Unshakeable Faith

Upon the faces of my people, I see emptiness within their eyes.  Without a word being spoken, their eyes reveal the fear within their heart.  Our nation’s crisis is the topic of conversation because it’s what’s upon our mind.  Although it’s a fact, our nation is in a crisis.  Yet, it’s in the midst of crisis we learn what we believe and who we can trust.  Our choices brought this destruction upon us, so we must face them.  Although the hour of hope seems bleak, I will not waver in waiting for God’s promise: He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh.  Revival will come again but only if our hearts our steadfast in God.

     One of favorite professors in college said, “The church is a hospital: a place where the dying find life, the broken find healing, and the lost are found.”  Yet, as I have grown in the Lord, my heart is troubled with what I see.  As the church stands amidst a broken people, they are shouting the truth-Jesus saves.  Our shouts are being ignored: we have preached without compassion, power of the Spirit, and offered to mend their brokenness. As the church, we believe our message but she doesn’t know the power of the Messenger. 

     The church was founded on the day of Pentecost where the Spirit of God fell.  Do we realize the church was founded by the Spirit?  So, what makes us think we can survive without it?  We need to allow God’s presence in our midst; it’s the only way anything will change.  Yet, are we expecting God to do what He promised?  What are we expecting?  As Abraham in Romans 4:18-22, I desire to have faith credited as righteous before God.  Abraham considered the facts: he couldn’t physically fulfill God’s promise.  Besides being too old, Abraham’s wife couldn’t offer any hope, her womb is closed.  Also, she is near the age of Abraham.  Yet, Abraham refused to allow the voice of unbelief to steal his promise.  So, we must follow the faith of Abraham if we desire America to change or to receive God’s promise for ourselves. 

     Well, if we want to understand faith, we need to know the definition.  If I were to define faith-it is the unshakeable confidence that God will do what He said. Sadly, many people misunderstand what faith is.  Faith is established from a personal relationship with God.  Faith will not grow unless it’s nurtured in the source.  Faith isn’t just a belief in God’s creation or existence.  The demons believe in God and tremble with fear.  (James 2:19)

          The ultimate reward of our faith is God, so it’s established in Him.  Yet, we have to abide in Christ, so we can receive all of God’s promises. Genesis 15:1 states, “After This, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield your very great reward.”   The complete Word of God is powerful by itself; it’s only when we place our faith in God will His power be manifested in our lives.  It’s important to understand the power of faith, so we must protect it with all diligence.  Doubt, unbelief, and fear will whisper with our hearts to try to stop our faith.  We have to resist Satan’s voice or anyone who tries to stir us away from the truth.  Only through the Word of God will our faith grow, it’s built by hearing it. Also, it has to be nutured in the Word. (Hebrews 4:2; Romans 10:17) It’s so vital to daily invest in our faith because the world will do anything to break it.    

     Although we have faith in God, it doesn’t mean we are naïve to our circumstances.  We have to face the facts of the situation.  Yet, our faith in God will demolish any obstacle within our path to conquer the promise.   Before entering the Promised Land, the twelve spies were given the opportunity to inspect the land, touch the bounty of the land, and see the giants. ALL of the men saw the same exact thing, only two had faith in God to receive it.  We can either look at the physical circumstance or have confidence in God’s ability to supply.  What will you choose?  Our faith has the ability to close the mouth of lions, overcome weakness, demolish kingdoms, and silence any enemy.  In Hebrews 11, we can truly get encouraged through the lives of those who were confident in God.  All of the great heroes of the Bible faced difficulties, persecution, various temptations but GOD NEVER LEFT THEM.   He always walked with them, loved them, and protected them.  All of them faced difficulties but their victories were contributed to their unshakeable confidence in God’s ability to do what He promised.

  

Anointed Manna: One Voice

Anointed Manna: One Voice: Sometimes, it's hard to stand up for what is right BUT I choose to stand even if it's alone. A voice can't be heard unless words are spoke...

One Voice

Sometimes, it's hard to stand up for what is right BUT I choose to stand even if it's alone.  A voice can't be heard unless words are spoken, so it's important for our words to be anointed by the Holy Spirit.  As a minister, people expect for me to have "a word" from the Lord on a regular basis.  Nevertheless, it's important for the church to be a voice of truth with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  In one account, the disciples were recognized for being with Jesus for the words they spoke.  Acts 4:13 when they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  TO BE WITH JESUS!  It's a powerful statement but can the same be said of us?  The early church or disciples only followed what Jesus taught them.  These men walked with the same anointing as Jesus, the sick were being healed.  Although it was a miracle of God, those of authority question it.  As these bold men shared the Gospel, the officials question whose authority or right they had?  Yet doesn't the world today question everything to do with God?  Nevertheless, these disciples spoke the truth through the boldness of the Spirit.  A decision was to be made; they choose to be a voice despite the opposition or ridicule.  Not only were these men heard but their lives showed evidence of being with the King of Kings.  May it be said of us, these men or women were with Jesus!  

     John the Baptist was called to be a voice to prepare the way of the Lord.  Although John was chosen, he still had a choice to obey or disobey.  If the church is to be a voice, we have to share the Gospel.  If we speak, we speak the Word of God. "I Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" 

     I am one voice but I will declare the truth of God's Word without compromise, with power of the Holy Spirit, and with my life.  I can't do everything but I am a voice.  Someone can't hear the Gospel unless it's preached, so be a voice.  If one voice stands for truth, it will impact this world.  If one voice touches one heart to follow God, it can change a family, a community, a church, or this nation.

     I am one voice who will speak to impact one, so it will not only start a reaction but a spark.  If a spark is all that needs to start a fire, I pray God places a spark within me so I will light this world.  If you think about it, the church was founded on the Day of Pentecost after a command from Christ to wait until they received the Spirit.  It wasn’t only a command but it was a gift from the Father to empower them to do what Jesus instructed.  Keep in mind, the early church didn’t have television, computers, or telephones.  It was only with their feet could the Gospel be proclaimed.  We have a world hurting in desperation for hope, healing, and deliverance.  As the church, we declare the message but we don’t allow God to move.  It’s in the presence of God where joy is found. 

     Maybe it’s just because I am just tired of church being about our agenda instead of God’s.  If we want the hurting to enter our doors, we have to have the oil, love, and servant’s heart to meet the physical.  Our nation has seen enough religion but they haven’t seen enough of God’s power.  The early church walked with the boldness of the Spirit because they were filled with the Spirit.  We can’t impact a spiritual world without the spirit.  A gun doesn’t have the ability to shoot unless it’s armed with ammunition, it’s powerless to function.  Our church (the body of Christ) is powerless without the Spirit, she will only be a monument instead of a movement.  The early church was a movement invading the darkness of sin, demolishing the powers of the oppressed, and grew daily.

     It’s time to be a voice, to prepare the way of the Lord.  Our nation needs revived but are we willing to sacrifice our time, our monies, and hearts to see it.  Regardless of whom you study in scripture: Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Peter, Deborah, Samson, Miriam and David.  Each person made an impact through being a voice with an anointing of God to conquer kingdoms, heal the sick, destroy kingdoms, walk on water, and transform their world.  (Hebrews 11) It’s time to be a voice not only with word but with the Spirit.

Run After The Prize

If we are to observe body builders or athletes, we can easily see perseverance, discipline to their schedule or diet, and following orders is vital to their success.  The prize doesn’t come without sacrifice or dedication to training but it does keep it in perspective.  Yet, what is the prize before you?   If athletes have to train their bodies to be disciplined, why doesn’t the Christian have to train their lives?  Athletes have to remove unhealthy diet habits, work long hours at the gym or run to train them for victory.  Many Olympic athletes have to begin their schedule extremely early, so they adjust their lives to get the proper rest.

      Most athletes desire to gain the prize, recognitions, or achieve personal success for the wrong reasons.  We have seen the terrible effects of what fame can do some athletes, it has destroyed their lives. Within our nation, many people idolize these athletes for their talent or skills but overlook the damaging morals to our children.  Sadly, we have lost what’s truly important in life-knowing Christ.  If knowing Christ is what drives us, we should be disciplined within our lives.  Discipline isn’t exciting topic but it does produce the character we need to develop. 

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

       Within the body of Christ, I am astonished to see how weak some Christians are within their lives.  So many Christians neglect the important of prayer, Bible study, and attending church without any remorse or conviction for their soul.  Also, do not desire to be accountable to another godly elder within the church.  All of the great patriarchs of the faith were trained by another godly person.  Regardless of whom you study in Scripture, either someone invested in one’s life or followed the life of another: Elijah taught Elisha, Moses taught Joshua, Paul taught Timothy, Paul was trained by Priscilla and Aquila; Jesus followed the Father, Jesus trained the twelve disciples to follow His teachings.In other words, we are not called to “Lone Rangers”, we are to teach, rebuke, train, and invest in others.  Being a disciple of Christ means we follow the teachings of Christ even if it means death.  Am I referring to physical death?  Not necessarily but it could be called for.  Paul, Peter, Stephen and many missionaries, pastors, and teachers have lost their lives for the Gospel.  All of their deaths were not in vain; an award awaits these precious saints.

      However, I am referring to a spiritual discipline needed to overcome our weaknesses or ability to be strong in Christ.  It’s frustrating to see believers still on “spiritual milk” when they should be eating the “meat” of the Word.  So, many Christians desire to keep drinking the milk to be satisfied with their salvation, so they never mature in their walk.  So, they become frustrated with themselves or God.  All the spiritual disciplines are important; they keep us focused on the prize-knowing Christ.  The tests and trials of this life don’t happen to cause pain but to bring maturity in our walk.  Faith never tested, isn’t real faith.  No student is greater than their teacher, so if Christ had to learn obedience through suffering, so should I. (Hebrews 5:8)

     What’s your eternal soul worth?  If Christ paid with His life, it’s worth a lot.  So, we should guard our hearts with all diligence, there is a prize awaiting us.  One day, we will bring a crown at the feet of Jesus; I want mine to shine with my love.  Never do I want to bring a reproach to the name of Christ, so I will accept conviction from the Spirit, rebuke from my elders, and stay submissive to the Word.  All of the disciplines of this life should be producing a disciple-one who follows the Word.  It’s important to grow healthy, so we need to use the proper disciplines to make it a success.  It’s time to let go of the past and embrace God’s future with passion, determination, and discipline.  So, what are you running after?  What is the prize?  If it isn’t to develop your walk with Christ, it is meaningless.  Run after the prize-to know Christ.

I Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that in a race all of the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

A Swing of Solitude

In the back of my house, I can enjoy two beautiful acres of land with its beautiful scenery.  It’s not just the scenery I enjoy; it’s the beautiful exchange of love with God.   I cherish those quiet moments alone on the outside swing; I just simply talk to Jesus.  With being a wife and mother, I don’t have a quiet place of solitude within my house, so I enjoy my swing.  I admit I need to go there more often; life can be completely overwhelming at times.  Right now, life is beyond overwhelming but my heart is fixed on the anchor of my soul.   Although I can’t fix the illness of my father, my heart is fixed on the One who can, my Healer-Jesus Christ.  His voice calls me with desire, His love draws me with friendship, and His truth directs my steps to a fulfilled life. What a joy to walk with Jesus, my dearest friend, and lover of my soul!

     One night, as I sat on the swing, I started to reflect on the metaphor, the swing is only hooked on a single, strong, and very long branch.  As I swing, I cry out to the Lord with all my heart.  I allow Him to search me, try me, and love me.  Sometimes, I just go there to worship Him.  Nevertheless, the swing is only held by one branch, so my life is held by the true God.  My Heavenly Father is strong; His right arm will sustain me, protect me, and keep me.  As I meditate on His Word, I gain the spiritual nourishment needed to uplift me. 

       We all need places of solitude, but the only person who can provide it is Jesus.  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 Peace is a promised is we trust in Him but we must keep it on Him.  Our hearts grow anxious from listening to the voice of fear, this isn’t God’s voice.  Anxiety causes disharmony of focus, allows fear to set in, and the enemy an opportunity to destroy us.  A sound mind can only be found by removing the fear and being saturated in love.

     Love directs the heart to the refuge, it runs into for shelter.  Fear can’t invade a heart who’s confident in God’s love or who they are in Christ.  Fear only brings torture; love brings a peace from the cold, wet, terrible storm.  Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, a beautiful solitude place, is only found through trusting Him.  God is present always; He is our helper, strength but our refuge.

     Satan will try to torture the mind with voices of doubt, shame, and accusations.  Sometimes he will speak fear into our lives to cause our heart to panic.  For example, “Did you hear what the doctor said? “There is no hope.”  Or he will say, “No one cares for you, this situation can never change.”  All of these lies are defeated by the blood of Christ; He paid it all for your peace, healing, and salvation.  “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

     “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuged and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2.  Right now, I don’t know what you are going through: marriage troubles, financial troubles, or a call from the doctor’s office.  May I encourage you to dwell in the presence of God, run quickly to Him!  Although the enemy seems powerful, he is defeated.  Sometimes the circumstances look horrific, God is magnificent.  God will take care of your troubles, as long as you dwell with Him.  Nothing is more powerful than God, absolutely nothing.



God will nestle you!



A Heart of Praise

  The radio was playing one of my favorite songs, "Awesome God," by Rich Mullins, so naturally I started to sing along. I just started praising the Lord with all of my heart, I didn't really care who was there. On the other hand, my family felt like a captive audience with me in the car. The uproar of their complaining was trying to remove me from a precious moment. As you have guessed, I can't sing at all. Nails dragged on a chalk board probably sound sweeter to everyone's ear in comparison to my voice. So, my husband's comment didn't really surprise me, yet it wouldn't stop me from singing. He said, "Honey, you are so tone deaf." I don't believe my husband was trying to hurt my feelings but stating a harsh fact. Our roles in ministry are very different from what most people expect. My husband is a worship leader who has the ability to lead others in song. It's wonderful to watch the Lord's anointing on my husband, Ryan, who is a joy to work with in ministry. My gifts of the Spirit are teaching, preaching, and writing. So, we are complete opposites but we balance each other in our gifts and abilities to assist the body of Christ. However, I still get a kick out of the reaction of people during our first moments in new churches. It's funny but mostly people will come up and ask me to sing. I lovingly respond, "If you want me to sing, you might as well leave the doors open because a stampede is going to come out the door." As members of the body of Christ, we can sing praises to the Lord regardless of our singing ability. God takes pleasure in hearing our hearts praise Him. All of creation has the ability to praise Him on earth or in Heaven because He alone is God. Nevertheless, we need to understand the importance of praise in the Christian life. What is praise? Why do we praise the Lord? What's the difference between worship and praise? What are the benefits of praise? 

     First, praise means various things: to bless, harvest celebration, to play music, an expression of thanks. The words of the Greek and Hebrew words are quite different for the word "praise" (The Strong's Complete Dictionary of Bible Words). So, basically praise means to express thanks to God with an outburst of song. Scripture says, "To make a joyful noise unto the Lord." In other words, it’s a loud noise. Does God really like loud music? Yes, he does. Soft music can be used as well. Keep in mind; it's not about the "style" of music but the heart of the one singing. Recently in different churches the style of music is being changed to attract younger people. The older generations of saints are used to praising God out of a hymnal. While the younger generations prefer to have worship songs. We can't get caught up on the style of praise music otherwise we miss the importance of it all-to praise the Lord!

     Personally, I enjoy all different styles whether it's a hymn or a worship song, so it doesn't really matter to me. Throughout the Old Testament most of the celebrations involved with different instruments, dancing, and it was a loud sound. It was a celebration to express the joy of being redeemed by God. In the New Testament, praise was used to bring thanks to God. Anyone who has been washed by the blood should be able to praise God for his/her redemption. If someone complains about this, I question if they truly experienced God's redeeming love. Just being redeemed should place a song in one’s heart. Second, the reason we praise the Lord is to draw near to Him. Next, we must understand the different between praise and worship to understand their significance. Again, praise is the expression of thanks to God in an outburst expression. Worship is defined as "service" according to the New Bible Dictionary. We are to fall prostrate before the Lord with fear and wonder. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom according to scripture. We are to reverence Him in our hearts as we worship. We worship in spirit and in truth. Finally the benefits of praising the Lord are as follows: we keep our hearts near God, it can be used in spiritual warfare, and it will keep our lives focused on what’s important.

"In commanding us to glory Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him." C. S. Lewis

Sadly, many people come to church to just sing a song or a hymn to give their weekly service. They will complain about the bad sound or missed notes due to their incorrect focus, the result is leaving unhappy, burdened, and broken. As my college president, Maurice Lednecky, said during our first chapel service, "You will either be one of two types of people in this chapel: You will be a worshipper or criticize those who do."

     Nevertheless, we need to praise God daily within our lives so our focus stays on what's important. No matter what circumstances we are facing, we need to praise God with a joyful song. A beautiful illustration of this truth is demonstrated through the lives of Paul and Silas in Acts16:16-40, because they are arrested for their ministry. A woman who was a fortune teller followed their daily activity in the city. Apparently, she made a very good living but she never saw the profits because she was a slave. For many days, she continued to follow Paul and Silas but she was distracting the people from hearing the Gospel. She would shout to the people trying to prevent God's work from being accomplished. See the fortune teller was demon possessed, so the evil spirit within her tried to destroy them. As the passage records, she wasn't a welcome committee but a pain in the neck. Finally, Paul couldn't stand her disruption to his life and ministry. So, he cast the devil out of her. The city officials were confronted about Paul and Silas, so they were arrested. If being arrested wasn't humiliating enough, the officials ordered for them to be stripped and beaten for her deliverance. While in prison, Paul and Silas are watched very carefully and their feet were placed in stocks. Naturally, it would be easier to complain but the hearts of these men couldn't be chained down. Paul and Silas did something completely profound in their circumstances; they prayed to God and praised the Lord. Look at verses 25-26, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners where listening to them." Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everybody's chains came loose."

Circumstances can arise in our lives to crush us to our knees but praise to God will crush them beneath us.

Everyone will face circumstances in their lives but they do have a purpose to teach us. We will walk out of the circumstances with a greater perspective of God, stronger reliance on God, and greater faith to stay true to God. Our circumstances will always change in our lives but God never changes. He is always faithful to keep His promises to us. The Devil will try to keep your focus on all of the impossible tasks set before you. Always keep in mind, praise will always drive the Devil out and it will allow God to flood your heart with peace. If you remember the story in the Old Testament, King Saul was being tortured by an evil spirit for his disobedience to God. So, he called for someone to place music softly so it would drive the evil spirit away. Guess who the wonder musician was? It was David who was going to be the next king of Israel. David was considered the man after God's own heart not just for his repentant heart but his heart of praise. Throughout the book of Psalms, David writes some of the most poetic and powerful praise songs to God. His heart always expressed his devotion to God, dependence on the strength of God, and his deepest desires. In David's darkest hours, he would encourage himself through songs of praise. It always lifted his heart to find strength, peace, and the ability to trust in who God is.

    What are you going through right now? What is weighing heavy upon your heart to cause your spirit to be down? Give it to the Lord; He doesn't want you to worry about all of this. I encourage you to follow David's path to recognize your discouragement and defeat it by placing your hope in God.

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why do disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5

    

Manna Or Maggots

As I drove to work this morning, my heart was very burdened for my family.  Since I run the finances, I am completely aware of what comes in and goes out.  It’s seems as the children have grown, so have their needs and wants.  I admit it’s very hard to keep telling my children, “Not now but maybe later” or the next paycheck we can.”  As parents, we always try to give our children a special treat or something special, it’s one of the greatest joys of seeing their smile.  We love them, so we desire to give good gifts to them.  During their early childhood, I would weekly do something special for them, a new toy or game.  Or we would go out to eat once a week; it was just fun family time.  Sadly, a few years ago our family suffered numerous financial hardships: my husband had to have surgery; I got laid off, a flood in our house, and eventually losing all we had.  So, we are rebuilding our lives, it’s hasn’t been easy.

      While on the road, the tears came rushing down my face, I couldn’t contain it.  Since I was alone, I could really cry out to God.  I mean really “cry out.”  All I could mutter out, “Jesus, I just can’t carry all of these burdens anymore.”  “I just can’t.”  As I continued to drive, the Lord spoke to me, “It’s time to give it to me, completely.”  Although I have entrusted the Lord with my salvation, it’s seems I struggle with trusting Him for the daily manna.  As I quietly waited on the Lord, a song came on the radio by Nicole C. Mullin, “My Redeemer Lives” which quickly reminded me “Who” is in control of my Life.  As I listened, I was reassured of a precious truth, “God spoke the world into existence, so He is adequate to take care of me.”  

 If you study the journey of the children of Israel to get into the Promised Land, it was actually should have been a seven day journey.  Instead, it took forty years for them to arrive but God took care of their needs.   God will always remain faithful to His Word to His children.  Keep in mind, the children of Israel grew impatient, complained, and rebelled against God.  Yet, God never denied the children of Israel their needs.   

      Deuteronomy 29:5, “During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.”

As they journey into the desert, the children of Israel faced hunger.  So, the people cried against Moses and Aaron, so the people were anxious.  So, they attacked their leadership and God for their lack of substance.  Also, they desired the past substance of Egypt.  Instead of trusting God, they attack God.  Interesting, the one who delivered them from bondage is being attacked for lack of provision or care.  While being attacked, the Lord advises Moses of His plan, He would provide it miraculous.  Daily the people were to gather enough for the day: morning would be manna and quail in the evening.  Only on the sixth day were they to gather more, to prepare for the Sabbath. (Exodus 16)     

 Deuteronomy 16:18 “And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.  Each one gathered as much as needed.”  In other words, NO ONE WENT WITHOUT, EVERYONE WAS SATISFIED, God took care of them.  As they daily gathered, they were not to “save” anything.  Some disobeyed, so they got maggots. 

     As we read the story of the Israelites, it’s easy to shake our heads, “Why didn’t they just trust God?”  “How could they doubt the One who miraculous delivered them?”  Well, we do the same.  Instead of trust God’s word, we get angry with a delay but it comes on time.  Or we panic to try to solve all of our problems, so we get “maggots.” (More problems)  As I write this, I am reminding myself, “My Redeemer Lives!”  Jesus, the One who miraculous delivered my soul, He will provide for my needs.  Yes, He will provide for me, even when I grumbled.  He is my Shepherd, I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)