Our era

Much of our lives are wrapped up and innertwined with the online world, through social media, such as, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and many others. The social media wave is not a passing fad. It is here to stay, getting more intricate everyday. Not only is it changing how we relate to others, but it is changing the way our whole world is run. When you think back to a time, not so far back, when the television was new, mostly in middle classed homes and there was only black and white. Just a few decades further and we read of the invention of the lightbulb. We have come a long way in such a short time. Most homes now have a television in every room, or at least two. There was only one telephone in each home and, again mostly middle class and up had them, when they became poplular. Now, everyone has their own cell phone to carry everywhere they go, even young children. Then there are the games, movies, and all the electronics that go along with all of the above. What next?... What about our soul?... The Bible tells of a church that was rich and increased with goods and thought it needed nothing. What a dangerous place to be. But with all the trincates and gizmos making life so simple and defined, it would be easy to leave God out, or, feel we don't need God. What a lie. No matter how far man grows he will always be empty inside without God. Unless we surrender completely, we will all end in torment. Eccl. 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.I am grateful for the electronic age, and the information age. We were chosen to live at this time. However, we are also given an ultimatum, with out trincates and gadgets will we serve the Lord or feel we don't need saving. Humilaty is key. The kind I mean is when we surrender over our will and live for God's purpose. We are living in an incredible era, but don't think we have outgrown the need for a savior. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Stay focused my friend, stay focused on the things that truly matter and be blessed. Amen

Will God pick me?

The son's of Jesse were seven. Samuel the man of God had come to Bethlehem-Judah by order of God to anoint one of Jesse's son's to be king. Hand picked by God Almighty. The one that looked beyond the external person, everyone sees and knows, into their heart. When the first one came and stood before the prophet the voice of the eternal one said this is not him. Though he may stand tall, be strong, or handle the bow and sword as a champion, this was not the one. So, as the story goes, each of Jesse's son's passed before Samuel. Still not finding the chosen of God, Samuel said, "Is this all your sons?" Jesse had one son more, the youngest, whose name was David. He was tending his father's sheep in the field. While the young fellow was approaching the Spirit of the Lord spoke suddenly to the prophet and said,"Arise, anoint him, for this is he."


What was so special about this young boy from Bethlehem-Judah? God said that he looks on the heart. Man looks on the outward appearance and accomplishments, but God looks beyond the veil of flesh, deep, into the soul of man.


It is worth noting that when the prophet showed up to the house of Jesse, the only son that had not stood before Jesse, was busy working. Busy about his father's business. We too, while waiting on our commission or calling, should be busy about our Father's business.


Taking note to each name of the son's of Jesse. For in ancient times it was very customary to name a child depicting character or an assumed character. You find symbolic names all through scripture. Even our Lord Jesus himself. His name means "Jehovah saves".


Now the name of Jesse's firstborn was Eliab, hence "God of father" an illusion to one that would worship the God his father worshipped. The second son was Abinadab, meaning "father of generosity", typifying one that was very generous. The third son, Shimma, meaning "annuciation or revelation" symbolic of the soul that searches the deep hidden meanings. The forth son was Nethaneel which meant "giver of God" a reflection of a person that gives abundantly in the things of God. The fifth son is Raddai, which carries the meaning of "domineering" speaking of a conquerer or a spirit of control. Jesse's sixth son's name was Ozem, a word which refers to "strength or strong".

But God chose none of these. It wasn't the the abundant giver, although it is more blessed to give than to receive. It wasn't the one that would follow the God of his fathers, though this too was a fine trait. We should seek out the old landmarks. these are admirable and wise characteristic, yet, God chose none of these.

What was so special about this one young fellow of Bethlehem-Judah among the sons of Jesse? If we take a look at the name of David in the reflection of its meaning it may bring some light. David simply means "loving" or "beloved". Isn't that percularly different from his older brothers? His name meant to love. But then Jesus said, "If you LOVE me, you keep my commandments". Another place the Bible tells us that "love covers a multitude of sin". Paul, the as apostle, in 1 Corintians 13. Speaks about three subjects. Faith, hope, and charity. But through this chapter it is charity that is held high above all else. Charity is another word for LOVE.

LOVE is the key. LOVE is the reason Jesus died and LOVE rose him up again. So if you desire to be chosen of God, pray that God fill your heart with LOVE.

The greatest of all attributes.

Amen.

How can I do great things?

The Lord took the small, seemingly insignificant and turned it into a feast for over five thousand people. He took things that were impossible and made them very real. Jesus opened the eye's of the blind, made the lamb to walk, even the wind and sea obeyed the voice of the Everlasting King. He raised the dead, and caused the deaf to hear again. Jesus, the son of the Living God was the Word made flesh. He spoke with authority yet with pure love. Jesus did more than we can comprehend in our world turning the hearts of the people from their religious bondage to bring an everlasting salvation. Jesus used small things to do great things. He turned the water to wine, the two fish and five loafs into a feast, and he turned his death into the greatest miracle of ressurection this world has ever seen for it is still bringing souls to life to this very day. When we think of how powerless we truly are and the desperation of the world in need. One would almost shutter. How can I accomplish anything. But when we look to the holy words we see the illustration of what God has always used. He always uses the thing that looks and feels impossible. So next time you see your neighbor in need and the task seems too great for little ole you, think about what Jesus said, "All things are possible to them that believe".
We serve a true and living God. He is holy and just. He will not put a burden on your heart and then leave you without the power to complete it. If he stirred you for a task, no matter how great, he will equipt you for the job. You will find the words, the strength, the authority, the ability to overcome every obstacle, and the anointing will be there to heal, mend, speak, edify, confirm, and direct. Jesus will not leave you alone. He said " I will never leave you nor forsake you". Though we may feel small, unlearned, powerless, seemingly insignificant. Trust in the unction that God has placed in you and do great things through him.

Uriah

You have to stop and take note of the attitude and perspective of the men that followed king David, as illustrated in the story of Uriah the Hittite. When brought from the battle to feast with the king then sent home with "a mess of meat" as the Bible portrays it. But when this Israelite soldier left the king, rather than go to his house and lie with his wife, he slept at the door of the king's house with the other servants. Even when the king made him drunk the next day he still held the same attitude in denying the comfort of going to his house. When asked of his reasoning for such action, he simply said "the ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields, shall I then go to my house to eat and to drink, and lie with my wife? As thou livest, and as thy soul livest I will not do this thing." What a heart of character Uriah had. What an illustration of how a soldier of the cross of Jesus should handle himself in all things. The very first thing mentioned by Uriah was the ark. The significance of this is huge, because the ark is where the presence of Jehovah dwelt. It was the focal point of all worship in his day. The ark represented the moving of God. It symbolized the providing of God. It spoke to the people that God was walking with them. Uriah could have pleasured himself and went his way but in his heart the ark , the people, and his leader were all one body. If one were afflicted all should mourn. If one lacked all should suffer. If one were victorious all should celebrate. Where are the Uraih's of today? There is so much more one could unvail from this little story from the pages of the Old Testament, time would fail me to keep going. But let me make one other point. The name Uriah means "fire of Jah" (Jah being the short version of Jehovah). The fire of God. Wow! So in essence we that are saved and filled with the spirit of God have a Uraih living inside of us. One that prefers his brother. One that doesn't lift himself up. One that is unified with the rest of the body.
I hope this simple message lifts your soul to new horizons in the Lord. I pray your heart mind and soul is strengthened in Jesus precious name.
Amen!

Worship

The word "worship" in Hebrew, way back in the book of Deuteronomy, is the word "shachah" meaning to prostrate before or revere. This is the word mainly used throughout the Old Testament writtings. But when we come to the New Testament and read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ himself, found here in John 4:24 "God is a spirit: and they that "worship " him must "worship" him in spirit and in truth." In spirit meaning with your soul. With the breath of life in you. In truth meaning with verity. With honesty and your whole heart. But this word "worship" here in the greek tense has a much more profound meaning and brings light to our relationship and where we should be with our Lord and Savior. "Worship"{pro-koo-neh-o} to crouch, prostrate in homage, adore, and last but not least it means the kiss or rather as a dog licks his masters hand in affection. Wow! What a meaning. Ever had a dog lick on your hand? Ever had one that followed you everywhere you went? They will follow you, lay near you when you sleep, as close as you'll allow them, and virtually be your best friend. If you treat them right you'll have a lifelong friend. Now think of the comparison of how our Lord would have us love him. To adore him. To follow him. This is such an example of true worship and heart felt love and devotion. I am sad to admit, but it is a rare quality to find this kind of devotion in our fast paced world today. So next time you get down to pray or stand in church with hands lifted up and it is time to worship. Think about the example of the dog. Are you truly in worship or is it only a form of Godliness.

Water to wine

In the story of the marriage in Cana of Galillee, Jesus illustrates to us a change in order. A change in the order of religion. Let's get started. First off, we are drawing these words from the book of John, chapter 2. We are starting with verse 1 and continuing to the 10th verse. This is the first recording of miracles Jesus did. ~[Joh 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: vs2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. vs:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. vs:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. vs:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

vs:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. vs:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

vs:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. vs:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, vs:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.]~Notice there are 6 waterpots. 6 being the number of man. The marriage is symbolic of the marriage of the Lamb, or our joining in union with the Lord. The wine speaks of spiritual things. The spirit moved in ways meant for that time. We are moving into and already starting into a time of spiritual spoken Word such as we've not even heard of. The mother represents the church. The mother of Jesus said, when they desired more wine [spirit], "Whatsoever he says, do it" The waterpots were referred as "after the manner of purification" this is symbolic of their religious ways of cleansing. Or their religious order. The water is symbolic of the Word. So if the church does what Jesus says, our Word will be made spirit. Our order of worship will be made new. The governor even said, "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now" He said in the book of Joel that he would pour out his spirit on all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. I am yearning for the spoken Word move and I know we are even at the threshold of it now. So let's listen to that still small voice and obey. Then we'll see the spoken Word church arise out of obscurity as the water is turned to wine.

Choices

Our afflictions sometimes seem unbearable. Though millions of people have come down the same road we are traveling doesn't make it any less lonely. Though we are assured that the pain is but for a moment doesn't ease our suffering. Though we see the light at the end of the tunnel that means we are surrounded by darkness. Though words from a true friend comfort and minister to our pain yet we still have to bare that burden alone. There are so many roads in life that are trials and tests meant to teach us and mold us into what God has designed for our life. But at the moment of the suffering or at the time of our loneliest or in the pit of despair it feels as though we are never coming out. But God has a specific plan just for you. No one else can fill the shoes he has prepared for you. Our afflictions are sent to prepare us. Our loneliness is meant to show us his ultimate gift. When Jesus went to the cruel cross and laid down his life for you and I. He was not spared part of the pain because of who he was. He was not spared the loneliness because of who he was. He was not spared the torture of shame and humiliation because of who he was. He was, and is, and ever will be the Son of God. The suffering that he went through was his choosing. Though he could have called a host of angels to his side in a moment. He chose...to suffer for you and me...The reality is that we have a choice to take the road called holiness or a road of our own choosing. But regardless of the road we choose affliction will come. It is part of life. The thing to consider though is when those afflictions come are they preparing us and molding us? or Are they simply because of bad choices? Jesus wants every soul to come to him. But every soul will not come. Hell has enlarged itself. Right now we can live our lives to the full in pleasure and run from the will of God and miss his purpose in our lives. We can even spend our life going to church and doing seemingly religious stuff. But what seems right in our eye's is not the true way. Jesus told us (Mat 11:29)"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Learn of me. To make ourselves understand his way. To learn of his purpose and agenda. To learn of who he really is. To know the heart of God. Jesus suffered miserably for our sins. Though once we've chosen to follow him there will be heartaches. There will be despair. There will be moments of loneliness. There will be affliction. But the difference is that we have the Word of God's assurance on our side to comfort. We have the blessed hope, which is the knowing that our lives are in his hands and we have a place after this life where there is no pain, no suffering, no loneliness, no heartache,no sickness, not even death is there. So though you may be going through a struggle in your life right now. If you will give your lives completely to Jesus in the middle of misery there will be a peace that passes all understanding. In the middle of sickness there will be an assurance of our healing. In the middle of our loneliness the will be a sense of God's presence. In the middle of our storm there walking right by our side is none other but the storm walker, the one that spoke to the storm and the wind laid down and the sea was calmed. Jesus chose us. We are given a choice. But when the door is open for our visitation don't hesitate. Run to Jesus. Because he wants to pick you up and help you in your affliction. Friend I ask you one simple question...How do you choose? You and your way or Jesus? I pray you choose quickly and wisely. Amen!

The place of a skull

Joh 19:17 "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:" The son of God had authority to call all the angels in heaven to his defense. Yet for his passionate unyielding unfathomable unbreakable love for us, he went on bearing his cross. Not for any offense he had done but for us. For our sin. He carried the cross, bore that heavy burden that he might take away the handwriting written against us.He carried the cross to a place called the "skull". The Greek word used is "kran-ee'-on". Called in Hebrew Golgotha meaning in Hebrew "skull". The skull is symbolic of the thoughts and our emotions, our heart, the center of us.The place of this horrendous death and supreme sacrifice was a place of heavy anguish and despair. But it was also a battle of the thoughts. As our fight today is more in our thoughts than outward. Jesus made a way, where there seems to be no way. Doesn't it look sometimes as though we're trapped with no way out? But the battle is won simply when we take confidence off of self and put it all on Jesus and the work he did that day when he carried the cross to his death. What a story of love and mercy. What a God seemingly unobtainable yet he is a friend that is closer than a brother.We need not fear or fret what misery we face but lay it at the feet of the awesome King of kings. Take the Word in our heart, write it there, live it loud.Let the world see Jesus in our conversation, in our actions, and in the way we love each other. Jesus said you will know my disciple's for the love they have one to another. Twice in this verse there is the reference to the "skull" and as I pointed out the skull depicts the thoughts or heart. The real fight is not with our brother or sister or the world but rather it is our own lusts. Our thoughts dictate so much of our destiny. When we have confidence in the God of glory, yield ourselves to him, and to his Word we will have power and victory over our thoughts. If we stay in the Word and rehearse scripture in our minds we can walk in true victory and peace. Because of the work that day, when Jesus carried his cross.

Fear

One of the biggest reasons people hold back from there dreams and goals is fear. Fear can paralyze. The word "paralyze" mean to destroy the power of action. We can conquer our fears by simply taking action. Action is the key. If we never act we will stay in a state of fear. Fear can even effect your health. Fear is a real thing. Yet it has no power but what we give to it. The bible says that "fear has torment, but perfect love casts out fear." Fear can make one frozen in failure, drowning in defeat, and dying for their destiny. If we are children of God then we should never let fear dictate our direction? But nonetheless there are more people that hold back on the thing they know in their heart they should be doing simply because of that one thing...FEAR. Our Lord calls us out of darkness, gives us a brand new heart, puts his spirit in us, washes us pure by his blood, and writes his word on our hearts. If then everything we need is supplied by God himself, like courage, ability, knowledge, and other gifts, why do we let fear stop us? Why do we allow the enemy to whisper in our ear his lies? Why does fear dominate the hearts of most people? They say that knowledge is power. Well, knowing something absolutely gives you an edge. Knowing that fear is only in your mind is part of the battle. When we recognize this we can move forward to conquer fear by acting. Acting on your goals, acting on your dreams that have been dormant, acting even when mistakes occur. Because if you want to succeed you will make mistakes. All great leaders faced adversity. Hardships make you stronger. Fear is the element of thought that whispers what could happed or what if. Fear is also from prior failure. It causes a person to be reluctant and shy away from pursuing what you know you were born do. So in the nut shell fear is the enemy of everyone that would attempt to step out of the average. Jesus has called us to walk in the supernatural and do the extraordinary. To walk in the supernatural you have to walk in faith, fear is a faith quincher. It drowns a person to the point of freezing right where they are. We have to overcome. Jesus said that if we had faith as a mustard seed we could speak to this mountain and say be removed and it would be done. But how many saints do you see applying the Word to their storm or mountain? Not that many. Because of fear. Fear is not greater than our Lord Jesus. Speak in the name of Jesus and walk not in the ordinary but do something extra. The extraordinary and you will overcome your fears.

High and lifted up

There has always been a kingly and a priestly anointing on God's people. In the Old Testament, men, like David and Hezekiah, were anointed to serve in an office as king or priest. In the Old Testament there needed to be a man that kept the Word close to him, which was the king, who would inevitably lead God's people accordingly. Likewise the priest lived an untainted live, as close as he could, that he might minister between God and man. So the two offices have always been and the two should be in harmony for the people to have the blessings joy , and peace on every border.By the spirit we are to do this today. John the Revelator wrote in Rev 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, vs 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" He has made us kings and priests unto himself. That is overwhelming when you think about it. Now jumping back to the Old Testament again to the story of one of Israel's greatest kings. He had a long reign and did right in the eye"s of the Lord and was very prosperous. But in his prosperity his heart was lifted in pride and this king, whose name is Uzziah, went into the temple and started offering incense on the incense alter which he was not anointed to do. Azariah the priest went in with eighty other priests and confronted the king. The king was angered by this and while the incense were still in his hand God struck the king with leprosy. He spent the remaining years of his life in a separate house because of his disease. This kings disease was on his forehead which speaks of the thoughts. Spiritually reflecting a corrupt mind.This was the highest authority in the land of Israel and he was diseased. A taunt and an insult to the religious ways of the Hebrew people. Now in Isa 6:1 "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple." In the year that this shameful king died. In the year that this mind that was so corrupt died. In the year that this authority that had no authority died. Isaiah said he saw the Lord sitting, High and lifted up, and his righteousness, his glory, his presence, his train, or skirt, his character filled the temple. Hallelujah! When we get to the place where our old thoughts die and our old ways die, the diseased man of the past die, we too will see the Lord in his glory. Let's die to the will of the flesh. Die to our Adam nature and be resurrected to the new man that see's the Lord in his strength. We are waiting for a move of the spirit but let me say we need not wait but humble ourselves and pray. Let this carnal man die and it's desires and we will see the Lord high and lifted up and his train will fill our temples. Praise the Lord Jesus!

The Sign of the prophet Jonah

Mat 12:39 "But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: vs:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. vs:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." Jesus had not yet went to the cross. He had not yet traveled the journey to hell. He had not spent the three days and three nights in the earth yet. When this would be accomplished though it was going to be a matter of faith. For a sign was something supernatural transforming in the natural. What Jesus was referring to was something that had already happened in the natural. As we look further we see that in the 8th chapter Jesus was with his disciple's in a ship and there was a great storm that came out on the water. These were seasoned fishermen and yet they were exceedingly afraid. They thought they were going to die. This particular story is the only place in the bible that records Jesus sleeping. Jesus was in the lower part of the ship fast asleep. The waves were beating across the ship as though to take it under, the disciple's came to Jesus and said "Don't you care that we perish?" He rose up from his rest rebuked them for their unbelief then turn and spoke to the wind and the waves. Suddenly there was a great calm. This was the sign. Jesus could walk on the water or he could command the water. Even the wind obeyed the voice of the Living Word. Jesus was on the ship walking in obedience to the will of the spirit, Jonah was on the ship running away from the will of the spirit. Jonah had no power over the storm, Jesus has all power of all storms. The similarity of the two stories is amazing. Both were in a ship asleep. Both were surrounded by mariners fearing for their lives. Both had a commission to speak to a people to repent. One was in rebellion, one was in obedience. Yes, Jesus was referring to his going to the pits of Hell for three days and three nights but that wasn't the sign. A sign would be an extraordinary event to relay a message. The message here is very clear. Jesus has power over every storm even those in our minds that no one else see's. So next time your back is against the wall, and your ship looks like it's going down. Look up, call to Jesus! He has authority over all! Amen!

The Blood drops

The story in I Samuel 17 which tells of a young shepherd boy from Bethlehem-Judah, son of a man named Jesse. This young boy had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the King of Israel, as he had been instructed by God. But the boy was at this time still living under the care of his Father and he was still tending his father's sheep. While watching over the flock he had encountered a bear trying to steal one of his father's sheep and a lion also but both times the spirit of God moved on him and he was victorious over the lion and the bear. This story unfolds with the army of Israel on a mountain and the army of the Philistines on another mountain. While a champion, a giant named Goliath, came out on the field there in that valley and cursed the God of Israel and his people morning and evening. This went on for forty days. This story is where the boy David, the one that would become the greatest King Israel ever had, a man after God's own heart, defeats and slays this giant. This is one of those stories so familiar from Sunday school lessons and sermons of this miraculous victory of a young boy defeating the warrior giant Goliath. As you know, if you've heard or read the story, that David slew this giant with a single stone chosen out of the brook and slung through the air with a sling. But it is the place that all this happened that I want to bring to light. The very first verse in this chapter ( 17 ) tells that they gathered in a place called "Ephesdammim" meaning boundary of blood drops. What a type and shadow this is , as is the whole of the Old Testament. Look at this from a spiritual significance. Jesus went to the cross and bled for our sins and sicknesses to set us free and destroy the works of the devil. The giant of our sins, if you will. That giant of disease, that giant of oppression, that giant of bitterness. That giant that tempts, torments, afflicts, discourages, and attempts to destroy is defeated at the boundary of blood drops. We are saved by the blood. Redeemed from every giant of the enemy. Hallelujah! The Old Testament is so rich in shadows and evidences of the sacrifice at Calvary. The everlasting gospel. Thank you Jesus for the boundary of blood drops where the enemies of the kingdom of God cannot cross over. Amen!