Exploits for God

We Should Dominate

2012-02-21T15:29:00.002-05:00

Let me start by briefly discussing meditation. I'm simply can't overstate the importance of meditating God's Word. Read Joshua 1 and Psalm 1. Meditation is about repeating the scripture to yourself, focusing on different parts of it, and visualizing the words and images in your mind. Sure there may be other parts, but those are the basics. You can do this any time, but it really helps to do so in an atmosphere of quiet prayer and focus on God. Meditation opens the scripture to you in a supernatural way. Somehow your brain is triggered and influenced by the Holy Spirit to make associations and expand your understanding of the text. If you never meditate God's Word, I promise you are missing out. Meditating God's Word also opens you to the leading and voice of God's Spirit. Meditation leads to revelation.

I was recently meditating the general themes of my last post, God's Amazing Goodness. I thought about all God has done for us. He has given us His Spirit, the Name of Jesus, His love, faith, grace, His joy, His peace, the list goes on and on. I believe that while meditating God's Spirit spoke to me by way of revelation. Let me also note that when I say I received a revelation, that doesn't mean it's new or outside of scripture, it's simply a truth that has now been revealed to my spirit beyond the means of my physical senses. What is revealed to me today may be old news for you. But I do believe I'm supposed to share the revelation God gives me (and I would like to hear what God reveals to you).

I believe God said to me that, given everything He has done for us, we are equipped and empowered and we should dominate this life on the earth. That's right, I believe that by using the principles and realities of God and His Word we can dominate this life and every situation that comes our way. I don't mean that we dominate so we can be great; I mean we dominate so God's will can be done on the earth, as we are His ambassadors and the carriers of Jesus' ministry today.

I'm sure some of you are already rejecting this, but that's o.k. One time I heard Dr. Christian Harfouche, a minister I greatly respect, say something similar to the following, "I would rather raise up ten champions than thousands or ordinary, do nothing Christians." I'm determined to be a champion. I'm determined to do exploits for God. I hope you are too.

What more could we possibly need. Time would fail me to write of all God has done for us, to write of all God has promised us. As I mentioned earlier, another Dr. Harfouche quote, "We are not called to lay down and die, but to rise up and shine!" I'm not simply waiting for Heaven; I'm determined to use everything God has given me to see His will furthered on the earth.

You get the point. We have the Holy Spirit that will give us power and wisdom for every situation. If we will determine to walk according to His leading 100% of the time then there are simply no limits to what we could accomplish for God. I'm ready to put that statement into action, and I admit that has not been my life. But it will be now. That's a hard commitment, and I'm sure from time to time I will miss the mark, but I'm going to keep trying and I will get better at it by God's grace (favor and empowerment).

I had this revelation of domination several days ago, and then in Church on Sunday I considered it again. I thought to myself how this is sort of an ultimate revelation, that if Christians would take this we could change the world, and what further could we learn. But I knew that was wrong, even in my mind. I believe that is wrong because I think we could study the Bible for a million years and never learn all that is contained within, and thoughts on dominating this life are just the surface. Then God spoke to me again. He said, "If you simply grasped that, where you could succeed in every endeavor and not constantly focus on your own situations, just think of what I could then show you."

God's Amazing Goodness

2012-02-10T07:29:00.002-05:00

This morning I compiled a list of many wonderful things God has done for us and some of the wonderful realities of our Christianity. God is so awesome, marvelous, loving, I could go on and on. Take time to reflect and meditate on this list. It will stir your faith. If this doesn't get you excited, man you need to check your salvation or decide whether you believe the Bible. I also invite you to add to this list, if we really could see clearly, without the blinders of the flesh, we would see that this list would never end.

God loves us so much that He personally came, in the person of His perfect and only son Jesus Christ, to die for us, and because we believe in Jesus Christ we will never die and we have everlasting life (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19).

When we accept Jesus Christ we are born again spiritually, directly from God who becomes our literal father, and God’s seed is in us (John 3, Romans 8, 1 John 3:9).

When we are born again we exchange our sin for Jesus’ righteousness, and we become the very righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

We are placed in Christ and we are seated together with Christ at the right hand of God (Ephesians 2:6).

We therefore have full access to the presence of God now and can come boldly before Him, and we can always have confidence of our righteousness before Him (Hebrews 4:16, 1 John 4:17).

In addition to His righteousness, Jesus also gives us His joy and peace to help us in this world (John 15:11, John 14:27).

Jesus also gives us the right to use His Name, which is above every other name that is named, so that we stand in His place now, and have access to His full authority (John 14, Mark 16:17, Philippians 2:9).

Moreover God blesses us with every spiritual blessing that exists (Ephesians 1:3).

God also gives us the blessing of Abraham, and makes us heirs of the entire world (Galatians 3:14, Romans 4:13).

Even more, we are joint heirs with Christ of everything that belongs to God (Romans 8:17).

Because of Christ’ sacrifice for us, we have full access to the complete manifestation of all God’s promises now (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Every curse is removed from us, as is all the power of darkness, so that all God’s blessings might produce in our lives (Galatians 3:13, Colossians 1:13).

Specifically, because of what Christ did for us we can experience financial prosperity (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Christ also provided for our perfect physical health in this life (1 Peter 2:24).

God will give us everything because of His love and grace towards us (Romans 8:32).

God will even cover us with His favor and cause us to have favor with all people (Psalms 5:12).

Because we are righteous before God now, He can dwell inside us and He does so by His Spirit (John 14:26).

God’s Holy Spirit is inside us to give us Divine instruction, guidance and knowledge (John 14:26, John 16:13, Romans 8:14).

God’s Spirit reminds us of God’s Word and always points us to Jesus (John 14:26, John 15:26).

God’s Spirit will also conform us to the image of Christ, which is our destiny (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29).

God’s Spirit also helps us pray correctly so that we get results (Romans 8:26).

God’s Spirit even gives life and power to our physical bodies (Romans 8:11).

God gave us His Spirit even to help us see clearly those things God wants us to have and do (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Because the Holy Spirit is in us, God is always with us, and we will never be alone or without God (John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5).

God’s Spirit even gives us God’s love, so that we can love others and be a blessing to the world (Romans 5:5).

We can also be baptized into the Holy Spirit, so that we can receive a perfect prayer language and God’s miracle working power to bless the lives of others (Acts 1:8, Acts 2).

God even gives us His glory (John 17:22, Romans 9:23)! What God has done for us is the greatest expression of God’s wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

What God has done for us is the greatest expression of God’s love (Romans 5:8).

We couldn’t earn one bit of what God has done for us, all is a gift of His grace (Ephesians 2:5,8).

As the ages pile themselves one upon another, we will still be marveling at the never ceasing, limitless quality of God’s grace and kindness towards us (Ephesians 2:7).

And we will live forever with God in paradise (John 14:2, Luke 23:43).

HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD!

Rise and Shine to Good Works

2012-02-09T14:17:00.002-05:00

We've probably all heard the famous passage from Isaiah 60:1, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." What a wonderful passage of exhortation. We Christians know that Jesus Christ is The Light that has been given to us and has risen on us (John 1). Jesus said that God never lights a candle to keep it hidden, but puts it on display so that it gives light to everyone (Matthew 5:15). But we also know we have a choice. We must choose whether we will rise and shine. Jesus exhorted all of us by saying, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Ephesians 2:11 tells us that we were created in Christ unto good works which God has prepared for us. We now see, when taking the verses together, that we were created for good works which were meant for others to see so that they would glorify God. When we were born again into Christ we were empowered to do good works. Not just any good works, but good works God specifically prepared with us individually in mind. I can boldly say that it's the greatest desire of my life to do all the good works God has prepared for me. My destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ and to do these good works, and in Jesus' Name when I get to Heaven I will hear "well done good and faithful servant."

So my greatest desire is to see and do these good works. And by looking at 1 Corinthians 2 we see that our relationship with the Holy Spirit and our level of spiritual discernment are keys to seeing and doing these good works. I really love some of Joel Osteen's teachings in "Your Best Life Now" on this subject. I believe he rightly points out that God doesn't tell you to do things you can do in your own strength. God calls you up higher. God gives you assignments that you can't do without Him. God tells you to do things that will require supernatural wisdom and ability. The good works you are supposed to do require God's help, it's just that simple. You can't even recognize the works without the Holy Spirit, let alone do them without God!

But now I want to talk about boldness. I want to talk about rising up and shining before men. Proverbs 28:1 says that the righteous are bold as a lion. Glory to God! When you know who you are and Who is with you, then you aren't afraid of anything. Think about David as a young man. He knew God was with him, and that God was not with the uncircumcised Philistine Goliath. Therefore David knew he would have the victory. That's called righteous boldness my friends, and it's time we all started walking in it.

God showed me another example of this that absolutely strengthened my faith and resolve. In 2 Kings 5 we hear about an honorable man called Naaman. He was a Syrian warrior, but the Bible says that by Naaman God had protected Syria. Naaman was a leper and he heard that a prophet in Israel could heal him. So Syria's king writes a letter to Israel's king asking Israel's king to heal Naaman. Let's read from the text what happened:

"And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, 'Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? Wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.' And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." (2 Kings 5:7-8)

Do you see that? Look at the anointing with power and boldness that was on Elisha's life. "Bring me the Leper, he's going to know that God is alive and someone on earth operates in His wisdom and power." That's boldness. Elisha knew that God was with him and that God's power would be displayed on this leper through a miracle of healing.

I believe that's the anointing we need today. Does someone have a sickness, bring them to me and I will lay hands on them and see them recover. Do you have a difficult business situation, bring it to me and God's wisdom will come forth with guidance. What do you need, don't worry, I know God is with me and He will provide.

The end of the story is even more exciting. After Naaman is healed he is converted. He returns to Elisha, says that there is no God other than the God of Israel, and renounces any service to other gods. That's how it's supposed to work!

We must rise and shine so that men will see our good works (given to us by God for the blessing of others) and then men will glorify our Father in Heaven. They will come to us saying surely God is in us and there is no other God (Isaiah 45). This anointing with boldness and power will release God's power in the earth and men will come to His Light.

So develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Do that so you can clearly discern the good works God has prepared for you. Don't be afraid when you see them, God is with you to guide and empower you. Run to the battle like David. Do you see a friend or leader with a problem, that may be a good work God has prepared for you. As Elisha helped the king, so did Daniel rise and shine when the Babylonian King needed a dream interpreted. Daniel didn't say "I can't interpret dreams, let the people die." No, Daniel said give me a little bit of time, and I will show the king the interpretation.

Our Light has come, you know it and I know it. It's time to rise up boldly, with confidence in God, and do the good works God has prepared for us. This will bring glory to God, this will bring people to Christ.

Power Moves

2012-01-24T08:47:00.004-05:00

I first began seriously following Christ in May of 2004. It was then that I decided to surrender my life to Him and live by His ways. The following school year was my second year of law school. Sometimes after school I would come home and contact old friends to tell them about Jesus. Each week God would lay a few people on my heart and I would call or email them to witness.

I began reaching out to various friends and acquaintances, which got a bit strange in the natural, as you can imagine. But most of them had heard my life had radically changed. One afternoon I called this one guy. As the conversation began he said something I'll never forget. He said, "I heard you've been making power moves."

What a shocking thing for him to say. While maybe he didn't consciously think about all this, it seems He was acknowledging that I had made drastic changes in my life, that these changes had the potential to drastically improve my life, that these moves would increase my power in life, and that all this would come from my improved relationship with God. Sometimes people outside the church system say the most amazing things.

He was absolutely right, I was making power moves. I'm sure I mumbled something worthless and based in false humility in response, wanting to ensure the conversation focused on him and his salvation. But maybe now I would respond differently, in full agreement and inviting him to make the same moves. Now I fully understand that God forgave my sins (Colossians 1:14), gave birth to me Himself (1 John 5:1), made me His son (John 1:12), put His Spirit within me (Ephesians 1:13), and placed me in Christ seated at His right hand (Ephesians 2:6). Simply put, my accepting Christ was the single greatest power move I could ever make. I put myself in God's hands, and by His power He gave me a new life. "But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:12)

But there are other power moves we must make after accepting Christ, and these aren't one time moves. These other power moves must be made again and again for the rest of our lives. Every day we have the opportunity to make power moves. Do we take those opportunities? Are we making power moves? I know I don't make the right moves all the time, but by God's grace and direction, that's going to change.

Once you accept Christ you become perfectly accepted by God (Hebrews 10:14). Read that wonderful truth again. Jesus takes your sin, God forgives you, and you are given God's righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). You can come boldly before God (Hebrews 4:16), for God doesn't see you in your faults, He sees you in Jesus. He sees you in His Perfect Son and covered by Jesus' pure blood (Ephesians 2:13).

We can easily imagine what it would look like if God and Jesus approached each other in bodily form. God would tell Him, "Well done", God would embrace Him, and they would each shed a tear as they smiled. We can get that picture because we know Jesus is perfect and God loves Him completely and without reservation. But we must realize that, because we are in Christ, God feels the exact same way about us (John 17:23). We can run to God's presence, embrace Him, call His name, and speak with Him. God won't turn His face or yell at us to kneel. He will embrace us because in God's eyes we are now perfect because of what Jesus did.

The next power move we must make is daily running to God's presence to better know Him. We must speak with Him in prayer. We must worship Him. We must read His Word. As we are perfect in Christ, we are no longer trying to earn God's favor or blessing, we are already entitled. Rather, we are simply trying to know our wonderful God. And those who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32). The secret to power in this life is your relationship with God.

Philippians 2:13 says, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." That is the King James translation. Look at what the Amplified translation says, "For it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." The more God in your life, the more power, it's just that simple. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit brings God's power directly into our lives. Remember that Jesus said we would be filled with power from God (Luke 24:49). And 2 Timothy 1:7 says that we are given a Spirit of Power.

Jesus gives you the power to become God's child. Then God gives you the power to do His will.

I believe this last power move we will discuss is the key to seeing the full manifestation of the power that comes from the two moves already mentioned. This power move is surrendering ourselves to God and His will for our lives.

I hate to say it, but I really didn't want to call those people after school. Of course I wanted them saved, and I still do. I want all people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But I didn't want to look weird (and still don't, but too late). I didn't want them to think I'm crazy or end our friendships. But a major key to seeing the full manifestation of God's power in your life is doing what He wants you to do.

Is God going to fill you with His power so you can watch television? Is God going to fill you with His power so you can be a normal Sunday morning Christian who even tithes and goes to Bible study? No, God doesn't fill you with His power so you can go through the motions and just make it to Heaven. God doesn't give you His power so you can do what any human can do. God fills you with His power so you can use it just like Jesus did!

God says lay hands on the sick and see them recover (Mark 16:18). God says pray and whatever you ask for will be done for you (Mark 11:24). God says even whatever you say will come to pass (Mark 11:23). God says that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). God wants to fill you and use you. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father." (John 14:12)

Getting saved gets you God's righteousness and complete access into His presence. By spending time with God you will know Him and learn what He wants you to do. Now you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. We follow Jesus by continuing His ministry on the earth, and doing the works that He did. You must surrender yourself and do whatever God tells you to do. It may seem impossible, it may seem crazy, and you will almost certainly look weird to natural people, but God has given you His power.

I want to see all of God's power in my life. I want to see God's power to change me and improve my life. But I also want to see God's power touch the lives of others.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:6-7) We are dealing with God's power, not ours. And God will put this power in you, in an earthen vessel made of dust, so that you can do supernatural things of God's design.

God wants you to do things that seem completely impossible in the natural. He wants you to do things that people will absolutely know were done by God and not you. God wants you to lay hands on sick people and see them recover so that they will then turn and worship Him. I want to do things where people say, "That must have been God because it definitely wasn't Byron." This is another way God shows the world His power and love, supernatural actions by natural people. They will know it wasn't you, they will know it was God, and they will come to Him. This is God's design to show His love to the world through you.

So make these power moves today. If you aren't saved, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, repent of your sins, and run boldly to God's presence. Spend time with God to know Him and learn His will for your life. Do this continually and forever. Then act boldly and confidently when He says to do something, for He has put His power in you to do His will on earth. Glory to God.

God Helps me Love Him

2012-01-13T06:24:00.004-05:00

Recently the Lord sternly corrected me. It was in the morning as I struggled to stay awake with Him and His Word. Unfortunately, struggling to spend time with God in the morning has long been part of my relationship with Him. Of course God may spend time with you other times of the day, but this is when He wants to spend time with me. I believe this is very common with God, as I've heard many ministers discuss this. God says, in the person of Wisdom, "I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me." (Proverbs 8:17)

The Bible calls itself a mirror. When one reads it one sees himself clearly, and how his life compares with its words. That morning I saw that my feelings toward God were improper. I realized first that I would rather be asleep. Isn't that pathetic, I would rather sleep than spend time with the Creator of everything, who loves me more than I can imagine. Then I saw that the only reason I spend time with God is to obtain things from Him (direction, money, etc.) Now I love God, and I will never say otherwise, but this reality showed that I loved His benefits more than I really love Him.

This was a difficult time of surprising clarity. I felt as much conviction from the Holy Spirit as I ever have. It would be easy not to write about this, but I believe this will help some of you. Never forget the wonderful passage about God's correction:

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." (Hebrews 12:5-10)

Never forget that passage, so that you can always embrace His correction, repent, and run to His open arms. I knew that God was revealing my fault for my profit (verse 10 above). I knew that God wanted more for me and our relationship. I've heard Joyce Meyer wisely say that we must seek God's face and not His hand, I just never saw how badly I failed here. I prayed and meditated in God's presence and I heard Him. He showed me that Jesus didn't just come to restore our relationships to others; He also came to restore our relationship to God. It is natural that we don't love God properly. But, just as God, through the Holy Spirit, will help Christians obey all His instruction, He will help me love Him correctly. This was the revelation: that I needed God's supernatural assistance just to love Him correctly and that God was willing to provide this.

In the same way I can't truly change myself without God's power, I can't love God without God. And just as all of God's correction is for our good, God knows that our correct love for Him will always be best for us. What a wonderful God we serve! I know God wants our love because He loves us and wants a relationship with us, but God also wants our love simply because He knows this will be best for us. He is so loving and unselfish. He revealed my failure not to punish me, but to protect and profit me.

I can easily see all that God's done in my life. Maybe that isn't true for others, but it's sure true for me. I could easily be dead. I could easily be working a nothing job and going nowhere. In the natural I don't deserve anything I have. I can look at my entire life and see God's grace, protection and provision. I have as much reason to love God as anyone.

So I've fundamentally changed my reason for spending time with God. I previously spent time with God because everything about Him and true Christianity is wonderful, but mainly because I hoped the closer I got to Him the more I would get from Him. But, while that may be true, coming to God with that approach is not the way it works.

I now spend time with God simply because I love Him and He's wonderful. I make that declaration by faith, that this is my reason for spending time with God. God knows what I want and what I need. In prayer, by the Holy Spirit, He does lead me to pray for certain things. I know that this new position will be key to living the life God wants me to have. But this is not just a repositioning to get stuff. If I never get another thing from God, it's already enough.

Some time has passed now, and supernatural change has truly occurred. I have never woken up so easily, so refreshed and so excited for God. Every few days I must remind myself of this new position, as the cares of the world are always there. But each morning I feel God's loving presence with me as I open His Word or pray. I boldly declare that I'm going to love God properly, and I'm going to know Him as well as He can be known while in this flesh.

God is awesome. God is beautiful. God is wonderful. Those words don't begin to describe Him. There is nothing like having a relationship with Him and being in His presence. I'm done working to get stuff from Him. Now I'm going to spend time with Him just because I love Him and He loves me. His wonders will never cease to amaze, His beauty never dull, His presence never grow tiresome. No, not for eternity.

Seize Your Days

2012-01-05T14:29:00.003-05:00

Lately we've been discussing work and money, and I sense a greater need than ever to hear clearly from God about my work and do whatever He says to do. So I've been meditating a lot of verses about work and God's provision. I also haven't been exactly slammed with work lately, which can bring about certain fears.

But the question isn't whether God will provide, His Word promises He will. The question is how should I spend my time. Whether you are self employed or not, you have time management questions that must be resolved with God's assistance. Right this second, there are a variety of things I could do, but I know God wants me to diligently work on this blog, so here we are. What has God spoken to you about doing? Are you doing it?

I don't mind being open about my schedule with you. God says that I must wake up early and spend time with Him. God says that I must be loving and patient with my family, and make time for them. God says that I should exercise (o.k. haven't started yet). God says that I should work on this blog. And in the evenings I should read books about Him by anointed teachers. Now I have a variety of clients with legal issues, and I work very hard for them. God doesn't tell me to do that specifically, but I know that I should (God doesn't need to tell me). But other than specific actions from time to time, God hasn't told me to do anything else.

Think about all the other things I could be doing. Perhaps I should be going to more church services, feeding the poor, or doing a variety of other things that would seem Godly. But God hasn't said to do those, (even though I would feel so much better about myself if I was doing something for those in need, notice that doesn't mean it would be of God). God has said to do what I've listed above, now I must do those things. There are so many distractions. There are so many opportunities that seem good. But I must constantly remember, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

That's a great verse to remember, especially when considering your options in life. God will show you what to do with your time, all you have to do is ask. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) That verse has been the foundation of my life, or at least a major part of it. I seek God about everything, constantly looking for His direction.

Once we have his direction, it's time to take it. Spend time with God in meditation and prayer, and He will show you how to spend your time. I encourage you to list those things you know God wants you to do. Then list those things you do that aren't on the first list. Is there interference between the activities? Perhaps you need to remove some items from your second list. Television is on my second list. If I'm going to exercise and read spiritual books, television time must be reduced. That's how it works folks.

Soon your entire life will be comprised of actions on the first list, things you absolutely know God wants you to do, and there is nothing wrong with that! When you remove the excess you free up time. Or you can reallocate time. One way or another God will fill your time with Godly activities (just because it doesn't have a Christian label doesn't mean it's not Godly). When your time is filled with Godly action you awake each day with drive and purpose, knowing that you are living for God. You go to sleep each night with rest and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you did exactly what you were supposed to that day.

That is how we seize the day my friends. I'm as big a culprit of this as anyone, but we don't seize the day by watching mindless TV or sleeping in. We seize the day, and ultimately our lives, by allowing God to guide us and direct us in everything we do. This is a major key to fulfillment, rest and personal peace while you are walking with God in this life. "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."(Jeremiah 10:23)

God Will Provide

2011-12-10T11:06:00.003-05:00

If you've been reading this blog you know that almost two years ago my former employer said that he was closing the business and I should consider new jobs. That time was difficult for our family as my wife was pregnant with our first child and we weren't sure what to do. Since that time we have truly endeavored to follow God's leading in all of our actions, especially concerning business and finances. It hasn't always been easy, but we've seen God mightily move during this season.

I basically practice law out of my house. God has supernaturally provided clients and opportunities so that we have experienced no lack, no not for an instant. In fact, we have more money and have given more to the kingdom than in previous seasons. All the glory goes to God. But honestly I don't believe I will practice law as I do today forever. I'm not exactly sure what I will do, but I know God will provide, and that's the point I felt led to discuss today.

In prayer this morning I realized that God has truly blessed us during this time. But this morning's revelation was different. There are other things I would like to do, but I've always been worried about money. I would think about doing something or working somewhere, but would then be faced with thoughts like, "how can I make enough money doing that?" But today I realized that, although law is a profession where one can make a lot of money, I have seen God's hand bring the money we needed, not my hand.

If God can bring money to me as a lawyer, God can bring money to me doing anything! That seems like a simple sentence, but for me it represents a profound revelation. Consider your job right now, do you see it as exactly what God has for you long term? If not, has a fear of lack kept you from changing direction? Look, I would love to say that I never fear lack. I would love to say that I move forward boldly no matter what my circumstances look like. I truly believe that one day I will, but today this revelation blessed me, and I think it can bless you too.

Say it with me, using your profession, out loud right now. "If God has provided for me as a (salesman, driver, farmer, whatever), then God can surely provide for me doing whatever God wants me to do." Praise God!

Matthew 6:33 is an awesome verse to stand on for so many situations. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." God wants you to do certain things for His Kingdom. Your job is to seek Him, His righteousness, and His will for your life. His job is to provide for you. Why do we try to take His job? I know I've done it, sweating the bills, wondering how I can make money, but God never told me to do that. In fact, He says specifically that we shouldn't do that. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." (Matthew 6:31-32)

We have to let God be God! I can't be God. I can't be my provider. I don't care how much money you have, if you are your own provider then you are living in lack. You may not see it now, but one day you will. GOD IS MY PROVIDER! God is my financial advisor, my work psychologist, my motivational speaker, my lead generator, my insurance agent, my everything. Sure, He works through people in some of those capacities, but He is responsible for my finances, not me, not anyone else. Glory to God. He will never lose my money; He will never let me go broke.

"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalms 34:10) "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalms 37:25) HALLELUJAH!!!!

We have got to stop worrying about money. I used to listen to rap music and I can constantly hear Snoop Dogg saying, "with my mind on my money and my money on my mind." Well that's all wrong and I need to get over that. The truth is, and go ahead and get your throwing stones ready now, God has my money on His mind. Oh that felt good to say, especially because I know it's true. I don't have to ever worry about money again. God will order my steps (Psalm 37:23), bless me with riches (Proverbs 10:22), and let me eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19) IF AND ONLY IF I am willing to do His will and I'm obedient to it (again, Isaiah 1:19).

I know God's calling me to a new place. God has blessed me with clients and cases and I love them and often become quite close to them. God may have me continue doing this, or He may lead me to something totally different, but God will provide for and bless me no matter what I do, as long as I'm seeking Him and His righteousness first. I don't care if you are a lawyer or a shoe shiner, God can bless you without limit. Because you are not you're provider, you are not limited by what you can do. With God all things are possible, and with God as your provider your provision is limitless.

Godly Business

2011-12-07T20:07:00.005-05:00

Recently I finished my largest case as a lawyer. It was essentially a $9 million breach of contract case and I represented the defendant. I'm a sole practitioner and I was up against an attorney at an established firm who has been a partner about as long as I've been alive. Early in the litigation an issue arose that would largely determine the case's proceedings. I spent about three full days preparing for the hearing.

I was tempted to fear. In fact, I probably suffered a mini-panic attack the weekend before my preparations started. On the way to the courthouse I was praying in tongues and asking God for favor and wisdom, and God communicated to me. It wasn't words that I heard, more of an impression really, but the best way I can describe it would be that God told me, "you must call down the supernatural." I realized right then that God would help me, but I had to invite Him into the situation by prayer and faith (and walking in love and staying out of strife with the opposition, of course.)

I endeavored to pray as the Holy Spirit led. The atmosphere at the hearing was overwhelmingly congenial. We certainly argued our sides, but we remained in peace. While there was nothing physically miraculous or naturally noteworthy, the judge made a ruling that ultimately meant we would prevail on the issue. We never went back to court, and within a few weeks settled for 30% of the plaintiff's original demand.

Recently I have meditated that situation and received revelation. In short, I must invite God into all of my professional dealings, in the same way I do my personal life and ministry efforts. But this can be difficult. Remember we must acknowledge God in all our ways and then He will direct all our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). I want to now discuss this issue in a way that hopefully applies to all of us.

Most of us, if not all, are professionals. We work a job and receive a paycheck. We most likely work at our particular job because we have education or experience in that industry. As you encounter situations at that job you go to your education, experience, or general knowledge to help you manage. Perhaps it's a new client or a new product. Perhaps it's a supplier or customer problem. But do you go to God to help you work?

I encounter this almost every day. I have a virtually constant stream of new situations. Often, the first place I go is my knowledge of Florida law or legal procedure. Sadly, in business I often rely on what's in my head, what I can learn, or what I can perceive with my physical senses. But I see now that those sources aren't enough for a successful Christian business, one that's truly dedicated to God. I need God's direction, wisdom, intervention and power.

I know many of you live dedicated to God. You wake up and spend time with the Lord. You consider your ways and look for opportunities to witness. You even consult God in your personal and financial affairs. Let's just take witnessing as an example. Usually we will receive an unction from the Holy Spirit to witness to someone. We trust the Holy Spirit for the right words, and then hope God brings them to salvation. In fact (at least hopefully), your entire witnessing activity is bound up with your relationship with God. You didn't create the opportunity, you have no ability to develop it without God, and you certainly have no ability to create results apart from the Holy Spirit. Well what if you conducted your business the same way?

With every new client I must hear clearly whether God even wants me to represent them. While I must consider Florida law, procedure, and my general knowledge of the world, I must also consider Biblical principles. I must ask God for assistance and trust Him for direction. I must pray for divine revelation and empowerment to get the job done. And at all times I must expect His favor to be manifested. I must fully invite God into my business.

I want God to know that my entire working life belongs to Him. Whatever He tells me to do, that will I do. I simply can't do this on my own. I realize millions of people work without God every day. But that's not the type of business I will have. Even if I could succeed in my working life without God (something I sincerely doubt), I would never want to try. I've seen what God has done in my life, in my family, and in my heart. I know what He will do in my business. He will bless it and use it to bless others. That's just the way God is, and that's what I want.

So invite God into your business today. "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17) As God has shown up and improved every area of your life that you've given Him, your working life will be no different. Seek Him, trust Him, and never be afraid to perfectly obey Him. Your business will become God's business, and that's when it will truly be fulfilling and exciting. That's when there will be no limits and guaranteed success.

Touch Jesus Today

2011-10-09T10:32:00.005-04:00

Please read this story again, I'm sure you've read it many times, but read it again.

"And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." (Luke 8:43-48)

There were many people in the crowd that day, and many people came into contact with Jesus physically, but only one woman actually touched him. Don't you see? Many people around the world are making contact with Jesus. They have heard the Gospel, they have been to church, maybe they have even watched a preacher on TV. But how many people have reached with faith and purposefully made contact with Jesus Christ?

When you, in faith, purposefully reach out and touch Jesus, you're going to receive from Him. He doesn't even need to think about it, it's just who He is. And He's the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is still among us. He's in His churches, He's on TV, He is the Bible, and He's in people all around us. But we, even those of us who are Christians, must continually reach out and touch Him.

The fact that millions of people around the world have such contact with Jesus and yet never receive from Him is one of the great tragedies of reality. It's not His fault; He doesn't even have to think to bless people. Blessing and power are always in Him, ready to come to you. It's up to us to touch Him with faith.

How many times have you touched Jesus the way the woman did? Do you just read God's Word, or do you mix your faith with every letter that it is your reality? Do you just hear your preacher, or do you receive the sermon as God's Word directly for your life? Do you just pretend to pay attention to your Christian friends who exhort you, or do you accept them as God's appointed messengers to bless you? What are you doing to touch Jesus? What are you doing to place a demand on all that He is and all that He has available for you? Touch Jesus today!

If you are just going through the motions of Christianity, you are nothing more than the others in the crowd who only made contact with Jesus. There were many people in His presence that day, but very few of them felt His power. How many people will be in His presence in church today that don't receive anything from Him? What a tragedy.

This story shows two kinds of people who come into God's presence. There are those who just show up and sit there, but there are those who will not be denied an intimate experience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This woman, unclean because of her issue, fought through a crowd and risked certain punishment. She knew that only Jesus could heal her. The world had nothing to offer her. She was going to touch Jesus. She would not be denied.

This isn't just about how you go to church, this is about how you approach Jesus in every aspect of your existence. He is in you and you are in Him. You are united with Him, but you can still go through life without continually receiving from Him and His power. The choice is yours. You must have faith. You must approach Him with faith that He is ready, willing and able to bless you.

There is not one person in the Bible that Jesus denied. There is not one person that approached Jesus with faith who was turned away unfulfilled. This is such a powerful reality, every single person the Bible shows approaching Jesus with faith received exactly what they believed for. Even some people who were expecting nothing (like Peter in the fishing boat) still received. Some wanted healing, some wanted wisdom, and some even wanted wine. All touched Jesus with their faith, and according to their faith they all received.

So change your attitude today. Forever stop simply being in Jesus' presence physically. It's time that we press forward to make contact with Him in every way we can. It's time we approach Him with unyielding tenacity and touch Him with our faith, knowing that He doesn't change, that He will do what He's promised in His Word, and that He stands constantly ready and open to give to us of Himself.

Change

2011-09-12T21:02:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking about the idea of change for months now. I've essentially stumbled upon (by God's grace) one of the greatest realities of Christianity. Like most revelations, this is obvious and old news to many people, but it's essentially new and exciting to me. So I want to share it with you.

For her birthday I got my wife a card that basically said I'm a lucky man to have my life. This is true, and while she's wonderful, I have to give God all the glory for my life. However, there are numerous things I would change. I would change where we live, for example. My point is that when I think about change, my first thought goes to things outside myself, and things that I could change through my own efforts.

But there is another type of change, one that I've discovered and find far more exciting, and that's the change that's occurring in me. I'm sure I've touched on this before, but today let's discuss it in greater detail.

Let's start with some verses that clearly say God expects us to change.

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

"For whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29)

God wants change and God wants a certain kind of change. God wants us to change according to a certain image, the image of Jesus Christ. Let's face it, that sounds a little crazy. A few months ago I passed a guy walking down the sidewalk obviously dressed and adorned to look like Jesus. But I don't believe that's what God's talking about when He tells us to change. We change on the inside. We change by renewing our minds to God's Word and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us.

But let's just talk about this on a very simple level, and hopefully you'll catch some of my excitement.

I've wanted to change certain aspects of myself for years. Some people don't care how they feel or how they act, but I do. I want to be pleasing to God. David said, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight o Lord." (Psalm 19:4) I don't just want to act right, but I want to feel right and think right. Philippians 2:13 says God will empower us both to do and to want to do those things that please Him. That's what I want.

Men, I hope you know what I'm talking about. We don't want to lose our temper. We don't want to look at women. We don't want to say ugly things. Therefore we begin fighting against our minds and our bodies. We seek to control them and deny them. We still want to say certain things or look at certain things, but we know we shouldn't so we work to avoid such behavior. But then when we inevitably fail we feel terrible.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, I believe God appreciates all our efforts to live according to His Word. But what if we could change? I mean what if we could completely and fundamentally change so that we didn't feel that way or want those things? What if it wasn't a struggle to act correctly or speak correctly? What if our natural (first, instinctive) response to anything was the one God approved and desired.

My friends, this is why I'm so excited, we can change. Or to put it more exactly, God can change us.

Let me first discuss the far-reaching implications of this reality. Maybe you don't like church, but that can change. You can come to love it. Maybe you regularly lose your temper, but that can change. You can come to be patient and peaceful. Maybe you still want sinful things or don't want certain Godly things, that can change too. Jesus said that His meat was to do His Father's will. What drove, sustained and excited Jesus was doing God's will. It can become that way for us too, if we allow God, by the Holy Spirit, to conform us to the image of Christ.

Now don't give into the devil's deception here, especially you young people. Don't picture yourself boring, wearing a white sheet and sandals. Don't picture yourself locked in church 12 hours a day while all your friends are having fun. The devil wants you to believe that being conformed to the image of Christ will ruin your life and end your good times. But he is a liar and the father of all lies. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I am so glad to know that the greatest peace and joy available in this life comes when one is conformed to the image of Christ and following Him. There are no limits, no boundaries, and no natural rules that can stop the person walking in the power of God. There is no end to the wisdom and revelation that will bless you. There is no chill to the warmth of God's love that will invigorate you. In short, it is a new type of life that maybe you haven't felt, but it's there, available and wonderful.

I'm not saying I walk in this full measure. I'm just praising God that I see these truths. Now the trick, or the requirement, is that I be willing to lay down my life so that I can take up His kind of life. Glory to God. That can be difficult, but for the joy that was set before Jesus He endured the cross. We must do likewise, as this process of change conforms us to His image and radically changes us.

Spend time in prayer, especially praying in tongues. Spend time in God's Word. You've probably read it already, it's time to actually meditate and seek revelation. Draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you. Pray that God would change you and make you like Jesus, as His Word says He desires. God will never fail you. If you press in and let go then you will find this change, and you will never want to go back.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

That's a powerful verse, but it won't just happen. If it did then the entire world would be different. Meditate that verse, study it, ask God to make it a reality in your life. It's time for change. And once you've changed on the inside, there are truly no limits to the changes God will help you make on the outside.

Death To The Old Man

2011-07-21T10:11:00.010-04:00

My dad used to talk about listening to a particular Christian tape series so many times the tapes broke. He knew the material on those tapes would change his life. Sometimes you have to do that. I listen to a lot of preaching on CD. I'll get a new set, and my mind wants to get through them all for some feeling of accomplishment. But often I don't fully digest what's said. It's like when you walk out of church and can't remember the sermon. But you must listen to some sermons until you get it.

I've found the first set of such sermons for me. Years ago a friend gave me lessons 6 through 12 of Dr. Christian Harfouche's International Miracle Institute teaching on New Creation Realities. I listened to Lesson 6 several times, but only recently have I listened to the others. Essentially, these sermons describe our new life in Christ, how we must disassociate from the old, flesh-ruled person we used to be, and how we must embrace the grace, power and new reality available to us through our union with Christ.

After having these sermons all these years, the preaching of the Word of God in them is changing my life. Over the past few months, God has show me in my personal study time that being conformed to the image of Christ must become my primary goal. Now that I have that revelation, I am ready to digest everything contained in these sermons.

God gave us an imagination for many good reasons I'm sure. One reason is so we can see things in realms beyond the physical. For example, I can imagine an animal right now that I've never seen. I don't really know how that works, but I can. Similarly, I can imagine a version of me that I've never seen. I can see myself completely conformed to the image of Christ.

Now imagine that version of you. What would be different? Personally, I would be more patient. I would be kinder and gentler. I would be stronger to endure personal difficulties and irritations without letting them affect my Christian love walk. Then going to the next level, I would allow the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to operate through me. I would take more time with people and listen better. I would witness quicker. I would generally sacrifice myself to bless others as God would have me. I imagine that's how I would be if I were completely conformed to the image of Christ.

In fact, the other day something happened that should have bothered me. I can't even remember what it was now. But it didn't. I didn't care. Then someone tried to offend me, but I just laughed and immediately recognized it was the devil trying to get me into unforgiveness. Being conformed to the image of Christ is much more than simply becoming a nicer person. Your entire framework of self will radically change.

I saw all this before I re-engaged that sermon series. I was continually praying for the Holy Spirit to change me. But, I suppose, I was unsure of some specific actions I must take to further the change.

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6:4-6)

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24)

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." (Colossians 3:9-10)

Three times Paul specifically discusses the "old man." In Romans Paul says that this old man is crucified with Christ, but in Ephesians and Colossians Paul says that we have to put him off. And this concept I began grasping only recently, after listening to those sermons several times.

The old man is the person I used to be before I began allowing God to change me. Let's call him the old Byron. The old Byron was only interested in pleasing himself. He didn't care about other people. He was prideful, rude and generally ugly. Sure, he could be nice and funny, but he only acted that way to serve his interests. He was also very disrespectful. Unfortunately, I knew him very well, and he thrived.

Fortunately, I have put on the new man to a large extent. I'm don't act perfectly as God would have me all the time. But I certainly do better than the old Byron. However, I know that I'm not done. This process of change isn't over. I'm the new Byron now, and I hate the traces of the old Byron that still appear. I have to put them off.

Now Paul clearly tells us that the old man was crucified. The old man is dead. The old Byron is dead. And I have put him off. But I must constantly reinforce that one-time act of putting him off by constantly remembering to keep off all his characteristics. He tries to come back. He tries to return to my mind and my actions. But he's dead. I have to remember he's dead and eradicate any trace of him.

He only exists in my mind. I remember him and how he was pleasing to the flesh. I remember his ways. Sometimes I'm with people who wish he still lived. I miss them, I remember what they liked about him, and I let him come back a little. Unfortunately, even though he's dead, I know him better than I know the new Byron. The old Byron actually existed and I feel his memory. But the new Byron that people will see, at least the more complete physical expression of him, only exists in my imagination, like a place I'm looking forward to visiting.

This is a transitional stage. I declare by faith that I have put on the new man which is created in righteousness and true holiness. I walk in newness of life. And I must cast down every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ, especially against the knowledge of Christ that is in me. I must remember that the old Byron is dead. He can't come back for anyone or for any reason. He's gone forever.

As for these aspects of my life that I don't like, I must recognize that they are all aspects of an old man who is dead. That is the key. Since that person is dead, I must disassociate from his ways. I must so embrace the new man, the God man, the Christ that is in me, that I forget the old man, and he fades away together with his deceitful lusts.

Remember, renovation of the mind is key. As you study Christ and God's Word you will get to know the new you, that you were always meant to be. But more than that, God will change you by His Spirit. You are not alone. God made the way for the death of your old man and your transformation into the new man.

Praise God, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) This change that will take place in you is one of God's best and most amazing works. This is one way that God's manifold wisdom is shown by the church to all the spiritual beings (Ephesians 3:10). In Christ, we are spiritually washed perfectly clean. Then, in Christ, through Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, we are changed into beings that actually resemble God. The new man is created in the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24 and Colossians 3:10).

So death to the old man. Life to the new man. In your mind and in your flesh, those statements must help define you. May God bless you and always bring you closer to Him, allowing you to see more of Him, so that you will be continually changed.

For more reading on the subject of putting off the old man and putting on the new man, read our earlier post Embrace Your New Reality.

An Introduction to Spiritual Gifts

2011-06-21T06:22:00.004-04:00

You have probably all heard the term "Spiritual Gifts." Some Christians believe in spiritual gifts and try to walk in them daily. Other Christians believe the spiritual gifts have passed away and don't apply to Christianity today. There are also many variations on the above positions. This can be a very controversial topic.

You also probably know that at Exploits for God we take the Word of God at face value. I've recently been studying spiritual gifts and I offer here a very basic teaching that I believe will bless you. I don't see anything in God's Word to suggest they have passed away. I believe God has spiritual gifts for all of us, and I believe walking in our spiritual gifts is a key to living the life God has for us.

The New Testament Greek word for these spiritual gifts, used in the Bible, is "charisma." By studying that Word we see that one such gift is our salvation. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift (charisma) of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I don't know how you feel, but I'm positive that's the best gift I will ever receive.

But God doesn't stop there. Salvation is not the culmination of your human existence, it's the beginning of the human existence you were supposed to have. Now you can live in fellowship with God. Now you are God's child. Now you have the Holy Spirit within you. Your true life began at salvation, and your Heavenly Father has many other gifts.

1 Corinthians 12 gives us the clearest list of other spiritual gift or "gifts of the Spirit." Such gifts include the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says that "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." I believe that means God has such spiritual gifts for every man, not just for people in the traditional ministry. God wants the Holy Spirit in you to be manifested outside of you, and these gifts are a major way that can happen.

All of us should be walking in spiritual gifts. The question is which ones. Let's first remember that these are "spiritual" gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4 says that there are different gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:11 then says something really helpful, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." First let's notice again that every person should be walking in their certain spiritual gifts. The word "worketh" is also interesting in the Greek, as it is "energeo." This verse says that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He wills and then He energizes those gifts. Glory to God.

I believe the key to operating in spiritual gifts rests with our relationship to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts and the Holy Spirit will energize them in our lives. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can know what God gives us and wants us to do (1 Corinthians 2). A close relationship with the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to successful Christian living.

As you spend time in God's Word, spend time in Worship, spend time praying in tongues, and generally spend time in God's presence, your relationship with the Holy Spirit will improve. You will sense His presence and discern His leadings. Remember James 4:8 says that if we draw near to God He will draw near to us. The same is true of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives you these gifts from God. They are given you for your "profit." I believe the Greek words translated "profit withal" really indicate that these manifestations of the Spirit are for the common good. They aren't just for your profit, and they aren't just for others. These gifts are given so that everyone can benefit by them. You will "profit with all." Isn't that just like God?

But I have some more good news. "The gifts (charisma) and calling of God are without repentance." (Romans 11:29) God will never regret the gifts He's given you or the calling He's placed on your life. It doesn't matter what you are doing right now, God won't change His mind about your gifts or your calling. When I was first committing my life to Christ that verse really blessed me, because any man would have given up on me long ago. But God doesn't repent of His plans for us just because we make mistakes. God has great gifts that He wants you to walk in, for your benefit and the benefit of all mankind. God has a calling on your life. No matter what you're doing now, it's true.

The question is whether you will walk in those gifts and that calling. For the first 23 years of my life I sure didn't. I'll never know what opportunities I missed because I lived in sin. But that doesn't matter now. I'm in God's grace and doing my part to see God's will revealed in my life. The same can be true for you. Just because God never changes his mind about your gifts doesn't mean you will ever see them. You probably won't lay hands on people and see any miracles if you are living in sin. You may say some strange things while intoxicated, but it won't be inspired prophetic speech.

God gives the gifts. But you have the responsibility to draw close to the Holy Spirit to draw them from Him and begin walking in them. We must remember that Paul told Timothy not to neglect his gifts (1 Timothy 4:14). Paul was reminding Timothy that He can't be careless about these spiritual gifts, but He must be purposeful and active about them. Then again in 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gifts which are in Him. Those words translated "stir up" indicate "fanning the flame" or reigniting the fire. We have a roll to play with our spiritual gifts. We can't neglect them. We must stir them up. We must draw close to the Holy Spirit, pray, and then act boldly when we believe the Holy Spirit is leading us to operate in one of those gifts.

I'll admit, I don't have a very clear picture of what gifts God has given me. I have an idea, but I can't say I know for sure. Maybe you also feel that way. There's nothing wrong with that. Your Loving Father, by His Spirit, has given you these gifts, and He will help you walk in them. God doesn't want them hidden from you. But you must be spiritually mature enough to use them. Just like I wouldn't let my baby girl drive my car, God won't let me operate in His powerful gifts if I'm still a spiritual baby.

So praise God for His spiritual gifts, and pray that you would walk in those given you. Stir up the gifts, never neglect them. Earnestly desire the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Trust God and begin walking in your gifts so that you and everyone around you can be blessed.

See Jesus in Your Life

2011-04-28T09:07:00.005-04:00

Recently I've been studying the teachings of Jesus, and I've been so struck again by His amazing clarity. I was just telling a friend yesterday that one of the greatest revelations I've received is that the Bible means what it says. I don't know how I got that revelation, honestly, but I've always know that to be true. It has also helped that God has put me under teachers who preach absolute trust in God's Word.

When I read Jesus' teachings I constantly see how simple He makes it. Sometimes I think most Christians specialize in making the Bible confusing. It's not confusing, it's clear. It's only hard to understand if you start thinking it means something other than what it specifically says. So don't do that. Open your Bible today with the unwavering belief that it means what it says, that the very throne of God is behind the truth of its Words, and that you're going to live in line with its actual text. Now that we've got that settled, let's turn to some very clear Scriptures and see the results they will produce if we apply them to our lives.

"If you love me, keep my commandments . . . He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him . . . If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:15,21,23)

Let's be honest, can it get any clearer than that? Jesus says that if you love Him you will keep His commandments. If you ask God whether I love Jesus, He looks at one thing alone, the extent to which I keep Jesus' commandments. It's just that simple. If I'm not keeping Jesus' commandments then God could easily say that I don't love Jesus. And how could I argue? My beloved friends, the extent of your obedience to the commandments of Jesus, in your heart as well as in your flesh, shows the measure of your love for Him. AND, for those who do love Jesus, who do keep His commandments, such a wonderful reality awaits - God will love them, and Jesus will love them, and Jesus will manifest Himself to them. WOW!

The word "manifest" in the original Greek means to exhibit, to disclose, to appear, to show. The origin of that word is a compound that basically means "to lighten, or shine light on, one's position." Isn't that awesome? When you demonstrate your love to Jesus by obeying His commandments, Jesus is going to shine light on His position in your life. He is going to reveal Himself to you.

Are you constantly asking where is God in your situation? Are you constantly waiting for God to make Himself real to you? Well this is how it's done. This didn't take any difficult theological study or intense debate. Here it is, plain and simple, how to see God in your life. Did you see that movie Kingdom of Heaven? At one point the main character is in Israel and wants God to show up. Well it doesn't matter if you're in Jerusalem or Jersey, this is how you get God to appear in your life.

If you love Jesus you will keep His words, and God and Jesus will come to you and make their abode with you. "Abode" means dwelling place. Can it get any simpler? I know God and Jesus are with us in our hearts if we are saved. I know that Jesus will never leave us even when we stumble. But don't get so deep that you miss the reality of these teachings. Obey the commandments of Jesus and He and God will come to you and abide with you. Yes, they are in my heart. BUT I NEED THEM IN EVERY ASPECT OF MY EARTHLY LIFE! Don't you?

We are going after the closest possible relationship with all Three Parts of the Trinity. If Jesus says this is how to see Him manifest Himself, then that's good enough for me. If Jesus says this is how to get Him and God to make their abode with me, then that's good enough for me.

Now people could start making it difficult. So what are the commandments of Jesus? Are they the Ten Commandments? Is it the Whole Bible? Is it simply to love your neighbor? Well people could make arguments for all those, but I'm not getting into that. I'm keeping it simple. In my Bible every Word of Jesus is in red. So I'm going to start there. Yes, I do believe they are all founded upon the two commandments of loving God correctly and loving others as Jesus loves you. But I believe all of Jesus' other commandments in red are further explanation and direction for those. I'm going through all the red, and I'm going to study and apply them to my life. You can't keep the commandments if you don't have them first. Yes, Jesus also speaks through prophets (like Paul) and His Spirit. We'll get to those too. But we must start somewhere, and the red seems good to me.

So receive this Word today and keep it simple when you read the Bible. You don't need to get too deep with it to realize its amazing realities. Just take it easy. Believe the Bible and do what it says. Get Jesus' commandments into your heart and mind, then obey them. Jesus will manifest Himself in your life and God and Jesus will dwell with you.

And don't forget, "with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38) If you receive Jesus' teachings and apply them, the more you do so the more you will see Jesus' promised results. So don't just put small measure to this, incorporate it into the very foundation and composition of your life. You will never again wonder where Jesus is. You will never find yourself asking where is God. They will be with you, and you will clearly see them in your life.

God's External Plans For You

2011-03-12T10:22:00.003-05:00

I hope you read our post called "God's Internal Plan For You." I would call the information in that post one of the greatest revelations I've ever received. It's not that others don't understand we must be conformed to the image of Christ. But I hadn't realized that, in my quest for my destiny, this transformation into His image is the absolute starting point.

God has plans for us all, both internal and external. Wonderfully, we all have the same internal plan. God wants us all to be conformed to the image of Christ in our inner man. Mind, heart, spirit, and soul, we must all become like Christ. Renovating your mind according to God's Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart are the two keys to participating in this transformation. But now we must talk about God's external plans for us, what God wants us to have and what God wants us to do.

I would like first to remind you that your dedication to God's internal plan for you is the seed you must sow if you ever want to harvest God's external plans for you. If you aren't conformed to the image of Christ then God can't totally trust you with everything He wants to give you. If God gave you a lot of money you wouldn't use it for His glory, for example. Moreover, if you aren't conformed to the image of Christ then you won't go where God wants to send you. Will you go to impoverished areas to pass out food and preach the Gospel? Probably not until you have fully embraced the life and ministry of Christ at the core of your being. So with that in mind let's turn to God's Word about His external plans for you.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

I want to first show you this verse so you can know that God certainly does have specific works planned for your life. The Bible says here that God has created us for good works. It then says that God has "before ordained" those works. Another way to say "before ordained" is "prepared beforehand." God has created you for good works and prepared them for you. Isn't that awesome?

But remember, just because God created you for certain good works, and has even prepared them for you, doesn't mean you are ready to walk in them. Do you walk in love? Do you preach the Gospel when you have the opportunity? Do you know God's Word? If you answered "no" to those questions then you aren't ready to walk in the works of God. These aren't just any "works." These are "good works." If God created us in Christ for these works, then these works probably have something to do with the life and ministry of Christ. So you need to be conformed to His image to actually do these good works.

Now that we all understand that God does have specific works planned for our lives, we must ask the huge question, "What are they?" If you internally working on being conformed to the image of Christ, fellowshipping with God, studying His Word and developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit, then it's time to get working outside of yourself. God has good works for you. Now it's time to learn what they are.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:9-14)

What a marvelous passage! God wants us to know (1) what He has prepared for those that love Him and (2) which things are freely given to us from Him. Remember that God "prepared" the good works for us. So this says we can know what God wants us to do and what God wants us to have. There, in my opinion, is the completion to our three-part destiny. We can know the type of person God wants us to be, what God wants us to do, and what God wants us to have.

God wants us all to be like Christ. But God wants us individually to do and have some different things. This passage gives us the key to obtaining this extremely important knowledge. We can't learn about these things through our eyes or ears, or even by thinking long and hard about them. God's Holy Spirit must reveal them to us. This passage says that at least one reason God gave us His Holy Spirit is so that we can know His will for our lives. The Holy Spirit changes us into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit reveals our specific good works. The Holy Spirit will also reveal what God wants us to have (like a spouse or a job or anything else).

So now the key is developing our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We must learn to receive from Him. He will reveal things to us and we will discern things spiritually. Praise God! You develop this relationship by spending time in God's Word, by praying in the spirit, by singing in the spirit, and by consulting and obeying the Holy Spirit always. God communicates to us by His Spirit in a variety of ways. You should read our post "God's Communication Methods." Study those verses and begin hearing God clearly all the time.

God is so wonderful. He plans wonderful lives for us. He knows that when we are conformed to the image of Christ we will have true inner joy and peace. He also knows that when we do the works we were created for we will experience complete satisfaction and fulfillment. Finally, He gives us good gifts so we can be comfortable in this life.

Your relationship with the Holy Spirit is the key to living out your destiny. He will reveal God's will to you. Through Him you will discern all good things. Pray and meditate on these passages. If you apply their truth to your life you will begin truly living the life Christ died for you to have.

God's Communication Methods

2011-02-13T18:21:00.010-05:00

I recently studied the ways God communicates to His people. I believe God mainly communicates to us through the Holy Spirit, and I made a list of the various ways God does so. Here is that list. This isn't meant to be a full and complete list. We know God can be very creative and we shouldn't ever try to limit Him. Study this list and the associated Scriptures. I pray that you hear Him when He speaks. There is nothing like receiving a Word from God, nothing.

• The Spirit of God will simply speak to you. You will hear it inside you. It won’t be the voice in your head. God’s Spirit is in your belly (John 7:38). You will hear it coming from below.

o He will tell you whatever He hears from God or Jesus. (John 16:13)

o He will speak to you about Jesus. (John 15:26)

o He will teach you all things. (John 14:26)

o He will tell you what to do or what’s going on. (Acts 8:29, Acts 10:19)

o A Word of Wisdom or Word of Knowledge from God (1 Corinthians 12:8) could come this way.

• The Holy Spirit may speak through your voice or through the voice of another. (Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11, Luke 12:12, 1 John 4:2, Romans 8:26, Acts 1:16, Acts 11:28) This includes prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues. (1 Corinthians 12, 14)

• God’s Spirit will remind you of things and bring things to your remembrance, especially the teachings of Jesus and God’s Word in general. (John 14:26)

• The Holy Spirit will show you various things. He might show you things by using words or He may use images. You will see them in your mind or before your eyes. Or maybe you will just instantly see them in your heart.

o He will show you the things of God and Jesus. (John 16:14)

o He will show you things to come. (John 16:13) (Ex: Luke 2:26, Acts 11:28)

o A Word of Wisdom or Word of Knowledge from God (1 Corinthians 12:8) could come this way too.

• Because God has poured out the Holy Spirit onto you, you may have dreams or visions from God. (Acts 2:17).

• The Holy Spirit will bear witness with your spirit. (Romans 8:16)

This one is actually very important and will become an everyday part of your life. God’s Spirit, which is inside you, will give you a feeling, a leaning, of peace if something is correct for your life. You must begin checking with your spirit (which you will be able to do more and more as you pray and study God’s Word). Your spirit communicates perfectly with God’s Spirit. If you don’t feel peace, don’t go. Don’t ever feel pressured, I don’t care what happens. If you don’t feel peace, you must not continue. I can’t overstate the importance of that principle.

• The Holy Spirit will convict (not condemn) you of sinful behavior. (John 16:8)

• The Holy Spirit will reveal, give us revelation of, many things in this Christian life. God will do this through words, dreams, visions, prophecies, or any other method He uses.

o The Holy Spirit will reveal God’s will. (Ephesians 3:5)

o The Holy Spirit will reveal everything God has prepared for us. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

o The Holy Spirit will reveal everything God gives us. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

o The Holy Spirit will reveal the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

o The Holy Spirit will reveal what God wants you to do (1 Corinthians 2:10 and Ephesians 2:10)

You must always remember that God's voice will never disagree with God's written Word. God will never tell you to sin or violate a Biblical principle, like Love.

Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 11:15) We all have physical ears, so Jesus must have been talking about spiritual ears. Spend time with God and His written Word. Pray that God would give you spiritual ears and develop them.

I pray that we all hear God more clearly each day, for therein is the key to living God's will for our lives.

Embrace Your New Reality

2011-01-19T14:53:00.002-05:00

I've been really excited lately about all God's showing me in His Word. There are so many verses that we read over without truly realizing the power or reality they contain. For example, God says that we are delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:3). Have you ever taken the time to really consider that? God is saying that the devil, all his demons, and every sin and evil thing have absolutely no power over our lives. Praise God! There are so many more such verses, verses we need to meditate and receive by faith so that we can live out God's best for our lives.

We can't go through everything I've been studying lately in this one post, but I encourage you to read this one and the next few. They are going to be awesome (as they all are, of course). Today I want to consider those verses about our status as new creations in Christ Jesus. We, in fact, are new beings. God has made us in the image of Jesus Christ and we now have a new nature and life inside us. These realities are far more interesting and powerful than we have given them credit for, and they must be incorporated into our mental framework and lives at large.

First we must realize that we are a new creation. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) If you are in Christ, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are a new "creature" or "creation." God has literally made you anew. You may not feel any different on the outside, but your body is just the shell for your spirit, the real you. And that real you has been completely born again as a new creation. You are a new type of being, delivered from every trace of sin and death. You are God's child, with His life and His love inside you. You are different, and you can live according to God's ways now. You must recognize and appreciate this reality. Say it with me, "I am in Christ, I am a new creation, I am going to live my new life."

As new creations we must live a new type of life. If a snake became a lion its life would radically change. Well something similar happened to you. You were in the devil's family, a sinner and a slave to sin and subject to every effect of evil and death in the world. But now you are God's child. You are righteous before Him having been perfected forever by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:14). You have His life and love inside you and you can live a victorious life founded upon His Word and walking in His will.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4) In Christ we all take part in His resurrection. We must realize that we are new creations with a new type of life, and we must live it.

We must embrace this new life. I know that sounds difficult, but the Bible shows us how. "Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24) We must, with a definite act of our will, by faith, put off all the traces of the old creature that we used to be. We declare that we are free from sin in Jesus' Name. We declare that we are free from the power of darkness. We declare that we are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Then we get renewed in the spirit of our mind. The word "renew" is the same word for "renovate." You know how to renovate something; take out the old and bring in the new. It's time to remove the lusts and angers and problems of the past. It's time to let God's Word and Spirit fill your mind with God's love, joy, peace, patience, and so on. Let God's thoughts become your thoughts. Let the knowledge of God and Jesus inform the new life that you now live, as the new man that you have put on.

Living this new life begins by renewing (renovating) your mind with God's Word. You receive God's Word, then you live by it. Now you are beginning to live the new life. As you develop your relationship with God's Spirit which is in you, you will begin to walk in the Spirit (minding the things of God's Spirit and pursuing them). Now you are further developing in this new life. You are growing up and spiritually maturing.

We must also remember that these aren't one-time confessions or one-time decisions. While we are changed in an instant, we live in a fallen world. We must keep reinforcing these commitments and ways of life. We must continually renovate our minds with God's Word. We must continually confess that the old man has been put off and that we walk in the Spirit and in newness of life. We must incorporate this reality into our entire mental framework. We must recognize that we are new creations and we must live like it.

So say it with me, "I am a new creation, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. I am dead to sin. I am crucified with Christ. My mind is renewed by God's Word. I have put off the old man. I have put on the new man. I walk in the Spirit, in righteousness and true holiness. I am conformed to the image of Christ."

This should become your continual confession and consideration for your life. You can't act like you used to. It's time to rise up and live the new life God has given you. It's time to arise and shine, for your Light has come. These considerations must inform your entire existence.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

So consider this carefully today, and thank God that He didn't leave us as the fallen snakes we were. He has created us anew. His Word renews our minds and His Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ. When you reckon yourself dead to sin and the old ways, and alive unto God through Jesus Christ, as a new creature, you will begin living a new life, the life God has for us all. So make the decision today that the old man is gone, and that now you walk in newness of life. Never forget that decision, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk it out forever.

Nation Shaking Money

2010-12-29T13:20:00.009-05:00

I believe God wants all of his people to have plenty of money. Yes, I know that’s a very controversial statement, but that’s what I believe. I know there are many verses that people use to say otherwise, but I believe a careful examination shows those arguments to be erroneous. Rather, I believe that “the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:22), “if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19), and “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

In fact, I believe that God wants us to have more than enough. I believe God wants us to be “enriched in every thing to all bountifulness” (2 Corinthians 9:11), that God “giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17) and that God “will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth” (Isaiah 58:14).

Now if that’s what God wants for me, I’m not going to argue. Rather, I’m going to find out how to obtain what God has for me. Of course many will disagree and say I’m after the world’s riches and all that. But that’s not true, I’m after God. In fact, I can say to God and man that I don’t care anything about the world’s riches and treasures. I care about the will of My Father. And His will is for me to have wealth.

Of course we can’t go through the entire subject of Biblical Economics in one post, but today I’m going to share some power principles that will build your faith, renew your mind, and help set you on the path towards obtaining your Heavenly inheritance, monetary style.

We all know Jesus said, “He who as ears to hear let him hear.” We can also agree that Jesus wasn’t talking about natural ears, everyone has those. He was talking about Spiritual ears. If you set your heart towards God, and ask Him for understanding and revelation of Biblical Economics, then you will receive. God has this wisdom at the ready and He wants you to have it. Really, setting your heart to understand, like Daniel did, is the key to receiving wisdom and revelation from God on any subject. You start where you are, and God will help you.

That’s what I did some years ago concerning Biblical Economics. I woke up early in the morning and told God, “Lord, I know that you want me to have abundant finances, but I have no idea how to get them.” Three hours later the phone rang. Completely out of the blue, my dad asked me to accompany him to Creflo Dollar’s Finance convention in New York. Hallelujah. If you want God’s Wisdom, God’s going to get it to you. God will move Heaven and Earth to help you understand. Trust Him. Just like He’ll give you money, He’ll give you knowledge. And let me finish by saying that I got one thing out of that conference – “If I’m going to prosper God’s way, then it’s going to be by seedtime and harvest.”

But let me go first to some more basic principles. I tell you right now that the wealth of the world is laid up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22). There are some wicked people out there right now who think that they have tons of money. But they are just holding it for you and me. “The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts” (Haggai 2:8). All the world’s money is God’s. I believe that to begin understanding Biblical Economics, you must first understand that God has laid claim to all of the world’s money.

Now just sit back and meditate on that reality for a minute. If all the money belongs to God, then it doesn’t matter who holds it, or how it is transferred, God still owns it. That means God has an unlimited supply of money. If God transfers millions to put a preacher on TV, He still never relinquished ownership of that money. He can just transfer those millions again to do something else according to His will. Folks, I believe this is a powerful revelation, one that I don’t have time to detail here. “With God there are no opportunity costs.” God can afford anything and everything and He never sweats a dime. God has unlimited money. And if you will receive it, let me go on and show you how we do too.

You know that you have a relationship with God. If you believe that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, and confess with your mouth that He is Lord, then you are saved (Romans 10:9-10). Moreover, “whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God” (1 John 5:1). When you accepted Jesus as your savior then you became born of God. God’s seed is in you (1 John 3:9).

Now please don’t take the literal reality out of those words. You think those are just words. But no, that is the reality. You are literally born again of God’s Spirit, and God’s sperm gave birth to you. I know that sounds crass – but the Greek for “seed”, which is the word used in 1 John 3:9, is “sperma.” We are God’s biological children. This is not just some spiritual word discussion. My spirit man is God’s biological child. I am God’s son, and you, if you are saved, are God’s son or daughter.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Now don’t just glance over that passage thinking you have read that a thousand times. Read it again in light of today’s study. You are God’s child. Therefore, along with Christ, you are God’s heir. If you are God’s heir, then you are a co-owner (with the other heirs) of everything that belongs to God.

Let me say that again. You are an owner of everything that belongs to God. You are not the sole owner, but you are an owner just the same. And you have considerable authority, rights and privileges in that capacity that you have probably never considered.

That has far reaching and astounding implications, but today we are talking about money. If God owns all the world’s money, and you are God’s beloved Child, His chosen heir, then you also own all the world’s money. And it’s time that we exercise our ownership.

I’m proud to say that God supplies all my needs. I live in a nice place and have nice things. I can boldly say in Christ that I sow bountifully and I reap bountifully. But I want more. Sure, I would love to have a few more security bucks in my account, and I am blessed in my storehouse, but I want more so that I can do more for God and see more of His will accomplished on this earth.

I have heard people talk about praying for a specific amount of money, and I’m fine with that, especially if you are talking about a personal need. But today I was praying for Kingdom building money. And my spirit just couldn’t settle on a specific number. Until finally it exploded within me, “God, I want NATION SHAKING MONEY.” “I want enough money to go into a Middle Eastern Country and flood it with Your Love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want enough money to go free every child slave on the planet and show them the freedom that comes from your Son Jesus. I want to go and shake the nations for You.”

God owns all the money, and as His legal heir so do I. I can call that money in now, because I understand the true New Testament purpose for abundant wealth is to show God’s Love to the world so that they will receive Jesus Christ. I can exercise my ownership and my authority, and nation shaking money is coming to me.

Now I know that we haven’t discussed all the mechanics of how you translate this reality into actual spendable dollars. But I assure you, it’s by faith. Faith is the force that translates God’s promises into your natural reality. So believe this word, receive it, confess it and stand on it. Then you must be led by the Spirit of God. That is the key to possessing, overcoming and truly triumphing in this world. Remember that the children of God are led by His Spirit.

Receive this word today. Begin believing God for nation shaking money. It’s going to take humility, it’s going to take trust, it’s going to take faith and love and many other spiritual forces. But glory to God, it can be had.

We are going to shake nations for the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:4-9)

God's Internal Plan For You

2010-12-06T18:01:00.002-05:00

How many times have you asked God to reveal His plan for your life? I have personally prayed over God’s plans for me countless times. The Bible says, “Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.” (Proverbs 4:6, Amp). We are not just going to wake up in God’s perfect plan for our lives. We must work for this, pray for this, and live for this.

When my last employer told me to begin looking for a new job (because his company was going under), I really felt like my world was turned upside down. I knew God would provide, but trying to discern His will for my life became an all-consuming desire. Well here I am, 9 months later. I do believe I’m living in God’s will, and God has provided. But I know that God’s plans are something I must constantly seek. So I’m still praying, believing and studying. And God revealed something to me this morning that I want to immediately share with you.

How many times have you asked God to reveal His plan for your life? I have personally prayed over God’s plans for me countless times. The Bible says, “Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.” (Proverbs 4:6, Amp). We are not just going to wake up in God’s perfect plan for our lives. We must work for this, pray for this, and live for this.

When my last employer told me to begin looking for a new job (because his company was going under), I really felt like my world was turned upside down. I knew God would provide, but trying to discern His will for my life became an all-consuming desire. Well here I am, 9 months later. I do believe I’m living in God’s will, and God has provided. But I know that God’s plans are something I must constantly seek. So I’m still praying, believing and studying. And God revealed something to me this morning that I want to immediately share with you.

It seems that whenever we talk about God’s plans for our lives, we are talking about what God wants us to do. Does God want me to be a doctor or lawyer or preacher? Does God want me to move here or there or do this or that? We are constantly focusing on God’s plan for our external lives. But I saw today that God has a plan for our internal lives as well.

Just like God has plans for what He wants you to do, God has plans for how He wants you to be. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) God wants us to be transformed. God doesn’t want us to conform to this age, with its lusts and problems. But God wants us to be transformed.

Transformed into what? Into the image of Jesus Christ. “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29). God plans for us to be changed into the image of Jesus Christ. Consider Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus walked in love. Jesus lived in compassion. Jesus never sinned. Jesus healed the sick, taught the people, worshipped, prayed, and served. Glory to God. This is our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the image and exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3, Weymouth New Testament). And we are to be changed into that image!

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are to constantly look upon God and Jesus Christ. We do that by looking the Word of God. Remember that The Word is God, and Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:1,14). When we do this we will be changed and transformed into the image of Christ, which is a major part of our destiny in God.

Moreover, going back to Romans 12, God tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Now “renew” in the Greek really means “renovate.” And these days with all the home improvement shows on TV we get a great picture of that. Renovate means to take out the old and bring in the new, to make new again. God says we need to renovate our mind. And we also do that by spending serious time in God’s Word.

So yes, God wants us to do things for Him on the outside. But on the inside God wants us to become like Christ. When we spend time in the Word, the Holy Spirit changes us and makes us like Christ on the inside, and our minds are renovated to further this change, from glory to glory. We are transformed from the inside out. Glory to God.

So I realized today that in a few minutes I received a revelation of at least ½ of God’s plan for my life. Yes, He has an outward plan. But He also has an inward plan too. And now I know it, Praise God. But as I considered this I thought to myself, “Well, that inward part is really not that big a deal, not nearly as big as the outward part.”

I then heard the Holy Spirit like He was in the car with me. “WHOA, WHOA, WHOA.” “I never said the inward part wasn’t a big deal.” “You said that.” And man did that hit me hard.

We have got to focus on the inner man. We have got to be conformed to the image of Christ. I believe that if we will focus on God’s plan for our inner lives, then we will quickly begin seeing God’s plans for our outer lives. In fact, I now believe that faithfulness to God’s internal plan is the key to success in God’s external plan. I even believe that if you aren’t working on your inner man, and being conformed to Christ as you should be, that God won’t reveal to you all of His plans for your outer life.

Consider Moses. Moses had a glimpse of being Israel’s deliverer, that’s why he killed the Egyptian. But until he had an encounter with God, and changed on the inside, he was not fit for his calling. In fact, He probably couldn’t even see it all. He likely saw himself as their deliverer, when in fact, God wanted him to be their deliverer, their prophet, and their leader.

If we jump out in what we think is God’s plan for our lives, without truly spending time with God and developing our inner man, then we may end up like the young Moses, without revelation of God’s full plans, and run out of town. I pray that’s not you.

Rejoice with me that we can clearly see God’s plan for our inner lives. Appropriately appreciate this word, and begin working harder towards your inward transformation today. Spend time in God’s Word, let your mind be renewed and let the Holy Spirit change you into the image of Christ. I know God wants you to be strong and do great Exploits for Him. I believe this is a great Word to help you on your way. Hallelujah.

A Christian Call To Prayer

2010-11-27T18:46:00.005-05:00

A couple of years ago my wife and I were in Cairo for five days. More than anything, the widespread religious devotion touched me deeply. For example, on the first day our Muslim driver and guide took us to a locals-only type place for lunch. While eating, one of the five daily calls to prayer sounded. (It's a city of 18 million, and you hear the calls to prayer everywhere.) The two men left the table, washed and prayed, right in the restaurant. Every Muslim is called to pray at least five times a day. They must stop what they are doing, and take time to pray. You can’t tell me that their devotion to prayer doesn’t profoundly impact their lives. Can you imagine if we did that in our Nation? What unity! What devotion! What consecration!

I readily admit my prayer life has not been what it should. Of course I pray every day, but often they are short prayers, all about me and my life. I grow weary while praying, my mind wanders, and my spirit feels unfulfilled. I just finished Kenneth E. Hagin’s book “The Art of Prayer” and I am now committed to praying as God would have me. I said that I wanted this website to help people begin living a successful Christian life. I assure you, that won’t occur without prayer.

Prayer can accomplish anything. Let me say that again. PRAYER CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING. Jesus said that nothing will be impossible for us. Well we have preached that and we believe that, but it’s time to make it happen. Anything I ask the Father in Jesus’ Name He will do for me. Wherever two or more are gathered, Jesus is there, and they have what they ask for. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. I know I’m righteous, not because of what I did, but because of Jesus Christ. My prayer, if effective and fervent, will avail much. Glory to God.

I’m done praying little two second prayers, “God please help my family, God please help the people in Haiti.” It’s time we get serious about prayer. Paul talked about praying in the Spirit. Paul talked about groaning. Paul talked about travailing. Yes I’ve prayed in the Spirit, maybe for a few minutes. Now I’m talking about Spiritual warfare. It’s time to get on our face. It’s time to go before God with fervency. We are going to groan and we are going to travail and glory to God, in the Spirit we are going to bring forth.

Paul prayed for Timothy and he said his prayers built a memorial before God. It’s time we build some memorials. Paul continually prayed for many of the groups He had witnessed to (probably them all). We know God hears our prayers; we are His Sons and Daughters. If you really believed that God heard all your prayers, and God would do anything you ask, shouldn’t you pray more? Well, you and I both say we’ve believed it, but now it’s time we act on it.

We can go boldly before the throne of Grace. Jesus is our Great High Priest. We are God’s Children. If the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, then what would happen if we all began praying effectively and fervently? I don’t think we can really imagine. There is no aspect of this world that can’t change by the power of God. The financial situation can change. The political situation can change. Wars, terrorism, genocide, even abortion. Every situation could be changed, because all things are possible with God.

People say that God is in control, and I’m not disputing that. But it’s easy for nonbelievers to dismiss God’s goodness when this world is ravaged by hate and pain. God is in control, and God is sovereign, but are you going to say that the world’s problems are His will? I don’t think so. Is all of the world’s death and pain His will? No chance. So if they are not His will, is their nothing we can do about it? Yes, we can do something. We can begin praying now.

Jesus told us to pray that God’s will would be done on earth. Jesus wouldn’t tell us to waste our time. He wouldn’t say to do this if God’s will was automatically being done in the earth. And He wouldn’t say to do this if our prayers wouldn’t effect the accomplishment of His will. Praise God. Our prayers are key to God’s will being done in the earth.

So why do so many things clearly contrary to His will exist on earth? Because We ARE NOT PRAYING? Well, at least for me, that’s over. I’m going to pray in the Spirit and pray with my understanding. If the Spirit wills, I’m going to groan and travail and bring forth through prayer. I’m excited. I know that God’s will will be done in my life, because I can pray and see that come to pass. If you pray for anything, believing you receive, you will have it. (Mark 11:24)

I encourage you to take up prayer like never before. I encourage you to read Brother Hagin’s book, “The Art of Prayer.” It will only take a few hours and your life will never be the same. Our hands are not bound. God’s hand is not shortened. God’s hand is strong. With God all things are possible. We can see anything change in this world, if we will pray.

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

God Loves And Accepts You Now

2010-11-11T07:05:00.001-05:00

Today I saw something in God’s Word that really excited me, so I wanted to quickly share it with you. Deuteronomy 5:2 says, “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.”

Now at first that doesn’t look like much. But the dictionary I use says that “Horeb” means desert, solitude, or destruction. Yes God had brought them out of Egypt, but they were in a desert place. They had made it into the wilderness, and they were struggling. This is also the place where God met with Moses in the Burning Bush (Exodus chapter 3). We all know Moses was struggling at that point too. He had left Egypt and had been tending the flocks of his father-in-law for years. He was away from his family, away from his people, and away from his destiny.

They were all in a difficult place, but God was looking to take them to a better place. Are you in a difficult place today? God won’t reject you. God wants to meet you wherever you are. God knows where you’ve been and where you’re going. God wants an encounter with you today. God will make a covenant with you right now, it doesn’t matter what you’ve been going through.

Any Christian who has spent any time in church knows that God will take you wherever you are. Pastor Dollar used to say during the alter call, “bring your liquor bottle, bring your reefer, bring it right up to the altar and leave it here” (paraphrased). I know that’s the attitude of God. Wherever you are in life, even if it’s a place of desert, solitude, and destruction, God wants to meet you and make a covenant with you.

I believe God showed me this verse as encouragement for some situations we currently have. And it truly stirs me up. I know that God made a covenant with me when I was in a bad place. I know God kept that covenant with me when I was in a worse place. How much more shall God keep this covenant with me, now that I’m in His place and walking in His will? I have nothing to fear, as God honored that covenant in the desert, God will honor it in this oasis I call home now. Glory to God.

So it doesn’t matter where you are, if you are a Christian then you have a covenant with God. He didn’t make that covenant when you were perfect or walking in His perfect will. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He made that covenant when you were at your lowest, in bondage to sin and incapable of pleasing Him. That’s the God we serve, who makes all things new and brings us out of darkness and into the marvelous light. Never despise the day of small beginnings. Look where you were (spiritually, mentally, and physically) when you began with God. If God honored His covenant with you there, you can be assured God will honor His covenant with you now.

God also reminded me of something from my past yesterday. He showed me something in a new light, something I hadn’t thought of in years. Something I see clearly now with wonder and praise for God.

Back in college I was definitely not walking in God’s plan for my life. I made many mistakes. But even during that time, in that sin, God began giving me dreams, and during my senior year my future wife and I began attending church. But even before that I can see many examples of God protecting me.

One night early in my junior year my roommate had some female friends visit. I didn’t know them, but one of them and I quickly became friends. We had many things in common and made plans to go out the next night. But the next day she apparently got in a big fight with her roommate. It became so heated she moved out, left school, and moved to another city, all in one day. My roommate told me this. I never saw or heard from her again.

You say skeptically, “Byron, you think God had that girl move to another city just to stay away from you.” Frankly I don’t know all the details, all I know is that God has protected me from many evils throughout my life, and as God reminded me of this, I now believe this was another example of God’s Divine protection.

How about that? God saw a situation that would be evil to me, or be a future hindrance to me, and God picked that situation up and moved it out of my city. HALLELUJAH! God’s going to take care of troubles you don’t even see yet. God will protect you from problems you don’t even know you have. Even if you are still in Horeb, God’s going to protect you and provide for you. God’s going to move your problems out of your city. We are more than conquerors. Yes we have to go through battles sometimes, but other times God fights the battles for us and delivers us before we even see the problem.

I can easily say that college was a Horeb-like place for me. It was a desert without an active relationship with God’s Spirit. It was a place of destruction where I was actively working to destroy my life. And it was a lonely place, where most of the time I had no God or Godly people in my life. But God made a covenant with me even before college began. And God held up his part of that covenant the entire time I was there, even while I did nothing to please Him.

I know now that God will always honor His covenants, with me and with you. If God was so good to me when I was lost in sin, what should I fear, what should concern me? While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. And if God be for us nothing can stand against us. Glory to God. I pray this encourages you today.

Successful Christian Living

2010-11-03T16:55:00.002-04:00

Lately I’ve had some time on my hands. It’s not that I don’t have things to do. I have several clients and my daughter is six weeks old. But I’ve just been reflecting on the direction of our lives. The mindset behind Exploits for God has certainly evolved (with the Holy Spirit’s direction) since 2004 when I first launched the website. But recently I’ve been confronted again and again with this idea of successful Christian living.

Just one look at the headlines will make you want to cry. There is so much pain and need in this world your heart can feel stressed and powerless. (It’s so important during those moments to remember that you can’t do everything, but you can do some things.) I hate seeing people sad and hurting, especially children. I know God is going to have me do things about it. But I also hate to see Christians not walking in the fullness of God’s promises.

I can boldly say that I’m living a very good life and that it’s all in line with God’s will and plan for me. We’re healthy, we have appropriate finances, and we have no real problems. We seek God’s will, put faith in His Word, and regularly see Him powerfully move on our behalf. Sure, we must deal with things, sometimes very difficult things, but we know that God is for us (Romans 8:31) and God will perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). Unfortunately all Christians don’t live victoriously. What saddens me more is that many churches don’t preach the victorious possibilities in Christ Jesus.

As I’ve said before, I believe God wants us to have a good life. God wants us to be blessed spiritually, physically, financially, and every other ly. Remember that He says He wishes above all that we prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers (3 John 2). We can live free of poverty, free of physical problems, and free of any other flesh bondage that the devil can throw our way.

Now I do believe we will suffer persecution for our faith. Also I believe situations will arise that tempt us to worry or fear. I’m not saying God causes those things actively, but they happen in a fallen world. The good news is that God will deliver us from every affliction (Psalm 34:19) and give us perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

I want Christians to know all that God promises them, and I want them to know that the physical manifestation of those promises in this life on Earth is a definite possibility. So we're going to work for that. I pray that you read with us as we begin going through God’s great and precious promises and the mechanics of seeing God’s promises realized in our lives. Amen.

Christian Financial Increase Logically Defended

2010-10-26T13:40:00.003-04:00

I believe God wants all Christians to increase financially. I know that’s a very controversial statement. People have written many books on the Scriptural arguments both for and against that position. I’m sure we could do the same here. I would give you a few verses showing that God wants you prospered. You would give me a few which you believe say the opposite. Then I would attempt to show why your view of those verses is wrong. You wouldn’t agree. Then you might get offended and never read this blog again.

But today I would like to take a brief moment and show why the arguments against my belief are logically flawed. I’m not saying that Scripture isn’t the foundation and source of my beliefs, but I think we could take a moment and just think through the arguments against prosperity and see their flaws. I’m also not saying this will fully persuade anyone, but it may help you. In the end, the Scripture must be the basis for your ultimate convincing on any issue, but I hope you’re blessed in your reading.

Let me first say what I believe about God and our finances. I believe God knows our financial situation and God cares about it. I believe God enables us to increase from wherever we are to greater and greater levels in our finances. It doesn’t matter where you are, God will help you increase. When you increase appropriately you will provide more to the Kingdom of God and increase your personal standard of living. So let me start by saying that no matter where you are financially, I believe God wants you to increase.

Now I know that is different from what most people think prosperity preachers preach. People who attack them just think they believe God wants us all exceedingly wealthy such that we can live in whatever luxury we want. (I don’t believe that, and most of them don’t actually preach that.) Let’s not go there, let’s just focus on this idea of increasing.

So I believe that God wants me to prosper financially and increase financially more and more. Of course many people don’t believe that. For someone not to believe that, they must therefore, and logically, believe that God either wants me to stay the same, or God wants me to decrease, or God doesn’t care. Let’s throw out the idea that God doesn’t care. The fact that more Scriptures in the Bible talk about money than nearly any other subject assists us in throwing that out.

So therefore they say God wants us to stay the same or to decrease. Or they may say that whatever increase you get should go straight to the Kingdom of God, therefore you should personally stay the same. So that last idea is really the same as you staying the same, and therefore those will be handled together.

The problem with the idea that God wants you to stay the same is that it provides no objective guidance for what is appropriate and what is not. If God wants me to stay the same, then God would suggest I only put in the level of effort necessary to remain at this financial level. In that case any efforts to work harder or to make more money would be completely contrary to His will. So in effect, God would be saying, don’t work harder, don’t work better, don’t try to do more, don’t try to get more business, don’t accept new opportunities that come your way, and don’t try to create any new opportunities for yourself.

Do you honestly believe that God is saying that? I hope not, but some people probably do. So to them I would say, do you have more money now than you did 10 years ago? Or has this recession hurt you financially like it has most? If God is always saying that you should stay the same, then whatever you earned last decade, any increase, was against God’s will. God would also be saying, don’t try to get back what was lost in the recession, you are good where you are.

So for you that actually have increased, or are trying to increase for any reason, all that is ungodly. You should return to a previous level. Now where does it stop? And that’s the big problem. Should you go back to living with your parents? What about your home, you could probably move back to the smaller place. You could do without that second car. Why don’t you just ride a bike?

So they would say that logic is crazy, God isn’t saying that. But according to their logic He is. God would want you to go back to a place where you have nothing, if all increase is ungodly.

Now a similar logic prevails in the idea that God wants you to decrease. If God wants you to decrease, then logically God wants you to decrease until you have little to nothing. Then they would try to stop their logic and say something like, “Well God wants you to decrease to have only what is necessary.” But that’s also wrong. Because maybe you could drive a smaller car, or live in a two bedroom instead of three. There is no end. Maybe you could move into a shelter, if you are really trying to decrease.

So I’m not necessarily proving that God wants you to increase, but I’m showing that the ideas that God wants you to stay the same or decrease are logically flawed. They are flawed because they include logical slopes into the ridiculous. And the only way off those slopes is to introduce arguments that have nothing to do with logic or Scripture (like this type of car is o.k., but that type is not). I recently heard, for example, someone say a preacher shouldn’t drive a Lexus. Well if that is what God is saying then maybe the preacher should just walk. God forbid the preacher has the wrong brand of bike.

God is brilliant and wise and logical. I don’t mean that everything of God can be perceived with the natural senses, but that all of God’s reasons and truths make logical sense in light of Scripture and reality. None of God’s positions contain inherent logical flaws. The arguments against God’s desire for your financial increase are completely flawed. Now if there was a Scripture on point that said God does want you to stay the same or decrease, then that would be different. I invite you to comment and suggest such a Scripture. But I don’t believe one exists.

I believe we should all increase with the increase of God. I believe we should be constantly increasing in a Godly manner in every area of our life. My confession is that “God is my financial advisor.” I trust God to provide for all my needs and to increase me always. I hope you do too.

The idea that God wants you to increase is perfect in its application and logic. Wherever you are, you can increase by the power of God. When you increase appropriately you increase for God’s Kingdom and your personal situation. There are no limits, there are no ends. You won’t immediately win the lotto or receive millions from the sky, but little by little your life will improve.

God wants you to ride on the high places of the earth (Isaiah 58:14) and eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). Don’t accept the flawed positions (in light of both Scripture and logic) that tell you otherwise.

Joyce Meyer Ministries

2010-10-03T17:10:00.003-04:00

The other day I received a letter about Joyce Meyer's upcoming conference in Tampa. I'd like to tell you why I believe her ministry is a tremendous blessing to the body of Christ. I'm not sure how I first learned about her, but I first saw her in Atlanta while attending law school. I began watching her show, and (through my small amount of computer knowledge) I was able to access the route directory for all her archived episodes online. So for months while eating breakfast I would watch several episodes. (I probably wasn't supposed to do that, and after a while the link wouldn't work, but it blessed me.)

During that season I attended Dr. Creflo Dollar's church, World Changers Church International. While there I learned a great amount of doctrine and the finer points of the Faith. Although he always made it very practical, he would frequently go into great depths of spiritual reality. But Joyce Meyer, while preaching profound spiritual truths, always focuses on how to improve your daily life. One of her ministry's main themes is "Enjoying Everyday Life."

I believe God has called me to the ministry. I'm not in the full time ministry today, but I know He has ministry plans for me. So on the one hand I want to continue learning about the deepest realities of Christianity, but I feel like God keeps directing me to her teachings. And now I believe I know why.

I don't know of a better teacher than Joyce Meyer on daily Christian living. If you will hear the Word of God through her, I guarantee you will begin spiritually prospering in every area of your life. She constantly encourages us to love others actively. She shows us how to lay our lives down before God. She teaches us how to treat others and behave in a Godly manner. And there is much more. Oh, I know you think all that stuff is obvious and basic, but I no longer think so.

I realize now that if I'm going to prosper in ministry, I'd better learn to first prosper in my regular life. If I can't do well in my relationships now, I'll never have proper ministry relationships. I must learn to guard my tongue, renew my mind, love others, respect others, and do many other things so that I have a well-founded Christian existence.

God doesn't want me to begin in ministry and fail. And if I don't develop the fruit of the spirit and Godly behavior prior to ministry, it sure won't happen there easily. I know that ministry can be hard and beset by offenses and struggles. I need to get my joy, love, peace, patience and Godliness straight before I can help others with their lives. Remember we are to remove the planks from our eyes before helping our brethren with the specks in theirs.

So I can honestly say that Joyce Meyer Ministries is a tremendous blessing to me on many levels. Her teachings help me put off the old man and put on the new. Through her teachings my mind is renewed to the way God wants us to live with each other. Her teachings help me surrender my life to Christ so that I can be the blessing to others God wants me to be. My flesh thinks I need someone to teach me about angels and the end times and miracles. But my heart knows that it needs to grow and mature first. God knows that too, and God has sent Joyce Meyer to help us all mature in Christian virtues.

So check out her website and watch her show. Read some of her books and get some of her cds. I promise you that the powerful truths she preaches, if you incorporate them into your own life, will improve your everyday Christian walk and prepare you for the mighty exploits God calls you to do. Praise the Lord.

Night of Joy

2010-09-28T21:25:00.002-04:00

On Friday September 10 I went to the Night of Joy at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Being from Tampa, I've attended the event many times, even since my childhood. But this was the best year I can remember, so I thought to write a short post about it.

Night of Joy occurs every year, I believe about the same time. It features a number of popular Christian artists on several stages throughout the park. The rides are nearly all running, and you can even get there early to ride them before the concerts start.

For a while it seemed that Night of Joy had fallen off a bit. Last year they moved it to Disney's Hollywood Studios, a smaller theme park. The turnout was weak and the overall experience not nearly the same. But this year they brought it back to Disney World proper in style, with a sellout crowd, Chris Tomlin and (my personal favorite) The David Crowder Band. I also watched Barlow Girl, which put on a great 45 minute show to end the night.

I really want to encourage you to attend some Christian events or concerts in your area. I find them so refreshing. I saw many people, all ages, all ethnicities, worshiping our God. Sometimes we go through our days and feel so alone. Sometimes I feel like we Christians are so few against the masses. But no matter our numbers, we worship the One True God.

When you find yourself among thousands of other Christians you will feel encouraged and comforted. I feel that way especially at Christian concerts. Psalm 22 verse 3 says God inhabits the praises of His people. And Jesus said that where two or more are gathered in His Name, He is there. God was at the Night of Joy, right there with us as we sang His praises.

I don't know Disney's motives for having the Night of Joy. Maybe it's just a money making device. But so what? They provide a place for many thousands to gather and worship. I thank God for Night of Joy, and all the bands and people who make it happen. I thank God that we still have a country where we can join and worship in huge public places. We have so much we don't even think to thank Him for.

I left encouraged. I left excited. The Bible says we shouldn't forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). I know many people use this as God's Word commanding Church attendance, and I'm not saying I disagree. But my point is that God knows we need each other. God knows that coming together and fellowshipping encourages us and builds us up spiritually. I'm sure gathering with other Christians has many other benefits, and I'm sure it's something we shouldn't neglect.

So attend church regularly. And whenever you can, attend a large Christian event in your area. Feel free to email me if you need help finding such an event. May God bless you, and thank you for reading.

Check out the short video below of The David Crowder Band's awesome show, right on the steps of the castle in the middle of the park. No comment on the voice you hear singing. The video quality is weak, but it's worth watching just so you can see that it was an impressive show.

Get Over It

2010-09-02T18:02:00.001-04:00

Today two negative things happened that made me think about how important it is to get over something offensive immediately. Remember that Jesus told us to agree with our adversary quickly. I'm sure He had multiple reasons for that statement, but I'm sure one is that offense actually hurts us deeply and blocks us from moving forward. I believe you can't truly move on from a bad experience until you forgive, and the place you get offended is the play you remain.

When you get in strife and offense you are spiritually stuck in a rut. Yes you may keep praying and pressing forward, but you can probably feel the difference in your heart when it's free of hurt and strife. We need to be free of offense and irritation at our brother when we draw near to God. Remember that Jesus said don’t even offer God gifts if you have something against someone. What a powerful statement! Now ask yourself if you've ever given a gift while being truly free of all offense in your heart.

Let's talk about getting over the small slights immediately. I know some offenses are huge, with drastic consequences for everyone involved. Those can take time and spiritual warfare to truly free yourself of them. For example, if someone physically hurts you, you're probably not going to be able to shrug it off immediately, physically or spiritually.

So let me tell you about today's two opportunities for offense. First I noticed a large scratch on my car. Now I know that's not something I could necessarily get offended at a particular person about, but it's still a great example. You know how it is, if something breaks you can get mad and then take it out on everyone around you. You start thinking about costs and imagining who is at fault, it can ruin your day.

But let's think about my car for a second. I have no idea who scraped it (maybe I did). It doesn't interfere with the car's basic functions. I really don't care if the vehicle has a mark. And I'm not going to pay to fix it anyway. How many situations like that do you encounter? These are small annoyances. You can't blame anyone and there's nothing you will do about them. We should start letting them go immediately.

Of course I was disappointed to have something like that happen, but I was glad that I've moved on from getting irritated about such trivial things. It's over and done. So keep that in mind the next time you notice some issue that, while annoying, you won't fix and doesn't matter anyway. The key is to not let it bog you down and mess with your spirit. You are essentially forgiving yourself and the entire world, even God, for such a thing. You are getting over it and moving on.

Now for the other issue. We recently bought some furniture for our coming child. Of course it came out damaged. I don't say of course because I expect problems, but it doesn't surprise me because I'm now looking for God to test me in this area. If I can't handle a damaged crib, I'm going to have a serious problem when I start encountering opposition to my taking the nations for Christ.

That went fine and I even sowed a seed by paying in full and trusting God they would fix it. Well today they showed up with a replacement part, but they didn't call to warn us before they came. Usually they give some lengthy notice. My wife is alone and 9 months pregnant. I'm 45 minutes away. This is irritating.

But while I thought about giving it to the guy for not calling me, I realized it wouldn't do any good. We're not going to tell him to come back later. He's only going to get mad and do a bad job if I'm rude. And really, if I had let him have it (as lawyers are wont to do) then I wouldn't be writing now. I would be repenting and feeling convicted.

So I let it go, they did a fine job, and all is well. Praise the Lord. What minor offenses are you allowing to seriously disrupt your day? Did someone steal your parking spot? Get over it and bless them. Did someone not RSVP to your function and then show up with two guests, hug them all as they enter and then give them great seats.

You see, and please try to understand this, when you begin blessing those that curse you, and forgiving and doing good for those who would irritate you, then you are truly acting like God. God sends the rain on the just and the unjust (my how we’ve misunderstood that verse, in the Bible RAIN IS A GOOD THING).

So don't sweat the small stuff, and be righteously proud of yourself when you correctly deal with life’s negatives. Then wait for others as God takes you from glory to glory. You can't forget, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers us out of them all. Just like the crib is fine, God will perfect everything that concerns you (Psalm 138:8). We must trust God and in our steadfastness possess our souls, especially when these light afflictions try to disrupt our connection with the Spirit of Christ.