time but like it seems like every time I get a minute, it seems something gets in the way. So I decided I just need to take the time and write. I wanted to talk to you about my struggles in prayer. Have you ever wondered why it seems that your prayers just bounce off the ceiling? I know I have. I know the word says that God is all powerful but why does it seems that in my world it just doesn't happen. There seems to be a holy frustration among God's people. We have a desire to pray but how does one turn that desire into a lifestyle of prayer? This to me is a paradox. You want to pray, you have a desire to pray but you can't either find the time or when you do, you cannot put your feelings into words.
I know I seem to be just spilling my thoughts onto the page but this is a real dilemma for me. I have ths great desire to pray, I want to pray but I need to figure this out. I love the Lord with all my heart and with every fibre of my being I want to serve and obey Him but like most I struggle with prayer so if it is o.k. I am going to write to you and tell you how this journey progresses.
Prayer is such an intimate thing David, it is a personal time with the creator of the universe. It boggles the mind to think that we can communicate in this form to the one who is still creating all things. To speak one on one with an individual who as Isaiah says, in Isaiah 55, "His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts." Truly prayer is an amazing spiritual exercise. It is also mind boggling to think that as one writer said, "Prayer is the most powerful thing in the universe because the most powerful being in the universe is backing it up." That we have the privilege of being to pray. It really gives a person assurance that when they pray that God will back up everything He says in His word.
Well David I guess I will go now. Been great sharing these thoughts with you. I look forward to our next letter. I will write to you soon.

Your Friend

Robert.

Fasting


April 24 -  Fasting -  Matt 6:16-18

                Jesus reveals God’s view of fasting.  Fasting was one of the three pillars of Jewish religious life, the others were prayer and alms.   Jesus says that when a person fasts do not but like those religious people who put on a long face and draw attention to themselves when they fast.  This was a false show of piety.  Those who do this have already been given their reward.  Jesus states that rewards come for those who perform their works of religious service in secret. 
                Jesus says that when you fast you should wash your face, comb your hair and do not even look like you are fasting.  In Jesus’ day fasting had become a spectacle.  Jesus makes is clear that when you fast and you do it for an audience of one which is the father, He will reward you openly for what you do in secret. 
                God is concerned about the matters of the heart.  Jesus is speaking against the practice of self promotion which men can easily fall into.  Pride is at the heart of this issue.  Man loves to exalt themselves.  Personal self worth is important but not at the price of pure motives and attitudes.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Insightful Thoughts or Proverbs of Steel

271.  Fun is when you are having a good time with family and friends without putting someone else down.
272.  Prayer is an interesting thing.  When you are about to give up the answer comes.  Just shows you who is in the way.
273.  Prayer is like a photograph.  Things become real clear as the picture develops.
274.  Asking a fool to bridle their tongue is like trying to stop a flood with a screen door.
275.  True communication is first learning to listen, then learning to think and last learning to talk at the right time.
276.  A fool loves to hear the sound of their own voice when every one else does not.
277.  Saying the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons is like giving a starving child a piece of warm bread or a thirsty woman a cold drink. 
278.  When love and encouragement is shared, it returns in peace and prosperity.
279.  Temptation is often clothed in beauty and sin is draped in success.  The reality is both are ugly and deadly.
280.  Some of the great ugliness in history hides in the guise of beauty.
279.  Jesus said, He was the way, the problem is most have not even started the trip.
280.  Peace comes to the heart who is ready to turn from war and pain and embrace love and forgiveness.

Insightful Thoughts or Proverbs of Steel

261.  The man who possesses everything and yet does not have Christ has in truth has nothing.
262.  Worship has been said, to be an attitude of the heart express.  Problem is today is that many a Christian seems to struggling with heart failure.
263.  The ostrich is strong, fast, arrogant and proud.  Yet they forget their young, are unable to fly above their circumstances and earthbound.  The eagle is majestic, caring, faithful and tenacious.  They care for their young, fly above all their circumstances and touch the sky.  Which do you want to be?
264.  Never be in a hurry and learn to slow down because usually around the corner is a man with a photo radar machine.
266.  Never take your days for granted each day is a gift to be enjoyed and used for the glory of God.
267.  When you are the temple of God you will never have a housing crisis.
268.  Many leave their travelling arrangements for trips and vacations to the last minute but the one thing you should leave to the last minute is your travelling arrangements for eternity.
269.  Why is it that when we have so much to choose in life we choose the foolish and inane instead of the fruitful and productive.  Wise men choose life and know why.  The foolish man chooses death and have no idea why they did it.
270.  Humor is found in the most childish things.  A baby will laugh when their loved one makes a funny face.  Keep your humor simple and your life.

Insightful Thought or Proverbs of Steel

244.  Treasures, time and talent are of no use when we if we spend it on ourselves.  their only real value is when we spend them on others to help and benefit their lives.
245.  Many today call for justice, but justice without being tempered with love and mercy is nothing but revenge and hatred in disguise.
246.  No one would ever admit to being a fool but the person who leaves God out of their life, the term fits.
247.  Never prejudge another person because often you are the person who looks the most foolish over time.
248.  Most of the concerns we bring to others are nothing but our own prejudices and bias wrapped up in false love and friendship.
249.  Motives are always suspect because they are filtered through our experiences, background, upbringing and sinful nature.  God knows the real story so before you do anything filter your motives through prayer, the word, the Holy Spirit and mature counsel.  They will help you from false motives.
250.  Wisdom knows that any purchase that is to good to be true is a trap for the foolish

Insightful Thoughts of Proverbs of Steel

231.  Being a good father is always who you are more than what you give.
232.  Training a child to love and serve the Lord begins with you showing the way.
233.  Before you can build a house of love, you begin with a foundation of faith.
234.  The child of the world cries, "give me passion, popularity and possessions."  The child of God cries out, "give me faith, hope and love."
235.  At a funeral, the man in the casket rarely resembles the man described in the eulogy.
236.  The man who boasts of himself to lift himself up must tear down others to do it.
237.  It is harder to distinquish which goes faster, a hummingbird's wings or a boaster speaking of themselves.
238.  Sometimes it is harder to decide who is more dangerous a crocodile after its prey or an evil man planning the destruction of another.
239.  God will not remove any mountain in your path that you have been call to move.  So get out your shovel and get to work.  *
240.  Never blame God or someone else for the trouble you cause yourself.

Insightful Thought or Proverbs of Steel

221.  Some of the greatest minds of the age has proposed some of the most foolish ideas ever thought.
222.  Education and knowledge are often wasted on the fool.  Only a fool does not believe in God.
223.  Faith without action is like an automobile without a motor.  Looks good but does not go anywhere.
224.  The reason most of us do not like the Bible is because it exposes the real condition of our hearts.
225.  The Bible is a book reformation but it starts with the individual who becomes God`s instrument to reform society.
226.  The Bible can be burned, outlawed from society and spoken against but it cannot be burned from the heart, outlawed from the mind and silenced from the conscience.
227.  Wisdom knows that idols are not made only of stone and wood but in the heart and mind.
228.  A heart can be as wide as a canyon or as narrow as a crack it just depends on the love in it.
229.  The world says you are beautiful because your hair, skin and clothes.  God says you are beautiful because of your soul, heart and conscience.
230.  Always temper your discipline with love or you will raise a child of fear. 

Insightful Thoughts or Proverbs of Steel

211.  Success is never a barometer for character, it is what you do in your private times that is. 
212.  When the zeal of God is motivating someone.  I have one piece of advice, get out of the way or move with them. 
213.  When you fear God, there is nothing left to fear. 
214.  It is amusing to see someone saying they are fighting the good fight of faith and they leave their armor and weapons in the closet. 
215.  Experience is a wonderful thing unless it blocks faith.
216.  When God moves, try to catch up.
217.  Faith sees the impossible but obedience makes it happen.
218.  Never let discouragement keep you from doing what faith has made known.
219.  Obedience is the decision to that which is right when everything and everyone around says you do not have too.
220.  Knowledge is only truly helpful when applied to life and used for the good of others.

Insightful Thoughts or Proverbs of Steel

200.  Never waste a moment for God has given you each day to use for His glory. 
201.  Vision dies when we fail to implement what God shows us in our lives.
202.  True vision is seeing what God sees and implementing that sight into our lives. 
203.  Vision is where people see and do the impossible. 
204.  Love as if this could be your last moment on this earth because it could.  `
205.  Children measure success not in what you give them but in what way you give yourself to them. 
206.  A person may be a great success in the work world but a dismal failure at home. 
208.  Never measure your success in what you have but in what you give away. 
209.  Man measures success in what they see.  God measures success in what people do not see. 
210.  Your can be successful in all areas of life and still lose in end. 

Insightful Thought or Proverbs of steel

191.  Listen to the nudging within your heart, it is the voice that will save you from a multitude of problems.
192.  Battles are won or lost before we get into them when we walk defeated or believe we will lose.
193.  Actions speak louder than words, so make sure your actions are saying the right things.
194.  Communication is the key to strong friendships and marriages.  So keep your messages clear and simple.
195.  Words have the power to heal or destroy so choose your words well.
196.  Be careful to watch your words they have a habit of returning to haunt you.
196.  Lies will always die in the face of truth.
197.  Never believe a rumor about anyone until you have talk to the person and verify it or not.
198.  Beauty is wonderful the first time viewed but not always when the makeup has not been applied.
199.  Those that are wisest in love are those that speak with deeds and not words.
200.  Never waste a moment for God has given you each day to use for His glory. 

Insightful Thought or Proverbs of Steel

181.  A man who loves his wife will have a home where grace and love flourishes.
182.  Honor the marriage bed.  It is wider and more comfortable than the sofa.
183.  Children are a blessing from the Lord.  In laws are still up for debate.
184.  Never be satisfied with a happy meal in life when you can have salmon or steak.  Unless you are a vegetarian.
185.   A child who is spoiled is like a dripping tap, annoying and a waster of valuable resources
186.  Athiest`s are a funny group.  They spend so much time trying to disprove something they do not believe in.
187.  Atheism is like going on a trip where you do not know where you are going and when you will arrive.
188.  The person who does not believe in God has failed to see the evidence of His existence all around them.
189.  A man once told me that if he ever doubted the existence of God all he did was look around and that doubt disappeared.
190.  When a person denies the existence of God they are denying the one who gives them breath.  Gen 2:7, God made man and then breathed into him the breath of life and man became a living soul.

Insightful Thoughts or Proverbs of Steel

171.  Tears without true sorrow is a waste of bodily fluids.
172.  To mock a friend is like sticking you head in the mouth of a lion.  A dangerous proposition.
173.  True repentance and sorrow is followed by action.
174.  Helping someone without being asked is like giving a cup on cold water on a hot day.  Most refreshing.
175.  A word of encouragement at the right me is like a cool breeze on a hot summer`s day.
176.  Noah had good incentive to build the ark.  First they did not have life jackets in his day and secondly treading water for 40 days is never fun.
177.  A wise man build his home and life on the principles of love, acceptance and forgiveness.
178.  Cain is an example of a man who tried to get God`s approval through man made methods.
179.  There are no short cuts to wisdom.  The path to wisdom is knowledge, understanding, discretion and the fear of the Lord.  It takes time to master these.
180.  Avoid the way of the drunkard.  It leads to poverty, loneliness and destruction.

Jesus is Amazing

When one looks at the life of Jesus Christ it is an amazing but short life.  No man taught with the authority of Jesus Christ.  The people were always amazed at His teaching.  He as able to take eternal concepts and put them in a simple but powerful format.  Jesus' miracles touch every aspect of the human condition.  He healed the sick, blind, lame and dumb.  He raised the dead and He walked on water.  One time He was woken up during a fierce storm by His disciples and He spoke one word and the winds and waves ceased.  He was man who could command the elements.  Some would say that Jesus was larger than life.  Jesus is fondly remembered as a man who walked with compassion.  The gospel writers state in several places that Jesus was moved with compassion.  When He saw human suffering in whatever form it came He responded quickly and decisively.  The gospel writer Mark pointed out that whatever Jesus did, He did immediately.  When you are going through a trial or period of suffering Jesus will be there immediately to bring victory, comfort and help.  Jesus was a man of action and He will do the same for you.  Jesus in His earthly ministry was Savior, Healer and Messiah.  Today after His resurrection He is your Savior, Healer, Baptiser in the Holy Spirit and Soon Coming King.  Whatever you are facing today Jesus will be there to help you through.  He is your victory and overcomer and with Him in your corner you shall be these as well. 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Bringing peace to others!

In Matt 5,  Jesus list several beatitudes.  This is you are blessed if you follow his ways certain things happen to you.  For example, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Sons of God."  If you are a person who wants to sow peace and its attributes you first have to be at peace yourself.  This begins with having your sins forgiven and being in a right relationship with God.  Only then can you offer peace to someone else.  Peace is absence of war and strife in one's personal world.  Jesus promised to give peace not as the world gives.  His peace is a peace that the world cannot give and the world cannot take away.  When you have the peace of God working in your life you can sow peace into the life of others.  Paul writes in 1 Cor 11:23, "That which I have, I will give unto you."  In other words, the peace that I have, I can give it to you.  We can introduce people to Jesus and then He will give them the same peace that we have.  Having a peaceful disposition also allows others who come into our presence feel and experience that peace for themselves.  One day when I was younger my family was having a very busy function.  Everyone around me was running doing things and I was involved as well, but I was totally at peace that day.  One non Christian family member said, "How can you be so peaceful?"  I remark it was because of Jesus.  She kind of half smiled and went about her business.  Jesus makes all the difference.  If world leaders would bring the real Jesus into peace talks then we would see real peace because they would know that peace is not wanting your own way but helping others to find a way through differences and coming to a solution where both parties can live with the results.  Only the Lord can do that.  Today live in peace with all people by letting Prince of Peace rule in your hearts.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Lead us not into Temptation


April 20 – Lead us not into Temptation – Matt 6:13

                Jesus is including this part because temptation is an everyday occurrence.  Temptation is normal but we should not be lead by temptation.  The secret of not being lead by temptation is to avoid it and when it comes to resist it.  The secret of overcoming temptation is praying that God will help you to recognize when it comes. You decide to resist it and defeat it in the future.  Temptation works this way, you see it, it beckons your participation but you see it for what it is, as vehicle for failure.  You resist it until it goes away.  You use the word of God and prayer to overcome it and then you rejoice over its defeat in your life.  This is where having the armor and the hedge of protection around you comes in.  You have the means, power and weapons to defeat any temptation.  Also remember 1 Cor 10:13, it says that temptation is common to man but if you cannot resist it, God will provide a means of escape.  Today be an over comer in the Lord.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Faith as a Mustard Seed

In Luke 14:18-19, Jesus tells a little parable about the Kingdom of God.  He compares it to a mustard seed.  The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds but it grows into a very large tree where birds of the air nest in its branches.  The lessons we learn about this plant is that all it takes is a small seed of faith to see great things for God.  Faith is beleiving when all things seem to be against you.  Faith is believing in the Lord's promises when nothing has happened in the physical realm.  The writer of Hebrews in 11:1 states that faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen yet.  You just know that God will work everything out.  Right now I am in that position.  Recently I have had a couple things that have tested my faith and so I am trusting the Lord.  When you are in a situation where your faith is being tested, you need to get people to join you in prayer about the situation.  United prayer is one of God's method's to break down strongholds.  Solomon said a three fold cold is not easily broken.  Jesus stated that where two or three people agree as touching anything it shall be done for them.  Get people to join you in prayer and together you will see miracles.  Jesus in this parable says that faith may start out small but it grows to the place where others come and live in that place of victory.  So trust God and see victory in your life today.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Not a friend of the world.

Jesus made it clear in John 16:18 that we will never be friends with the world.  Now when I talk about the world, I am not talking of the physical planet called earth.  I am talking about the worldly system that functions on pride, passion and possessions.  John tells us in 1 John that the world comprises of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life.  There is a constant pressure and pull toward these things.  You are told that possessions are the key to security and success.  Last week the largest lottery prize in Canadian history was offered and millions of people bought tickets beleiving that winning the big one would give them the security they are looking for.  I knew a couple in B.C. who won the so called big one.  They bought a house, cars and fancy furniture.  They lived the high life for a time but it also wrecked their marriage and in the end they broke apart and then they fought over the remaining money.  The attraction of fame, popularity, power and prestige is very strong.  People literally give their lives to it and in the end where do they end up in the grave yard like everyone else.  I have known people who have given themselves to making a name for themselves and when I do their funeral very few people attend and you wonder what it was all about.  Jesus says to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.  Also never be surprised when the world with its images and standards try to persecute or ridicule you.  Jesus said, if the world hated Him it will hate you.  When I became a Christian immediately some long time friends wanted nothing to do with me.  It was a reality check.  Today love the Lord with every fibre of your being and serve Him with joy and victory.  

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Walk in forgiveness


April 17 – Forgive us as we forgive our debtors -  Matt 6:12

                This next subject of prayer is priority number one.  Jesus closes off the Lord’s prayer with an addendum about what happens when you do not forgive.  So for the next couple days I want to focus on the importance of forgiveness.  First, forgiveness is not an option it is a command.  There is a reality however and that it is a real struggle when you have been hurt.  The cycle of hurt works this way.  You get offended or hurt.  It begins with thinking about the offence.  This leads to a strong thought where you think more and more about the hurt.  This leads to taking the offence into the imagination where you may the offence bigger than it is and justify your course of action.  When fully thought through it becomes a stronghold where friendships and relationship become broken.  The conversation goes like this.  Why did they hurt me?  They must have done it on purpose.  I am so hurt. I hate them and I will have nothing to do with them.   The cycle of hurt works this way.  Your get hurt, your nurse the hurt and then you curse the person who did it.  This creates a wall between you and then and forgiveness becomes harder unless one of you deals with it. 
                The problem with your hurt is the offender most times does not even know they did it.  In fact most cases they would be shock to know that they did it.  The Bible says that once we find out a hurt had been committed either to us or was done by us we should go and make it right.  Keeping short accounts with God and people is healthy and allows the devil no room to exploit the unforgiveness for his own means.

Seeking a Sign

In Mark 8:12, Jesus reveals something about His generation and ours.  They were a generation that were looking for a sign.  A sign that God is real, that God will do something for them.  They will believe when God opens up the skies and speaks to them directly.  I have had many people tell me over the years, "I will believe when I see a sign."  What is amazing is that God has displayed His glory every where.  Creation is God's silent witness.  It displays every where that there is an intelligent creator.  Yet mankind still does not believe or we propose theories that say we evolved.  The theory of evolution has been proposed by a portion of the scientific community as fact when in reality it takes more faith to believe in the theory of evolution than to believe that a master creator who made this world.  The complexity of life and how beautifully this world functions demonstrates a master creator and yet mankind still does not believe.  When Jesus walked the earth, God was walking among men.  Jesus did wonderful miracles and yet people did not believe.  Last night I was at a ladies meeting at our church and one of our ladies told me how on Sunday she came forward for prayer for healing for her ears and God healed her.  She was so excited because she knew that there was a God and He heals.  No evolutionist, rationalist, realist or any other educated fool can convince her that Jesus is not real because she was healed.  Jesus said a wicked generation seeks signs to prove God is real.  I trust that you are not wicked and need a sign.  Jesus said to Thomas, "Blessed are those who believe and do not need a sign to see."  Faith is believing when everything says you should not. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

WHo needs a Physician?

In Luke 5:31-32, Jesus talks about those who need and do not need a physician.  The sick are those who need a doctor and not the well.  Jesus then went on to say that He came to call the sinner and not the righteous to repentance.  Jesus came to save all mankind because all mankind are sinners.  Paul says in Romans 3:23, that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  Jesus came to deal with our sin.  His death, burial and resurrection, effectively dealt with the sin problem in our lives.  What needs to happen for us is to recognize that we are sinners and need His healing.  When I was 17, I was invited to a young people's convention in Havre, Montana.  At the time I did not think I was a sinner.  I thought because I went to church once in a while I was alright.  Basically in my mind I was as good as the next person.  On the Saturday morning of that convention I heard a message on what a sinner was and it was then I recognized that I needed Christ.  I was living in a false sense of security thinking that good works would get me to heaven.  That day I found out that only by the grace of God could I be saved.  I learned that day that a way for eternal life had been provided for me.  That day, I responded to the message of the gospel and gave my life to Jesus Christ.  That day a sinner came home as the old hymn says.  Today whenever I hear or give a message of salvation, I do not have to respond because I am righteous and am whole.  Today however if you have not given your life to Jesus Christ you are sick and you need the great physician to come and make you whole.  Give your life to Christ and be made whole and come into eternal and abundant life.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Thy Kingdom Come


April 14 – Thy Kingdom Come – Matt 6:10

                Today are talking about putting your foot down and establishing the Kingdom of God in your life and world.  One way of receiving the full benefit of this statement is to put on the whole armour of God as described in Eph 6:10-18.  Putting on the whole armour is an external protection for spiritual warfare.  Paul reminds here that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood so we need spiritual armour and weapons to defeat our enemies.

1.       You put on the Helmet of Salvation:  It helps you think and focus on the things of God.  Walking in the Spirit in the simplest terms is submitting your thought life to God.
2.       Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness:  Righteousness protects our heart from evil attacks and it is the effective prayer of a righteous person that avails much.
3.       Belt of Truth:   Truth will protect our vital organs and we will reproduce truth in every part of our lives,
4.       Boots of Peace.  Wherever we go we can be instruments of peace.  We have peace that passes all understanding.  Wherever we go that is our territory to be peacemakers.
5.       Shield of Faith:  This shield extinguishes all the fiery darts of satan and we overcome through faith in God and His word.
6.       Sword of the Spirit:  This is the word of God wielded by a person who knows that this is our offensive and defensive weapon to bring victory.

This armour is essential so we can stand victoriously and not be wounded in our fight against forces that can only be overcome by using God’s means and methods.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Thy Kingdom Come


April 14 – Thy Kingdom Come – Matt 6:10

                Today we will be learning how to build a hedge around ourselves, family, possessions, church and world.  Having a hedge built around keeps the enemy out and God in.  This is done by drawing a circle around yourself in the spiritual realm and then declaring the promises of Psalm 91 contain in the verses or promises that build this hedge.  Ps 91:9 says we are his dwelling place so no evil can overcome us.  Next, 91:14, tells us that the Lord has set His love on us.  The love of God is a wonderful protection.  Lastly Vs 14, again reminds us that the Lord has acknowledged our name.  In the Book of Revelation the Lord will give us a new name.  So building that hedge around yourself you are protected and ready for combat.  This is all done when you say, “Thy Kingdom come thy will be done.”

Friday, April 12, 2013

Worthy of the Kingdom.

Jesus said in Luke 9:62, that when a man puts his hand to the plough and keeps looking back he is not fit for the Kingdom.  What Jesus is saying here is that you cannot serve two masters.  You cannot serve God and yet live in the world.  You cannot live for the Lord and yet keep one foot in your old lifestyle.  Living for the Lord means that you live for Him with every fibre of your being.  You love Him with all you heart, soul, mind and strength.  Everything you do, say, think and am is Him.  Jesus is everything to you or nothing.  Your lifestyle must reflect Him.  I know this sounds black and white but the Lord is black and white in His view of the world.  It is men who like to see shades of grey.  We categorize sin making one sin worse or better than the other.  We excuse ourselves and say things such as, "I am not as bad as them"  We like to grade on the curve, make everyone feel good and level the playing field.  With God it is simple.  You are in the Kingdom or you are not.  The reality is this.  Jesus Christ went all the way to the cross for you.  He allowed His body to be broken, His blood to be shed so mankind could have forgiveness of sins.  He died, was buried and rose again for the salvation of all people.  God paid the ultimate price so you and I could have redemption.  Half measures do not reflect this sacrifice.  That is why Jesus said what He said Here.  You cannot keep looking back.  It is 100% commitment or you are not worthy of the Kingdom.  So as we head into the weekend, let this thought roll around inside your heart and follow Him with everything you have and are.  Your promises today are:  Matt 9:29, Matt 21:21, Rom 1:17, 10:17, 1 Cor 2:5, Eph 2:8, Heb 10:23 and 11:1.  Your Insightful Thoughts are:  Today many people think being holy is something you find in cheese.  Love is the quality we want given to us but we struggle to give to others