"From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them, I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves on of the nations." Numbers 23:9
God put this verse in my spirit this morning as I read his word. In these times of turmoil and changing values and the swirl of politics and social agendas. God tells us to step back and look at who we are in his eyes. We are set apart from the rest of the world. We are his chosen. It is up to us as followers of Christ to be different fro the rest of society because we are his children.
The world will try to swallow us up and water down the truth of God's word but it is up to us to remain steadfast and continue to proclaim the truth no matter what the consequence. It is time we stand as believers for the truth of God's word and show the world that we are His and that we are steadfast not tossed about like a wave on the ocean.
As believers we must be aware what the enemy is doing around us and fight back for what is right for our God and our families. No matter what the personal pain and persecution that we will suffer in the months and years ahead, we have only one time to get this right and God is watching us "from the heights."
My prayer. The days of persecution have arrived in America Father and we need your strength to see us through. Walk beside us Father and hold us up. Thank you for the redemption we have through Jesus Christ that when we fall you have already paid the price for our iniquity. Fill us Lord with the Holy Spirit and embolden us to stand for the truth of your Word in a dying and hostile world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Forgiveness Of God
'If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me...... then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land." Lev 26:40-42
The Book of Leviticus is much maligned and often quoted out of context by secular society. It seems to be used by many to show how unreasonable and mean-spirited God is. No one likes rules especially when they interfere with our own selfish desires. From sexual prohibitions to the observance of the Sabbath, Leviticus lays out what God expects from his people. Yet, even some "born-again" believers look at this book as just Old Testament "stuff" that no longer applies because Jesus died for all sin.
As I have been reading through Leviticus and letting the Lord speak to me through it I have come to discover, how much love is really in this wonderful book. As God lead his people out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan, God was preparing his them for the sin that they would find there and like any good father would do for his children, God warned his loved ones, of the trouble awaiting them. As I read this text I see a father pleading with his children to listen to his wisdom so that they don't get hurt.
However, like a good parent, God knew his children would not listen. They could not stop themselves from engaging in improper sexual activity or would not be able to rest from their work on the sabbath. Just like a little boy who had been told over and over that the stove was hot and he still reached up and had to find out for himself. Ouch! God knew they would stray and had to outline for them their punishment.
"Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled." (Lev 19:24) God had seen this behavior from the Canaanites who inhabited the land they were about to enter and did not want his children to fall prey to the things that caused them to be cast out of their land.
God lovingly warns of and sternly promises punishment for sins so that they may live freely. Yet, he also knows that they will fall and he will have to punish them. But at the end of the punishment, God promises forgiveness if his people genuinely repent.
Modern America needs this kind of forgiveness now. Like the Canaanites, I am afraid God is going to cast us from our land because of our disobedience. I pray that we believers wake up before we find ourselves under God's punishment. It's time we repent!
My prayer. Father you are a God of many chances because you love your people. We have taken advantage of your kindness and have deservedly brought your wrath upon our country. Forgive us again please Father and let your mercy reign one more time. I am sorry Lord for the times I ignored your warnings and took advantage of your kindness. I love you Father, and I pray in earnest for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, who are still in sin and disobedience. Thank you for your mercy and your favor, it is truly more than we deserve. I pray in Jesus name, Amen!
The Book of Leviticus is much maligned and often quoted out of context by secular society. It seems to be used by many to show how unreasonable and mean-spirited God is. No one likes rules especially when they interfere with our own selfish desires. From sexual prohibitions to the observance of the Sabbath, Leviticus lays out what God expects from his people. Yet, even some "born-again" believers look at this book as just Old Testament "stuff" that no longer applies because Jesus died for all sin.
As I have been reading through Leviticus and letting the Lord speak to me through it I have come to discover, how much love is really in this wonderful book. As God lead his people out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan, God was preparing his them for the sin that they would find there and like any good father would do for his children, God warned his loved ones, of the trouble awaiting them. As I read this text I see a father pleading with his children to listen to his wisdom so that they don't get hurt.
However, like a good parent, God knew his children would not listen. They could not stop themselves from engaging in improper sexual activity or would not be able to rest from their work on the sabbath. Just like a little boy who had been told over and over that the stove was hot and he still reached up and had to find out for himself. Ouch! God knew they would stray and had to outline for them their punishment.
"Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled." (Lev 19:24) God had seen this behavior from the Canaanites who inhabited the land they were about to enter and did not want his children to fall prey to the things that caused them to be cast out of their land.
God lovingly warns of and sternly promises punishment for sins so that they may live freely. Yet, he also knows that they will fall and he will have to punish them. But at the end of the punishment, God promises forgiveness if his people genuinely repent.
Modern America needs this kind of forgiveness now. Like the Canaanites, I am afraid God is going to cast us from our land because of our disobedience. I pray that we believers wake up before we find ourselves under God's punishment. It's time we repent!
My prayer. Father you are a God of many chances because you love your people. We have taken advantage of your kindness and have deservedly brought your wrath upon our country. Forgive us again please Father and let your mercy reign one more time. I am sorry Lord for the times I ignored your warnings and took advantage of your kindness. I love you Father, and I pray in earnest for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, who are still in sin and disobedience. Thank you for your mercy and your favor, it is truly more than we deserve. I pray in Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Watch Out for Deceivers
“With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.” Daniel 11:32
We live in difficult times. On a daily basis we are bombarded with information and “disinformation” about what is truly happening. We as believers and informed citizens must be diligent so as not to be deceived by those who are trying to gain advantage and destroy our freedom.
In the scripture, Daniel prophesied of events that would occur in 168 AD when the Syrian King Antiocus Epiphanes would enter the Holy of Holies and desecrate the temple in Jerusalem. Epiphanes sought to force Greek culture and manners on the Jews through his smooth talk and logical arguments.
Daniel is warning us today to be aware of the kinds of deceivers like Epiphanes that are likely to cross our paths in the months and years to come. He is emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God and understanding what his word says as the best defense against the deception of smooth talking deceivers that seem to be more prevalent than ever these days.
My prayer. Father, help us to stay focused and in constant relationship with you through prayer, fasting and study of your word. Forgive us Lord when we falter and raise us up when we stumble. Thank you for your sufficient grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
We live in difficult times. On a daily basis we are bombarded with information and “disinformation” about what is truly happening. We as believers and informed citizens must be diligent so as not to be deceived by those who are trying to gain advantage and destroy our freedom.
In the scripture, Daniel prophesied of events that would occur in 168 AD when the Syrian King Antiocus Epiphanes would enter the Holy of Holies and desecrate the temple in Jerusalem. Epiphanes sought to force Greek culture and manners on the Jews through his smooth talk and logical arguments.
Daniel is warning us today to be aware of the kinds of deceivers like Epiphanes that are likely to cross our paths in the months and years to come. He is emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God and understanding what his word says as the best defense against the deception of smooth talking deceivers that seem to be more prevalent than ever these days.
My prayer. Father, help us to stay focused and in constant relationship with you through prayer, fasting and study of your word. Forgive us Lord when we falter and raise us up when we stumble. Thank you for your sufficient grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Human Understanding
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Is 29:14
The things of God confound the natural man. In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth he writes of "God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began." What? A secret wisdom not even the church fathers had? How exciting! Paul continues, "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor 2:7-8)
On the day of Pentecost, the Lord gave us all the secret to unlocking the wisdom of God that confounds us as natural man and that is the power of the Holy Spirit. With the gifts that the spirit unlocks in us we are able to see that which our natural humanness was blinded since the beginning of time. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives the born again believer eyes that see like Christ and a supernatural insight that confounds conventional wisdom.
We as believer must take hold of this gift that God wants us to have so that we may better serve him while we are here. With this gifting we can see where our prayers will be most effective, where our giving will be effectively used for kingdom purposes. I believe it will give us insight into the current events that are happening around and cause our level of anxiety to be diminished as we begin to see God's plan of salvation accelerate toward the "last days.
My prayer. Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that we may continue in the ministry of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us Lord to see with your eyes into a hurting world that we may better serve you through an outpouring of love on the lost around us. Use us today Father for your purposes in everything we do, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
The things of God confound the natural man. In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth he writes of "God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began." What? A secret wisdom not even the church fathers had? How exciting! Paul continues, "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor 2:7-8)
On the day of Pentecost, the Lord gave us all the secret to unlocking the wisdom of God that confounds us as natural man and that is the power of the Holy Spirit. With the gifts that the spirit unlocks in us we are able to see that which our natural humanness was blinded since the beginning of time. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives the born again believer eyes that see like Christ and a supernatural insight that confounds conventional wisdom.
We as believer must take hold of this gift that God wants us to have so that we may better serve him while we are here. With this gifting we can see where our prayers will be most effective, where our giving will be effectively used for kingdom purposes. I believe it will give us insight into the current events that are happening around and cause our level of anxiety to be diminished as we begin to see God's plan of salvation accelerate toward the "last days.
My prayer. Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that we may continue in the ministry of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us Lord to see with your eyes into a hurting world that we may better serve you through an outpouring of love on the lost around us. Use us today Father for your purposes in everything we do, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He is Risen
"...the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen..." Mathew 28:5-6
Of all the discussion about Jesus whether he was the Son of God, a prophet or just a great teacher, not many deny that the tomb was empty when Mary Magdalen went there that day. Mathew's account attest to Roman guard that was placed on the grave site to prevent the disciples from stealing the body. However even they "shook for fear of him, and became like dead men." (Mat 28:4) when they realized the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty.
Praise him today and thank him for dying on the cross for your sins and saving you through his grace.
My prayer. Father we worship you for your great love and the wonderful gift of grace that you gave us and undeserving people. I love you Father and I praise your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Of all the discussion about Jesus whether he was the Son of God, a prophet or just a great teacher, not many deny that the tomb was empty when Mary Magdalen went there that day. Mathew's account attest to Roman guard that was placed on the grave site to prevent the disciples from stealing the body. However even they "shook for fear of him, and became like dead men." (Mat 28:4) when they realized the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty.
Praise him today and thank him for dying on the cross for your sins and saving you through his grace.
My prayer. Father we worship you for your great love and the wonderful gift of grace that you gave us and undeserving people. I love you Father and I praise your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Friday, April 10, 2009
It is Finished!
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30
There's a line that is drawn through the ages
On that line stands an old rugged cross
On that cross, a battle is raging
To gain a man's soul or it's loss
On one side, march the forces of evil
All the demons, all the devils of hell
On the other, the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha's hill
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God's son, in the balance
And then through the darkness he cries
It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging
Not all prisoners of war had come home
These were battlefields of my own making
I didn't know that the war had been won
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming
And now praise his name, I am free.
Lyrics By Bill and Gloria Gaither
There's a line that is drawn through the ages
On that line stands an old rugged cross
On that cross, a battle is raging
To gain a man's soul or it's loss
On one side, march the forces of evil
All the demons, all the devils of hell
On the other, the angels of glory
And they meet on Golgotha's hill
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict
And the sun refuses to shine
For there hangs God's son, in the balance
And then through the darkness he cries
It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging
Not all prisoners of war had come home
These were battlefields of my own making
I didn't know that the war had been won
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming
And now praise his name, I am free.
Lyrics By Bill and Gloria Gaither
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Passion of Christ - Part 4
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. Luke 22:54
Peter, James and John were part of Jesus’ inner circle, they were his closest friends. In most of the major discussions and certainly when Jesus prayed the night before he was handed over to be crucified, Jesus had them near. In fact, when Jesus was seized by the temple guards, Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers.
Why then, would Peter, as Jesus’ predicted, deny to have even known his best friend after Jesus was in custody. In fact, “…Peter followed at a distance,” as arresting soldiers and Jesus made their way from Gethsemane to the temple court. Peter chose to hide in the shadows rather than admit he was a follower of Christ. He was scared.
This episode speaks volumes about the state of Christianity in 2009. Unlike Peter who had no idea what would become of his friend Jesus, we modern day Christians have the benefit of knowing how the crucifixion story ended. We can look back on the day of Pentecost, where thousands saw the Holy Spirit descend upon the disciples and Peter stood up and led over 3000 to the Lord; yet, most of us still follow Jesus at a distance. What are we afraid of?
Many Christians fail to grasp the power of the risen Lord. If the Body of Christ (the Church) who has asked Jesus Christ into our hearts would understand the power we possess knowing that God has forgiven our sins and that we have overcome death as well, then we would not remain in the shadows, embarrassed to admit we believe. Of all the religions on earth Christianity is the only one that can say that their leader has been put to death but is now alive and has been living for the past two thousand years! That’s empowering!
It’s time to get serious about our faith and stop listening to all of the noise around us trying to put Christianity in a box. The power of Christ living inside of us drives out all fear. Stand up and tell others why you are so confident. The Last Days are here brothers and sisters and if we don’t tell the lost about the good news, it may soon be too late.
My prayer. Father again, forgive us for trying to limit you. Forgive us for being weak-kneed Christians. Empower us through your Holy Spirit to speak boldly without fear or reservation about the gospel. Prepare a way for each of us as we go out in a very dark world to be beacons of light. I pray that we be doers of the word and not hearers only. In Jesus name Amen!
Peter, James and John were part of Jesus’ inner circle, they were his closest friends. In most of the major discussions and certainly when Jesus prayed the night before he was handed over to be crucified, Jesus had them near. In fact, when Jesus was seized by the temple guards, Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers.
Why then, would Peter, as Jesus’ predicted, deny to have even known his best friend after Jesus was in custody. In fact, “…Peter followed at a distance,” as arresting soldiers and Jesus made their way from Gethsemane to the temple court. Peter chose to hide in the shadows rather than admit he was a follower of Christ. He was scared.
This episode speaks volumes about the state of Christianity in 2009. Unlike Peter who had no idea what would become of his friend Jesus, we modern day Christians have the benefit of knowing how the crucifixion story ended. We can look back on the day of Pentecost, where thousands saw the Holy Spirit descend upon the disciples and Peter stood up and led over 3000 to the Lord; yet, most of us still follow Jesus at a distance. What are we afraid of?
Many Christians fail to grasp the power of the risen Lord. If the Body of Christ (the Church) who has asked Jesus Christ into our hearts would understand the power we possess knowing that God has forgiven our sins and that we have overcome death as well, then we would not remain in the shadows, embarrassed to admit we believe. Of all the religions on earth Christianity is the only one that can say that their leader has been put to death but is now alive and has been living for the past two thousand years! That’s empowering!
It’s time to get serious about our faith and stop listening to all of the noise around us trying to put Christianity in a box. The power of Christ living inside of us drives out all fear. Stand up and tell others why you are so confident. The Last Days are here brothers and sisters and if we don’t tell the lost about the good news, it may soon be too late.
My prayer. Father again, forgive us for trying to limit you. Forgive us for being weak-kneed Christians. Empower us through your Holy Spirit to speak boldly without fear or reservation about the gospel. Prepare a way for each of us as we go out in a very dark world to be beacons of light. I pray that we be doers of the word and not hearers only. In Jesus name Amen!
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