Deuteronomy 9:3 "But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised."
God told the children of Israel that he would cross over ahead of them and subdue their enemies so that they could conquer them and drive them out. To subdue means to bring under control, to bring into subjection. God told the children of Israel that he would put their enemy in a place of subjection but they would still have to conquer them and drive them out. In other words God will make our enemies defeat-able but we must still defeat them. As my paw paw told me "God will open the door but you have to walk through it"
This is the pattern of victory modeled through out scripture, God subdued Goliath but David still had to throw the stone. God subdued the prophets of Baal, but Elijah still had to pray. God has subdued sickness, but we still have to pray, believe and confess the word over our bodies. God has subdued poverty, but we still have to go to work, live on a budget and tithe. God has subdued divorce, but we still have to love our spouses, treat them with respect and invest in our marriages. God has subdued depression, anxiety and worry, but we still have to renew our minds with the word and speak life over our lives. God has subdued death and hell, but we still have to tell people about Jesus and give them an opportunity to accept him. God has subdued the devil, but we still have to take authority over him, fast and pray and put on the whole armor of God.
Our enemy is defeat-able because God has crossed over ahead of us. Jesus said "It is finished" everything that needed to be done to subdue our enemies and open the door to the promise land was accomplished through his death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Stop waiting for the enemy to move out and drive him out through the power of God, let rise up and take the land.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Time Bombs
Psalms 64:8 "Their own tongues will ruin them..."
How many times have we ruined our lives with our tongues? Bitter words, angry words, spiteful words, sarcastic words, hurtful words, divisive words, jealous words, false words, fearful words and unbelieving words. These words ruin our lives, they become spiritual downloads that not only effect our presents condition but the future outcome of our lives. Our words are prophetic, they establish in the spirit what will be manifested in the flesh. They are spiritual time bombs that will release life or death. What you speak against others will come back upon yourself, that critical tongue will produce critics over your life. Those bitter, hurtful words will boomerang back against you.
So choose life, choose to speak life and not death, choose to let your words be building blocks not a wreaking ball. Don't be ruined be blessed, bridle your tongue and every area of your life will prosper.
How many times have we ruined our lives with our tongues? Bitter words, angry words, spiteful words, sarcastic words, hurtful words, divisive words, jealous words, false words, fearful words and unbelieving words. These words ruin our lives, they become spiritual downloads that not only effect our presents condition but the future outcome of our lives. Our words are prophetic, they establish in the spirit what will be manifested in the flesh. They are spiritual time bombs that will release life or death. What you speak against others will come back upon yourself, that critical tongue will produce critics over your life. Those bitter, hurtful words will boomerang back against you.
So choose life, choose to speak life and not death, choose to let your words be building blocks not a wreaking ball. Don't be ruined be blessed, bridle your tongue and every area of your life will prosper.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Time To Gather
Acts 14:19-20 "Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe."
This scripture gives us amazing insight into the works of darkness and it allows us to see the power God that is available through the lives of believers. Paul was preaching truth and standing for what was right in the eyes of God and some people came into the situation and turned the crowds against him. Not only did they resist what he was say but they attacked him, stoned him and left him for dead. Paul's ministry and life could have ended right there but the scripture says "the believers gathered around him and he got up".
I don't know about you but I believe that when someone stands up for what is right, we believers in Jesus Christ should gather around them. Right now in Marshall County and in the State of Alabama we have two men that have stood up for what is right and they are being attacked.
The first one is Tim Nabors the Marshall County Superintendent; the school board received a letter from an atheist group demanding that they stop praying before the school board meetings, along with a list of other complaints. Tim Nabors said publicly that they will not stop praying just because they received a letter from a group that was opposed to prayer. He said that unless a judge ordered them to stop, they would pray. Praise God, Praise God that we have someone willing to stand up for what is right.
The second is State Representative Clay Scofield, he has proposed a bill SB12, that would require pregnant women in the state of Alabama to have an ultrasound to see the baby, before she can have an abortion. Praise God, Praise God that someone is fighting for the lives of unborn babies. Both these men have stood up for what is right and they have come under attack. Like the apostle Paul they are being stoned from many directions, so my question is where are the believers? It is time to gather around these men and surround them with our support, prayers and resources. When someone does the wrong thing, believers are the first to sound the alarm. So when someone does the right thing we as believers in Jesus Christ should sound the alarm and gather around them with support.
So I invite you to join me in gathering around these men and standing with them. Call their offices, email them and cover Facebook declaring to the world that you are gathering around these men and that you stand with them. Paul's life and ministry could have ended that day, but the believers gathered around him and he got up. Let's keep these men standing, because they are standing for the things that please God.
This scripture gives us amazing insight into the works of darkness and it allows us to see the power God that is available through the lives of believers. Paul was preaching truth and standing for what was right in the eyes of God and some people came into the situation and turned the crowds against him. Not only did they resist what he was say but they attacked him, stoned him and left him for dead. Paul's ministry and life could have ended right there but the scripture says "the believers gathered around him and he got up".
I don't know about you but I believe that when someone stands up for what is right, we believers in Jesus Christ should gather around them. Right now in Marshall County and in the State of Alabama we have two men that have stood up for what is right and they are being attacked.
The first one is Tim Nabors the Marshall County Superintendent; the school board received a letter from an atheist group demanding that they stop praying before the school board meetings, along with a list of other complaints. Tim Nabors said publicly that they will not stop praying just because they received a letter from a group that was opposed to prayer. He said that unless a judge ordered them to stop, they would pray. Praise God, Praise God that we have someone willing to stand up for what is right.
The second is State Representative Clay Scofield, he has proposed a bill SB12, that would require pregnant women in the state of Alabama to have an ultrasound to see the baby, before she can have an abortion. Praise God, Praise God that someone is fighting for the lives of unborn babies. Both these men have stood up for what is right and they have come under attack. Like the apostle Paul they are being stoned from many directions, so my question is where are the believers? It is time to gather around these men and surround them with our support, prayers and resources. When someone does the wrong thing, believers are the first to sound the alarm. So when someone does the right thing we as believers in Jesus Christ should sound the alarm and gather around them with support.
So I invite you to join me in gathering around these men and standing with them. Call their offices, email them and cover Facebook declaring to the world that you are gathering around these men and that you stand with them. Paul's life and ministry could have ended that day, but the believers gathered around him and he got up. Let's keep these men standing, because they are standing for the things that please God.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wisdom and Power
Mark 6:2 "The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”
We need wisdom to know the will of God and power to perform the will of God. Wisdom and power are necessary ingredients for true success in the Kingdom of God. Without wisdom we become lose cannons unable to harness the power of God. Without power we become intellectual icons that sit around talking but never accomplishing the will of God.
But when wisdom and power come together they create an explosive impact that shakes our world for Christ. That impact enables us to be an advancing army that is moving forward, taking back what the enemy has stolen and establishing God's Kingdom in the lives of men.
So where do we get wisdom and power, at the feet of Jesus; he is our source.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24 "So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God."
If you are not at the feet of Jesus then you are disconnected from the source of wisdom and power. Reconnect today and Charge the Gates of Hell!
We need wisdom to know the will of God and power to perform the will of God. Wisdom and power are necessary ingredients for true success in the Kingdom of God. Without wisdom we become lose cannons unable to harness the power of God. Without power we become intellectual icons that sit around talking but never accomplishing the will of God.
But when wisdom and power come together they create an explosive impact that shakes our world for Christ. That impact enables us to be an advancing army that is moving forward, taking back what the enemy has stolen and establishing God's Kingdom in the lives of men.
So where do we get wisdom and power, at the feet of Jesus; he is our source.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24 "So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God."
If you are not at the feet of Jesus then you are disconnected from the source of wisdom and power. Reconnect today and Charge the Gates of Hell!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Good Decisions
Proverbs 9:10-12 "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer."
Verse ten teaches that "Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement". Only when we see the world through the lens of scripture are we able to make good decisions. Without the knowledge of God, your decisions are based upon your opinions, which change in every season of your life. God's word has never been more relevant or important, our world is spiraling out of control. Because the world and unfortunately many in the church, have rejected the standard of God's word. Our world is being governed by the opinion of man instead of the principles of God's word. Christians are illiterate of the scriptures and are following the ideas and opinions of social media, tv and talk show host.
Verse twelve tells us that "If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer." Our world is suffering not because we lack wisdom, but because we have rejected God's wisdom.
Take authority over your life, by submitting your decisions to the word of God. Allow God's wisdom to govern your life and you will benefit; spiritually, relationally and financially.
Verse ten teaches that "Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement". Only when we see the world through the lens of scripture are we able to make good decisions. Without the knowledge of God, your decisions are based upon your opinions, which change in every season of your life. God's word has never been more relevant or important, our world is spiraling out of control. Because the world and unfortunately many in the church, have rejected the standard of God's word. Our world is being governed by the opinion of man instead of the principles of God's word. Christians are illiterate of the scriptures and are following the ideas and opinions of social media, tv and talk show host.
Verse twelve tells us that "If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer." Our world is suffering not because we lack wisdom, but because we have rejected God's wisdom.
Take authority over your life, by submitting your decisions to the word of God. Allow God's wisdom to govern your life and you will benefit; spiritually, relationally and financially.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Welcome To The War Zone
Exodus 13:17 "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt"
This scripture teaches us something very central to the Christian life, if you follow Jesus you will encounter warfare. As a matter of fact, this scripture tells us that God did not take the children of Israel the shortest route to the promise land but he led they by way of the Red Sea. Before they would experience the enemies of the promise land, God wanted them to experience his power to save them, no matter what came against them. So before they ever fought a battle, they saw God fight for them and destroy the mightiest army on the planet. He was building their faith, he was preparing them for what was to come.
Salvation seems to come with a honeymoon period. When a person gets saved there seems to be a short season where everything is wonderful, when God is supernaturally answering prayers and the red seas of their lives are easily parted and then comes the battle. Somehow we forget that possessing the promise land means driving out the enemy. We are in enemy territory, Satan is the prince of the powers of the air and there are principalities and powers in heavenly places that are warring against every step that we try to take into the promises of God and the advancement of his Kingdom in the earth.
1Peter 4:12-13&19 tell us "Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you"
Don't be surprised by the fiery trials or the suffering that happens in your life. Look what is says "if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right". So what kind of suffering pleases God, the kind of suffering that comes from doing what is right in the eyes of God. The suffering that comes from the battlefield. Every solider that has ever fought a battle can tell you, that in order to fight and especially in order to win you have to suffer. The surprise attacks of the enemy, bombs, bullets, fox holes and sleepless nights. Soldiers suffer for the cause, they realize that they have an enemy that hates them and will do anything to stop them from claiming victory.
If you are a Christian than let me say welcome to the war zone. We are at war, at war for the souls of men and the kingdom of our God. Our job is to take back what the enemy has stolen, to charge the gates of hell. So don't be surprised when the enemy throws a hand grenade into your life, don't be surprised by the bullets flying at your head, don't be surprised to see your friends, family and even your self get wounded once in a while. The heroes of war always have scars. 1 Peter 4:19 closes with this statement " keep on doing what is right and trust your lives to the one who created you, for he will never fail you".
So how should I respond to the battle and suffering that comes with fighting for the Lord: first I keep on doing what I am doing, don't stop, give up or throw in the towel. Second I recommit my faith and confidence in the one who created me and loved me enough to send his Son to die for me and third I settle in my heart that our God will never fail us. He has called not just to fight, but to win. The only way a Christian can be defeated is if he quits, so refuse to quit and Fight, Fight, Fight!!
This scripture teaches us something very central to the Christian life, if you follow Jesus you will encounter warfare. As a matter of fact, this scripture tells us that God did not take the children of Israel the shortest route to the promise land but he led they by way of the Red Sea. Before they would experience the enemies of the promise land, God wanted them to experience his power to save them, no matter what came against them. So before they ever fought a battle, they saw God fight for them and destroy the mightiest army on the planet. He was building their faith, he was preparing them for what was to come.
Salvation seems to come with a honeymoon period. When a person gets saved there seems to be a short season where everything is wonderful, when God is supernaturally answering prayers and the red seas of their lives are easily parted and then comes the battle. Somehow we forget that possessing the promise land means driving out the enemy. We are in enemy territory, Satan is the prince of the powers of the air and there are principalities and powers in heavenly places that are warring against every step that we try to take into the promises of God and the advancement of his Kingdom in the earth.
1Peter 4:12-13&19 tell us "Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you"
Don't be surprised by the fiery trials or the suffering that happens in your life. Look what is says "if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right". So what kind of suffering pleases God, the kind of suffering that comes from doing what is right in the eyes of God. The suffering that comes from the battlefield. Every solider that has ever fought a battle can tell you, that in order to fight and especially in order to win you have to suffer. The surprise attacks of the enemy, bombs, bullets, fox holes and sleepless nights. Soldiers suffer for the cause, they realize that they have an enemy that hates them and will do anything to stop them from claiming victory.
If you are a Christian than let me say welcome to the war zone. We are at war, at war for the souls of men and the kingdom of our God. Our job is to take back what the enemy has stolen, to charge the gates of hell. So don't be surprised when the enemy throws a hand grenade into your life, don't be surprised by the bullets flying at your head, don't be surprised to see your friends, family and even your self get wounded once in a while. The heroes of war always have scars. 1 Peter 4:19 closes with this statement " keep on doing what is right and trust your lives to the one who created you, for he will never fail you".
So how should I respond to the battle and suffering that comes with fighting for the Lord: first I keep on doing what I am doing, don't stop, give up or throw in the towel. Second I recommit my faith and confidence in the one who created me and loved me enough to send his Son to die for me and third I settle in my heart that our God will never fail us. He has called not just to fight, but to win. The only way a Christian can be defeated is if he quits, so refuse to quit and Fight, Fight, Fight!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Refuse To Be Silent
Matthew 20:31 "Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
The world wants to quiet you, they will try to keep you silent. But God responds to the cries of his people, especially the cry for mercy. Some of you have been quieted by the world, they have told you that God doesn't care, that he would never help you or that it's your problem so you have to figure it out on your own. But world is wrong and the voice that needs to be silenced is the voice of fear, unbelief and condemnation.
God loves to hear our cries for mercy, because he is a God of mercy, Psalms 86:5 "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee" and his heart longs to help those who cry out to him. So open your mouth and cry out to God, refuse to be silenced because God loves you and wants to answer your cry for help.
The world wants to quiet you, they will try to keep you silent. But God responds to the cries of his people, especially the cry for mercy. Some of you have been quieted by the world, they have told you that God doesn't care, that he would never help you or that it's your problem so you have to figure it out on your own. But world is wrong and the voice that needs to be silenced is the voice of fear, unbelief and condemnation.
God loves to hear our cries for mercy, because he is a God of mercy, Psalms 86:5 "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee" and his heart longs to help those who cry out to him. So open your mouth and cry out to God, refuse to be silenced because God loves you and wants to answer your cry for help.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)