Genesis 12:1
1The Lord had said to to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
I
had been referencing the story of Abraham each time I was asked why I
was moving. And my response has been, "When God says move, you move." I
always reference the story of Abraham especially when I get the blank
look. The Lord hit me with something so deep yesterday on the train.
"What if Abraham hadn't been obedient to the Lord?" I had an "oh my"
moment out loud on the train because it hit like a sack of bricks.
Abraham didn't ask questions. He just went. But what if he didn't go and
was fixed on staying where he was and what he was doing at that
moment? What if he continued to ask God questions when He could've been
moving? What if he said, sure Lord I'll get to it and never did? God
showed me that Abraham wouldn't have been the father of many nations. He
wouldn't have been promised the land that the Israelites later
occupied. There would be no Isaac nor Jacob whom God renamed Israel and
from him came twelve tribes. There would be no Israel and there would be
no Ruth, no David, no Solomon and no earthly born Jesus though He
existed in Spirit and no salvation for us Gentiles. All mentioned came
from Abraham's obedience. I now understand why so many scriptures make
reference to Abraham's obedience. When God says you must move forward,
there's no time to look back and say but I want to stay where I am. I'll
stay just a little longer. You have no idea what your obedience means,
who benefits and what God will birth from it be it literally or
figuratively. I thank God for Abraham's obedience as well as each and
every man and woman who listened and obeyed God from that point on. We
all benefited. Next time God tells you to MOVE FORWARD, think about
Abraham and what won't happen through you and for you because you're
unwilling to move.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The One You Fear
Isaiah 8:13
13The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,
Both houses of Israel, Judah and Israel, relied on Assyria and feared Assyria. Yet the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to remind them that it is only the Lord himself whom they ought to regard as such. Has much changed? Too many rely on man and fear man more than the Lord who gives them breath. They don't fear the Lord who has the ability to give, sustain and take life. When appearance by man's standards means more than the Lord Almighty, there is an imbalance. When fear of failure is more important than the Lord's will there is an imbalance. When fear of non-acceptance by man or group of people is more important than the Lord's will again, there is an imbalance. Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Your final destination is determined by God himself. It may seem far fetched to you if a man is holding a gun to your head but if you have a right relationship with the Lord, then you know no matter what, you will see the face of Jesus. However, if you let man dictate your outcomes rather the Lord as did Assyria, when you are in deep trouble, man will not be able to pull you out. Only the Lord will be able to deliver you. Israel experienced it over and over. Many times they made alliances with Assyria and Egypt for what they thought were their sources of living. But soon those alliances turned to dust and the Assyrians and Egyptians made war with Israel. Israel had to cry out to the Lord to save them. In what ways or situations have you feared man rather than the Lord? Wasn't it the Lord who came to your aid when man turned on you?
13The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,
Both houses of Israel, Judah and Israel, relied on Assyria and feared Assyria. Yet the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to remind them that it is only the Lord himself whom they ought to regard as such. Has much changed? Too many rely on man and fear man more than the Lord who gives them breath. They don't fear the Lord who has the ability to give, sustain and take life. When appearance by man's standards means more than the Lord Almighty, there is an imbalance. When fear of failure is more important than the Lord's will there is an imbalance. When fear of non-acceptance by man or group of people is more important than the Lord's will again, there is an imbalance. Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Your final destination is determined by God himself. It may seem far fetched to you if a man is holding a gun to your head but if you have a right relationship with the Lord, then you know no matter what, you will see the face of Jesus. However, if you let man dictate your outcomes rather the Lord as did Assyria, when you are in deep trouble, man will not be able to pull you out. Only the Lord will be able to deliver you. Israel experienced it over and over. Many times they made alliances with Assyria and Egypt for what they thought were their sources of living. But soon those alliances turned to dust and the Assyrians and Egyptians made war with Israel. Israel had to cry out to the Lord to save them. In what ways or situations have you feared man rather than the Lord? Wasn't it the Lord who came to your aid when man turned on you?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Defining Your Relationship and State of Being
John 15:15
15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.
When you think of defining yourself and your relationship with Christ how would you do so? As Jesus said to the disciples so He says to those who love Him and walk in His counsel, you are a friend. You know how Jesus defines the relationship He desires to have with you but what words would you use to define your relationship with Him? In church we've studied the names of God. There are many names to define God. To define something as said by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary means to 1) set forth the meaning of, 2) to fix or mark the limits of 3) to clarify in outline or character. So to define your relationship means to give it meaning and character. Just like there are names to define God so we define ourselves. Many define themselves apart from God when He desires to be one with you and wants you to walk in how He defines you as you are His creation. As you become one with Him, how you define your relationship with Him will change and therefore how you define yourself will change.
In the Spanish language there are two verbs to represent "to be" or the state of being something. Ser for a permanent state of being and estar for a temporary state. For instance 'I am tired' is 'Estoy consada' from the verb estar because it's temporary and can change. But 'I am a sailor' is 'Soy marinero' from the verb ser and considered to be something about you that won't change at least not anytime in the near future. No, this is not about a Spanish lesson but to understand how you define you and your relationship with Christ is wonderfully illustrated by how these verbs are used. Many define themselves by their titles, jobs, marital status and bank account. But when you are in relationship with Christ He simply defines you as friend. The bells and whistles are not necessary because God knew you before you were formed as stated in Jeremiah 1:5 and he knit you together as stated in Psalm 139:13. He knows everything about you. There's no need for pretense with Christ and our Heavenly Father. There's no need to boast about your current state of being. For one, God can change everything in an instant because He is sovereign. Therefore, other than how He defines you, everything else is temporary.
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com from 6-9am ET and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment! I will also be on the Leap of Faith Show live on Monday, October 8th!
15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.
When you think of defining yourself and your relationship with Christ how would you do so? As Jesus said to the disciples so He says to those who love Him and walk in His counsel, you are a friend. You know how Jesus defines the relationship He desires to have with you but what words would you use to define your relationship with Him? In church we've studied the names of God. There are many names to define God. To define something as said by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary means to 1) set forth the meaning of, 2) to fix or mark the limits of 3) to clarify in outline or character. So to define your relationship means to give it meaning and character. Just like there are names to define God so we define ourselves. Many define themselves apart from God when He desires to be one with you and wants you to walk in how He defines you as you are His creation. As you become one with Him, how you define your relationship with Him will change and therefore how you define yourself will change.
In the Spanish language there are two verbs to represent "to be" or the state of being something. Ser for a permanent state of being and estar for a temporary state. For instance 'I am tired' is 'Estoy consada' from the verb estar because it's temporary and can change. But 'I am a sailor' is 'Soy marinero' from the verb ser and considered to be something about you that won't change at least not anytime in the near future. No, this is not about a Spanish lesson but to understand how you define you and your relationship with Christ is wonderfully illustrated by how these verbs are used. Many define themselves by their titles, jobs, marital status and bank account. But when you are in relationship with Christ He simply defines you as friend. The bells and whistles are not necessary because God knew you before you were formed as stated in Jeremiah 1:5 and he knit you together as stated in Psalm 139:13. He knows everything about you. There's no need for pretense with Christ and our Heavenly Father. There's no need to boast about your current state of being. For one, God can change everything in an instant because He is sovereign. Therefore, other than how He defines you, everything else is temporary.
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com from 6-9am ET and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment! I will also be on the Leap of Faith Show live on Monday, October 8th!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Has Jesus Said You Will Return?
Luke 22:31-32
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Simon Peter's denial of Jesus was indeed prophesied. But did you know that it was all part of the plan? Just as in Job, Satan had to have permission to test Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon Peter would deny him but he also knew that after Simon's stumble, he would come back. The test would make Simon Peter realize just how much he loved Jesus and would be willing to fight for Jesus' cause. Are you wondering if Satan has asked for permission to test you? If you have truly confessed to be a follower of Christ and attempt to walk in it, then yes. The question is are you in that testing period right now? If so, then chances are you have a choice to make as to whether you will abandon your faith in Jesus and live like you don't know Him or cling to Him and leave behind the way you were. It can be scary when you realize that you are in a test. But a line that came from Devil's Advocate over and over by Kevin Lomax and his wife Meredith says it all, " It's like it's one big test." And the answer from one of Satan's henchmen, "Isn't everything?" Has Jesus said to Satan that you will return to Him?
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Simon Peter's denial of Jesus was indeed prophesied. But did you know that it was all part of the plan? Just as in Job, Satan had to have permission to test Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon Peter would deny him but he also knew that after Simon's stumble, he would come back. The test would make Simon Peter realize just how much he loved Jesus and would be willing to fight for Jesus' cause. Are you wondering if Satan has asked for permission to test you? If you have truly confessed to be a follower of Christ and attempt to walk in it, then yes. The question is are you in that testing period right now? If so, then chances are you have a choice to make as to whether you will abandon your faith in Jesus and live like you don't know Him or cling to Him and leave behind the way you were. It can be scary when you realize that you are in a test. But a line that came from Devil's Advocate over and over by Kevin Lomax and his wife Meredith says it all, " It's like it's one big test." And the answer from one of Satan's henchmen, "Isn't everything?" Has Jesus said to Satan that you will return to Him?
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Guilty Conscience
Genesis 50:15
15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"
Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.
When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.
15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"
Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.
When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Taking HIm at His Word
Matthew 22:71
71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am." The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you? The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am." The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you? The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Purpose in Sarcasm
Proverbs 15:1
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point. David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point. David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
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