Running in Circles to Get Away?

How much time have you wasted over the years running in circles to get away from the will of GOD for your life? The majority of Christians have been guilty at one time or another of running in other directions to escape going where GOD would have them to be—you’ve done and I’ve done it!

I look back over the years and see numerous times, too many to count, where I thought I knew better or simply just refused what God had in mind for me. I see so much wasted time that could’ve been used for the sake of the kingdom of GOD but I was too busy doing my own thing. I look back on these occasions with great regret!

I have often seen myself in much the same light as Jonah. The Bible puts it this way:  (Jonah 1:1-2 HCSB). Simple, straight-forward command of the Lord.

But, the Bible tells us Jonah had different plans. It says: “Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence” (v. 3).

The Bible clearly indicates that Jonah was attempting to escape the presence of GOD—it relates this idea twice. And his intention to disobey GOD was even more clearly indicated by the fact that he headed in the opposite direction.

How often have you done much the same thing? GOD tells you to go speak to an individual about Him and you head the opposite direction to keep from even crossing paths with the person. GOD tells you to go help out a person in need and you make excuses about how that person deserves to be where they are or they’re just scamming money.

It really happens more often than we even realize—GOD prompting us to do something for Him—to touch someone’s life in a special way—to make an impact in the world we are in. We have a tendency to simply overlook what GOD’s Spirit is trying to lead us to do. We are no different than Jonah in this regard!

We must learn to be sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance and then be willing to say, “Yes, LORD! Not my will but Yours be done through me.” Blessings from GOD come through these times of interaction we experience when we walk in obedience to GOD’s will. There is no greater joy and satisfaction that can come to human spirit than impacting another individual’s life through simple obedience to the prompting of GOD’s Spirit. Be sensitive and discover what GOD is truly trying to lead you to today!

Scripture Reading: “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’ As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I praise You for never giving up on me. I have run away from You; I have run away from Your instruction to me; I have failed You more times than I could ever know; yet, You remain faithful. Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit. Help me to reach out beyond my little world so others can come to know Jesus through a word I speak or an action I do. I want to follow in complete obedience to You from this day forward. I promise to go out of my way if need be to touch someone with Your love and gracious mercy. I love You, LORD,…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Time to Confront the Wickedness!

It doesn’t take long to recognize the wickedness that has overrun our nation. From the lies and corruption of the politicians to the liberal, anti-God teachings of the classroom, it is easy to see America is headed for disaster of epic proportions. Abraham Lincoln warned of this impending disaster when he said: “The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”

We are now living two generations past the removal of prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Bible from the public education classroom. I have discovered in my conversations with students in middle school and high school that the vast majority have no idea what a preacher is, who Jesus really is or what the Bible is or stands for.

America is now filled with a generation of young people who tend to be atheistic in the religious beliefs, have never attended a church service nor wish to, and have no desire to abide by an old archaic law such as God’s. Morals and ethics are no longer important. Lying, cheating, deceiving are all simple necessities to achieve higher and greater things.

The church in America is facing a serious dilemma as masses of people continue to exodus the church never to return. If the church does not stand up and confront the wickedness that has overwhelmed our nation, most churches will not survive another twenty years. What truly frightens me is the fact that most pastors simply don’t care! Church, it is time to rise up and confront the wickedness while we still can!

The nation of Israel had turned its back on God. The wickedness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had infiltrated and overwhelmed every facet of society. Idol worship had become the norm. Every man sought to do that which brought pleasure to himself. Elijah the prophet recognized the time had come for a showdown between the gods of Israel and the one-true GOD. He knew it was time to confront the wickedness of Israel was to be saved.

Elijah confronted Ahab and said: “I have not destroyed Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because you have abandoned the Lord’s commandments and followed the Baals. Now summon all Israel to meet me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table” (1 Kings 18:18-19 HCSB).

“Then Elijah approached all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.’” (v. 21). The challenge was made! Let GOD prove Himself today! The false priests built and altar and called down fire from their gods for the better part of the day—with no response!

After their total failure, Elijah stepped forward, built up the altar and then poured water all over it. Elijah stepped up to the altar and prayed out loud: “Let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back” (v. 36-36).

The Bible tells us: “Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench” (v. 38). Not only was the sacrifice consumed but everything around it. The fire of GOD cleansed and purged the entire area from the wickedness of the false prophets.

The world’s systems are all a total failure. The enemy is intent on destroying America today. The proliferation of false gospels, false messiahs, and false teachings in the churches across America will soon be dealt with by the fire of GOD.

The only hope for America is a return to Jesus and the church is His vehicle through which this change is brought. A cleansing of the temples across America is in order but it can only happen as the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ rises up and confronts the false teachers and by the power of GOD calls down the destruction of their false idols of worship.

“When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, ‘Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!’” (v. 39). A national revival swept across Israel as GOD’s power was loosed by the one man, Elijah, who stood strong in the face of evil by the power of GOD. Church, it is time to confront the wickedness and it needs to begin with a cleansing of the house of GOD. It is time for the fires of revival to sweep through our midst and change the hearts of humanity back to GOD.

Scripture Reading: “God, You have rejected us; You have broken out against us; You have been angry. Restore us! You have shaken the land and split it open. Heal its fissures, for it shudders. You have made Your people suffer hardship; You have given us a wine to drink that made us stagger. You have given a signal flag to those who fear You, so that they can flee before the archers. 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? Is it not You, God, who have rejected us? 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 60 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, our nation is crumbling around us. The false teachers have infiltrated many pulpits across America, spouting their lies and deceit; tricking, coercing and dragging many away from Your truth. The flocks of people following them make many believe they have to be right in what they are saying; yet, it is easy to recognize a message other than that which we read in Your Word. Help us to rise up against this evil. Help us to stand together in the power of Jesus Christ against this evil. We declare together that we will no longer stand for such a perpetration of evil upon our fellow Americans. GOD, America needs to turn back to You. Light the fire fresh in me today that I may stand for You regardless of what others may choose to do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!  

The Door of Life Stands Ajar!

The first TV game show I can ever remember seeing was Let’s Make a Deal. The show started just a year after I was born and still goes on to this day. The concept behind the show was to make a deal with the host based on what prize the contestant hoped would be behind door 1, 2, or 3.

Life is similar in many regards. Life, too, is a series of doors—we often call them choices. Every day we find ourselves confronted with choices we have to make—some of them are important, others not so much. But, there is one all-important choice every human being is confronted with in life.

The decision each person renders sets the course for their eternal existence. Many live in denial of this choice and unfortunately will one day discover the eternal mistake they have made in so doing and the consequences they will suffer through forever will haunt their very existence.

In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (HCSB). This one door, one decision, one choice is the single most important choice you face in life. This one door alters the entire outcome of an individual’s existence both now and for all eternity. All the other doors of life you will ever face hinge upon the decision you make concerning Jesus. Will you trust Him with your life?

Pilate stood looking at Jesus, undecided about what he should do. He turned to the Jews and asked them: “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22). The door of life stood slightly ajar before Pilate and the Jews—the final decision—crucify Him. They slammed the only door of eternal life shut and walked away.

Some will say, oh, but there are many doors from which to choose. I choose the way of Buddha, of Muhammed, of Confucius, of one of the many who present themselves open before me. Why does it matter anyway—all doors will eventually get me to the same place? On the contrary, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 HCSB).

Jesus is not one of many ways, of many doors, or many choices—He is the only way to the Heavenly Father above. He proved Himself when He fulfilled His statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25 HCSB). His resurrection proved to all mankind that He was truly the Son of GOD and the only door.

Is life not really making sense to you? Things just don’t seem to add up right? You think “this choice” is going to be the one to bring me happiness; yet, it soon falls short of its promises? Until you pass through the door of Jesus, all the other doors life is offering you will fail to make sense. Jesus is standing at your door today, knocking, encouraging you to step into real life through Him.

What will you do? Reach down and pull the door shut like Pilate and the Jews? Or, will you reach out and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ as you push open the door to eternal life? Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10 HCSB). The door of life stands waiting for you to walk through today. There are no deals to be made, no bargaining to be carried out—Jesus has paid the price—simply walk through His door today!

Scripture Reading: “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid; though war break out against me, still I am confident. I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. ” (Psalm 271-5 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, in heaven, I have approached the door of life often, only to find myself distracted by something else. Today, I desire to walk through the door. I repent of my wickedness and the life I have lived. I confess I am a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. Today, I turn to Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me so I could have life. I surrender my life to You and ask You to take control of me and of my life. I am no longer mine, I now belong wholly to You. Thank you for saving me…I love You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Peace in the Midst of Your Storm

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a raging sea of problems? It seemed like the waves of difficulties just wouldn’t stop? It seemed like before one problem had completely washed over you, another was already coming in? What do you do? Who do you turn to? Where do you find some peace in the storm?

Jesus had gathered his disciples and, together, they got on a boat to head across the lake. Jesus saw the moment as a good time to catch a quick nap before the crowds would once again be all over Him. Luke tells us: “Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger” (Luke 8:23 HCSB).

This was not a little squall line but a major storm. The intensity of the problem was huge; the boat was being swamped; they were all in danger of drowning. Where was Jesus? Why hadn’t He jumped up and handled the problem? He was still sleeping—peacefully! We are told: “They came and woke Him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to die!’ Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm” (v. 24).

The storms of problems have swept over your life. You seem to be drowning in it all. Where is Jesus? Why doesn’t He run to your side and handle all this for you? The answer is in the question He posed to His disciples: “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). Jesus tells us in John 14:12: “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father” (HCSB).

The disciples had witnessed miracle after miracle; yet, when the storms arose, they were overcome by them. They focused on their storms instead of their ability to overcome them. Jesus tells us: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:13-14).

Jesus spoke to the storm—commanded it to be still—and calmness immediately fell. Today, you are facing problems—financial, health, family, job, marriage—it really doesn’t matter how big your storm appears because you serve a GOD whose power and ability is without limit. Jesus tells us to lift up our problem before Him, ask for deliverance in His name and He will take care of it—to the glory of GOD.

Jesus asked them, “Where is your faith?” He is asking you that same question today. Where is your faith? Why do you not trust me to be able to handle this for you? Take authority over your storms and problems in Jesus’ name—today! The storms are howling but the power of GOD will bring peace to your heart and life even in the midst of the most difficult of storms.

What’s Waiting on the Other Side?

It’s interesting how faith operates. Often, GOD will leave a door slightly ajar encouraging you to trust Him as you push it open and step through. Certainly, you have no idea what might be waiting on the other side, but you know in your heart of hearts that GOD is leading you through.

By faith, you push through to discover something you never could have imagined; maybe a victory over something you’ve been struggling with awaits you, maybe GOD has a new path which opens up into an even greater walk and fellowship with Him, maybe it’s the answer you’ve been looking for to a problem that has had you overwhelmed? The possibilities on the other side are innumerable; but, you will never discover what they are without stepping through by faith.

The Scripture tells us that: “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8 HCSB). Had he stayed put, he would’ve never experienced the awesome adventure GOD had in store for him.

Think about it a moment. Abraham was a part of a wealthy family. He had no reason whatsoever to go out looking for another fortune as he already had it all. But, his fortune wasn’t satisfying his soul. He desired so much more. Inside, he was crying for an adventure with eternal value.

He heard the voice of a GOD He did not even personally know; but, by faith, he obeyed and set out—not even knowing where he was headed to. Have you ever heard the voice of the LORD telling you to step out of your everyday world and you obeyed and found yourself becoming involved in the grand scheme of GOD for your world? Have you ever just responded in obedience to the voice of GOD and discovered that GOD had so much more out there for you than you could’ve ever imagined?

The Scripture tells us that Abraham “was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (v. 10). He refused to be content with what life was throwing at him. He knew there was something so much grander out there, if he would only step through that door GOD had left ajar. He was seeking after something that would meet the internal longing he had for eternity.

What’s waiting on the other side for you today? You have heard GOD calling you to step out of your comfort zone; you have heard Him beckoning you to push through and discover that you were made for something far beyond what this world could ever even begin to offer. The longing in you is for something eternal and its real!

Your eternal longing begins to be fulfilled as you reach out and impact the lives of others. When you step out of the comfort of the boat into the raging seas, you begin to experience the awesomeness of a GOD who desires to take you higher and further than you ever imagined—eventually leading you right through that heavenly door into the heavenly realms with Him.

Are you ready to step through? The door is ajar—push it open and discover the great things GOD has in store for you today!

Rising Up Out of the Ashes to Greatness!

Have you ever stood and boldly declared your allegiance to GOD and His mission for your life only to fall flat on your face when the opportunity came? We’ve all done it at one time or another. It’s easy to stand before believers and make such a declaration but when it comes to doing it before the world; we discover quickly, it isn’t quite so easy. Facing the ridicule or laughter of the world is just not something we enjoy doing, but it is a necessary part of our Christian walk.

Consider Peter’s situation for a moment. Jesus had His disciples gathered around Himself on that final night telling them things were about to change drastically for all of them as His crucifixion neared. He turned to Peter and offered up a word of warning of what he was about to encounter.

Jesus looked him in the eye and said: “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32 HCSB). Note that Satan had to ask permission from GOD to gain access to Peter in order to tempt and test him.

Why did GOD allow it? Why did GOD give him the go-ahead? Why does GOD allow Satan to mess with you? To tempt you? To test you? To make your life difficult at times?

The answer is simple, yet quite complex—that you might be strengthened! Notice Jesus tells Peter, I have prayed for you; I have interceded on your behalf to the Father that your faith remains strong, and when you have failed, that you will rise up to greater heights than you ever imagined.

Jesus knew Peter would succumb to the temptation, but Jesus prayed that after he did, he would rise from the ashes into a greater man of faith than ever before. When you and I fall to temptation, which we will do, remember Jesus is standing in the gap for us in our behalf before the Father; praying that we may rise up stronger and better equipped than ever before.

Peter, in his humanness, responded to Jesus: “Lord, I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” (v. 33). But Jesus looked at him and said: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!” (v. 34). Peter, you are going to deny you even know me, not just one time but three times.

How often do we deny we know Jesus? How often do we fail to speak up on His behalf when we should? That is denial of Him! How often do we engage ourselves in worldly actions and say worldly things? That is denial of Him and of our own personal relationship with Him! I’m afraid we deny Him a great deal more than we even realize by our own refusal to speak up and speak out on what is right, true and Godly!

Certainly, over the next day, Peter’s life was drug deep into the ash pile. He fervently denied he even knew Jesus at that most critical hour. The Scripture tells us that immediately after his third denial the rooster crowed, “and he went outside and wept bitterly” (v. 62). I am certain that event haunted Peter more than anything else ever in his life over the next several days.

Jesus could’ve just written him off as unworthy to continue serving Him—but He didn’t. John tells us that following His resurrection, Jesus moved in close to Peter and not once but three times asked him: “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” (John 21:16). Peter responded: “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You” (v. 17). Jesus responded: “Feed My sheep!” (v. 17).

Jesus not only restored Peter into fellowship with Himself, but Peter went from being a learner to being a leader. Jesus lifted him from the ashes into greatness for the sake of the kingdom of GOD!

In your failure, Jesus doesn’t forget you and consider you unworthy to ever carry out His work again. Jesus desires to restore and in His restoration, He will move you to a higher plain because of the strength in your faith that has been accomplished through your moment of failure.

Certainly, I am in no wise encouraging failure to reach higher but should there be a moment of failure, step out of it into the Light of Jesus Christ, learn from that moment and utilize the process Jesus has brought you through to strengthen and build up others. “Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power!” (Ephesians 6:10 NLT).

Scripture Reading: “Lord, I seek refuge in You; never let me be disgraced. In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; listen closely to me and save me. Be a rock of refuge for me, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and oppressive. For You are my hope, Lord God , my confidence from my youth. I have leaned on You from birth; You took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always about You. I have become an ominous sign to many, but You are my strong refuge. My mouth is full of praise and honor to You all day long. Don’t discard me in my old age: as my strength fails, do not abandon me. For my enemies talk about me, and those who spy on me plot together, saying, ‘God has abandoned him; chase him and catch him, for there is no one to rescue him.’ God, do not be far from me; my God, hurry to help me. May my adversaries be disgraced and confounded; may those who seek my harm be covered with disgrace and humiliation. But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell about Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord God; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim Your wonderful works. Even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me. Then I will proclaim Your power to another generation, Your strength to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches heaven, God, You who have done great things; God, who is like You? You caused me to experience many troubles and misfortunes, but You will revive me again. You will bring me up again, even from the depths of the earth. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. Therefore, with a lute I will praise You for Your faithfulness, my God; I will sing to You with a harp, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You, because You have redeemed me. Therefore, my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my harm will be disgraced and confounded” (Psalm 71 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, I know I often fail You. I realize through some of my actions, I stand in denial that You are truly the King and Lord of my life. Please forgive me for such actions. Please help me to stand tall and upright for You and for those things which impact Your heart, O my GOD! I thank You for restoring me back to You in times past. Thank You for raising me up out of the ashes of denial to places of greatness in and through You. I love You and praise You for all You do for me, in me and through me!…in Jesus’ name, I pray…AMEN!

WHY, GOD…WHY, ME?

Have you found yourself struggling with issues in your life? Maybe it is a physical problem or affliction that you wish GOD would heal? Maybe a problem with a temptation that never seems to leave you? We all have our struggles and problems that we are forced to deal with. But, it is important to realize that in and through these struggles, GOD hasn’t left you without His help and hope.

I know there are those out there that tell you that a true child of GOD should not experience problems and difficulties. They are quick to tell you that you must have some spiritual issue going on in your life that needs to be taken care of. However, such advice stands in stark contrast to Scripture.

Take Paul for example. Here we have an awesome man of GOD, but by his own admission, he struggled and suffered a great deal every day under what he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh…a messenger of Satan.” This is how he explained it to the Corinthian church: “Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself” (1 Corinthians 12:7 HCSB).

Why would GOD allow a servant like Paul to be under the constant bondage of this particular issue? Maybe Paul’s ministry could have been even greater without this problem in his life? What was the meaning of all this? Why do you struggle with personal problems and issues? Why are you suffering with an incurable disease that you wish GOD would heal? A great big, WHY, GOD? WHY, ME?

Paul said: “I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me” (V. 8). Paul begged and pleaded with GOD to remove the problem from his life; GOD’s responded by saying: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9).

I doubt that was the response Paul expected from GOD. He had seen GOD heal people, deliver people, work great miracles in the lives of people and I would imagine he expected the same in his own. But, GOD had a different plan. GOD had no intention of delivering him from the issue; instead, He told Paul to trust in His grace and be prepared to see the power of GOD brought to perfection through his own weakness.

I don’t know why GOD allows struggles to enter our lives; why we have to live with problems and issues that GOD could heal instantly, if He wanted to. But, I do know that GOD is sovereign; that GOD is GOD, and it is not my duty to assume anything from Him as my Creator, simply to place my trust in His wisdom and understanding.

I don’t know why you are going through things right now. But, GOD knows! His grace is sufficient to carry you through to whatever purpose He has for you. You don’t know what GOD is going to do through your issue or problem; how GOD will use it to impact others. But, GOD has a plan and through your weakness and your willingness, His power can be set free to operate and make an impact in your world.

Paul had to make a choice. He had to choose to either become a servant to his weakness or to remain a servant unto GOD. He could’ve had the attitude that said: “Well, if GOD isn’t going to take this away, I’m just going to sit back and allow this issue to dictate my life—and do nothing!” or, he could step up to the plate, as he did, and respond in this way: “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (vv.9-10).

So many people have sat back in sorrow and discouragement because of problems in their lives. GOD wants to use those problems to display His greatness—to release His power in order to break through to greatness in the world He has you in. Get up off that couch! Stand up in His power and might and see the exciting works GOD desires to do through you in the midst of your problems, difficulties and struggles. Give GOD the glory today!

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 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I have no idea why I have to suffer through these struggles, problems and issues in my life. I live my life as best I can for You. I keep my trust in You. I try to give my all to You and yet I continue to be haunted by these daily messengers of evil that come against me. Father, I don’t know why, but You do. I pray that in and through whatever it is I might be forced to go through that I will always maintain my trust and confidence in You and in Your wisdom and plans for me. Help me to remain strong, LORD, and to not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the problem but to maintain my strength through You always! I love you, LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

I Pledge Allegiance to…?

“If it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship…. As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 HCSB).

As Americans, we have been programmed to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I would surmise that few give the words being recited much thought as the pledge has become an object of rote memory. I have problems with the entire concept of what we are pledging our allegiance to.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the pledge of allegiance; I love America; I am proud to be an American; but the idea of pledging my allegiance over to any nation stands in stark contrast to my obligation as a child of GOD and my personal allegiance to His Kingdom.

In passing by many churches, we see that they too, have relegated their allegiance over to a nation rather than unto GOD. In their attempt to follow proper military protocol, they place the Christian flag under the America flag reflecting their order of allegiance. I don’t know how others may feel about this, but it bothers me greatly.

Should the pledges be recited in most churches, again according to military protocol, the pledge to the American flag comes first indicating once again the most important allegiance. Without even giving it much consideration, the church has bought into the idea that allegiance to our nation stands above our allegiance to GOD as revealed by their actions.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently declared that he is a Christian first and foremost in his life, above any other allegiances. As Christians, we must adopt the principle that GOD is first and foremost in our lives, our churches, our homes, and our families. To pledge allegiance to any other ahead of GOD reveals a deep-rooted problem that must be repented for and turned away from.

I have no problem with the American flag be present everywhere we go; but, the Christian banner must gain priority over it for all believers regardless of what military protocol or even our society may deem as correct. We were called to stand out and stand up for the Kingdom of GOD but we can never do so if we continue to allow the infiltration of worldly ways and thoughts into our lives and midst.