IT CAN BE HUMBLING

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/23/19

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

We’ve all come in contact with the person that “KNOWS IT ALL!” You can’t share any news with them; THEY ALREADY KNOW! You can’t instruct them regarding anything; THEY ALREADY KNOW! You cannot even help them find further revelation in the Word of God because, THEY ALREADY KNOW ALL TRUTH! The best thing to do when you encounter Mr./Mrs. Know-it-all is to step back and let them fail…you can watch if it isn’t too painful, but they WILL eventually fail.

Now we have all been there at one time or another; our pride overrode our humility and good sense. Usually we just don’t want to look stupid in front of someone; you don’t want to be laughed at; maybe Mr./Mrs. Know-it-all is watching.

Humbling yourself and admitting you “just don’t know,” is difficult because, IT PUTS THE OTHER PERSON IN THE SEAT OF POWER AND EXPOSES A DEFICIENCY IN YOU!

Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

How many times have we come before God with a haughty and prideful spirit? In prayer, we declare our DESIRES, and then proceed to give God the INSTRUCTIONS, so He can get it right. OR...perhaps instead of a “heart of repentance” we approach the throne boasting of our righteousness and exploits, then wonder why we never hear God’s Voice.

God doesn’t need instruction and all our righteousness are merely “filthy rags” when we present them in the light of His Holiness. God is omnipotent, nothing about Him changes if we refuse to “put Him in the seat of power” in our lives…

BUT...

EVERYTHING in our life will change when we approach Him with a humble spirit, placing Him in the “Seat of Power,” in our heart.

Psalms 149:4 says “With Pleasure,” God will give you instruction, guidance and blessing. And if that isn’t enough, He will “Beautify you with Salvation.” All that in exchange for a little humility!

TRY IT TODAY….

Humble yourself as you enter into His Presence; acknowledge His “Right to His Throne;” don’t be afraid to be vulnerable; HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ALL YOUR DEFICIENCIES. Let Him love on you a little and you will be amazed at the DAY OF BLESSING you will experience.

James 4:10 Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.

THE LITTLE ONES

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/21/19

Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

“WE’RE HAVING A BABY!  I’M GOING TO BE A MOM!”  Remember the first time you said those words?  The wonder; the joy; the anticipation; the fear; the planning…all of those thoughts suddenly running through your head.  Will I buy frills and pink and dolls or blue and trucks and baseball bats?  Will I be a good Mom?  Will I know what to do at 3 in the morning?  THE NAME….what name will we choose; I have to google lists and meanings; he/she has to have the perfect name.

THE THOUGHT THAT DIDN’T RUN THROUGH MY HEAD…. “I wonder where there is an abortion clinic. That night of fun sure put a halt to my plans. OR This is certainly inconvenient and will ruin my career.”

I can’t wrap my mind around the mindset and I weep when I read that an actress, unapologetically and boldly states, “I have no regrets for having 2 abortions; I would not have my career.”   So, I killed my babies because they would have interfered with my life and my plans.

Innocent Babies, future leaders, doctors, lawyers, scientists, inventors, presidents, preachers, missionaries, moms and dads, all created in the Image of God, slaughtered on the Altar of Selfishness; the Altar of Convenience.

When Israel allowed their children to be sacrificed to Moloch, God did not turn a blind eye.  America, God is not turning a blind eye to your finance of the sacrifice of children on the Altars of Self-Indulgence and Convenience. 

THERE WILL BE A RECKONING.

LIVE PEACEABLY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/20/2019

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

“As Christians, we should live in relationships with people in such a manner that even when we leave a room people will miss us. And when we are gone and our funeral is held, someone will cry...someone will deeply miss us.” (Balcony People, Joyce Landorf Heatherley)

A quote from my favorite book, “Balcony People,” reminded me of Romans 12:18 and then I had to take a time of introspection.  What am I doing to insure that I obey Romans 12 and will anyone besides Steve actually miss me when I’m gone?

OKAY…

I really am one of those weird people that thinks about her funeral.  Not in a morbid way but in a “practical” manner.  What will I wear?  Should I have really fabulous shoes and make sure my feet stick out?  Will my hair look good?  Will they put on too much makeup?  How much will all this cost; the Accountant in me kicks in and I determine that the cost far exceeds the satisfaction gained from a funeral, so…I have decided to forget it all, be cremated and have a memorial service of family and friends telling their favorite stories about me to each other; a minister reading my favorite Bible verses, a couple of Praise and Worship songs and a prayer…then dump the ashes because it is too weird to keep them on a mantle or in a closet or on a shelf in the garage.

BUT FOR NOW…

I want to live in such a manner that someone will actually COME to my Memorial Service or at least remember that I lived and maybe even miss me.

HOW CAN I ACCOMPLISH SUCH A MOMENTOUS TASK….

Start with Romans 12:18, live peaceably with all men (and women).  You may say, “read the first line of the verse, Paul is giving me a way out.  He said, “If it is possible,” and I am surrounded by folks that just don’t make it possible.”  Well, I have to, kind of, agree with you.  Some people make it practically an impossibility.  They don’t want peace and will do everything they can think of to insure that your peace is disturbed.

BUT…

The Apostle Paul did not give you a WAY OUT. Read the next line…AS MUCH AS DEPENDS ON YOU! 

The situation may not be very peaceful but YOU don’t have a right to contribute to the unrest. It takes two people to argue; two people to fight; two people to engage in a conflict…If reconciliation is impossible; WALK AWAY!

REMEMBER…

You are not only representing the Love of Jesus but you are ASSEMBLING THE GUEST LIST FOR YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICE!

HAVE A PEACEFUL DAY…IT REALLY DOES DEPEND ON YOU!

EVERY DAY WITH JESUS

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/19/19

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

The dreaded Monday dawns; time to go back to work; get the kids ready for school; continue with the mundane things of life after an exciting weekend.

BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DREADED….

Actually life is anything but “Mundane.”  Every morning, you wake up with a fresh set of unknown hours full of potential, choices and situations.  You never know what surprises may be just around the corner; in the next few minutes, if you look for them.

Oh, I know you think your day is all laid out; you think you know exactly what you are going to accomplish, where you have to go, what tasks you have to complete, what you are going to have for dinner and even what time you intend to go to bed….But do you really know?

You may meet a new friend, be used by God to minister to a need, give or receive a much needed hug or smile, God may have a surprise blessing that He has reserved just for this day…are you anticipating good things now?

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF WE NOT ONLY LET THE LORD DIRECT OUR STEPS BUT ALSO PLAN OUR DAY?

On this day; on this Monday; before the morning hours pass, stop and take a few moments to COMMIT YOUR DAY…RECOMMIT YOUR LIFE to the One who has already factored every moment of your day into His Plan for you.

Since Jesus holds our future, it only makes sense to start the day held in His strong, sure hands.

AND REMEMBER…

“Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”…EVEN MONDAYS!

GOD IS NOT LIKE YOU

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/17/19

Psalms 50:16-21 But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, 17 Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you? 18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. 19 You give your mouth to evil and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. 21 THESE THINGS YOU HAVE DONE, AND I KEPT SILENT; YOU THOUGHT THAT I WAS ALTOGETHER LIKE YOU; BUT I WILL REBUKE YOU AND SET THEM IN ORDER BEFORE YOUR EYES.

I like to post encouraging thoughts because daily life in this world can be quit discouraging enough. Though this may not seem encouraging, when I read it this morning during my devotions, many things jumped out at me, especially verse 21.

We are living in a world where it is not considered “PC” to speak up when behaviors and laws are passed in direct violation of the Word of God. We are considered “haters,” judgmental, “out-of-touch,” homophobic and old fashioned.”

But before we speak too loudly, perhaps we should read Psalms 50:16-18 and examine our own heart and motives. Are we being obedient? Or are we picking the instructions that we like and casting the others aside? Have we consented with and become partakers of little “pet sins” while taking up our megaphone against those we find abhorrent? God says if we hate instruction that we do not even have the right to declare His statutes or partake in His covenant.

And what about speaking against our brothers and sisters in Christ? Sure, maybe they don’t do everything or understand everything in the pure, clear revelation that we have received but we are instructed to love and pray for them, not chew them up and regurgitate our “incredible insight” about them to everyone we meet.

Finally, verse 21 hit me between the eyes. God says, “Because I kept silent, you not only became self-righteous but thought “I was like you.” Instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus and striving to become more like Him, we have turned our eyes inward and made God into an image more like us. But God will not be conformed to your image. He calls all to repentance and says “I will set things in order before your eyes.”

As Romans 2:4 states, “It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.” I find it very encouraging to know that God loves me so much he would take the time to deal with my heart and bring me to repentance.

He is a GOOD GOD! I am so thankful that God points out our warts and blemishes through His Word and always gives us space to repent. This moment begins the rest of your life; live it in victory!

THE SITUATION HAS PASSED

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/14/2019

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

Three months ago, Steve and I decided to tweak our eating habits, get away from sugar and wheat and try the Keto Lifestyle…I love it! 

Because I am me; a firstborn with a perfection obsession, if I decide to do something, I research it, learn everything I can, both positive and negative, and enter in gung-ho because I intend to be successful.  I talked with other Keto-success people, watched videos, read studies, collected recipes, downloaded apps, planned menus and joined Keto-forums…my head is exploding with Keto-knowledge, carb counts and new words like, “ketones,” “fat-adaption” and “autophagy.” Fast forward 3 months and 30 pounds later, I declare SUCCESS!

BUT THE LIFESTYLE DOESN’T END BECAUSE YOU EXPERIENCE A VICTORY!

The Keto-forums that I am on have a variety of members; the Curious, the “I Love New Fads”, the “Nothing Else Has Worked”, the “I Have a Bad Doctor’s Report”, and the Committed.  The biggest trend I see, however, is the “Special Situation and I need to Lose” person.  The comments go like this….

“I have a Class Reunion in September and need to lose 15 pounds, how many carbs can I eat and still achieve my goal.”

“I’m getting Married next spring and don’t want to “roll” down the aisle; hoping I can lose 50 pounds.”

“Please pray for me, I’m a Senior Citizen and need to lose 10 pounds by December; is this possible?”

To these comments, everyone replies with tips and encouraging words, but Me being Me…my comments are usually, “If you will make up your mind to commit, you can.”  “If you will stop doing what got you to this point, you will.”  “If you can’t say NO, don’t bother; just buy a bigger dress.”

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE BECAUSE OF A SPECIAL EVENT, YOU WILL GO BACK TO THE OLD; EASIER; FLESH-PLEASING LIFE STYLE ONCE YOUR INCENTIVE IS OVER!

Having served God for over 50 years, I have witnessed this same thing happening spiritually over and over.  I have actually seen people enter the church, run to the altar on Sunday Night, cry and snot and repent, get up and dance their way out of church and never be seen again…THE EVENT WAS OVER!

Others have come because of a SITUATION.  Perhaps it was physical, financial, marital or one of the other thousands of situations in which we humans become entangled.  They come for awhile, they embrace the church and the church embraces them, they are excited about this new life and praising God and then SUDDENLY…one day they suddenly become too busy; become occupied with other pursuits…THE SITUATION IS OVER!

And then there are the dear ones that have “tried everything else;” the Searchers.  Perhaps you witness to them, give them a Bible Study or share a testimony.  These are things they have never heard; something NEW; something they’ve never tried and they are so excited.  UNTIL…they start living the lifestyle and find out there is SELF-DENIAL and sometimes you have to use the word, “NO.”  They count the cost and decide their bloated life of Self-Gratification and Sin is easier and more to their “liking.” Another “New Adventure” is on the horizon…THE EXCITEMENT HAS PASSED!

CHECK YOUR INCENTIVES!

If you just “do” Keto or any diet because you want to look a certain way or have an event coming up, you may lose the weight but once the event is passed you also lose your incentive. When the temptations come you are powerless to say NO.  You ask, “How much can I cheat; how many carbs/calories can I consume and still lose weight?” Then you find yourself in the same condition you were before you ever began.

If you turn to God because you have hit rock bottom, are in a bad situation, or just want to try something new, you will walk right for a period of time; until the SITUATION gets resolved or the excitement wanes.

Unless you fall in love with Jesus Christ; see your sinful state and realize you are powerless to save yourself, the incentive to serve God will pass.  You will ask, “How much sin can I engage in and still enjoy the Blessing of God?”  Then you will give in to the temptations when Satan sends them your way; BELIEVE ME, HE WILL!

When you become FULLY PERSUADED….When you are TRULY CONVERTED…When you decide to ABSOLUTELY COMMIT…no matter the situation; regardless of life’s mundane moments; on the mountain or in the valley…when LIVING FOR GOD BECOMES A LIFESTYLE…everything will change.

You will WALK differently; your VOCABULARY will change with new words of Praise; you will FEEL differently because Peace and Joy have replaced the Anxiety and Discontent; You are a NEW CREATION…

AND YOU WILL LOVE IT BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM!

EXCHANGING THE GLORY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/12/2019

Jeremiah 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit.

Once again Israel had been unfaithful and once again God was calling them back to Himself…a scenario that had been and would be repeated over and over in Israel’s History.

Israel had been set aside to be a special people, one that would show forth the Glory of God to the Heathen. A people that, through them the whole world would be blessed, but they had pursued the way of the heathen rather than the ways of God and God was grieved.

Jeremiah 2:2-3, God says I remember when you were a young nation, how you loved me; how you went after me in the wilderness. You were Holiness unto me.

So how do we get from Verse 2 to Verse 11? What a sad commentary on the state of a “holy” people. God tells them to look at the other nations around; the nations that worship gods of stone, metal and wood and He states, “They never change their gods. Their gods never speak, never give direction, never send blessing; they are not even truly gods, yet the people remain faithful to the gods of their imagination.”

“ISRAEL, YOU, however, had the True God. I sat you apart, just for Me; My Glory rested on you and you were blessed above all nations…HOW COULD YOU exchange MY GLORY for a thing imagined and made by human hands?”

Today, God views the His people; the ones set aside; called by His Name and says, “I placed my Glory in your midst from the beginning. You know what it is to experience a genuine move of My Spirit. You know the awesomeness of my Presence and the blessings that rested upon you….WHY??? HOW COULD YOU exchange MY GLORY for things imagined; created by human hands?”

“Now you pursue MY Glory through things that will not profit. My Glory will not be found in programs, symbols, sensational doctrines of men…Stop seeking manifestations and SEEK MY PRESENCE….Only then will you experience My Glory once again in your midst."

God has not withdrawn from us; He is not hidden, we have merely “Exchanged His Glory for that which does not profit.” 

AND HE IS CALLING US BACK TO HIMSELF!

ANY GOOD THING

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/8/2019

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

It has been one year since God miraculously and instantly healed my back.  Yes, as I approach my 62^nd birthday, I sometimes suffer the aches of overdoing and I may have to stretch a little more when I first stand up but the debilitating, sleep-disturbing pain is gone. 

For you who have not heard my testimony, I had pain on the left side of my lower back for over 5 years.  Doctors would listen and pretty much dismiss whatever I told them, yet I knew the pain was there and growing steadily worse.  Finally, a doctor sent me to therapy in June of last year.  The therapists told me there was nothing wrong with my back, the muscles were just tight; but after hot therapy, cold therapy, electrode therapy, stretching therapy, the pain was still always present and growing worse.

Finally, in prayer, I listened to God.  You see approximately three years earlier God had directly spoken to me regarding my health; that if I would obey Him; that if I would COOPERATE WITH HIM, He would restore my health…I did and He did.  I no longer had to take medication of any kind.  God healed my high blood pressure, severe acid reflux and pre-diabetic condition.

THEN…

I became lax; I had this; I could do this….fast forward 3 years and I couldn’t even stand for more than 10 minutes to worship.  But God is merciful and He is the God of 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, however many chances it takes, so in July of last year, God reminded me that I knew what to do; He had given me explicit instructions 3 years before, so why was I not being obedient.  I repented and started following God’s instructions. 

I REALLY BELIEVE THAT IF I HAD NOT BEEN OBEDIENT TO THE VOICE OF GOD 1 MONTH EARLIER, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INSTANTLY HEALED AT CAMP.

What do you need?  What are you asking of God?  Is it your health, finances, family situation, ministry, a job or coworkers? Are you being obedient?  FIRST, read His Word; are you following His written Word?  SECONDLY, pray…what is He whispering to your heart; are you doing it or are you just whining and crying over your situation?

God may ask you to do something that He doesn’t ask anybody else to do.  Your answer may consist of “mud in your eye” but whatever He says, if you want His intervention, DO IT!

FAILURE TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE VOICE OF GOD IS SIN AND GOD WILL NOT BLESS SIN.

The Psalmists states that God will not withhold ANY GOOD THING from those who WALK UPRIGHTLY.  Check your spiritual gait; check your spiritual posture; are you walking straight or are you bent over; loaded down with secret, hidden sins of disobedience?

GOD WILL NOT BLESS SIN BUT HE WILL FORGIVE THEM…IF WE CONFESS.

The next step is OBEDIENCE so you can begin to WALK UPRIGHTLY and then you can claim the Promise of God for yourself…

HE WILL NOT WITHHOLD ANY GOOD THING!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/9/2019

1 John 3:1 Beloved what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called Children of God…

I woke with these verses from 1 John running through my head; surrounded in the early morning hours by His Presence; bathed in His Perfect Love.

1 John 3:1 tells me that He is so far above all that I can imagine or hope to be, yet our amazing Creator, because of His GREAT LOVE, grants us the privilege to be called, “Children of God.”

Let your mind flow freely for just a moment and just imagine…

One of the richest Men or Women choosing to adopt you; granting you the honor of becoming heir to all that they have; their love, their kindness, their riches, their power, their name.  And forevermore you will be known as the Child of….  Who would turn that down?

We have been given the supreme opportunity to be called a “CHILD OF GOD!”  An HEIR with all the benefits; access to His “Riches in Glory,” Partakers of His Promise and an Eternal Future…Who would turn that down?

Yet too many times, we turn away; “thumb our noses at the offer” and choose the corruptible, temporarily satisfying “easy” things; with the assumption that God will just leave an open-ended contract.  Some day…when I have nothing else better going on…when I’m done having “fun”…when I’m hanging on to a “frayed rope”…when I’m older…just before I have to fact that eternal life of which you speak….Then Maybe!   Perhaps; I probably will; I intend to sign the “contract” then; because although, everything else sounds really good, I really just want to make sure I get to partake of the “Eternal Life Clause.”

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.

Oh you will partake of an “ETERNITY CLAUSE,” but you had better read all the fine print and know which contract you are signing.  God’s offer comes with all the Benefits and also all the RESPONSIBILITIES associated with being His Child and bearing His Name.  There are no amendments. You can’t “X” out the parts you find unacceptable and be His Heir.  This contract; this opportunity was purchased with His Own Blood; you have to be all in or get nothing.

1 John 3:2 Beloved now we are Children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

Oh to “Be Like Jesus.”  But does my mind even come close to understanding what that means; who He is?  Who we shall be?

“Oh I want to see Him.  Look upon His Face.  There to sing forever of His Saving Grace.”

I’m His Child; His Daughter.  I am a Partaker of all of His Benefits.  I am an Heir to Everlasting Life.  He has a ticket reserved, imprinted with MY NAME and DESTINATION.  I have a promise because I signed the Contract long ago….

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, and the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the Dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

DEAD OR ALIVE, I’M GOING…MAKES ME WANT TO DANCE AND REJOICE…I’M A CHILD OF GOD!

SENSITIVITY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/10/2019

Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”

Praying this morning for more sensitivity…Sensitivity to hear the voice of God; sensitivity to the moving of the Spirit; sensitivity to the silent cries of those in need; and sensitivity to the opportunities that God places in my path.

I was reminded of the old Safecrackers, who would actually file their finger tips to make them more sensitive as they spun the dial of the lock. Their fingers became so in tune with the lock that they could feel every bump, tick or slight hesitation in the tumblers.

And I pray…Dear God take your “Spiritual File” to my life. File off all of the calloused flesh that has built up around my heart. Remove all of the distractions that divert my focus on you. Help me to lay aside all of the busyness that I allow to fill my day and prevent me from seeing the open doors of opportunity that you provide. Quiet the noise that I may hear your voice as you speak your Word to my spirit.

Help me to feel every bump, tick or slight hesitation as I follow you down the path you have laid out for me to travel…I want to be sensitive to You.

POWER OR POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Prayer Journal 8/11/2019

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

A friend of mine recently posted her feelings about the offer of “Positive Energy” when she had a need.  I have had similar experiences and I always wonder what exactly is “Positive Energy?”  How does Positive Energy travel from you to me?  How do I receive it?  What transforming qualities does it contain?  And How do I apply it to my situation?

Unless you have an obscure new paraphrased “bible,” you can do a word search all day long for “Positive Energy” and how Jesus told His Disciples to apply this amazing tool…YOU WON’T FIND IT. 

Now search your Bible for the word, “POWER.”  In the KJV, there are 275 results.  The word appears 156 times.  One of my favorite verses is Acts 1:8; POWER is not just abstract word describing an attribute of God; it is real, it is tangible and Jesus promised that once I have received the Holy Spirit, I have also received ALL THE POWER that is included in this awesome Gift. 

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, “ALL POWER, is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.

AND….Once I have been BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME, I receive the key to ACCESSING AND APPLYING THE POWER!

Imagine this scenario…Peter and John decide to go to church and pray.  Along the way, they see a lame man begging and they feel really sorry for him.  As they pass, they throw a few coins into his hat and tell him they will send him some “positive energy.”  The man would have been momentarily happy for a few coins and been begging the next day, in his lame state, for the same few coins.

BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED…

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Peter and John were full of the HOLY GHOST; they had been endued with POWER.  When Peter and John saw the lame man and heard his words of entreaty, they did not hesitate or give him a few good thoughts of “positive energy.”  NO WAY…Peter turned and said, “Sir , today is your day for a miracle.  I have something so much better than a few coins to give you, today you are going to WALK.” 

THERE IS POWER IN THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS!

Just as the lame man, if I have a need, please don’t throw me a few “coins” of positive energy.  I want some POWER that will change my situation.  I need some Holy Ghost filled people that know how to PRAY; that know how to ACCESS THE POWER and INTERCEDE for me…I want to RISE UP AND WALK!

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In my Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents and if they drink anything deadly, it will be no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.

We are living in an increasingly evil day, surrounds by demonic powers, cunning serpents that will try to slither in and choke out the good things of God in our life and the constant offering of Satan’s deadly “Kool-Aid” of “God just doesn’t want you to…” 

When I come face to face with any of Satan’s devices, I want something much more powerful than a few “Positive Energy” thoughts.  I want to meet the Devil head on, wearing the whole ARMOR OF GOD; full of the POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST and bearing the NAME OF JESUS as my Standard.

you can be VICTORIOUS; you can OVERCOME; you can be FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT; you can WALK IN POWER; you can GO FORTH IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

THAT IS AS POSITIVE AS IT GETS!

ONE BODY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/6/19

1 Corinthians 12:18 But now God has set the members each one of them, in the body, just as He pleased.

WE ARE ONE BODY…We really are not in competition with each other.  God has designed The Body to work together; in harmony, but most times we are warring against each other, fighting for position and recognition.

Can you imagine if your leg and kidneys were in constant conflict with each other?  That could get a little messy.  What about your brain and hand?  That is a silly thought, of course the parts of our physical bodies work together to accomplish their purpose.  So much more should the Body of Christ work in the harmony for which it was designed and assembled.

So the next time you experience a little jealousy because a brother or sister always seems to be “up front” or is always recognized while you only get to “clean the toilets,” read this scripture and let it really sink in…

1 Corinthians 12:23-24 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty. 24 But our presentable parts have no need; but God hath composed the body, having given GREATER HONOR TO THAT PART WHICH LACKS.

FEEL BETTER NOW?  Be happy that God made you the BRAIN instead of the LIPS.

REJOICING WITH HEAVEN

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/5/19

Luke 15:31-32 And He said to him, “Son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours.  It is right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother is dead and is alive again and was lost and is found.”

God’s love and favor is not a ZERO-SUM GAME!  There is an abundant supply for everyone. Just because a brother or sister or a prodigal is the recipient of “heapin’ helpin’” doesn’t take away from you receiving all that God has planned for you.

BUT…

Your bitterness, your jealousy, your self-righteousness; all symptoms of a serious FAITH DEFICIENCY, will stop the free flow of God’s Blessing into your life.  Oh, He still loves you as much as He has ever loved you but He will not open up your Delivery System.  That’s going to take some digging by you.

SO…

If it seems that “EVERYONE” but you is getting the “fatted calf”; EVERYONE but you is being celebrated; EVERYONE but you is hearing from God…Get out the shovel; get out the hacksaw,“ get out the Spiritual Draino,” and GET ON YOUR KNEES!

Start uncovering the layers that have built up, SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS…you’ve been revealed; BITTERNESS…I’m sawing you off at the roots; JEALOUSY…you are being dissolved and flushed. 

NOW…

Your SPIRITUAL PIPELINE is clear, let FAITH begin to rebuild.  God still loves you; all He has is yours; YOU ARE STILL IN THE FATHER’S HOUSE!

GET YOUR PARTY DRESS AND DANCING SHOES ON AND REJOICE!

I WANT TO BE AN ENOCH

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/4/19

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet WILL sound and the dead in Christ will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.

In our Camp Unity Legacy Class, this past week, we talked about the Coming of the Lord.  I will be the first to admit that I don’t understand everything about End Time Prophecy and I would never have the audacity to try to pinpoint the date, but nevertheless…I BELIEVE IT AND I AM LOOKING UP WITH ANTICIPATION.

A year ago I had a dream that has stirred my heart. I have had only 3 or 4 truly prophetic dreams in my life and I believe this was one.

There was a bonfire and I stood behind a barrier watching as gold, silver and brass figures were thrown into the fire and slowly melted away.

Then the scene changed and there was a fast moving stream of water. In this I stood closer as various articles of wood were swallowed up in the raging flood.

Suddenly, I was standing at a window looking up and a voice declared, “Prepare, I am coming.” Joy filled my heart as I came to the realization; Jesus was going to appear any moment. I raised my hands toward Heaven and I began to speak His Name…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and I slowly woke up.

I don’t know that I have the full meaning of the dream, but the gold, silver and brass figures seem to represent the systems of this world that God was destroying. The articles of wood were the things that I have held onto so tightly that I need to be cleansed of to prepare for His return. Oh the joy of empty hands and a clean heart raised toward Heaven….Jesus is coming.

What are the systems in which you have placed your hope?  Religion? Government? Economic Security?  Look at your hands, what are you clutching tightly in them... afraid of letting go and giving all to follow after God? 

God is shaking the Systems of this World.  The things we hold so dearly; our accomplishments; the source of our pride and identity are merely wood that will be swept away.  Place your hope; build your identity on the ROCK, CHRIST JESUS.   You will not only be able to stand, but one day you will find that even gravity will have no hold on you; you shall be changed.

The Early Church felt an urgency; so much that they looked for the return of Jesus in their lifetime; so much that they greeted one another with “Maranatha” (our Lord is coming).

Have we lost the urgency? Has the Promise of His Coming become just a nice Bible Story or Prophetic Study? Do we go to bed each night with expectation and rise each morning with anticipation?

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

I am LOOKING UP.   I am LOOKING FOR JESUS TO RETURN.  I want to be one of the ALIVE AND REMAIN that meets the DEAD IN CHRIST in the air.  I want to be an Enoch...She walked and then she walked not because God took her.

It is our Blessed Hope…we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed…Jesus is coming.

WOULD YOU BUY THE COMPANY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/2/19

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

You get home from camp and on one hand you feel so inspired, but on the other hand you are so exhausted that any inspiration will have to wait for a couple days.  After a 6 hour drive in a truck with a nonfunctioning air conditioner, cleaning essentials out of the RV, three loads of laundry and a hot bath, I couldn’t fall into bed soon enough.  I usually meditate on the Lord and the Word as I slowly drift off to sleep, but last night I don’t remember even drifting off.  So I was a tiny bit aggravated, when my eyes suddenly flew open and I realized it was only a little after 4:00, then slowly the reason my eyes flew open became increasingly clear; these words were spoken to my slumbering spirit…

“YOU CANNOT MAKE DISCIPLES WITHOUT BECOMING A DISCIPLE.”

I always assume that anytime I receive a word that God is addressing a lack in me but perhaps my thoughts can encourage you along the journey also.

In 1979 Victor Kiam received a Remington Shaver from his wife.  He loved the shaver so much, that he bought the company even though at the time, it was failing, having lost $30 million in the previous 3 years.  He believed in the product so strongly that he became a Disciple of Remington; but not just a disciple, he believed in the product enough to take a risk and buy the company.  He became the company’s best advocate with his Television Commercial in which Victor Kiam, the Owner himself, holds a Remington Shaver and says, “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.”  During that first year, he recruited enough Remington Disciples to make a profit and 40 years later, Remington is still in business.

In the New Testament, we read that there were many that followed Jesus, some were even called Disciples, but not all of them believed so strongly that they “bought into the company.”  Many were just “spectators and followers.”  It is recorded in 2 Timothy 4:10, that Demas, one of the followers, found the Cost of Discipleship; the Risk of Buying into the Company, too high and Paul states, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.”  There is no record of Demas fulfilling the Great Commission of spreading the Gospel, baptizing and making Disciples…Demas was merely a Follower of Jesus.

John 6:26 Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

Then there were the followers that formed a crowd wherever and whenever Jesus was in town.  Perhaps they would see a miracle; maybe Jesus would again provide a hearty meal BUT where were they when there were no miracles or there wasn’t a church potluck?  Not one of them stood with John at the foot of the cross.  And Jesus saw right through their selfish admiration and said, “You don’t really want Me; you are not willing to buy into the “company,” you only come around for the freebies and the handouts. 

Luke 6:13 And when it was day, He called unto Him, His disciples; and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named Apostles.

While Jesus walked on the earth, only twelve were willing to follow Him and even then one betrayed Him.  Finally left with eleven faithful Disciples; men willing to risk it all and “buy the company,” Jesus tells them to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS.

But you see until they BECAME A DISCIPLE…until they BOUGHT THE COMPANY, Jesus could not entrust the MAKING OF DISCIPLES to them.

What about me; what about you…Am I a Disciple Maker or am I just a Follower?  Am I such a BELIEVER that I will RISK IT ALL to BUY THE COMPANY?  If Jesus called all His Disciples together would I be ONE OF THE TWELVE chosen and called Apostle? Or do I merely show up spectate, hoping to see a miracle or two?  Perhaps I’m the one standing at the edge of the crowd, hoping there are enough “freebie blessings” that one will get passed to me, so I can go home happy.

Yes, BECOMING A DISCIPLE means following, listening, learning, practicing, risking, surrendering, leaving and denying; THEN…pursuing, speaking, teaching, accomplishing, loving, giving, sacrificing as you REPRODUCE and MAKE A DISCIPLE.

My prayer…Lord, give me such a love for You; help me to make such a commitment to You that I am willing to risk it all to “Buy the Company” and convince others to invest their all to spread the Gospel and fulfill Your Commission.

BE MORE THAN JUST A BELIEVER…BECOME A DISCIPLE SO YOU CAN MAKE A DISCIPLE!