Growing In Glory!: 2013

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Our Identity - The Church

1 Peter 2:4 (NLT)

How we see ourselves means everything? Do we see church as a building, an organization, or a people. If it is the former then it is location identity, if it is the latter then it is life identity.

1 Peter 2:4-8 describe those in Christ as living stones whom are being built as God's Holy Temple. Those who obey God's Word's have accepted Christ as there life and therefore will be honored and never disgraced. Those who disobey God's Word's have rejected Christ and therefore will stumble and meet their fate.

Being a Church goer does not qualify someone as a Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ and only those whom obey Him can follow Him. There is a clear difference between religious folks and disciples of Christ, the fruit speaks for itself.

1 Peter 2:9-12 describe the true identity of those whom see themselves through the eyes of Christ. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are God's display of His goodness and mercy.

The way we see ourselves will determine our behavior. When we proclaim who we are in Christ we separate ourselves from our sinful nature and righteous living becomes 2nd nature.

Friday, August 16, 2013

DON'T STOP DRINKING!

Having a bigger home comes with one huge problem, cleaning it. I sometimes wish I could afford a full time house keeper. Yet the biggest and toughest house to clean is our own lives. There are habits that like certain stain's just don't disappear, they cannot wipe off, no matter the product or effort given.

We do have a house cleaner, His name is Jehovah God, our redeemer. He has the ultimate purifier, the Holy Spirit. He will not clean up though without our asking. He is at the door knocking but we got to invite Him in. Thanksgiving and Praise opens the door, and worship fills the room with His presence, as He shines His light the darkness is exposed and our surrender washes us clean.

The world's way of dealing with problems is to just drink it away. Believers way to deal with problems should be to just drink as well, yet not alcohol but the presence of the living God. The more we take God in the more we change. Is is that easy, yes, but worship comes with a price, our lives laid down, and that is not easy, for our flesh will fight this until we die.

So let us go beyond having a taste of God to being like infants thirsty for breast milk crying out to God to consume us with His presence, fill us with His Word. This alone is the way to grow up and mature into the whole image of Christ our Lord.

1 Peter 1:1-3 (Message) So Clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy, and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Call to Holiness

A Call To Holiness

Rediscovering Simplicity
Do you ever find your mind clouded, full of different direction? We live in a complex society where culture often triumphs our faith. We allow the multi-choice environment around us to influence us. It becomes hard to focus for we have our hands in so many different things. Trying to do it all and wondering if anything is really getting done. Simplicity is so out of the picture for those who live the typical American lifestyle. I have lived the simple life but once it becomes complex it is so hard to re-discover.

Where To Start?
Honest Evaluation of our heart! Asking ourselves why we do what we do and if God is really in it? Are we living in just the here and now; or have we learned to exercise self-control and say no to that which has no eternal value.

1 Peter 1:13 - So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

Keep Moving Forward
It is when we stop looking forward that we tend to fall back. Seeing the bigger picture helps paint the reality of the foolishness of sin. When in the dark we easily stumble but in the light obstacles are exposed. Why remain blind when we can now see. Since we now know better we have no excuse for living unholy lives. Worship is what keeps our eyes forward focused on what is ahead. When worship is a lifestyle we don't go in and out of the light but remain.

God Alone is Holy
People often use the excuse when I get my life right I'll serve God. Wrong! We cannot be holy, separate from God. Holiness comes when one humbles themselves before God then the Holy Spirit embodies their being, for one cannot experience holiness without Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Do Not Judge
God shows no favorites to anyone by what they do or do not do. Serving God is not about works. We are saved by grace and it is simply the choice to acknowledge God that determines His working in and through us. It does no good to judge and point out the flaws in others bringing condemnation what helps is praying that each one will be drawn closer to God who alone can change what one does. (1 Peter 1:17)

Paid In Full
Eating out is not cheap. Sometimes I am like oh, no, what about my budget, I cannot really afford to eat here, but I'm too ashamed to say anything, yet many times I have been blessed as someone else paid the bill.

Sin cannot be paid back, money cannot buy forgiveness, we are guilty and the only ransom is a sinless person taking our place. Thank God for Jesus, He lived a sinless life, paid the ransom that we could never afford by dying for our sin, and now through faith in Him, we are cleansed from sin, and no longer need to live in shame for we have been made holy. (1 Peter 1:18-22)

Holiness Test
If God's yoke is easy and His burden is light then whatever is hard and heavy is not of Him. Since holiness is not depending on works but found in Christ alone, then we need to judge what is holy by the filter of His presence. If we trust God we don't need to worry, so a way we can test if God is in something or not is whether we have anxiety or peace. What is of God lasts, what is not fades away. God's vision has provision, so if His Word directs our steps everything we need comes in walking by faith. (1 Peter 1:23)

Our minds become clouded when we cannot see beyond what is present, busying ourselves on trying to maintain that which cannot last. Those who walk by faith see eternal, co-laboring with God in fulfilling His will, establishing His Word which remains forever. (1 Peter 1:24-25)

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Sports Analogy (1 Peter 1:1-12)

Sports Analogy

1 Peter 1:1 (NLT)

Have you ever played for a team where you knew you were going to lose? You can try to just have fun but for most of us it is never fun to lose. It is hard to be motivated to practice hard when you already know the outcome. I played high school football and basketball we had good teams and therefore our outlook was positive which motivated us to work hard in practice.

The sport Christians play is called Kingdom Advance, it's goal is to establish Christ victory throughout the earth. Since we know the outcome then why are we often not prepared or in position to see this forth?

Most sport teams require tryouts before you are picked to be on the team. It is such a disappointment to work hard and not make it, yet such a delight to be chosen. I experienced the frustration of my son not being picked this last year for his basketball team though he was expected too without a doubt. I wanted to go give the coach a piece of my mind.

We have been chosen to be on God's team not by anything we have done or not done but simply because of His grace. 1 Peter 1:2 says we have been chosen long before we were born, and now His Spirit has made us holy, enabling us to obey for we have been cleansed by His blood. So let us stop worrying about our shortcomings, comparing ourselves with others, doubting our abilities, and just be filled with His Spirit and walk in His power to overcome.

It was rewarding to play for a team with high expectancy, for when things got tough we just motivated each other through, for we were determined to be champions. It is amazing that all we won was a simple trophy, no cash, no great recognition, all that we really gained was pride. It couldn't even last long, for with each season, a new champion is made and the previous one is quickly forgotten.

1 Peter 1:3-4 says we should live with great expectation for we have a priceless inheritance in heaven, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

We can begin to taste our eternal victory now, for God's will is "His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Therefore let's put off the victim mentality and enjoy the victorious life we have in His name. Every battle we face we have already won all we have to do is keep believing it.
Having athletes with great abilities is important but endurance is the most needed trait in being a winner. Endurance is not a natural born skill it is developed through drills, being pushed past your limit. One does not know their capabilities until they are put in a position where they have to extend themselves further than they have ever before.

Have you ever tried to convince someone they have no chance to win yet their stubborn pride won't listen? The enemy has lost but he is so deceived he cannot believe it, so he is not going down without a fight. Revelations chapter 3-4 tell us the reward for those who overcome. The key attribute to overcoming is endurance.

In 1 Peter 1:6-7 God our great heavenly coach reveals why He sets us up with life lessons where our faith is tested so we can develop endurance and be able to withstand the enemies constant opposition. Good coaches are those who prepare their team with drills that encamp every possible angle that their team may face. When one grasps this understanding they can truly confess how good God is in the midst of their trial.

James 1:2 -4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing".

Athletes who have worked so hard and taste victory are so overjoyed with emotion. It's one of the most beautiful pictures in life to see people victorious. I have often wept with my favorite teams when they have won, so proud of their effort and awarded achievement. In the moment it is as if I have participated in their victory, that is why it is said the 12th man (the fan), is the key to victory on the football field. Yet, I know it cannot compare with the players who sweat hard and devote hours to training in preparation to reach their ultimate goal.

1 Peter 1:7 "when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

The bible says our present trials cannot compare with the Glory ahead. Let's keep our eyes on the prize for all our sacrifices will be rewarded eternally. We are part of what the Old Testament prophets could only dream of, we are God's Dream Team. We cannot lose, we have an unfair advantage, we are in Christ who paid the ultimate price, who bought our victory, all He needs of us is to trust and obey.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Breathing Prayer

Colossians 4:2 (NLT)

I am so amazed by the opportunities that come my way! I understand that doors open as a result of prayer, but it is still amazing to see how things unfold. Sometimes I receive things I didn't personally even pray for. Often, it's the prayers by others for us that we are unaware of that His will is ushered forth.

Do you ever get yourself in something and realized you didn't really seek God? I take prayer for granted, I move out too often without consulting the full counsel of God. I speak my mind without always using the wisdom of God and therefore get myself in trouble. I can think I am so right in the moment and yet be so wrong. Lord, help me say and do nothing without first consulting and hearing from you.

Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

Definition of alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.

Lord, help me be more alert, more aware of my surroundings, more spiritually sensitive, so I can make proper judgment through the eyes of the Word with the heart of God.

My prayer request like Paul in Colossians 4 should be that I can proclaim His message clearly, living wisely, making the most of every opportunity, that my conversations be gracious and attractive, drawing others to Him. I need to stay away from discussions that are divisive that stir people's emotions but do not benefit God.

God may open a door but if I do not go through wisely, the doors that once were open can quickly close, God gives and takes away. It is through prayer we receive God's promises and it is through prayer that His promises are maintained.

"As breathing is too natural life, praying is too spiritual life, we cannot exist without it."

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Change the World, Start Where?

Colossians 3:18 (MSG)

INTRODUCTION
Being a visionary I can easily be so focused on what's ahead I miss out on what God has put right before me, "trying to save the whole world while the world immediately around me is falling apart. Jesus is the Word become flesh and we flesh are called to become the Word to the world. The gospel message only comes alive when it's words are lived out. Only that which is alive can bring life and transform. We are all called to preach the gospel but it is our living testimonies that validates the message.

SUPERFICIAL MINISTRY
A lot of times people escape from misery through ministry, it is a crutch, something to lean on to avoid falling down, an escape from reality. Ministers, Missionaries, flying here, flying there, preaching, prophesying, healing, delivering, living in a fantasy world while those around them must carry the load of daily responsibilities.

I have heard the crazy excuse some Minister's give their wife when she feels neglected "don't you know you married a preacher." This is utter nonsense! Having a five fold ministry gift from God is not a license to neglect our family and live a irresponsible life. All believers have gifts from God nobody is greater than the other, we must all take equal share in normal daily responsibilities. People whom come to God need our gifting to equip them to minister in all aspects of life including the mundane. If we don't know how to live a normal life we cannot help those that do.

REAL MINISTRY
My definition of ministry is intimacy with Jesus spilling over God's grace drawing those around closer to the Heavenly Father. This requires a lifestyle of worship not some spiritually worked up display. This means the life of Jesus should be evident in one's marriage, child rearing, employment, daily walk.

THE RIGHT MESSAGE
Jesus lived life for thirty years, observing the world around Him, that is why He had such a big audience because He spoke in parables, stories that everyone could understand. How often do we hear messages in parable form, often they are presented in a way that only other preachers can relate with. What the world needs is Christians, who walk with God in everyday life, and therefore have evidence of His existence in relatable testimony. God's greatness is not drawing a crowed but drawing people closer to Him.

WHERE TO START
Colossians 3:18-25 shares our normal daily mission. Wives are to honor and support their husbands by submitting to them, while husbands are to go all out to love their wives in return. Children are to do what their parents tell them and when Parent's correct them it is not to be done in a manner that would crush their spirits. Employees are to do their best at what they are assigned to do, knowing God will reward them, and punish them if they don't. What qualifies us to minister to others is how well we respond to these instructions. If we are going to change the world it first starts right where we are at.

WHERE TO GO
American Christianity, from my experience, has exalted the role of Pastor and Missionary. It seems once one becomes zealous for God they feel a “calling” to the ministry. There is a divide between clergy and laity, where one is more spiritual than the other. It is an attitude that a job outside of the church is just temporary until others recognize their calling and the opportunity opens up.

The holistic-biblical view of calling is that greatness is on the inside of us, we don’t have to strive to achieve it, for God is embodied in man. Therefore rather that striving for position and title we simply need to acknowledge who we are in Christ. This means His greatness can be seen and experienced in every season and facet of life. If we take this approach ministry becomes part of who we are rather than just what we do, and our profession cannot be separate from are calling.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

The Reflection of What You Wear

The Reflection Of What You Wear

Colossians 3:1 (NLT)

Our culture is influenced greatly by marketing, so our outer appearance can often determine are social status. As a youth I was all into fashion, I wanted my clothes to define what kind of person I was, so once I started working at the age of 14 the majority of my money was spent on that. Growing up in a small town clothing stores was limited so I would drive far three hours to Seattle to find the latest fads. The greatest thrill was wearing a new outfit and being complimented. I was voted best dressed in my class Senior year 1993 and it was actually a big deal to me. How shallow! Yet, that is the culture of America.

Thank God I now understand that character far outweighs outward appearance. Sad thing is some churches still operate like the world and are more like a fashion show than a house of prayer. I still like to dress good at times, not to impress people, but simply because I like what I wear, it is all a matter of the heart. I no longer can afford buying the kind of clothes I use too for I am no longer single and my life can't just be about myself. So my closet isn't piling up, I try to just have enough clothes to fit the different occasions of life and the different seasons, I buy new clothes when the old ones are worn and need to be replaced.

What I desire above anything else is what Colossians chapter 3 explains how to be clothed with more and more of Christ. What we gaze upon is what we absorb and therefore reflect. So to be like Christ is to set my sights on where He dwells. What I think upon is what forms my heart, so what I allow to go into my ear and eye gates will determine what shapes me. So If I am going to look different I must change what I see and hear. I must shift from gazing on the things of earth too the things of Heaven. To know the things of Heaven takes knowing the written word (logos) and experiencing the living Word (rhema).

Change does not come from our ability, it is grace from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What one sets their affections on they become, so with new desires comes new direction. Since God has given us a heart for Him we naturally begin losing the desire for sin. It is a process and doesn't happen over night, yet at least with me the majority of my sinful activities left when I got saved simply because I lost the desire for them.

Daily we must choose to worship our Lord for it is in His presence that we are transformed. Just like we usually dress ourselves shortly after we wake up, we need to praise and worship our Lord and as we do so we are clothed from above. We now become spirit beings, no longer distinguished by male/female or ethnicity, Christ is all that matters. The character that comes forth from those whom reflect Christ are: tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and most importantly love which unites us together (vs. 12-15). From our mouth will come the ability to teach and counsel with wisdom, singing praise and thanksgiving from our mouths. So in all we do and say we become true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 16-18).

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Freedom In Christ

I was raised by my grandmother who didn't drive, we lived out in the woods of Washington State where it rained 300 days of the year. I was confound the majority of my childhood to a little trailer, not able to go anywhere or do anything. It would literally drive me crazy, I would scream, throw fits, bored out of my mind. I spent my time dreaming of a day where I traveled all over the world doing great things, not being limited because of transportation or lack of money.

Since I gave my life to Jesus in 1995, I've never been bored, God has fulfilled my dreams, including marrying a beautiful Caribbean girl, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, South & Central America. I am a person of growing influence, making a positive difference in the world through God's grace. I am totally free to be all that I ever dreamed to be, nothing no longer is holding me back, and oh how I give all glory to God.

Being a Christian is not about conforming oneself to a religious organization and it's practices. It is not about what we can no longer do, it's all about what we can now do through Jesus Christ, whatever we give up cannot compare to what we gain in Him.

We can all be so wishy washy, starting relationships that never last, "we think something of someone, then find out something else, and say forget this I am moving on." We don't give time for a relationship to go deep enough where we truly understand someone and want to make real commitment. People often do this with God, they want a one way relationship, commitment by God but not commitment to Him in return. We want God available only when we need something. People believe because they give financially to the church, God owes them something, this is spiritual prostitution.

Colossians 2:6-23 explain the "now what" factor. Meaning once one commits their life to Jesus what should follow. Verse six says simply now that we have accepted Him we are to follow Him, which goes beyond Sunday morning attendance. To follow someone it takes knowing someone, so relationship with Jesus has to become the center of our life. We are to feed on His Word daily so that the seed of salvation gets roots on it producing ever growing faith, which makes us strong. The more we know the word, the more we are aware of God working in and around us bringing a greater appreciation and thankfulness deepening the relationship even more.

The more we know the truth the more we can recognize lies, the enemy will not stop trying to deceive us just because we are saved. It is like breaking up with someone who cannot let it go, they pretend they don't get it, and keep trying to push their way back into our life, and will go as far as we allow them.

As we grow in the knowledge and experience of Christ we realize He is the one who completes us, we have no need for anything else, one by one we let go of the attachments to this world. Now we begin to know what it means to be free. It's no longer about do's and don'ts but changed hearts and new desires. It's less a struggle to stop sinning for it is just not who we are anymore, we have a new nature.

Now this does not mean it is always easy, for our ex (Satan) is angry and will do everything he knows to win us back. During times of test's and trials which God is using to work His Word into our hearts we can become weak and fall prey to temptation responding to challenges the way we were accustomed too, giving access to Satan to operate in our lives again. Our Father is a jealous God and He will not allow us to cheat on Him for long, He will bring His rod of discipline, which will hopefully turn our hearts back to Him as we recognize our wrong and command Satan to hit the road.

The spirit of religion will try to keep us bound by using condemnation. If Christ is not the head of one's life, they are not His body, and therefore are open to demonic influence. Christ did not come into the world to condemn it, so those who use condemnation are an instrument of the enemy. Freedom from sin comes not through trying to obey the law it is the natural result of relationship with God.

Colossians 2:23 "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires."

As long as we remain connected to Jesus our head, we His body, are free from sin, filled with love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit.

Friday, June 7, 2013

D.U.I

Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R62n3sIRtFM (Message Preached @ Abundant Grace Church - Bishop Hargrove)

Why do we people like to get drunk? To lighten up, to have fun, be bold, or try to forget about something. I for one was rather timid, afraid of what others thought of me, I needed a few 40's to lose myself and let loose. The problem with drinking is we lose our inhibition, our conscience is seared, it is easy to make decisions that we will later regret. Now it is foolish enough to get drunk it is even more foolish to drink and drive. One time my friend drove up the wrong way on a ramp and we got pulled over, we all got tested, and somehow they all failed but I didn't, so they got hauled off while I drove home, so thank God I don't have a record, but most of all thank God I am delivered.

When I got saved I lost my desire to get drunk for being filled with the Spirit is what now fulfilled my desire to be bold and courageous. Drinking alcohol opens the door to spirits, seeking God opens the door to the Holy Spirit, the one feeds on carnality the other feeds on spirituality.

God desires for us to be His vehicle that He influences others through. The church was birthed through united prayer, power was released, preaching followed, and thousands were saved. The lack of power in the church today is because of people being so divided, praying so little, and preaching without the anointing. The lack of the Holy Spirit has caused churches to reflect more of the systems of the world than the Kingdom of God.

The world is power hungry, people want to control their lives and others, problem is they can't. Everyone serves someone, those whom seem to be at top, the elites, are the ones most controlled by demonic influence, some are even completely possessed. When Satan is done with them, when they finished their assignment, or if they don't do what they are told, they're dead. Thus the reason some significant famous individuals have died suddenly.

We all might seem helpless at times, lacking influence, controlled by our circumstances, but as children of God we have power available to us that is greater than all the powers of this world. It is time to learn how to tap into that power. In the world it is about whom you know and what you can offer. In the Kingdom of God it is about knowing Him and becoming his living offering.

Titles and positions don't rank anyone higher than the other in the kingdom of God. In God's kingdom it has nothing to do with any gift or talent in of itself, God's glory is manifested to the degree one is surrendered to His will, that alone is why some Christians stand out more than others.

Colossians 1:15-20 declares the Supremacy of Christ, He is above the visible and invisible world, everything was created through Him and for Him! Therefore we who submit to His supremacy now are made co-laborers in bringing into subjection His creation that has rebelled. Our authority comes from the one above all, therefore in Christ nothing of this world can oppose us.

You usually can spot out people who have authority for they walk with confidence. Colossians 1:21-23 reminds us that we were once enemies of God but we have been reconciled through Christ, we are now blameless and without fault. We might not feel like it but that is how God sees us, so it's time to believe it ourselves. Let's live unashamed bold courageous lives for Him.

There is a big price to be a person of authority, it means you are the target of everyone's complaints, you are also in the position that others are competing for, this brings heavy pressure and responsibility that few can handle. Walking in God's authority also comes with a price, Christ suffering (Colossians 1:24). The secret we have to handle this pain is simply "Christ lives in us." He gives us the strength to endure and continue to work hard as we depend on His mighty power that works within us.

Intimacy with Christ releases God's authority. The greatest hindrances to intimacy is ignorance and un-forgiveness. Obedience is what keeps us united with Christ, but to obey, one must know His will which takes knowing His word. Our relationship with God is based on our sins being forgiven and it is maintained by forgiving others as well. If we are growing in our knowledge of God and have no malice in our heart then God is at the wheel and we are His vehicles that His power flows in and through.

God's power will not be used for self seeking gain but for serving others alone:

"You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20: 25-28, NLT)."

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Inspired Prayer

Colossians 1:1-14 (NLT)

How often do we pray for others? I can sadly say for myself not near enough. I talk about others, think about others, but pray? The moment I begin praying for others I see things differently, the Holy Spirit gives me inspired words, and I now have a complete different perspective. Do we really want the best for those around us, do we want their situations to turn around, then how we best help is simply to pray.

Paul writes that he and his disciples always pray for the Colossians in 1:3, giving thanks for them. It is hard at times to give thanks for those close to us, they irritate us for we see their flaws, and therefore at times just don't like them. Giving thanks reminds us of the good qualities which we can easily forget, it helps us see people as our Heavenly Father sees them. A parent sees their own kids with a higher regard than other people, we need the Fathers view of his children.

Paul's prayers had commonalities, to grow in the love of God and the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of His will. This reminds me of YWAM's mission statement "to know God, and to make Him known." These two aspects take care of everything else Paul prays in Colossians 1, "that they will honor God and be strengthened to endure all present challenges." You cannot have one without the other, if we are growing in the love of God and are walking in His will then we are honoring God and have His power to overcome.

Prayer is not speaking in agreement what our natural eyes perceive, that is just gossip, it is speaking in agreement with the heart of God, releasing the will of Heaven to supersede the reality present on earth.

"What goes up, must come down," this is true physically, but prayer is a spiritual thing, and for heaven to respond to our prayers they must be spirit led. I can not move God no matter how long I pray, how repetitive I am, if I cry and beg, what moves God is His will. His spirit inspires our heart with His will and we speak forth and then God's kingdom comes, His will is done here on earth as it is in Heaven.

Friday, May 17, 2013

The Real You

I was once a very confused person. I wanted to be one thing, then I wanted to be another, and then another. I followed the latest whim of what I thought would make me successful and bring fulfillment. I was shaped by my ever changing environment.

We are all products of our environments. Many of us play the chameleon we adapt to whatever environment we are in. This may help us win the game of survivor but will cause identity crisis in the game called life. We play the role of Christian around Christians, we play the role of skeptic around skeptic, or drunk around drunk, etc.

The bible says "a double minded person is unstable in all their ways." An unstable person is up and down, in and out, they seem fine one moment, and suddenly they lose it the next. They start things but don't finish. You cannot expect much from them because of all their uncertainty. Yet I know lot of us Christians that walk this way!

If we are really serious as it says in Colossians 3:1-2 about living a new life in Christ. We need to pursue Him and Him alone. Our life is no longer about mere survival just trying to get though our present circumstances but rather it is about pursuing the will of God, seeing how our circumstances are part of His great big plan.

We need to see from above! Our perspective means everything! As long as we are grounded our present circumstances limit what we can see and therefore do. You see how weather can so change things. So can we change our environment when we dwell in Heavenly places. We have something to offer that the world cannot give, we are change agents.

Yes we are all born into sin, but we have been born-again, we have the Holy Spirit now who is recreating us into are true identity, stripping away lies replacing them with truth. Each day we have a choice how we see the world, we can see through our human eyes which is bound to an earthly limited deception or we can see through spiritual eyes from a heavenly unlimited reality.

The story of Mephibosheth is our story, Lo-Debar means "not-having", or no pasture, it was a place set apart for outcasts, rejects, people were put there not because of their own wrong but because of life's misfortunes. Some of us though we are saved still don't feel like we have any worth, we are victims of what others have done to us, molested, raped, abused, ignored, neglected, but God rich in kindness sent His servant Jesus Christ to redeem us, to take us out of Lo-Debar and bring us to the King's palace, we are no longer a dead dog, we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, set apart for the glory of God. Though we still may feel crippled from our past, God still calls us to eat with Him at His table as He nourishes our soul, heals our bodies, and transforms our lives into His image.

The Real You is who God is. Our Identity is now in Christ, so let us allow Him to clothe us in the robe of His righteousness, to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the wiles of the enemy.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Who You Working For?

Ephesians 6:5 (NLT)

Those who are in charge are the biggest target for criticism, they get the blame for everything. People have their opinions of how things should be done, but no one knows the difficulty of someone else unless they have stepped into there shoes. It is easy to point out flaws from a distant but I bet if we were placed in the same position things would not be as easy as they appear. Organizations are complex, every decision has many angles to consider, none of us should think decision making is an easy thing to do. Some decisions don't seem to make sense immediately but in the long run it will, that is why leaders are not those who let small minded, narrow visioned individuals move them.

Now that we are in Christ what behavior modification should take place regarding the work force?

Ephesians 6:5-9 is our living instructions concerning this:

1. Obey authority giving them utmost respect as unto the Lord (vs.5) 2. Please them even when they are not looking, with a sincere heart, understanding it is the will of God. 3. Work with enthusiasm for we are working for the Lord not just for people. 4. Look to the Lord for reward. 5. For us who are in authority, we are not to threaten or treat employees as less than.

In the kingdom of God as the body of Christ we are all equal, no matter what title and amount of authority has been given us, it is only through the grace of God. God can take away what He has given at any time. Our strength, wisdom, gifting, talent, life comes from Him, He alone deserves all the glory. No matter how insignificant one's calling may seem it is part of the big picture and each part is significant to the other doing there part.

Our jobs are our ministry, whether it be in a church setting, home environment, or on the work force, they are all equally valuable in the kingdom of God and in fulfilling the promise that God's glory would fill the earth. So let us not be moved by man regarding our jobs but rather put our trust in God who is our ultimate boss.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Do You Want To Live Long?

Obedience is the response of love, not out of fear but out of trust. Relationship is built on trust, so believing that the person you love has at their heart your best interest brings forth faithfulness. If I am faithful to God then I honor Him by following His ways.

God brought us into this world through our parents and despite their shortcomings they are to be honored. Whoever is responsible to raise us whether they be our biological parents or not is ordained by God. So as God's children if we love Him, we love the parents He has given us, and trust that they know what is best, and therefore obey them as unto God. If our parents do not honor God then we pray for them and believe God will change their hearts. Only when forced to break the law do we have the right to disobey them.

Do we obey our parents even when we know they are making a wrong decision?

Yes, trust God to correct them and work in their hearts. No one is perfect but God, let us not have false expectations, much of what is learned comes through failure. We are all a work in progress, so we will have to suffer along with our parents when they do wrong, as well as they suffer with us when we do wrong. What it comes down to, is do we trust God, who is Lord over all, or not?

Do you have kids that make life real difficult for you? What we sow is what we reap! What we did to our parents is what our kids will do to us. Some negative characteristics I no longer struggle with I see developing in them. Thank God for discernment we can catch things before it is too late, confess His Word, and break generational curses. In Christ we no longer have to live under the guilt of our past, though the enemy will not just bow out of the fight, all we have to do is know His word, confess His word and through the power of the Holy Spirit Satan has to flee.

Why do so many die young? Ephesians 6:3 says if we honor our parents, things will go well for you, and long life will be given. Does this mean that when one dies young, it is because they are in rebellion, not always, all I know is I would encourage youth to not test God's mercy on this. I did not always honor my Grandma who raised me, but since I was saved at 20 and given a new heart I have tried. My Grandmother had a stroke April 2010, and since that time I have moved her into my home and made sure she has a peaceful, loving environment to spend the rest of her days on earth. I can say that my life is going real well! I have an amazing family, a satisfying job, my dreams are being fulfilled, one by one. God is so good!!!!

I look at my kids in awe, they get to grow up from the moment of conception in a home saturated with the presence of God. They are doing so well, in academics, at church, with their attitude and character. They are not perfect, but they are sure off to a good start. The sky is the limit with them, they don't have near the shortcomings that I had to deal with. There was a season though that I was very impatient with my sons, which caused them to be very rude with me. Ephesians 6:4 says not to provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Any quality that I share with my kids that is ungodly will bring an ungodly response. Being impatient will not produce anything in return that is good. If I want godly children I must treat them godly. The rest of 6:4 says says to raise them with the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Even if I am right the manner that I speak to my kids means everything, I could be quoting scripture but if I am full of rage, it will do no good. The Word must be taught through the Holy Spirit for it to transform.

I use to be so spiritual at church and so natural at home. My focus was off kilter! There is no separation of church and state. God is in us and therefore should be taken with us everywhere we go, especially in our homes, which are a reflection of the kingdom of Heaven here on earth. God doesn't just want to save individuals for He is all about community, which is made up of families. The enemies goal therefore is to divide families so therefore we must understand we don't take our spiritual armor off either at home or at work, it must daily be put on, for us to walk in victory and have healthy God honoring families.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Marriage Reflection

Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)

We have all rebelled against authority at some point. Whether it be parents, teachers, coaches, employers, etc, it is hard to submit to those we don't agree with. I have always swayed towards resisting authority whenever it is unfair. I love movies about uprising against injustice. But now that I am in Christ all my ways must change. This means I am to only take a stand against evil doers as the spirit of the Lord leads.

The attitude of sinful man is rebellion. The attitude of those who love God is submission. It is one thing to submit to God who is perfect but submitting to imperfect people whom we don't always agree with, is rather difficult. Here in Ephesians 5:21 "it says submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." So submission is not just a way to honor someone but the way we honor God. We honor God by trusting Him. Will one might respond, "I have no problem trusting God it is people I don't trust." Trusting God is trusting those whom God has placed in authority, such as David did with Saul.

The rest of Ephesians 5 gives a picture of submission through the eyes of husband and wife. God desires marriage to be the ultimate picture to the world of what relationship with Him looks like. So we see that "wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, for husbands are the head of there household as Christ is head of the church." It is not about man being above woman, it is about Christ being above all, and each following their particular role. Husband represents the headship of God, Wife represents His body, the church. So as the church is to be submitted to God in everything so is the wife to the husband (vs. 24), nothing should be done outside of union with each other.

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church giving themselves fully to her, helping her become holy and clean by the cleansing of His Word (vs. 25). So we have to see our role with our wives as Christ role is with us. We must remember though Christ does not force His will on us, it is His loving kindness that draws us to Him. So husbands cannot force their wives into submission but believe that through their acts of kindness a loving response will with time naturally progress. Preaching to our wives is not going to change them, living the word is what will draw them closer to Him. Loving our wives should be no different than loving ourselves (vs. 28), since the two have become one (vs. 31).

Ephesians 5:33 says again to the husband to love his wife as he would himself and for the wife to respect her husband. Men are often self motivated and self centered, so to love their wife as themselves means to include her in everything as their equal partner, no longer living independent but dependent on her for support, advise, assistance, etc. While men's love language is respect, they need to know their wife trusts them and believes in the direction they are heading. When each responds right in the language of love, cohabitation takes place, and through holy union the glory of God is seen.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Be Filled With the Spirit

Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

One thing we all have in common is foolishness. Since we have lived separate from God we have played the fool. The closer we get to the all wise God the more we realize how foolish we are.

We usually have some restraint and regard for ourselves and others when sober but intoxicated is when we really let our sinful nature go. I could write pages and pages of the foolish things I did when I was drunk but that would be of no help, it is the transformational work of God in my life that is most helpful to others. I am shocked how sometimes I allow myself and listen to others as if we are proud of those days, joking around, as if we miss it. How can we be proud of our foolish behavior.

Now that we have been made wise in Christ we need to be careful so we don't play the fool anymore. We use to behave carelessly like there is no consequences to our evil choices. Now that we are wise we need to cease every moment use it for God's divine purpose not just sitting idle wasting our life away. God saved us for a reason, we have work to do, we have a world to change, so why live as we don't have anything to live for. I use to get so emotionally wrapped into things such as sports, that I would act like a fool, why? Because I did not know my eternal purpose. I did not know the great plan God has for me, so I made a big deal out of nothing. So as Ephesians 5:17 says let us not act thoughtlessly but know what the Lord wants us to do.

As a young man I wanted to do what I thought was fun, party, have sex, and act a fool. The problem is I wasn't capable myself, my conscious would hold me back, substance abuse was therefore my answer. It effected my brain where I lost all inhibition. Thank God for His mercy that He saved me young, and kept me from permanent damage. Why do people get so proud of their drinking inhibitions when it is not who they really are? That is why people become alcoholics they don't like who they are, they want to hide their true selves and can't bear facing reality.

Ephesians 5:18 says don't be drunk with wine but be filled with the spirit. Being drunken with wine allows us to experience the full debauchery of our sinful nature, being filled with the Spirit allows us to experience the fullness of God's divine nature. One leads to shame, regret and destruction the other to life as it truly was meant to be full of love, joy and peace. As being drunk would give me the boldness necessary to commit big sin, being filled with the Spirit gives me the boldness necessary to walk in great faith.

When we are drunk we speak our mind without much forethought, which can get us in a lot of trouble. The bible says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Whatever comes out is what is in, one cannot use the excuse I was drunk I didn't know what I was saying. When filled with the Holy Spirit we have self control, He tames our tongue, while working on our heart, helping us avoid so much trouble that our mouth would normally get us in. When pressure is on instead of cursing we sing spiritual songs, making music to the Lord in our hearts, we give thanks to God in everything (Eph. 5:19-20).

Being drunk with wine is a way of escape from reality, being filled with the Spirit is empowerment to face reality. With one matters only get worse, with the other matters always get better. I have experienced both and trust me being filled with the Spirit is the way to truly live life the way God created it to be.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

No Room For Darkness

Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)

Before we can understand living in the light we have to clearly define living in darkness. To be in the dark means to have something to hide. Trying to hide something causes fear, guilt, shame and condemnation to reside. The closer someone get's to unraveling the truth the more one has to lie to cover it up. Therefore darkness causes people to be isolated and only develop mere superficial relationships.

Have you ever had someone ask questions, bringing up things you did not want to talk about or deal with? One is bound to what they hide, it limits what they can say and do. Freedom is having nothing to hide, and that is what it means to live in the light.

Ephesians chapter 5 teaches us how to live in the light.

Ephesians 5:1 says we are called to imitate or reflect God in all we do. Like the light in the earth is a reflection of the Sun, the light in our lives is the radiant glory of the Son. God is love, the expression of what we say and do reflects Him when it comes out of love. The greatest love is to lay down one's life, first to God and then through God to one another.

Lust is the opposite of love, it takes for one's own pleasure, while love gives for the other's pleasure. Anything said that put's down another person is wrong. Both lust and foolish talk come from a desire to use others for one's own gain. Ephesians 5:5 says these characteristics are not of the kingdom of God.

We may be able to get others to go along with our excuses, but God sees through and knows the intent of the heart, and He will punish those who do wrong. Now that we are in Christ we can't get away with anything, what is done in the dark will come to the light. God is the ruler of our household, and therefore has the right to shine His light and remove all darkness, meaning exposing all unrepentant sin. So it would be wise to no longer participate in sinful activity.

Why live in darkness when we have the light of the Lord? Who wants to keep stumbling over things, getting hurt, living in shame. The good thing is we don't have to anymore, Christ defeated sin, sickness, and death, we have the victory in Jesus Name! The light turns on through believing, it stays on by obeying.

We are called to be the light of the world, to shine bright until all darkness comes to the light. If we are around people in sin and they feel no conviction it is because we are in sin ourselves. It is not just ourselves that we damage because of sin, it is all those around us who could be drawn closer to God yet rather are being drawn further away. In the light we expose the evil intentions of the world. This means we can help prevent harm being done by one to another because of the conviction that falls from the presence of God in our lives.

What happens when one sleep walks? They get up and move but they don't really know what they are doing and where they are going, they are not aware enough to prevent themselves from easily falling. As it says in Ephesians 5:14 awake, o sleeper, come out of the dead, meaning come out of sin, through repentance, then Christ will give you light. Lies are believed where there is darkness for we can easily be deceived because things are unclear in the dark. When there is no dark area in our life the enemy has no room to operate. Christ has full access to our life and therefore we are full of His light and His truth sets us free from the lies of the enemy.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Where is the Power?

Where Is The Power?

Philippians 3:11 (NLT)

We have all been without power before, some of us, especially those effected by Super Storm Sandy for quite sometime. It is hard to function without power, for some of us live our life through electronic devices. To cripple this nation all it would take is causing long term power loss. It is wise to prepare for loss of power, to have a generator and a supply of non-perishables.

Have you ever thought the power was out but it was just a cord unplugged, or it was just a breaker problem?

The enemies job is first to prevent us from getting saved, secondly if that does not work is to prevent us from walking in power. We don't have to call the electricity company to find out when the power is coming back on for we would probably be put on hold anyway. The power of God is within us, we just have to learn how to stay switched on and plugged in.

What is our power source?

Electricity is necessary to charge an electronic device for it to have any power. Battery run devices can operate for a time but if it is not re-chargeable, it's power will dissipate. Believer's who are not connected to God, plugged in, burn out quickly. We need constant Holy Spirit re-charging to walk in the power of God. We cannot rely on yesterday's grace to carry us through present day challenges. We can decree and declare all that we want. Just like I can say let there be light, but if the switch is not plugged in, darkness will remain. The blood of Jesus only has power when it is flowing through our veins like electricity flows through the circuits when a electronic device is plugged in. Confession, prayer has no power if we are not united with Christ through the Holy Spirit.

My wife can't stand when people leave the lights on when nobody is in the room, it wastes electricity. This is not a problem as Christians we have to worry about, we cannot overload the breaker box, we don't have to worry about a big electricity bill, the light of Christ, the power of God can remain on at all times. It is when we turn it off that we have to pay a price. Let us stop being turned on and turned off, turned on, and turned off, but rather just be on as John 15 says to abide in Christ, meaning cling to, rely upon, yield to, be submitted at all times.

How do we remain connected?

"The bible says to pray without ceasing," how is that possible? Proverbs 3:5-6 says to "Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He will direct your path." We stay connected to God through continual acknowledgement.

What disconnects us?

In Philippians 3:2 it warns us to watch out for those who preach salvation by works. Meaning those who try to please God by good works, not understanding that God alone is good, so only by, in, and through Him can anything good come forth, as it says in Philippians 3:3-4 "we put no confidence in human effort." Some of us like Paul have accomplished many great things but as he acknowledged, everything apart from Christ is worthless and should be counted as garbage (Phil. 3:8).

What should be the result?

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

We truly know Christ and experience the resurrection of the dead.

Isn't that promise for when we die?

Yes and no. Jesus taught us to pray "Let your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. So we can walk in resurrection power now, we can bring heaven to earth. For the bible says the kingdom of heaven is within us. So through faith in obedience to God's word, resurrection power manifests. That means blind eyes are opened, deaf ears c hear, families and communities are transformed.

What is the catch?

It said in Philippians 3:10 we must suffer with Christ. Question, didn't He take our place? Yes, but He said we must take up our cross and follow Him. The cross means "nevertheless not my will but your will God." It is a life of sacrifice which is self-denial, living for the Glory of God rather than ourselves. No matter the pain, no matter the difficulty we except His will above our own.

THE CRUCIFIED LIFE - Galatians 2:20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me

FIRST THE CROSS, THEN THE RESURRECTION!