Rid Yourself of Bitter Roots

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

Thoughts rule conduct. Really, it’s the thoughts that we’re not conscious of that determine most of our behavior. Unforgiveness that is allowed to remain and fester will produce a root of bitterness. When that happens, others activities of life are clouded by expectations that arise from unforgiveness.

Here’s a simple example from my life as young person. I would plan to go bike riding with my friend and we’d decide to meet at a certain location at 3:00 PM. He would constantly not show up. I became angry at him for his no show, and judged him for it.

Years later as an adult, I noticed that I checked with people three or four times when they committed to doing something for me. The Lord showed me that I had a bitter root expectation working in my life that came from my friend’s violations of my past. It was buried in my underlying thought patterns and would surface when I did some business with someone.

Once I saw what it was, I repented of the thought I had clung to about my childhood friend. Repentance and acknowledgment released the habit of bitter root expectations that I had acquired from this long ago event. And I was freed from years of expecting people not to do what they say!

If you’re had relational wounds that you’ve held deeply buried in your underlying thoughts, let me encourage you to deal with them now! If you have responses in your life to people or events that are way out of line with what they should be based on the event, you may need to deal with a bitter root judgments.

Love believes the best of every person! Let’s rid ourselves of bitter roots that produce bitter root expectations in life and relationships. You could literally change a response pattern you’ve had lifelong, and enter into a newfound freedom!

Daily Grace

I had an experience that changed my life back in the 1980’s while working on staff in a large local church in Oklahoma. I was in my mid-twenties, and from the time I was a young child I loved to work. Let me give you the background.

I remember as a four and five year old I would clean the porcelain and chrome in the bathroom wanting to hear my mom say "wow Mitch, you did such a great job cleaning.” I learned over the years of my childhood that I would receive personal affirmation if I accomplished something worthwhile. So to feel good about myself, I worked. The more I did, the better I felt about myself. I became a classic workaholic. Driven, and addicted to accomplishment as a means of emotional survival. I carried this through my teenage years and graduated from high school at age 16!

So here I am in my mid twenties, on staff at a large church with lots of responsibilities, and lots of opportunities to accomplish things so I can feel good about myself! Oh, one thing I need to mention is that the other side of accomplishment is failure and inactivity. The downside of addiction to work was that I ran from inactivity. I would feel like an absolute failure if I was not busy doing something. Yep, I was a classic obsessive compulsive workaholic! I had a need to succeed that drove me to work, work, work.

So I was in my office at the large church, and my work ethic had carried over into my spiritual life. Now, I had to do things to be pleasing to the Lord. The more I did, the more I thought He would affirm me. As I sat at my desk, the words came from Him, “You’ve not been saved by grace to live by works.” I began to cry as the Lord began a process of setting me free from the need to accomplish to feel good about myself. I found out that the Grace that saved me was also the Grace that empowered me each day. I found out that God loves me no matter what I do. Grace is unmerited favor. It’s God loving me, not for what I do, but for who I am!

I found that God’s Grace is a power. I came across this definition of Grace. Grace is God’s ability working in me to enable me to do what I can’t do myself! Now, instead of the driven make it happen, workaholic attitude, I could lean back on God’s love and Jesus sacrifice for me to help me to do what I can’t do myself.

Now, I know that I’m not saved by Grace to live by Works. Now I understand that my value as a person is not tied up in what I do, but in who I am in Christ. Now I can take a break without guilt, enjoy a vacation without feeling like a failure, succeed or fail at a given task knowing that my Father loves me, not based on my accomplishments, but just because I am a person. I understand now that God values me, not for what I accomplish, but just for who I am.

Now I can love others and accept them even if they fail or seemingly don’t measure up. It’s called REST based on GRACE. It brings joy back into living.

A Love Need

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 31:3).

We’re born with an innate need to be loved. The human spirit thrives when nurtured by love. Without it, there is an emptiness seeking to be filled. Living without love creates idolatry. Idolatry is getting a legitimate need met in an illegitimate way.

Most of the indulgences of the flesh are temporary fixes to a much deeper problem. Some fill the emptiness that only love can fill with food additions. Some fill the emptiness with sexual escapades that will mar life and wreck their future, leaving life empty and defiled. Others dull the pain of emptiness with alcohol or drug abuse. Many are workaholics. They are afraid of the empty they feel when things get quiet and the activity ceases.

God the Father created us to be loved by Him. The human heart can only be satisfied by His unconditional love. No other antidote to emptiness works.

Human relationships were designed by God to work well only in the context of a love relationship with Him. Without this love relationship, selfishness born of the sin nature will hinder closeness and depth.

Jesus reveals to us the sum total of our personal needs as He spoke to some religious folk of His day. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:35-40).

We were created to be loved and to love. Love is the incubator for the human personality.

Without it, life becomes dry, meaningless, and needy. When I speak of love, I must define my term. This love that comes from the Father is gentle, kind, forbearing, patient, encouraging, genuine, hopeful, helpful, pure, and unconditional. God the Father knows you so well. He knows your deep needs more than anyone. He knows why you think and respond the way you do. He will not criticize or judge you. He will accept you the way you are, and then draw you into Himself and show you a new way to deal with life.

It’s hard not to become poetic when speaking of the Fathers love. It’s so hard to put into words. Being with Him brings a fullness inside; a sense of being so loved and cared for that no fear can penetrate. Fear vanishes when you open up and really receive His unconditional love.

Choose today to open yourself up to the Father’s love. Ask Him to help you take the walls down. Humble yourself under His loving hand. He will help you. Pour your heart out to Him. Tell Him all of your worries and concerns. Allow your every motive to pass through His loving gaze. Ask Him to help you where you know you are wrong. His love will penetrate the barrier of your flesh. His love can fill every unmet need. His love will change you.

Reconditioning

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection] (1 John 4:18 – Amplified).

We learn from observation, association, and influence. Our belief system, the way we think and deal with life, is entrenched within us from our early years. Our patterns of response to others are generally set by how things were in our home life as children.

That’s why God admonished the Israelites to train their children in His ways at a young age. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Children learn by what they see, hear, and experience. Again, it’s observation, association, and influence.

Many of us are conditioned away from closeness. We are conditioned to hide our true selves, and live behind walls of self-protection. If a child is raised in an atmosphere of harshness and criticism, then the child quickly learns what to do to keep the harsh, critical responses at a minimum. And generally speaking, we tend to think and feel about God the way we think and feel about our parents, particularly our father.

So when I speak of opening up to others in close relationship, many shy away due to conditioning in their earlier years that produces fear of closeness and causes them to erect walls of self-protection. And unconscious walls are up when they seek to fellowship with the Lord. Many folk have told me that they know God loves them because the Word says He does, but they don’t feel an emotional connection to Him at all. This is a result of conditioning.

So lack of closeness with others and with God has to be overcome by reconditioning. As you force yourself into the presence of God at first without feeling and acknowledge verbally your love for Him, your emotions and feelings will slowly change.

As you force yourself into closer relationships with others and slowly let the walls of self-protection down, you learn to open your heart life to others and live a life free from the fear of relationship.

When I was very young, my father brought a pet beagle home. I was excited about having a new dog around, but was quickly disappointed when “Snoopy” ran from me as I approached him to pet him. Snoopy just would not accept any close human contact. My dad told me that he had probably been abused by the previous owner.

I decided that I would not have a dog that I couldn’t pet, so I took on the task of reconditioning Snoopy to accept my affection. Each day I would place Snoopy’s food bowl and water in a center section of our back yard and then run around to the other side of the house where his sharp beagle nose couldn’t pick up my scent. Snoopy would not eat until there was no one around.

As I barely peaked around the corner of the house, I could see Snoopy cautiously sneak out of hiding and walk to the food bowl and begin to eat. If I caught Snoopy’s eye as I peeked around the corner, he would run away. Day after day, I sat the food bowl in the yard and ran to the front yard of the house. After several days I was able by reconditioning to actually walk up to the food bowl and pet Snoopy as he ate. But it took days of Snoopy becoming aware that I would not hurt him, and that contact with me would be soothing.

We all have some measure of “Snoopy” in us. Fear conditions us away from closeness with God and others. The only way to overcome this fear is by reconditioning. And there is no way to overcome the fear of relationship and take the walls of self-protection down except by risking the closeness of relationship. Remember, it's truth, relationships, and time that bring personal change to us.

The results of peace, openness, and freedom from fear are well worth the risk! Let the process of reconditioning start in you today!

Take Down the Walls

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)

I’ve been discussing the importance of relationship the last couple of days. Yesterday, I focused on our accepting God’s unconditional love. And I mentioned that one of the four false beliefs embedded in our souls is that those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished. This is a manifestation of the fear of relationships that became entrenched in us through the fall.

When we fail, we feel that God is no longer pleased with us and hence rejects closeness. But He has made provision for our sins to be cleansed and for fellowship to be restored. When we sin, we acknowledge, confess, and repent of the sin, and fellowship is immediately restored with the Father (1 John 1:9).

Most of us have lived in an environment of conditional love so long that we are conditioned to keep walls of self-protection up around us. We refuse to let others into our lives for fear of being rejected or punished in some way. This kind of entrenched pattern of response is difficult to break. It’s often so deeply embedded in our soul that we don’t even realize that we have walls of self-protection that keep others at arms distance.

Unconditional love removes the fear of close relationship. If you know that a person will love you and accept you no matter what then you can slowly learn how to let the walls down and allow others into your life. This takes time. My friend Chip Judd mentions that the three keys to personal change are truth, relationships, and time. Once you’ve experience God’s unconditional love, you are freed to love others with no strings attached. And God’s love also frees us to be loved by others in an unconditional way. It takes time to work through the conditioning that living with the fear of relationships brings.

We began our Lifegroups so that people would have an avenue of relating to others in a closer way. They are designed to be an environment of unconditional love and acceptance. Let me stress again that it takes time to open your true self up to others. If you’ve been wounded deeply by close relationships in your past, it will be a real challenge to ever open your heart to others again. This is where most of us live!

I’ve had close personal relationships in my own life that have ended in the person walking out of my life. That hurts! The tendency is to draw back, erect walls of self-protection, and keep others at arms distance. But for me, close relationship is worth the risk of letting my walls down, and opening up my heart life up to others.

Yes, relationships are risky, but believe me, they are worth the risk! Let your walls of self-protection down. Open your heart life to the Father. Pour out to Him your thoughts, feelings, fears, motives, hurts, pain, misunderstandings, and insecurities. Ask Him to help you. Accept His unconditional love, even if you feel that you don’t measure up to His standards. He loves and forgives! He is not harsh and demanding.

Then, find an avenue of close relationships (Lifegroups!), where you can let the walls down and experience unconditional love! If you will, you will find a freedom in life that few experience! We were made for relationship!

The Father's Unconditional Love

But, as a matter of fact, it matters very little to me what you or any man thinks of me. I don’t even value my opinion of myself (1 Corinthians 4:3).

God create us for relationship. We’re designed by God to relate to Him as a spiritual Father. From Him we are to receive love, nurture and guidance. Of course, sin separated us from God and brought along with it fear and the tendency to hide from God and others. Christ made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father so totally that there is no longer a fear of Him or a desire to hide. We can now approach the throne of God with the boldness of a baby running into its parents arm!

The Father give us unconditional love. That means that there are no conditions that we have to meet for Him to care about us. He loves us when we perform well, and He loves us when we fail. He offers forgiveness and cleansing to us when we miss it. If we confess our sins, He is faith and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Peter denied Jesus in the presence of others three times before Jesus died. When Jesus was raised from the dead, an angel mentioned Peter by name to those who came into Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body for burial. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you (Mark 16:7). The Lord doesn’t turn a cold shoulder to us when we miss it and fail. He loves us and offers to us another chance. For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity (Proverbs 24:16).

There is such a freedom in being loved with no strings attached. Most of us have never experienced that kind of love and acceptance from anybody!

In the study course Search for Significance, one of the four false beliefs that are common to man is those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished. We are treated this way in most of our relationships. So when God offers unconditional love, it seems awkward. We feel that we must in some way pay Him back for His forgiveness. But the Father’s love and forgiveness are free gifts to us! We don’t deserve His unconditional love and we can’t work for it. It’s a free gift from Him.

When you learn to accept the Father’s love and forgiveness personally, you are then enabled to give that same unconditional love and forgiveness away to others! It takes a while for it to sink into your thought life that the Father could actually love you and accept you when you mess up! Once you grasp this amazing love He has for you, your relationships with Him will be transformed, and in turn your relationships with others will deepen.

Tomorrow I’ll talk about how to overcome the conditioning that keeps us isolated from others.

Close Relationships Necessary

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you? So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself (Genesis 3:8-10) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

Close relationships are a very important part of what I believe the Lord wants to do at Victory Fellowship. Our culture is set up for us to easily go it alone. This is spiritually dangerous. God planned that we strengthen each other.

Relational dysfunction is typified by isolation, facades, pseudo-spirituality, works compensating for closeness with others, fear, manipulation, control, and withdrawal.

Churches as a whole tend to be largely dysfunctional. Doing frequently takes the place of being. The feeling of meeting certain expectations to be accepted looms large. And the generalized idea that something must be wrong with me if I can’t get my act together is a normal pattern of thinking for many.

My heart as a pastor is to break the trend. I want to do church life in such a way that church is a safe place; an oasis of love and care; a place where you are free to be yourself; a place where you can expose yourself without fear of rejection.

That’s a tall order in a culture conditioned with all sorts of expectations surrounding the various parts of life at work, in the home, and in church.

Adam started all this relational separation and fear when he sinned and subsequently hid from God when He came down for some fellowship in the garden one afternoon. The verse above reveals that fear was the root of Adam’s hiding. Sin brings guilt and it’s twin, condemnation. They both foster a deep seated inferiority that manifests in us all.

But we can be free from the fear of relationships. The New Birth and knowing who we are in Christ restores closeness with us and the Father. His unconditional love and forgiveness enable us to look away from our past as though it had never been. And it frees us to be able to share our most intimate thoughts with Him.

The New Birth and knowing who we are in Christ also enables us to be freed from the fear of rejection which keeps walls of separation up between us and others. As we grow in love, fear controls us less and less. You can measure your spiritual growth by looking at how free you are to give your inner heart life and deepest thoughts to the Father. He longs for you to draw close. When you draw close to Him, His love so fills you that it becomes a normal thing to accept others just as they are with unconditional love. Do you allow others to be themselves in your presence, or do you make them feel that they must measure up to your expectations before you will befriend them?

Allow others into your life. Open your heart and your home to fellowship. Share a meal and get to know others better. Get involved in one of our lifegroups which meet twice a month. You’ll find strength and freedom ad you open your heart life to other believers.

Watch What You Hear!

And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear will be the measure of virtue and knowledge that comes back to you — and more besides will be given to you who hear (Mark 4:24-Amplified).

Bad news is everywhere these days. Be careful that you keep a rich supply of the Word built up in you. God our Father has lost none of His wealth, and Has lost none of His ability to supply our every need.

Faith comes through what we hear. Be careful about what you hear the most of. Don’t allow the voice of unbelief from world sources to drown out the voice of faith you receive and hear from the Word. Take plenty of time to meditate in the Word these days. Keep your faith in God’s supply strong inside of you.

Below are scriptures that will boost your faith in God’s supply! Fill yourself with faith from them, then believe that you receive God’s best!

Psalm 50:10-12 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. (11) I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (12) "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.

Leviticus 25:23 The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.

Haggai 2:8 The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

Psalm 89:11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

Psalm 112 – (New Living Translation) Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.(2) Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.(3) They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.(4) Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. (5) Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.(6) Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. (7) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. (8)They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. (9) They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.(10) The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Deuteronomy 8:18 And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.

Psalm 84:11-12 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (12) O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Psalm 34:8-10 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (9) Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. (10) The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Psalm 33:18-19 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, (19) To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 37:18-19 The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. (19) They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Psalm 111:5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

Matthew 6:33 - (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:31-32 -( NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (32) So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Romans 8:32 - (Amplified) He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all other things?

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1Timothy 6:17-19 - (NLT) Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. (18) Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.(19) By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

2 Peter 1:3 As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Keep Your Perspective as Change Comes

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3 – NLT).

During our men’s meeting this morning we got into a discussion of the challenges of the day and how to keep our perspective in them. Here’s the skinny of it.

Our world is undergoing significant changes with respect to nations, finance, politics and policies. And by in large Christianity is being looked at more and more as a narrow-minded religion for those with little in their cranial cavity! The “educated elite” are just smarter than to bow to some out-dated, Neanderthal religion like Christianity, so they say. Then, there is arising huge conflicts centered around Israel and their allies. Terrorism based on the Jihad philosophies of Islam is today the most significant threat to world peace. This threat will continue to rise.

The bottom line is that we are living in volatile pre-tribulation days. The world is being prepared for the return of the Son of God. Rapid, volatile change will occur with greater frequency. Things trusted in the past will let you down in the future! The world is changing rapidly as God begins to fulfill His word about Israel and the nations. This age of grace is drawing to a close and we are quickly approaching the age of judgment called The Tribulation.

During this predicted period of time (see Revelation 6-19), 2 billion people will die; one third of the vegetation worldwide will be scorched due to weather changes; and one third of the waters worldwide will be polluted. War unparalleled in history will break out; dramatic earthquakes will occur; and what looks like asteroids and debris from space will strike the earth bringing catastrophic weather changes and pollution. A worldwide government is predicted by scripture. One man will have economic, military, and political control of the nations. We call him anti-Christ because he will be against everything Jesus and the Word of God are for! War and violence will be epidemic.

So with the changes at work currently that are necessary for all these things to come about, we feel the daily pressures in our jobs, in our personal finances, in our social climate, and in our nation as a whole.

And this is where our faith comes into play. We have the promise of the rapture of the church before the tribulation actually begins in full force. It may get hotter than we want it to before we leave, but we none-the-less have the promise from the Word of God that He will rescue us from the wrath to come!

We must therefore maintain an attitude of faith and expectancy every day. Circumstances change, but God’s Word is forever settled in heaven! Don’t yield to the pressure to conform to the unbelief around you. Refuse to be swayed by the opinions of others. Keep your faith focused on the Word. Our God is our supply spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and economically! Pray! Believe you receive! Faith calls those things which do not exist as though they did!

Don’t yield your mind, mouth, and emotions to circumstances. Say what God says about your life! Say out loud my God meets all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! Say out loud in all these things I am more than a conqueror! Say out loud my God is watching over me and fulfilling His plan to bless me and take care of me and my family. Say out loud with God and me, all things are possible! Take sides with the Word of God and not with your circumstances. Expect God to bless you every day. Believe and say that all things work together for good for me because I love God and I’m called according to His purposes!

This hour demands that our faith be strong. Keep your eyes on your Source not on your circumstances! Jesus’ coming is sure and soon!

The World

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world (John 17:14-16).

God’s people have always been a separated people. We are to shine as lights in the darkness around us. We have the influence of salt in a bland, sin-filled world.

John tells us not to love the world. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).

The world is defined by Kenneth Wuest as all the floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, aims, aspirations that are at any time current in the world.

Smith Wigglesworth defines the world as that which cools my affection towards God.
Here in 1 John, the world is defined as the sinful longings of the flesh and eyes, and as the pride of life.

The world looms large as an enticing danger to every believer. For that reason we must guard ourselves. If we love the world (1 John 2:15), we could become friends with the world, which is actually classed with being an enemy of God (James 4:4). We then could become spotted or tainted by the world (James 1:27). The end result of all of this is being conformed to the world (Romans 12:2). And if a person continues in that, he or she could be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32).

A believer that becomes friendly, spotted, in love with, and conformed to the world, is open to receive the chastening of the Lord. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

He does not want us to lose our spiritual life to the influence of the world. So the Father gives us an opportunity to repent, and if we choose not to judge ourselves from this behavior of becoming like the world, He then chastens us. When God chastens, His hand of protection is removed, and the enemy is allowed to move in where he then seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.

Let’s keep ourselves today, so that the enemy has no inroad into our life through the world. Jesus has prayed for us to be kept from the world. Let’s refuse to compromise. Let’s be salty, light filled believers!

No Fear

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7 – Amplified).

A fear based life is an unsettled life. What’s going to happen in my future, in my home, in my travels, in my body, in my finances? A faith based life expects God to act in every circumstance and situation that life brings.

A fear based life is based on feelings and circumstances. A faith based life is a life that is lived by the Word! What God says settles everything to the faith based life. A calmness, a rest, a hope, a security, and great joy accompany the faith based life. Depression, gloom, irritability, dread, hopelessness, and tiredness accompany the fear based life.

Make the switch today to be a person who lives by faith and not by fear based sight! Each day will become an adventure as you and the Father go through the day talking with one another, strategizing with His Word about the details of what you’re doing. Faith based living does not consult with the flesh, circumstances or opinion. Thus says the Lord rules the faith based life.

Fear attracts satanic activity, and draws a person into difficulty. The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25). Job ascribed his troubles to his fear that opened the door for the enemy to attack him. For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me (Job 3:25).

Don’t allow fear to rule your life. Fill yourself with the Word. Ask yourself what the Word says about every area of life. Refuse fear and the emotional baggage it brings. Lift your hands, praise God, and declare the Lordship of His Word over your life! Speak the Word and run fear out of your life today!

A New President

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4).The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1).

A new president is being sworn in today. Many are celebrating today as the first black President is sworn into office in our nation. The celebratory day will fade quickly as we as a nation face some of biggest challenges of our generation.

Regardless of your political persuasion, as believers we are commanded to pray for those in authority. Our new president inherits problems that continue to mount up. Human wisdom alone cannot answer the problems we face. We must have the wisdom of God.

These are pre-tribulation days. Days of change and challenge as the earth prepares for Jesus’ return. I want to encourage you to pray sincerely for President Obama and his cabinet. We Christians make a difference! I’ll leave you with scripture that deals with what our attitude should be towards government. And then I’ll leave you with some quotes from our past. We need for God to involved in our national affairs. Without Him, we will fail! We MUST turn back to Him as a people.

Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service. For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons (1 Peter 2:13-15-Amplified). Remind believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of government officials. Believers should obey them and be ready to help them with every good thing they do. Believers shouldn't curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone (Titus 3:1-2 - God’s Word). By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth (Proverbs 8:15-16 - Amplified). Daniel answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:20-21). Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin (John 19:11).

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other (John Adams).

Statesmen by dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand....The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty. (John Adams)

Of all the dispositions and habits which least to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness (George Washington).

The Lord My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).

The Father sees us as sheep, and He has the role of a shepherd in our lives. Here are some practical truths about sheep and shepherds that apply to our relationship with the Lord.

A shepherd knows his sheep by name and the sheep train themselves to know the shepherd’s voice. Sheep are helpless to defend themselves against enemies, and easily wander into danger.

The Father makes us to lie down in green pastures. A good shepherd will give his sheep the best food, and will lead them for miles to the greenest, most lush pastures. Good food means a healthy flock. Life is sustained by water, and the shepherd always looks for an abundant source near the grazing field. The Father is Jehovah Jireh to us. He provides us with everything we need to live in blessing. He’s always looking for the best supply for all of our needs!

The Father restores our souls. A shepherd looks after each sheep, and seeks to make it feel secure and cared for. The Father wants to minister to us and heal the emotional wounds that life brings. The Father as our shepherd restores our soul. He leads us to partake of the engrafted Word that will renew our minds and release pain from our emotions (James 1:21). He will lead us away from the activities of the flesh that rob us of peace and inward rest, and urges us to spend time with Him so that He can brush away our fears with His comforting Word.

The Lord our shepherd is with us in times of danger. The valley of the shadow of death is a gulley on the side of a mountain that the shepherd and sheep must pass through to get back home. Animals of prey watch from the surrounding hills for sheep that stray. The shepherd has a rod to defend the sheep from the prey. On the other end of the rod is a hooked end that the shepherd uses to grab the sheep by the neck when they are about to leave the fold. Sheep feel secure from danger as long as they know the shepherd is nearby to defend them.

The Father prepares a table before us in front of our enemies. A shepherd will look for a flat place in a field where the sheep can lay down, eat lush grass, and rest. As the sheep eat and rest, the shepherd is ever watching for the prey that seeks to harm his sheep. The sheep eat and rest in security as long as they can look up and see their shepherd.

The Father anoints our head with oil. A Shepherd will anoint his sheep on a hot, dry day. Oil soothes the parched skin and brings refreshment in arid eastern countries. Wounds from brier scratches or snakes bites are cared for by being dressed with oil. The Father ever seeks to bring healing, health and restoration to our parched lives.

Our cup runs over. It’s one thing to have a full supply, It’s another to have so much that your cup runs over! That’s what our shepherd desires for us as His sheep. He wants us to have more than enough!

His goodness and mercy are extended to us every day of our lives. His mercies are new every morning! Blessing chases us every day! Allow the Lord to be your shepherd today. Listen for His voice. Watch for the guidance He brings through His Word to you. Expect Him to nurture you and care for you spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. He is a good shepherd!

We Need Each Other

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

We need each other. We need the strength that others can provide. The idea that I can go it alone is rooted in pride and a false sense of security.

Jesus sent teams of two out to preach the kingdom of God. When Peter and John were persecuted in Acts 4, they went back to their own company, their brothers and sisters in Christ and had a prayer meeting that shook the house!

When I a young believer, the fellowship of like-minded friends in Christ kept me from going back into the world. They helped me spiritually and showed me that we all struggle at times. They showed me how they kept themselves, and how they handled personal failure. The example of my friends and the personal encouragement they gave me way back then has brought to where I am today.

We simply cannot be strong alone. Cultivate friendships. Make room for others in your life. Look for a younger believer to mentor. The days ahead will require much from us. We are our best when related closely to others. If you’re a part of Victory, I encourage you to get involved in our lifegroups. You’ll find strength and hope there. No one needs to be alone!

Praise is Powerful

But You are holy, O You Who dwell in the holy place where the praises of Israel are offered (Psalm 22:3 – Amplified).

Believers have several weapons at their disposal as they fight the good fight of faith. They have the Word of God, the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and praise and worship!

The Father watches over His Word to make it good as the Sword of the Spirit comes out of our mouth from our hearts in faith (Jeremiah 1:12). Demonic forces tremble when the command of faith is given in the Name of Jesus (Philippians 2: 9-11)! And we overcome Satan forces by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).

But of all the weapons in our arsenal, perhaps praise is the strongest. When praise is offered, God Almighty shows up in the atmosphere! The weightiness of God, the power of who He is manifests when praise is uttered. The power of God’s kingdom is aroused when our praise and worship are expressed.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were praising and worship so loudly that the other prisoners heard them as they were held in chains in the dark prison. Instead of the atmosphere of the prison invading them, they decided to invade that atmosphere of darkness with the presence of God! And their chains fell off, the prison doors were opened, and they were set free! God responded to their praise, shaking the ground under their feet, and shaking the unbelief around them that threatened their lives!

During battle, the Israelites were instructed to put Judah (praise) in the forefront of the combat They would sing, for the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever! Israel’s enemies would be defeated time after time by an unseen host of angels as Israel fought with the weapons of a new type of spiritual warfare, praise and worship!

God has not changed. He still responds to praise by pouring out the weightiness of His presence, causing unseen enemies to flee. Don’t cower down to circumstances today. Pull out that weapon of praise, and allow the Lord to fight your battles. The battle is the Lord’s. The victory is ours to enjoy!

The Meditations of My Heart

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

The Hebrew word for meditation here is higgayown and means to meditate, mutter, roar, speak, study, talk, or to utter. The Hebrew word gives reference to a murmuring sound.

The Father wants us to think and ponder things that will cause us to flow with His purposes to bless us with the best He has in this life. The words be acceptable in the above text are from the Hebrew word ratsown and means to delight or to satisfy. It delights the Father when our inward meditations agree with Him! And here’s why.

We are already blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). All things that pertain to life and godliness already belong to us by faith. That is, all things necessary to sustain us both spiritually and materially have already been provided! (2 Peter 1:3-4). When our meditations, our self talk, the things that we really believe that make us what we are agree with the Father, it delights Him because we receive in life exactly what we believe! And when we agree with Him it gives Him permission to bless us.

All lack of agreement with the Father produces unmet need. He wants to help us in every area of life, but He’s hindered when we fail to agree with Him internally.

Proverbs tells us to keep our hearts with all diligence, because the things that we have in life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:23). We receive in life exactly what we believe in our hearts (our inward thoughts, our self-talk) about ourselves. Jesus said all things are possible to him who believes. He said as you have believed, so be it done to you, and He said according to your faith let it be done to you (Mark 9:23; Matthew 8:13; Matthew 9:29).

When our inward belief system agrees with the Father, the impossible becomes possible, the limits are removed, and we change! Our needs are met, the chains are removed, and we grow into the person we were created to be when we choose to meditate and think on the word!

Begin today to make His word your constant meditation. You’ll then be challenged by the Father to change wrong beliefs, and your life and circumstances will change from glory to glory!

Faith

For the believer, God’s answer to the challenges of living in a fallen world is faith, for whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

God asked faith of Noah when He told Noah to build a big boat with no water in sight. God asked Abraham to believe His word when God told Abraham to leave the familiar surroundings of family and friends and go to a yet to be disclosed location.

God asked faith of Abraham and Sarah when he promised them a child in their elderly barren years. God looked for faith in Joseph when He gave Joseph a dream where he ruled over his family. Faith led Joseph through 13 year of impossible circumstance to finally become Prime Minister of Egypt.

God asked Moses at 80 years of age to believe that he was to be used by God to deliver his Jewish brothers from slavery in Egypt. It took faith for Moses to hold His rod over the waters of the Red Sea as it parted for the Israelites to be delivered from Egypt.

God asked faith of Joshua as he and his army marched around the walls of Jericho day after day. God asked faith of Gideon when He led Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men!

David learned to exercise faith as a teenage shepherd boy by trusting God to deliver him from the bear’s mouth and the lion’s paw. This learned faith was exercise on a larger scale in David’s life when he was prompted by the Lord to fight Goliath with a slingshot.

Jehoshaphat’s army acted in faith when they put the tribe of Judah, the praise tribe in front of the battle, and stood still while God fought their battle for them.

Jesus asked for faith from two blind men who wanted to see. They were healed because they believed. The woman with the issue of blood was healed when her faith led her to crawl through a large crowd and touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She was healed.

Today, God is asking for faith from you. Whatever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive then, and you will have them is Jesus’ words to each of us today as face financial, physical, circumstantial, and relational needs. Pray and believe that God has heard your prayer and already answered it before there is any physical evidence that He has. Faith receives what the heart believes! Expect your faith to overcome today!

Security During Great Change

On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves (Zechariah 12:3- NLT).Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am (John 14:1-3 - NLT).

Israel makes the news headlines every day now, and will until the second coming of Christ! The age of grace is coming to a close. The rapture of the church is sure and I believe soon. God is dealing with Israel again after having set them aside for almost 2000 years. They will stay in the land where they are for eternity! No war will be successful against them. Those who oppose their freedom and occupation of God given territory will inherit a curse!

We are on the cusp of the tribulation time mentioned by the Old Testament prophets, by the Lord Jesus, and Revealed to the Apostle John while exiled in Patmos in The Revelation. Change is the operative word for this era of time. Things that have been bedrocks of security in communities and nations will fall. Every that can be shaken will be.

Don’t attach to natural security blankets. They will fail. The only unshakable items we have are the immovable and immutable promises of God! Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35). Forever O Lord, your word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me void, but will accomplish that which I please, and it will prosper in the thing for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11).

Don’t nonchalantly go about life as though it is business as usual. It isn’t. Violent change is upon us. The earth is groaning and travailing, preparing for the arrival of the Son.

While we are here, let’s be the Salt and Light Jesus has called us to be. Let’s be a people that refuse compromise, that live in His presence, and that are known as the most honest and trusted folk around. People are looking for security these days. Security in only found in the Word of Him who upholds all things!

Pray in Tongues!

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2)For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14). For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11 - NIV). Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27).

So many Spirit-Filled believers underestimate the power of praying in the spirit every day. With the baptism with the Holy Spirit, the Father has given us an ability to pray for things ahead of time. When we pray in tongues, we are praying out the perfect will of God for our lives.

It is not necessary to know what you’re praying about in tongues for it to be effective. That’s what keeps many believers from spending more time praying this way. Your mind will tell you’re that you’re wasting your time while you’re praying in the spirit. And many times the benefits are not immediately recognizable.

Often, I have thoughts come to me, or a reoccurring impression deep inside about things I need to do or things I need to change. These impressions come about because I pray in the spirit daily, allowing spirit to pray about what mind doesn’t know that needs prayer.

If you pray in the sprit daily, you’ll find that things in your life are already prayed about before they come up. I have things happen in relating to people regularly that I knew would occur simply because I pray in the spirit and it’s prayed our well in advance.

I have a habit of planning ahead and not doing things suddenly with natural things. Now, since I’ve learned the value of praying in tongues, I know that I must also pray daily in the spirit to prepare for my tomorrows.

Don’t allow Satan or religious tradition to talk you out of using this valuable prayer tool of praying in tongues. Satan’s kingdom so hates this that he’ll do all kinds of things to convince you not to take the time. Don’t listen to him. Begin today to set aside time to pray in tongues. It will become your most productive time. Your life will change.

The Power of the Spirit

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live (Romans 8:12-13).

I was not able as a teenage to control the desires of my flesh until I received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. I had the desire to do the right thing. But day after day I was waylaid by the flesh, the world, and the devil. With the baptism with the Holy Spirit several things occurred.

First, spiritual things took on a new dimension of importance. Instead of having to think about how my spiritual life related to my work, my friends, my family, my inner life, I found an almost automatic connection. The job of the Holy Spirit is to make Jesus real and manifest to the believer. When He comes in the baptism with the Spirit, He in fullness does His job, if allowed.

Secondly, The Bible become a book I craved. I wanted to read it a lot. Then, I noticed that what I read would come back up in my thought life over and over. I found later that the Holy Spirit will remind you of the Word you read and store in your thoughts (John 14:26). When my flesh rose up, I found scripture would rise up too. And with the scripture came conviction. Then things that enticed me just weren’t as enticing anymore.

Thirdly, I prayed in tongues every day. I found that a strength would buoy up inside me when I prayed in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20). My spirit was receiving a Divine charge! When temptation knocked, it seemed that a power beyond my own kept me from yielding. The times I did yield I was most miserable and I repented immediately. Sin had lost its grip.

If you will allow Him control, the Holy Spirit will lead you right into intimacy with Jesus. Let your walls down. He loves you. Some of us won’t let anyone close because others have harmed us in some way in our past. Don’t allow the fear of intimacy to keep you from this wonderful person, the Holy Spirit.

If allowed, the Holy Spirit will lead you into a deeper experience in the Word. Then, He will talk to you about adjustments you need to make to follow the Word more closely in your personal life. He will tell you who to befriend, and who to keep at a distance because of their lifestyle. He will speak to you throughout your day, and pull to the Word. He will keep watch and guard you when the world, the flesh, or the devil rise up.

The key is spending time with the Father and Jesus through the Word and in prayer. If you do, the Holy Spirit will help you put to death the negative habits of your flesh!

The Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Word

Acting on the Word brings God into the details of your daily life. Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12- Amplified).

Acting on the Word causes God to watch over your actions! He pays attentions and gets involved when you act like His Word is important to you!

The Holy Spirit is attracted to the Word. He’s called the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17). When we show our love for Jesus by walking in obedience to the Word, the Holy Spirit is pleased!

The Holy Spirit takes the Word that we feed on in our personal times and reminds us of what we’ve heard. His major ambition is to help us act, think, respond, love, speak, and live like Jesus does. As He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1).

That’s why it’s so important to adhere to the Word. Where the Word is esteemed, the Holy Spirit manifests to bring it to pass. He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. For healing to manifest, it’s important to say what God says and as much as possible, act like you’re healed by believing you receive. This brings the Holy Spirit into the situation with your body. He is the one who materializes the healing that Jesus purchased for us 2000 years ago. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).

Acting on the Word brings you into realm of the limitless God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think!

Take time today to meditate on the Word. Speak the Word. Intertwine the Word into your work, your family, and your leisure. Become conscious of what the Word says about what you’re involved in today. If you do, and act and speak in line with the Word, then the Holy Spirit will aid you with His ability, and the Father will watch over you and do amazing things. Magnify the Word!

Don't Get Too BUSY

He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31- Living Bible) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

Strong fellowship with God brings light into your daily life. The stronger the fellowship, the stronger t he light. It’s the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that sets us free from the law of sin and death.

Time spent in the presence of the Father waiting in prayer lifts us out of the mundane flesh into a place where we experience the inheritance the Father has for us as saints.

We’re to live in the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. This frees us from the law of sin and death. Just as the laws of aerodynamics and the laws of lift and thrust work together to override the effects of the law of gravity; causing a large aircraft weighing hundreds of tons to sail into the air, so the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus will free us from the habits and weights that keep us from God’s highest and best.

Someone has said that an acronym for BUSY could be Being Under Satan’s Yolk. Satan wants to nickel and dime your time today so that you have little time to spend where it matters most; in God’s presence in the Word and in fellowship with Him in prayer.

If you decide to put God first in your day, Satan can’t attack you with busy! You’ve already prepared yourself for anything that comes that day by being strengthened in His presence.

Take time with your Father today. He wants to hear you. He wants to speak to you. He wants to minister His peace and His calm to you. He has the answer for every issue of life. His power in you is greater than any force or opposition you face today.

Take time to dwell with Him in that secret place of fellowship today. It will show on you!

Missions Trip Plans

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart (Proverbs 20:27). A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure (Proverbs 16:9- Amplified). I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye (Psalm 32:8). For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).

I’ve made a decision to postpone my Ethiopia trip that was supposed to begin this Sunday. This has been a heart-wrenching decision for me personally. These trips take much planning and preparation. Bruce McDonald is a veteran missionary and travels in other countries constantly, and I know that he needs my help ministering on this particular trip. I need to go and visit with the pastors and congregations of our 16 churches in Ethiopia. I need to speak personally with the pastor we support monthly who lives in Ethiopia.

But I cannot act against the voice of my own spirit speaking to me. The Lord ministers to us deep inside our spirit. This is deeper than thought. Some call this an inner knowing, a hunch, a premonition, a gut feeling, or an inward witness. All these terms speak of our human spirit as it senses the Holy Spirit bearing upon it God’s will. This is so much deeper than the clamor of thought and the agitation of emotion.

Over the past weeks, I’ve mused and prayed about my Ethiopia trip. I began to notice an unsettledness within. I’ve said nothing to anyone, not even my wife. You have all kinds of thought plummet you when you take these missions trips regularly; thoughts of safety and precarious travel issues. I am accustomed to these kinds of mental bombardments based on fear. And I brush these things aside as I in faith act on the Word of God.

Yet this inner unsettled sense hasn’t left me. Yesterday, I called my prayerful mother. My mother has an unusual prayer life. She doesn’t pray mental prayers. She prays as the Holy Spirit assists. She prays and the Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom manifest while she prays. Three times in my past, she has prayed me out of threatening circumstances.

In January of 1984, my car almost careened down a 20 foot embankment during an ice storm. Her Word of Wisdom filled praying delivered me from death. In 1995, she and my father prayed after my father had a dream where someone came up to him and told him: “Mitch is dead.” The next day I was in a car accident that totaled the other vehicle and left all involved without a scratch! In 2004, little did I know that my appendix had ruptured during the first leg of a missions trip to India. While on a plane from Raleigh to Atlanta where I would connect with a British Air flight across the Atlantic to London, the Lord spoke sternly to my spirit: “Don’t get on the next plane until you know what’s wrong with you.” I felt horrible physically. I obeyed and was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital near the Atlanta airport where I spent nine days recovering after emergency surgery and subsequent infections. Later I found that my mother had prayed Holy Spirit inspired prayers, “Lord, don’t let him get on that plane, Lord, don’t let him get on that plane.” When I returned home from the hospital, my mother told me, “Mitch, you would have returned home in a body bag had you gotten on that next flight.” I know the value of heeding the voice of God!

This past Wednesday, after I told my mother that if I followed my heart, I would cancel my trip, and I think I should, she responded, “Praise God, thank you Lord!” She then proceeded to tell me that her Holy Spirit inspired prayers for this trip were, “May he cancel his trip to Ethiopia.”

I don’t know why, and don’t need to know. If the Father wants me here this time, then it’s just fine with me. Believe me; I have more than enough to do. I guess I’ll know later why He didn’t want me going. Or the Father may choose to never tell me. And that’s just fine too. There is always blessing in obedience.

Clean Living

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God (2 Corinthians 7:1- NLT). And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:30-32 - NLT).

This is going to be an intense year. The pull of the flesh will be stronger than ever. The voice of the world will seek to drown out the voice of God. The enemy will continually make black look white and white look black. Wrong will seem right and right will seem wrong.

Purpose now to cleanse yourself from any and every compromise. If you allow yourself to be tarnished by the compromise of sin, the darkness may well overwhelm you this year. This is a year for our light to be bright, our steps purposeful, and our heart to be very soft to the Lord. While the world will seem to be falling apart, you will be nestled in the secret place of the most high!

Our main focus this year must be winning the unsaved masses. It’s the Father’s passion, it is Jesus’ main ambition. The Father needs truth tells and truth livers. He’s looking to use you for His glory. This may bring persecution and the disdain of those consumed by the attitude of the age. Be willing to be unpopular for the sake of souls, and for the love of the One who bore your sin on His own body on the tree.

Live each day this year as though the rapture will happen in the next few minutes.
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires (Rom 13:11-14 - NLT).

Your Position in Christ

Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:20-23). And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).

God has elevated you as a believer and has seated you positionally right beside the Lord Jesus! You have the God-given right to exercise authority over Satan and his forces as he seeks to malign, degrade, attack, hinder, and steal, kill, and destroy.

When oppression or depression seek to invade your life or your family, rise up in your position in Christ, and in the name of Jesus command them to leave you and your family! When sickness tries to leech onto you or a family member, take your place and command it to leave your home and your life.

When fear seeks to steal your peace and joy, set yourself against it in the name of Jesus. God has given you a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind!

When lack and need buffet your life, take your place in Christ, and by faith thank the Father that you are seated with Jesus. Thank Him that all your needs are met, thank Him that He is working all things together for your good.

When a friend or co-worker is beset by the many challenges that life brings, take your place before the Father and ask for their deliverance and victory over the thing that is attacking them.

Above all, take your place in Christ, and pray to be used as a laborer in the harvest fields of salvation. Ask for the salvation of all your family member, co-worker, friends, and neighbors.

Take your God given rights in Christ today, and allow the Father to use you to bless the world around you with His presence, His life, and His life. You are one of the Father’s favorites today!

Feed Your Spirit First

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Teach us to use wisely all the time we have (Ps 90:12- Contemporary English Version). My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you (Proverbs 3:1-2).

If you want to be the most efficient with your time, then sow a tithe of it to the Father each morning. Since your spiritual life is the hub around which your life revolves, it just makes common sense to maintain your spirit well.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us (God’s Word Translation): Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. Your spirit is the source of all motivation and desire. Keep it full of God’s Word, so that you are clear and sharp, and can easily discern between the pull of the flesh, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and the antagonizing of Satan and his demonic workers.

If you keep yourself full of the Word, then the candy of the flesh and the world will not have a strong enticement to you. Hungry people will eat things that aren’t good for them if they are in arm’s distance. Those snacks lying around the house don’t have near the pull on you if your hunger has been satisfied with a healthy meal. But if you miss breakfast or lunch, you seem to notice all the unhealthy snack things that can quench your hunger! Hunger for fleshly activity is a clear indication of a spiritual deficit!

Keeping yourself full and satisfied spiritually will keep a lot of flesh out of your life. And then you’re free to pursue the things that really make a difference in you and in others throughout your day. Living with a spirit filled with God’s Word and the refreshing of the Holy Spirit helps you keep your personal daily priorities in line. You’ll think more clearly and deeply, your relationships will flow more smoothly, and little irritations and annoyances will not bother you nearly as much.

Put spiritual things first in your day today. Satisfy your spirit’s craving for God before you do anything else. If you do this day after day, you’ll find that a lot of things you do to bring satisfaction are no longer needed. Entertainment loses its luster, flesh junk food doesn’t seems to pull so hard; the flesh in general is just not as enticing to a person who seeks God first and keeps his spirit well tuned.

You’ll have more time to do important things, and you’ll find that you’ve entered into God’s rest! Put your spirit life first today!

Harvest Time!

We’re living in a day of great upheaval and uncertainty. The world is changing and preparing for the Second Coming of Christ. Institutions that people have trusted for years are dissolving. It’s as though we’ve entered a new era. These are the days just before the tribulation. Without the Bible, the world just doesn’t make sense, but with it, we can see a roadmap with a destination.

Notice what Jesus said about what I believe applies to our day:
And when you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this must take place first, but the end will not [come] immediately. Then He told them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:9-11 – Amplified). And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring ( the echo) of the tossing of the sea, Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor). Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near (Luke 21:25-28 – Amplified).

Authorities simply do not have the answers for the problems of our age. I believe this is a time for the church to shine! We’re to be living with the expectation of Jesus’ return. If that not our focus then we’re in the flesh and the world has lulled us to sleep!

There are two main scriptures that I believe apply to this time in the history of the church, and I believe that both show us that we are to believe God for a great harvest of souls just before the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ. Notice Isaiah 60: 1-3: Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

As the world get more difficult, and the oppressiveness of sin pushes forward, the light within us is going to be very, very bright! And that light will draw those in darkness! I believe this speaks of a great revival just before the rapture.

The other scripture that I believe applies to our day was quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost. It is Joel 2: 28-32, and I believe that it applies not only to the beginning of the church age, but also to its closing: And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

Right in the middle of difficulty, hardship, and war, God shows up! Let’s ask Him for a great harvest today, and be willing to be involved as a laborer in this last great harvest of souls. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38).

My Attitude Towards the Word

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward (Psalm 19:7-11)

The Word is a mirror that we look into daily to see ourselves as the Father sees us, and to see more clearly the way things around us really are. The Word is a cleanser. We washed by the water of the Word. As we read it with the intent to obey, the Holy Spirit enlightens us personally and reveals areas of needed change.

The Word is a filter through which we interpret life in real time. When things come throughout the day that violate it, we choose to act on the Word. The Word Brings needed wisdom to every relationship, every problem, every hardship. What does the Word say should be a constant question that I ask myself.

The Word is a bright light shining on my path. It shows me which decision to make, and shows me when to steer clear of danger ahead.

Acting on the Word as I go through my day ensures me that I’ll be walking in the will of God, and that in the end I will be blessed and be a blessing to others.

The Word builds my ability to trust God in every circumstance. The Word brings stability, hope, constancy, selflessness, courage, faith, love, peace, joy, and right standing with God into my life.

My entire life today in God is intertwined with what I do with the Word. If I neglect it, then I am neglecting Him. Time spent in the Word reading, or through the day musing and meditating on it is time spent with my Father.

Remember, your attitude toward the Word determines the place that God holds in your daily life!

Seek First the Kingdom in 2009

I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it. I couldn't find anyone. Not one (Ezekiel 22:30 -Message)

This is a year to stoke your prayer life. Satan is involved in an all out effort to hinder the plan of God worldwide and in personal lives. We are standing in the gap, interceding for those around us and commanding Satan to keep his hands off those we know and care about.

Remember that nothing happens without someone praying. Life is not automatic. There is a real battle in the invisible world and your praying opens the avenue for the will of God to come to pass where you pray. Cover your family, your children, your spouse, your church, your co-workers, and your neighbors in prayer. Ask the Father to move in their lives, drawing them to Himself and fulfilling His will and plan in them.

Make sure this year that you make daily time with God TOP priority. Make Him and His kingdom the first part of your day. Word time and prayer time will save you a lot of hassle and regret, and will push you into His highest and best for you in 2009. Start today!

Happy New Year – May this year be filled with God best for you and your family!