Gideon is God’s man

You have to love Gideon. Israel is in bad shape. They have abandoned God. Not just a little but completely. Absolutely, positively left Him for good. They Midianites have devastated them and humiliate them for sport. It is embarrassing.

Gideon carries out his daily work in a pit so the Midianites won’t harass him. It works but God knows where he is. So … God shows up on the scene one day. Just like God when you think He can’t find you. The angel of God appeared to him and said, “God is with you, O mighty warrior!” Really? Seriously? He is hiding in a pit. You just have a sense this is going to be rich.

So how would you respond to this? How would I? Probably like Gideon. Skeptical is an understatement. Gideon replied, “With me, my master? If God is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t God deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.”

That is a pretty honest and direct way to reply to God. Interesting in that it didn’t bother God. Not in the least. God had a plan. It involved Gideon. God was going to win. So God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”

At this point you would think Gideon would get it. I mean really. What is it going to take. This is God. But no. Gideon said to him, “Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel? Look at me. My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter.” Ha. The runt of the litter. That is good. But God doesn’t laugh. And … he said it to God. Now I’m thinking lightening is about to strike. But it didn’t bother God. Not in the least. God had a plan. It involved Gideon. God was going to win. He is so patient.

God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.”

And that was that.

It’s just a fact

One of my favorite stories is told in a book called “Believe in the God who Believes in You.” Robert Schuller tells about spending the week with a guide in Russia. The lady was an atheist. Bob prayed “What can I say to her?” Here’s what he said happened:

“My words came out without a forethought… I said “I have good news for you.” “Well?” She looked at me; she waited.

“God loves you,” I said. “even if you don’t believe it. And God believes in you even if you don’t believe in Him.”

Wow! That’s so powerful. Even when we don’t believe in Him. Even when we don’t know about Him. Even if we are being just plain stubborn… God believes in us.

It’s just a fact. Because our God is Good.

Are we treating God like dirt?

Nehemiah was an amazing man of God. He had a big yes going on in his life. He knew how awesome God is. He understood loyalty. He was humble at the core, seeking to get God’s work done. Like Nehemiah, we have come back to God. He has put us back in right standing with Himself. Now we get it.

May we be a mighty prayer warrior like Nehemiah. May we do God’s work and restore His people.

“I said, ‘God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his covenant and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands: Look at me, listen to me. Pay attention to this prayer of your servant that I’m praying day and night in intercession for your servants, the People of Israel, confessing the sins of the People of Israel. And I’m including myself, I and my ancestors, among those who have sinned against you. ‘We’ve treated you like dirt: We haven’t done what you told us, haven’t followed your commands, and haven’t respected the decisions you gave to Moses your servant. All the same, remember the warning you posted to your servant Moses: ‘If you betray me, I’ll scatter you to the four winds, but if you come back to me and do what I tell you, I’ll gather up all these scattered peoples from wherever they ended up and put them back in the place I chose to mark with my Name.'” Nehemiah 1:5-9 MSG

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What can go wrong?

What can go wrong? Our fear is that anything and everything will go wrong. That is an enemy whispering in our ear. It isn’t true.

We serve a loving savior, Jesus. The plans He has for us are good ones. May we focus on what He is doing and not listen to the enemy whispering in our ear.

“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you will always do so.” ~~C.S.Lewis

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What fruit am I bearing?

There is my way and God’s way. What happens when we live God’s way? Imagine an orchard and the fruit that it produces. That is what God does for us. It is a gift because He loves us so much and is so very good. His gifts are like fruit just showing up one day. Bam!!!

So what are some of the gifts he gives us so freely? A real affection for others. Nothing fake at all. How about that amazing exuberance for living every day for Him? Remember the serenity that comes from knowing that He is so great? How about that compassion we sensed one day when normally we wouldn’t even care? And that conviction that we have never experienced before. A sense of being set apart for God and His purpose.

Now here is a gift worth receiving. Finding ourselves involved in loyal commitments we have never imagined before.

May we marshal our energy wisely taking full advantage of His gifts.

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Should we do it?

Because of what Jesus did, we can walk right up to God. We don’t even have to hesitate. We can just go right in to His presence and the place where His absolute perfection radiates completely. Jesus made the way clear. It was by His blood and His sacrifice. Nothing I could do to make it happen. This is His new plan for us. He has a whole new strategy for how we can be with Him and His awesome love.

So … let’s do it. Let us believe and be confident that we are in fact presentable. We don’t have to be ashamed at all. We are clean inside and out. Let’s get a firm grip on the promises that keep us moving in to His way. Has He ever not kept His word?

In fact, let’s get creative in how we can encourage love and helping each other out. Let’s be really inventive coming up with entirely new ways to show it. The Big Day is coming. Let’s get ready for it.

May we spur each other on. May we help each other out every time we get a chance.

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” ~Michelangelo Buonarroti

The work of Michelangelo is stunning. Clearly a man of creative vision and huge artistic talent. This sums it all up I think.

Of course I love the reference to the angel. God give us great talent. We can see but will we carve?

Jesus challenges us to see and carve.

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” ~Michelangelo Buonarroti

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Here is the story

Jesus will not be molded into someone who makes me feel comfortable. I must be absolutely devoted to Him.  I must mold myself to do what he wants. 

Do you want bleach for the stains?

God’s love never fails. It just doesn’t stop. We see Him some days through our own eyes and we know our love can fail. But not Him. And so, we can ask for mercy because we know He is merciful and His love doesn’t fail. His compassion is really amazing. Even though we don’t deserve it, he just wipes the slate clean.

He bleaches out every stain when we miss the mark. Some days the stains are overwhelming. How could I have done that? He turns the worst stains into a white like we can’t imagine. His bleach never loses it’s ability to turn the worst stain white.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2

 

 

Worrying is a nasty habit ..you’ll notice if it ain’t one thing it’s another.

Why worry? God has a plan. God is working his plan. We can trust in Him. He is in a very good mood. He will do what He says. He never abandons us at all. He is always looking out for our best interest. That is just the way He rolls.

Worry is a nasty habit. Worry has a some very evil brothers and sisters. Worry will derail us.

With worry, if it is not one thing it is another.  Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.

Why worry? God has a plan.

Worrying is a nasty habit ..you’ll notice if it ain’t one thing it’s another.

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God is talking

God has been talking to me a long time. I can go way back. Dr. Pirtle spoke the word of God that lead me to Jesus. Jay Fesperman led me into a disciplined life in God. Bob Mumford challenged me to submit to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Derek Prince helped me see how fully I am redeemed. Most recently, Bill Johnson has shown the way to how good God is. Jack Graham shows the way to the goodness of fellowship. Sally Fesperman on how intercession is the way to Gods absolute perfection. On and on it goes. His word right out of the mouths of those I know.

It is a long line of men and women who have addressed me in different ways. And it started way before me. Thousands of years going back to the beginning, the word has come to me through those who went before me. And there were those who proceeded Jesus. In the scheme of things, that wasn’t that long ago. Jesus word holds true today coming to me directly.

It was through Jesus (and the word He spoke) that God created everything that we know as the world and the universe. He created it and it will all be His in the end. It will all belong to Jesus for sure. Jesus absolutely perfectly mirrors God. Everything God is is stamped into who Jesus is now. Because God spoke it to begin with. He is now holding it all together today by the same word He spoke so long ago. He has such powerful words. Oh my goodness, His word blasts forward to make it all happen.

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May we focus on God’s opportunities and not worry about our competence. He is willing and able. He is God!!

God gives us opportunities every day. We all know it is true. So look back a few years.

How much of what we have missed in life is due to missing God’s opportunities or our own incompetence?

We worry so much about ourselves and miss what God wants to do through us. Let’s get with it. Let’s get with God.

May we focus on God’s opportunities and not worry about our competence. He is willing and able. He is God!! ~~Michael Wilson

We have someone guarding our heart. It is Jesus the Messiah. Now that is some good news.

We all know it deep down. Our hearts are very fragile. They can be broken.

We are people with hope. Jesus has won the day. He is guarding our hearts.

We have someone guarding our heart. It is Jesus the Messiah. Now that is some good news.  ~~Michael Wilson

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Do I love enough?

This says so much. And I think St. Augustine knew something about this. God wants us to love him like we love no one else. That is the main thing about the main thing. Do we long for Him?

May my whole existence long for You. Every minute of every day.

“The whole life of the good Christian,” said Augustine, “is a holy longing.”

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Am I willing to look foolish?

Great story from Max Lucado. We never know how our faith in Jesus will pay off. Even when it makes us look foolish.

Dear Friend
by Max Lucado

Dear Friend,

I’m writing to say thanks. I wish I could thank you personally, but I don’t know where you are. I wish I could call you, but I don’t know your name. If I knew your appearance, I’d look for you, but your face is fuzzy in my memory. But I’ll never forget what you did.

There you were, leaning against your pickup in the West Texas oil field. An engineer of some sort. A supervisor on the job. Your khakis and clean shirt set you apart from us roustabouts. In the oil field pecking order, we were at the bottom. You were the boss. We were the workers. You read the blueprints. We dug the ditches. You inspected the pipe. We laid it. You ate with the bosses in the shed. We ate with each other in the shade.

Except that day.

I remember wondering why you did it.

We weren’t much to look at. What wasn’t sweaty was oily. Faces burnt from the sun; skin black from the grease. Didn’t bother me, though. I was there only for the summer. A high-school boy earning good money laying pipe.

We weren’t much to listen to, either. Our language was sandpaper coarse. After lunch, we’d light the cigarettes and begin the jokes. Someone always had a deck of cards with lacy-clad girls on the back. For thirty minutes in the heat of the day, the oil patch became Las Vegas—replete with foul language, dirty stories, blackjack, and barstools that doubled as lunch pails.

In the middle of such a game, you approached us. I thought you had a job for us that couldn’t wait another few minutes. Like the others, I groaned when I saw you coming.

You were nervous. You shifted your weight from one leg to the other as you began to speak.

“Uh, fellows,” you started.

We turned and looked up at you.

“I, uh, I just wanted, uh, to invite … “

You were way out of your comfort zone. I had no idea what you might be about to say, but I knew that it had nothing to do with work.

“I just wanted to tell you that, uh, our church is having a service tonight and, uh … “

“What?” I couldn’t believe it. “He’s talking church? Out here? With us?”

“I wanted to invite any of you to come along.”

Silence. Screaming silence.

Several guys stared at the dirt. A few shot glances at the others. Snickers rose just inches from the surface.

“Well, that’s it. Uh, if any of you want to go … uh, let me know.”

After you turned and left, we turned and laughed. We called you “reverend,” “preacher,” and “the pope.” We poked fun at each other, daring one another to go. You became the butt of the day’s jokes.

I’m sure you knew that. I’m sure you went back to your truck knowing the only good you’d done was to make a good fool out of yourself. If that’s what you thought, then you were wrong.

That’s the reason for this letter.

Some five years later, a college sophomore was struggling with a decision. He had drifted from the faith given to him by his parents. He wanted to come back. He wanted to come home. But the price was high. His friends might laugh. His habits would have to change. His reputation would have to be overcome.

Could he do it? Did he have the courage?

That’s when I thought of you. As I sat in my dorm room late one night, looking for the guts to do what I knew was right, I thought of you.

I thought of how your love for God had been greater than your love for your reputation.

I thought of how your obedience had been greater than your common sense.

I remembered how you had cared more about making disciples than about making a good first impression. And when I thought of you, your memory became my motivation.

So I came home.

I’ve told your story dozens of times to thousands of people. Each time the reaction is the same: The audience becomes a sea of smiles, and heads bob in understanding. Some smile because they think of the “clean-shirted engineers” in their lives. They remember the neighbor who brought the cake, the aunt who wrote the letter, the teacher who listened …

Others smile because they have done what you did. And they, too, wonder if their “lunchtime loyalty” was worth the effort.

You wondered that. What you did that day wasn’t much. And I’m sure you walked away that day thinking that your efforts had been wasted.

They weren’t.

So I’m writing to say thanks. Thanks for the example. Thanks for the courage. Thanks for giving your lunch to God. He did something with it; it became the Bread of Life for me.

Gratefully,

Max

May God’s love smother us all today!!

Our Father is magnificent. There are no boundaries to His greatness. I stand in awe of His great power. He has so much energy and the desire to give me a life filled with every good thing. His absolute perfection is almost incomprehensible.

May God’s love smother us all today!!

Feel like you are missing God’s blessings? Try stepping out in faith on what you have already heard Him say.

God is talking to us. Just like Jesus did with Peter when Jesus was walking on the water in the middle of a storm. They all saw Jesus but thought it was a ghost.  But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come ahead.” Two words. “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

Peter received the blessing. First doubt, then faith, then fear, then restoration and then the lesson that leads to maturity.

Water longs to be walked on again. Will you step out? Will you receive the blessing? Be bold!! Have courage!!

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What fruit am I bearing?

What happens when I live God’s way? (I am pausing here to think on this!!!)

He brings gifts into my life. If I plant fruit in an orchard, I will reap some really tasty treats. That is the way it is. I live God’s way and He gives me fruit.

What kind of fruit is it? Things like affection for others. True caring for them. A passion for life. Serenity and peace. I have a willingness to stick with things. No starting and not finishing. Compassion for God and my friends. I get His gift of a basic holiness that permeates everything I do and the people I know. I find myself involved in extremely loyal commitments. I don’t have to force my way through anything. I am able to marshal my energy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26

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All who wander are not lost. Israel knew how to get to the promised land. They didn’t have the courage to go.

Wandering around is not a sign you are lost. In your heart, you probably know where God wants you to go. We need to be bold. He gives us faith and courage.

Let’s head on up to the promised land. God has given it to us. Be brave. God is with us.

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Are you making people mad? Are you making people glad? A sure sign God is speaking through you.

Jesus challenges people. If He is speaking through you, some are definitely going to get mad.

Jesus is reaching people. If He is speaking through you, some are going to be very glad.

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Having a challenge understanding? This is the opportunity to trust a God who is in a good mood.

There are so many things we can’t understand. Every day. So … what to do?

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“Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.” ~~Jesus

So we have heard God. But something happens. It isn’t immediate but in fact subtly slow over time.

Life happens is what. We go about our lives. We worry about how we will take care of things. Tomorrow is more important than what God is saying today. We worry. We get consumed with making money. Our focus is on having fun.

What we heard God say gets lost in all this other noise. The weeds of life choke and strangle the Word of Jesus.

May we seize God’s Word. May we hold on no matter what. May we stick with it until there’s a harvest.

“Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:6)

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Will I stay thirsty?

I am thirsty. I have this desire in my heart. I am desperate for God. Nothing else will satisfy me. It is only Jesus that can quench my thirst.

He has promised living waters. Not just any kind of water. It is living water. It will flow not trickle. He fills me with His Holy Spirit. As His Spirit satisfies me, it flows out to others.

Thank you for knowing and caring!! You are amazing my Lord.

 “If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within” (John 7:37–38 NLT)

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His love endures forever

Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

CHORUS:
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever and ever, forever (2X)

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

(CHORUS)

His love endures forever (8X)

Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

(CHORUS)

What can I do?

Some days it is hard to describe. And, if the Apostle Paul couldn’t do it some days, I guess it is OK if I can’t either.

But … I can be thankful. And so, I am!!!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

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Is God serious?

Is God serious? God is very serious about His business. We should take Him seriously. He doesn’t mess around. He put the earth in place. He created it all. From nothing His word was obeyed. Everything that exists is here because He wants it that way. He has a new plan. It is bought and paid for. No need to hold back.

It is still that way. In faith, His gifts abound. His Word is still obeyed. His word doesn’t come back to Him with no results. When He says something, it happens. You can count on it.

God is very serious about His business. We should be too.

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This is a great reminder on a beautiful Sunday. God made all the days for us.
Enjoy!!

Revelations In Writing

“Then He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27

Jesus explained to all who questioned Him about picking some heads of grain as they walked on the Sabbath.  He let them know that the purpose of the Sabbath was made to provide rest for man, rather than man being made for rest.

We are all called to do some sort of work unto Him.  For some, it is managing house and home; for others, it is something outside of the home.  Each of us are called to something that requires work.  After several days of work, our bodies need a bit of rest so that our hearts and minds may be restored – equipping us to continue in our calling.

None of us are made for the Sabbath.  We are made to commune with Christ.  If we labor and toil…

View original post 265 more words

What decision will I make?

I have a decision to make. I get to make it every day. Is it a bad thing to worship God? I can worship something else.  I can worship someone else. Now would be the time to choose.

I also get to choose for my family as well.

I choose to worship God. Me and my family.

“If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.” ~~Joshua 24:15

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America the Beautiful by Ray Charles at the 1984 RNC

Official Portrait of President Ronald Reagan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In tribute to former President Ronald Reagan on his death in June 2004 Imus in the Morning played this clip of Ray Charles, who also passed away that month, singing his version of “America the Beautiful” at the 1984 Republic National Convention.

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Does God need my help? Does He want me to judge others?

News flash. God can handle things with out my help!! He doesn’t need me to correct believers. This can be very tough for religious people who steeped in religious instruction year after year. I follow one person on Twitter who specializes in this area. All of his blog posts are about how wrong certain pastors are. He is bright but I don’t think he gets this part of God’s word. I know I fall into the trap sometimes as well.

My only assignment is to love. That, on any given day, is plenty. No need for anything else. That is my assignment. Everything else is for God. Jesus challenges us here as well. “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged” (Matthew 7:1) Pretty clear. Just love.

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. . . If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. Romans 14:1-3;8

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Is individuality our right?

English: Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We place a great deal of emphasis on individuality. It is “our right”!!

Not really. What is important is do what God wants. That is it. And what He wants is for us to love Him without reservation.

“But our individuality must be yielded to God so that our spiritual life may be brought forth into fellowship with Him.” ~~Oswald Chambers

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What does God’s passion look like?

There is a greater flame that Jesus lights in our soul that the passion we have from this world. This world thinks of love in a completely different way than God.

Jesus described in ways like being hungry for God. Or being thirsty for God. George Herbert a little differently but may our hearts pant after God.

Immortal Heat, O let thy greater flame

Attract the lesser to it: let those fires,

Which shall consume the world, first make it tame;

And kindle in our hearts such true desires,

As may consume our lusts, and make thee way.

Then shall our hearts pant thee.

—–George Herbert (1593 -1633)

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Who will intercede for us with God?

Our mission is to obey Jesus. This leads to our rescue which delivers us out of destruction and into His safety (known as salvation).

Jesus accomplished this by reaching the end-stage, i.e. working through the entire process to reach the final phase of what God had in mind for him. It is referred to as perfection or maturity. It is well-illustrated with the old pirate’s telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness). When this happened God announced that Jesus could intercede for us. He is our perfect and mature priest.

Now this is good news. He went through everything he needed to so that he could demonstrate perfectly that he is God’s son.

“Then, having arrived at the full stature of his maturity and having been announced by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him.” (Hebrews 5:10 The Message) 

Is Jesus Mr. Rogers with a beard?

Jesus is passionate. He is not Mr. Rogers with a beard. His objective is not to be a nice guy but to do what God wants him to do. Am I a man of passion or apathy?

There are worse things than caring too much. Lots worse. Like caring too little. Like not caring at all. Like caring about the wrong things.

When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem. He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength. Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, “Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a shopping mall!” He was angry. He was passionate.

Jesus leads a life of passion. He drove a bunch of crooks out of church. “His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’” (John 2:17).

May I be consumed with passion for being in the presence of God. May I burn with that kind of love.

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Will I be forgotten?

I see it! I lean in. He holds His hand out to me. My name is carved into the palm of His hand. Our Father will never forget me. He can in no way forget me.

I am forever before Him. That is the truth. Anything else I hear is a lie.

I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16

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Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good?

Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good? Yes, it has. Our Messiah and Master, Jesus, has done it for us and the whole world.

God has a plan for us. He has a goal in mind. We miss it. That is so frustrating. We have good news though, Jesus has solved that problem for us. His sacrifice of death paid the penalty for us all. We all have a debt to pay to God for our rebellion. Jesus paid it for us.

“When he served as a sacrifice for our missing God’s goal (sins), he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s. ” ~~Apostle John  (1 John 2:1 The Message) 

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Who did God put in charge of salvation?

Who did God put in charge of salvation? Man? No. There is no way we have what it takes for that. Angels? No. Not even they could make it happen. Who then? What was His solution?

Jesus came to earth in all humility. He left His place of honor with our Father and came to us, like us. He was a little lower than the angels for a while. But then through His death and resurrection, He completed salvation for us. How amazing is that? He experienced death for us. He experienced death in our place. We are now raised to a whole new life and mission with Him.

May we appreciate all that He has done for us!

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Is there a whole lot of shaking going on?

There is a whole lot of shaking going on. It isn’t about the economy or politics. The shaking is God’s World (Kingdom) being established. The shaking is God establishing His new agreement with a people after His own heart. The shaking is His light driving out all darkness. The shaking is His love binding up the broken hearts and healing our bodies. The shaking is His Spirit moving in power.

In God’s Kingdom, there are no political parties. In God’s Kingdom, there is no need for bailout plans, He has all the resources He needs. In God’s Kingdom, there is no need for medical insurance because He is our insurance. In God’s Kingdom, all His benefits are available for us every day.

Clearly, His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. He knows what He is doing. He is shaking things up and that is a VERY good thing.

 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 NIV

 

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What is God’s master plan?

God has a plan.

Stop and think about that.

God has a plan. He has a plan for us. He has had His eye on us. Looking to do great things in and through us.

God has a “master plan” for how everything works together to bring His ultimate designs together. He is God. This is the way he works. He isn’t into “one offs”. It all works together for achieving what He has had in mind all this time.

“Long before we first heard of the Messiah and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” ~Apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:12 The Message)

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Am I a stranger to power?

Tapping into God’s desire at any given moment opens us up completely to His power. His rule here, just like it is in heaven, is the big thing. Talking and listening to Him is the most important thing. I should never cease to check in and see what He wants me to do right now.

If I know what He wants me to do, I have His power all the time.

“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.”

—- Billy Sunday

 

Will I honor God?

Jesus is all about doing what He sees His Father doing. He listens to Him. He knows what is in God’s heart. He was obedient to the point of giving everything up, coming to live with us, perfectly following everything His Father wanted Him to do.

He honored God.

What was the result of this perfect obedience? God answered Him. Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him.

I think the essence of honor is obedience.

“Because Jesus honored God, God answered him.” (Hebrews 5:8) 

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Should I try to read between the lines?

Paul is clear about Jesus. His writing is clear about God. God’s word is clear.

There is no “I wonder what he meant” kind of stuff with God. He is in charge in His world (Kingdom). He always has been. He always will be.

What God wants to happen will. There is no doubt about that. It is clear that His desires will be achieved.

It is clear that nothing is impossible with God. He can do anything. He is God.

He is our loving Father. He has wonderful things in store for us. He is in a great mood.

“Don’t try to read between the lines or look for hidden meanings in this letter.” ~~Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:13 The Message)

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Who am I? What am I living for?

Who am I?

What am I living for?

These are essential questions. Questions that we want answers for. And so we have good news. In Jesus, the Messiah, we find the answers to these questions. He makes it all clear to us. We are living for God. It is our mission to love Him like we love nothing else. Our focus is on what He wants today. He wants us to love everyone we meet or know. Friends, enemies, strangers. We are to love them all.

It’s in the Messiah that we find out who we are and what we are living for. (Ephesians 1:11 The Message)

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What is God’s mission for me?

Paul knew something. He wasn’t afraid to say it. God had commissioned him. He was on a mission for God and Jesus. Paul knew why he was doing what he was doing.

Do I know why I am doing what I am doing?

The answer to that is all important. In a world of “you will succeed if you have a mission statement” kind of thinking, what we think our mission is doesn’t matter. What is God’s mission for me?

“I’m God-commissioned.” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:3 The Message)

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“Some of the seed fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that God’s word isn’t always received well.   The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word of God, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved. It is hard to understand all of this. The Disciples struggled as well.

We don’t have to understand how or even why the Devil snatches up God’s Word but we know, from Jesus, it happens. We have to be careful. This message is for us not someone else. Jesus said this to His disciples. He said it to give us insight. We need to take care with God’s word.

We are challenged by Jesus to have good-hearts. He wants us to seize the Word. We need to hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. That is how it is in God’s world (Kingdom).

“Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:5 The Message)

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Am I wandering around in a fog? Is that a bad thing?

Wisdom. We all want it I think. What is the path? How do we get there?

God is GOD. He has, from before the beginning of time, had a plan in mind. He is executing against it, day by day, year by year, century by century, millennium by millennium. We seek to understand it all but some days we just can’t. It is a mystery. We are wondering around in a fog to some extent.

What we do know is that He has a plan in mind. We trust Him that it will all unfold, just as He has planed it out. His purpose will be achieved and we will see His glory. So be it!!

I want to understand God and have His wisdom. I need to seek out what is His purpose to get there.

God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. (1 Corinthians 2:6 The Message)

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What does God have in mind for us?

God is good. There is no doubt about it. The Apostle Paul starts out his message to the Colossians with a blessing. May every good thing be ours.

Is that what God has in mind for us? Yes it is. Is that our blessing to others? Yes, it should be.

May everything good from God our Father be yours! (Colossians 1:2 The Message)

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Am I anxious for the right thing?

So I have to suffer a little. It is no big deal. Some days are hard. But there is no comparison between today’s challenges and the good times that are coming. In fact, I should be anxious for what is coming next. I can hardly wait. I am eager for what is going to be revealed in us who are His children.

All of creation waits with eager anticipation at our revealing.  It is not all clear now but it will be soon.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:18-19

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Can I rest?

REST…i haz it (Photo credit: carrierdetect)

Life is restful in Jesus!! In Him is real rest not temporary relief.

 I can just take it easy when I am a partner with Him. He has won the victory. He has defeated death. He is sitting right next to His Father with everything taken care of and in order. Or I can try to work hard and do it my way.

So he beckons me with that wonderful smile on His face. He say, “Hey Mike, come over here. Sit down with me. Why don’t you quit working so hard?  Why are you so worried? I will give you rest. Just sit here with me. How does that sound?”

It sounds wonderful!! Thank you so VERY much!!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

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“What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God….” ~~Apostle Paul

We all know GOD exists. Sure, there are some atheist but they are really kidding themselves. So lets not think about that. We know there is a GOD. Here is the big question. Do we treat Him like GOD? Think about it. GOD is GOD. GOD is great. GOD is good. We “know it”. Do we believe Him?

If we don’t treat him like GOD, GOD says, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” This is a case of be careful what you ask for.

“What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God….” ~~Apostle Paul (Romans 1:18 The Message)

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“A good life is a fruit-bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls.” ~~King Solomon

An apricot and its cross section (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When we live the life God has intended for us, it is like a tree that gives us delicious fruit. There is nothing like fresh fruit. We all love it. I was at the market yesterday and just had to get some figs and apricots.

That is in contrast to a life of violence. I think this is not just physical. Anything opposite of doing what GOD wants us too is violence against GOD and it destroys our very souls.

Thank GOD for the Holy Spirit of GOD that gives us the power to live the resurrected life of Jesus. Now that is Good News.

“A good life is a fruit-bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:30)

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“Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people?” ~~Oswald Chambers

Sometimes I have to be challenged. Jesus does it all the time. This quote from Oswald Chambers hit me right between the eyes. I am responsible to GOD for other people coming to His Son Jesus. There is no plan B. GOD is counting on me.

“Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people?” ~~Oswald Chambers

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“A farmer went out to sow his seed.” ~~Jesus

Farmer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus challenges us to understand GOD’s word. GOD is the farmer. It is GOD who plants the seed, His word.

This has nothing to do with us. It is all GOD’s doing. We like think we are the center of things. Even the disciples of Jesus didn’t get what Jesus was saying and they were with Him all day long for 3 years. It all starts with GOD and His word. That is the most important thing to understand. It is all about GOD and what He says / wants.

“A farmer went out to sow his seed” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:4 The Message)

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