THE WOUNDED HEALER

THE WOUNDED HEALER

 YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Although there are days and dilemmas that might cause it to seem that way, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the One who walks alongside, is always with you.  He represents the encouraging affirmation and promise of Jesus Christ, Himself.  “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.” (Matthew 28:20)

 Oh, how He loves you and me!  Never forget that it was Christ’s unconditional and unending LOVE that nailed Him to the cross, not the sharp spikes of any Roman executioner.

 Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV)                                                                                                                                                                                   Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But He was WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.   

 Jesus died in our place.  He suffered, bled and gave His life, vicariously, for our sins.  He is the wounded healer.  And His wounds have become our present help, hope and health.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

 Now it our time and opportunity to return His divine favor by becoming HEALING SEEDS, sown graciously into the lives of others.  Here is the naked truth about us.  We are broken vessels.  We have been shaped in sin and marred by iniquity.  However, we are still in the Potter’s hands.  (Psalm 51:5 and Jeremiah 18:1-6)  And, as such, we have great power and potential.

 It has been said that scarred hands heal best.  That’s me.  That’s you.  Indeed, WE ARE DEPUTIZED WOUNDED HEALERS, appointed and anointed by THE WOUNDED HEALER to serve the Kingdom of God and win lost souls who will (in turn) walk in their divine purpose and destiny and draw more fallen souls to Calvary’s cross. 

 Bottom-line: You are a spiritual reproduction of “Christ in you, [who is] the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)  So…wounded healer…who have you touched?  Who will you touch…TODAY?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

AWESOME HEALING POWER

AWESOME HEALING POWER

 Have you ever wondered whether any condition is beyond the scope of recovery and healing?  Faced with an impossible situation, the Lord presented an important truth and a challenge to the faith of Jeremiah, the prophet.  This is the Word of the Lord: “BEHOLD, I AM THE LORD, THE GOD OF ALL FLESH.  IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27)  Amen!  There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that is too difficult for THE ONE “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

 An amazing story about the miraculous healing power of God was first reported in an issue of “Time Magazine” on April 10, 1995.

 Elisabeth Jernigan is the beloved daughter of Betsy and Lennie Jernigan of North Carolina, USA.  When she was just months old Elisabeth’s parents noticed her right eyelid weakening, then drooping as the pupil become fixed in place.  Her grandfather, a Harvard trained surgeon, was worried and advised her parents to take Elisabeth to an ophthalmologist.  The ophthalmologist referred them to a pediatrician and the pediatrician to a neurologist.  Eventually Elisabeth was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Exploratory surgery removed part of the tumor from the nerve that controls the right eye, but it was far too dangerous to remove it all.  The pathology report came back with the worst news of all.  Elisabeth had an extremely rare malignant meningioma which typically kills anyone who has it.  The prognosis was for continued growth of the tumor, eventual paralysis, then certain death.

 Elisabeth’s parents started praying; their friends prayed; their church prayed.  They prayed that Elisabeth might be healed, but also for the ability to accept her death if healing was not God’s will.  Elisabeth’s surgeon-grandfather didn’t have the faith to pray for healing, but he did pray for wisdom in selecting doctors, and the ability to get through the inevitable suffering.

 As expected, Elisabeth’s condition deteriorated.  Fluid began accumulating on her brain and the doctors repeatedly tried to relieve it via a large needle.  Elisabeth grew lethargic and nauseated.  It was agreed that more surgery was needed, to insert shunts that would drain the fluid.

 The evening before her surgery, the family gathered as their minister anointed Elisabeth with oil and prayed for her healing.  That same night, the doctor had to remove so much thick, infected fluid from her brain that he postponed the operation for a few days.  He returned twelve hours later and was completely baffled to find there was virtually no more fluid.

 During the surgery, the doctor decided to make a last-ditch effort to remove the rest of her tumor.  Removing the section of nerve that the cancer had invaded would leave Elisabeth blind in her right eye but would give her a slim hope for survival.  However, when the surgeon went into Elisabeth’s brain, he could not find the lesion.  He removed the nerve section as planned, but when the pathology tests came back, no cancer cells were detected.  Regular cat scans since then have revealed no evidence of a tumor.

 Doctors describe what happened to Elisabeth as a “spontaneous resolution.”  Elisabeth’s family rightly calls it a “miracle.”  In June 1995, Elisabeth turned 13.  Elisabeth’s father, Lennie, said “In the years ahead, if you happen to see a young girl walking down the street with her right eye permanently closed, please don’t think that some tragedy has befallen her and extend your sympathy.  Instead have cheerful thoughts, knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells in her, and our God is powerful, benevolent and magnificent.”

 WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

 Jeremiah, the prophet, revealed a powerful key to divine intervention.  It is quite simple.  Since God actually inhabits the praises of His people, HEARTFELT WORSHIP manifests His supernatural presence – and targets His awesome power on any of our natural conditions or circumstances. (Psalm 22:3)  Why not try the Jeremiah strategy?  Instead of blaming God for his troubles, Jeremiah worshipped Him: “Ah, LORD GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

 Our faith is both manifested and measured during the elapsed time between our call and God’s answer.  So wait on Him.  Worship Him.  Trust Him.  And be assured of this: God certainly does answer prayer.

 The Word of God declares “it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)  I don’t know about anyone else, but I EXPECT A MIRACLE!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THROW OUT THE OLD SHOES

throw out the old shoes!

 An abandoned orphan boy wanted nothing more in the world than to belong to a family.  At age eight, his opportunity finally arrived.  A family wanted to adopt him!  Introductions were made, papers were signed, and soon he arrived at his new home.  The young lad took along all his hope and possessions, the old worn out clothes he was wearing and one single toy.  

 His new parents were delighted to have him and desperately wanted him to feel like part of the family.  A special celebration dinner was held.  He was given his own room and introduced to other kids on their street.  They discarded his old clothes and bought him beautiful new ones.  Also they bought him a bike and a variety of toys.  Pretty soon he began to feel just like the other children in the neighborhood, very well loved and part of a great family.  

 However, one thing was rather curious.  The young boy’s old shoes, with big holes, were not tossed out with the rest of his old clothes.  His new father placed them prominently on the living room mantel and it wasn’t long before his newly adopted son found out why.  Every time he did something wrong his father would go and get those shoes and say “Look at all we’ve done for you.  We took you in when you had nothing.  Now look at how you have behaved!”

 Unfortunately, too many of us have the tendency to do the same thing in our relationships.  All too often, we dredge up the past and throw it back in someone’s face, never letting them forget how much they are indebted to us.  True love and genuine acceptance will make us THROW OUT THE OLD SHOES, absolutely refusing to exhume the dead body of someone’s past (or reminders of our generosity toward them) in order to hold it over their head.

 Think.  What life experiences would you have to let go so true love can prevail?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE

 Check yourself out.  You are still alive and breathing, aren’t you?  That means you are an unquestionable recipient of the wondrous grace, mercy and favor of God.  Do you need tangible evidence?  Is bona fide proof required in order for you to wrap your head around the reality that God’s love is fully extended toward you?

 Well, consider the true story of Robert Robinson, an English clergyman who lived in the 18th century.  Not only was he a gifted pastor and preacher, he was also an extraordinary poet and hymn writer.  However, after many years in the pastorate his faith began to drift.  He left the ministry and wound up in France, indulging himself in the very depths of sin.

 One night he was riding in a carriage with a Parisian socialite who had recently been converted to Christianity.  She was interested in his opinion on some poetry she was reading: “Come thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.”

 Looking up from her reading, the French socialite noticed Robinson was sobbing.

 “What do I think of it?” he asked in a broken voice.  “I wrote it.  But now I’ve drifted far away from Him and can’t find my way back.”

 “But don’t you see?” the woman responded gently, “The way back is written right here in the third line of your poem: ‘Streams of mercy never ceasing.’  Those streams are flowing, even here in Paris tonight.”

 In that moment, Robinson recommitted his life to Christ.

 My friend, no matter what has transpired in and around your life, JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, THE LORD, IS THERE; and HE is absolutely capable of healing ALL YOUR DIS--EASES.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

 The message of gospel truth is present throughout creation to all who open their senses and sensibility to discerning the voice of God.  In my travels, I once came across some of God’s very simple-yet-fascinating creatures, the SOLDIER CRABS.  They caught my attention because their behavior depicts a picture of mankind’s need for divine intervention and grace.

 Although they are rather elusive, soldier crabs can occasionally be found on the sandy shore at low tide.  Their appearance is quite different from crabs that we typically see.  They have a sky-blue dome about the size of a nickel.  Attached to this dome are long, spindly, cream-colored legs, which they use to lift themselves up on the sand.

 The unusual name of soldier crabs comes from their tendency to march around in large groups.  They emerge from holes in the sand seeking food; and because of their close formations and blue shells, they look like a marching army.

 When I drew closer to observe, I noticed a most distinctive characteristic in their behavior.  Soldier crabs have an amazing ability to burrow down quickly into the sand.  Sensing my presence, they vanished in mere seconds, leaving nothing behind but tiny mounds of sand.  Every time I tried to get close, they dug and hid again.  More than likely, I was too big and overwhelming; and, from their perspective, a possible predator.  

 It occurred to me that the only way I could get close to those soldier crabs would be if I had the ability to transform myself into one of them.  Of course, I don’t have the capability of doing that.  But isn’t this a marvelous image of what Almighty God has graciously done for US?  We were just like soldier crabs.  Our fallen nature caused us to feel too small and too sinful to commune with the transcendent and Holy God. 

 So…THE ALL-WISE GOD did not approach us clothed in His majestic splendor.  Instead, He condescended to our level and appeared to us in a form that looked like us and communicated like us.  And miracle of miracles, through our close encounter with HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, we became “the righteousness of God” – with the call and capacity to “come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (II Corinthians 5:21 – Hebrews 4:16) 

 God did not overwhelm us.  Rather, He joined us so we could be reborn and reunited with Him.  In other words, the Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.  What a good, gracious, merciful, loving and mighty God we serve!  

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! (Part III)

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! (Part III)

 My original reading of Zechariah 4:1-4 led me to believe that ZECHARIAH’S VISION WAS INCOMPLETE. Zechariah’s vision was as follows: God had shown him a DIVINE LAMP that was designed to produce LIGHT and FIRE, but noticeably ABSENT FROM THE VISION WAS ONE ESSENTIAL THING…FUEL.  Not one drop of OIL was mentioned in the vision, not one!  However, MY INABILITY TO ‘SEE’ THE OIL is in no way a reflection on GOD’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE THE OIL.  The reason why Zechariah’s vision SEEMED SO INCOMPLETE TO ME is only due to my failure to discern WHAT GOD WAS UP TO BEHIND THE SCENES! 

 The reason why the vision SEEMED SO INCOMPLETE is the mere fact that my sensory perceptions dominated my understanding.  And OUR GOD is never confined to what we humans can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. In fact, GOD is never limited by any PAST OR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.  The truth of the matter is this: OUR GOD IS A FUTURE SPECIALIST!  It would seem, just as was the case with Lot’s wife, that you and I are typically fixated and focused on OUR REARVIEW MIRRORS. (Genesis 19:26 and Luke 17:32)  Which means, fundamentally, that WE ARE TODAY SPECIALISTS; whereas our GOD IS A FUTURE SPECIALIST!

 THE OMNISCIENT ONE, who knows the ending from the beginning, is A FUTURE SPECIALIST.  He has KNOWN US and CHOSEN US, long before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4 and Jeremiah 1:5) And He has already walked out OUR LIFE-STEPS.  “The STEPS of a good man are ORDERED BY THE LORD.” (Psalm 37:23) HE IS INTIMATELY ACQUAINTED WITH THE ROAD THAT LIES AHEAD.

 QUESTION: What does God DO to bring us into ALIGNMENT WITH HIS PERFECT WILL, i.e. to actualize His “hope and future” for us? (Jeremiah 29:11) ANSWER: GOD shows us a VISION OF OUR FUTURE.  Much like Zechariah (and much like me), all of us can only “see through a mirror, DIMLY.”  We only “KNOW IN PART.” (I Corinthians 13:12) So whenever we seek to comprehend GOD’S VISION, we are limited by OUR KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS and OUR THOUGHTS OF WHAT LOGICALLY SHOULD BE.  GOD IMPARTS DETAILED VISION, which reflects hope for all our tomorrows, but we only ‘SEE’ AN EMPTY BOWL, WITHOUT OIL.  We only ‘SEE’ EMPTY LAMPS, WITH NO OIL.  And our frail human spirits motivate us to question GOD: “WHERE IS THE OIL?”

 But let’s take a closer look at the VISION that GOD imparted to Zechariah.  How I love this part!  Along with the LAMPSTAND made of solid gold, along with the BOWL, along with the SEVEN PIPES and the SEVEN LAMPS, OUR GOD included something else, something vital, something that was mission critical to the MANIFESTATION of divine blessing.  Alongside everything else in Zechariah’s vision, GOD HAD DIVINELY POSITIONED TWO OLIVE TREES!  These twin olive trees had been POSITIONED BY GOD, one on either side of THE BOWL that only ‘SEEMED’ to have NO OIL.

 Now hear this!  TREES DON’T JUST SHOW UP OR SPRING UP, AND CERTAINLY NOT OVERNIGHT!  TREES ARE PURPOSEFULLY PLANTED!  Bottom-line: LONG BEFORE this PROPHETIC VISION was imparted, OUR ALL WISE AND SOVEREIGN GOD had ALREADY PLANTED AND POSITIONED OLIVE TREES which would become THE SOURCE OF THE OIL that would flow through the pipes, and fill the bowl, that would supply the lamp, that would SHINE THE LIGHT!  WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!  GOD IS BIGGER, MUCH BIGGER, THAN YOU AND I THINK!

 Therefore, stop doubting, fretting, worrying and complaining about your present circumstances. Although your PRESENT MAY ‘APPEAR’ TO BE EMPTY…GOD HAS ALREADY SUPPLIED YOUR LIFE’S OIL!  He has already destined FAVOR and designed BLESSING – within, over, around and throughout this existential journey called LIFE!  I don’t care what your situation LOOKS LIKE!  WINNER-BELIEVER, YOU are the head, not the tail.  YOU are a lender, not a borrower.  YOU are above, and not beneath.  YOU are blessed in the city.  YOU are blessed in the field.  YOU are blessed when you go out.  YOU are blessed when you come in.  Your body is blessed.  Your basket is blessed.  Your storehouse is blessed.  And GOD says, “I WILL COMMAND THE BLESSING ON YOU!” (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

 One of my favorite hymns offers this sound advice: “TAKE YOUR BURDEN TO THE LORD, AND LEAVE IT THERE!”  My favorite line goes like this: “IF YOU TRUST AND NEVER DOUBT, HE WILL SURELY BRING YOU OUT.  TAKE YOUR BURDEN TO THE LORD, AND LEAVE IT THERE!”  MY FRIEND, GOD’S GOT YOU…SO DON’T YOU DARE WORRY.  FOR OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!  Whatever is happening in and around your life, it ain’t over until GOD says it’s over!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK (Part II)

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! (Part II)

 Beyond any shadow of doubt, one thing is assuredly true.  No matter HOW LONG you have known God, or HOW WELL you have known God, or HOW GREAT you perceive Him to be, GOD IS MUCH BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!  In fact, OUR GOD “is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV) 

 Positionally speaking, we are IN CHRIST, and thus we are in full command of THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM. (John 14:6 and Matthew 16:19) Our spiritual authority in Christ is a clear demonstration of the largeness and largess of GOD.  God’s supreme love motivates Him to always be ‘up to something’ behind the scenes to enlarge and empower us.  Here is the divine grace segment of our human narrative: We are completely undeserving of God’s “manifold mercies,” His “manifold wisdom,” and His “manifold works.” (Nehemiah 9:19 – Ephesians 3:10 – Psalm 104:24) Nevertheless, GOD continually invests His love and trust in us.

 Although we rightly revere ABRAHAM as ‘the father of faith,’ much like our own lives, Abraham’s life is a portrait of the grace and goodness of a great God who mercifully chooses undeserving human vessels to enact His sovereign will in the earth.  After God summoned Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees and dispatched him to walk westward (by blind faith) toward the Promised Land, He changed his name and destiny via a series of divine promises. (Genesis, chapter 12) 

 God declared to Abraham…

---I will make you a great nation.

---I will bless you, make your name great and cause you to be a blessing.

---I will bless them that bless you and curse them that curse you.

---I will bless all families of the earth through your seed.

---I will multiply you and make your seed like the stars of the sky and the sands of the sea.

---I will be your shield and exceeding great reward.

 However, after the endowment of such precious promises, it is fascinating to note that (due solely to sin) a much darker and more troubled future was also in store for Abraham’s descendants.  The same God who had promised a grand and glorious future declared that a time would come when Abraham’s seed would become servants and strangers in a strange land for 4 centuries.  Nevertheless, during such divine decrees of judgment, God always reserves ‘footnotes’ of future blessing for those who are His own.  According to the Word, “and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and AFTERWARD SHALL THEY COME OUT WITH GREAT SUBSTANCE.” (Genesis 15:12-14) 

 Indeed, The Almighty God is ‘the God of second chances.’  It’s comforting to know that the sovereign will of God must and shall be accomplished.  One proof that GOD IS BIGGER THAN WE THINK is His ability to carve out favor, blessings and miracles in the middle of our mess!

 Here’s another example.  Without knowing it, JOSEPH would be instrumental in fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.  But he had to go through extraordinary challenges to get there.  Father Jacob endowed him with a coat of many colors after perceiving a special grace and anointing on this young son’s life. 

 Would you permit me to hypothetically ‘speak’ to Joseph for a moment? 

 JOSEPH, you probably felt that you were headed nowhere – fast.  Your technicolor coat of destiny (that is, your early ability and anointing) did not seem to be taking you where you thought it would.  But I beg to differ.  If God had never given you a dream, Joseph, and if you had never shared your dream, your brothers never would have despised you and abandoned you in that pit. 

 And if your brothers had never despised you and placed you in that pit, you never would have been discovered by a caravan of Midianites. 

 And if those Midianites had never captured you and carried you away from your homeland, you never would have landed in Egypt. 

 And if you had never arrived in Egypt, you never would have been employed in Potiphar’s house. 

 And if you had never gotten that gig in Potiphar’s house, you never would have met Mrs. Potiphar, who tried to ‘make a move’ on you. 

 And if Mrs. Potiphar had not attempted her seduction, you never would had wound up in prison. 

 And if you never became a prison inmate, you never would have met Pharaoh’s chief baker and butler. 

 And if you had never met that baker and butler, you never would have had the opportunity to interpret their personal dreams. 

 And if you never interpreted their dreams, you never would have had the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s prophetic dream that would impact the entire nation.

 And if you had never successfully interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, you never would have risen to power as Prime Minister of Egypt. 

 And if you never achieved such political power in Egypt, you never would have been able to feed your starving family and nation. 

 And if the Israelites had never been fed during that famine and had perished, then the lineage that brought JESUS CHRIST into this world would have been cut off BEFORE the whole world had the opportunity to be saved! 

 Your life, Joseph, is a veritable portrait of THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD!  From PIT to PRISON to PALACE to PROVISION to PARADISE – for the salvation of you and your family – and ultimately for all of us who believe!

 My friend, GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!  I am firmly convinced that HE IS UP TO SOMETHING…in your life…right now!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! (Part I)

GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! (Part I)

 Friend of mine, no matter how long you have known God, or how well you have known God, or how great you conceive Him to be, GOD IS SIGNIFICANTLY BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!

 According to the Apostle Paul, OUR GOD “is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV) That’s actually ALL we need to know about GOD’S SUPERNATURAL CAPABILITIES and the POWER WE ACCESS THROUGH HIM!

 One intriguing aspect of GOD’S POWER is the simple fact that GOD KNOWS and GOD PLANS our ENDING from the BEGINNING.  Through the Prophet Jeremiah, our God declares “I know the thoughts that I have toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11) That’s absolutely amazing!  Isn’t it awe-inspiring and comforting to know that GOD makes plans and set purposes for us long before our conception and birth?  God affirms this fact through His Prophet: “Before I formed you in the womb I KNEW YOU; before you were born I SANCTIFIED YOU [I set you apart].” (Jeremiah 1:5)

 Why is this so significant?  Well, the Word declares that we have an adversary, Satan, a.k.a. the devil.  So we must diligently “guard our hearts” against “his devices.” (Philippians 4:7 and II Corinthians 2:11) Now hear this!  Allowing satanic impressions to fester and grow in our minds is typically the result of two things: LACKING KNOWLEDGE OF (AND FAITH IN) GOD’S WORD. 

 Allow me to illustrate.  According to Moses’ description of Satan in the biblical book of Genesis, he strolls into the Garden of Eden as a SLENDER SERPENT.  When the Apostle Paul characterizes him (millennia later), Satan appears as a ROARING LION, seeking whom he may devour.  Indeed, he seems to be greatly growing and developing – all the way from the guise of a slender serpent to the appearance of a roaring lion!  By the time the Apostle John gains a glimpse of him (in the book of Revelation), Satan is portrayed as a GREAT DRAGON!

 Consider that for a moment.  If Satan is growing and gaining in strength and power, SOMEBODY MUST BE FEEDING HIM!  I’ll let you in on the menu of his satanic buffet.  Satan is sustained, satisfied, nurtured and nourished by FEAR.  Listen with your spirit.  FEAR is not only the polar opposite of FAITH.  In its twisted and distorted way, FEAR WORKS EQUALLY TO, AND JUST AS EFFECTIVELY AS FAITH!  How so?  Because FEAR IS A CREATIVE FORCE THAT CULTIVATES AND GROWS A FULL HARVEST OF DOUBT AND UNBELIEF.  This principle is so important that it must be repeated.  FEAR WORKS EQUALLY TO, AND JUST AS EFFECTIVELY AS FAITH BECAUSE FEAR IS A CREATIVE FORCE THAT CULTIVATES AND GROWS A FULL HARVEST OF DOUBT AND UNBELIEF!

 Although that might be someone’s current situation, here is an effective spiritual solution.  “GOD has not given us the SPIRIT OF FEAR, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND.” (II Timothy 1:7) Remember this: “GOD IS LOVE.” (I John 4:16)  Whenever we are RESTING AND RESIDING IN GOD, that is, INSIDE HIS LOVE, there is no space or place for fear.  According to the Apostle John, “There is NO FEAR IN LOVE; but PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR, because fear involves torment.” (I John 4:18) God’s bottom-line favors us.  Indeed, the believer’s heritage is an enduring liberation from doubt and anxiety.  FREEDOM FROM FEAR!  NO CHRONIC WORRIES!  WOW!

 WHY, then, are we so often AFRAID?  And precisely WHAT are we so afraid of?  KINGDOM NEWS FLASH: SATAN IS ALREADY DEFEATED!  As a matter of fact, through the SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY you now possess as a DISCIPLE OF THE RISEN CHRIST and a CITIZEN OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, Satan is already “UNDER YOUR FEET.” (Romans 16:20) Tell that devilish critter to take a thousand seats and talk to the shoe leather on the soles of your feet!  He is already doomed, damned, destroyed, cursed and cast down.  After all is said and done, “GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU than he that is in the world!” (I John 4:4)

 Positionally speaking, we are IN CHRIST.  Therefore, we are in full possession and command of THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM.  JESUS CHRIST, who cannot lie, Who is “THE TRUTH,” declares to us: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and WHATEVER YOU BIND ON EARTH will be bound in heaven, and WHATEVER YOU LOOSE ON EARTH will be loosed in heaven.”  (John 14:6 and Matthew 16:19) Believer, you already have your KINGDOM KEYS.  USE THEM!  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

SHARPEN YOUR AXE!

SHARPEN YOUR AXE!

 In pursuit of dreams and goals, many of us have the tendency to move too fast.  The unfortunate by-products of this helter-skelter existence are bad decisions, knee-jerk reactions, high anxiety and even poor health.  It is mission critical to regularly reserve quality time to relax, meditate, pray, think and restore ESSENTIAL BALANCE in the body, mind and spirit.

 Consider this.  A noted archaeologist once hired Inca tribesmen to lead him to a site deep in the Andes Mountains.  After some time, the tribesmen stopped and insisted they would go no farther.  The archaeologist grew impatient and then angry.  But no matter how much he cajoled the tribesmen, they would not move.  Then, all of a sudden, the tribesmen changed their attitude.  They picked up their gear and set off once more.  When the bewildered archaeologist asked why they had stopped and refused to move for so long, the tribesmen responded, “We were moving too fast and had to wait for our souls to catch up.”

 Although this sounds a bit superstitious, it does contain a kernel of truth.  MOVING TOO FAST is not only detrimental to the BODY, it is potentially damaging to the SOUL.  King Solomon wrote, “Keep your HEART [your SOUL, your MIND] with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)  Keeping your heart simply means tending to it with consistency, caution and care.  Remember this: Failure to take occasional ‘ME TIME’ could cause you to miss out on seeing ‘THE BIG PICTURE.’

 It reminds me of the story of a young man who approached the foreman of a logging crew to ask for a job. “That depends,” replied the foreman.  “Let’s see you fell this tree.”

 The young man stepped forward, and skillfully felled a great tree.  Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, “You can start on Monday!”

 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by — and Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, “You can pick up your pay check on the way out today.”

 Startled, the young man replied, “I thought you paid on Friday.”

 “Normally we do,” said the foreman.  “But we’re letting you go because you’ve fallen behind.  Our daily work charts show that you dropped from first place on Monday to last place today.”

 “But I’m a hard worker,” the young man objected.  “I arrive first, leave last, and even work through coffee breaks!”

 Sensing the young man’s integrity, the foreman thought for a minute and then asked, “Have you been sharpening your axe?”

 The young man replied, “No sir, I’ve been working too hard to take time for that!”

 Our lives are just like that.  It’s easy to get so busy that there is too little time left to SHARPEN ONE’S AXE.  In today’s world people are more driven than ever, but are also less productive and less happy than ever.  Why is that?  Could it be that we have forgotten to take time to attend to the CORE ISSUES that define us and ultimately lead us to purpose and destiny?   My friend, TAKE TIME FOR YOU.  SHARPEN YOUR AXE!

 This devotional is especially targeted to those who always serve the needs and wants of others.  Remember: You serve better when you are at YOUR BEST! 

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

PESKY PROBLEMS IN PERFECT DISGUISE

PESKY PROBLEMS IN PERFECT DISGUISE

Can I speak to all of the REAL DIAMONDS out there?  You’ve been through so much, having survived yet thrived in the crucible of off-the-chart pressure over extended periods of time.  The journey has taught you that there is purpose in the pressure and the process.  Bottom-line: No pain, no gain.  Wouldn’t you agree?

 Keith Ready shares a story that positively affirms this fact.  Read and prayerfully ponder:

 On a recent Saturday around midnight, my wife and I were about to fall asleep when we heard people talking outside our home.  Out of the blue came two loud thuds above our bedroom window, followed by the sound of laughter and people running away down our street.

We jumped out of bed, turned on the external lights and rushed outside, unsure of what had caused the two thuds and what damage we might see.  Dripping noises on the driveway and the flood light above our garage helped us to immediately identify what had happened.  Our home was the victim of an egg bombing!

The prospect of cleaning up this sticky mess was no pleasing thought, on top of which I was quite angry that we had been singled out for this annoying prank.  I decided that it was too late to clean up the mess because it might disturb our neighbors, so it could wait until morning.

Early next morning, armed with a bucket of warm soapy water, a scrubbing brush and an extension ladder, I was ready to wash off the dried-out egg grit above our bedroom window.

My task was made even more challenging by the two large canvas awnings that protect our bedroom windows from the heat and glare of the sun.  My annoyance with those late-night pranksters was slowly building to the level of the night before.

After retracting the awnings, something we rarely do except when there are very high winds, I climbed the ladder to clean the first patch of egg stains.  Then I moved the ladder to clean the second patch.  As I climbed the second time, I noticed that the glass in a window just under the roof line was badly cracked.  Since the awning protected the window, it was clear that the damage had not been caused by the egg bombing.  As I carefully placed my hand on the glass, I discovered that the pane of glass was quite loose.  Had the window been opened or closed with any force, it would likely have shattered; and all that glass would have dropped to the driveway, seven meters below.

Underneath that window, we have a basketball court, and most days there are five or six children playing in that immediate area, including our two sons.  My thoughts immediately turned to what could have happened if the broken glass in the window had gone undetected and suddenly shattered.  The likelihood of our children and their friends being seriously injured was extremely high.

After washing the remaining egg stains off the front wall, I got some heavy-duty masking tape and secured the cracked window as best I could.  Within 24 hours the cracked window was replaced and all was back to normal. 

 Over the next few days, I realized that if our home not been bombarded by those eggs late Saturday night, I might never have discovered the broken window pane before it shattered and came down on the basketball court.  Even though it had been an annoyance at time, the broken eggs and stains were cleaned up quite quickly.  However, the damage that could have been caused by the shattering of glass over our children’s heads could have been much more severe.

Frequently in life, the small things that happen to us have a temporary negative impact, causing some pain, sadness, discomfort, or aggravation.  It is often said that we should not ‘sweat the small stuff’ and we should always look for the positive outcome, i.e. ‘the silver lining’ in the dark clouds of our current circumstances.  Admittedly, this is not always easy to do, in a troublesome moment.

My personal experience with the egg bombing reminds me that there is always a flip side to everything that happens.  Often the flip side provides a positive outcome or benefit; if not now, then at some point in the future.

We heartily agree with you, Mr. Ready.  Thanks for sharing your story.  Although our personal circumstances may differ, there is always AN ELEMENT OF DIVINE FAVOR present in every problem.  Indeed, our pesky problems are perfect disguises for miraculous revelations of the LOVE AND POWER OF GOD.  What does the Word have to say about this?

 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

 And since you are one of the REAL DIAMONDS in this world, you already know.  Amen?  AMEN!!!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

TOMORROW IS GOING TO BETTER!

TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE BETTER!

 A few years before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, a new and expensive automobile stopped on the Mississippi River Bridge.  A gentleman stepped out of the car, wearing very costly clothing.  He climbed over the rail and onto a platform, preparing to jump.  Cars stopped and traffic backed up for miles.  The police arrived, along with the fire department, ministers and mental health professionals.

They began talking to the man, trying to convince him not to jump.  They told him that he might not die; he could break all his bones, or be paralyzed for life.  An old truck, loaded with lawn mowers, rakes, and shovels was stuck in the huge traffic jam.  An elderly gardener got out of the truck and walked over to where the crowd had gathered.

He waded through the people, looked over the side and hollered down to the man on the ledge, “Hey, I got to go to work.  Either jump or get off the bridge.  If you decide not to jump, tomorrow is going to be better!”

With that, the suicidal man climbed back up onto the bridge.  The police took him away for evaluation.  And the gardener walked back to his truck waiting for the traffic to move.

One minister asked the fireman, “Who was that?”  The fireman said, “He said he has to go to work!”

The police later reported to the press that all the way to the hospital the man kept saying over and over, “Tomorrow is going to be better.”  “Tomorrow is going to be better.”  “Tomorrow is going to be better.”

Bottom-line: One must SEE a future, to HAVE a future.  In other words, do not stand too close to the trees; you will be unable to see the forest.  Always remember that God is up to something behind the scenes.

 So, whatever is happening in and around your life, it ain’t over until GOD says it’s over!

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHAT WILL BE YOUR REWARDS IN HEAVEN?

WHAT WILL BE YOUR REWARDS IN HEAVEN?

 In addition to the bountiful blessing of eternal life in the presence of Almighty God, committed Christian disciples will also receive certain tangible rewards.  In the words of Jesus Christ, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

 Subsequent to the Rapture of the Church, THE KINGDOM WORKS OF ALL BELIEVERS will be judged and rewarded by Christ at THE BEMA, which is the judgment seat of Christ. (I Thessalonians 4:15-18)

 II Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

 This is separate and distinct from the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT, which will occur at the close of the 1000-year Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20:12)

 At THE BEMA JUDGMENT, (prior to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which will take place during the 7-Year Tribulation Period), BELIEVERS’ WORKS WILL BE JUDGED (not our salvation), for we who will be caught up in the Rapture of the Church will already have been fully cleansed and forgiven via the vicarious suffering and atoning grace of Christ on Calvary. (Titus 3:4-7 and Revelation 19:9)

 Nevertheless, our Kingdom works will be divinely evaluated and rewarded.

 I Corinthians 3:11-14

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  

 FIVE SPECIFIC CROWNS WILL BE AWARDED AT THE BEMA:

 AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (The Victor’s Crown)

 I Corinthians 9:25

And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have purged themselves from the pleasures of the world to be more effective servants in the Kingdom of God]. --I Corinthians 9:27

 A CROWN OF LIFE (The Martyr’s Crown)

 Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who endured extreme suffering and death for the cause of Christ].

 A CROWN OF GLORY (The Shepherd’s Crown)

 I Peter 5:2-4

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have dedicated their lives to teaching the Word of God and nurturing the people of God].

 A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (The Crown For Those Who Love His Appearing)

 II Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have lived a righteous life in faithful and joyful anticipation of Christ’s return].

 A CROWN OF REJOICING (The Soul Winner’s Crown)

 I Thessalonians 2:19-20

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy.

 [Note: This crown is awarded to those who have brought souls into the Kingdom of God].

 WHAT WILL BE YOUR PERSONAL REWARD(S) IN HEAVEN?  My friend, think prayerfully and carefully about it.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!