Give Me This Mountain | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

As we pondered "the climb" and its importance on yesterday, it dawned on me that we definitely needed to consider "the mountain" as well.  Since our hardships (or situations) represent the climb and not the mountain itself, what then does the mountain represent?  The best way to describe this is it being the picture of man facing his soul.  Life's situations and hardships force us to face how our minds, willpower and emotions respond to our surroundings. 

It's amazing how GOD works!  When it is His will for us to climb, the situation/hardship is merely the vehicle GOD uses to cause us to triumph over something greater.  For example, record numbers of our nation's citizens are facing unemployment.  Typically, one would see the inability to find gainful employment as their mountain.  However, with the newfound perspective of unemployment being "the climb," the mountain then becomes the development of a greater trust in GOD's ability to provide (Genesis 22:8), a clearer understanding of one's purpose--or reason for being--(Proverbs 19:21), and the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  These greater victories by far surpass simply getting another job.  GOD desires to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).  It is through this transformation (or prospering) of the soul that we prosper in material gain as well as in our overall health and well-being, according to 3 John 2.  The climb is necessary to stand upon the mountain peak, which is the prosperity of our souls.

The Climb | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I would venture to say that, at some point, we all have been guilty of speaking to mountains we were destined to climb.  Yeah, yeah, I know what the Word says about commanding them to be cast into the sea (Mark 11:23).  But here's the knitty gritty on that there: if it be GOD's will for you to climb a mountain, no amount of speaking will remove it from the terrain of your life.

Truth be told, many times we're not even speaking in faith anyway, but rather out of fear: we don't want to climb anything that remotely looks like a mountain.  So this leads me to ask, "Are you afraid of the mountain or the climb?"  I only ask because we mistakenly look at situations, like illness, bankruptcy, and divorce, as mountains.  However, upon closer scrutiny, the situation is not at all the mountain, but merely the climb. Interesting, isn't it?

GOD has equipped us to endure situations (or hardships, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:3) in order to get to the mountain peaks to which we're headed.  When you think about it, we even refer to hardships as valley experiences.  But consider this: in order to get from the "valley low" to the "mountain peak," WE'VE GOT TO CLIMB, right?  Of course!

It's during the climb that we learn obedience, just as our Christ did (Hebrews 5:7-8).  It's while climbing that we experience His strength being made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Therefore, let's be converted (or change our mindset) concerning what we've called mountains beforehand, so that we can embrace the climb as a prime opportunity for GOD to show Himself strong on our behalf as He does a new thing within us.

(Note: I look forward to sharing with you on tomorrow some thoughts concerning the mountain to balance today's discussion of the climb.)

Take Responsibility | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Why is it so easy to lay blame on someone else for OUR problems? Well, when we refuse to acknowledge our roles in creating them, blame tends to be the method of choice to validate our feelings. It actually comes quite easily for us and tends to be the ideal location upon which a foundation of hatred and bitterness can be laid in our hearts.

I'm reminded here of the motion picture "For Colored Girls," produced by Tyler Perry.  In this film, Phyllicia Rashad's character made a profound statement, which--for my film critic friends-- I believe clearly describes the film's premise, as she consoled the character played by Kimberly Elise: "Until you take responsibility, you're just living to die."  A life void of responsibility for one's actions is literally a living suicide. 

When I hear someone rehashing without fail why they are a certain way, or who did what to them when, and how they can't get over how something affected them, it's like seeing the living dead.   Forgive me if this sounds harsh, but it's the truth.  While I understand that many people have experienced situations that were beyond their control, it is not beyond their control to live the balance of their days in bondage to the situation.  With GOD all things are possible to them who believe (Matthew 19:26).  We must take responsibility for our lives even when they've been violated by others because we've still got more living to do.

If your life is a living hell today, then it's up to you to invoke Heaven's influence.  Proverbs 24:12 (NLT) says:

"Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done."

The defeated lives we live year after year are our fault.  The depression with which we have an ongoing battle is our fault.  The low self-esteem we've harbored for decades is our fault.  We have power over all these things and more, and it's time we heed the warning (or recognize the signs) and take corresponding action.

Ezekiel 33:3-5 (NLT) reads as follows:

"When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he blows the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action--well, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the warning but wouldn't listen, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives."

What's It Worth? | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I watch very little television, which pretty much explains why I tend to be so behind on what's new or current in pop culture.  However, there's a program on A&E that fascinates me called "Hoarders." (I even have a couple of tweeps--Twitter followers, that is--who banter back and forth with me about the show from time to time.)  The show literally chronicles the deliverance of hoarders and their struggle to let go of seemingly valuable items (or junk) that threaten their ability to securely maintain what's truly valuable.

This morning, the thought came to me of how we tend to hoard all manner of things that, although may appear to be of value to us, are actually quite worthless in comparison to what is ultimately valuable.  I believe this is a tangential meaning of what was said in the Bible about laying up our treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot corrupt them (Matthew 6:19-20).  When we place greater value on the material things we hoard than what's ultimately valuable (i.e. Heaven's mandate), it drastically shifts our perspective to one of protecting at all costs that which is worthless (Luke 12:15-22).  The shift also causes us to ignore how our behavior effects what's truly valuable.  For example, the television program shows people obliviously losing their spouses, families, and homes because of their hoarding; and yet the hoarders are still fighting tooth and nail to hold on to their junk.

Need No More | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

When Adam fell in Eden, it created for mankind a legacy of need.  Prior to Adam's act of rebellion, there was no such thing as "need" because there was no lack in Eden, which represented the environment of GOD's presence.  Now that we're in the Kingdom, the environment/atmosphere of Eden has been restored and we now live in the abundant provision of our King.  This means that the law of abundance has overturned that of lack within our territory.

Having been born after the Spirit of GOD, we are now engrafted into a spiritual lineage that is "anti-need" and "pro-vision."  There is no legacy of need in the Kingdom (or "King's domain"); and since there's no more need, it's imperative that we adopt a mindset of abundant provision.  Our lives should no longer be characterized by concern or worry about anything because we're no longer dwelling in a state of need.  Our King provides for us and He takes excellent care of His people.  Therefore, we must trust our Father to do what He does best.  Let's make 2011 and the years to come free of worry by looking to Jehovah Jireh to manifest Himself in every area of our lives.

For a more detailed blog post on the legacy of need, feel free to click the following link and read a previous post of mine that I believe will bless you tremendously: http://fromtheheartofaworshipper.blogspot.com/2009/07/in-gods-presence-part-nine.html.

And It Was Good | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Something very interesting about human beings is our belief that the end truly justifies the means.  We set goals and envision concepts that we're motivated to bring to fruition.  Our zeal to accomplish what we set out to achieve creates the drive to do WHATEVER IS NECESSARY, even if it's wrong or potentially offensive, to get the desired results.  Because human reasoning places top priority on the end result, we feel justified in doing wrongly in order to bring about good.

During Moses' account of creation in Genesis Chapter 1, therein was a phrase used by GOD throughout the process: "And it was good."  Traditionally, our focus has been on the objects of creation (e.g. light, earth, water) being good.  However, let's consider a broader perspective of what GOD meant by this powerful statement.  But first, here's an excerpt from a previous blog ("The Power of Agreement - Part Two") to give you an idea of what GOD had to work with in Genesis 1:

Now, the earth was without form (translated from the Hebrew word "tohuw" meaning "to lie waste"), and void (translated from the Hebrew word "bohuw" meaning "to be empty").  We see an environment characterized by desolation and emptiness. Nothing is being produced and the very atmosphere is valueless.  I like to view this as the most extreme form of poverty. The earth was so bad off that it's safe to say that no recession or economic downturn in the history of man can begin to compare to the earth's state at this time.  As a matter of fact, this particular environment shows no sign of having the slightest potential to become Eden.

GOD had the worst situation on His hands, yet He was able to create the best situation.  Eden, the most ideal environment, was birthed in the least ideal setting because of GOD's righteousness.  He's simply right!  Our Father specializes in doing the right thing because His power to obtain results is totally predicated upon Him doing so.  So, when He said, "And it was good," He wasn't referring to the results because He knew what the results were going to be before He started.  This simple phrase referenced the process being good.  What GOD said came to pass... THAT'S what was good: His way of doing things.  Because doing the right thing generated the desired results. 

Therefore, friends, let's strive to focus more on the process, not the results.  If GOD said it, He'll perform it.  So don't worry about the results because GOD guarantees them as long as we're faithful to the process of doing things His way.  Ultimately for us, what's good is when we see what we said BECOME.  Let this be our Season of Becoming as we submit ourselves to the process of living righteously unto the GOD who made us righteous and is committed to manifesting the phenomenal in our midst.

Preservation by Silence | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Growing up, I believe I was "disciplined" more times for what I SAID than what I DID.  Mind you, I've never been what you might call a foul-mouthed person; however, I had a way of saying things that was quite effective at generating the "wrong" response.  Thanks to the experience of trial and error paving the way for wisdom, maturity has given me a whole new perspective on the power of silence.  Just because I may have something to say doesn't mean it needs to be said, and just because I can say what's on my mind doesn't necessarily mean I should say it.

Even As Your Soul Prospers | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I've heard III John 2 for what seems to be countless times, but it was not until recently that I FINALLY made the connection.  Honestly, I believe I was just excitedly stuck on the fact that John shared with his readers that he, as a leader in the LORD's church, desired that those under his authority experience material gain, bodily wellness and revelatory insight into the Kingdom. (That's a lesson in leadership all by itself right there, but that will have to be another post for another time.)  This verse of scripture describes the total package--a portrait of the balanced "life more abundantly" I believe Jesus spoke of during His time on Earth (John 10:10).  However, my greater understanding of 3 John 2 was achieved when I made the following connection: as my soul (the seat of my mind, will and emotions) prospers in the things of the Kingdom, I'm assured of material gain and divine health.  This is the paradigm for experiencing Heaven on Earth.  If your whole concept of Christianity is "living to live again," then I challenge you to expand your concept of salvation beyond "eternal life" to include "life right now."

Focus, Focus, Focus | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

When I read the following Facebook status early this morning, it got me to thinking about what it means to focus:

"There's nothing like the power of focus...It's how achievers get things done."

I posted my initial thoughts as a comment, which read: "Focus is a product of willpower; and if you don't have the heart to do what you gotta do to achieve, you'll never be able to focus long enough to accomplish anything." From there, my mind was racing because the Holy Spirit dropped those words in my spirit, and I then saw just how interconnected this insight was to my own life.

No Joy, No Strength | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Our strength lies in possessing the joy of the LORD, the fullness of which is found in His presence (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 16:11).  Sadly, many of GOD's people are weak because they look elsewhere for the joy that only GOD can give.  Family and friends, careers and even success can be appreciated for the happiness they bring, but they can in no way substitute for the joy of the LORD.  Just ask people who've attempted suicide; those who, despite their success, feel lonely; or the popular people who always feel drained because they're constantly being taken advantage of.  Simply put: no joy, no strength.

Welcome to Contentmentville | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

One of the more challenging aspects of Kingdom life is the concept of contentment.  Human nature diametrically opposes the mandate to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves.  Somewhere in the gumbo of emotions we're simultaneously processing (e.g. frustration, impatience, dissatisfaction, confusion, helplessness, despair, etc.), contentment just gets overshadowed, much like that quiet middle child who is the least demanding of his siblings for attention.  What's interesting, though, is that GOD never requires of us anything we've not already been given the capability to perform (2 Peter 1:3).  So, no matter how difficult it may seem for us to be content, our manifestation of this behavior (or Kingdom cultural attribute) will always be a matter of our will to exhibit it.

Consistency Is Back-Breaking | The Worshipper's Thought Of The Day

During this past Sunday morning's message, one of the "Ah-Ha" moments I had was when my pastor said, "Consistency is what's going to break the back of the enemy."  That's so true!  Too often we look for deliverance to be instantaneous.  In most cases, however, deliverance is a process.  That's why Bible says that we must WORK OUT our soul's salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).  The soul of man (his mind, will and emotions) requires a disciplined, regimented program of work for the effectual manifestation of deliverance.

Letting Go | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

A dear Facebook friend of mine got me to thinking early this past Saturday morning about the importance of letting go and how that translates into worship.  She expressed that when GOD says to let go, then it's time to let go because He's trying to give you something else.  Additionally, she communicated the need to let go of some past things and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ, not in man.

My comment was as follows: "That's why it's so important that we lift our hands during worship.  Many Christians don't understand its importance or significance.  It's important because raising our hands is an act of surrender to our GOD; and it signifies us letting go of whatever we're holding on to so we can reach for GOD and what He has for us."

When we enter into worship, it's a time dedicated for GOD to recalibrate us.  While going about our days, we encounter so much.  Each day brings its trials, challenges and concerns, but our Father loves us too much for us to be consumed by them.  The act of reverent worship is an exchange of sorts in that our acknowledgment of GOD as our Source requires complete and total surrender.  It's in that act of genuine surrender that we lift our hands in submission to our Father, His will and His way.  We release our hold on whatever we're carrying that's infringing upon our peace of mind, thereby allowing GOD to remove the weight of these cares and concerns from our souls.

It makes no sense to hold on to whatever may be a threat to our peace, especially when Bible admonishes us to cast our cares upon GOD (1 Peter 5:7).  Just bring it to Him and let it go.  I'm convinced that people unable to lift their hands during worship can not do so because they're holding on to something.  The spirit of entitlement's influence has justified them feeling hurt, betrayed, taken advantage of, disappointed, etc.  These feelings are not supposed to be harbored.  Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).  It's an insult to our Redeemer for us to deny ourselves the more abundant life He paid for and made available to us.

So, friends, resolve to let go of whatever GOD is urging you to loose your grip on.  He desperately wants to take it away from you, but He won't pry it from your hands.  He'll allow you to suffer the consequences of holding on to it before He'll forcibly remove it from you.  The choice is yours.  It's your blood-bought, GOD-given right to be free and at peace.  Therefore, show GOD how serious you are about your submission to Him by relinquishing control and lifting your hands as proof that you've taken your hands off.  It's then that your hands have been freed to receive what GOD desires to give.

The REAL Charismatic Movement - Part Two

Operating in the charismatic is certainly no cakewalk.  As was noted in the previous installment of this series, the charismatic approach to life is really about having a perpetually positive attitude.  GOD's grace (or "charis" in the Greek) empowers us to exhibit behaviors that are radically different from the status quo.

We've all encountered the people who claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost and go into all kinds of histrionics during worship services, but don't exactly live up to the hype outside of the sanctuary.  It really makes you wonder, doesn't it?  I've said many times that the same Holy Ghost who gives us the utterance to speak in tongues is the same one who keeps us from "cussing" (or, for my educated friends, using expletives).  So then, why do we act all brand new with the Holy Spirit when we're no longer in the presence of the body of believers: He's been sent to teach us (1 Corinthians 2:12)?

Sometimes it's frustrating to hear people talk about RADICAL praise, RADICAL anointing, RADICAL, RADICAL, RADICAL...it's certainly not my intention to offend anyone, but here's the deal: we don't have to do anything RADICAL to standout or be different. How about we just follow GOD's commandments? That's RADICAL enough right there. A married man turns down a proposition to cheat on his wife? RADICAL! Actually putting in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay? RADICAL! Maintaining your composure as someone cuts you off on the highway? REALLY RADICAL! These examples and tons more equate to ways in which the grace of GOD can be manifested to show all men just how radical we are as GOD's people. When others see us actually being Christians instead of just casually identifying ourselves as Christians, that alone will intrigue them to know more about our faith and the Jesus who made it all possible.

I mean, honestly...Would the people we encounter Monday through Saturday REALLY follow us to church on Sunday? Believe it or not, that's the impact of the REAL charismatic movement. It's not shout fests, folk laid out all over the floor and people prophesying (or even "prophelying"). It's about the grace of GOD at work in us, working through us (Philippians 2:13-15). It's that grace that makes us living epistles read of men (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). At some point, the charismatic movement must expand beyond the sanctuary walls. However, the only way for it to expand is by us taking it with us everywhere we go, manifesting the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven throughout the Earth for all men to see.

It's Not Over! | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Our lives are comprised of the favorable as well as the unfavorable. Often times, the unfavorable overshadows the favorable, so much so that we wonder how GOD could possibly get the glory from it all. Well, friends, let's consider Ephesians 1:11:

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predistinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:"

What must become real to us is that GOD is committed to His purpose for our lives, even when we aren't. GOD brings (or worketh) all things--that means EVERYTHING--together to conform them to His purpose for our lives. Therefore, our mistakes are NOT more powerful than our respective purposes. While this does not permit us to live any kind of way, it does encourage and edify the broken and contrite TO KNOW that IT'S NOT OVER. GOD's purpose for you STILL stands despite your shortcomings. No matter what you've done, no matter how bad off you may be even now...GOD REMAINS COMMITTED to the purpose for which He created you. Now that's good news!

So if you find yourself mourning, confess out loud and on purpose the following based on Isaiah 61:3:

"I receive from You, GOD, beauty for my ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness affecting me; that I might be called by others a tree of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that You, O GOD, might be glorified. HALLELUJAH!!!"

Kingdom Expansion | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Since I spend most of my days at work sitting in front of a computer, I spend much of my time at the office listening to the teaching of GOD's Word as I go about my daily duties. This morning, as I was listening to a message by Dr. Myles Munroe, something he said struck a chord in me: "Kingdoms expand by colonization." Most of us have, at some point in our education, learned about world civilizations (e.g. countries, nations) that sought to expand their global influence by colonizing foreign territories. Part of this colonization process included having a community of citizens from the home country to live in the foreign territory, so they could infiltrate the foreign territory with the culture of the home country.

One could literally write a whole book on this topic, but I just want to quickly leave something with you to consider. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven who are living in the foreign territory of Earth, we are charged with being the community of people responsible for infiltrating the foreign territory's culture with Heaven's culture. If it appears the Kingdom community's influence within a locality is either not growing or diminishing, it's simply because there's a decrease in the manifestation of the culture of Heaven in that geographic area. We can spout all the religious rhetoric, church phrases and Christian cliches we can recall, but the Kingdom influence only increases in dominance as a community of Kingdom citizens manifest the culture of Heaven through a consistent lifestyle that reflects the will, intent and purposes of our King.

What I love about the holiday season is the period of personal reflection I undergo in preparation for the New Year. It's my prayer that we all would reflect on our our lifestyles this season and evaluate how well we reflect the culture of Heaven, our home country. Do our lifestyles attract unbelievers to become Kingdom citizens and adopt Heaven's culture? Or are we living in such a way that unbelievers experience difficulty in distinguishing a difference between our culture and their own? In order to rule, reign and dominate the Earth and its resources (or as Donald Lawrence put it, "get back to Eden"), we must be determined now more than ever to advance Kingdom colonization through cultural expansion. In other words, both what we say and do MUST be consistent with our identity as Kingdom citizens, thereby exhibiting a lifestyle of holiness.

Dare to Be Different | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

A conversation today reminded me of the importance of being different. My mind went to how GOD wanted to do a new thing with Israel, His chosen people; however, they refused to participate in what GOD desired to do through them. GOD wanted a Kingdom (e.g. a nation of people) that would be ruled by Him alone and reflect His nature, character and culture. Yet the children of Israel wanted to be like the nations around them and have a king chosen from among themselves to rule over them. Surprisingly, even after GOD warned them what would happen as a result of this decision, the people still wanted an Israelite king--they rejected GOD's way to be like the people around them who appeared to be living better.

Things aren't much different today, except our problem is we've learned to articulate catch phrases (like "I want GOD to do a new thing"). You know, those things we say and don't mean because it's just lip service that fits so well into our emotional worship. We cry out for GOD to do something new, but we really don't want to be different from those around us. Question: doesn't "something new" imply something never before done, erego something different? Let's just go ahead and stop wasting our time and GOD's if we're going to seek something new from Him when our hearts really desire to enjoy all the things that those outside of GOD's Kingdom enjoy, too. Brothers and sisters, we can't have our cake and eat it, too. It's either GOD's way or the world's way--no in between, no gray area.

I'm by no means perfect because I'm daily progressing in GOD's way. Each day I strive to be more committed to GOD's way of doing things and being more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because I truly desire for GOD to do the unseen through me, I'm willing to be different. I'm willing to not blend in with the crowd. After all, what glory does GOD get when His people blend in so well with the world that they become indistinguishable from the world? Dare to be different, friends. Dare to adhere to the laws of GOD's Kingdom. Dare to see GOD move in unprecedented ways through you.

The Need To Edify | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

During this morning's commute to work, my mind pondered the phrase "knowledge puffeth up," which comes from the latter portion of 1 Corinthians 8:1--"Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."  I guess what triggered this thought was an earlier reminder from a friend of how we can sometimes be rather difficult to deal with when we become knowledgeable. Oddly enough, I remember my mother referring to those kind of people as "know-it-alls" because their awareness of information exuded pride.

We must be careful in both our pursuit and sharing of knowledge that we do not allow ourselves to become inflated by it, thereby creating a false sense of elevation above others. You know, when people sense pride in operation, its stench creates for them a displeasing experience--even in our sharing of the Gospel of the good news of the Kingdom. However, charity edifies. In other words, love builds up and strengthens. Love is so important to our Kingdom lifestyle that it is central to our exercising of the nine spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12.

Therefore, let's not just pursue knowledge, but let us be committed to building up and strengthening others with the knowledge we've gained. It's invaluable for us as Kingdom citizens to possess a wealth of information and be influenced by the spirits of pride and arrogance. Even though the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of GOD unto salvation, our attitudes will cause others--the save and unsaved alike--to despise (or ignore) what we know, no matter how much it will be a blessing to them. I'll always remember something Bishop Fred A. Caldwell, Sr. would say, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." My suggestion: we all should take a long, hard look at ourselves and evaluate our motives. Do we minister (or "meet the need") in order to show others how much we care or to show how much we know?

Results-Oriented Warfare | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Out of no where, my mind fell upon the phrase "every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5) during this morning's worship service. So, I made myself a mental note to take a deeper look at this scripture when I got home, which resulted in me examining the below passage:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
(2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Verse three declares that we don't contend with carnal inclinations. Since it ends with a colon, verses 4-6 that follow provide an explanation of verse 3 that can not be considered apart from that third verse. Therefore, verse five--my initial point of interest--tells me that warring after the flesh will not produce the desirable results outlined therein. We can't expect to tear down reasonings and all barriers that have been lifted up against the act of knowing GOD by contending with the flesh. Furthermore, the carnal approach will not make captive every perception to the submission of Christ.

In other words, as we interact with the unsaved, it's imperative that we war against the spirit of unbelief that's blocking them from the act of knowing GOD, as opposed to their lifestyle choices, addictions, foul speech, etc (which are frequently targeted by Christians). Additionally, as we interact with other members of the Body of Christ, it's a waste of time to war against any behaviors our brothers and sisters may manifest that oppose the laws of the Kingdom. We must wage war against the demonic spirits that are influencing their behavior. And since we're waging war against the unseen (and not the manifested symptoms of the unseen), our warring need not be seen of men either. There's no need to create a spectacle or publicly embarrass anyone: such unseemly behavior only creates visible reasons for others to hesitate in deciding to become reconciled to the Kingdom of GOD. We have been endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to both remain composed as well as think clearly at all times (Matthew 10:16). Therefore, let us operate in the realm of the spirit, wherein Christ has already obtained victory, that Christ may also cause us to triumph over Satan openly in the physical realm.

Condemnation vs. Guilt | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

This morning, I was thinking about how even though there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, there sure is guilt.  While condemnation is not part of the Kingdom citizenship experience, guilt most certainly exists. It usually manifests when the ways of our old conscience collide with our righteousness in Christ Jesus. Since we've been made righteous by faith (and not of works), we are to live righteously (or in right standing with GOD); but honestly, that doesn't ALWAYS happen. We all fall short of the glory of GOD (e.g. manifesting His character) as well as fail to faithfully abide in our Father's way of doing things (e.g. keeping His commandments). That's where guilt enters in because we could never be able to recognize its presence without the Holy Spirit governing us. As is commonly said, "When you know better, you do better." And as we continue to be transformed by the renewing of our minds via the Word of GOD, our righteous mind (which is the mind of Christ that we have already been given) will become increasingly dominant and reduce our old culture to a merely distant memory. Thanks be unto GOD for the power of guilt as well as the power to change. Walk in victory, my friends! GOD bless!

GOD Equips The Called

"If you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line."

It's truly a word to the wise to not hastily talk against someone else's work. We're so quick to say what GOD is in and not in, but He validates the work of His servants Himself by giving them longevity. You know, it's one thing to start; but it's another to start AND finish. What we must realize is that GOD is just as concerned about our finish as He is our start.

Bible admonishes us to endure and to finish. It doesn't matter how swift or strong one may be (Ecc. 9:11) because GOD doesn't call the equipped, but rather equips the called (Exodus 4:1-5). Therefore, if you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line. That's right: GOD is with those who finish because He's prepared them to endure (2 Timothy 4:7-8,17). And who better to prepare us than the One who best knows the race's course and its challenging conditions.

The quitters are the self-equipped ones who decide to enter the race based on their own probability of success and misguided assessment of the needed preparation (Luke 14:28-30). However, when the race presents conditions they can't handle, then all of a sudden their "season is up" and they quit. NEWS FLASH: it wasn't their season and GOD wasn't with them. THAT race was given to the one whom GOD prepared to endure it until the end.

When you've been equipped to accomplish a work for GOD (not yourself), quitting is not an option (Acts 20:24). Even when rough situations cross your path, you press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ because you've got the equipment (Philippians 3:14). Your body may get weary; but because you are waiting upon (ie serving) GOD, He is renewing your strength so that you may mount up with wings as an eagle, run and not be weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

When you're in YOUR GOD-given race, it's not easy to just give up and leave the course. You would rather die pursuing the finish than quitting. You could care less about living to fight another day because you know that all you have is today--tomorrow is not promised. This is the fierce tenacity that gets people talking, especially the critics on the sidelines: they haven't done anything, won't do anything and won't let you do anything (if you let them). But there's no need to answer them yourself because GOD will validate you AND your work at the finish line.

How Are You Hearing? - Part Two

"Obedience to GOD indicates that we're listening to Him and that His words aren't falling on deaf ears."

As I was preparing to teach a Sunday School lesson last quarter, the text contained a scripture that taught me something very valuable. As I studied it out, I soon realized that it would be one of those never-to-be-forgotten moments in scripture. You know, those "ah-ha" moments, if you will, that radically shift your thinking about a word because NOW your understanding of it has been cemented by the Holy Spirit.

In Paul's epistle to the church at Philippi, he encouraged them to remain just as obedient in his absence as they were in his presence (Philippians 2:12). Below is that verse from The Message Remix Bible:

"What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before GOD."

The King James translates the Greek word "hupakouo" (hoop-ak-oo'-o) as "obeyed" in this verse of scripture. Hupakouo means "to hear under" as a subordinate; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. Therefore, it is safe to say that obedience is submissive hearing, in which the listener's response is totally predicated upon recognizing oneself as being under authority.

This totally revolutionized my understanding of obedience. It finally became clear to me why obedience to GOD is so important. Firstly, it indicates that we're listening to Him and that His words aren't falling on deaf ears. Secondly, it's evidence that we recognize GOD as our authority figure, not as our equal or subordinate. Thirdly, it shows GOD that we love Him indeed (according to John 14:23 and John 15:10), not just with words from our lips.

The same principle applies with our earthly relationships. Whether it be the parent-child relationship or the employer-employee relationship, obedience is about respecting the position of the authority figure. Where there's disobedience, there's clearly a misunderstanding of who's in charge. The disobedient party clearly sees him/herself as either the authority figure's equal or superior. If that weren't the case, then there would be no rebellion taking place.

Therefore, I encourage us all to look at the manifestations of rebellion in our lives in a different light. We must look beyond the actions and see the spirit at work behind the scenes motivating these actions. The power to attack the spirit of rebellion that's wrecking havoc in our relationship with GOD as well as our relationships with other people is already in our possession. We can not be afraid to have the tough conversations and ask ourselves and others, "Is there a problem here? Is there a misunderstanding of our respective roles and how we interact with each other?" It's taking these proactive steps under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we're able to maintain control of our situations and exercise dominion in our environments as Kingdom citizens.

Let's pray:
Father, we Your children humbly come before You in complete and total submission to You. We're grateful to be called the children of the Most High GOD, and we appreciate Your hand of mercy upon each of us. Thank you for loving us beyond our faults, O GOD. Thank You for not dealing with us according to our sins and iniquities, but according to Your tender mercy and loving kindness shown ever so generously toward us.

Father, we ask now in the name of Jesus that You would open our ears that we may hear You clearly. Saturate our hearts, O GOD, with Your love that we might obey You instantly and without hesitation. For we believe wholeheartedly by faith and decree with our own mouths that it is so! Even now, we declare that our feet are bound to Your path of righteousness that we might walk blamelessly in Your way as never before. It is Your decree, O GOD, that our love for You be manifested in our obedience to You; and we submit ourselves wholly to the work of accomplishing that which pleases You.

Forgive us, Father, for our acts of disobedience, for we boldly come against the spirit of rebellion that arises in our hearts and causes us to sin against You. Our adversary, the devil, has no authority in our lives because we have been made free from the grip of sin and have been given the power to resist him, thereby causing him to flee from us. By the power of the Holy Ghost, we command every principality and power that opposes the Kingdom of Light to be cast out of the minds of GOD's people now into outermost darkness and dry places. For the precious, powerful shed blood of Jesus is against each and every one you cohorts of Satan!

And to the Most High King; the matchless, eternal magistrate of heaven, whose Kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting; to Him be all glory, honor, majesty, dominion and power. May Your name, great and sovereign GOD, be praised, exalted and extolled forever and ever. AMEN!

So, What Do YOU Think? -- Part Two

"So, for those among us who are grappling with ungodly or unhealthy self images, who gave this to you?"

So, back to our original thought: what do YOU think? A brother beloved in the LORD recently posted something on Facebook that got me to thinking about all of this--"Ask yourself: Who gave you this image of yourself? What do you expect for your life?" As he was sharing what his pastor had been teaching on Jeremiah 29:11, my mind started mining the database of Word within me and connecting this scripture with others of relevance. I went straight to the scripture that started this blog post (Proverbs 23:7) as well as the law of confession ("homologeo," which is to say what GOD has already said).

I truly believe that, just as GOD wants us to say what He's said in order to manifest His results, He also wants us to think what He thinks because it's already been established that we are our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). As Kingdom citizens, our thoughts should NOT be governed by our five senses (the flesh) because we are NO LONGER of this world (Earth). Therefore, in order for us to think what GOD thinks, our thoughts must be governed by our spirit man, who yields to the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So, for those among us who are grappling with ungodly or unhealthy self images, who gave this to you? Was it the result of some incident years ago? Did you hear it from the mouth of a loved one? Could it be something you saw in your family's behavior? These are all things that were perceived by the flesh.

Now that you've been reconciled to the Kingdom of GOD, take on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16). GOD's thoughts towards you have already been established, according to Jeremiah 29:11. Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you can tap into GOD's thoughts toward you (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-16) and allow your soul (mind, will and emotions) to be governed by them, thereby influencing your expectations of GOD for your life.

Let's pray:
Father GOD, we come now as your children into your holy presence, giving you the glory and honor that is due Your name.  We thank you for giving us the mind of Christ.  We appreciate the guiding influence of Your Holy Spirit within us, and we yield to Him even now.  It is Your will, Father, that we be transformed by the renewing of our minds by Your Holy Word. And we bind our minds to Your Word, O GOD, and we command our minds to be loosed from the thoughts and perceptions that are inconsistent with Your Word.  Forgive us, Father, for embracing carnal thoughts and ideas.  Forgive us for doubting your thoughts towards us.  Protect us from the influence of our five senses, Father; and deliver us from the attempts of the enemy that cause us to doubt You and Your Word.  We declare victory now as we command our minds to think victoriously and our feet to walk in victory.  We receive newness of mind as we submit ourselves to the governing authority of Your Kingdom.  And now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise GOD; be all glory, honor, dominion and power forever and ever. AMEN!

So, What Do YOU Think? -- Part One

"Thinking of oneself as the collective result of life's experiences is an exercise of carnalmindedness."

Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh, so is he." So, my question to you is, "WHAT are YOU thinking?" As a matter of fact, let me come a little bit closer to you: "What do YOU think about YOURSELF?"

Our lives are filled with incidents and accidents that, in more cases than we probably care to admit, have shaped how we see ourselves. In our minds, so many of us are victims of our circumstances because the "me" we see tends to be the one we've perceived through our five senses. And if we go ahead and admit it, over the years we've come to know and understand so much about ourselves in this fashion. But THIS IS NOT the will of GOD for us, His redeemed.

Thinking of oneself as the collective result of life's experiences is an exercise of CARNALMINDEDNESS, at best. It's worldly and doing so indicates that one is walking in the flesh. That's right: solely perceiving oneself--OR ANYTHING, for that matter--through the five senses is considered walking in the flesh.

GOD did not offer salvation to us just so we could die in hope that we will go to heaven. Heaven is a benefit of the new birth, the quickening of our dead spirits. Now that we've been made alive in the realm of the Spirit, that's the realm through which we are to perceive ALL things. It's no spooky, hocus pocus stuff: we've been designed to function in the spirit realm because WE ARE spirits.

We are spirits, who possess our souls (minds, will and emotions) and live in a body (flesh). This physical world in which we live (Earth) requires a body that experiences and makes sense of the environment around us through the five senses. From the time of our birth, we come to understand this environment through the sense faculties.

Now that we've been translated into the Kingdom of GOD's dear son, we can say that we're IN this world but not OF this world (see Colossians 1:13; John 8:23-24; John 18:36). We've actually experienced the resurrection within because our once dead spirit man has been raised to new life. And in accomplishing this, we've now been re-calibrated, if you will, when it comes to HOW we live. Before, we perceived everything by our senses (the flesh) and those perceptions governed our souls (minds, will and emotions). BUT NOW, we can perceive everything by the spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-10), just as GOD does and created us to do, so that our souls (minds, will and emotions) would be governed by the Holy Spirit, who then would be able to govern our flesh.

Be sure to check out Part 2...

Dying to Behold A New Thing

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isa 43:18-19)

GOD wants to do a new thing, so why are we stuck in the past?  He has already purposed to do what He's never done before.  And yes, while we want to behold the new thing...we want the outcome without the process.  You see, our inability to embrace this new move of GOD eminates from our hesitance to let go of the former things.  Therefore, there's no time better than the present to really check our hearts and evaluate our minds to see what's gotten hold of us.

It doesn't matter who did or said what, or how things were before.  As long as our eyes are only focused on the past, we'll never behold the new thing.  If our hearing continues to be attuned to what we've always heard, then the new thing remains inaudible to our ears.  Craving only the flavors we've enjoyed before will surely keep us from tasting the new thing.  Being captivated by familiar fragrances will prevent us from being enraptured by the new aroma. And our longing for that old, familiar sensation will create wariness of how something new might make us feel.

But in order for us to experience the new thing, we've got to do more than MOVE BEYOND the former things.  What?  You thought moving beyond them was enough?  Not so, my friends.  We've got to DIE to them because, if you only move beyond them, you can always go back to them.  If you're dead, you can't remember or consider ANYTHING prior to your dying because death has transitioned you into a whole new realm.  What worked in the old realm is null and void in the new one.  As a matter of fact, the paradigm has so drastically shifted in the new realm that its environment will not even support the old things--they're rendered obsolete.  Furthermore, you can't even experience GOD in the new realm in the same old, familiar way as before.  Transitioning into the new realm completely redefines our experiences with GOD, thereby radically changing both our concepts and perceptions of Him and how He works.

So if you're ready to experience GOD making a way in the wilderness and carving rivers in the desert, then it's time for you to die.  The time has come for you to transition into a new realm of GOD, a new paradigm of living.  Don't miss the move of GOD in your life because you've chosen to remain in the past.  Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Don't let the enemy take your life.  Just like Jesus, you've got the power to lay it down and the Father will raise you up to a whole new way of living so you can behold the new thing--the UNPRECEDENTED thing--He's already planned just for you.

7 Steps to Renewing Your Mind

"You've got to commit in your mind to commit your mind to GOD."

Yesterday morning, as I was working out, I turned on the television and was trememdously helped by a Rhema Word delivered by Pastor Creflo Dollar. (I've recently been wrestling with some decisions that I made over the past year, and this message ministered life to me and confirmed some things for me.)

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an application teacher. I love taking the Word of GOD and making it applicable to life. So what REALLY hit home were the practical steps Pastor Dollar gave for renewing the mind. As he mentioned, we have all the right answers and processes to accomplish so much, but we never get around to doing what's necessary to reach our goals. Yes, our intentions are good, but good intentions simply aren't enough. Only diligent doing in carrying out our plans realizes our goals. And if we find ourselves always intending to do things that never get done, then it's time to question our character (i.e. doing what's right because it's right and doing it right).

So here are the "7 Steps to Renewing Your Mind", as taught by Pastor Creflo Dollar:

1. Accept the part YOU played in the sin (or fall). Don't blame someone else (including the enemy) for your actions, but take responsibility for the role you played matter. What someone else did is none of your business. Just focus on what you did.
2. You MUST judge the fall (or sin) as wrong. Simply put: you can't come out of something saying that you weren't wrong. You must agree with GOD's view of your actions because this is a heart matter, not just one of wrongdoing.
3. Ask GOD for forgiveness. Don't allow selfishness and self-pity to keep you in parlysis. Narcissism will have you so caught up in how you feel that you'll never approach the Father and seek forgiveness, which is far more important than your feelings.
4. Recognize what plans or adjustments must be made. Make a clear, concise plan of action as to how you will avoid falling into the same trap again. As I heard Minister Steve Lawrence once say, you've got to know how the enemy attacks...YOU! Take the tools you've been given and develop your plan of exactly how you will combat future attacks.
5. WORK the plan. Don't be guilty of knowing what to do and then found guilty of not doing it. The roads to failure, sin and wrongdoing are all paved with good intentions. So, don't plan on those good intentions getting you out of hot water again. Just do what you've got to do to move from good intentions to reality.
6. Continue to renew your mind and grow. Don't stop because you missed the mark, and never get satisfied in your development and maturation as a Kingdom citizen. Remember: the greater the assignment, the greater the plan of development, and the greater the attack. When GOD's called you to do a great thing, you must be developed to perform that great thing for the Kingdom.
7. Guard against guilt and condemnation. When you fall, that's when the spirits of darkness come to paralyze you. In Isaiah 26:3, GOD commits Himself to us to guard, protect and secure us, if we commit our minds to Him, His Word, His way of thinking, His ideas. If our minds aren't committed to His Word, it's difficult for GOD's resources to be committed to our lives. Even in darkness and when we miss the mark, the commitment of our mind to His Word will release the Spirit of GOD within us to take us through whatever attack we face.

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Hopefully, this practical exhortation blessed you and will serve you well in the days to come. We all experience crises and have had the mispleasure of falling; but even in the midst of our failures, we are still more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). Furthermore, not to be harsh (but to express the seriousness of the matter), "if you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place" (Proverbs 24:10 The Message Remix). So now waivering: you've got to commit in your mind to commit your mind to GOD (James 1:8).

Below is yesterday's broadcast of Pastor Dollar's teaching ("Freeing Your Mind from Darkness Part 2"), which inspired this blog post, if you wish to view it. You can also obtain a copy for your personal library by visiting the CDM website.

Once and For All | Part Four

"GOD's reputation for abiding faithful over His Word is more important than anything else."

As we saw in the last edition, we have been made righteous by Christ's sacrifice and should, in turn, live righteously. A lifestyle of holiness is not the means to an end (i.e. salvation), but rather a result of that end. We should desire to live holy simply out of appreciation for the redemptive work of Christ--not to be blessed, have our territories enlarged or to experience breakthroughs. Why? Because those things are natural byproducts of our fellowship with GOD: we're entitled to them simply out of obedience to Him (Isaiah 1:19).

Therefore, what we must understand is that there's a difference between relationship and fellowship. And, might I add, we must be careful as believers not to twist the two. I've heard too many brothers and sisters mistakedly use these terms interchangeably. (Doing so only creates confusion in the minds of the saved and unsaved alike, and our hands are already full with correcting the plethora of existing mistaught doctrine.)

So let's start with this key principle: Relationships are BINDING connections. For example, no matter what happens, I will ALWAYS be my father's son. There's nothing I can do to destroy that binding connection because I came from him. He and my mother birthed me into the earth realm. Fellowship, however, is the state of being an associate. When fellowship occurs, there exists a connection of ideas, sensations, even memories that's more loosely held than the binding connection of a relationship (1 Corinthians 1:10). (As a side note, I encourage you to adopt this principle and apply it to your life, as it will ensure you maintain the proper perspective concerning the various people to which you are connected.)

When we accepted Christ and were adopted into the beloved (Ephesians 1:5-7), we became the sons (and daughters) of GOD (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). We were birthed by the Spirit of GOD into GOD's family, thereby becoming heirs of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). That's a relationship that CAN'T be destroyed because we can not with our own hands mess up what we couldn't create. After all, it's Christ who adds to the church, not man (Acts 2:47).

However, fellowship can be broken. When we're no longer connected to GOD's ideas, His way of doing things, etc., then we're no longer associated with Him. It doesn't mean that our relationship is broken, only the fellowship. He will always be our Father, even when we go astray and turn to our own way; and we'll always be His children. Why? Because He's a covenant-keeping GOD--His reputation for abiding faithful over His Word is more important than anything else. For His name's sake, GOD will not save someone and change His mind about their salvation when s/he sins. 

We must come to an understanding that relationship carries more weight than fellowship with Him. (Sidenote: When it comes to eternal life, too many believers have flipped the script and prioritized fellowship with GOD over a relationship with Him.) If relationship didn't carry more weight than fellowship, then GOD would have thrown Israel away a long time ago...but His arms--even at this very moment--are still outstretched to His chosen people, just as they are to us when we misalign ourselves with His righteousness. It's the relationship that makes fellowship possible, necessary and desirable.

So, by all means, know this: when GOD adopts you, you're in the family for good. Yes, the two of you are going to fall out, disagree and even get upset with each other at times; however, that doesn't get you excommunicated from the family. Thanks be to GOD!!! Even if the two of you don't talk for a while or maybe go some length of time without enjoying each other's presence, the fact can't be denied that He's your daddy. Although you're not perfect, other people (even the unsaved) can see the familial resemblance as they catch glimpses of His likeness in you simply because you carry His spiritual DNA. And that's the power of relationship: it establishes a deeply embedded, lasting connection once and for all.

The REAL Charismatic Movement | Part One

"Is the charismatic movement really just about operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit?"

This past Sunday morning, my pastor (Bishop Fred A. Caldwell, Sr., Ph.D.) shed some light on "charisma" that opened my eyes to some things I've never before considered. (He's just embarked upon a series of teachings on spiritual gifts.) But first thing's first: the Greek word "charis", from which we get "charisma", means "grace".

Grace is a familiar concept for us as believers. After all, we've been justified (or rendered innocent) by GOD's grace, according to Romans 3:22-23 and Titus 3:7. But not only have we been made just by the grace of GOD, but that same grace is part of who we are. Ephesians 4:7 instructs us that we all have been given grace (or charisma) according to the measure of Christ's gift to us. Therefore, it's quite safe to say that every believer has charisma.

In our human understanding, we commonly refer to charisma just as Webster does: "a special magnetic charm or appeal". And while that's true, what we've overlooked is the fact that the Bible clearly states that GOD's grace is the source of this appeal. What we've been taught, however, is that the charismatic movement is just about operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (e.g. speaking in tongues). In no way am I saying that there's no truth to this. But I am saying that this a very narrow view of the GOD-kind of charisma.

When we allow the LORD to show on our faces, that's when we truly begin to walk in the charismatic. It is when the grace of GOD is manifested in our lifestyles (for others to see) that we can experience the full measure of Christ's gift to us, which ensures likeability (Proverbs 16:7) and victory (Luke 10:19). By expanding our conceptual understanding of the charismatic movement to include the flow of GOD's grace in our lives, we can finally see that the charismatic approach to life is really about having a perpetually positive attitude. Therefore, it's the grace of GOD empowering us to approach each day of our lives with an attitude that generates the special magnetic charm or appeal that we commonly refer to as charisma.

Once and For All | Part Three

"Since we are now capable of embracing and assimilating to heaven's culture, we only need to be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in all things."

The new birth is the most fascinating of metamorphoses.  Often likened to the dramatic change a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly, the new birth is even more radical because the process occurs within the unseen space of a clearly visible and functioning person.  We can see the person, but we can't see what's going on inside of them, only the manifested evidence of the work that's been accomplished within.  When a person accepts Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior, their spirit man is regenerated and takes its rightful place as the person's identity (Romans 8:9-11).

All of us arrived to Earth with dormant spirits that required the quickening power of GOD to make us alive--in the truest sense of living.  As spirits possessing souls and living in bodies, humans must be born again by the Spirit in order to understand who we are at the very core of our being.  Without the new birth, life just ends up being an aimless journey of mistakes, sorrows and disappointments because of all the things we do (in our own reasoning) in search of ourselves.  But with a spirit that's alive and attuned to heaven's frequency, the murkiness of life takes on a refreshing sense of clarity, gains meaning and finally has a recognizable purpose.

Once and For All | Part Two

"What's the point in following a whole bunch of rules, statutes, laws and commandments, if you can't even please GOD in the simplest way?"

It's amazing how SIMPLE it is to receive eternal life. If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus the Christ, the Son of GOD, was raised from the dead, then you're saved. While there's great power in this life changing confession, what activates its power is believing. The word translated "believe" in Romans 10:9 is the Greek word "pisteuo", which means to have faith.

It takes faith to confess the LORD Jesus with your mouth and to believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead. It's illogical for one man--let alone the Son of GOD in flesh?!--to come to Earth just to die and redeem all of mankind from eternal separation from GOD the Father. A man's mind can not and will not receive this, which is why it's a matter of the heart, a matter of one's will. You have to will to believe and confess this. There's no room for doubt. As I've heard my pastor say, "You've got to believe 'til you leave."  (And for those who are wondering, "What if you once believed and stopped?" The answer: you never believed in the first place, you only convinced yourself that you did.)

We must understand that without faith it's IMPOSSIBLE to please GOD (Heb. 11:16). When we come to GOD, we must believe (have faith) that He is (exists). Scripture records Jesus telling people He'd helped that it was their faith that saved them or made them whole. Faith is powerful! Yes, the grace of GOD saves us and it's available to all. However, GOD's saving grace must connect with an individual's faith--not his/her works--in order for him/her to receive (not earn) salvation. GOD designed it this way: if we could say that we--in any way--contributed to our own salvation, we most certainly would because it's just part of our human nature. That's why salvation is the gift of GOD (Eph. 2:8-9). (Again, for my fellow Bible Thumpers, I know what Eph. 2:10 says, and it will be addressed later on...please stay tuned for the rest of the matter.)

So, if you don't get anything else from this blog post, please get this: it is by GOD's grace that we are saved (Rom. 2:8) through the measure of faith that He's given us to believe (Rom. 12:3). All we've got to do is believe; for without our faith, GOD finds no pleasure in us. Sometimes as Christians, we put a whole lot of emphasis on living right and holy when ministering to the lost. But what's the point in following a whole bunch of rules, statutes, laws and commandments, if you can't even please GOD in the simplest way?

TO BE CONTINUED... Check out Part Three of "Once and For All"

Once and For All | Part One

"We simply don't have the power to save ourselves"

We live among so much instability.  So much is changing in our world, and quickly at that.  However, I've come to find great comfort and solace in the fact that GOD and His Word never change.  I can honestly say that being rooted and grounded in this helps me maintain the healthy perspective GOD desires for me in these perilous times.  People are being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine; and right about now, I can give GOD praise just for the fact that my ears don't itch!  (That's for my fellow Bible Thumpers...LOL!)

You see, mankind's acquaintance with instability was initiated by the first Adam's rebellion against GOD.  This one act in Eden ushered in a whole system of hopelessness and despair for mankind that ultimately ended in death.  However, it was the righteousness of the second Adam (Jesus) that extended the free gift of justification unto life (Rom. 5).  GOD, once and for all, made salvation unto eternal life available for all mankind through the King-Son's sacrifice.

What great joy we have in knowing that "grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:21).  This grace through which righteousness reigns is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his [GOD's] mercy" (Tit. 3:5).  Thank GOD for His grace and mercy because we can never do enough to earn what can only be provided by GOD's mercy.  We simply don't have the power to save ourselves, only the willpower to accept the salvation that GOD has already made available for mankind (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).

As a result of accepting this free gift, we are now justified by the blood of Jesus and will be saved from wrath through Him (Rom. 5:9).  We've trusted and believed in Christ; and as a result, we've been sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).  Hallelujah!  Thank GOD for HIS SEAL, not ours or anyone else's, for that matter.  My eternity has been secured and sealed by GOD Himself, and all I had to do was trust Him.

TO BE CONTINUED... Check out Part Two of "Once and For All"

The Power of Agreement - Part Three

"Believing and agreeing are two remarkably different actions."

Just as we saw in Part One of this series how the power of agreement can bring forth Eden out of desolation and waste, there are times when the power of agreement can actually produce undesirable results. Our father Abraham is a great example of what can happen when people agree to something that is not ordained of GOD.

In Genesis 15, GOD speaks to Abram and assures him that his heir will be a son from his own body. GOD goes so far as to make a covenant with Abram concerning his seed, during which He prophesies the 400 years of bondage Abram's descendants would endure as well as the concluding mass exodus that would strip their oppressors of much wealth. Less than ten years after Abram received GOD's covenant promise, his wife Sarai took it upon herself to proclaim to her husband that, "GOD has not yet seen fit to let me have a child" (Gen. 16:2, The Message Remix). However, her proclamation was followed by the suggestion, "Sleep with my maid. Maybe I can get a family from her" (Gen. 16:2, The Message Remix), and Abram agreed.

Now back in the fifteenth chapter of Genesis, the Word declares that Abram believed GOD and it was counted to him for righteousness. This was before GOD made the aforementioned convenant with Abram concerning his seed. Abram took GOD at His word, believed Him and, as a result, was made right with GOD. Yet, over time it appears that Abram's faith wavered. With each passing week, month and year minus any sign of a son, doubt slowly chipped away at Abram's resolve to wait for GOD's promise to be fulfilled. In the meantime, Sarai -- in her impatience and desperation -- devises a plan according to her own reasoning to get what she wants and influences Abram to come into agreement with her.

So how does Abram go from believing GOD to agreeing with Sarai? GOD's word ("a son from your body will be your heir") was consistent with His identity ("I'm the same GOD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldees and gave you this land to own"), both of which were consistent with his
actions ("GOD made a covenant with Abram"). Abram believed GOD, but he agreed with Sarai -- two remarkably different actions. Believing and agreeing.

The Word of GOD clearly states that all things are possible to them who believe. However, it also says that when we touch and agree, things happen. Believing transforms impossibilities into possibilities, but agreement manifests the reality of that which is possible. Our call to a life of consistency is clearly illustrated by this particular example. It is when we both believe GOD and agree with Him that we can see the plans and purposes of GOD for our lives manifest before our very eyes. But when we believe GOD and agree with someone else concerning how what we've believed GOD for can be manifested by our own means, we run the risk of creating an Ishmael, a seed of contention that will rise against the promise as a constant reminder of what happens when we try to manifest GOD's promises in our own strength and on our own terms. Be blessed, friends!

It's Not You He's After, It's Your Faith

Satan wants nothing more than to deceive you into thinking that it's all about you.

This past Wednesday, my pastor did some expounding on why Christians suffer. In the process of doing so, he mentioned that our adversary, Satan, does not create scenarios of suffering in pursuit of us. He's really after our faith because we're simply not that important. As I began to ponder on that thought it started to become clearer by the moment just how true this statement rings.

You know, many times we find ourselves in situations where it's so easy to throw ourselves a pity party. In a matter of seconds, we can alert tens -- or even hundreds -- of contacts via text message, BlackBerry Messager, Facebook, Twitter, etc with all the details and solicit their RSVPs of concern. It's somewhat sad how we try to make our trials and tribulations about us when they really aren't at all. The enemy is after something much greater!

I wouldn't dare say, "When you have GREAT faith," because I don't believe faith varies in size. However, I do believe it varies in effectiveness based upon its use by an individual. Bible declares that we have been given the measure of faith (Romans 12:3), which tells me that we've all got the same amount. It's just a matter of us putting it into action to obtain GOD-results. So, when you have a working faith, it's constantly under attack because of the simple fact that it's consistently producing results. When your faith is effectively at work, you essentially become a target for Satan's devices.

Now, if we've heard it once, we've heard it a million times: without faith, it is impossible to please GOD, according to Hebrews 11:6. Our good works, ministry involvement, and monetary giving only please GOD when we execute them by faith. As a matter of fact, in the final hours before Jesus was turned over to His executioners, He prayed for Peter's faith (in Luke 22:31-32): "Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Yes, Satan desires us, but only to sift us. He wants to separate us from our confession and render our faith ineffective, but he can't as long as our faith remains intact.

I encourage you to keep holding on to your faith. Habakkuk 2:4 states, "the just shall live by his faith." The just man is a righteous man, one who has been made right by GOD. Because our righteousness, according to Romans 3:28, is apart from the deeds of the law (e.g. moral uprightness, animal sacrifices), then the righteous life we've now received through faith in Christ is therefore maintained by faith. Since we've both been made alive and are kept alive by our faith, then it is of utmost importance that we don't let go of our faith. Letting go is not an option!

No matter what may be facing you today, it's not a match for your faith; that is, if your faith is actually at work. A faith that produces results can withstand the fiery trials mentioned in I Peter 4:12 that come to try us. So let's not think it strange when these sufferings come upon us. Jesus Himself was made perfect through His suffering (Hebrews 2:10), and GOD will perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). So don't despise the suffering because it's bringing about a greater work within you. If your faith has been underutilized, put it to work so that you can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Satan wants nothing more than to deceive you into thinking that it's all about you. It's not about you, but it's about your faith. If Satan can cause your faith to fail, then he can shut down the very move of GOD that's supposed to come through you and impact the world for GOD's Kingdom. Why is this so important? Because some lost soul is depending on you to be the conduit through which GOD moves to snatch them out of the Kingdom of Darkness and birth them into the Kingdom of Light. Until next time, be blessed!

Good Friday Reflections

May your outlook on His worthship be reflected in your worship.

As I sit awake in the wee hours of this Good Friday morning, I can't help but think how the death of my Savior Jesus has liberated me from the deadening grip of sin and an inevitable eternity in hell. Moreover, I'm reminded that, because of His sacrificial death in my stead, I'm able to live righteously in fellowship with the King Father and not just die a condemned sinner. It is because the Lamb of GOD -- the GOD man who lived a blameless, sinless life -- was slain that life can even begin to have meaning for me.

GOD SHOWED HIS LOVE toward us by sending His own Son to our rescue. Jesus not only endured a death He in no way deserved, but He voluntarily lived a life on Earth that was far beneath Him. A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, He was tempted in every way possible and was yet found without sin that the blood sacrifice might be acceptable to the Father for the remission of our sins. Not to gain the approving nod of inconsistent men, but to fulfill the holy will of His Father and establish a new system of righteousness for all mankind. A new structure that would abolish the old, which was instituted as a result of the first Adam's rebellion in Eden.

We, the people of GOD, have been declared and made righteous by the precious blood of Jesus the Christ. By His single act of atonement, we are now the sons of GOD and have access to the Father through Him. No longer are we in bondage to the power of sin. Our lives have been released from its grip, and the Governor, the Holy Spirit, now resides in each of us who have freely received Christ's atonement and have been born again. It is He, the Holy Spirit, who is charged with teaching and guiding us in all things pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD, thereby making us a reflection of Heaven's culture and model kingdom citizens.

As Jesus promised His disciples, their sorrow would be turned into joy when they see Him again. And it most certainly was so, just as He said. However, between the promise and its fulfillment, there stood Calvary. False accusations. Blatant mockery. Painful scourging. Immense bleeding. Open shame. Stark nakedness. Utter humiliation. Wrenching agony. But for the joy that was set
before Him, HE ENDURED THE CROSS!

I'm forever devoted to Jesus and His way. He saved my life by laying down His own. There's no question as to whom I serve because nothing and no one can separate me from His love. I simply know too much about Him to ever doubt Him or His will for my life. I can sing without reservation that: "Jesus is all the world to me. My life, my joy and my all. He's my strength from day to day. Without Him I'd surely fall. When I am sad to Him I go. No other one can cheer me so. When I am sad, He makes me glad. He's my friend."

As you reflect on your own experience(s) with Jesus and what His sacrifice means to you, may your outlook on His worthship be reflected in your worship. He deserves our most sincere and passionate expressions of worship just because He endured the cross. Good Friday to you! Be blessed.

The Power of Agreement - Part Two

"GOD took the very worst situation and through the power of agreement created the very best situation."

One of the most amazing accounts of agreement in the Bible is the creation of the world. GOD the Father, GOD the Son and GOD the Holy Spirit were in total agreement with each other as the earth was called forth into being. While the scripture does not refer to GOD as more than one person until verse 26 of Genesis 1 ("Let us make man"), I submit to you that GOD in three persons was at work in the preceding verses. GOD the Father spoke the Word, which was God the Son (see the first chapter of John's Gospel account, particularly verse 14), and GOD the Holy Spirit was the conduit through which power flowed to accomplish work in the earth (see Genesis 1:2).

Now, the earth was without form (translated from the Hebrew word "tohuw" meaning "to lie waste"), and void (translated from the Hebrew word "bohuw" meaning "to be empty"). We see an environment characterized by desolation and emptiness. Nothing is being produced and the very atmosphere is valueless. I like to view this as the most extreme form of poverty. The earth was so bad off that it's safe to say that no recession or economic downturn in the history of man can begin to compare to the earth's state at this time. As a matter of fact, this particular environment shows no sign of having the slightest potential to become Eden.

However, here comes GOD exemplifying quintessential holiness -- His Word (GOD the Son) and actions (GOD the Holy Spirit) lining up with his identity (as GOD the Father). GOD's identity, words and actions were in complete, total agreement with each other. They were consistently consistent, so much so that the lack of potential in the environment to produce anything of value was not even an issue. It's clear then that the ability to bring Eden forth was GOD's and GOD's alone. The very holiness of GOD superseded the environment. By tapping into the power of agreement, GOD's holiness thereby trumped the atmospheric conditions present in Genesis 1:1 to create the optimal conditions for Eden's emergence.

We see here in the very first chapter of the Bible how GOD took the very worst situation and through the power of agreement created the very best situation. Having been made in GOD's image and spiritually rebirthed into the Kingdom, we are endowed with the same ability to supercede our environment. Therefore, unproductive or valueless circumstances are no match for your GOD-given power of agreement, which is rooted in a lifestyle of holiness. Know who you are in GOD, not who others (or even you) see you as being. If you find yourself without an understanding of this, then begin to dig in the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. Additionally, make a conscious effort to ensure your actions line up with your words and who you say who you are. Don't allow the enemy, other people or even circumstances to cause you to contradict yourself. Being consistently consistent unleashes the power of agreement in your life to transform desolation into paradise.

Until next time, continue to live more abundantly through Jesus, our risen Christ and King. May His strength, peace and love be your portion.

Just in case you missed Part One of "The Power Agreement"...