Archive - June 2007

June 27, 2007
James 3:17 (Amp)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering and insincerity).

I want to encourage you to read that verse again, slowly, thoughtfully, prayerfully. I could jump right into preaching on some of these words; undefiled (uncorrupted), impartial (not favoring one party over another whether based on economics, gender, race or religion), insincerity, etc. There's just a lot of ground to cover with this verse, yet I believe today you know where you're at without a sermon to point it out.

Ask God to help you to live within that purity of Divine wisdom and set you free from whatever your natural tendency leans towards, whether it's doubt or partiality, a lack of compassion or otherwise. Our "flesh" holds us back from the potential of greatness planted within us - the Spirit of Christ Himself. 

God is able to deliver us from every weight of sin and free us up to live in the wisdom He has given us. All we need to do is ask for His help and walk in His grace (strength from the Holy Spirit - James 4:6) and He will show up and do great things in our lives.

June 25, 2007
Psalms 68 (Message)

Parade your power, O God, the power, O God, that made us what we are.

Wow! Now that's a prayer!! Only the truly courageous would have the guts to ask God to really let it go and show all His power. Most of us are scared out of our wits to face the slightest energy surge. I've been within a hundred yards of a tornado and within ten yards of being struck by lighting - both pale in comparison to the power of God, so I can assure you when I pray this prayer it's with fear and trembling.

It's no wonder that God has placed repeatedly within the Word the phrase "Fear Not!". Any move of God requires His calming touch to enable us to bear the shock.  Nevertheless, I can't help but think, there is no other way to live but on the edge of earth, eyes set on the vision and a heart set on the endless possibility of God's power.

In light of this verse I'm including a prayer I have prayed for years. I can assure you that it's only through my confidence in God's keeping power that I have the courage to stick my neck out like this. I encourage you, get close and keep close to God and you'll find the same results in your life.

Lord, do in and through my life everything that is possible for You to do in and through a human being. I don't want to settle for Your permissive will, I want to live out Your perfect will. Teach me Your way and I will walk with You. When people look at my life, I pray that they would see Your reflection on me and know that You are the Wonderful One. In Jesus name, Amen.

 
June 22, 2007
Psalms 68:24- (Message)

See God on parade to the sanctuary, my God, my King on the march! Singers out front, the band behind, maidens in the middle with castanets. The whole choir blesses God. Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God.

Look- little Benjamin's out front and leading.

A great work is being done throughout the earth today as men and women of God live to tell of the greatness of our God. Like a parade of praise before the whole world God is moving on the earth and bringing salvation everywhere and we are blessed to be a part of it.

This week God spoke to my heart of things to come. He said that the children in this time are rising up and coming into the forefront of the great work He is doing. Children have a great part to play in this moment in history. God says in His word that in the last days He will pour out His Spirit on the "sons and daughters" and that they will "prophesy" which means to teach and preach the Word of God by Divine inspiration.

So I ask you, are you prepared for God's plan? Are you praying and preparing for His will and work to be done? "Let the little children come"... and give them a place to lift their voice. And be prepared for the Spirit of the Lord to shake the house. For whoever makes room for the child and welcomes them into the sanctuary will see heaven in a whole new light. Get rid of the old way of tradition and prepare for the new revelation.

If you see little Benjamin running down the isle - look out - God is on parade!

June 19, 2007
Acts 20:20 Message Version

I didn't skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you in public and I taught you in your homes, urging Jews and Gentiles to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus.

This is a powerful statement Paul makes to those he is serving - he's given them his all, so that they would give their all to God. This verse has charged me up with renewed tenacity to live for the great and noble call of building up the saints and proclaiming the news of freedom.

I encourage you to join me - press in close to God - the source of all power and strength; be constantly filled with passion to live for His glory and share His goodness with all those around you. Whether it's speaking to masses or sharing with one - Live to Tell!

 
June 16, 2007
"The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. "Jesus took a towel...and began to wash the disciples' feet.""

from book - June 15 - My Utmost for His Highest - Chambers

This statement is so true. Nothing has distracted me more than the fancy of a great future. Don't get me wrong, dreams have a directional purpose - when they are God-breathed, however, they are too often used as a reason for pride. If a dream takes my focus off of the needs of those around me and onto me, I have lost my true purpose. Whether it's the pity of the past or the fancy for the future, I must guard my heart from being distracted from the purpose of the present. What is my primary purpose? It is to accept and give out the love of God.
There is no need for a degree, a license, a platform, or a business plan to fulfill the greatest purpose in life. I need only to live close to the heart of God, Who is the embodiment of love, and then "freely give" what I have been given. I may need one or all of those things to walk with those individuals I am called to, but those "things" do little to equip me for the call. Living by His Word and in the power of His Spirit, taking one opportunity at a time and obeying God; this is what is means to fulfill my destiny.

As you are following the path of God's choosing for your life, whatever business it may entail, remember that it's not your achievements that will make you truly successful on earth and famous in heaven, it's your humble heart attitude. May we live out the simplicity of servanthood; lives that could be defined as "good and faithful".

 
June 13, 2007
Matt 19:13-15 - Message

One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: "Let the children alone, don't prevent them from coming to me. God's kingdom is made up of people like these." After laying hands on them, he left.

Have you ever noticed the liberty children enjoy in the safety of their home? They run free and happily around the house and the yard. It's a beautiful thing! Children who know they are loved just exude freedom.

Do you know that you, a child of God, are deeply loved by your Father? He is never too busy for you; never unconcerned with the matters of your life; never pre-occupied with His work. You're very important to your Father!

He's waiting for you to draw near so that He can touch your life and lift off every burden. He longs to heal and satisfy you, so that you can run off and return joyfully to your day.

Let nothing prevent you from drawing close to the One who loves you most!

 
June 8, 2007
Acts 20:19

Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity...

More reflections from my quiet time with God regarding humility....

Humility is in no way related to depression. Being what the bible refers to as "lowly" or humble is NOT the same as feeling depressed. Depression is to be pressed down from an outside force due to a lack of internal strength. Humility is to willingly bow down before God in every area of life. It can only be accomplished through the great strength of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

Depression is full of misery and hopelessness. Humility is to be empty of selfishness and full of God. Therefore humility is to be full of hope and joy! God is love and His nature of love within us enables us to trust Him and surrender to Him. The surrendered life; it is the definition of humility.

 
June 6, 2007
Acts 20:19&20

Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity... How I did not shrink from telling you anything that was for your benefit and teaching you in public meetings and from house to house.

"Serving the Lord with all humility..." Humility... that word has been before me a great deal this past couple weeks. I've been going through some changes in my ministry "placement" and God has been speaking to me about humility; asking me about my willingness to submit to His will. Only through humility can we lay down our present delights for His better future.

During this season of change He has really been emphasizing the power of humility. Today He spoke to my heart and took my breathe away. He said "I am looking for humble people on the earth today; looking for those empty vessels where I can flow through with all My power!" I could literally see a rushing wind of the Supernatural finding a place of entrance on the earth through the lives of the humble. Selah...

I wish humility was something we could buy online, but it's not. It's a work of God, an evidence of His exposure into our lives. The level of humility we walk in is directly linked to how much of Him we have been exposed to.

Recently my daughter came in from a short nap on the back deck. Her skin was rosy pink because she had placed herself in direct exposure to the sun. Spiritually, I encourage you to join me in doing the same: regularly making time to lie down in the presence of the Son of God and allowing Him to change our lives. Only then will we ever truly represent Him and see the fulfillment of His plan for our lives.

 
June 4, 2007
I know I usually start with a bible verse but tonight I just want to praise God for His goodness and wisdom. He has so wisely called us together to connect with other Christian men and women; knowing we needed the connection. Whether through a women's devotional group, coffee with good friends, or sharing a meal and our faith; these are the places in life where we can be open and encourage each other on the journey.

In a culture that is becoming increasingly isolated, I want to encourage you to reach out, find godly friendships and value them. Make healthy relationships of high value in your life. Investing time and prayer into the lives of others will bless them and deeply enrich your own life. God centered friendships are a treasure! Live richly!

 
June 3, 2007
Matthew 26:39

And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire.

Obedience will sometimes require the surrender of personal will; even of our noble personal desires. Think about Jesus. He could have stayed on the earth, preaching and healing the sick forever; very noble but not the will of the Father. If there had been no conflict within the soul of Christ - no personal agenda to forfeit, there would have been no need for a "Gethsemane", no prayer of dedication, "Not what I will, but as You will and desire".

Is there a task, a God plan awaiting you that requires a "Gethsemane"? If Jesus needed that time of surrender, how much more will we require that time of prayer and commitment to do the will of God?

This is my prayer today: "Father, help me to obey You fully. Help me not to settle for my little, noble plan just to avoid the pain of dying to self. Comfort me enough to press through to the end; push me enough to prevent me from quitting or turning back. Help me to focus on the joy that awaits me at the end of my obedience. I know that You never neglect or forget those who obey You fully. Thank You that a great reward awaits me.

 
 
June 2, 2007
Luke 3:8

Bear fruits that are deserving and consistent with [your] repentance [that is, conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up descendants for Abraham.

God is so good to us - I can think of nothing better than to live a life that pleases the heart of God; there is no greater goal. With that in mind, it comes much easier to do the things that please Him, "bearing fruits that are deserving and consistent with repentance". Even with that pure desire to inspire me, I daily face the temptation to slip into "the flesh". I continually have to choose not to respond or act according to the flesh but to walk in love; overcoming evil with good, trusting God rather than my own resources.

Stay alert! Watch your focus! Set your heart! Let gratitude inspire you to action and give yourself grace to grow! Fruit isn't produced in a day but it is daily developed by planting God's Word in your heart, praising Him for all He's done and committing each circumstance to Him. When your heart is entrusted to God your life will bloom and produce the fruit that clearly testifies - you are God's!