Hang On to the End of that Rope!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were desperately crying out to GOD, “Why me? Why has this terrible tragedy fallen on me?” Maybe, you are in just such a situation right now. All your hopes and dreams lie shattered all about. Everything you had ever accumulated was now gone. In desperation, you find yourself crying out: “Is it even worth it to continue on?”

Most people find themselves at the end of their rope at least a time or two as they make their way through life. You work hard; you struggle to acquire things; you grab and you grab only to find one day it’s all gone or it’s simply lost its value.

At the end of every rope in life, GOD will tie a knot of assurance and security, if we will but learn to grab it, hang on and trust Him. Consider Job for a moment. The Bible refers to him in this way: “He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil…. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east” (Job 1:1,3 HCSB). Job had it all. GOD had blessed him in tremendous ways! As his life was moving along, he could never have imagined that the end of his rope was rapidly approaching.

The Scripture goes on to tell of the discourse between Satan and GOD concerning Job’s overwhelming faithfulness to GOD. Satan desired an opportunity to attack Job in order to show GOD his true faithfulness was very shallow. GOD gave Satan the opportunity to strike and destroy everything Job owned, including his family. The Bible says that even when he had nothing left, “Job did not sin or blame God for anything” (v. 22).

It is difficult for us to comprehend such destruction upon an individual and yet they remain completely faithful in their trust of GOD. At the end of his rope, Job had a decision to make, “Curse GOD and die!” (Job 2:9) as his wife recommended, or hold fast and remain faithful to GOD. The Scripture tells us: “Throughout all this Job did not sin” (v. 10). He continued holding on to his faith and trust in GOD, even in the midst of total destruction.

Maybe life is spiraling out of control for you? Everything seems to be headed south? You try and try to make things work out only to discover defeat around every corner? Discouragement has overwhelmed you? Your world is turning inside out and upside down?

To make matters even worse for Job, some of his friends came along and spent the next several days analyzing his situation for him. They commenced to offer words of advice to try to make his situation better—which served only to create an even more difficulty for Job. It seems when things can’t get any worse, you always have those people who have the answer for your problems! Their advice, though given with good intentions, tends to compound the difficulty of an already overwhelming situation.

In deep desperation, having lost everything, hanging on as best he could to the end of his life’s rope, Job never lost his faith in GOD. The Scripture tells us he responded to his friends: “I know my living Redeemer, and He will stand on the dust at last. Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh. I will see Him myself; my eyes will look at Him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me” (Job 29:25-27).

Regardless of the depth of your situation, be assured your Redeemer, your Savior and your closest Friend will remain faithful and true to you. The trials and the times of intense testing will soon break out into unexpected wonder and amazement as GOD steps in and rewards your faithfulness. The Scripture goes on to tell us: “the Lord restored his prosperity and doubled his previous possessions” (Job 42:10).

Not only did GOD restore all the possessions Job had previously lost; GOD also turned around and increased his possessions in great abundance. The end of the rope became a brand new beginning for Job. The end of your rope can be the same for you. Tie a knot, hang on, remain faithful and get ready for what GOD has in store for you.

The kingdom of GOD awaits all who, by faith, trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Have you committed your life to Him today? If not, trust in Him today and hang on to Him through all the ups and downs of this life, always looking forward to the awesome world yet to come!

Scripture Reading: “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken. How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering stone fence? They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God; my strong rock, my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah Men are only a vapor; exalted men, an illusion. On a balance scale, they go up; together they weigh less than a vapor. Place no trust in oppression, or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, pay no attention to it. God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to You, Lord. For You repay each according to his works” (Psalm 62 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, help me to trust in You regardless of my situation. When my world seems to be collapsing around me, I pray You strengthen me as You walk through it with me. I pray it becomes a moment in time whereby I become stronger in my faith and more intimate in my relationship with You. I thank You for the dark moments that I must trod through because I know there is something more You are teaching me in order that I may become everything You have designed me to be. When I step into the light and the situation’s work has been done, I will stand even taller in You, O LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

On Mission for GOD! — A Challenge to the Church in a Most Desperate Hour!

The perilous times we are living in demand that we, as the Church, rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and take a stand for the righteousness of our GOD across our city, our region and in our surrounding area communities. We have called to stand strong in defense of our unborn and for those who are unable to protect themselves from the evil being perpetrated upon humanity around about ourselves.

Please understand, when I speak of the church, I am not speaking of a single group of individuals meeting in a certain location. I am speaking of the Church of the Redeemed—the blood-bought Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to which all born-again believers belong!

In Psalm 2:1-3, the Psalmist poses this thought of which we need to ponder in our hearts today: “Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One, saying: ‘Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints’” (HCSB).

The whole earth is in rebellion against Almighty GOD. The kings, presidents, dictators and leaders stand in defiance against Him. We, as the Church, have a responsibility to take charge of the situation, to demand justice and righteousness across our region.

Taking our city for GOD will not be easy feat; in fact, in our own power, it is impossible. But moving on in Psalm 2 verse 8, we discover how the impossible becomes possible as the Lord declares: “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.” (HCSB).

GOD is calling for His Church to bind together and to rise up in unity in His name and power and to declare this generation for the Kingdom of GOD. Isaiah wrote these words in Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (HCSB).

It is such a marvelous sight and a peaceful feeling in the midst of the world’s chaos to hear one declare a word of righteousness and peace. That is the message the LORD has given to us, as the Church, to declare!

The late Martin Luther King, Jr. had a mission in his heart–a mission of equality and justice for all. He was not afraid to stand and to proclaim his dream across the cities and in the churches and in the streets; and after much suffering and pain, persecution and rebellion, he drove that mission home and his dream became a reality across this great nation.

That is the same fortitude we, as a part of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, must exhibit today for the sake of our cities and for the life of our nation.

In Romans 10:13: Paul declared: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (HCSB). Our world is desperate for Jesus today! We are standing on the threshold of destruction and the only hope for people, for our nation, and for our world is Jesus Christ!

In response to that thought, Paul then posed the following questions for our deeper consideration in Romans 15:14-15: “But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” (HCSB).

There is a cry being heard from people far and wide—from around the world, in our cities and in our communities—for justice, for righteousness, for something different, for something better, for something virtuous with a strong foundation on which to stand upon in this lopsided, ungodly world we are living in.

Paul then referred back to the words of the Prophet Isaiah and declared: “How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!” (Romans 10:15 HCSB).

How beautiful, how welcome, how necessary, how vital it is today for believers in Jesus Christ to bind together in strength and harmony declaring righteousness across their cities, their regions, their nation and this world! As we ask of Him, we will find the power, the strength, the words and the Spirit-anointing to rise up in victory!

Washington leaves us little, if any, hope, for peace, security and righteousness. Our hope, today, must be placed in our Lord Jesus Christ and as His Church, we have a responsibility to rise up and proclaim the Good News that brings eternal salvation to all humanity! The Church must get on mission for GOD today!

Scripture Reading: “Give the Lord-you heavenly beings- give the Lord glory and strength. Give the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders- the Lord, above vast waters, the voice of the Lord in power, the voice of the Lord in splendor. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion, like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the woodlands bare. In His temple all cry, ‘Glory!’ The Lord sat enthroned at the flood; the Lord sits enthroned, King forever. The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace” (Psalm 29:1-11 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I ask You to cleanse my heart and life of anything that is unpleasing to You! The task that lies before me, and the Church, is so great and I feel so powerless. I need a fresh anointing of Your Holy Spirit today that will enable me to rise-up with boldness and to declare the truths of Your Word—words of righteousness, holiness and peace! Help me, LORD, to stand in the gap on behalf of my church and “The Church.” LORD, I declare my city, my state and my nation for the Kingdom of GOD. I promise to do everything in my power to promote You at all times both in word and deed. Father, I love You and give You all glory today…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

What Will You Do With Jesus?

Life is filled with decisions. Many of the decisions we make throughout the day are carried out without much thought given—what road we will travel; what clothes we will wear; where we will eat our next meal—although we may give each a bit of consideration rarely is there much.

Then, there are the times we are confronted by more important decisions that require a great deal more consideration—purchasing a car or a home; having another child—things like these involve more thought and consideration.

There is, however, the ultimate decision every individual is forced to make at one time or another in their life. With Jesus standing before him, Pilate turned to the crowd and he asked them that single most important question that each of us must deal personally with at one time or another in this life: “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22 HCSB).

That one question bears down on the heart of every human at some point and the response each makes determines where they will spend their eternity. No other decision we are confronted with in life carries the massive weight that this one does. You must live with the consequences of your personal response forever and ever!

After a short time, Pilate carried out the decision of the people and had Jesus crucified between two thieves. With but a few short breaths left, only moments left in each of their lives, hanging between life and death with the only means of eternal salvation staring each in the face, each had to make a decision what they would do with this One called Jesus.

Eternity for each was hanging in the balance. One, looked at Jesus, mocked and cursed Him and soon slipped forever into an eternity of hell by his own choosing. His heart remained hard and unchanged and he will forever remember that moment when salvation came knocking on his life’s door and rejected it.

The other thief, understanding his situation and realizing his punishment was justified, looked to the middle cross and saw a Savior. As he turned toward Jesus, he saw life. In the eyes of the Messiah, he saw hope in the midst of his hopelessness. “He said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’” (Luke 23:39-42 HCSB).

Each of us has that moment in time when GOD’s Spirit pricks our heart as He confronts us with the desperation and hopelessness of our personal eternal situation. He asks each of us: What will you do with Jesus? Will you think about and get back to Him some other time? Will you put it off until you’ve enjoyed everything you think this world has to offer and then find Jesus at the very end?

You are not promised another moment in time. You have no guarantee that you will live to see tomorrow. But, you do have the promise of an eternity that will never end. The response you give to the question: What will you do with Jesus?—determines your eternal destiny.

One thief died with the Savior but an arm’s reach away but his heart distanced by the hardness of the life he had chosen to live. He rejected his only hope and that man will painfully regret the decision he made on that day.

The other thief saw hope and in the desperation of his moment—desiring peace in his heart—in the midst of all the chaos—he turned to Jesus! To this man, Jesus responded: “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 HCSB). Today and for all eternity, that thief, who became a son of the living GOD, will rejoice in the presence of the One who gave him hope when he was immersed in hopelessness.

What will you do with Jesus today? Don’t put off to another day. You never know when life will abruptly end and you will be staring eternity in the face. Choose Jesus as your Savior!

Scripture Reading: “The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity. Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The One who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, and a God who executes justice every day. If anyone does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has strung His bow and made it ready” (Psalm 7:8-12 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I need Jesus! My life is in disarray; my choices condemn me; I find myself living in eternal hopelessness; yet, I feel Your Spirit speaking to my heart, calling me out of the wickedness and into Your glorious Light. Please forgive me for my sins and failures. Cleanse my wicked heart and give me a new heart and a new life filled with You. I surrender completely to You today, O GOD! Thank You for Jesus; thank You for saving me…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

No Way Out?

Have you ever found yourself backed against a wall with no way out? The enemy is attacking from all sides—you have been beaten and battered—the fear of the next onslaught is ever-present in your mind—you find yourself ready to just give up on everything?

As fear constantly grips your heart and mind, surrender appears to be your only way out of the stress and pressure the situation has created in your life. Surrender is never an out for a child of GOD! Surrender is not even an option when the enemy attacks and fear begins to grip your heart.

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, found himself in a situation with no way out. His father had just committed a sin against GOD and GOD had removed the throne from his family. Jonathan confronted an enemy army that was huge and well-armed. They had been a destructive menace to the Israelites for a long time. Now, it appeared that they would destroy Israel.

But, Jonathan understood that surrender was not an option. He took his armor-bearer and advanced toward the enemy camp. As they were going, he declared: “Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6 HCSB). His armor-bearer, having seen GOD work miracles in time’s past, responded: “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide” (v. 7).

Greatly outnumbered, Jonathan moved ahead, trusting GOD for the outcome. In the face of fear, Jonathan looked to GOD. Undaunted by the overwhelming odds that stood against him, Jonathan continued advancing forward. The enemy taunted him: “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” (v. 12). At which Jonathan turned to his armor-bearer and proclaimed: “the Lord has handed them over to Israel” (v. 12).

By faith, Jonathan saw victory! By faith, he moved out when there appeared to be no way out. The Scripture tells us that after several successive victories in Jonathan’s favor that: “Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties were terrified. The earth shook, and terror from God spread” (v. 15). “The Lord saved Israel that day” (v. 23).

Has the enemy overwhelmed you with fear? Your life seems to be hanging in the balance with defeat inevitable? It’s time to let go and let GOD take control. It’s time to hand it over to Him and stand back and allow Him to place the victory in your hands. GOD is not a GOD of defeat—He is a GOD of victory!

Today, stare down those problems that have been mounting against you. By faith, declare the LORD has already handed the victory over to you. Health issues? Financial issues? Marriage problems? Family problems? Job problems? It doesn’t matter how big the problem might appear to you—look to your GOD who is bigger than all the problems you could ever have.

Turn to GOD, trust Him today, hand your fear and difficulties over to Him today and rest in His assurance of your absolute 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 step out today, help me to recognize that the fears that held me back yesterday have been destroyed. Where there appears to be no way out, Father, you have made a way out for me. Where the enemy seems to have me pinned down, You have set me free. I claim Your promises of victory today. I declare Your victory over every fear, every mountain, everything the enemy has placed in my path. Today, I rest peacefully sheltered in Your arms of protection. I love You and give You all my praise…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Mighty in the Sight of GOD

Have you ever found yourself confronted by a situation that scared the daylights out of you? In fact, the fear became so overwhelming, you found yourself running away from it? I suppose at one time or another, we all find ourselves in just such a situation. And, to make matters worse, we begin to imagine the situation to be much greater than it really is.

What do you do in such a situation? You can only hide from it for so long. Eventually, you must man-up and confront it or spend the rest of your life with it chasing after you—constantly wearing on every fiber of your body—wearing you out physically, emotionally and spiritually. If left to do so, it will eventually destroy you.

Consider the man, Gideon, for a moment. “The Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior’” (Judges 6:12 HCSB). The difficulty in this pronouncement was that Gideon was actually in hiding, fearing for his life from the enemy invaders. But, GOD saw something more in this man. GOD did not view him in the same light as those around him. In the midst of his personal feelings of fear, GOD saw the heart of a mighty warrior.

Gideon responded to the LORD’s call with these words: “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house” (v. 15). His fear directed him to begin spouting out all the reasons why he was incapable of carrying out the work the LORD was calling him to do—all based upon worldly perceptions.

Isn’t it awesome to know that GOD doesn’t look at you the same way the world does? Isn’t it wonderful to know that GOD’s perception of you isn’t based upon the standards of the world but upon what He is capable of doing in and through you if you simply trust and obey Him. It is also exciting to see the hand of the LORD doing great wonders in and through you as you learn to simply submit to His will.

Gideon learned quickly that being a mighty warrior was not something that was based upon his own abilities. His trust and confidence had to be placed in the only One capable of bringing him through to victory—GOD Almighty! As GOD prepared to send him into battle, Gideon gathered together an army of 22,000 fighting men. GOD had a different number in mind. Trusting GOD means trusting Him completely for the victory. The Scripture tells us: “The Lord said to Gideon, ‘I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and hand the Midianites over to you. But everyone else is to go home’” (Judges 7:7 HCSB).

To the world, victory is achieved by amassing great numbers; to GOD, victory is achieved by simply trusting and obeying Him. Fear is perhaps one of the greatest enemies humans confront. It is often deceptive, usually appears greater than it truly is and has the greatest impact upon our lives, if we allow it to. Securing your victory in the face of your enemy of fear begins by trusting in GOD.

Over his lifespan, Gideon was used by GOD to secure victory for the Israelites. He trusted in GOD’s ability and always came out with an overwhelming victory. Today, whatever may be challenging you, trust GOD for the victory!

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, help me to learn to always trust in You. When the enemy comes against me, help me to turn to You, to listen to You and to obey Your instructions. Father, when the enemy of fear begins to overwhelm me, help me to look that fear in the eye and in the name of Jesus to pronounce it gone. Father, I want to be a great warrior for You and for Your kingdom. I want to tear down idols and false doctrines and evil spirits by the power of Your name and the truth of Your Word. Help me to carry this out…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Ninth sermon in the 1 John series. For other, go to my YouTube site at Pastor Danny Anderson.

The Battle is Not Yours!

Oftentimes, the enemy you are facing appears to be an overwhelming foe. As far as your human eye can see, there is only difficulty, pain, and great loss mounted against you. You see no out. Defeat is imminent. Great loss is all that your tomorrow holds.

The Scripture tells me that a vast army had arrayed against the Jewish nation. The Jews seemed so small and insignificant in comparison to the great number of enemy preparing to overwhelm and destroy them.

Understanding the critical nature of the situation, King “Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the Lord. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, who gathered to seek the Lord. They even came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him” (2 Chronicles 20:3-4 HCSB). Fear gripped the hearts of all the Jews including the king.

Jehoshaphat realized defeat was the only possibility in this situation outside of an intervention by GOD. Maybe you are in a similar situation right now? Health issues, financial crisis, family out of control? Jehoshaphat turned to his only hope—GOD. He got serious and he and the nation began to pray and the LORD responded.

The Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the LORD came upon the priest and declared: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s’” (v.15).

He continued: “You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you” (v. 17).

As the Jews gathered and headed out to face the battle, the Scripture tells us they had appointed a praise team to lead them out—praising and glorifying GOD. “When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever. The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush…and they were defeated” (vv. 21-22).

We are told: “When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and there were corpses lying on the ground; nobody had escaped” (v. 24). But the story doesn’t end there. GOD wasn’t finished. He had a plan for a much greater victory celebration than they could have imagined.

GOD not only provided the victory but He provided a victory celebration. The Scripture says: “They found among them (the enemy) an abundance of goods on the bodies and valuable items. So they stripped them until nobody could carry any more. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much” (v. 25).

GOD’s provision is always much greater than we could ever imagine. Out of His bounty and His great love for you and I flows an abundance of blessings. They faced their enemy with praise and worship unto the only One capable of delivering them from defeat. GOPD came through and delivered them in a way they would have never imagined.

Today, you may be facing impossible odds in your life situations. It’s time to turn your attention to the One who can deliver you. It’s time to pray and trust in Him and then begin to praise and worship Him and wait for the victory that He has in store for you. This battle is not yours, stand back and see the salvation of the LORD!

Scripture Reading: “God, we have heard with our ears- our forefathers have told us- the work You accomplished in their days, in days long ago: to plant them, You drove out the nations with Your hand; to settle them, You crushed the peoples. For they did not take the land by their sword- their arm did not bring them victory- but by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You were pleased with them. You are my King, my God, who ordains victories for Jacob. Through You we drive back our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword does not bring me victory. But You give us victory over our foes and let those who hate us be disgraced. We boast in God all day long; we will praise Your name forever” (Psalm 44:1-7 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, the odds seem stacked against me. Troubles and problems are overwhelming me. I see nothing but defeat as I look out at my life and where I am right now. I pray for Your help. I ask You, LORD, to step into my problems and issues and circumstances and to bring a great victory. I know that as Your child, You will step in and bring victory for me in all these situations. Please help me. I give You praise, glory and honor in all things for You are the Mighty Warrior, the Victor in all things. I praise You and love…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Penetrating the Darkness

Looking around at our world today, it’s easy to see how dark our society has become. The sinfulness that has overwhelmed our world has encapsulated our society in an utter darkness that is thick enough to feel.

Isaiah prophesied this time would come near the end of times when he wrote: “Look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples” (Isaiah 60:2a HCSB). Never could we have imagined a few decades back that our society would darken so deeply so quickly. The rapid influx of deep, dark sin into the hearts and minds of the masses has created a societal darkness from which we often wonder if we can ever recover.

Jesus aggressively addressed this idea of utter darkness by declaring its solution—the church, to whom He gave the task to penetrate the darkness of the world. He said: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 HCSB).

The purpose of the church in the world today is to bring light into the darkness. Light symbolizes truth and truth is the Word of God that can transform even the hardest of hearts. It takes but a small light source in a dark cave to drive out the darkness. It takes but a peppering of truth in a deceived society to begin to drive out the darkness that has been created by man’s selfishness and sinfulness.

Paul charged the church to “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16 NLT). As a part of GOD’s family, you and I have a responsibility before GOD to dispel the darkness by living and sharing the truth. We have a responsibility in our society to stand up for what is right and to declare the truths of GOD even in the face of persecution.

As the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are obligated by GOD to penetrate the darkness of our world by making the right choices based upon the principles of GOD’s Word. Each of us will be held responsible before GOD for who we personally choose as our nation’s leaders. When you willfully select a leader, through your own vote, who believes that killing an unborn baby through abortion is an acceptable practice, understand that GOD will hold you accountable on judgment day for the lives that individual destroyed because you made the choice to side with their views.

GOD is not a democrat, republican or independent. GOD is GOD and we, as His children, are to place His principles above all others. As children of GOD, we are not to be molded by a party but molded by Godly principles and decisions. Political leaders who defy GOD’s principles in their decision-making are to be defied by those who call themselves children of Almighty GOD!

Scripture Reading: “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands” (Isaiah 60:1-5 NLT).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to always remember that as Your child, I am not of this world. However, while I am making my journey through this world, I am responsible before You for the decisions and choices I will make. You have tasked me with carrying Your light into the utter darkness, penetrating the darkness, with Your truth. Help me to seek out Your heart and what moves Your heart before I choose the direction I will follow. I want to make a difference in my world, LORD! I don’t care what others may think; I don’t care what my family may think; I only desire to please You in all things. On judgment day, I want You to be pleased in what I did with my life. Help me, LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

GOD’s Great Benefit’s Package

When we move out into the real world and begin seeking lifetime employment, one of the questions we desire to have answered is: What does the “company benefit’s package” entail? Will I receive company-paid health insurance? How much vacation time will I be allotted each year? Sick pay? Is a 401k retirement program available? All of these things are considered outside of the agreed upon salary or wage. They are benefits the company awards to its employees.

When we approach the cross in repentance for our sins and surrender our lives over to Jesus, we gain eternal access to the heavenly kingdom. For many, that’s where it stops. They fail to recognize that GOD also has a “benefit’s package” that is available to all His children.  

David recognized that GOD had a whole lot more to offer all who came into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. He revealed that package in this way: “My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle” (Psalm 103:2-5 HCSB).

Let’s take a moment and review this package. GOD continues forgiving your sins, lifting the heavy load they create, on a regular basis as you come to Him seeking His forgiveness. GOD is your healer. Learn to trust in Him by faith believing that by His stripes you are healed as recorded in Isaiah 53:5. GOD is your Redeemer who, out of His great love and mercy, paid the price for your sins, saving you from an eternity in the pits of hell.

GOD grants you His peace and security through His ongoing love and mercy which is constantly being showered upon you bringing complete relief from the onslaught of the world around. GOD brings satisfaction to the life and soul of all who remain nestled in His arms of love. Whereas, the satisfaction the world attempts to offer is only temporary and often filled with sinful pleasures, GOD’s satisfaction brings total comfort to the soul.

Finally, GOD continually renews and recharges His children with His strength and power, invigorating them with a new, youth-like energy every day.

Employers don’t make their employees utilize all the benefits they have awarded them; but, it is all paid for and always available for use. In the same way, GOD’s “benefit’s package” is always available to all His children; still, many fail to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Many take the step of faith in Jesus Christ but that is as far as they go. Over time, many of these will become discouraged with their Christian walk. They begin to question what it’s all about anyway. They begin to feel as though there should be more. Fact is, there is—much more—it’s all paid for and available but never accessed.

Today, I challenge you to prayerfully consider GOD’s great benefit package in and for your life. Take full advantage of all the great things GOD has for you even while you are still here on the earth. Accept what He has given and utilize it in full for His glory and honor in all things.

Scripture Reading: “From eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His instructions. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, [all] His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the Lord, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the Lord, all His works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise the Lord!” (Psalm 103:17-22 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I often forget about all Your great benefits You have so graciously given me as an expression of Your love and devotion to me as Your child. Please help me to recognize these things that are available to me and to utilize them in and through my life to touch the hearts and lives of others. May I find my joy, peace and satisfaction in all You have made available to me. I love You and give You all glory for You, LORD, are the only true and worthy One!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!