Acknowledge Him/There Is Always A Witness

"And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." Genesis 4:3-10


The fourth chapter of the Book of Genesis tells us about the lives of the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, the firstborn, "tiller of the ground" and Abel, his brother, "a keeper of sheep" both made offerings unto God. Able, who gave God from the first born of his flock was respected by God. Cain, on the other hand gave an offering to God from the fruit the ground produced, but not the first fruits. Cain's offering was not respected by God. We, as believers, are required to give God the first fruits of our labor as a sign of reverence. Cain's offering was not his best. Yet like many of us Cain got an attitude because he did not receive the same respect as his brother. You will notice however that God came to Cain with words of correction. (Genesis 4:6-7) It was an expression of God's love for Cain. The Epistle to the Hebrews instructs us thusly, "And ye have forgotten the exhotation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Hebrews 12:5-8 Therefore like Cain if we do less than our best we can expect God to correct us in love. It is indeed an honor to be corrected by God. Although the ideal is to do things correctly the first time so there is no need for correction. Unfortunately Cain did not heed the chastisement from God. God was attempting to convey to Cain the fact that he was not forsaken. God gave Cain the recipe for success: do what I ask of you and you will be accepted into the Kingdom. Now the interesting thing is, God warned Cain that sin was lying in wait and desired him, but God also let Cain know that he had rule over sin. In other words, Cain was not powerless against sin. Sadly Cain did not heed God's advice and allowed sin to have power over his life. Notice how Cain was deceived by sin into thinking that God who knew his thoughts (Genesis 4:5-6) would not discover the murder he committed. Abel's very blood cried out to God from the ground. (Genesis 4:10) Nothing is hidden from God, even when we attempt to hide or deny Him the truth is exposed. Remember Jesus' response to some of the Pharisees during His triumphal entry, "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40

The Miracle Is, That It Is Just That Easy

"And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:20-24

In the 12th chapter of the First Book of Samuel, the prophet addresses the Children of Israel concerning their foolish choice to seek an earthly king when they already had a heavenly king in the LORD God Almighty. It is important to note, that while Samuel pointed out the error of their ways, he did not condemn them. In fact, Samuel encouraged them to continue following after God. Samuel understood that even when we make mistakes we cannot despair, give up and turn away from God. On the contrary, that is the time for us to seek God. God will not forsake us. God can and will deliver us. I know the enemy is trying to confuse us. The enemy wants us to belief that it is not that easy. Satan want us to condemn ourselves by making us think that there is no turning back. The enemy wants us to believe that there is more required of us than what the Word says, but the devil is a liar. It is just that easy with God. Consider the story of Naaman as revealed in 2 Kings 5:10-14, "And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." You see Naaman like many of us almost missed his blessing/healing by nearly allowing the enemy (through the spirits of pride and rage) to trick him. Thank God Naaman had people of faith around him. They would not allow him to miss his healing. When you are lost, confused and not quite sure what to do remember the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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." Matthew 11:28-29

Hush

"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth." Numbers 12:1-5


Like Aaron and Miriam (Moses' brother and sister) we often think we know a better way. We too frequently believe that because we have a thought that we need to express it. We do this despite knowing better. Aaron and Miriam had been eyewitnesses to the glory of God and should have know better than to speak out against Moses. Today we have the benefit of David's words regarding the people of God, "And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." (1 Chronicles 16:20-22) There are many things that we as Christians do not understand. The key is to take those question and go to God with them rather than speak out against your brother or sister. God told us to come to Him in those situations. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:6-9) Just as God had a reason for bringing Moses and Zipporah together, He also has a reason for a situation you don't understand. Remember, there is only one Judge. We have enough to worry about just trying to keep ourselves saved. "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7:1-3

Letting Go

"And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:11-14

Like the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, we often battle fear and anxiety as God moves us toward a future that we can't see. As humans we have a tendency to want to cling to the past. The past wasn't great and we prayed for God to deliver us from it, but when we look forward into a future that feels unfamiliar, we long for the familiar. We fear uncertainty, because uncertainty could mean death. When you've been a victim your primary concern is survival. Survival isn't living, but it isn't physical death. Survival maybe fine for the world, but it is not good enough for those who are in Christ. We as Christians have a great promise from our Savior. The Bible records these words in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:9-11) Jesus didn't lay down His life just so we could turn around (spiritually as well as physically) and go back to our old lives. God wants us to live an abundant life both in this world and the next. It maybe tempting to look back during the course of our journey, but keep in mind that what you are seeing behind you is a mirage. It looks tempting, but once you go back to where you thought it was it disappears. Those fond memories you had get crushed by the torture and torment you had forgotten. Leave the past behind and stay focused on your promise. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

The First Harvest Is For Those That Believe

"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest." Ruth 1:16-22

In the first chapter of the Book of Ruth, we find tremendous lessons in faith that we can relate to today. As the chapter begins we find Ruth her mother-in-law Naomi and her sister -in-law Orpah on their way back to Bethlehem. All three of them widows having lost their husbands in the land of Moab. Naomi, her husband and their two sons had journeyed to Moab because of famine in Israel. Now how often do we as Christians seek to run away from a problem rather than asking God what He would have us to do? Naomi fled only to be forced to return to the place she fled. While in Moab Naomi's husband and her two sons (who had married Ruth and Orpah) died. As a result of the tragedy that had befallen them, the three were headed back to Bethlehem. However, Naomi managed to convince Orpah to go back to Moab, because she felt there would be no life for her in Bethlehem. Ruth on the other hand would not be moved and clung to her mother-in-law. Ruth exhibited the kind of faith we as believers need today. She trusted God in the face of fear and adversity. She refused to allow the seeds of doubt sown by Naomi to take root in her spirit. She placed her faith in God and was rewarded. Maybe that is where her great grandson David found the confidence to write, "For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed." Psalm 37:22-26 People of God don't give in to doubt. Remember what David and Ruth never forgot, no matter what you've done or what situation you find yourself in, if you will just hold on to your faith in God, He will deliver you. Another import point from chapter one of the Book of Ruth is the fact that they returned to Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. Bethlehem means "house of bread" and the barley harvest was the first harvest (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary). Now I don't have to tell you that it was not a coincidence that God brought them back to Bethlehem/the house of bread for the first harvest. Bethlehem was the place where Jesus, "the bread from Heaven" (John 6:32) was born. In addition the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John also tells us that Jesus fed the five thousand with 5 loaves made from barley. Strengthen your faith with these words, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:35-37

Righteousness : We Owe Him That Much

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53:3-7

The Prophet Isaiah, in the 53rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah, provides us with a glimpse into the suffering the Jesus endured on our behalf. Isaiah makes a point of emphasizing the fact that the pain that Jesus suffered was due to our sin and iniquity. We are responsible for His suffering (as the Apostle Paul points out), "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;". (Romans 3:23) As a result, we who believe and call ourselves Christians owe it to Jesus to live a holy and righteous life. If we don't, then what we are saying in effect is: Jesus, You didn't suffer enough. The writer of Hebrews makes this same point in chapter 6 of the Epistle to the Hebrews. He writes, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6) Please understand, I am not saying if you make a mistake you are condemned, for that would contradict scripture. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1) But what I am saying is that we have to be led by the Holy Spirit and not by our flesh as Paul points out in Romans. If we say that we are Christians, but continue to walk and pursue a life dedicated to glorifying our flesh we shame Jesus. The profession of faith we made was a lie to please others, but the truth is revealed in our actions. As Christians we must not only profess Jesus with our mouths, we have to live a life dedicated to Him. Do you believe the gospel? Then meditate on and put into action Jesus' words captured in Mark 1:15, "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

I Give You Me

"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Genesis 15:1-6

In the fifteenth chapter of Genesis we find Abram (prior to God changing his name to Abraham, Genesis 17:5) receiving the word of God. After putting Abram at ease by telling him not to fear, God speaks these word to Abram, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." (Genesis 15:1) How awesome and mind blowing is that? The one and only true and living God, whose majesty is described in this manner: "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:8-11) That God just told Abram I am your shield and your exceeding great reward. Can you imagine that same God making the same statement to you? You can't? What if I told you He already did? Remember Paul's letter to the Philippians? This is what he wrote about Jesus, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:6-8) Jesus, who is one with the Father, shielded us from death by dying for us and became our reward through His Resurrection by giving us everlasting life. Yet like Abram sometimes we fail to grasp the sufficiency of the gift we have received and only focus on what we feel we don't have. As a result we would all be wise to meditate on the words of our Savior, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Sanctify Yourself

"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap." Joshua 3:5-13

In the course of their journey from Egypt, the Israelites would on occasion be required to sanctify themselves because they would soon be in the presence of God. You see in those days they would purify themselves with water and refrain from sexual relations so that they might enjoy God's presence for a specified period of time. In addition notice that before the Children of Israel could cross over into the promise land they first had to be sanctified. Also notice that God chose twelve priest to uphold the Ark of the Covenant and carry the word of God (the Ten Commandments, Exodus 25:21) before the people and lead them into the promise land. We as modern day Christians have the distinct privilege of being blessed by God sending His only begotten Son to sanctify us. We as the body of Christ have the privilege of being sanctified by God himself ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23) so that we might be able to be with Him forever. Instead of water it is the blood of Christ Jesus that cleanses us from sin. And notice, after the resurrection God chose twelve to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and present the Word of God before the people. God chose twelve to lead us into the Kingdom. The Ark was a testament of God's promise to the Children of Israel. Jesus is our promise of an everlasting life. "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Galatians 1:3-5) "And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many." Mark 14:24

It Ain't Easy

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying, Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there. And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount." Numbers 20:23-27

Have you ever wondered why or how Christians in prominent positions fall? Well one very important reason is that it is not easy to live a righteous life. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23), the Apostle Paul reminds us. If it were easy everyone would live a sin free life and never disobey God. Very few people can claim to have served God as faithfully as Aaron did. Yet before he could inherit the promise he was stripped of his priestly robes and left to die on top of mount Hor. You see we are engaged in constant warfare against our fleshly desires. The flesh has very persuasive ways of making you think that you are right even when God tells you that you are wrong. In the case of Moses and Aaron they felt justified in their anger against the Children of Israel. After 40 years of service to an often ungrateful people your body and mind becomes fatigued. Today many who call themselves Christians give in to fornication, masturbation, pornography, lust and adultery because they feel justified in their flesh. They believe they have denied themselves long enough and feel a need to indulge themselves. But here is the thing, the flesh can never justify you. As the Apostle Paul points out, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:18-25) Notice that in verse 18 Paul points out that although there is no good thing that dwelleth in the flesh, it contains it's own will. That is why we struggle against it. The flesh knows what it wants and it pursues it with a vengeance. But praise God for our risen saviour, Jesus Christ, who defeated sin and the grave and justified us to the Father. It is crucial to our survival as Christians that we not forget "The Way" which is Jesus Christ. If we keep our focus on Christ and his Word (to feed our mind so that it can resist the flesh) we will endure and have victory over the flesh. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

Self Inflicted Wounds

"At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon. And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD. Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." 2 Kings 20:12-18

There are times in life when we suffer hardship through no fault of our own. Then there are times when we invite hardship by behaving foolishly. Often our foolish behavior is preceded by flattering words and/or a small gift given by someone we know we shouldn't trust. However we often long to be liked/loved by someone new, even if it means ignoring or belittling those who have dedicated themselves to loving us. This is what happened to King Hezekiah. The first eleven verses of chapter 20 of 2 Kings tells the story of God's mercy toward Hezekiah. It relays the story of how God saved Hezekiah from certain death. Unfortunately we do not see Hezekiah thank God or express his gratitude for the great thing that God had done for him. We do however see how grateful he is to the King of Babylon. We see Hezekiah sharing his most intimate treasures with those who are not committed to him and those who do not love him. Hezekiah took the affection of his first love (God) for granted. He had been so blessed by God that the miraculous became humdrum or routine. What's the big deal? God does this for me all the time, nothing special about it. How often have we as modern day Christians failed to give God His due? Perhaps the miracles in our life are not as dramatic as the ones God performed for King Hezekiah, but they are still worthy of our praise. Don't take God for granted. Not everyone has the privilege of being called His child. Cherish the relationship. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:36

Prayer: The Only Way Out

"So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee." Exodus 15:22-26

Much like the Children of Israel, we often find ourselves in situations that seem beyond our ability to control. It is at that point that we often find ourselves confronting two very different choices. One option is to complain and blame others for our predicament. This does not change the situation. In fact complaining actually prolongs your struggle because it diverts your time and attention away from finding a solution. In addition, complaining is actually an expression of disbelief. You are in essence saying, I don't believe that God has the power to improve my situation. The alternative to complaint is prayer. Prayer is the perfect solution to any problem or situation. The key is to remember to pray when all those around you want to complain. Moses was confronted with this at Marah. The people murmured but Moses prayed. Notice that murmuring only led them to pointing a finger at a righteous man and by default at God. Prayer on the other hand provided a solution. Notice in the scripture, that God not only provided a solution for the issue of clean drinking water, He also provided a fool-proof solution to any problem. Seeking, listening to and heeding the Word of God will cause God to bless us. The Bible is filled with examples of this principle. For example, in 2 Chronicles 15:1-4 we find these words: "And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them." God gives us a clear choice, Him or suffering. Are you paralyzed by fear and about to complain? Turn to Jesus. "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." John 14:13-14

Seek And Find

"But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again." 2 Kings 22:18-22

In the 22nd chapter of the Book of 2 Kings we meet King Josiah. Josiah, "...did that which was right in the sight of the LORD..." (2 Kings 22:2). He did that which was right in spite of the fact that his father, Amon and grandfather Manasseh "...did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD..." (2 Kings 21:20). You see Josiah didn't allow generational curses or the fact that he wasn't brought up in the church to keep him from seeking God. He also didn't allow his surroundings or current circumstances to dissuade him from calling upon God. Here was a man who had not known God, his country had turned against God and yet just upon hearing the Word of God he was convinced that God was the only way out of his situation. Today we modern day Christians often come up with excuses for why we didn't pray. Could it be that we have become a little too comfortable? Or could it be that some no longer believe? Josiah didn't have that luxury. He was a witness to the destruction and decay that a life apart from God could bring and he wanted no part of it. We are witnesses to the joy and blessings that a life with God can bring and yet many of us act as though we want no part of it. I prefer to join King Josiah and the Apostle Paul, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) Like Christians today King Josiah lived in a time of moral decay, but he didn't despair. He didn't try to convince the people of God to become more like the world. Instead he took a bold stand for God and God rewarded him. In this new age of moral decay take a stand for God and watch God reward you. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Ask and Receive

"And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house. Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king? And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants." 2 Samuel 19: 11-14

In 2 Samuel chapter 19 we find King David in exile after Absalom's failed coup attempt. Absalom had been killed and David had every right to return to his throne. However, in spite of that fact, David's tribe (Judah) had not yet extended an invitation for him to return. So, what did David do? He asked. Often in today's society we let things like pride and bruised egos keep us from receiving that which is rightfully ours. David did not have that problem. He simply made his case to those with the ability to rectify the situation. In making his request David did two things: first and foremost he kept himself from being bitter and resentful by not allowing the situation to fester; second he gave his kinsmen in the tribe of Judah the opportunity to make things right. David didn't assume they wouldn't help him, in fact he trusted in the fact they would do the right thing. In other words, David had faith. We Christians often say, "God knows what I need" (indeed He does), so we don't see a need to ask. Yet, James 4:10 reads, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." Instead of getting angry at God for those things we erroneous believe He hasn't done, why not humble ourselves before Him and ask? As Christians we have the right, through Jesus, to ask without fear. "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." John 14:14

Who Are You Listening Too?

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." Numbers 20: 7-12

If you have been following this blog you are probably thinking to yourself, "man, this dude loves Moses", which is good for two reasons. One, because Moses deserves props, flaws and all, for what he did in service to God. And two, because now you won't think I'm using today's blog to pick on Moses. We see in the 20th chapter of the 4th Book of the Bible (Numbers) that God gives Moses clear instructions, and Moses proceeds to do his own thing. What? you say, you didn't read that. You say God told Moses to get water from the rock and Moses got water from the rock. True, but did you notice the method God told Moses to use? God told Moses to, "speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water," (Numbers 20:8). Now if you are observant, you are probably asking yourself, "his?". We will touch on that in a moment. But for now let's focus on what God said and what Moses did. God told Moses to speak to the rock, but instead Moses spoke to the people and struck the rock. God never told Moses to speak to the people other than to gather them together. In his defense, Moses is human just like you and me. How often have we thought we were doing the will of God, only to find out later we were using God to push our own agenda? It is easy to do. You mean well, but the enemy often uses the stresses of life to distract our attention while God is speaking. Never happened to you? Have you ever been sitting in church while the Gospel is being preached and you are thinking about the argument you had earlier that morning with your spouse? Or maybe you were thinking about that girl you like or what you were going to do after service. Moses was angry with the people, which caused him to feel self-righteous. This was uncharacteristic for Moses, but it had been 40 years of listening to the constant murmuring and complaining. He lost it, just for a moment, but that's all it takes. We all have to be ever mindful of the dangers of listening to the enemy's voice, especially when it sounds good to our itching ears. Can't you picture Satan tempting Moses: Moses you need to give these ungrateful people a piece of your mind, after all you have done for them. Did you pick up the pattern of the enemy? He wants you to put your total focus on yourself, which causes you to take your eyes off of God. Moses didn't deliver the people, God did. Moses didn't give them water, God did. Don't misunderstand, there is tremendous honor and privilege that comes with being the instrument of God, but we are only the instrument. God is the source. Now back to the rock, the Apostle Paul clears up the mystery of "his water". I Corinthians 10:1-4 reads, " Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." You see, if we would just ask Jesus for what we need rather than giving in to our own insecurities, we would see unending blessings. "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters." John 7:37-38

Ready To Sweat?

"Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.
Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.
I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand." Deuteronomy 9:24-26

In the 9th Chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the events surrounding God's giving of the Ten Commandments and the people's fall into idolatry. As a result we see an illustration of what made Moses great and why God chose him to lead. Chapter 32 of the Book of Exodus tells us about God's great anger with the people and how Moses interceded on their behalf to save them. Moses' primary concerns were doing the will of God and getting the people of God to the promise land. So great was Moses' concern that he laid down before God and prayed 40 days and 40 nights on their behalf. How many of us have that type of dedication? Yet we want God to move and do great signs and wonders on our behalf. So I ask you today, are you ready to sweat? Are you ready to lay down before the Lord and pray for the lost? Understand, these were not innocents who just made a mistake, they (according to Moses) had been rebellious from the day he first met them. Nonetheless he labored and sweat on their behalf. Understand, God didn't say He was planning to kill Moses, just the people. God told Moses He would give him a new people to lead, but Moses said no. Would we have said no? Or would we have said, whatever your will is God, they are rebellious. Jesus, as always, said it best. "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

The Promise Is Yours

"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." Hebrews 6:13-15

Hebrews 6:18 tells us that it is "impossible for God to lie". Therefore it is important for us to stop constantly questioning/doubting God. If God made you a promise know that it will happen. How quickly it happens is dependent upon us. Remember, God promised the children of Israel that they would inherit the promise land, but they delayed the promise 40 years by their lack of faith. Lacking faith is the same thing as calling God a liar. If God made you a promise rest in it and endure as Abraham endured. If you are afraid lean on Philippians 4:6-7, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Do not let the enemy distract you with fear, instead cling to the promise. If you are facing a challenge to your faith, take a moment and read Genesis 22. Abraham didn't hesitate in placing Isaac upon the altar because he had confidence in the promise God had made to him. God promised him a son and numerous heirs. Abraham knew that no matter the path he was told to walk the outcome would be the same. He would have a son and heirs. God honored Abraham's faith and rewarded him with even greater blessings. When doubt creeps in meditate on the promise Jesus made to those of us who believe, "If ye ask any thing in my name, I will do it." John 14:14

I Feel You

"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." Matthew 26:38

One of the great benefits of being a christian is that we serve a God who can relate to us. Hebrews 2:17-18 says it best, "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." In other words, Jesus could have come to Earth in any form He chose, but Jesus purposely came in the form of a man so that He might feel and experience what we experience. Now here is the key: because Jesus knows what it feels like to suffer and be tempted He can "succour" (run to the rescue, bring aid, help, relief- The Merriam-Webster Dictionary) those of us who are suffering or being tempted. What an awesome God we serve. Think about it, God thought enough about us to not only redeem us, but to redeem us in such a way that would allow Him to actually feel what we feel. God knows just what we need because He has felt what we feel. We have often read or have often been taught about Christ being tempted in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11) But what about the temptation in the Garden of Gethsemane? What about the temptation to give up and not go to the cross? Jesus could have said I can't do it. I am so grateful that didn't happen. Feel like giving up? Think maybe it's not worth it? Reach out to the only true and living God who understands how you feel. The next time you feel like quitting, think about how Jesus confronted His most difficult hour (head on) and call on Him. "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me." Matthew 26:46

HOPE

"Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." Lamentations 3:19-26

It is easy to maintain one's faith when things are going well and we are able to see God's blessings manifesting in wondrous ways. But what happens to faith when we can't see God moving in our lives. That is not to say that God isn't always moving on our behalf, but sometimes it is easier to see than others. That was the situation facing the author of The Book Of Lamentations. God had destroyed Jerusalem due to the sins of the people. It was so bad that the author named the book "Ekah" which is the Hebrew word for "How". (KJV Study Bible-Zondervan) Can you imagine facing a situation so seemingly desperate that the only thing you can say is how? How did this happen? How did I wind up here? How do I get out of this? Yet in spite of the situation the author has the presence of mind to remember that God is still in charge. He remembers that his situation could be worse. It is only through God's great mercy that he is still breathing. As long as we are alive and breathing we have hope. There is still an opportunity for God to move in our lives. No matter how desperate your situation looks, know that God is still there moving on your behalf. David said it best in Psalm 139:8, "If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." God is always there. We just have to put our complete faith and trust in Him. Faith is the key as Jesus related to the blind men in Matthew 9:29, "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you."

Whose Will?

"But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see." Deuteronomy 3:26-28

In the days of my youth there was a popular secular song entitled, "How Deep Is Your Love?". For the world this is mostly a theoretical question. The world as most of you have discovered is centered around the individual. Therefore, their answer to the musical question raised by the songwriter is: skin deep. In other words, as long as I don't have to suffer, experience pain or discomfort I'm your man 100 grand. Now, contrast that attitude with the one exhibited by Moses in The Book Of Deuteronomy. Because of his disobedience, illustrated in The Book Of Numbers 20:7-12, Moses was forbidden by God to enter into the Promise Land. Yet, God commanded Moses to "encourage " and "strengthen" Joshua. Now, imagine for a minute, you have spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness with a people because of their disobedience and now they get to enter into the promise land and you don't. Not only that, but God commands you to train and equip your replacement. Could you do? Would you murmur and complain? Moses didn't complain, instead he proceeded to train and prepare Joshua and the people for their new life across the Jordan River. Moses understood that God is the center, and not he himself. Meditate on that the next time you are faced with a choice between your flesh and God's will. As great as Moses' actions were, they still pale in comparison to Jesus' display of love. Moses did after all sin against God, but Jesus was innocent and without sin. In spite of that fact we find these words in Matthew 26:42, "He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done."

Can I Talk About My Jesus

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen" Jude 24-25

Hallelujah! If Jude's words don't make you want to give a shout of praise you may need to check your body for a pulse. Not only can Jesus keep us from falling (no small feat if you are like me). He can present us faultless before Himself. Wrap your mind around this, if you can. Jesus, who died for our sins, who therefore knows how wicked and vile we were, is still able to look upon us and find no fault! What a mighty God we serve! Think about it. You love your parents, your spouse, your children but are you able to look upon them and not see fault? This goes way beyond forgiveness. You can forgive and still see fault. To look upon someone knowing that you were executed not for anything you did, but for what the person standing before you did and find no fault. Praise Him! Jude then lets us in on something even more remarkable! Jesus not only keeps us from falling and sees us as blameless before Himself, He does it with exceeding joy. Can you imagine not only seeing the person you died for as faultless, but rejoicing in the fact that they are standing before you in your glory? Amazing! When was the last time you gave God a sho nuff praise? Not one prompted by the pastor or the choir sing your favorite song, but a praise motivated just by the thought of Jesus: His goodness, His sacrifice and His great love. "For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost." Matthew 18:11

Don't Believe The Hype

"And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded saying, Go draw toward mount
Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh." Judges 4:6-9


Far too often we are led to believe that in Christianity women are only to play a role behind the scenes. Some misguided souls would like us to believe that women should be like children, seen and not heard. Well, if you've heard that let me just ask you to take a look at Deborah. Judges 4:4 reads, "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time." Notice the first thing the scripture says about her, "a prophetess" (female prophet). Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines a prophet as, "a person who spoke for God and who communicated God's message courageously...". So we know Deborah could not have been in the background or quiet. God instead used her to convey His message to the people. Also notice that though she led the people of God her second role was as a wife. Despite what some may tell you today, you can lead the body of Christ and still be a wife. Deborah's, third role was as a judge. The judge played a little different role in ancient Israel than what we think of today. The Judges ruled Israel as God's earthly representatives between the death of Joshua and the days in which people demanded a king (Saul). Deborah was a strong woman of faith, who was not afraid to lead. She was an example to all us of the type of leader we should all strive to be. While she never wavered in doing the will of God, she exhibit grace toward those she was charged with leading. Notice in the 4th chapter of the Book of Judges, she never called Barak out of his name nor belittled him. She didn't threaten to take his command, she encouraged him and led him by never wavering from what God said. So tell the devil and the world no. You don't have to behave like a female dog to garner respect and lead. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "What shall we then say to these Things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 Sexism, unfortunately is still a very real problem in some "churches". But whenever some one tries to bound you with tradition, remember Luke 13:12, "And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman thou art loosed from thy infirmity."

Hate Is Not An Option

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2

We live in a world that often teaches that the best way to get ahead is to sabotage the other guy. Some misguided souls will even pray against your success and well-being. That's why it is good to know that we serve a God who rewards those who care about others. In the 3rd chapter of the Book of 1 Kings verses 5-15, God appears to King Solomon in a dream. In the dream, God says to Solomon, "...Ask what I shall give thee." (1Kings 3:5) Instead of going through a laundry list of items he wanted for himself, he instead asked God for something else. "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" (1 Kings 3:9) Solomon had a one on one audience with God and his only thought was for the people he was assigned to lead. He didn't ask God to make them all obey or to strike down those who rebelled, instead he asked for an "understanding heart to judge thy people". God was so moved by Solomon's request, that He blessed him far more than he could have ever imagined. "And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches , and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days." (1 Kings 3:13) God rewards those who pray for and serve others. Therefore let not your heart be troubled by the actions of others, continue to pray to God and do God's will. Just remember Jesus' promise to those who follow Him. "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Mark 10:29-30

Who is Your Father?

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Corinthians 26-29

In recent years many of us have seen or experienced with much pain and sadness the fall of men and women of faith whom we have held in high esteem. We deemed them special and often idolized them due to their ability to preach and teach the Word of God. Far too often the fall of that individual led to a falling away of the flock. This frequently happens because we have not truly hidden the word in our hearts. The Apostle Paul clearly states in verses 26-29 of 1 Corinthians 1 that God chooses flawed individuals purposely. God knows that flesh will fail, it always has, from Adam through today. God wants to make it easy for us to distinguish between the man or woman He uses and Himself. Yet we insist upon worshipping the individual which only leads to heartbreak. It is not a new problem. Paul writes, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God giveth the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 The glory is God's alone. He is the source of all that is good in our lives. Appreciate those who are submitted to God, but do not allow them to become a stumbling block between you and God. Examine your faith. If something happens in your life, do you go to God first or your idol? I am not saying that you should not seek wise counsel, but let your first response be prayer. Christ is the ultimate intercessor. He sits on the right hand of the Father and pleads our case. Remember, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 Finally, we would all be wise to heed the words of Jesus, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:8-9

Are you telling the devil to try harder?

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

At the beginning of the popular movie "Hitch", the title character says that women often turn down men for dates by giving answers that seem like a rejection but actually have a hidden meaning. The character, Hitch, proposes that what many women are really saying amongst other things is, "try harder stupid". In many ways we as Christians do the same thing. In the Book of Judges we are introduced to the Nazarite (meaning separated or dedicated) Samson who is indeed submitted to God. "For lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come to his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." (Judges 13:5) Where Samson ran into trouble was in relation to the second sentence of James 4:7. You see Samson, who was used mightily by God had a thing for a gold digger by the name of Delilah. (Judges 16:4-5) As a result instead of resisting or walking away from her, he continued to entertain the devils of adultery, lust, fornication and seduction by flirting or playing games. (Judges 16: 6-14) You see Samson thought he had everything under control. But James said it best, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) And being unstable, Samson fell and suffered greatly. (Judges 16: 15-21) The enemy is persistent. Satan will wait you out, for he knows that if you flirt with him long enough you will eventually fall. Ask yourself this question: have I resisted the devil or am telling him to try harder stupid? Perhaps you haven't done anything physical, but are you sending mixed messages? Flirting is not harmless. The more time you spend with someone the more you tend to let your guard down. If you have fallen, do not despair. There is still hope. "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5 Just as God redeemed Samson, God can redeem you. (Judges 16:22-30) Take comfort in Jesus' words to Peter, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22: 31-32

Where is your focus?

"And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I annointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;" 2 Samuel 12:5-7

Although we often miss it, God often shows us the fault in others so that we might see the fault in ourselves and repent. In the 12th chapter of 2 Samuel, God sends Nathan to David with a parable of a rich man and a poor man. The rich man in the parable wrongs the poor man by taking his only lamb and killing it, this clearly angers David. It is only then that Nathan reveals to David that he is the rich man. David had been in denial about his sin because he was not forced to confront it. God, because of His great love for David would not allow him to continue down the path of destruction. In order to help David see his sin clearly, he had to first demonstrate the severity of the sin in a manner David could clearly identify with. Remember David had been a shepherd, so he understood the value of sheep. It was a matter dear to his heart. Once God put it to David in a manner he could relate to, God then revealed to David his own sin. God still teaches in the same way today. Have you ever left a church because the pastor gossiped and told half truths about you? Have you ever stopped and considered your sin in this situation? What, you say you were the victim? Perhaps, but ask yourself this question: Was it the first time the pastor gossiped or told a half truth (a lie)? Were you present when he gossiped about others? Did you look at your neighbor on the church pew and laugh or shake your head? Guess what, you were a willing accomplice in his sin. You enjoyed the gossip as long as it wasn't about you. However, when it was your turn it was wrong. Don't misunderstand, God is not telling you to go back to that church, but he is telling you that there may be some things you need to clean up in your own life. Take the focus off of the other person and put it back where it belongs. Remember what Jesus said, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7:3

THE WAY

"Jesus saith unto, him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Too often in the modern day church we trivialize the importance of Christ Jesus. In our rush (however well meaning we may be) to be close to God the Father we often neglect and over look God the Son. In our zeal to become: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11) we often forget that the only sure and true way to the heart of the Father is through His Son. Like all children we all long for closeness with the Father. God also longs to be close to us. Yet we must not forget that while we were sinners, it was Christ who reconciled us to the Father. (Romans 5:8-10) In our hast to do the will of God, we should all remember 1 Samuel 15:22 "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, And to hearken than the fat of rams." I will end with the Father's words to Peter, James and John, "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Matthew 17:5