The One Great Unifier!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dancing in the Fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dream Big!

As Elijah neared the end of his life, he turned to his protégé’, Elisha, and said: “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you” (2 Kings 2:9 HCSB). Elisha was stood ready to ask. Probably thought Elijah would never ask. But, finally his opportunity came.

He had witnessed Elijah calling down fire from heaven. He had seen him pray for a draught that parched the landscape. He had seen him call for rain from heaven and down it came. People were raised from the dead; food was made available for certain individuals in the midst of severe famines. Elisha had seen miracle after miracle performed.

Because of all these things, Elisha could have asked for great riches. He could have asked for many possessions. He could’ve asked for just about anything his imagination could’ve conceived, but that was not Elisha. Elisha wasn’t thinking about what Elisha could get for himself; rather, he was thinking about what he could use for the sake of those around him.

I suppose if you walked up to people on the street and offered them anything they could desire or ask for, most would desire worldly possessions or things the world would consider to be great and awesome. That is the selfishness that plagues mankind in today’s possession-filled world. But, Elisha had a different outlook.

His response to Elijah was “Please, let there be a double portion of your spirit on me” (v. 9). Unfounded in today’s world. Everything he could’ve asked for and that is it? What a crazy guy the world would say to Elisha for what he desired to have.

Many of you out there probably could’ve thought of something better than that to wish for but I have to tell you, Elisha dreamed big—Really Big! His thoughts, intents and heart were not concerned with what he could gain in the here and now but rather what he could do for the sake of the kingdom of God. Elisha knew that’s all that really matters. In the end, it doesn’t matter what possessions you might accumulate, it is only the souls of those you have impacted for Jesus that will matter.

Are you building your kingdom here and now that will one day pass away or are you building up the kingdom of God that will last forever? Think about it!

Is Integrity for Today?

In a world that rewards lies, deceit and corrupt actions; it is becoming difficult to find people with integrity. While integrity used to be highly acclaimed and sought after in the world of business, more employees are being challenged to “better the other guy whatever the cost.”

Situational ethics has replaced moral uprightness as the norm. Moral relativity has replaced absolute truth which has undermined society’s ability to understand the significance of truth. The boundaries once established by truth absolutes have been destroyed leading our society to adopt stronger left-leaning beliefs which deny the necessity of integrity.

Does this make integrity obsolete? Are we to follow the ways of society and allow it to dictate the path we follow? Do we take a stand upon our beliefs even if saying “NO!” means standing alone in that decision and possibly even costing us a job or promotion?

Let me ask you this, does society’s adoption of moral relativity mean that GOD’s truth is no longer relevant but is now relative to each person’s own perception of the situation? Pilate asked Jesus: “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Throughout the ages, man has been duped and deceived into questioning the existence of truth; the reality of truth; and the human perception of truth versus relevancy.

As a young teenage boy, Daniel was confronted with a tough decision to make. Here he was a captive in a foreign land. He was being challenged to adhere to an opposing set of standards. He was being ordered to deviate from the truth of the Word of GOD. In the face of his difficult situation, the Bible tells us: “Daniel determined that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 HCSB).

Character and integrity were the guides of Daniel’s life and he refused to sway away from what he knew was right. What would you do in a similar situation? Many today, in fear of what may happen to them otherwise, compromise in the situation—utilizing the idea that GOD understands! GOD knows where my heart really is! I have a family to consider; I need this job; I don’t want the confrontation that would come about—and GOD understands anyways!

If those lines of reasoning are true then why didn’t Daniel use them? Why didn’t Daniel just go with the flow knowing that GOD would take his plight into consideration and understand his choices? Because Daniel knew in his heart that he had no choice in the matter other than to follow GOD and following GOD meant turning his back completely on the reasoning of the world.

Later in life, Daniel was once again challenged to compromise his beliefs. In an attempt to have Daniel removed from power, the king’s officials had the king order that all prayers and petitions had to be made to him alone. Daniel, not one to change his commitment to GOD, continued in his daily prayers to GOD. When the king was made aware of the situation, he realized he had been duped into signing the law and he was forced to condemn Daniel to the lion’s den to be destroyed.

The king did not sleep all night worrying about Daniel’s fate; yet, somewhere in his heart he had some belief that Daniel’s God would deliver him. The following morning, the king ran to the lion’s den and cried out: “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve continually been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:19). To which Daniel responded back: “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” (v. 22).

The Scripture tells us that “Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (v. 28). GOD honored Daniel’s stand for what was morally and ethically right. Daniel proved to be a man of integrity in all he did because he determined early-on in life that his life would please GOD.

What about you? Do you waver in your daily responses and reactions? Do you go with the flow even when you know it’s displeasing to GOD and disobedient to His Word? I challenge you to follow GOD and His Word in everything you do, every decision you make and every path you choose to follow. Know His heart and make it your heart today!

Scripture Reading: “Lord, I turn my hope to You. My God, I trust in You. Do not let me be disgraced; do not let my enemies gloat over me. Not one person who waits for You will be disgraced; those who act treacherously without cause will be disgraced. Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long. Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithful love, for they have existed from antiquity. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with Your faithful love, remember me because of Your goodness, Lord. The Lord is good and upright; therefore He shows sinners the way” (Psalm 25:1-8 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I praise You for always being with me in all my situations and circumstances. I thank You that You strengthen me and I pray that You would embolden me to stand up for what is right and true. Lord, if I begin to waver, I pray that You will bring to my remembrance what Your will is for me and help me to choose that path regardless of the path others around me may choose. Help me to show Your path to others so they too may have an opportunity to choose what is right. I love You and thank You!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Not Sure You Can Take It Any Longer?

How often do you find yourself beat down in today’s world? It seems you almost get back on your feet—only to take another blow? Frustration with your situation begins to overwhelm you. The need for relief seems ever more complicated by the ongoing series of events that continue to heckle you and drag your life down. You are convinced no one cares and you know from past experience that there is little chance anyone is going to run to your side to help out.

The Israelites often found themselves in very similar circumstances. It seemed they couldn’t get a break from the onslaught of the enemies around them. Every day seemed to bring a new wave of trouble their way. Frustration among them was often overwhelming.

But, GOD remained a constant for them. Even as they strolled away from Him, His love and desire for them continued—His faithfulness remained strong. In the midst of their chaos, He spoke these words of encouragement: “Listen to Me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and save you” (Isaiah 46:3-4, HCSB).

He reminded them that He was with them always. Certainly, they didn’t always realize it because they so often turned their hearts away from Him. He reminded them He would continue to be there for them—always ready to carry them over the rough spots and to save them when life became unbearable.

These same promises are extended to you as well. While your friends may run away when things get tough for you, GOD remains faithful and ready always to carry you on to victory. When life seems to overwhelm you, GOD is prepared to save you from drowning in the problems and the difficulties.

To add to the encouragement, He told them: “Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will” (vv. 9-10).

GOD reminded them of His faithfulness in all their times of hardship. He encouraged them to reflect on His constant intervention into their circumstances throughout the year’s past. He reminded them that He was GOD, the only GOD, the only Hope, the only Salvation in their times of trouble. He declared to them that regardless of how bad things appeared or even became, His plan and His will would prevail.

GOD is telling you today that regardless of how bad things look; regardless of how bad things have already been; He is GOD and He is working everything out according to His perfect plan and will in your life for His purpose and ultimately His glory. Paul reminds us of this when he wrote: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

You just not sure how much longer you can take it? Not sure how much longer you can go on with life as it is? Hang in there! Stay the course. Put your hope and trust in the GOD Who loves you and cares for you. Know that He is working and making things happen that you may not understand at this time but one day, you will understand and you will realize that GOD was there all along doing great and marvelous things.

Scripture Reading: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies! Lord my God, You have done many things- Your wonderful works and Your plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told” (Psalm 40:1-5 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, You are my GOD. You hold my future in Your hands. You know what I am going through and You know why. I pray that I will learn to simply trust in You, in Your plan and Your purpose. I pray that in the midst of my chaotic world, You will bring peace to my heart to realize You are there and You are always in control. I love You and praise You, O GOD, in all things. In Jesus’ name…AMEN!