Eric Smith Blog

A Muslim Encounters Jesus

2011-03-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

A GREAT testimony:

Paralyzed Pastor's Wife Walks

2011-02-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

Delia Knox was paralyzed from the waist down in an automobile accident on Christmas Day 1987. Recently at a revival service in Mobile, Alabama, led by Pastor John Kilpatrick - she got out of her wheel chair and walked for the first time since that December day in 1987.

Delia, a pastors wife and worship leader herself in the Mobile area, was known for leading worship from her wheel chair with her powerful voice. But in this Youtube video below, you can hear her tell Evangelist Nathan Morris that she can feel his hands on her legs as he was praying for her healing and she then gets out of her wheel chair and begins walking for the first time in over 22 years:

Delia said that all she wanted for Christmas were new shoes! Watch this next video as she returns to the stage of the place where she was healed - singing and walking across the stage wearing high heels:

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 21

2011-01-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.… Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. —Luke 4:1–2, 14–15, NIV

Fasting and prayer are essential to receiving a clear vision of God’s specific path for our lives. Many times after a season of prayer and fasting we have a more defined understanding of the part we play in the body of Christ, as well as a greater sense of our particular spiritual giftings (1 Corinthians 12). Fasting and prayer are essential to receiving a clear vision of God’s specific path for our lives.

We learn a lot from observing the circumstances surrounding the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry (Luke 4).
Notice that He went into the desert “full of the Holy Spirit.” However, He returned to Galilee “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Being full of the Spirit is to know God and His character; walking in the power of the Spirit is when we know that we have the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will.

The power of the Spirit is essential for us to accomplish the assignment God has for us. God could be leading you to fast so that you can receive His specific instructions for your life. He will empower you not just to know Him but to walk in His power to accomplish what He has called you to do. That’s exciting!

A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at one time to sustain life for a week. We must draw upon God’s boundless store of grace from day to day, as we need it. —D. L. Moody

Prayer Focus: Are there areas of your life that need more clarity? Are you walking in the power of the Spirit and living in God’s purpose for your life? Write down those things God is speaking to you. As you conclude your fast, pray that God continually reveals His purpose and gives you ever-increasing clarity and strength to walk it out.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 20

2011-01-28T03:50:00.000-08:00

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. —Luke 5:37–38, NLT

Two things that do not mix are new wine and old wineskins. The reason is simple: old wineskins cannot grow and stretch to hold the new wine. The new wine God wants to fill you with is a picture of God’s Spirit, and this wine is expansive. A container that is dead, dry, stiff, and shrinking cannot be trusted as a storehouse for God’s valued treasure. Our vessels must be prepared for the fresh, dynamic, living presence of God, because everything we do will flow from that.

God’s new wine always changes us by expanding our faith, enlarging our purpose, and bringing renewed vision. This preparation comes through prayer and fasting, during which we produce a container that is ready for the new thing God wants to do. God’s new wine always changes us by expanding our faith, enlarging our purpose, and bringing renewed vision.

God is not into old wineskins; it is up to us to shed them. As we seek Him in this season, let’s shed the old wineskin and ask God to fully prepare our hearts for what’s to come.

God became man to turn creatures into sons; not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man. —C. S. Lewis

Prayer Focus: What has caused you to shrink back in your expectation of what God wants to do in your life? Are you ready to be expanded beyond recognition? That’s what God’s new wine will do in and through you. Pray that the Lord will expand your life to glorify Him, giving you boldness to step out and be used by Him.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 19

2011-01-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. —Luke 4:14

After praying and fasting for forty days, Jesus returned to Galilee empowered to do all the Father had called Him to do. Jesus was so powerful in public because He was so prayerful in private. To accomplish the assignments God has for our lives, we also need the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. God does not expect us to go through the challenges of life without this power. Prayer and fasting bring us to the place where we can power up. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is living with a comprehension of the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will. Jesus was so powerful in public because He was so prayerful in private.

Through prayer and fasting, God can prepare us for what lies ahead. We might not know what obstacles we’re going to face, but we can know that God will be faithful to us. He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will empower us to meet whatever challenges life may bring.

Every movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure. —D. L. Moody

Prayer Focus: Today as you worship God in prayer, let Him know that you refuse to go into the future without His power and that you want all the spiritual resources He has for you.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 18

2011-01-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” John 11:43, NIV

The story of Lazarus’s death and resurrection reflects the power of Jesus’ spoken word. Jesus was so in tune with the will of His Father that He already knew in His heart the miracle that was about to take place, but His words spoke the miracle into existence.

While prayer is our declaration of our dependence on God, our spoken words can be the manifestation of what’s happening in our hearts. There is power in our spoken words, whether they are used to build up or tear down. It is important to keep our heart filled with the truth from God’s Word so that our words will produce good fruit. While prayer is our declaration of our dependence on God, our spoken words can be the manifestation of what’s happening in our hearts. As you seek God in prayer ask Him for discernment to know a need and the words to help someone today. Pray that your words would be encouraging, edifying, and aligned with the truth of God’s Word. Building others up around us with our words allows us to be God’s instrument to accomplish His good work.

The key to praying with power is to become the kind of persons who do not use God for our ends but are utterly devoted to being used for His ends. —John Piper

I am persuaded that love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ and the brightest evidences that He is indeed our Master. —John Newton

Prayer Focus: As God continues to fill you through this season of prayer and fasting, He wants to take what is now in your heart and share it with others. How can you use the power of your spoken words to speak God’s truth in the lives of others?

Source: awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 17

2011-01-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. —Matthew 6:10, KJV

We have all heard the phrase, “just like heaven on earth.” When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:9–13, He provided some insight into what “heaven on earth” might look like. In reality, heaven is a place where God’s will reigns supreme. If we want to have a taste of heaven on earth, then our prayer should be like Jesus’: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…” The purest motivation for our prayers is that
God will be glorified and that His will would reign supreme in our lives, just as it does in heaven. On a more personal level, we can pray that His will be unhindered in our own life. Rather than imposing His will upon us, God gives us the choice to surrender to it with trust and gladness. As we yield to the Lordship of Christ over
every area of our lives, we come into agreement with Him. We experience alignment with heaven and position ourselves to taste a little bit of heaven here on earth. The purest motivation for our prayers is that God will be
glorified and that His will would reign supreme in our lives, just as it does in heaven.

God’s will then becomes what we desire and the thing we most seek after. We enter into the incredible adventure of participating in God’s plan to move His kingdom forward on the earth. This is where we find the most fulfilling and joyous life, but it all starts with one personal “yes, Lord” on our part.

All that God is, and all that God has, is at the disposal of prayer. Prayer can do anything that God can do, and as God can do everything, prayer is omnipotent. —R. A. Torrey

Our prayers lay the track down on which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails. —Watchman Nee

Prayer Focus: What does God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven” look like in your life? Do the desires of your heart line up with the will of God? As we seek God together, let’s pray as Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

Source: awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 16

2011-01-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. Mark 1:12–13.

Even Jesus disconnected from the world to fast and pray. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell of Jesus going to the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. They also describe other times when Jesus pulled away from the demands of the crowds, His ministry, and even His closest friends to pray.

There are times that we, too, need to pull away from the things of the world and focus on God. “The things of the world” can certainly include more than just food. In fact, in our world they are more likely television, movies, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, and the Internet. None of these things are wrong in and of themselves, but they are avenues for a mental and spiritual crowd to gather around us and drown out the Holy Spirit’s voice.

Fasting is a means of disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and consciously choosing to bring God into greater focus. Giving up physical nourishment is the first step in engaging that process. If you think about it, though, in day-to-day life we nourish our souls as well as our bodies. We do so through reading, talking, socializing, playing, and entertainment. When our souls are full of those things, we often don’t hunger for God.

Fasting is a means of disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and consciously choosing to bring God into greater focus. During this time of fasting, we are sure to feel physical hunger, but let’s be intentional about cultivating spiritual hunger as well. Let’s draw away from the crowd and lay aside for a season the activities we use to nourish our souls. Instead let’s enter a state of spiritual hunger, a craving for righteousness. Jesus said that being spiritually hungry is a blessed state, because there we can be sure of being filled with food that truly satisfies our deepest needs (Matthew 5:6).

Prayer is reaching out and after the unseen; fasting, letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepens, confirms the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God. —Andrew Murray

Prayer Focus: During this time, you will find that being still before the Lord will set you in a place of increased strength, peace, and hunger for God. Are you disconnected from things that nourish your body and soul? What do you need to deny yourself to make this a powerful time in your life?

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 14

2011-01-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant.” —1 Kings 18:36

The sacrifice referenced above was a declaration that Elijah was a servant of the Most High God. Elijah belonged to God, and he represented God to the people. However, Elijah’s boldness was not a result of who he was; it was the result of knowing God!

As children of God under the New Covenant, we don’t have to be timid or fearful when coming to God in prayer. We can approach Him boldly. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:16, AMP)

It’s intimidating to think about taking a fearless, confident, bold attitude when coming before God in prayer. Yet this is exactly what we are admonished to do! God has already settled the issue of our access to Him, but we can be assured our access is not because of our own righteousness. It’s because of what Jesus did on the cross. We can come to the throne in such outrageous boldness because Jesus was outrageously righteous! When we pray, we come to God in the authority of Jesus’ name, and we can be confident that we will find grace, mercy, and perfectly timed help.

Fasting is not an end of itself; it is a means by which we can worship the Lord and submit ourselves in humility to Him. We don’t make God love us any more than He already does if we fast, or if we fast longer. Fasting involves God in the problem. Then in the strength of God, victory is possible. —Elmer L. Towns

Prayer Focus: Do you approach God with timidity or confidence? Seek God boldly today knowing you are fully forgiven and Jesus has made you righteous. When you approach God in prayer, seek a fresh revelation of who He is in your life.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 13

2011-01-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” 1 Kings 18:43–44, NLT

“How do I know God is going to say yes to my prayers?”

This is a common question many people have as they seek a confident prayer life. However, it’s important to recognize that prayer is not just about the answer; it’s also about glorifying God in the process of waiting for the answer. It is our responsibility to check our motives and believe God hears us.

We see an example of the process of prayer in this story of Elijah (1 Kings 18). Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain to pray for rain to come. As he waited for the rain, he continued to pray, believing God would answer. When he finally saw a small cloud, he told Ahab to get ready because the rain was coming. Elijah knew what to pray for, and God heard him the first time he prayed. But there was preparation that needed to take place in order for Elijah to receive the answer to his prayer. Prayer is not just about the answer; it’s also about glorifying God in the process of waiting for the answer.

It is no mistake that God waited until Elijah had prayed seven times before He answered. In the Bible, seven represents completion. In this story, seven represents the completion of God’s process regarding Elijah’s prayer request. God does not want merely to answer our prayers; He wants to spend time with us to prepare us for the answer that will come. Many times we want to skip over the process involved in engaging God in prayer as we wait for our answer. But it is this very process that works maturity in us and prepares us for the answers our prayers bring (James 1:4). The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came.

Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory. —R. A. Torrey

Prayer Focus: What prayers of yours are still awaiting an answer? Throughout this fast, thank God for His process at work in you…and trust Him.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 12

2011-01-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. James 1:6, KJV

What do you expect when you pray?

When we pray with earnest expectation, we are exercising our faith. The earnest prayer of righteous people produces powerful results (James 5:16, NLT), and the most earnest prayers come from us when we recognize our need for God.

There can be a natural tendency to shrink back when praying for the seemingly impossible, but we must remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). If we know the promises that God has given us, and understand His character and the principles by which He works, we can pray with confidence and trust Him for the answer. The most earnest prayers come from us when we recognize our need for God. What has caused you to waver in your expectation with God? James reminds us that faith and wavering are actually
contradictory—James says “nothing wavering.” Know that God never wavers in His love for you. You can trust Him completely.

There is no way that Christians, in a private capacity, can do so much to promote the work of God and advance the kingdom of Christ as by prayer. —Jonathan Edwards

When we depend upon organizations, we get what organizations can do; when we depend upon education, we get what education can do; when we depend upon man, we get what man can do; but when we depend upon prayer, we get what God can do. —A. C. Dixon

Prayer Focus: What are you trusting God for in this season? How can you line up your expectations with the Word of God when you pray? Find promises in His Word that answer your need and write them down today.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 11

2011-01-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. —Romans 8:5–6

Have you ever looked at the top of your refrigerator or in the deep recesses of your couch cushions and noticed the filth that has built up over time? Even though we might clean on a regular basis, there are times when we need to go…a little deeper. We realize that what appeared to be clean on the surface was in all actuality, quite filthy. The same thing can happen spiritually. As we go about our daily lives, there are things that can build up over time. Even if we worship, pray, and read our Bible regularly, the different temptations, pressures, and cares of this world can build up quietly and end up consuming our lives. Without even realizing it, we can lose our peace, joy, and passion for the things of God. Our service to God, which used to fill us with life and excitement, becomes a tiresome duty that we must fulfill.

Fasting is the deep cleaning that helps us take our minds off of the things of this world and instead have a refreshed focus on the things of the Spirit. Fasting offers an incredibly effective way to get into the nooks and crannies of our souls and bring all those dusty old habits, broken mindsets, and rusty attitudes out into the light of God’s truth. Fasting is the deep cleaning that helps us take our mind off of the things of this world and instead have a refreshed focus on the things of the Spirit.

In fasting and prayer, our service to God returns to something we want to do rather than something we have to do. One of the reasons for fasting is to know what is in us.… In fasting it will come out. You will see it. And you will have to deal with it quickly or smother it again. —John Piper

Prayer Focus: As you pray and fast today, ask God to show you any areas where you could use a refreshed spiritual focus. Pray as David did in Psalm 51:10–12 that God will cleanse your heart, renew your spirit, and restore the joy of your salvation. Pray with confidence, knowing that He wants to fill you with His life and peace.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 10

2011-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”… And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. —Matthew 17:5, 8, NLT

On the Mount of Transfiguration three disciples had an experience that showed us the Father’s plan for the New Covenant. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to the top of a mountain where He was transfigured into His glorified state. Up until this point, the Jews had related to God through the Law—represented by Moses and the prophets, one being Elijah. Inspired by what he was seeing, Peter eagerly offered to erect three tabernacles—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Then a loud voice from heaven was heard: “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”

When the disciples looked up, they saw only Jesus. You cannot earn God’s pleasure, but you can experience it to a greater degree as you follow Jesus Christ. On that mountain God made it clear that we will only discover His pleasure by following Jesus. God’s grace is freely given to those who receive new life in Him. Sometimes, though, there are areas of our lives where we do not fully embrace God’s grace. There may be circumstances or areas where we still try to earn our way to the Father. You cannot earn God’s pleasure, but you can experience it to a greater degree as you follow Jesus Christ. As you seek God today, ask Him for a greater revelation of Jesus in your heart. Then will you be reminded that you are a beloved child of God. And that He finds pleasure in you.

If heaven were by merit, it would never be heaven to me, for if I were in it I should say, “I am sure I am here by mistake; I am sure this is not my place; I have no claim to it.” But if it be of grace and not of works, then we may walk into heaven with boldness. —Charles H. Spurgeon

Prayer Focus: How does understanding the New Covenant of grace change the focus of your fast? As you pray and seek after God, let His be the loudest voice you hear.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 9

2011-01-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

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

Fervency speaks to our level of intensity, passion, and persistence. Many times, we can lose our passion in prayer or stop praying for certain things altogether because we lose heart or give up. But God invites us to keep them before Him and trust Him for an answer in His time (Matthew 7:7–11). The Old Testament prophet Elijah practiced a lifestyle of fervent, intense prayer and witnessed incredible miracles in his lifetime. In the book of Kings, the story is told of a woman whose only son became ill and died (1 Kings 17:17– 24).

When Elijah heard the news, he quickly took action and did what he knew best—he fervently cried out to God. Elijah fully believed that God could bring the boy back to life, and he prayed not just once but three times that the boy’s soul would return to him. He prayed fervently and repeatedly and he wasn’t going to give up. This was the result: “Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived” (verse 22).

Many times, we can lose our passion in prayer or stop praying for certain things altogether because we lose heart or give up. But God invites us to keep them before Him and trust Him for an answer in His time. Elijah’s prayer was answered through his persistence and fervency. God hears your prayers as well and will bring an answer in His perfect timing. But don’t be discouraged or disheartened if the answer takes time to arrive or is not exactly what you expected. Commit to praying to God with passion and persistence, trusting the answer will come in God’s perfect way at the perfect time. We must never forget that the highest kind of prayer is never the making of requests.

Prayer at its holiest moment is the entering into God, to a place of such blessed union as it makes miracles seem tame and remarkable answers to prayer appear something very far short of wonderful by comparison. —A. W. Tozer

Prayer Focus: As you close out this first week, continue to pray fervently for the main areas of concern.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 7

2011-01-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:18–20, NLT.

There’s an internal war that rages within each of us. Paul described this so well in Romans 7. Though we desire to do the right thing, we don’t have the power to do so in our own efforts and we mess up. The good news is that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to make right decisions. We don’t have to be dominated by our sinful nature and end up doing the things we don’t want to do. But the only way we can live this kind of life is by yielding to the Holy Spirit and relying on the strength of Jesus Christ, not our own.

When we’re facing struggles, we must rely on God’s power alive within us through the Holy Spirit. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit resides in us and places in us the desire to do what is pleasing to God (Hebrews 10:16). The Holy Spirit always wants to do what is right and to uphold the perfect will of God, pleasing the Father in every way. When we’re facing struggles, we must rely on God’s power alive within us through the Holy Spirit. It is our job to lay down our stubborn fleshly will and yield to the will of God. In that moment, the Holy Spirit will be there to help us. Let’s learn to yield to and become totally reliant upon the Holy Spirit.

[Prayer] turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God. —Samuel Chadwick

Prayer Focus: Are there areas in your life causing an internal struggle? Make a decision today to yield to the Holy Spirit and lean on His strength, not your own, and to overcome obstacles of sin and selfishness in your life. Surrender and release those areas to God, knowing He will help you.

Source: awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 6

2011-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a personal visit with God? What would He say about the state of humanity? about religion? about our propensity toward sin? There is no need to wonder about what God is like or would say, because to know Him, we have only to look at Jesus. In Jesus we have received grace, but there is even something more we have received: truth. The kind of truth John spoke of in today’s scripture is not a list of laws and rules such as were given to Moses. Make no mistake—the revelation of God through the word of the Law was glorious. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after receiving the ten commandments, his face shone so brightly with the glory of God that he had to wear a veil (Exodus 34:33-35). But the word of the Law cannot compare with the word of life that has been revealed through Jesus Christ!

In John 1:18 we learn that no one, not even Moses, has ever seen God. But Jesus has not only seen God—He is God. The truth that John was speaking about is a clear and unveiled vision of the true nature of God. It is from a state of grace, not legalism, that we will find real and lasting transformation. Looking at God through the lens of legalism and religion is like looking at Him through a veil. Only when we see Him though Jesus Christ can we truly get a glimpse into His heart. It is from a state of grace, not legalism, that we will find real and lasting transformation (2 Corinthians 3:7–18).

I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am. —John Newton

Prayer Focus: Have you been looking at God through the veil of legalism and religion? In Jesus, we see the full revelation of the nature of God: His love and holiness, mercy and justice, compassion and power all perfectly and beautifully expressed. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you see God through the eyes of grace and truth given to us in Jesus Christ.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 5

2011-01-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3

In the heart of every believer is the desire to walk closely with God. We know that He, too, desires a close relationship with each one of us. A key to having a strong level of spiritual intimacy with God is living in agreement with His will for your life. In Genesis 5:22, we read of Enoch and see that his life modeled a long journey, walking consistently with God, for it says, “Enoch walked with God three hundred years.” Enoch lived a powerful life. He was a man who walked in agreement with God’s will and lived a life pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:5). The level of our agreement with God will determine the degree of closeness in our walk with Him. It is one thing to know God’s will for our lives; it’s another to live in agreement with His will. In order to enjoy the best life that God has for us, we must first understand that God does not change, but we sometimes must. Let’s earnestly seek to know and agree with God’s will. The level of our agreement with God will determine the degree of closeness in our walk with Him.

I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled. —D.L. Moody

Prayer Focus: Pray today that you can walk in agreement with God and enjoy the life He desires you to have in Christ.

Source: www.awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 4

2011-01-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:18–21.

When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will; by praying and fasting, we are the ones changed. Coming into alignment with God helps us curb our doubts and fears. When we pray and fast, the thing that leaves—the thing that goes out—is our unbelief. It is when we have faith to believe that we can pray with confidence and know that “nothing will be impossible.” When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will; by praying and fasting, we are the ones changed.

Ask God to strengthen your heart to fully believe Him and His Word. It is okay to recognize and acknowledge if you struggle with unbelief. That’s the first step in allowing God to strengthen your faith and bring you into alignment with His plan for your life. Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do.

Expect…“above all that we ask or think.” —Andrew Murray

Prayer Focus: What do you need faith to believe for? Align yourself with God’s Word and will during this fast. Release your unbelief. Pray with confidence, knowing “nothing will be impossible” for you.

FASTING TIP:

On the third day of your fast, you may experience a headache, flu-like achiness, intense sugar or carb cravings, slight nausea, or fatigue. This is a normal response to detoxification, so make sure you allow yourself some time to rest and keep your fluid intake high. The fourth day is usually much better physically, so hang in there!

Source: awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 3

2011-01-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Have you ever been searching for a radio station only to be frustrated by finding static rather than music? You then focus to fine tune the dial again, and suddenly you hear a clear signal. The fact is, the signal always existed on the airwaves; the only difference is that now you have adjusted your tuner to the right frequency.

In our hectic lives, there are so many signals bombarding our senses that it can become difficult to distinguish God’s voice from the deafening “static noise” of life. Fasting enables us to tune out the world’s distractions and tune in to God. As we fast, we deny our flesh. When we deny our flesh, we become more in tune to the Holy Spirit and can hear God’s voice more clearly. If you truly listen for God’s voice, you will hear it. When you hear it, it will build faith within you.

If you desire to tune out the static of life and really tune into the voice of God, come to Him first and foremost with ears that are willing to listen and a heart that is ready to obey what he says. (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 66:2) The more we practice being in His presence, the clearer and more recognizable His voice becomes.

In this time of fasting, what is your mind tuned to? What distractions do you need to remove so that you can focus on God? Prepare your heart to hear the voice of God, and ask God to help you remove distractions that keep you from focusing on Him and hearing Him clearly.

Source: awake21.org

Daniel Fast Devotional Day 2

2011-01-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

Matthew 17:18-21: “And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, that if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will. By praying and fasting, we are the ones changed. Coming into alignment with God helps us curb our doubts and fears. When we pray and fast, the thing that leaves -the thing that “goes out”–is our unbelief. It is when we have faith to believe, that we can pray with confidence and know that “nothing will be impossible” as we live to bring glory to God.

Ask God to strengthen our hearts to fully believe Him and believe His word. It is okay to recognize and acknowledge if you struggle with unbelief. It’s the first step in allowing God to strengthen your faith and bring you into alignment with His plan for your life.

What is it that you need faith to believe for? Align yourself with God’s Word and will during this fast. Release your unbelief. Pray with confidence, knowing “nothing will be impossible for you.

Source: awake21.org

Baby Dedications

2010-12-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for ways to make baby dedications an even more special moment for all involved. I came across the idea of giving a letter to the baby to be opened on their 12th birthday. The child's letter is sealed - and I give a copy to the parents as well. Here's the letter:

Date ________

Dear (babies name):

Happy Birthday! I gave this letter to your parents the day that they dedicated you to the Lord at Destiny Church, Huber Heights – so they could give it to you today. As you read this letter, you are celebrating your 12th birthday. I hope today is a very special day for you. God blessed you with two very special parents. They prayed for you during your mother’s pregnancy.

Earlier today at your dedication, we reminded your parents of their responsibility to provide for you a home in which Christ is honored. We prayed that you would grow up learning God’s love and that one day you would accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.

Now you are 12 years old. Your parents have made most of life’s important decisions for you until now. There is one decision only you can make. You alone must decide how to respond to God’s love for you in Jesus. If you have already received Jesus as your Savior, I pray that you will continue to grow in God – just as Jesus did in Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

I pray that you will stay close to Jesus in the years ahead and continue to seek Him with all of your heart. If you have not yet received Jesus as Savior, I urge you to put your trust in Him today. This has been our prayer for many years.

May God bless you on this special birthday.

In Christ’s love,

Eric B. Smith

Pastor

More Christmas Sermons

2010-12-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Another scaled down Christmas sermon outline:

Sermon Title: Make Haste

Scripture Passage: Luke 2:6-17

INTRO:

There are normally two responses to divine encounters in scripture; unawareness and fear. And often times God encounters are often missed out on today because of the same reasons. But in this awesome passage we see that the shepherds were very fearful to start with here – but I love what verse 16 says - And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. And they came with haste.

I like it when people make haste after God.

The shepherds could have missed a moment – if they had waited, or doubted, or hem-hawed around – but they made haste. What was it about this most unlikely group to receive this news that caused them to make haste and not miss what God was doing? So many that we read about in this Word missed what God was doing. All through Jesus’ earthly ministry people missed the time of their visitation – but not the shepherds.

What can we learn from the shepherds?

1. They were able to transition quickly.

I hear people ask questions like – who stayed behind to watch the sheep? But then I think – who cares? You know what – doesn’t matter – whatever it took, whatever it meant for the shepherds to leave and head to the manger, whatever arrangements needed to be made – they made them. They didn’t drag their feet they went for it.

You see the reason why many folks miss revival or miss what God is doing miss what God is doing is because we become– transitionally challenged. Why are we transitionally challenged? Because for different reasons we become content with status quo.

Psalm 119:60 - I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Often it seems that churches, movements and individual believers can have an encounter with God, or have one great time in the altar with God – and then never bother to seek more from God.

In Ephesians 1 Paul speaking to the churches at Ephesus said, “I pray that you may have more wisdom and revelation. What does that tell us? It tells us that there is more of God to know. There is more of God to get a hold of. The Bible says that God want to take us from glory to glory. But many times instead of glory to glory – we become static in our relationship with God.

This happens to people and denominations. Instead of becoming a movement to the future - they can become monuments to the past. But the glory of Christmas is that the God of the universe wants to lead us from glory to glory – from encounter with Him to encounter.

2. They were able to recognize what God was doing.

Verse 15: So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

In summary the shepherds said, "God is doing something – let’s go see it."

They were able to recognize that God was doing something. They recognized that this was God.

What is so interesting to me is that for hundreds of years Israel prayed and cried out for God, they prayed for revival – so God sent Jesus and what happened – they killed Him. Why? They didn’t recognize Him. They didn’t recognize revival. God in the flesh shows up – but because he rode a donkey instead of a white horse into Jerusalem – because He wasn’t riding at the head of a conquering army like they thought He would be. Because He didn’t come the way they thought He would – they missed what God was doing.

Jesus pointed this out to them in Luke 19:43: "For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

We must be very careful that we don't miss what God is doing - it's possible to be very sincere in faith and miss what God is wanting to do.
In the history of the church each current revival or move of God persecutes the one that follows it. Reformers were burned at the stake because they believed a certain revelation that God had given them. Then the Anabaptists came along and believed that baptism should happen after you make your profession for Christ - they were persecuted by the Lutherans. Then the holiness movement springs up out of the Anabaptist movement and the Anabaptist's persecute the holiness movement – then the Pentecostal movement springs up out of the holiness movement and they are persecuted by the holiness movement. At the turn of the century if you were Pentecostal you were considered a cult member and the scum of the earth. My grandmother had rotten fruit thrown at her as she left church from time to time because of her Pentecostal faith. Pentecostal preachers were considered dangerous. Then the Pentecostal movement persecuted the Jesus movement, then the Jesus movement persecuted the charismatic movement, and on and on we go.

Jesus came with good tidings of great joy that were to all people – peace on earth – goodwill to man. The good news is that relationship with God is now possible. Who wouldn’t want that? Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to pursue that? It's time to have a heart like the shepherds did so long ago and make haste towards Him.

Christmas Sermons

2010-12-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of scaled down Christmas sermon outlines that I recently preached. Some pastors love preaching Christmas sermons, some don't - I'm in the 'love to' camp:

Sermon Title: Gifts
Scripture Passage: Matthew 2:11

INTRO: When Jesus ushered in the Kingdom of God - He not only fulfilled the Law and the prophets – He brought a whole new way of looking at things.

In the Kingdom you really do have to give in order to receive. If you want to go high – you have to go low. Jesus thought that there was enough food in the lunch of a little boy to feed thousands. It’s just how He thinks. He thinks if you want to live – you have to die. These are not just token inspirational thoughts – this is what a renewed mind – this is what a Kingdom perspective looks like. With Kingdom perspective a miracle is logical.

And with the coming Savior, came a new perspective on.

Matthew 2:11 - And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Some thoughts about giving:

1. The heart of Kingdom giving is worship.

Vs. 11 – And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.

Giving should never be done out of duty, obligation or compulsion – but rather from an understanding of giving is based in worship. Giving is never compartmentalized either. Giving as worship never says "I gave my time, so now I don’t need to give my resources". This is not Kingdom thinking. Because this act of worshipful giving affects every part of our lives. That type of thinking is Old Testament religious duty thinking – well I did my time here so that gets me off the hook in this area. Jesus introduced giving as a lifestyle of worship - illustrated by what the wise men did at His birth.

Jesus spoke to this when he dropped this epic verse on us in John 4:24:

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
He changed worship.

Worship was no longer going to come from religious conformity, or religious duty, or obligation – but now the worship God was seeking came from a genuine heart of love – it was given from the purity of an honest heart. That’s why Paul said giving can never come out of pressure or duty – but out of a heart that has encountered God that moves you to give. It’s just what you do – it’s like breathing. Kingdom giving is a grace that only belongs to the believer. It’s who we are – giving is what we are about.

Something else about Kingdom giving:

2. Something has to be opened before something can be given.

Vs. 11 – And when they had opened their treasures...

When they had opened their treasure – then they gave. Before giving could happen – a treasury of some type had to be opened up. Jesus talked about treasure.

Matthew 8:19-21: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Heart and treasure have the same exact zip code. We all have treasure to give out of. Has nothing to do with how much money you have or don’t have. One of the biggest misnomer’s about giving in the church today is that you have quote unquote ‘have to have extra money in order to give’. That’s false. Real giving starts when we cease to be able to afford what we are giving. Sometimes folks get hung up on percentages in tithing – this might be a better measuring stick – give a little more than you can truly afford – then you will be giving from your treasure.

We all have treasure – the question is does our treasure have us? Are you will to open your treasure like the wise men did?

Kingdom giving gives without regard of the thought – what I may benefit from this? Why? Because it comes from the heart.

Luke 6:45: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Kingdom giving asks, "What's in it for me?" If the answer is "nothing," then that means let’s give then!

Finally, in Kingdom giving:

3. There is a presentation.

Vs. 11 - they presented gifts to Him.

Notice they did the giving. They didn’t have their assistants give the gifts – they gave them. There was great honor and power in them presenting the gifts. The very act of giving is part of the gift - there is joy in the very act of presenting our gifts to Him.

Five Books

2010-11-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

Since I'm often asked about what books I'm reading and which ones I'd recommend (besides the Bible obviously) - I thought it was time to post a list of what I'd call my top five books that every Christian should read. This list is obviously highly subjective and is subject to change from time to time as the years pass and there are many others that I've read that are 'top five' quality to be sure. But these five books have impacted my life for various reasons and in various ways. To make my top five list a book must epically rock my spiritual world, increase my passion for Christ exponentially, and light fires in my heart to do more for God than I ever have before. With that criteria in mind - here is my list (in no specific order):

1. Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala. Cymbala is the founder and pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church. This book will epically rock your prayer life and build your faith.
2. When Heaven Invades Earth, Bill Johnson. This book will inspire and grow your faith to places you didn't know it could go - guaranteed. You will learn exactly what it means to not 'put God in a box'.
3. Tale Of Three Kings, Gene Edwards. Humility, brokenness, honoring others and dealing with authority in our lives. These qualities handled wrong are often the cause for division, broken relationships and church problems. This book will challenge you to grow in these crucial areas.
4. The Final Quest, Rick Joyner. This book is unusual in that it was a prophetic vision that the Lord gave to Joyner. I was first exposed to this book during a 'Shake the Nations' missions conference in the early 90's. I grabbed a copy - read it in a couple sittings - and then spent much time weeping before the Lord with my face in the carpet. Another book that will rock your prayer life.
5. God's Generals, Roberts Lairdon. There are actually three books currently in this series and I've read two so far and they have both moved me beyond words. Lairdon's research for these books was top notch and the stories of our fathers in the faith are incredibly inspiring and encouraging as well as very informative. I learned much and was greatly blessed. The two I've read are, God's Generals: Why They Succeeded And Why Some Failed; God's Generals: The Revivalists. I realize I have six books in my top five - but you can pick one of these two and not go wrong.

What books are in your top five?

Where Are The Men of God?

2010-07-07T14:33:00.000-07:00