Don't be fooled!

 I could write about the snowstorm that I woke up to. That might fool some people but not those who lived near me.

This might work on April fool's day but not in the heat of the Summer.

Spiritually speaking, (you knew I was going there), We get occasionally fooled by our emotions or experiences and ultimately by the ol' devil.

Those near to God and staying in His word and truth will be more likely to recognize the lie. While those that are distant and unaware what God's truth is, will often be fooled by the twist or out and out lie which is not meant for a joke but the destruction of the unaware victim.

Stay in the Word and be aware of your surroundings thinking "That doesn't sound right."

John writes for us to test the spirits, if we do run everything through divine discernment, we won't hear satan yell "Gotchya!"

Armed and Dangerous!

You can bet in the dark realms of the one we call; Devil, Satan, Smuttyface and Lucifer, there is planning for an attack on his enemy.  His enemies are known as, Christ followers and prayer warriors.

We've seen "Wanted" posters.  Wanted posters also line the meeting rooms of hell, The heading on the bulletin board is titled:
 "ARMED and DANGEROUS!"

These terrorists, against the gates of hell are Moms and dads, grandmothers, and elementary age prayer warriors. It includes Pastors and Sunday school teachers and small group leaders.

Those on the bulletin board of hell, are called dangerous because, they stay in a spirit and attitude of prayer! They are dangerous followers of Christ. The Apostle Paul after telling us to put on the entire armor of God, said to "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"

James makes the devil anxious with; "The effective prayer of the righteous man avails much." The Apostle Paul inspires the Believer when he tells them in their prayer warfare, they receive; "peace that passes all understanding."  While James says the demons are so disorientated; they believe and tremble!

So, satan attacks the emotions and twists the word of God even makes good things distract from God things. He's out to destroy the Glory of God and the influence of the church in the community.  He strives to have the prayer warrior to busy, or to go ahead and pray just make it a number on the list of things to do.  He encourages them to be content, in their comfort zone of; career, family and "church work" he also loves it when the Church lowers the alert status to safe, while they laugh off the seriousness of his guerrilla tactics.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles/schemes of the devil."  Ephesians 6:10,11.

"Take Out the Garbage!!"

It's Garbage day!  Gather up all that is unusable and toss it.  Take what is undesirable and stinks up your daily life and discard it.

You have replaced these with something beneficial and new to enjoy.  Some items in the garbage might have even been at one time, good and useful, but now outdated.

The Apostle Paul wrote for us to : "Get rid of, mortify, be renewed, put on new clothes of righteousness."

Bring all of those negative or evil thoughts, attitudes, hurtful behaviors, and destructive addictions. Replace those with the new and fresh, that God is wanting to do in and through you!

Take that old garbage, and toss it.

Stay the course

I believe God's Word encourages/commands us to remain faithful or stay the course.  With the Bible being our map, we might  have to do more than glance at it. Some of us should ask ourselves are we on the RIGHT course.  Many times we say we are sincere in the direction we are headed. We know we can be sincerely wrong as well. Confession and repentance will change our mind as well as our direction.

If you and I are guided by emotions or culture's behavior, we will soon discover, we have slowly gone off course.  The Word of God, prayer and depending on empowerment from His Holy Spirit is what the true Christian will need in order to navigate the "seas of life."

Truth will lead us where we NEED to go. Truth is not what we always want to hear. Paul writes to Timothy that in the last days we'll desire to hear only what we want to hear, having our ears tickled.

It is no secret that this culture and its paradigms are headed for the "rocks of life."  The church in general, is joining the convoy as we veer off course away from God and his Truth.

We have been obsessed about painting the cruise ship, swabbing the deck (mopping?) Some are even down below sleeping in our bunks. We have lost sight of the mission and destination, content with floating aimlessly.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

We have been sent (rough waters and all) into all the world with the Gospel. We have chosen rather to dock in safe harbors on every street corner.  We are singing the songs of the sailor while actually being land lovers.  We have counted the cost and we're staying in safe waters. Ships are safer there but are built to handle the stormy seas.

Then there is joy and rest from a job well done.

We have been cruise ships alone for to long. We must also be rescue boats in the fog shouting "come aboard, come aboard!"  We need all hands on deck and full speed ahead.

Let's get the map out and read it. In these uncertain waters, we have to get back to the truth and stay the course!

 

Moses, Give up!

Moses, give up. Can't you see?
Pharaoh will never set you free.
Give up? No I've seen the burning bush.

Moses, give up.  The seas to large. You'll never get around.
Quiet and follow me we're going through on dry ground!
Don't lose heart. God will tear this sea apart.

Moses, give up.  You could have had pleasure.
You could've taken part in Pharaohs treasure.
This calling of yours is impossible.
Give up? No! I've seen Him who is invisible.

Has God given you, something good to do?
Never give up! Stand on The Word, that  is true.

"When you pray..."- Jesus. (not if..)

We wonder why Christians are so anemic and powerless...We don't pray as we should.  Children, teenagers, are not introduced to prayer as a lifestyle.  Resulting in a selfish lifestyle that shorts out like a wire with a break in it.  Jesus instructed us to pray and not quit.  Luke 18:1.

"Pray this way...":  Praying to our father.  Are you a part of the family of God?  (John 3:15-18).  Praying like you know God is in control.  Submitting to His will.  Pray, giving Him the honor and glory not only to receive; bread, milk, and a cool spouse.  Rather the result being God receiving the applause, glory and honor!

Jesus said; while asking, seeking and knocking,  pray like a citizen of His kingdom under His Divine authority and government.  We are to ask for forgiveness- Our spiritual position is much more important than our physical one.

So it's a conversation with God, not a wish list to Santa Clause.   Do not worry He understands;  Swahili, Norwegian, German and Dutch, Spanish, Asian, English. 

You can have confidence in prayer:  Hebrews 4:12-16.
You can have fellowship through prayer.  John 15:1-8.

Paul said for us to be praying always, being watchful (expecting), with all perseverance. That's exciting!

Read: Matthew6:9-13, Psalm 27:7-14.

Rounding the Turn!

                                            

 Whether it is Rounding third base, The Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby, Olympic 1500 meters, or NASCAR...

 the most exciting part of the sport, is as they are rounding the last turn. The announcer gets louder, and the crowd stands to their feet as they round the last turn.

When they round the last turn, it's usually where someone falls but gets up again to finish, maybe the car, horse or human, comes from behind with that last "Kick" of energy to win the race and more!  History has been made many times, as they come around the turn.

Most of the time a thrilling finish is the result of preparation long before the race ever begins. Life is a journey it's even a race against disabilities/handicaps, reputation, failures, low esteem.

 

 Sadly, some participants never leave the locker room.  

Envision rounding the turn! Prepare for it now.  That might include prayer, reading, taking a class, even starting slow to pacing yourself up to speed in whatever endeavor.  That old saying of; "Plan your work and work that plan!" applies here.

I have to remember; it's not always how we start today's race. It's about when we round that turn to accomplishing a task, mission or God's plan... We then decide to leave it all on the track, office, keyboard, kitchen, garage, or pulpit.  While rounding that last turn a great cloud of witnesses are shouting: "Here they come!"  People in your circle of life, are watching and many need you to win.

Bible says something like; "Let us run the race set before us!" 

 So, remain faithful to your calling, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and on that eternal prize.

                                                                -Tim

Three Concrete Steps

The Christians of the first century, attending "The First Church of Jerusalem" did not wait for an announcement on Face book or church stage.  They witnessed on the job or considered their lifestyle a ministry to the circle of life God had planted them in.   The church came together to pray, hear the Word, even eat a meal or two.

    In our Christian walk or ministries, we can become cold and indifferent (of whom I am chief).

We find we are cold and indifferent, even leaving our relationship and disciplines behind.  Where did you stop.  Prayer? Begin to pray.   Bible reading/study? go back and start there, Worship? Go back, draw near to God, He will draw near to you.

We find we have been going through the motions.  Keep on truckin', keep reading, etc. praying for God's grace, forgiveness and Holy Spirit love and empowerment.

Whether it's a single worshipper or a local body of believers called a church. (It doesn't matter the size of a church).  What is required is effort, investing time etc. We are to grow Spiritually and that doesn't happen willy nilly (by accident). we draw close to God, He will draw close to us.


When you find yourself in the muddy clay of the steep path of life, you need concrete steps. 

• Intentionality- I believe God desires us to walk with Him on purpose.  This is not legalism. Try that legalism talk when you tell your spouse or person you're dating or friend; "Whatever." or "I might make it, I don't want to be bogged down with a lot of rules."  Pray on purpose, read/study His Word on purpose and consistently.  Be prepared for the love and grace of God to shine in your intentionality and provide Divine direction.  God sees your love when you act intentionally!
• Faithfulness- Throughout God's Word He calls for faithfulness.  The list is long that contain Biblical examples of faithful men and women as in Hebrews 11.  You might not hear or learn anything new every time you are at church or in a Bible study etc.  The cool thing is when someone sees you, in your mess, show up.  Many people like you have been a great picture of God's faithfulness. Faithful Available Teachable.
• Communication-God calls us to prayer.  The book of Psalm is filled with conversations with God.  This walk is a relationship not a world religion.  Relationship requires communicating. How often I go to Him with my Santa Clause list.  You know it yourself, when we spend that  time with God; meditating, praising, interceding for others, while listening for that Divine direction, there is life!  Talking with other believers, even non-believers will again require, intentionality and faithfulness.  You will be making a great impact on the lives of others.

       check out: Luke 18:1 and the letter to the Philippians!

"DON'T BE AFRAID!"

  Christ follower Paul is in the middle of a storm, on a ship headed for Rome, where the Apostle Paul is to stand trial for causing riots and turning the world upside down for merely speaking and teaching that; "You can spend eternity with God when you believe it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone."



  He told the sailors not to set sail but who's going to listen to a preacher on the way to court?  

   Later Paul says, "Keep up your courage, don't be afraid."  DON'T BE AFRAID?!?  Paul, perhaps you didn't read there in acts 27: verse 20.  (Of course not. He was busy living it).  "Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up."  That was written by Luke.

  Ever been there, in a hopeless situation?  It seems there is no way out. Ol' Devil says "You aint comin' out of this one!"  Maybe you are there now, (living it).  Dr. report comes back, and he wants to see you A.S.A.P. refrigerator goes out, there's divorce court or the grave site. You might be handed a hard time because you are a follower/believer in Christ.

  Paul shouted, "I have faith in God, that it will happen just as He told me!" Good or bad, God is in control.  God knows the big picture.  You and I see one float at a time, while God sees the whole parade.  In Pauls' storm and yours, you'll get to see the Power, Provision and Purpose of God.  The Lord had told Paul he was going to Rome.

  Rome was God's plan and vision for Paul.  I'm sure it was not the mission trip he would have planned, but on the other side of the storm we discover the purpose and character of God.  The message Paul gave while in court and Roman prison is still today, causing a riot and turning the world upside down.

  We have had storms. Keep trusting God.  In a hopeless situation- that seems easier said than done.  That is why I have to trust His promises and not my emotions.  God has a direction for you to go.  Across the world or across the street.  He wants us to go and make disciples.

Bed of ease or fiery seas; Let us simply, intentionally and with courage and compassion enter our community; and Worship God, connect with His Word, and serve others. Living by faith and not by sight!

A Rock in the Time of Storm!

When I am in a room by the computer or in my chair reading the Bible or another book.  I am safe and comfortable.  There in my comfort zone, it is peaceful and I/we realize God's presence.

What is going to happen to that relationship, worship and faith, when the tornado twists my possessions throughout the community.  What happens to my peace when the rain becomes a storm, a hurricane that never seems to end.

Worry, fear will show up.  That's natural.  Soon like a rushing current God's Holy Spirit will bring the truth I have read and His presence that we experienced in the quiet time, will flood our souls and mind.  That's Supernatural.  

Peace is not the lack of storm but internal trust smack dab in the middle of it.  Thank God for these times of sharing at the computer and receiving while reading His Word.   I thank Him for being our rock in a fallen world!

Matthew 7:24-27,      Acts 27: 9-35.  Philippians 4: 6,7.

 

"Whatever things are true..."

 

Today's culture has many questions. Asking questions is the way we learn and discover new ideas.  We have great difficulty, when we think we have arrived and become unteachable.

                        "Knowledge puffs us up."-Apostle Paul

There are many questions. Your daily life has become filled with the noise of many answers. There may be no wrong question but there are obviously wrong answers.

 Libraries, bookstores, as well as the overstocked shelves on the internet, will provide you with an answer, right or wrong.

Today's thought influencer and ministry guru has everything covered from Heaven to hell.

Our duty to ourselves is to pray for discernment, wisdom, even awareness that in the Spiritual warfare, enemies use people and the harmful answers sent out as "truth that will set you free," only to enslave the questioner.

Within the noise of many answers, Christian believers are being deceived by twisted scripture in the name of love.  All roads don't lead to God.  With what the Apostle Paul calls "itching ears" and only hearing what we want to hear (selective hearing), we begin following the wolf out of the sheep pen.  In the book of Acts, Paul the Apostle warns the leaders from Ephesus, wolves will arise from within the flock.

We must test the spirits, test the conversation of the serpent offering growth in the world of intellegencia.

While there is gold in knowledge, discovering and digging in fools gold has wasted many a life.  

Jesus said that He was the Way, Truth and the Life.  Learn from Him the true Gospel. We need that truth at the point of becoming a believing follower of Christ and it is needed every day as a disciple of Christ.  I pray as you read say; The book of John or the letter to the Ephesians, the Holy Spirit will light your heart and mind with truth and answers for your questions.

Proverbs 22:17-21says:

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your heart to my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord.
I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?

Keep praying and reading His truth and I'll see you next time.- Tim