Wednesday, 16 December 2009

  • Hasty Comments



    Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to speak to someone when you're upset? I think on what I"m going to say and then when I speak, I often put my foot in my mouth. I say what I mean but sometimes the other person AND I both over react. Now I am finding myself regretting what I said, but I knew it had to be said.

    James talks about the tongue here.

    James 1:26
    If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

    I usually feel guilty in situations like this. But I do NOT have to condemn myself because I had to say what I did.

    Ephesians 4:29 (Message Ver.) states "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift."

    I usually agonize over my words when I have to speak correction. You see, I have a teenager, and we often don't see eye to eye. She is a good girl, but is at the age where she knows more than her parents.

    So, I try to tell her when she's wrong and she reacts to what I said and then I beat myself up. I condemn myself for how I said what I did. John says this:

    1 John 3:20
    For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

    Sometimes I don't respond calmly. I am learning. Tonight I felt I was correct but I still felt bad and kicked myself. 

    I just have to turn it over to the Lord. I examine how I responded and am doing much better. Lord, could you drop me an instruction manual on how to deal with a 20 year old daughter?

    I'm learning. And I'm praying more.  God DOES have the situation under control.

Thursday, 10 December 2009

  • How We Are Meant To Live As Christians


    I have read that too many Christians never get beyond the thought that they are "unworthy sinners saved by grace."  They stay on that their whole lives. I'm learning that we are "co-heirs" with Jesus and that "we will reign with Him".  We have to allow the Lord to show us how to change our mindsets from "undeserving sinners" to "royalty." 

    You see we ARE now royalty and Princes and Kings and are supposed to be at the top, not the bottom.

    Rev 1:5-6 says "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

    Here are a couple of verses explaining our status:

    Romans 8:17
    and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

    Titus 3:7
    that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    James 2:5
    Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

    Heirs to the throne in this world are trained to take over. They are taught how to rule and exercise authority. God desires to teach us how to do this.  He wants us to walk in His power and authority.

    Consider this "outlandish" statement by Jesus:

    John 14:12
    “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

    Jesus wants us to do the things that He did. We will do do great works if believers learn to live and walk in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The only way we CAN walk in the power of Jesus is to be in right relationship with Him and tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit.  This will be done by faith in the Lord through His grace.  The enemy of our soul desires to ROB US OF OUR BIRTHRIGHT!  For most believers this has already occurred. Are you living a life of victory and power or a life of "just getting by"?  We are being called to understand how to live in the way our Lord desires us to live. Scripture is SO clear about this, yet 99 percent of believers miss the truth of this.

    Our Lord and Master wants, no, DELIGHTS in us when we, in right relationship with Him, exercise the power and authority that He has given us. He wants us to be the devil's worse nightmare!

    Study the scriptures. Seek the face of the Lord. We are royalty and the Lord wants to show us how to walk in and exercise that authority. He wants us to break down the walls of Hell WHERE WE LIVE and do do the same thing that Jesus did. This verse applies to all spirit filled believers, not just our Lord:

    Isaiah 61:1
    “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

    Imagine what will happen when Christians began to exercise the authority and power that is our birthright.

    Be blessed today!

Monday, 07 December 2009

  • We Are Princes, Not Paupers


    PAUPERHOOD is relegated to the children of a lesser god. It is the condition of slaves who have yet to discover their freedom on the other side of the river of baptism and find themselves still captured by the dark prince of torture and torment. He is the one who assigns them to a life of poverty, pain and depression through a diabolical play of illusion hoping to conceal their true identity forever. This evil prince feeds his captors the rations of religion to fill their soul's hunger for righteousness. These slaves, blindfolded by their sin, think that they are laboring for their own freedom and work to pave their way out of prison with bricks built from the miry clay of self-righteousness. Yet unknowingly, brick by brick, they are erecting their own chambers of death. Worse yet, these give birth to offspring of the same darkness, ultimately creating legacies of bondage with mind-sets of hopelessness.

    But on a hill far away, a Lamb-turned-Lion descended into this death camp through the porthole of Golgotha. Crashing through the gates of hell, He met the dark prince in the mother of all battles. With three spikes and a thorny crown, the Captain of the Host conquered the devil, eternally disarming his destructive weapons of sin, death, hell and the grave. For sin could not tempt Him, death could not defeat Him, hell could not keep Him and the grave could not hold Him. With watching witnesses and waiting warriors, He ascended through earth's surface. The planet quaked to release its captives while Heaven thundered to receive its treasure. These were not simply rescued souls to be redeemed, but this was the crowning of the sons who were to be revealed. The Holy One of Radiance brought rotten, ragged sinners and recreated us into His righteous, reigning Saints.

    We are not just soldiers of the cross; we are heirs to the throne. His divine nature permeates our souls, transforms our minds, transplants our hearts and transfigures our spirits. We were made to be vessels of His glory and vehicles of His light.

    Others say the story is better reflected in the beautiful daughter who will ascend the throne through marriage, for she is betrothed to the Prince of Peace. The Bridal Chamber is beginning to be assembled, the feast is being prepared and the Bride is making herself ready. Whether we are called the Children of God, the Engaged Bride, a Royal Priesthood, the Apple of His Eye or a New Creation, one thing is for certain. . .we have captivated the heart of our Lover who is leading a majestic entourage, for He has mounted His white Horse and is making His way toward the planet!

    Meanwhile back on earth, God's people are rising in this present darkness and beginning to shine. His Royal Army is spreading the King's glory all over the earth as we take dominion of this planet back from the defeated one. Equipped with the light of the Father. His sons are finding buried treasure in the hearts of men that was once covered by rocks of offense, thorns of treachery and relics of religion. Armed with the power of the Holy Spirit and commissioned to re-present the King's Son, we are healing the sick, raising the dead, and displacing devils. This is resulting in paupers becoming princes and the kingdom of this world becoming the Kingdom of our God!

    The above is the introduction to a fantastic book called "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty" by Kris Vallotton and Bill Johnson.  You can get the book here: http://www.ibethel.org/store/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=189

    I normally don't just post others writings, but this is so significant. It WILL revolutionize your christian walk-Jeff

Wednesday, 02 December 2009

  • Resting In The Lord


     Today I am very aware of the Lord's love. I know that He has me wrapped in His arms and have a "glimmer" of how much He loves me.  I say a "glimmer" because our minds are not capable of grasping the enormity of our Father's love.  It is beyond our capability.  I believe if believers were able to comprehend the measure of the Love that God has for us that we would be able to live in total peace.

    This states it so beautifully:

    Ephesians 3:17-19 (New Living Translation)  "Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

    I personally have struggled for years regarding how God perceived me. I felt that I was a total failure, a complete loser. When I had the revelation of how I stand in God, I was amazed!  I was my own biggest problem. You see, when you are aware of how you are loved, you can rest in that love. I am trying to understand how I will be made complete in the Lord. Wow.

    Paul the apostle was sent by God to show us, the gentiles this truth:

    Acts 26:18
    to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

    Think on this. We are co-heirs, inheritors of God's kingdom. We will reign with Him!! We don't have to earn this for it has been given to us by Christ's death on the cross.  We are in right relationship with Him. Don't do as I did, constantly doubting that God could love me.  One of the most freeing experiences I've ever had was when I was able to look in a mirror, see myself and have a hearty laugh!

    We are accepted by God. Accept yourself as you are, a beautiful work of the Lord's. Take a look at this:

    Ephesians 1:5-7     "having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
    In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"

    Realize how much the Father loves you. Quit trying to make yourself "worthy". You already are. It is a tremendous experience to experience the Lord's rest.

    Be blessed!



Monday, 30 November 2009

  • Circumstances Beyond Your Control


    Sometimes things are beyond your control. You can either let it drive you crazy or try to see what God is trying to teach you.

    I WILL to turn it over to God.  I realize now that I have to stay away from the "out of control" situation from now on. It will do no good to let it get to me. I have to trust that God will pick up the pieces when the inevitable train wreck occurs with that dear friend of mine. In fact I MUST allow it to happen and then NOT step in to help.

    This scripture is helping me right now:

    1 Peter 5:7
    casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

    I know that the Lord IS Lord of the situation.  But the hard lesson to learn is when to be available to help and when to walk away. I don't seem to learn very well. I always am there to help, yet I seem to always get the short end of it.  I was told by someone to "toughen up."  I feel that it is impossible to change. It's like asking a leopard to change it's spots. Long ago I learned that my empathy and desire to be available was of the Lord. What I truly need to learn is to say "no."  

    My interfering may have blocked that person from dealing with their mistakes. I may have made the situation worse. What am I to do? PRAY. That's it. That's all I can do. I know I'm loved by my Savior. He loves her to0.

    Everyone has heard this verse before, but that doesn't change the message:

    Proverbs 3:5
    Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

    I'm just going to let go. If you are in a situation like mine, don't give up. God has it under control even when we have to step back.



Wednesday, 25 November 2009

  • Got the holiday blues?


    Do you have the holiday blues? If you do, it's OK to feel that way.  Sometimes it will happen. I feel that way in fact. And it's funny, I just came from a service where many (including myself) got up and shared what we have been thankful in this past year. God has been good to me. Yet as I drove home I began to feel quite blue.

    It's OK.  I used to think something was wrong with me when I felt blue. Now I realize that it will pass. By faith I look at scriptures like this:

    Ephesians 6:13
    Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    Another good one to consider:

    James 1:2-3
    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

    I don't like the fact that I'm alone a lot, that I'm not more actively involved with my siblings.  I used to make a mountain out of a molehill and take this personally. This has bothered me a lot in the past but now I try to understand and just give it to the Lord. I realize that I'm not the only one to have a life.  I'm mentioning this because the enemy would LOVE to get me distracted.  He would love me to to get self focused to the point where I stumble. He would like me to think that I'm "not accepted". Nothing could be further from the truth! I"m a single man and my siblings are all married.  I am invited to their homes, but it's my own thinking that made me think I was excluded.  I had to try to see things as the Lord does, and allow Him to lead me to develop my own social circle. And in fact this IS starting to happen.

    I almost deleted the past paragraph and realize that someone needs to read this for a reason. Don't let family issues distract you. Try to understand what is going on. Do not let ANY thing distract you from drawing closer to God. Anger, bitterness, and resentment WILL drain your joy and cause you to stumble.

    You see, the Lord is drawing me to depend more and more upon Him. You see, he's done SO very much for me and I DO have so much to be grateful for.  In the past I used to let the "holiday blues" bother me greatly. Now, I press in more and more to my heavenly Father and realize that I'm being shown how to hear Him more, to be obedient more, and to not beat myself up when I fail my expectations. I realize it's OK not to always have a spiritual high.

    There is a reason you're blue. If you're like me, this would mean you have to look within. Make sure that you not off track. I have to examine my heart to see why I feel this way. Sometimes I'm just down because I'm emotionally or physically drained, or both.

    I seek His face more. Than He starts to reveal more of Himself to me.

    James 4:8
    Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

    When God draws near to you, other things lose their significance. It's OK when your emotions do not line up with your faith. That does not mean your faith is weakening.

    Get into prayer. Seek God's face. Allow Him to put things into perspective. He will carry you through anything.

    I used to hate Christmas. Now it's the most joyful time of the year for me. I no longer envy couples, or family. God has me the way I am for a purpose and if you let Him show you, tremendous growth will occur.

    Be blessed. You don't have to dread the holidays! Let the Lord reveal His great love for you.

Friday, 20 November 2009

  • When You Have Smoke Pouring Out Of Your Ears


    I had smoke pouring out of my ears tonight. I was furious, fit to be tied, ready to blow a gasket. I was hopping mad!

    What did I do then? I jumped into my car, got on the road and started driving. You see, driving often has a calming effect on me. But it wasn't working. So I put in a CD of praise and worship music and started singing along with the music. Then it happened.

    I entered into the presence of the Lord where that glorious peace takes place, when everything comes into correct perspective. I sang my heart out until I cried. Then I asked the Lord to forgive me for my anger. I gave the situation to Him and then REALLY got into praise--and transformation took place.

    Paul states it quite well here:

    Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

    One of the ways of being transformed and having our mind renewed is to enter into His presence. Praise lifted me out of my situation and allowed me to work in the spiritual realm.

    I think this verse also talks about what happens when we pour our aching heart out to God in worship:

    2 Corinthians 3:18
    But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

    An hour ago I was angry, talking in anger and totally frustrated. When I began to worship, true transformation occurred.  The Lord showed me that this is not only a great way to deal with situations outside our control, it also allows the Holy Spirit to put things into proper perspective in my heart. 

    I repented, fell on my face before God and realized yet again (how many times will I have to learn this lesson?) that surrender releases great power.

    I'm involved in a situation where someone I love is out of control. So I had to remember yet again, to release it to God. During that period of worship when I calmed down, and allowed the Spirit of God to minister, He put things into proper perspective.

    Do you have a storm in your life? Yes you can just pray for the situation. But I believe that you are in incredibly deep prayer when you avail yourself of the presence of the maker of the universe. Anointing occurs. Change, forgiveness and healing take place when you come before our Lord.

    Every time you meet Jesus, change HAS to occur inside of us.  It's glorious. Try it. You will learn as well as  experience a release of power in your life.

    Be blessed today

Monday, 16 November 2009

  • God Still Heals Today


    This weekend at church the Spirit of the Lord moved through our congregation and a number of people received physical healing. One man who was healed of pain in both knees had stated before the service that he was going to have to have knee surgery. God is great! What helps so much with claims of healing is when doctors confirm the physical results.

    One woman in our church had a dramatic healing about a year ago. She was scheduled to have both knees replaced the following week. During the service she got up and put down her walker and exclaimed that the pain was gone. She had been known to come to church with a walker for many weeks. She now walked triumphantly around the church. She went to her doctor and he was baffled. He confirmed she no longer needed surgery.

    Scripture says:

    Hebrews 13:8
    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

    Throughout the gospels we see Jesus healing all who came to him. Why would He not do the same today? Well, I want you to know that He STILL HEALS TODAY.

    The gospel was preached with signs and wonders in the early church.

    Acts 14:3
    Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

    People today need the Lord as much as ever. The woman who was healed in both knees went back to her retirement facility and now a number of them come to church weekly. Many others have been touched. One woman was told that her kidneys were failing and that she would soon need dialysis. This was over 10 months ago and now even the doctors are puzzled by the improved kidney function.

    Paul the apostle stated:

    1 Corinthians 2:4
    And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

    You see, the gospel isn't just words.  If they were, the church would have died out long ago. Realize this:

    1 Corinthians 4:20
    For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

    I had someone who replied at my blog claiming that Christianity is a lie. He based it on writings from the early Egyptians.   Many throughout the ages have tried to deny the gospel. Even the soldiers at the tomb when Jesus resurrected were told to say the apostles stole him away in the night.

     The proof of Jesus Christ isn't just in lofty words. God consistently demonstrates His love to us and He works in my life consistently. 

    God is our Daddy. He loves and and consistently shows His love for us. I believe with all my heart that anyone who seeks God with an open mind will find Him. Jeremiah the prophet states:

    Jeremiah 29:13
    And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

    Seek Him. God IS still active and He does care for us.

Monday, 09 November 2009

  • How To Reach Non Believers


    This past weekend I ended up replying to a non believer online who was not open to the gospel. It got me thinking. How should we respond to non-believers?

    Arguing will not work. Facts will not work if they're not open minded. They have their minds made up usually. I believe there are two ways to reach non believers. The first way is by prayer. The second way is by our testimony.

    Scripture says in:

    James 5:16b
    "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

    Lk 18:2-5  “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”

    I have loved ones who aren't walking with the Lord and I cry out for them daily and will not give up until God answers my prayer.  This passage in Luke demonstrates that if persistence will wear down a worldly judge, how much more will our heavenly father be there to answer our prayers?

    Keep praying. And when you get weary, keep praying. Storm the gates of heaven till your loved one turns to the Lord!

    I believe what reaches people the most who know us is our testimony. When they can see the change that God has done in our lives, they will be touched.  Paul says in:

    2 Thessalonians 1:10
    when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

    People believed the personal testimony of the apostle Paul.

    Most of all, as believers, we plant the seed by our testimony but it is God who nourishes it and makes it grow in people's hearts.

    1 Corinthians 3:7
    So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

    Don't forget this most important point. I myself have been guilty of trying to help out the Lord in the salvation of loved ones. You know what I mean. Putting out tracks for them to read, playing gospel music loud enough for them to hear, and by constantly telling them what God has done. This intent is good, but can push people away. Remember, God has to be the one to move in their hearts.

    The gentleman I conversed with online had a story I hadn't heard before (and I've heard a lot of various stories that "prove" that Jesus never really lived) and thought by enlightening me I would embrace his theories. The end result when I shared the power of God with him was for him to scoff and consider me mad. I consider myself blessed for that.
    People thought Jesus mad:

    John 10:20
    And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”

    and others thought after hearing the gospel that Paul was crazy too:

    Acts 26:24
    Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

    Just keep on praying and keep on SHOWING your faith. God will work on those you know who need Him.  Remember this final thought:

    2 Corinthians 7:10
    For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

    He will touch their hearts. Just plant the seed and trust in God to move. The shed blood of Jesus has already done the necessary work. Now allow the Holy Spirit to move in their lives.  I prayed for ten years for my family to be saved. I didn't give up until prayer was answered.  I'm going to keep on praying for that young angry man.

Saturday, 31 October 2009

  • An unstoppable Flu that will change your life!


    Friday night someone at my church coined an interesting word. This word will change your life. It is JOYFLU.  My understanding of it is "the contagious joy of the Lord."  As Christians, we should be always carrying about the joy of the Lord. Others should be able to catch it from us. If it is not happening, allow the Lord to minister to you now.

    I WANT to have the contagious joyflu in my life!

    Scripture says in Nehemiah 8:10 "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

    It is so very true.

    Psalm 32:11
    Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

    Psalm 35:9
    And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD;It shall rejoice in His salvation.

    I'm learning that joy should be a constant in the lives of Christians. I don't mean that when problems hit us that we act goofy and not acknowledge our situation. What I mean is that the Lord's presence, His Holy Spirit lives inside of us. He is there to comfort us.

    We are joyful in our hearts regardless of our circumstances for HE is with us always!!

    Psalm 5:11
    But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

    Take your eyes off of your problems and issues. Give them to the Lord. Repent of any known sin that you have. Seek His will for your life. Submit to HIS will for you. Jesus Christ died for your sins.

    Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and surrender to Him. Allow the joy of the Lord to flow through you. As believers we need to pray that we'll never forget the joy of knowing the presence of our savior, the joy of knowing forgiveness and inner peace.

    Spend time in the bible. Allow his living waters to flow through your life. His Spirit DOES transform. His joy is all sustaining! It is also highly contagious. People will see something in you that they need. You will have joy flowing through you (JOYFLU)

    It keeps getting better and better all the time.



filledwithglory

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    • Name: Jeff
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  • My desire is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to be used by Him in anyway HE chooses! I want to to be used by God, to minister to those in need. We MUST be about the Father's business! I'm also looking for a job as a Christian writer

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