Glorifying GOD in the Face of Evil!

Have you ever felt like the world was out to get you—at least your little world? It seemed everything you would say and do was twisted and eventually used against you by others in some negative way?

It is an unfortunate action friends and acquaintances will often use. I’m not sure why? Maybe makes them feel better about themselves? But, it definitely creates situations which become very hard to ever break free from—friends often become enemies—outside of the help of God.

I have discovered in my years of ministry work that those who I considered to be allies in the ministry often became enemies when God blessed what was being done. Everyone seemed to want the glory for great strides being made for God’s kingdom rather than realizing all glory is to be attributed to God—and God alone.

Some of my most difficult, trying times involved other ministry leaders who failed to accept that God blesses those He chooses to bless and there is nothing we can do but simply continue working for His kingdom because ultimately it is all about Him.

Daniel was a man who placed God above everything else in his world. His love and commitment to God was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a man of integrity, in a position of high authority, and the king trusted him in all regards.

Jealousy arose among some in the court arose and soon a plan was being initiated to get rid of Daniel. Evil men duped the king into signing a law declaring all worship would be aimed at the king alone.

When Daniel was caught worshipping Almighty God, he was sentenced to death in the lion’s den. But, Daniel was at peace, he trusted in the decision God would make about the outcome of this ordeal. He was secure that God would bring him through victorious in whatever way He chose, whether by death or life.

The following morning, the king rushed down to check on Daniel and found him safe and secure in the midst of the hungry lions. Daniel announced to the king: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king” (Daniel 6:22 HCSB). He secured his victory in the face of his enemy through his innocence before God.

Consider that Daniel had been forced to live in a pagan, cruel, evil world that was not his home; but, he didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to take his eyes off the eternal prize. He remained focused on fulfilling God’s divine plan for his life regardless of what the world threw at him.

Your struggles and problems in the world are an unfortunate part of living in this evil world. But, do not allow them to rule your thoughts rather remain focused upon the prize God has waiting for you.

Stay focused upon His call, His purpose, His plan for your life—always knowing that the closer you get to God the more hatred the world will have for you. Remember what Jesus said about you: “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world” (John 17:16 HCSB). When you “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him…He will act” on your behalf (Psalm 37:5 HCSB).

Scripture Reading: “Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live in all the earth: ‘May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 HCSB). Note the final outcome: God received all the glory for Daniel’s righteous decisions and actions!

Personal Prayer: Father, I often find myself being ridiculed and harassed by the world for my commitment to You. I pray that You would give me the strength and ability to continue serving only You in the face of all the hostility and persecution. May my life point people to Jesus. May I be found faithful before You in all my ways and may my commitment to You continue to increase and grow. I desire to be Christ-like to every person I come into contact with in my life regardless of their feelings about me. May I love like Jesus loved! Thank You, Father, for loving me and bringing me in as a part of Your eternal family!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

A powerful, relevent message for the days we are living in. A real eye-opener!

Enemies of the State

America’s push for political-correctness has left many true Christians wondering just how long we have left before we begin to undergo constant prosecution for speaking the truth of the Word of God.

There is certainly a rise in the amount of persecution Christians are undergoing for speaking out words of truth, which is occasionally accompanied by some form of prosecution, and I am certain further, more intense, prosecution can’t be too far off. In our society, true Christians will begin to be eyed more and more as enemies of the state.

I have been asked: What is the right thing for a Christian to do in the eyes of God? Some will say we are obligated to follow the laws and dictates of the state in accordance with what Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves” (HCSB).

On the other hand, others go back to Acts 4 where Peter and John were arrested for speaking out about Jesus. They were commanded by the authorities to quit doing so. Peter and John’s response was this: “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20 HCSB).

Soon afterwards, they were in trouble once again and were brought in and questioned by the leaders: “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?” (Acts 5:28) to which they responded: “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29).

So, where do you draw the line? Who is right; who is wrong? Are they both right in their own regard? Simply put, the law of God always trumps the law of man. As long as the law of man lines up with the law of God, Christians are bound by both.

Think about it this way: Did Jesus say, if the government approves it, you are to go into all the world and preach the gospel? Absolutely not! Jesus commanded all believers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15 HCSB).  In so doing, you might break the laws of the land…you might suffer persecution or even prosecution, simply be obedient to God!

Notice the outcome of the Acts 5 encounter. Peter and John were flogged and then commanded to quit talking publicly about Jesus. The story continues: “Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name” (Acts 5:41 HCSB).

They suffered through a harsh punishment for their disobedience but then went away excited because they had been counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. The stand you take as a Christian will make you an enemy of the state. Persecution and prosecution will continue to intensify as you continue to stand up and speak out. Are you up for it? Will you rejoice in having been counted worthy to undergo such for the cause of Christ?

I believe it is vital to make two points at this juncture. First, in light of the radical, extremist violence advocated by some religions and groups, God never advocates violence of His followers. We never find followers of the true God engaged in violent acts against others or their governments in Scripture. Rather, believers are to respond in like manner to the response of Peter and John.

A second important point I wish to make concerns responsibilities and obligations of true believers. The laws, rules and commands of God are not suggestions to be considered as optional. Following and fulfilling these are the responsibility and obligation of all true believers. The command of Proverbs 31:8 obligates all believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (NLT). In other words, unborn babies, the poor, the destitute—anyone not given an opportunity to speak out for themselves due to their situation leaves believers obligated to stand up for and speak out for.

The simple fact here is that God’s law is ultimately supreme. Man’s laws are to be followed and obeyed to the extent they do not prevent one from living and serving in accordance with God’s principles, standards and laws.

What in the World Has Become of the World?

As I read the news of the chaos that our nation and world has become entrenched in, I find myself asking “What in the world has become of the world?” How has our society slipped into such a chasm of craziness in such a short time? The meaningless killings of innocent people on the streets. The senseless murders of police officers simply doing their jobs. The rioting, the violent protests—our nation is very sick today!

As a pastor, my heart goes out in daily prayers for America but even more so for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in America. We are witnessing a rapidly growing satanic attack upon the church. From the outside, he is working to destroy our ability to influence our world. The rapid influx of new laws pertaining to political correctness are working to silence those speaking out for what is right. There is a growing proliferation of radical groups denouncing Christianity and the church and the government has bought into their radical teachings and philosophies.  

From the inside, many churches have become weakened by the growing influx of worldliness, by the failure of pastors to preach repentance, sin, judgment, and by a failure of the people to truly repent and turn from their wickedness. Symbols of God’s mercy, such as the cross, have been removed from a growing number of churches to prevent people from being offended. Yet, it is only by way of the cross that salvation has come!

John Wesley said: “Before I preach love, mercy, and grace, I must preach sin, Law, and judgment.” Paul wrote to the Galatians: “As for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14 HCSB). He told the Corinthian church: “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Until people realize that the Gospel message is the message of life that is so inherently needed for eternal salvation, their personal response will remain weak, at best, often failing to open the door of access into that life. The church must get back to preaching the truth of the Gospel message just as Paul instructed us. The messages of prosperity and blessings that became popular some years back are laced with untruths and filled with lies and deception. They serve only to tear down the true workings of God through His church.

The chaos we are experiencing in our nation and in the world is definitely a sign of the end times we are living in. Because of this, we, the church, must rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and begin proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and His cross and the salvation He has secured for all who will believe. It is through His power that lives will be changed. “The only hope for America is Jesus!” (Carmen).

Paul inspired the spirit in young Timothy with these words: “Preach the Word…!” (2 Timothy 4:2). May our hearts and lives be inspired likewise. GOD help America; GOD help the church in America!

  ~~ Pastor Danny Anderson

It’s Time to Take that Giant Down!

As a child, I was always fascinated by the story of David and Goliath. It was probably one of the most popular children’s church stories around. As I grew older, the story somehow began to intensify in meaning as I began to grasp more of the details surrounding the story.

Today, as I sit contemplating young, inexperienced David, I realize he was more than just a boy with a sling. He was a young man who had developed a confidence in GOD like none other. He had a trust in GOD’s ability to do whatever He wished to do through anyone He desired to do it through. GOD chose David because He knew David’s heart commitment unto Him and his openness to be used by GOD in great ways.

As I reflect back, I see young David, too young yet to fight in the king’s military, going out to the battlefield carrying food to his brothers. While there one day, Goliath the giant comes out from the camp of the enemy and he begins taunting the Israelites and cursing the name of their GOD. A terrible shudder swept across the fighting men of Israel and they cowered in fear for their lives.

David, merely a shepherd boy, had a heart of steel. He had spent many hours developing an intimacy between himself and GOD during the long nights of guarding his sheep. It was nothing for him to encounter lions and bears and packs of wolves and, without giving it second thought, he would destroy them before they could wipe out his little flock.

As the giant came out raving and ranting that day, David was overwhelmed by the lack of fortitude in his fellow Israelites. He could not believe the fear that was allowed to rise within his brothers’ hearts and lives. He was determined to take this giant down. He went to the brook, picked up a few stones and with only a sling-shot in his hand, he went out and confronted the giant.

David looked up at the giant and the final words that giant would ever hear were these: “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us” (1 Samuel 17:46-47 HCSB). With one small stone empowered by the Spirit of GOD, the giant came down!

Today, you may be struggling in your life? Evil giants have crept in and stolen your joy, your peace, your happiness? Maybe your giant is an addiction problem? Maybe an addiction problem in someone you love and care for? Maybe your giant destroyed your home and family? Whatever means the enemy has devised against you to attempt to destroy, with the power of GOD, you can take that giant down!  

In the name of Jesus and through the power of His Spirit, your little stone can become a huge boulder. That evil that has arrayed against you will come down. Pronounce judgement upon your giant today in the same way David did: “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down… the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”   

Scripture Reading: “I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works. I will rejoice and boast about You; I will sing about Your name, Most High. When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my just cause; You are seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations: You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin; You have uprooted the cities, and the very memory of them has perished. But the Lord sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for judgment” (Psalm 9:1-7 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, I realize I have never fully utilized the giftings and talents You have given me. I also realize that when I do, I am trusting in the ability of those particular giftings rather than in the ability of the One who has given them to me. Today, I ask You to help me to be strong in You, to stand up for Your name, to fulfill Your mission in and for my life. I desire to be used of You, but I realize to do all of this, I must continue to become more intimate and in love with You. I realize I must learn to be obedient to You in all things. For all these things, I seek Your help, O Lord!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

(Excerpted from my future book: “Securing Your Victory in the Face of the Enemy!”)

Using What You’ve Already Got!

Over the years I’ve come across many believers who were simply waiting—waiting to stretch their wings in ministry work—waiting for GOD to give them the right talent, the right gifting, the right ability, the right opportunity. I have discovered that this “waiting time” is simply a ploy of the enemy to rob the individual of the joy and excitement of ministry as well as robbing those to whom that individual has been called to minister to.

I have had people use the excuse that “as soon as everything is right in my life,” I will get to work for GOD. Once again, this idea of “getting everything right” simply serves as another ploy to prevent people from stepping out in ministry for GOD. Maybe that is you today? Maybe you have been holding back? Maybe you have been waiting for just the right opportunity, or just the right open door, or just the right this or that?

Excuses are nothing new! Consider the fact that GOD met up with Moses on the back side of a mountain out in the wilderness away from any civilization and told him he would be used to set GOD’s people free from their Egyptian bondage. Moses didn’t jump at the opportunity; rather, he began to make excuses.

Exodus 3 records the conversation between GOD and Moses. Moses tried every ploy in the book to get out of going back to Egypt to carry out his assignment. Finally, he asked the LORD: “What if they won’t believe me and will not obey me but say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1 HCSB).

GOD responded by asking Moses: “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2)—what is it you already have in your possession? To which Moses responded: “A staff.” It certainly didn’t look like much but when Moses threw it down it became a powerful snake. GOD told Moses to simply use what you’ve already got and watch GOD work through that to bring change to those around you.

I spent a great many years wishing I had more talent, more ability. But, I finally discovered by simply stepping out in faith, GOD would use the little bit that I had to carry out great and mighty works. He desires to do the same through you today. Stop waiting for the right time, the right talent, the right gift and simply start using what it is He has already given to you.

GOD took a little worthless piece of wood and changed the hearts of man with it, eventually setting His people free. Was it the piece of wood or the obedient heart of Moses? It was Moses stepping out in faith, believing in GOD’s ability that freed the Israelites. It is you stepping out in faith utilizing the simple little thing GOD has given you, whatever it may be, that GOD will use to work great and mighty wonders through—trust GOD and step out in faith today!

Scripture Reading: “Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins, be hospitable to one another without complaining. Based on the gift each one has received; use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:7-11 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, I realize I have wasted a great deal of time waiting for the right gift, the right talent, the right opportunity to appear so I might become useable to You. Looking back, I see You have given me what I need, I have simply failed to obey You by stepping out in faith and using it. LORD GOD, help me today to recognize the opportunities You have placed in front of me and to simply obey You by grabbing those opportunities and using them for Your glory and honor in all things. I love You and praise You for always being with me and I thank You for what You have enabled me to do for the sake of Your kingdom!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

A THOUGHT TO PONDER! – Faith as a Newborn

In my observations of life, I have come to recognize the kind of faith God wants His children to have in Him as their Heavenly Father is very evident in the faith of a newborn. From the very moment a newborn breathes in its first breath it instantly entrusts itself completely to its mother’s love and care. It has heard and learned its mother’s voice while in the womb and now exhibits that trust by desiring none other but her.
This is a beautiful example of the kind of faith God as our Heavenly Father expects from us. As He is gently speaking to us, drawing us to Himself, we too are hearing His voice and becoming familiar with Him. It is like that baby in the womb hearing its mom; we too find ourselves in the womb being prepared by God’s Spirit to be birthed to new life as He brings us to the place where we come to recognize our need for Christ as our Savior and we give our lives over to Him. It is not anything we do, but the work of God through His Spirit drawing us.

I like the way Paul put it in Ephesians where he wrote these words: “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). The call of God on your life doesn’t stop there though. Throughout your life, His Spirit is continually speaking to you and working in you to build your faith in Him more and more so you may experience more of freedom and confidence to trust Him even more with your life.

BE BLESSED AS YOU TRUST GOD MORE WITH YOUR LIFE AND EXPERIENCE MORE OF HIS GREATNESS IN SO DOING!

Perhaps We Have It All Wrong?

It seems most everyone you know is in pursuit of happiness in one form or another. No doubt, pursuing happiness can be a wonderful experience; but, what is it you are really after? What is it that brings you happiness? What is it that will bring you contentment?

I have watched thrill seekers carrying out extraordinary feats yet never quite satisfied—always seeking for something just a bit more daring, a bit more adventurous. I have observed those who seemed to have everything going great for them and yet they still appear to want more, desire more—never quite satisfied.

Perhaps we have it all wrong? Just maybe all our lifelong pursuits are in vain? I’m reminded of the man who, by worldly standards, had it all—great riches and wealth, wisdom, insight, women, houses, palaces—you name it, Solomon had it. There was nothing in this world that he could not acquire if he so desired it.

Yet, as he was nearing the end of his life, he reminisced about his past life and this is exactly what he had to say about it: “Meaningless! Meaningless!…Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV). After assessing all that life had offered him, once again, he concluded: “Meaningless! Meaningless!…Everything is meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 12:8).

Maybe it would help if we considered what James had to say about happiness and joy? He wrote: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV). The stretching of your faith as you learn to seek after GOD and His ways will increase your joy, strength and perseverance.

May we have had it all wrong for a long time? But, it doesn’t have to remain that way. Solomon closed out Ecclesiastes by instructing each of us to: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV). Nehemiah said: “the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Scripture Reading: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you” (Isaiah 12:2-6 NIV).

Personal Prayer: Father, help me to discover my Source of happiness and joy is You! Help me to enjoy Your presence and extended periods of intimacy with You. Help me to clear my head of the world and what the world declares to bring happiness and to discover it is only through You! I love You and praise You always…in Jesus’name…AMEN!