There are a lot of things we can walk away from when we find Jesus, but I have found, and seen in others, that one of the hardest things to walk away from is our own selfish desires. Even if we go back to the garden in Genesis, it was our human selfish desires that caused the first sin. When we read what happened we can see that it didn't take much for satan to convince Eve that gong with her own desires was the best thing to do. He simply said "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil", and that was all it took. Eve's selfish desires for "more" took over and a sin was committed. Despite ALL that God had blessed them with, their flesh still said "it's not enough".
How many times has your flesh screamed that in the face of God? I know for me it has been too many times in my life. Too many times I let my selfish desires tell God that what He does for me is not enough. And that is a shame I have to remind myself that Jesus died to take away from me. If not then the guilt alone is too much to bare. It really breaks my heart today to see people give up so much with God, just to get so little from the world in return. People will chase things that destroy their ministry, destroy their marriage, destroy their family, destroy the job God blessed them with...and most of all, destroy their personal relationship with God. The only reason I say it that way is because a lot of times we run from Him due to the guilt and shame put on us by the enemy, and we allow a lot of time and distance to come between us and God. And the only way back from something like that is to remind yourself that God already knows about our selfishness and the damage it can cause, that's why He sent Jesus. It would be like waking up today and looking at your spouse, sibling or close friend and saying to them, "I know what you are going to do to me today. It's going to hurt, and I really wish you wouldn't...but know that I have already forgiven you before you even do it". Wow...could you imagine? No matter what selfish and hurtful thing they did to you, you have already not only forgiven them, but you stand there with your arms held out to receive them in love. That's God! That's the way He has dealt with us since the beginning of time.Yet despite that, our selfish flesh still wins so many of the battles.
I want to tell you today that it doesn't have to be that way. Sin, your human selfish side (and we all have one) and your flesh don't have to win, or pull you away from God. He sent the Holy Spirit to help you in this area, give you strength we you need it most, and remind you of who you are in God's eyes. We were created by Him to do great things for Him. That's why the enemy cringes at the very idea of us getting this. When we realize that surrender to Him equals freedom from this word, which also equals glorifying Him in all we do..well, then we have stepped on the neck of our enemy and he knows his time with us is done. When we realize these things, everything in our lives can become a powerful tool to display God to others. Tough situations arise, we show the world how we trust God. God brings you a spouse, you show the world what a God centered marriage looks like. You succeed at your job, you show the world what it means to be blessed by God. When you choose to live like this, and you give Him ALL the credit for ALL that you have, then you will put your selfish desires in check. You will learn how to make your flesh submit to it's creator. And you will be a light that demonstrates Him to everyone you see.
Today, if you are sick of the battle within, then give up! Give up the fight and give it over to God. Admit your shortcomings, your mistakes, your inner pride, your guilt and shame, and your stubbornness. Then ask Him to replace all of these things for the things that He created to be inside of you...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23). These are the things that keep our flesh at one with God!
God, thank You for opening our eyes. I personally thank You for opening mine so I could see the destruction of my selfish desires. Thank You for restoration of our soul, and our relationship with You. Please do a work in us to make us who YOU desire for us to be. Allowing us, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome the things of this world. Let us be a light that shines for you in ALL areas of our life so we can point others to the freedom that we live in. In Jesus name, Amen
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Come and Get it
I know that God speaks to each of us a little differently. Some hear him, some have dreams, some have visions and so on. And some have a nice mixture of all of these things. I personally have not been a "dreamer". Oh I have had a few dreams that I know had deep meaning, but only just a few that I can recall. However, I do have a vision every once in a while. And most of the time they happen when I am deep into the presence of God. Some are like a dream, but I am awake with my eyes closed, and some are as if something is happening right in front of me and I'm watching it play out. Why do I share all of this with you? Because I want you to know God speaks, and as followers we should hear Him in one way or another. And don't ever be afraid to say you have!
So having said all of this, I want to share something God showed me during worship at church yesterday. It was like any other worship, eyes closed, hands raised, praising God, feeling His presence and just expressing my deep love for Him. However, I noticed that every time I would open my eyes they would go directly to the bottle of water that the worship leader has sitting by his mic stand. After this happened a few times I asked God what He was trying to tell me..And this is what I got....
I saw myself standing before a large crowd, holding this bottle of water. And I heard God say to them "it's as easy as taking a drink from this bottle". Too many times we make coming to God too hard. We fight the Holy Spirit telling us what to lay down, and for that matter, what to pick up for God. We say things like "I'm just waiting on The Lord"...but are you? Or is God just waiting on you? Are you going to stare at what He has for you (the bottle of water in this case), but not go after it? Not go after Him? What is God waiting on from you? As I saw myself speaking and holding this bottle of water, I heard myself say to the crowd "Who wants a drink? Then what are you waiting for? If you were dying of thirst and I sat this bottle at the edge of the stage then what could possibly stop you from coming to get it? Nothing, right? I could try to put all kinds of obstacles in front of this stage, but if you were dying of thirst you would find a way to get to this water, right? People, we are dying of thirst! And trust me when I say that one drink is not enough. God does not what us to show up just for a drink! For me personally, I want to swim in His water. I want it to overtake me. I want more than I can handle, so I will just have to trust Him more." And as I saw myself saying these things to the crowd I saw me open the bottle and literally pour the water over myself...as if to say, I don't care what the world thinks about this..this is how much I want more of You God.
Why am I sharing this in my blog today? Because I know God gave me a message yesterday, and I don't think a group of 100 people is all it was intended for. We are not waiting for God, He is waiting for us. Let me be clear in what I mean by that. Yes, there are things you are waiting on God for in your life, things that will happen in His perfect timing, but more of Him is not one of those things. He has more of Himself for you any time you want it! He is waiting on you to come, pick up the water and either take a drink, or take a swim. But it all comes down to how much of Him do you want? You can never, ever have too much! You can never be satisfied with "enough" of Him. Our pursuit of Him should go until the day we stand before Him. There is no such thing as "I have all I need" when it comes to God....because He always has more for you!
John 4:14 says "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life". Today, if you find your spirit dry or thirsty, don't allow the enemy to make you think you are not worthy, or this is as good as it gets. Chase after God with all of your guts and learn what it means to truly drink from HIS water.
God, thank You for yet another word. Please let this reach the people it was intended for. Holy Spirit create a thirst in us that is only satisfied by You, and do not let us be tempted by the fake things this world tries to quench our thirst with. Fill us to overflowing, and teach us what if feels like to fully trust you for all we need. In Jesus name, Amen
So having said all of this, I want to share something God showed me during worship at church yesterday. It was like any other worship, eyes closed, hands raised, praising God, feeling His presence and just expressing my deep love for Him. However, I noticed that every time I would open my eyes they would go directly to the bottle of water that the worship leader has sitting by his mic stand. After this happened a few times I asked God what He was trying to tell me..And this is what I got....
I saw myself standing before a large crowd, holding this bottle of water. And I heard God say to them "it's as easy as taking a drink from this bottle". Too many times we make coming to God too hard. We fight the Holy Spirit telling us what to lay down, and for that matter, what to pick up for God. We say things like "I'm just waiting on The Lord"...but are you? Or is God just waiting on you? Are you going to stare at what He has for you (the bottle of water in this case), but not go after it? Not go after Him? What is God waiting on from you? As I saw myself speaking and holding this bottle of water, I heard myself say to the crowd "Who wants a drink? Then what are you waiting for? If you were dying of thirst and I sat this bottle at the edge of the stage then what could possibly stop you from coming to get it? Nothing, right? I could try to put all kinds of obstacles in front of this stage, but if you were dying of thirst you would find a way to get to this water, right? People, we are dying of thirst! And trust me when I say that one drink is not enough. God does not what us to show up just for a drink! For me personally, I want to swim in His water. I want it to overtake me. I want more than I can handle, so I will just have to trust Him more." And as I saw myself saying these things to the crowd I saw me open the bottle and literally pour the water over myself...as if to say, I don't care what the world thinks about this..this is how much I want more of You God.
Why am I sharing this in my blog today? Because I know God gave me a message yesterday, and I don't think a group of 100 people is all it was intended for. We are not waiting for God, He is waiting for us. Let me be clear in what I mean by that. Yes, there are things you are waiting on God for in your life, things that will happen in His perfect timing, but more of Him is not one of those things. He has more of Himself for you any time you want it! He is waiting on you to come, pick up the water and either take a drink, or take a swim. But it all comes down to how much of Him do you want? You can never, ever have too much! You can never be satisfied with "enough" of Him. Our pursuit of Him should go until the day we stand before Him. There is no such thing as "I have all I need" when it comes to God....because He always has more for you!
John 4:14 says "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life". Today, if you find your spirit dry or thirsty, don't allow the enemy to make you think you are not worthy, or this is as good as it gets. Chase after God with all of your guts and learn what it means to truly drink from HIS water.
God, thank You for yet another word. Please let this reach the people it was intended for. Holy Spirit create a thirst in us that is only satisfied by You, and do not let us be tempted by the fake things this world tries to quench our thirst with. Fill us to overflowing, and teach us what if feels like to fully trust you for all we need. In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, March 11, 2016
Purpose In Your Life
Have you every stopped and asked yourself, "Is this where God had in mind for me to be at this time in my life"? When God was planning your life, and my life, He had something in mind for us each step of the way. He had a learning process that He wanted us to go through. He had a time of application that He wanted us to go through. He had a time of helping others the He wanted us to go through. And He had a time of blessing that He wanted us to go through. Now I'm not saying each of these times are cleanly divided by lines and we just move from one, to the next, and the next. In fact, there are times when we can clearly see that God is teaching us, and we start to apply what He is teaching us to our lives, but He can see we still don't have it...so he takes us back to the learning stage again. This is not because God expects perfection, but instead, it's because God is not a God who sets us up to fail. (And He will be teaching us our entire life) So many times we have an attitude of "ok God, I get it. Let's move forward now". You know, that American mentality of "we want it and we want it now". But God's ways are different than our ways, and His way of thinking is "I will move you forward when I know your ready for what I have for you next". That's tough for us to accept sometimes. We want to go from learning to blessings like a car goes from 0 to 60. We "think" we are ready and sometimes we even move ahead of God. We can even create our own blessings sometimes and say they came from God. When in fact they just came from the works of our own hands, and because of that we will have to work our tails off to maintain them. That's not God. God wants to teach us so much as we walk with Him, and one of those things is patience. He wants us to take a step when He directs us, and wait for His leading on the next one. But sometimes we hear Him clearly on the first step, but we forget to listen for what's next, so we just take off in that direction. I can tell you in my own life that God has led me certain ways not for my own sake, but because He has something else for me to do along the way. Maybe He needed me to reach out to someone, and that was going to be a long process. I have found that He will take us on detours sometime..and we have to be willing to go. When I think about following God's lead I think about John 8:12. In it Jesus says "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life". That verse says enough for me to want to wait on Him. I don't want to step outside of His plans or His will. I don't want to walk in darkness. I want His light to light the way for me. And I've experienced what both of those ways feel like....so I'll take the light!
We need to be very careful on the things we build our lives upon as well. Test them, see if they are from God, and don't put your faith in things that are not from Him. In Luke 6:46-49 Jesus tells a story about the foundation on which we build out lives upon. He said "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” When we listen for God, we will hear Him. When we hear Him, we must obey. When we do, we are building our foundation upon Him (His rock). That is the place God wants you, and that is the place God can use you. If you know the foundation upon which you are living is a little to "earthy", then today I pray you would take step back and ask Him "where did I take control?". If you allow Him to show you, and you get your feet back on the path He had laid out for you, then you can rest assured that an abundant, meaningful, purpose driven life will be waiting for you. Not one that satisfies the flesh, but one that satisfies the spirit. And one that puts a smile on the face of God!
God, thank You that You do have plans laid out for our lives. Holy Spirit help us to fight the urge to move ahead and to do things in our own power. But instead, to wait upon You Lord and know that we are living a life that not only pleases You, but will glorify You and lead other to You. That is the purpose of this life....help us to always remember that. In Jesus name, Amen.
We need to be very careful on the things we build our lives upon as well. Test them, see if they are from God, and don't put your faith in things that are not from Him. In Luke 6:46-49 Jesus tells a story about the foundation on which we build out lives upon. He said "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” When we listen for God, we will hear Him. When we hear Him, we must obey. When we do, we are building our foundation upon Him (His rock). That is the place God wants you, and that is the place God can use you. If you know the foundation upon which you are living is a little to "earthy", then today I pray you would take step back and ask Him "where did I take control?". If you allow Him to show you, and you get your feet back on the path He had laid out for you, then you can rest assured that an abundant, meaningful, purpose driven life will be waiting for you. Not one that satisfies the flesh, but one that satisfies the spirit. And one that puts a smile on the face of God!
God, thank You that You do have plans laid out for our lives. Holy Spirit help us to fight the urge to move ahead and to do things in our own power. But instead, to wait upon You Lord and know that we are living a life that not only pleases You, but will glorify You and lead other to You. That is the purpose of this life....help us to always remember that. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Love...
Love...
Love is faithful
Love is blind
Love's around us
All the time
Love is patient
Love is true
Love inside of
Me and You
Love is peaceful
Love is real
Love's the thing
We're made to feel
Love is sacrifice
Love is grace
Love from God
For our human race
Love forgives
Love let's go
That's the love
God does show
Love's creator
Knows it best
That's why in Him
We find our rest
God is love
He showed us all
Sent His Son
To take our fall
God's love heals
God's love reigns
His perfect love
It does sustain
A perfect love
From Him to us
A perfect Father
In Whom we trust
His love awaits
And His love calls
Not just to one
His love's for all
Seek and find
His word is true
Find the love
He has for you
Love is faithful
Love is blind
Love's around us
All the time
Love is patient
Love is true
Love inside of
Me and You
Love is peaceful
Love is real
Love's the thing
We're made to feel
Love is sacrifice
Love is grace
Love from God
For our human race
Love forgives
Love let's go
That's the love
God does show
Love's creator
Knows it best
That's why in Him
We find our rest
God is love
He showed us all
Sent His Son
To take our fall
God's love heals
God's love reigns
His perfect love
It does sustain
A perfect love
From Him to us
A perfect Father
In Whom we trust
His love awaits
And His love calls
Not just to one
His love's for all
Seek and find
His word is true
Find the love
He has for you
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Led By The Spirit
Most of my life I have been in church. That is not to say that most of my life I was following Jesus with my life, but just that I was attending church somewhere. Some of those years were more active than other and some of those years I really did try hard to live a life that was pleasing to God. The problem was, it wasn't until recently (the last 2 years) that I really understood my personal relationship with Jesus...and how it doesn't stop with just Him.
All of my life I heard mention of the Holy Spirit, but that was really about it. I knew what The Spirit was and I knew how the people in the bible had experienced The Spirit when it came down on them (Acts 2), but again, that was about it. Just some head knowledge and nothing in my life or heart to show that I was connected to the Holy Spirit. That is until a few years ago.
Exactly 2 years ago in Feb. of 2014 I was at a service desperately crying out to God. I was at what I would consider my rock bottom at this point in my life. It wasn't because of drugs or alcohol or anything like that, but it was because of sin. And it was because of how much I had taken God for granted and lived to serve my flesh. I was at a place where I was really disgusted with my life and what it was producing....bad fruit. And it was in the very time of crying out...a time when I would have expected God to also be disgusted with me too...that He met me where I was. And He didn't just meet me, but He picked me up, He loved on me, He showed me how I looked through His eyes, He forgave me, He cleansed me and He set me free. And all of that was way way more than I expected considering the way that I had been "serving Him". But the beauty in my story is that I also received something else for the first time that night. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Now I know to some people those sound like very "religious" words, but I'm here to tell you that what I experienced that night was far from just a "religious experience". What happened to me that night was very personal, very special, very eye opening and filled my heart in a way I had never felt before. It was like God reached down with His own hand and touched me....literally touched me. And I knew in that very moment that nothing would ever be the same again.
As much as that experience was absolutely amazing, I don't want anyone to get caught up in just the story of the experience. What I do want you to get caught up in is how much my life changed after that. Being led by The Spirit is not just an expression, it's real! And when you are being led by the spirit there is a peace, a joy, a sense of purpose to your life that was not there before. I would notice that my circumstances couldn't change how I felt on the inside anymore. I would notice that doors in my life were opening and closing so much easier. I would notice that God was putting it in me to serve others in ways I never had before. And He was showing me that I had gifts on the inside of myself that I had never tapped into. Gifts He put there. I would pray and see things happen. I would lay my hands on someone in the name of Jesus and see them get set free. I would ask for help and instantly receive it. And the main reason for this is because I was not alone anymore. I had invited The Spirit to come and live inside of me and now He was. He was with me all the time. He would help me with the smallest and the biggest things. I had a helper. (John 14:26) And at a time when the enemy wanted me to feel so alone because of what was going on in my personal life, I did not. In fact, I felt the opposite. I felt like I was never alone. I could hear God's voice clearly and I had begun to pray more clearly, especially when the Holy Spirit would pray through me. (Romans 8:26). And this friend, this helper, this guide, that God has touched me with that night in Feb. 2014, and put inside of me, has never left my side.
I know to some my story is going to sound a bit strange. Why, because the church doesn't talk about the Holy Spirit like they used to, or need to. But to others, who have been touched like this by God, you will smile as you read this. But what I want everyone to know that reads this, is that the Holy Spirit is for EVERYONE. God gave us this helper until Jesus returns and the only reason you might be without is because you have not asked or allowed God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. If you want to experience God more intimately, passionately, and feel His presence with you ALL the time, then I suggest that you talk to someone about what I am writing about today. Someone who can lead you to this place of prayer. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, and being led by The Spirit will bring new life into your life.
God, Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for what You have done in my life, and it is my prayer today that others will experience what You have for them. Lead hearts into a place of desire with You God and touch them just like I felt Your touch. And let the light that You place inside of them be seen by all so they too can tell their Holy Spirit story to those who need to hear it. In Jesus name, Amen.
All of my life I heard mention of the Holy Spirit, but that was really about it. I knew what The Spirit was and I knew how the people in the bible had experienced The Spirit when it came down on them (Acts 2), but again, that was about it. Just some head knowledge and nothing in my life or heart to show that I was connected to the Holy Spirit. That is until a few years ago.
Exactly 2 years ago in Feb. of 2014 I was at a service desperately crying out to God. I was at what I would consider my rock bottom at this point in my life. It wasn't because of drugs or alcohol or anything like that, but it was because of sin. And it was because of how much I had taken God for granted and lived to serve my flesh. I was at a place where I was really disgusted with my life and what it was producing....bad fruit. And it was in the very time of crying out...a time when I would have expected God to also be disgusted with me too...that He met me where I was. And He didn't just meet me, but He picked me up, He loved on me, He showed me how I looked through His eyes, He forgave me, He cleansed me and He set me free. And all of that was way way more than I expected considering the way that I had been "serving Him". But the beauty in my story is that I also received something else for the first time that night. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Now I know to some people those sound like very "religious" words, but I'm here to tell you that what I experienced that night was far from just a "religious experience". What happened to me that night was very personal, very special, very eye opening and filled my heart in a way I had never felt before. It was like God reached down with His own hand and touched me....literally touched me. And I knew in that very moment that nothing would ever be the same again.
As much as that experience was absolutely amazing, I don't want anyone to get caught up in just the story of the experience. What I do want you to get caught up in is how much my life changed after that. Being led by The Spirit is not just an expression, it's real! And when you are being led by the spirit there is a peace, a joy, a sense of purpose to your life that was not there before. I would notice that my circumstances couldn't change how I felt on the inside anymore. I would notice that doors in my life were opening and closing so much easier. I would notice that God was putting it in me to serve others in ways I never had before. And He was showing me that I had gifts on the inside of myself that I had never tapped into. Gifts He put there. I would pray and see things happen. I would lay my hands on someone in the name of Jesus and see them get set free. I would ask for help and instantly receive it. And the main reason for this is because I was not alone anymore. I had invited The Spirit to come and live inside of me and now He was. He was with me all the time. He would help me with the smallest and the biggest things. I had a helper. (John 14:26) And at a time when the enemy wanted me to feel so alone because of what was going on in my personal life, I did not. In fact, I felt the opposite. I felt like I was never alone. I could hear God's voice clearly and I had begun to pray more clearly, especially when the Holy Spirit would pray through me. (Romans 8:26). And this friend, this helper, this guide, that God has touched me with that night in Feb. 2014, and put inside of me, has never left my side.
I know to some my story is going to sound a bit strange. Why, because the church doesn't talk about the Holy Spirit like they used to, or need to. But to others, who have been touched like this by God, you will smile as you read this. But what I want everyone to know that reads this, is that the Holy Spirit is for EVERYONE. God gave us this helper until Jesus returns and the only reason you might be without is because you have not asked or allowed God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. If you want to experience God more intimately, passionately, and feel His presence with you ALL the time, then I suggest that you talk to someone about what I am writing about today. Someone who can lead you to this place of prayer. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, and being led by The Spirit will bring new life into your life.
God, Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for what You have done in my life, and it is my prayer today that others will experience what You have for them. Lead hearts into a place of desire with You God and touch them just like I felt Your touch. And let the light that You place inside of them be seen by all so they too can tell their Holy Spirit story to those who need to hear it. In Jesus name, Amen.
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