Yesterday

Yesterday, May 5, 2016, was quite a busy day with Cinco de Mayo, National Day of Prayer, and Ascension Day all celebrated on that day. This critical time within our country draws need for our continued prayer over our nation. Just one single day a year is insufficient, but there should be daily prayer of guidance for our nation, leaders, and citizens.

 

This critical period marks a time when we are witnessing the battle of the gods. We question at times, “Where is God?” The Church seems to be indifferent to many challenges and ultimately weak and absent in influencing society as a whole, and individuals. In I Kings 18, Elijah calls the nation of Israel to account for their turning to and mingling the practices of Baal worship and forsaking true and pure worship of the one true god, Jehovah. As believers in Jehovah God (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and as Christians we are again at one of these junctures. A decision point. Will we as Americans continue to serve the god of materialism or even fall prey to the boundaryless anarchy of societal demands? On the other hand, will we choose to serve Jehovah God? Will we stand for Christ? Alternatively, will we yield to the beliefs of Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism? Bishop Paul Zink often said, “Where there is no God, all things are permissible.”

 

Often observation of natural events point to a prophetic meaning. In 2011, an earthquake shook the Nation’s Capital. Since that time, major iconic buildings and monuments have been under some form of repair due to the earthquake or recurring maintenance including the Supreme Court, U. S. Capital, Washington Monument, and National Cathedral. Prophetically this speaks of the shifting social structures we are enduring. In 2014, the National Cathedral held its first Muslim service within its walls. Will we continue to mingle religions? On the other hand, will we worship the one true God? When America begins to lose its Judeo-Christian foundation, we witness the expanding affects in the world at large seen in slaughter of Christians who would not deny Christ in the Middle East. Is the American Christian able to make such a stand? Please pray for our country.

 

The birth in Bethlehem marks the beginning of Jesus earthly ministry, and the end was marked when Chris ascended into Heaven forty days after His resurrection. Christ’s ascension also marks the beginning of the church and the end will be marked when the Lord comes and takes us all away and establishes His Kingdom on earth (Revelation 5; Zechariah 14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The ascension of Christ takes place with the assignment of the Great Commission to “Go.” The four Gospels close with Christ earthly ministry done, while the other books of the New Testament begin the life of the Church. Ten days after the ascension the church is empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

 

Will America waken again to their mandate to “Go?” Will we as believers be salt and light in our own country (Luke 8:16-18; John 8:12)? Will we continue to allow the distractions of others sin consume our thoughts, responses, and actions? Will we embrace our mandate to “Go” and be a transformational element within our society? Many within the Church are afraid to open their lives displaying the transformational work of Christ in them. The greatest weapons possessed by believers are their testimony of the transformative work of Christ in their life paralleled with the Love of Christ. Who have you loved lately? Whom have you shared your testimony with lately? Do you live in a glass house where all can see the righteousness of Christ in your life? Where is the exercising of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are you friends with sinners or just surrounded by church folk?

Our belief in Christ is not some magic pill or hocus pocus prayer that causes a subservient god to answer our beckoning call like the God of Baal. It is a submission to a higher power, and for Christians, the only higher power. This submission is the realization that we are not in control nor in a position to demand. The teachings of the Bible are good, moral philosophies that are good for the governance of anyone’s life, but our belief as Christians goes much deeper than just following teachings or philosophies. The Bible is God breathed and the inspired word of God. Simply following the philosophies alone will bring better behavior in our children and if we further follow the dietary demands of the Bible, we do well. For Christians, these beliefs go much deeper. We believe in a God who is active in our world today and intimately cares for those who are in need of wisdom, guidance, and healing. Our beliefs are more than just a mental exercise of reading and doing, but a constant consciousness of listening for wisdom and guidance that comes from beyond ourselves. Found in the Bible is the moral code for Christians to live by. We often fail, but that does not mean we should not try again. Similar to a football player who fumbles the ball, we as Christians must seek forgiveness and try again. Suffering is part of our human experience as well. Just because we believe in God, it does not eliminate suffering in this life. Nevertheless, if we remain spiritually attuned to what God is doing, we can trust that all will be well and the transformational work of Christ will be on open display.

No one after he has lighted a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a [dining table] couch; but he puts it on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open. Be careful therefore how you listen. For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away. (Luke 8:16-18, AMPC)

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New Start

A fresh new start. When we have made errors or life itself has just become too hard to endure, we long for a fresh new start. As Christians, we gain this new start when we are grafted into the body of Christ. The old has passed away and we are given a fresh new way (2 Corinthians 5:17, AMPC). When we become followers of Christ, we are submitting to new principles and rules. It is not just a simple washing away from a believer’s heart their filthy ways of life, but an exchanging of the old heart for a new heart. Christ, our ultimate example, demonstrated for us how to live with a new heart. Before we were against God or indifferent to Him, but now, with a new heart, we want our heart to beat in harmony with Christ and Father God.

 

The exchange of heart is not just a New Testament principle. In Ezekiel 36:25-38 a similar passage regarding Israel’s Restoration. The Hebrew is interesting especially the phrase “I will take away” regarding the stony heart. It literally means, “to turn off.” From this, we learn that God can turn off our propensity to sin. Both 2 Corinthians 5, and Ezekiel 36 are explaining the regenerative work of God. Water signifies cleansing in the Ezekiel passage. Similarly, New Testament teachings of Water Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change, or the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

 

It is interesting to think of the Psalmist and his cry in Psalm 51:10 (AMPC), “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” The Psalmist uses the same Hebrew word found in Genesis 1:1 (AMPC), “In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.” This Hebrew word is בָּרָא bârâʼ, baw-raw'; a primitive root; (absolutely) to create. Out of nothing God created the heavens and the earth and all the fullness thereof (Psalms 24:1). When God made man (Genesis 2:7), He formed him. The Hebrew word for “formed” is יָצַר yâtsar, yaw-tsar', which has a different contextual understanding than the word “created” (bârâʼ). To be formed (yâtsar) means to take a substance that already exist and make something new with it. To create out of nothing is the meaning for the word “created” (bârâʼ). The Psalmist is saying, “Do not just remake my existing heart, but you, the Creator of all things, create a brand new heart for me.”

 

When we release the creative forces of God in our life real changes begin to occur. It is God, our King, who commanded victories for Israel (Psalm 44:4). He will command victories in your life if you will allow Him. When you allow the creative forces of God to create a clean heart in you, renewing your spirit, you find the fresh new start you were looking for. When we accept Christ as our Savior, or turn to Him in the midst of our crisis, it is then that the creative work begins to happen. It is then with the removal of our defilement and the lighting of our burdens occurs. With every trial, He desires to create a new heart perspective that renews our spirit to trust in Him.

Having a relationship with God provides hope when we are overwhelmed or exhausted. In our waiting, He renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31). We can come to Christ when we are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-29). Our soul can find rest when we focus on God and His provisions (Psalm 62:1). Job 11:16-19 is a great passage to pray over yourself when you are overwhelmed and miserable.

For you shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away. And [your] life shall be clearer than the noonday and rise above it; though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety. You shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yes, many shall sue for your favor. (Job 11:16-19, AMPC)

 

We can also find comfort from the book of Hebrews.

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5, AMPC)

In the end, we know that from His throne Christ will declare, “Behold, I am making all things new."

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17, AMPC)

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Decision Day

Decision Day is today, May 1^st, where many American High School Seniors must finalize and submit their choice of college. Adam and Eve faced the first decision day in the Garden of Eden. God had sat them in the garden with simple instructions.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17, AMPC)

Before the fall of man, we can observe the establishment of several things:

·        Fellowship with God

·        Marriage between a man and a women

·        Dominion of man over the earth

·        Boundaries (read Psalm 148)

·        And the Establishment of Choice

God lovingly established boundaries for man’s protection. All parents have set boundaries for their kids. While much freedom has been lost to evil and fear, as a child I knew during the day how far I could drift from home without risking correction from my parents. Boundaries when set properly protect, instruct, and produce freedom. Knowing limits always grants freedom within those limits. God set limits for Adam and Eve too for their protection, instruction, and freedom where God said, “You may eat freely of every tree in the garden; But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and blessing and calamity…” When we carefully consider and follow the boundaries we are given we remain humble towards the Father and His leading. Beginning in Job chapter 38, Job finds himself in a position we would hate to be in as God schools Job on boundaries. We should always yield to the commands of the Father!

[Consider this:] What soldier at any time serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat any of the fruit of it? Who tends a flock and does not partake of the milk of the flock? Do I say this only on human authority and as a man reasons? Does not the Law endorse the same principle? For in the Law of Moses it is written, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the corn. Is it [only] for oxen that God cares? Or does He speak certainly and entirely for our sakes? [Assuredly] it is written for our sakes, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher ought to thresh in expectation of partaking of the harvest. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10, AMPC)

The first trial given to Adam and Eve was the trial of obedience. This trial set the course of man who consistently crosses the boundaries God has set and falls into disobedience. In essence, God said to Adam, “Continue in holiness. As you are holy and in conformity to the Creator’s will and you will continue to be happy. As you are happy in the enjoyment of your Creator’s favor, either in this paradise or in one that is better. Know this Adam. You are now upon good behavior. You are put into paradise upon trial; be observant, be obedient, and you will live forever in happiness; otherwise should you fall into disobedience, you will be miserable, dying and you will ultimately die.” Eating of the fruit of the tree was evil only because God forbade it.

Understanding the distinctions here are important. When examining the phase “freely eat” in the Hebrew we understand the greater meaning. “Freely eat” in essence means “eating you shall eat.” Eat until you are completely full and satisfied, and if you want to eat more, eat! Eat! Eat! Likewise, the distinction of the phrase “surely die” is important. You will “surely die,” in the Hebrew means, “dying you will die.” You will begin dying and continue to die until ultimately death. This can be understood from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (AMPC), “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Set before Adam and Eve was a full grant of blessing, or a curse.

God had set two trees in the Garden.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity. (Genesis 2:9, AMPC)

 

These two trees set in the center of the garden were the focus of man’s attention. The Tree of Life represents eternal life. The Tree of Knowledge represents man’s choice. Once man fell into disobedience, most theologians agree that the Tree of Knowledge loses its significance and becomes common like every other tree, which signifies that man is still eating the forbidden fruit and walking in disobedience. God removes the Tree of Life from man’s access. If man were able to touch or eat from the Tree of Life in his sinful state, he may remain trapped in his sin for eternity (Genesis 3:22-23). The Tree of Life does not appear again until the end, where we read in Revelation 2:7 (AMPC), “7 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

 

Obedience is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). Sacrifice is only necessary for what obedience would have kept. Had Adam and Eve never sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, Christ would have not had to sacrifice Himself to redeem mankind from sin. Jesus is a direct contrast to Adam and Eve. Adam’s disobedience in life brought death, while Christ’s obedience in death brought life.

And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! (Philippians 2:8, AMPC)

 

What decision will you make today? Will you be like Adam and Eve and chose disobedience or death? On the other hand, you can be different from Adam and Eve and you can chose obedience and life? I choose obedience and life. Join me!

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Escape!

 

Trouble overwhelms us! Difficulties consume us! The fast pace of our society demands so much! Satan continually temps us! All we want to do is escape! However, for the Christian, we have help with our deepest struggles. In the closing verses of Habakkuk, he declares his ultimate faith in God and we can draw strength from it today when we are ready to escape the feelings of being overwhelmed, consumed, and defeated. In verse 19, Habakkuk declares:

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! (Habakkuk 3:19, AMPC)

Matthew Henry’s commentary regarding this verse states, “He that is the God of our salvation in another world will be our strength in this world, to carry us on in our journey thither, and help us over the difficulties and oppositions we meet with in our way.” We can find confidence in our relationship with a living God that He is able to strengthen us to accomplish all that is before us.

 

Habakkuk declares “The Lord God is my Strength,” and we too should not depend on our strength, but that of our Lord. For this reason, many find strength through the Scriptures.

 

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. (Philippians 4:13, AMPC)

 

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. (Isaiah 40:29, AMPC)

 

My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. (Psalm 119:28, AMPC)

 

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, AMPC)

 

When feeling the need to escape, our focus is on our lack of achievement, instead of remaining focused on Him who enables us to achieve. The enemy often distracts us from our dependence on God and God alone. It is only by Him that we even exist and live (I Corinthians 8:6). Christ infuses power within us. Iron in our blood is a significant source of strength. When someone cannot produce blood, the doctors will give him or her iron infusions intravenously. These iron infusions provide needed strength. When our connection to Christ is lost, we lose strength and power.

 

Christ is limitless. While we are constrained to this world, its dictates, and its confinement. Christ is eternally limitless. What we cannot accomplish, He can. What we cannot understand, He does. When we allow His infusion, we become strong. It is Christ who gives us strength (I Timothy 1:12). This infusion strengthens our soul, our mind, will, and emotion. While we may not be able to accomplish or complete the tasks, there is no need for those overwhelming feelings and emotions. The strengthening of our soul allows us to think more clearly, we communicate more competently, we feel balance in our emotions. From this place of strength we are able to face the mountains and speak with faith, “Lord, move this mountain” and the mountain moves because nothing is impossible for you (Matthew 17:20).

 

When we become self-focused, we lose sight of our dependence on God. When we strive to accomplish all that is seemingly for us to do, we labor, we toil, we fret, and we become overwhelmed. Colossians 3:23 (AMPC) states, “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.” If we have an infusion into our soul (mind, will, and emotions), we will be able to work heartily! Maintaining our focus on Christ is first priority. When we focus on Christ, He supernaturally provides strength when we are weary and feeling faint.

 

Often we feel the need to escape because of our own procrastination. Prosperity comes to those who are diligent and accomplish much, while escape through procrastination leaves you in a state of want (Proverbs 13:4). The sense of entitlement grips our souls and we begin to believe the lies ourselves – Because we exist, give us everything. Often escape through procrastination is a simple form of protest. We are protesting the fact that there are people in control asking us to accomplish some task. This behavior is destructive (Proverbs 18:9). Fear is another driving factor of escape through procrastination. Instead of confronting issues, we procrastinate to escape the tasks required. This fear is a trap for us (Proverbs 29:25). Another contributing factor to escaping through procrastination is our belief that there will be a perfect time to accomplish the tasks. In the end, we never get anything done (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Finally, indecision can drive our escape through procrastination. We are double minded and unstable (James 1:8).

 

Psalm 119 provides great encouragement to those who feel defeated and overwhelmed. While we may feel that our life cleaves to dust, it is the promises found in God’s Word that revives and stimulates us (vs 25). Through God’s promises, we experience mercy, loving-kindness, and salvation, which provides strength and confidence (vs 41). Hope springs from our relationship with God and His promises (vs 49). When we focus on God and His promises, we gain confidence to accomplish all assignments given to us because of God’s favor and comfort (vs 58 and 76). We remember God’s mercy and grace given to us; therefore, we can be merciful and gracious to others and ourselves.

 

Pray that God will strengthen your hind legs so that you are able to make progress with the tasks that are before you. In addition, believe for supernatural strength like Elijah. When he had prayed for rain and it finally came, Elijah ran so fast that he passed the horse and chariot that had gone before him.

And at the seventh time the servant said, A cloud as small as a man’s hand is arising out of the sea. And Elijah said, Go up, say to Ahab, Hitch your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you. In a little while, the heavens were black with wind-swept clouds, and there was a great rain. And Ahab went to Jezreel. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah. He girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel [nearly twenty miles]. (1 Kings 18:44-46, AMPC)

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Need a Miracle?

What miracle do you need today? Both the Old and New Testament are full of examples of our miracle working God! You can trust that God is able to meet your every need. As we know, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, KJV),” and “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23b).” We also know that when Jesus was on earth he went about performing all forms of miracles (Matthew 9:35). Furthermore, we know that God does not change “For I am the Lord, I change not (Malachi 3:6a);” and New Testament affirms the same message stating, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8, KJV).” Therefore we can be confident of the Miracle Working God is moved with compassion towards our needs and wants to perform miracles in our lives.

When He went ashore and saw a great throng of people, He had compassion (pity and deep sympathy) for them and cured their sick. (Matthew 14:14, AMPC)

Therefore, you are encouraged to find the Scripture for the miracle you need today. Begin to pray and believe that your miracle working God will perform a miracle in your life! It is often easier to believe for someone else, than to believe for ourselves. Write down the Scripture. Pray it every day. Believe it in your heart. God wants to pour out blessings upon you, your family, and your circumstances. To encourage and help you here are some that I have identified for you to encourage you in your walk of faith.

Do you need healing? Find courage in Naaman’s instant healing of leprosy (2 Kings 5:10-14) and Jesus’ healing of ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), and another (Matthew 8:2; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12). In an instant, God heals the entire Syrian army of blindness (2 Kings 6:20). He will do the same for you! Jesus healed the two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31, 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35), a man born blind (John 9:1-7), and another blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26). In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man, and another recorded in Matthew 12:22 and Luke 11:14. Do you have an infirmity? Jesus will heal (Luke 13:11-17). Do you suffer from swelling or accumulation of water in your body? Jesus will heal (Luke 14:1-6). Sometimes, in seemingly defense of Jesus, wounds occur as seen in the arrest of Jesus where Peter cuts off the ear of the bond servant of the high priest; Jesus heals (Luke 22:50-51). If your child is sick, turn to Jesus (John 4:46-54; Matthew 15:28; Mark 7:24). Are your children having mental issues, turn to Jesus (Matthew 17:14; Mark 9:14; Luke 9:37). A father is healed (Acts 28:8). If other family members are sick, turn to Jesus (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38). Jesus heals the Centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:1). Jesus heals a whole group of sick people at the pool of Bethsaida (John 5:1-9). Are you having blood issues? Jesus heals (Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:25; Luke 8:43). Are you suffering paralysis, nerve, or mussel issues, either physically or spiritually? Jesus heals (Matthew 9:2, 12:10; Mark 2:3, 3:1; Luke 5:18, 6:6). There is also the demonstration of Christ’s power through Peter (Acts 9:32-38), along with great signs and wonders through Stephen (Acts 6:8). Are you crippled; Jesus heals (Acts 14:8-10). Call for those who believe in healing to anoint and pray over clothes and when they touch your body you will experience healing (Acts 19:11-12).

Do you need supply? God will produce water from a rock (Exodus 15:23-25, 17:5-7; Numbers 20:7-11) or mana from heaven (Exodus 16:14-35). In Judges 15:19, water comes from a hollow place. Water is also supplied for the army of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 3:16-20). Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-11). Need an increase in your pantry, then read about the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:14-16) and also another widow (2:Kings 4:2-7). We all know the story where the loaves and fishes are multiplied to feed 4,000 (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:1). God sent Ravens with food for the Prophet Elijah (I Kings 17-18). God knows how to stretch your food (2 Kings 4:42-44; Matthew 14:15; Mark 6:30; Luke 9:10; John 6:1-14). You may have to revisit places you have once been. Maybe they were unproductive, but now God will supply (Luke 5:4-11; John 21:1-14). Trust God for supply and the unexpected income; go fishing (Matthew 17:24-27). If you need supernatural transportation, God will supply as He did for Philip (Acts 8:39).

Do you need deliverance? God will send plagues to your captures until they release you (Exodus 7:20-12:30). God’s ways of escape are miracles as well and seen in the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), the release of the apostles (Acts 5:17-20), the release of Peter (Acts 12:1-11), and shaking of the prison to release of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-40). There is the halt of destruction when Moses prayed (Number 11:1-3). God also parted the Jordan River so that the Israelites could pass over on dry land (Joshua 3:14-17) and at other times by Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:7-14). God sends hail to crush the Joshua’s enemy (Joshua 10:12-14). At Ebenezer a supernatural thunderstorm causes confusion for the enemy (1 Samuel 7:10:12) and a supernatural sound going atop the mulberry trees frightens the Philistines of their pending demise (2 Samuel 5:23-25). Examine the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; the only thing burned were the shackles that held them (Daniel 3:10-27). Do you feel like you are about to be devoured? So did Daniel, but God delivered him (Daniel 6:16-23). You may feel consumed, but you will survive and land safely on the shore as Jonah did (Jonah 2:1-10). You may not even be aware of your need of deliverance, but someone will pass by who will speak the name of Jesus and declare your freedom (Acts 16:18). Just like Jesus, you can pass unseen by your enemies (Luke 4:28-30). Jesus performs an exorcism (Matthew 8:28, 12:22; Luke 4:33, 8:26, 11:14; Mark 1:23, 5:1-20), and has now empowered us to cast out demons in His name (Mark 16:17); Philip cast out demons in Jesus' name (Acts 8:6—7). God will give you wisdom and discernment regarding the intentions of others and will delivery you out of the hand of the enemy (Acts 13:6-11).

Do you need peace? Jesus will calm the storms on His command (Matthew 8:23; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:22). When trouble is tossing you back and forth, Jesus will come walking on top to rescue you (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; John 6:15). Job’s possessions were destroyed with a whirlwind (Job 1:19), but restoration began for him in another whirlwind (Job 38:1).

Are you dead? God sends Elijah the Prophet to bring life back into the widow’s son (I Kings 17:17-24). Find strength in the raising from the dead of the Shunammite’s son (2:Kings 4:32-37). Have you eaten poison, then look to God because He will deliver you from death as Elijah did in Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38-41) and because we know “they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all (Mark 16:18a).” A viper bites Paul and he shakes it off (Acts 28:3-6). Much life can be gained if you get in the presence of God’s people (2 Kings 13:21). Jesus raised the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-18). We all know the story of Lazarus where Jesus raised him from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus also cares for Jairus’s daughter and raises her from the dead (Matthew 9:23; Mark 5:23; Luke 8:41). Resurrection of the dead continued with the church as seen when Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). Speak life! Often a sudden death shakes us to the core, but Paul raised back to life a young man who fell out a window (Acts 20:9-12).

Do you need a creative miracle? Turn to Genesis chapters 1 and 2 and release the Creator to perform a miracle in your life. This same Creator God caused buds to form on a dead tree rod in Aaron’s hands (Numbers 17:1-11).

Are you barren and want a child? Turn to the story of Sarah who was not only able to supernaturally conceive, but also nurse (Genesis 21:1-7). The Lord knows how to stop the cause of death, miscarriage, or barrenness (2:Kings 2:21-22). Zachariah and Elizabeth desired children and God granted them a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25).

Do you need direction or purpose? Just watch and listen because God is able to speak to you from the midst of the fire in a burning bush (Exodus 3:3) or demonstrate that you already possess all that you need by changing your rod into a snake (Exodus 7:10-12). You had better listen, because God may use a donkey to speak to you (Numbers 22:21-35). A star, the Star of Bethlehem, guided wise men to see Christ (Matthew 2:1-9). God will guide you too.

Have the promises of God not materialized in your life? Israel’s first conquest in obtaining the promised land in Canaan was the battle of Jericho where they followed God’s command marching and blowing trumpets until the walls fell and the promise obtained (Joshua 6:6-20).

Do you need more time? Well so did Joshua and Hezekiah; for Joshua time stood still (Joshua 10:12-14), while for Hezekiah time ran backwards (2 Kings 20:9-11).

Has something precious been lost and you need it returned? You can trust God who can cause an axe to float in water, because He will cause your missing items to return (2 Kings 6:5-7).

Do you need strength? Turn to the story of Sampson (Judges 14-16). Trust the God who infuses strength within us according to Philippians 4:13 (AMPC) which states, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”

In general, there are other examples of miraculous works. Jesus sent seventy, two by tow who return with great rejoicing of the miracles they had observed in Luke 10. The Twelve Disciples performed miracles (Acts 4:30, 5:12-16), however, miracles were not just reserved for the Twelve Disciples alone (Mark 9:39; John 14:12).

Be blessed today! Trust God for your miracle!

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Heavenly Longing

Do you long for heaven? Do you value life on earth greater than eternity with God saying, “Lord come, but not before…?” Do you operate on earth to see the fulfillment of heaven’s promises? Hebrews 11 is a chapter in the Bible known as the “Heroes of the Faith.” In the middle of that chapter, verse 13, we find the controlling and sustaining factor for these heroes:

These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God’s] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. (Hebrews 11:13, AMPC)

As “exiles upon the earth,” they were here to accomplish a heavenly mission. They lived everyday as if they were going to see the fulfillment of every promise of God on the earth. They were “controlled and sustained by their faith.” Regardless of whether the fulfillment of the promises of God in their lifetime, they maintained their focus on God’s promises. Our heavenly longing should be to see the fulfillment of God’s promises upon the earth. This should drive our every focus. We should work to gain income to finance the work of God. We should share every day the promises of God with those we encounter. What longing has God placed in your heart that drives you in everything you do?

The Apostle Paul provides several examples of having a heavenly longing:

[Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8, AMPC)

For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; (Philippians 1:21-23, AMPC)

A heavenly longing, sees our purpose in life is the final destination, eternity with God. In addition, a heavenly longing drives our earthly purpose. While we live here on earth, the life of Christ within us should drive our every thought and purpose with fruitful service. While heaven is the deeper yearning, Paul sees the benefit of him remaining on earth as service to others; service is advancement of the Gospel, and service to those he leads. Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11, AMPC).” An ambassador is sent as a representative and as Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are here to represent His desires which includes Salvation for all (1 Timothy 2:4). Who have you served today? Have you been a good Ambassador? Have you encouraged someone to follow Christ?

The Psalmist had a heavenly longing.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. (Psalm 73:25, AMPC)

Pray. Ask God to awaken a heavenly longing within you. Be driven as an Ambassador for Christ encouraging others, declaring God’s promises in the earth, and placing your primary desire to be in heaven with Christ.

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Man's Purpose

Do you know your purpose in life? God does! Often in these posts, the Amplified version of the Bible is used. The Amplified Bible is a Literal Equivalent translation that, by using synonyms and definitions, both explains and expands the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses, brackets, and after key words. The use of brackets adds information supported by other Scripture, which helps explain verses that are sometimes misquoted or misunderstood. Ecclesiastes 3:11 is a great example to compare the King James Version (KJV) and the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC):

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, KJV)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMPC)

 

Theologians have debated this passage for hundreds of years, often persuading their listeners to a particular point of view. At issue is questions surrounding the Hebrew word translated “world” in the KJV and the much larger understanding observed in AMPC. The Pulpit Commentary contains a good discussion regarding some versions translating the Hebrew to “world,” while most agree the best interpretation is “eternity.”

 

In context, this is the time and seasons chapter. Therefore, the understanding of eternity is more accurate and supported by most today. Think for a moment, God “planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds. God created man to live eternally. The added text in brackets from the AMPC provides us a deeper look. ”A divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy.” Only God can satisfy our deepest need, eternity. Our purpose is to work allowing God to consume us. Man will search high and low, deny the existence of God, but in the end, they will be unsatisfied. Nothing can quite the troubled mind or heal our broken body, except God. Our purpose is to know Him, and make Him known (John 17:25-26). Life on earth is just a vapor (James 4:14). Eternity in heaven is our purpose.

 

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