Buffeted by the Winds of Adversity

How often do you find yourself in the midst of a life-storm and when things really should be getting better, they only seem to get worse? The winds of adversity are buffeting you and blowing you about, appears as though life has reached its apex of disaster and can’t get any worse, then you are hit by another, larger gust.

Life had been going along great. No trouble; no problems; just you and Jesus moving along in harmony together. Then, it hit! Like a tsunami out of nowhere. Blindsided! Lord, what is going on here? Why is this happening to me? You know what I’m talking about.

If you have ever attempted to grow close to the Lord, to grow in your Christian influence, to move forward in your Christian walk—you have discovered very quickly it’s not a straight easy path. It quickly becomes a winding path filled with ups and downs, valleys and potholes and hills and mountains, and then the occasional strong wind of major adversity that attempts to knock you from the path you are struggling to follow.

When you have a mountaintop experience with the Lord, you will discover quickly that the winds of adversity will normally follow suit. The disciples had been out with Jesus all day. They had seen Him heal sick people. They had witnessed and actually had a part in feeding a great multitude of people numbering over 10,000 strong with five bread loaves and two fish. They were on the mountaintop. Things couldn’t get any better.

As evening approached, Jesus sent His disciples out on the lake in a boat while He went off to pray and receive much needed spiritual nourishment from the Father. The winds and waves of adversity began to rock the little boat and the men became frightened. Jesus approached, walking on the adverse waves, adding to their overwhelming sense of fright.

Peter cried out over the howling winds: “Lord, if it’s You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28 HCSB). Jesus responded: “Come!” (v. 29). “Climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (v. 29-30).

Peter saw the “strength of the wind” and he became afraid. He took his eyes off of Jesus and began to focus upon the adverse winds that were howling around about him. The force of the buffeting winds diverted his focus and stole his victory. The wind itself did not overwhelm him; it was his own thoughts about it that took control and led to his loss of focus. The buffeting winds were merely a diversionary tactic of the enemy.

The winds of adversity come roaring into our lives to divert our focus. More often than not, they follow a mountaintop experience. They come roaring in while we are exuberant and excited totally ignoring the onslaught that is about to strike. Peter warned us of this impending danger with these words: “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Just when you think everything in life is great, the devil will strike like a serpent! While you are rejoicing in a great spiritual victory, the enemy is reloading and preparing to attack with ferocity. Peter experienced this time and again in his life; thus, the warning to always be sober, ready, on the alert. The enemy seeks to devour the children of God but we have the power to resist him through our faith in Jesus Christ. We must learn to stand strong. We must learn to remain focused upon Jesus.

Paul encouraged our faith with these words: “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT). He continued writing: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv. 38-39).

The buffeting winds are simply a diversionary tactic. When you learn to focus on Christ regardless of your situation or circumstances, you will discover that “you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 HCSB). Stand your ground by faith and trust in Jesus Christ—the One who has already won the victory!

Scripture Reading: “My heart is confident, God; I will sing; I will sing praises with the whole of my being. Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your faithful love is higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. God, be exalted above the heavens; let Your glory be over the whole earth. Save with Your right hand and answer me so that those You love may be rescued. God has spoken in His sanctuary: ‘I will triumph! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine, and Ephraim is My helmet; Judah is My scepter. Moab is My washbasin; on Edom I throw My sandal. Over Philistia I shout in triumph.’ Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have You not rejected us, God? God, You do not march out with our armies. Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes” (Psalm 108 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, as I move out into the world today, I realize the enemy is already making plans to come against me. I understand that as Your child, he will not give up so I pray that I will remain mindful of his actions against me so his feats end only in disaster and defeat for him. May I be constantly aware that I am more than a conqueror through my Lord Jesus Christ. May the enemy recognize me as a formidable enemy that refuses to slack down or be diverted from my tasks by his loud roaring and his deceiving ways. Help me to go forth in victory and to remain in victory through my walk with Jesus. Help me to impact my world with the gospel message of love, mercy and compassion. Father, help me to change my world by allowing the Spirit of God to work in and through me always. I love You and praise You for giving me another opportunity to shine the Light of Jesus…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Developing a Culture of Christ

The chaos and mass confusion that has inundated our American culture is indicative of Paul’s words to Timothy concerning these times in which we are living. He wrote: “in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT).

The ungodly behavior being played out on our streets across this nation are the result of years of brainwashing by the media, Hollywood, the radical music culture and the rise of a socialistic belief system. The school systems have been utilized as a training ground implementing these beliefs into the minds of our youngest.

But, what we must understand, if we are to overcome, is the true nature behind this cultural shift which America has been drug through. Paul incites us to understand that the true struggle is not the human on the street but the evil that is driving that individual that has pervaded our world from the spiritual realms. He wrote: “Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12 HCSB).

The evil and chaos we see being played out in our streets is a physical display of the spiritual battles being levied against our society by demonic agents. These have been dispatched to bring destruction to anything and everything and will not cease in their onslaught.

As Christians, we have a responsibility. We have a responsibility to develop a culture of Christ wherever we go. It will not develop if we spend all of our time cringing and praying the Lord returns quickly to rescue us from this mess but according to Paul it comes about as we learn to suit up for battle. He declared: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT). He emphasizes the believer’s readiness for battle through the use of such phrases as: put on your armor, stand firm, stand your ground, be fully prepared and stay alert (vv. 10-18).

The reality of it all is—“we are in a battle.” Believers across this nation are waking up to this reality. Churches are beginning to come alive once again. The silent majority of believers is beginning to realize their potential when they come together. It is time to continue this move. It is time to step up, speak out and make an impact in our slice of this world.

As we suit up for battle, we need to understand our ability to overcome is not within ourselves. Paul tells us that “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ” (Romans 8:37 NLT). Thus, we must maintain lifestyles that honor GOD. David Jeremiah writes: “As Christians we need to take responsibility for our walk with God, seeking to be more like Him, sharing our faith and serving others…. Be diligent to serve the Savior.”

Peter encouraged us in this way: “For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15). We are to live as Jesus lived. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). When we do so, the ignorance that drives foolish people to adopt and live out foolish practices will be silenced. We must learn to live upright, in purity and holiness, seeking always to do the will of the Father above.

To help develop a culture of Christ, Peter tells us: “For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:3-8).

GOD has supplied the resources for life for each of us. We simply need to plant these words into our hearts and lives and begin to live them out in our daily walk. We are overcomers. We are not of this world, but we are responsible for sharing Jesus to this world regardless of the world’s feelings or response. Each of us must do our part!

Scripture Reading: “May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests. Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with mighty victories from His right hand. Some take pride in a chariot, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call” (Psalm 20).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I lift up America and its leaders to You right now. I pray for each of them that their hearts will be softened and they will recognize the Biblical principles upon which this nation was founded to be a necessity even today. Lord, I pray for my fellow believers that each of us will put away our worldly ways and seek only to do Your will and to bring glory and honor to You through all that we do. May our lives reflect grace, mercy, and holiness so a culture of Christ may develop around about us. May our words be tempered by the Holy Spirit so that what we say will only be words that have the power of change and transformation within them. Father, bring us together in Your power and help us to live as such. I love You and praise You for all You do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

The One Great Unifier!

We, as Americans, have witnessed the voice of the people unified and in one accord in strong support of family values, jobs, morality and a sense of godliness as we view the 2016 election results. The threats that have been allowed to come against our nation from both external and internal sources have created an unnecessary fear among the people. America has been weakened severely over the past number of years by poor leadership and Americans have found themselves living in a fear that should’ve never been.

The recent election results have renewed our sense of hope as a nation. We now have before us individuals who have promised to bring not only a “sense of security” but to truly secure our nation from these threats. These same individuals have committed themselves to reuniting the people as one alleviating those things that have been allowed to create such a great divide. To them, we can only hope that they remain true to their commitment to this great nation.

But, as I look at these elected officials, I understand they are all human. Thus, they are capable of failure whether by accident or intention. There is only One true unifier and that is Jesus Christ. And the only means of coming into favor with that One is through the cross. It is the cross that brings unity and yet for those who reject it, ridicule it, refrain from approaching it with humility and repentance it becomes a source of offense.

Jesus declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 HCSB) and in so doing asserted all other means of salvation to be null and void. It would seem a bit bold perhaps even rash of Jesus to make such a declaration without having something to back it up with. But back it up, He did. He had made the declaration in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.”

Once again, another bold statement, one which could lead many down a false path—if it proved to be false. But John relates otherwise. He, as well as the other Gospel writers all reveal the numerous appearances of a living Savior, Jesus Christ, following His death and entombment. John declared: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

Paul shared that Jesus “appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:6).  Paul continued by offering this encouragement: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man” (vv. 20-21).

Today, Jesus is alive and the promise of resurrection is in the hearts of all who have made their way to the cross and fell on their faces before it, confessing their sins, repenting of their past ways and walking away new in Jesus Christ. The cross is the great unifier.

The ground at the base of the cross is level. There are none better than any other when we approach the cross. We all come as sinners and walk away born-again believers in Jesus Christ destined to be resurrected from the dead just as He was.

Today, it is Jesus that America needs. Donald Trump cannot save America. He can only carry out that which the Lord allows him to do; thus, he needs to be a God-fearing man set on seeking after God and God’s direction at all times. Israel remained powerful as long as the kings sought GOD for their nation. When they turned away, Israel suffered tremendously. Let us pray that the new administration will seek God continually as they make decisions for America which in many regards are not only for this nation but for the world.

Scripture Reading: “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love. The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses. Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence. The Lord frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord- the people He has chosen to be His own possession! The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. He alone crafts their hearts; He considers all their works. A king is not saved by a large army; a warrior will not be delivered by great strength. The horse is a false hope for safety; it provides no escape by its great power. Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him- those who depend on His faithful love to deliver them from death and to keep them alive in famine. We wait for the Lord; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him, because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in You” (Psalm 33:4-22 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I come before You grateful for Your love, grateful that You care for me and grateful that You care for America. I pray You would guide and direct our leadership to follow after Your path. I pray that their hearts and minds would be upon You and upon pleasing You in all things. I ask that You forgive us of our past failures, cleanse us of our unrighteous ways and help us to walk upright, pure and holy. I pray for our churches, pastors, and leaders that their hearts would be in tune with You and with Your message. Help us to put away watered-down preaching and to understand that it is Your Word that brings hope and deliverance. Help us to express love and compassion as we share You and Your great love everywhere we go. I praise You in all things…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Dancing in the Fire

It seems the heat is being turned up daily on Christians around the world. The forces of evil are escalating in their onslaught of GOD’s people. Have you been feeling it lately? Have you found yourself facing-off with evil, being intimidated by evil, being overwhelmed by evil forces attempting to blow you off course, or away from your purpose, or causing you to lose sight of the prize of the calling of Christ upon your life? Maybe you are on the run right now? Maybe evil, ungodly people have raised fear in your life and have forced you to run and try to hide?

The true church is under attack from all sides. Evil knows it’s time of judgment is closing in and it’s time is short to wreak havoc upon GOD’s people. Many so-called Christians, (I prefer to call them church-people because the fruit of their lives fails to line up with the Scriptural characteristics of a child of GOD), are being used by the forces of evil to initiate pain, suffering and persecution upon the true church of the Spirit of GOD. The fire is getting hotter, what are we to do?

Daniel 3 records a tremendous example the church would do well to follow in these days. The three Hebrew children were confronted by the evil proclamation of the king to worship only his statue or die in a fiery furnace. Certainly, they could’ve compromised their belief in GOD and bowed to the statue on the outside and remained faithful to GOD on the inside—or could they?

Is compromise an acceptable practice for a child of GOD? Nowhere in Scripture will you find it to be acceptable. Standing firm in the Lord; standing firm in your beliefs is the only acceptable practice when confronted by evil. The Hebrew children responded straight-up: “we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up” (v. 18 HCSB).

The anger of the king was so ferocious, he had the furnace heated seven times hotter than normal. He had the three thrown in, looked in to gloat over his great deed only to discover a fourth man had shown up and the four were walking freely about in the furnace. Jesus showed up and what should have been a day of rejoicing for the king turned into a day of dancing in the fire for the three and Jesus.

Perhaps the fire is licking at you right now? Perhaps those you had placed your faith and trust in have now turned on you savagely and they are persecuting you, calling you names, ridiculing you—whatever it may be, you need no live in despair, You need not allow their demonic ways to hurt or hinder your walk.

It is time for the church to recognize we are not alone in the fire. We do not have to be overcome or overwhelmed by the fire rather we must learn to dance in the fire. Jesus reminds us: “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Paul assures us: “despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Acts 16 records the story of Paul and Silas in prison. Their fire experience was hot. They had been beat severely, locked in stocks in the cold dank prison cell yet they “were praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25). GOD showed up in the form of a mighty earthquake that loosed their chains and threw open all the prison doors. Instead of running away, they ministered to the prison guard and many came to know Jesus that night.

Why? Because they decided to dance in the fire rather than to be overcome by it. They refused to allow the evil forces around about them to prevent them from worshipping and praising GOD—and GOD showed up!

Peter writes: “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

It is time for us to rise up in unity and refuse to allow the evil influences of others to overcome us. It is time for us to stand strong in prayer and rejoicing in the Spirit of GOD and in His power. No matter what the evil may do to our physical bodies, they can do nothing to our spiritual. We are blood-bought children of Almighty GOD and we will not be overcome! Today, I am dancing in the midst of the fire! Will you join me?

Scripture Reading: “Rescue me, Lord, from evil men. Keep me safe from violent men who plan evil in their hearts. They stir up wars all day long. They make their tongues as sharp as a snake’s bite; viper’s venom is under their lips. Protect me, Lord, from the clutches of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who plan to make me stumble. The proud hide a trap with ropes for me; they spread a net along the path and set snares for me. I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Listen, Lord, to my cry for help. Lord God , my strong Savior, You shield my head on the day of battle. Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let them achieve their goals. Otherwise, they will become proud. Selah As for the heads of those who surround me, let the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them. Let hot coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into the abyss, never again to rise. Do not let a slanderer stay in the land. Let evil relentlessly hunt down a violent man. I know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy. Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will live in Your presence” (Psalm 140 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, the attacker is attempting to maul us with lies, deceit, and ridicule. I pray the people being used to do this will realize that the evil one is leading, guiding and directing them. I pray that they would step away from those who are leading them down this path of darkness realizing these people have allowed satanic influence to direct them to destroy what You have ordained. The church is Yours, O Lord. I am yours. I pray for your protection. I pray that in the midst of the fire, I will dance with a grateful heart, being counted worthy to suffer for Your cause. Father, be with me through all of this and bring me out an even stronger believer on the other side. I love You and praise You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Behind the Scenes

How often have you looked back after having gone through an intense time of trial and testing and recognize that GOD was there all the time? Certainly you have questioned His presence and often wondered why GOD would allow you to endure such trials but when you have reached the other side, you look back and you see GOD was there.

I recently read a little meme that said: “Don’t mistake GOD’s patience for His absence. His timing is perfect and His presence is constant. He’s always with you!” There is so much truth in those words. James encourages us with these words: “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 HCSB).

In the midst of our serious trials, it is difficult to find pleasure and joy but James tells us we should because when we come out on the other side we will find ourselves spiritually strengthened, more mature and lacking in nothing.

As a young boy, David was anointed king over Israel. It was a done deal but a long time coming. He endured extreme difficulty under King Saul’s reign. He was persecuted, hunted down, endured extreme weather conditions and struggles with enemies from all sides.

But when his time of triumph finally came, he was found to be the man that was prepared to take the nation of Israel to the pinnacle of success as a world kingdom. But even greater than that, he was found to be a man after GOD’s own heart (Acts 13:22). David was great, not because he won many battles, secured great amounts of land or even reigned as the king of Israel, but because his heart was sold-out to GOD.

David didn’t secure his greatness overnight or in a simplistic manner; rather, he endured extreme trials and testings before he finally reached that place. But, through it all GOD was working behind the scenes.

GOD is working behind the scenes in your life and situations as well. He has not left you to try to make it through this life alone, but He will allow rough times to come along to hone you and sharpen you into the individual that He knows you need to be. You must keep the faith, hold on to the promises of GOD and endure the hardships that arise along the way (2 Timothy 2:3).

Looking back on all he had endured to reach the throne, David’s heart rejoiced at the presence and power of GOD that had gotten him to that place. He sang out: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:2-4).

Do you find yourself struggling today? Do you find yourself going through really difficult trials and testings? Do you find attackers (even those claiming to be Christian) coming against you, creating heartache and pain in your life? GOD is working behind the scenes! There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. GOD will bring you through if you simply trust Him and continue to hold on by faith to His strength and power.

Don’t allow the lies of the devil or the acts of demons dissuade you. Stand firm against those who are mean, bitter and deceived. Don’t trust in the lies of those who call themselves anointed by GOD and yet their lives, their actions, and their deceit prove otherwise. They will one day receive their just reward for their actions. Stand tall! Stand firm! Cloth yourself in the armor of GOD and be prepared for the victory that you are about to attain.

Receive strength from some of the additional thoughts David related in 2 Samuel:

Scripture Reading: “I called to the Lord in my distress; I called to my God. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears….He (the Lord) reached down from on high and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me….He brought me out to a wide-open place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; He repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not turned from my God to wickedness….I was blameless before Him and kept myself from sinning. So the Lord repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight….God is my strong refuge; He makes my way perfect….The Lord lives-may my rock be praised! God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted. God-He gives me vengeance and casts down peoples under me. He frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my adversaries; You rescue me from violent men. Therefore I will praise You, Lord, among the nations; I will sing about Your name. He is a tower of salvation for His king; He shows loyalty to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever” (2 Samuel 22:7, 17-18, 20-22, 24-25, 33, 47-51).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, You know how tough things are in my life right now. You are aware of the vices of my enemies and how they would seek to destroy me. But, I refuse to allow their lies and deceit to get me down any longer. I refuse to listen to their deceitful words spewing out of hearts filled with hate, bitterness and the lies of those who were once your called ones but who have now allowed their lives and actions to speak otherwise. Lord, I pray for Your strength. I pray for my church family. I pray, Lord, for my enemies that Your truth may prevail before it is too late for them. Lord, I lay all this down before You and trust in You for the greatness yet to come for me, my church and my loved ones. I praise You, O GOD, for You alone are worthy! I love You…in Jesus’ name I pray all these things…AMEN!