Doubt is Contagious

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Doubt is contagious and requires no faith or effort on our part to obtain or contain it. It’s always easier not to trust God than it is to trust Him. Since doubters are so prevalent, doubting always seems to come in an easy to unwrap package. In our efforts to satisfy our need for self-protection, doubt encourages us to lower our expectations. Not wanting to fail or to be hurt, we lower our expectations to prevent disappointment. With lowered expectations our circumstances become somewhat easier to accept when things don’t work out the way we had hoped or imagined.

Frequently doubt enters the door through the people around us who are quick to point out the obstacles and hindrances to our situation. The Bible states, “…you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.” (Pr 6:2) Doubt is carried on the wings of words. The words you speak or listen to will either lift you up or tear you down, either increase your faith or decrease it. The Bible also states, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Ro 10:17). If we don’t keep our mind filled with God’s Word we’ll be constantly assailed by doubt. Words are powerful!

Who’s words are you listening to today? Are you walking in faith or are you walking in doubt? Are you walking with God’s perspective of your situation or have you cowered to man’s perspective? Man’s perspective is limited and skewed and hinges on doubt. God’s perspective is free and boundless and wrapped in His promises.

Doubt corrupts God’s word and leaves us wavering and vulnerable.

Faith does not ignore the facts, it ignores the power of the facts.

Faith is not about telling God how big your storm is, it’s about telling the storm how big your God is!

May the word of God capture our minds and send us forth in FAITH this day and every day…In Jesus’ Name we pray…Amen

 

A Crown of Victory

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Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. (Rev. 4: 4)

In August 2008, Greek archaeologists discovered a priceless gold wreath dated about the time of Alexander the Great, fourth century BC. The crown of golden oak leaves was included along with human bones inside a golden cylinder, which itself was secured within a large copper vessel.

There are two types of crowns mentioned in the New Testament. One crown is a rulers crown a Diadema, the other is a victors crown known in the Greek as stevfano …Stephanos …meaning victors crown. In ancient days this crown was given to victors as symbols of success in military conflict and in athletic contests. Often the crown was constructed from the leaves of oak or pine trees.

In Revelation 4:4 mentioned above, the type of crown the 24 elders have is a “Stephanos”crown. Since the elders are sitting on thrones they are clearly in positions of authority. Soon each elder throws down his crown (Stephanos) before the One on the throne, symbolizing their dependence on Christ for their victory. Christ promised his saints positions of authority over his coming kingdom. “Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28.

At the close of his life, the Apostle Paul describes what he had accomplished by God’s grace: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He confidently adds, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. (2 Tim. 4:7-8). This crown of victory is also termed Stephanos. In Revelation, Jesus urges us, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”, a victor’s crown, Stephanos(Rev. 2:10).

I was reflecting this morning about two dear friends who have endured great pain and suffering throughout the last few years. I must admit I stand in total awe of the model of tenacity and perseverance they have continually demonstrated throughout their situation. I have watched them reach out to others and minister in the church while under the most trying of circumstances. I have also noticed how they have continued to spend themselves for the benefit of others, in spite of their own suffering; never making any excuses, just walking in continual obedience to God’s call. Recently, I was reminded of a past discussion with my friend where she was refusing to allow herself to be bound and ruled by her circumstances. She fought continuously to free her mind to the things of God, always focusing on His Word, His will, and His purposes, while striving to walk in His authority.

In my mind, I believe this beloved couple has already received the Stephanos, the victor’s crown, and that it is awaiting both of them.

Many of you may be experiencing some extremely difficult situations or setbacks in your lives at this very moment. However, I know in my heart that the Lord would have you be encouraged that “in all these things you are more than conquerors” when you stand in His authority.

We have the victory! We are already on victory ground. We don’t confess God’s Word to get victory. We confess His Word because we already have the victory.

We don’t fight for Victory! We fight from Victory!

With Jesus as our focal point, in spite of hardships and numerous trials, and because of Christ’s continual faithfulness we win a Stephanos… A crown of victory…Victory over oppression, victory over our circumstances, victory over darkness , victory over this world !

Stephanos!

Confronting Evil

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As never before, the risk of terrorism is now real for each one of us in America and across the world. Fear is a powerful emotion with deep roots. In those difficult moments in our lives when there are no answers, or when unexpected change occurs, it is important that we fight the desire to live by our feelings, but instead, that we move forward to confront our fears, to meet them head on. It was a great revelation to me when I realized that I couldn’t control the feeling of fear but I could keep it from controlling me. The word fear means “to run or to take flight.” So when we give in to fear, we always run away from something that we should be confronting. God wanted the Israelites to go forward into the unknown. He wanted them to be so fed up with bondage, that they would be willing to risk drowning in the Red Sea rather than going back to slavery. God wanted them to be bold and courageous…and He wants us to be bold and courageous too!

As we delve into the New Testament, we see how Christ confronted evil. He met it head on…Jesus said, “”But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
We make a serious mistake when we shrink back or turn our back on evil, and here is why:

•When we believe that evil does not exist, ignore it, or cower from it, we become oblivious and vulnerable to it.
•When evil is dismissed as unreal or insignificant, good becomes irrelevant.
•Good is only understood in relation to evil.
•If nothing is evil, then nothing is good.

Since most of us are not in position to physically confront evils,
let us go forth in an even more powerful way…by confronting it with daily, fervent, Radical Prayer:

1) Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise (Isaiah 45:5-7).
2) Ask God to break our hearts for His people, for the people of all nations, that we may be committed to intercede and pray daily on their behalf.
3) Ask God for a passion and love for Christ that DRIVES OUT FEAR.
(1 John 4:18).
4) As believers, let us boldly take authority through Christ to tear down the strongholds of evil and brutality that drive terrorism; may God destroy the darkness that permeates groups like ISIS, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda, and Boko Haram.
5) Ask God to bring unprecedented SPIRITUAL OPENNESS to people—a hunger for God and His truth in the midst of these terrorizing events. Thank God that he will use for GOOD, what Satan intended for harm. (Gen. 50:20-21)
6) Ask God to bless the ministry that has been thrust upon the church to help those affected by the terrorist attacks and the war.
7) Ask God to focus the minds of public officials and the military on the need for prayer in dealing with the challenging difficulties and decisions before them.
8) Ask God to stand against Satans attempts to make people experience unresolved anger or guilt over the loss of loved ones and friends, or a desire to seek revenge. Justice will be served, if not in this life, then in judgment for those who are not covered by the grace of God through Jesus.
9) Pray that those Arabs and Muslims who are innocent of these attacks will not be blamed or physically harmed.
10) Pray for the return of peace, both in America and throughout all the nations.
11) Thank God for the people who will be DRAWN TO SEEK GOD’S FACE because the overwhelming nature of these events leaves them nowhere else to turn.

Our greatest weapon against fear is the sword of God’s Word through Prayer….Our response to evil should always be to confront it!

Raise your sword…take a Stand….and Fight!

Christmas Conquers Fear

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Everyone feels afraid at some point in their lives, whether it’s a gnawing, anxious feeling or a paralyzing phobia. Even positive changes, like a marriage or a promotion, can prompt feelings of fear.  Almost  every day I meet and pray with people who are afraid or anxious. Perhaps they fear failure or rejection, or concern for how others view them. Perhaps they fear losing a loved one, issues from their past, a lack of money, disease, pain, or even fears of Christmas.

Surprisingly enough, the very first Christmas was surrounded in fear. When an angel of the Lord first appeared before Mary, the angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”… Mary was greatly troubled(frightened) at his words…  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive & give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great & will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”(Luke 1:28-33)

As the great angel of the Lord began to speak to her, Mary’s “fear” had to have been overwhelming! And yet, in his bold pronouncement of the forthcoming Savior, Mary’s fear was replaced almost immediately with “Joy”.  What a powerful hope was instilled by the angel’s proclamation. A promise of astounding and phenomenal “joy” !

When angels appeared before the shepherds proclaiming the birth of Christ, they too were afraid.  In fact the Bible says they were terrified. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)

Following this pronouncement, a company of angels appeared praising God and rejoicing:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The shepherds “fear” quickly changed to great “joy” and exultation.

My very first memories of Christmas center on a fearful, defenseless young girl, hopeless and abused, helpless to change the horrible situations around her. For me Christmas was a season of enhanced fears, shattered dreams, and broken promises. By God’s grace, my grandfather’s prayers changed my life and instilled in me joy and hope, as he shared stories of Jesus’ birth and His unending love for me.

The Christmas story reminds us that Jesus came to remove all fear. In fact, “Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible. Lloyd Ogilvie in his book Facing the Future without Fear stated that there are 366 “Fear nots” in the Bible, one for every day of the year, including Leap Year!  How like our Father to not want us to go a single day without hearing his word of comfort, “Fear not!”

For that reason, we must push ourselves beyond the worldly hustle and bustle of the season, and set our sights on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas triumphs over fear; it vanquishes fear and defeats it for all time. With great “joy” we rejoice in our Savior, Jesus Christ, who protects us, delivers us and is our eternal hope.

What gift will you give Christ this Christmas season? How about one soul for the kingdom? Ask Him. Be expectant and go forth. Oh, that we would pray and seek a soul as arduously as we seek an item at a Christmas sale! I pray the Lord will encourage you to share His “joy” this Christmas season. Be intentional, be bold and share the gift of Christ. I thank the Lord for my grandfather who by God’s grace helped me conquer my fear with the “joy” of the Lord…

Go and do likewise!

“Fear Not” my friends ….“Joy” is here! Rejoice in Him and Share Him!

Merry Christmas one and all!

Learn of Me

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Recently the Lord really spoke to me about praying for our discipline in Him and the necessity of coming together in study with all diligence and prayer.
Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me” (Matthew 11:28-29,KJV). Christ tells us very plainly: “Do not attempt to take on a walk with Me until you are at rest in your soul!”

If you do not have full confidence in Christ, His yoke will not be easy or light. On the contrary, you will spend your time striving in the flesh to please Him. You will be tossed to and fro, living with unnecessary guilt and shame.

I believe the key to this verse lies in the words “learn of me.” Jesus is speaking here of the discipline of learning who He is and what He accomplished on the cross. He is saying, “You must have a knowledge of what I have done for you. Then, once your soul is at rest, you can take on My yoke. So, learn of Me!”
The word “learn” is written in a progressive tense, meaning on-going and continual. The inference is that we will never learn all there is to know of Christ, at least not on this earth, and that we can never study the word of God too much.
Financial investments are frequently lost, relationships are sometimes lost, but no investment in the Kingdom is ever lost…
Jesus says, Learn of me !    So I ask you friends, how can we ever say no to Him!

Speak To Your Mountains

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The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. (Revelation 6:14 NIV)
The fact that the entire sky receded or moved apart like a scroll and every mountain and island on the earth was moved from its normal positioning is both shocking and unbelievable in the natural realm. And yet, such is the awesome power of our God!

When I was a young woman in my twenties, I was continually sick with strep throat. In fact one year I had strep throat seven different times in seven months. At the time we were a struggling young couple with little income and no insurance. Spending money to go to the doctor was quite a sacrifice; groceries or medicine that was always the question. And now, frustratingly, here I was again with another case of strep throat. What to do? The doctor had recommended the removal of my tonsils some time ago, but lack of insurance had quickly ended that alternative. Frustrated I went to the bathroom mirror, opened my mouth widely, and peered inside. White pockets were visible on the right side of my throat and I noticed that swallowing was nearly unbearable. Not again I thought, as I sighed and sat down on the bed. Tears began to trickle down my cheeks and after a little while, seeking comfort, I pulled out my Bible and began to read. My eyes scanned the page and fell promptly on Mark 11:23 (KJV):

‘For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

The words on the page seemed to pop out at me and I hastily read them over and over again. Everything happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to allow the doubts of the world to enter my mind or to listen to the doubts or concerns of others. I just dared to believe what the Word of God stated and what I had just read. I eagerly sat up in the center of my bed, Indian style at that, and began speaking aloud to God. I began to tell Him what I know He already knew:

“Father I have little to no money, a newborn baby, and I have had strep throat seven times in seven months. However, I know that You can heal me according to Your Word and I am asking you to heal me now by the power of your Spirit.”

I repeated the scripture, Mark 11:23, over and over again aloud, in belief and in desperation. Suddenly I felt a gentle nudge and realized that my body was falling back on the bed. A warm rush of heat flushed the right side of my throat and I knew instantly that I had been healed. I sat up quickly and ran to the bathroom mirror with my mouth opened wide. The white pockets that were lining my throat were gone! They had disappeared! I swallowed multiple times with no pain at all and then began rejoicing, weeping and praising the Lord.

Since receiving that special healing touch from God, I have never had strep throat again. In fact, I have even managed to keep my tonsils as well. That experience opened me to a new realm of belief that has allowed me to experience multiple healings throughout my life by the Spirit of God, for myself and for many others. God moved a mountain for me that day and I don’t know exactly all the reasons why. But this much I do know, God showed me His glory that day and He showed me that He is true to His Word and He wants us to dare to believe!

Many believers spend time praying to God about their mountain. They describe the mountain in full detail to God. They inform God of the exact dimensions of the mountain. They even cry and moan to God about what a hindrance or impossibility the mountain is in their life.

Some people use the “mountain” as an excuse for nonperformance in their Christian life. Other people make up doctrines and traditions about God, to justify why the mountain is still in their life. Repositioning mountains or islands on the earth as stated in Revelation 6:14; this is nothing for Our God. The creator who made the earth could certainly choose to relocate mountains or islands or any parts He chooses. His power is endless and His Word is always true! I believe that God is just waiting for us to come in His authority and to speak to the mountains in our own life and to tell them to be removed!
So speak to your Mountains my friends!

And Dare to Believe!

Be Reconciled

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“Go and be reconciled.” Mt 5:24 NIV

A college professor who was teaching on the high cost of unforgiveness asked each of her students to bring a sack of potatoes to class. For each person they refused or were unable to forgive, they had to select a potato and write the date on it beside that person’s name. Then for a month, without fail, they had to carry that sack of potatoes with them everywhere they went. After lugging those sacks around for a while each student began to recognize how much weight they were carrying; the amount of energy it took to focus on their bag; and that they had to be careful not to leave it in the wrong place. Eventually, as the potatoes began to rot and stink, they realized that getting rid of them was the only smart thing to do. Imagine for a moment how many potatoes you might be forced to carry in a similar experiment. Even one potato would become foul and burdensome after a time. Jesus said, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt 6:14-15). How would you like God to forgive you in the same way you forgive others? If that thought makes you uncomfortable, then do something beyond yourself. Don’t depend on your desire and ability to forgive others. Be obedient to God. Ask the Spirit of God to work through you to empower you to forgive!

A reflection on the simplicity of Obedience…

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When I was a young child in school, I loved when teachers would offer “extra credit.” While many subjects came very easy to me, others required more attention. Early on I discovered the power of “extra credit.” Those subjects I liked and enjoyed I would study and prepare more readily. However, those subjects I deemed unappealing, I would find myself procrastinating and seeking short cuts to completing the assignments. When teachers would allow me, I would do something extra or turn in an additional assignment to show them that I was really trying. Often the extra credit paid off and would be reflected in my grades as well as affecting their view of me. As students we used to call it “playing the game”, finding short cuts and essentially manipulating favor with teachers. I didn’t think of it that way at the time. After all, everyone did it. Some believers are like that in their spiritual walk with Christ. Are you playing a game with God and trying to manipulate His favor?

 

Rather than following God’s simple requirements to pray and read the Bible daily, go to church, and love your family, many choose the “extra credit” sacrifice. I’ve known Christians who attend church only on holidays, serve one time in prison ministry or volunteer one time a year in children’s church and talk about it for years to come as if they’ve earned ” extra credit” with God, as well as favor with other people around them. Instead of sharing the proverbial “fish tale”, they continuously share the “extra credit” tale of how they earned points with God. We like “extra credit” because it helps us get noticed by those around us. However, the most powerful people in the kingdom of God are not those who do sensational acts to get in the spotlight, but those who are consistent in their walk of faith. God wants our daily obedience.

 

According to Scripture, we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We need to seek and obey God every day. He has given each one of us an assignment and if we are willing to obey Him daily, we can fulfill that assignment.

 

When we start obeying God, we will see His power released in our lives. Maybe your marriage needs healing, your family needs reconciling, or whatever the circumstance, if you have sinned and fallen away from God, don’t try to earn “extra credit” with Him, just go back to the simplicity of repentance and daily obedience to His word. He is faithful and just to strengthen and receive you.

Resolving to Sow Mercy and Grace

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We are told in Galatians that we will reap what we sow. If we want to reap grace, we must sow it. If we want to receive mercy, we must sow mercy. In relation to this, let us resolve to show grace to those who may see things differently than we do. Let us also resolve to always be humbly open to correction. That does not mean we automatically change our position because some disagree with us, but let us remain open and check out their position to see if there is truth we need to receive.

 

Some of the worst divisions in the body of Christ are between those who agree on 99% but disagree on one thing and then divide over it. This is extremism—a root of deception. This root is often the result of immaturity, instability, or insecurity. Even so, I don’t consider myself wise enough to judge other people’s motives without clear evidence. If I had endured their life experiences, I might be in much worse shape than they are. Therefore, I resolve to sow grace and mercy whenever I can, while not compromising my own convictions without clear biblical evidence that I need to.

 

In Philippians 1:9-10, we have a basic truth required for discerning truth:

 

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;

 

We will not discern anything or anyone correctly without love. Love is the basis of “real knowledge,” and “all discernment.” More importantly than knowing someone’s life experiences, and judging from that, is having love for them. I may disagree with their doctrines or positions, but if I do not sincerely love them, I will not claim to understand why they believe as they do. Why is this important?

 

We are called to love our enemies. Giving others mercy and grace for believing the way they do, even while continuing to disagree with them, can help us love them. This is how we will come to a true understanding of them. “Understanding” comes from the term to “stand under” someone else’s position. We are called to make disciples of all nations, and we cannot disciple anyone we do not understand.

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts on Perspective

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In 2013, my husband and I traveled to both Israel and Jordan. While in Israel we had the opportunity to actually swim in the Dead Sea. It is so buoyant from the vast amount of salt deposits that you can actually float continuously in the water. Many believe that the Dead Sea is a dead thing, useless and without value. As you might expect, one’s first thoughts of the Dead Sea don’t exactly bring to mind wealth or abundant natural resources. In fact the name alone, the “Dead” Sea, would steer away most people from perceiving it to have any evident value at all. However, the Dead Sea’s unusual buoyancy might well suggest that the region is more than a pool of undrinkable water in the middle of a desert. In fact, in 1935 G.T.B. Davis wrote, “One is almost staggered by the computed wealth of the chemical salts of the Dead Sea. It is estimated that the potential value of the potash, bromine, and other chemical salts of its waters is four times the wealth of the United States”. With that revelation our perception of the Dead Sea now changes to an item of significant value. It is interesting isn’t it, the power of perception and its rapid shift when money or another’s influence is involved? Our core values and convictions mold our perception. If our core values and convictions are skewed with untruths, then our perceptions are not valid. We must first make sure that our core convictions are consistent with the truth that God has revealed to us in His Word. Reading the Bible requires that we change our perspective. Therefore, since man’s perspective will always be limited, we need God’s perspective in everything we do. As we pray for God’s perspective in our decision-making, our minds are enlightened with His revelation allowing us to see things more readily in His truth:

 

  • While we see a man struggling to find work to maintain his family, God sees a man sharpening his skills and strengthening his courage.
  • While we see a woman overwhelmed with stress and worry, God sees a confident, strong woman emerging from the ashes of tragedy and sorrow.
  • While we see a pitiful, helpless individual without an address or a phone number, God sees someone on the verge of beginning a new life.

 

I frequently ask myself, am I working from a position of man’s perspective or from God’s perspective? And then I pray that God will align my thinking to His thinking, and that His perspective will be my perspective; when I pray, when I read the Bible or when I disciple others. Only His perspective is without flaw. Only His perspective is the foundation of truth.