love – Messes To Masterpieces

Got Born Again?

April 7, 2023

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Act 19:2

As a continuation of the previous post, we will move along to the topic of the indwelling of God’s Spirit, how this happens, how we know when this happens, and what the term “Born Again” means. And thank you for following along in this discussion. And may God impart to you everything He has to offer you. But before we begin there is a story to tell.

The Story of “The Bride”

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Matthew 25:12

The following is a true story. Years ago a young man visited the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and struck up a conversation with a library staff member. During their small talk about frivolous topics, the young man was startled by something in his peripheral vision. That something was what looked like a woman dressed in white moving toward the elevator bank in the left-hand corner of the room. In fact, it looked like a woman dressed in what appeared to be a wedding dress moving into an opening elevator. The young man asked the staff member: “What was that? Was that a woman dressed in a wedding gown?” In the most nonchalant and passionless manner possible, as if rambling off an ISBN number, he replied: “Oh, that’s the bride“.

Then further details ensued: “Yes, we call her “The Bride”, she comes here all the time, dressed in a wedding dress. She takes the elevators to the upper floors of the library, to the “stacks”, the most remote area of the building where most people don’t visit”.

And then the explanation followed: “Years ago, as a young woman, she was stood up by the groom on her wedding day. He never showed up at the church for the marriage ceremony. And you see what it did to her. She lost her mind and never recovered.” The bride. A woman dressed in a white wedding dress, in the Library of Congress, in the middle of a Saturday summer afternoon, walking into an elevator. Wow!

The young man is said to have never forgotten the mental image. The image of a broken woman dressed in a wedding gown walking through a library.

Why mention this story that brings chills when reading it? Because it is the story of the five foolish virgins as recorded in Matthew Chapter 25 in Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Virgins. Why did Jesus tell them “I know you not”? The reason for their rejection was that they did not carry oil in their lanterns and allow its light to “guide them into all truth“. (Psa 119:105; Pro 6:23; Joh 16:13)

The oil is symbolic of God’s Spirit. These virgins somehow and somewhere were not filled with the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost. And as a result of not having oil, it was not the groom, but the bride in this story who stood up her prospective husband – Jesus Christ. When Jesus announced the time of the marriage, five of his future brides failed to show up and he shut the door on them.

Tragic. It’s tragic and frightening to even think about it. But it’s God’s word. And God does not lie. It is a warning to all of us that we all need to be filled, empowered, sealed, and led by God’s Spirit. This story will build the foundation of what follows and connect our previous discussion on accepting and believing in Jesus and what being “born again” means according to the Bible.

What Does Being Born Again Mean?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5, 7

Nicodemus was perplexed by this man from Galilee that everyone was talking about. Apparently, he heard and likely personally witnessed the miracles following Jesus’ ministry. So, he visited Jesus at night to inquire about the source of his power and this Kingdom of God Jesus was preaching about. In Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, he mentions two elements needed to be part of God’s kingdom.

And to get there involved a new birth process that included a birth of water and spirit. As Jesus explained, this experience would be so life-changing that he referred it to as literally being born all over again. Are these two subjects discussed elsewhere in the Bible? If so, are they only for the original believers in the early church? Or are they still pertinent to us in the 21st century? Let’s see.

Born Of The Water – Repentance & Water Baptism

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

God always blesses where He places His name. In the Old Testament, the Lord placed his name on and blessed the Tabernacle, the Temple, and a city (Jerusalem). The Lord no longer places His name on and blesses physical structures. Instead, he places His name upon and blesses people, his body on earth, the Body of Christ, and the church He is coming back for. Jesus places his name upon you and blesses you when you are baptized in his name, the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins through water baptism. It is the only name that can save us. (Acts 4:12)

And a bride takes on the name of her husband. The early church always baptized in only one name, the name of Jesus Christ. Here are five instances recorded in the Bible where people were either baptized or instructed to be baptized in Jesus’ name: Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, 22:16 (‘calling on’ – to invoke, entitle). Is this not the way the church should baptize believers today?

Where does the role of repentance fit into the equation of being born again? Well, repentance precedes receiving anything from the Lord. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, preached the message of repentance (Mat 3:2, 11; Mar 1:4 & Luk 3:3). And Jesus carried the message onward (Mat 4:17; Mar 1:15, 2:17 & Luk 13:3, 5, 24:47). Is there a need to fully repent before being baptized? Repentance cleans the heart and prepares one to receive the best things God has for us (Mat 9:17; Mar 2:22 & Luk 5:37-39):

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

Born Of The Spirit – The Promise of The Father

As referenced in the previous post, Jesus gave his disciples a future promise that a comforter will come that would be “with” them and “in” them (Jhn 14:15-18). And the promise was not only for the disciples but as spoken by Peter on the Day of Pentecost in 33 A.D, to “all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call”. (Acts 2:39). Let’s digress here for a moment. Some say that what transpired in the Book of Acts was only for that particular day and for that particular group of believers. It has no relevance for us today.

The digression here is to mention the recent revival at Ashbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky that captivated news media outlets for weeks. A revival in its most simplistic terms is an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon an individual or individuals earnestly seeking all that He has for them. In Ashbury, this outpouring occurred after a large group of assembled people sincerely sought the face of God in heartfelt repentance.

Many YouTube videos were documenting this event. A person commented on one of those videos that what was taking place in Ashbury was similar to the original outpouring of God’s spirit on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in the Book of Acts. A reply was made to that comment stating that the Book of Acts was nothing more than a historical book, a book of record of the early church and the spiritual happenings in Ashbury was basically emotionalism without a Biblical foundation.

Well, if that is true, then that is true. But as the saying goes: “Someone with an experience is never at the mercy of someone with only an opinion”.

It’s too late to refute the truth. I experienced my own personal Pentecost as a teenager in my last year of high school, backslid for 12 years, and God in His great mercy refilled me with the Holy Ghost at thirty years of age. I personally know many others who have been filled with the Spirit. And not to mention the volumes written about the spirit outpourings at the turn of the 20th century in Topeka, KS (1901), Galena, KS (1903), the Azuza Street revival in Los Angeles, CA (1906), the Philippines, Ethiopia, Russia, China and all over the world. God is still pouring out his spirit on the hungry and on those who sincerely seek after him!

It’s not all snake oil, hocus pocus, works of satan, or some New Age concocted phenomenon. There is a genuine movement of God’s spirit on earth. Yes, the devil will always attempt to pollute, discredit and contaminate every work of God. But God always puts his truth through the fires of testing. The truth is revealed by fire – God’s fire and not false fire. And the fire came in 33 A. D. and the fire continues to fall today:

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:2-4

This is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that his spirit would be “in” them and “with” them. Which is the infilling of the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost in the heart and spirit of a believer. In the following verse. Jesus states the essential condition that goes beyond just believing in him:

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:38-39

What is the condition? The condition is to believe on Jesus according to his word. When one believes on Jesus in complete obedience to the word of God, the Spiritual birth (“rivers of living water“) is available for that believer.

Evidence of Being Born Of The Spirit

We cannot leave this discussion without first touching on this one last subject. Going back to the previous post “Accepting The Lord Jesus Christ As Savior Is Overrated” the main touchpoint was the premise that one “received the spirit” instantaneously upon believing in Jesus. The spirit was imparted during this mental exchange or assent of faith. Well, in fact, the Bible succinctly tells us that there is more to it. Can this assertion be backed up by scripture? It most certainly can.

The Apostle Paul happened upon “believers” in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. He inquired if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed. Let’s stop here. Did God have more for these believers? Indeed, he did for the Apostle asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit “since they believed”. How did both the believers and Paul know that they did in fact receive it? It’s recorded right here:

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6

They knew because they spoke in tongues. Here is another instance in the Bible of people receiving the Spirit of God. In this scene, Peter sees a vision of a sheet descending from heaven holding unclean birds and beasts and is instructed to go to Caesarea with a group of men coming to his house and visit a Gentile man named Cornelius. While Peter was speaking and witnessing about Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household. How did Peter and his companions from Joppa know that these Gentile believers received the Holy Spirit? The Bible tells us how:

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Acts 10:46

Speaking in tongues is the sign God gives someone to assure them that they receive the genuine Spirit of God. Why tongues? Why not turn four shades of pink? Why not have your ears do one-eighties? Please pardon me. God chose the tongue because it is the most uncontrollable and unruly member of the body. James tells us so. (Jas 3:5-8) What is the big deal about that?

The big deal is it shows that GOD IS IN CONTROL AND NOT US! No man can give someone the baptism of the Spirit, it is a supernatural impartation and manifestation from God himself. Receiving the Holy Ghost is a tangible experience. In His mercy, the Lord designed it this way so you can definitely and tangibly be assured you have received it from God and God alone. It is his seal over you for eternal safekeeping. (Eph 1:13-14; Heb 5:9)

The Difference Between Words & Words That Are On Fire

One last thing. if nothing resonated with you here, know this and at least depart with this last takeaway. There is an enemy out to destroy you, your children, your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your world. His name is satan (the ‘s’ intentionally in lowercase) or the devil. This enemy cannot be defeated by feeble works of the flesh. Let it be known that there is one thing the devil cannot handle. Do you know what that is? Fire.

The devil cannot handle God’s fire because he fears it. He fears it because that is where he is headed, to a lake of fire prepared by God. (Rev 20:10). This warfare can only be won by the inworking and outworking of God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and by the Word of God, the Word that is on fire!

Being born again infuses true believers with fire, Holy Ghost fire. And the enemy fears you from having it because it will defeat him, it will strip him, it will shame him, it will shackle him, and it will bring his works of destruction to naught. It’s been said that “if the devil is not rocking your world, could it be you are rocked to sleep?” And God’s fire rocks the devil’s world.

The devil would never die for you. Given the chance, satan would never allow himself to be nailed to a cross, bleed, be shamed, endure agony and humiliation to save you from a death of sin. Why not? Because he is too full of himself (Isa 14:13-14).

But Jesus did. Jesus gave everything and is ready today to make you new again through the new birth. Got born again?

May God Bless You & Keep You In Jesus’ Name!

Happy Easter 2023

Blessings At The Bottom Of The Barrel

March 2, 2023

And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 1 Kings 17:12

No doubt you are familiar with the idiom – the bottom of the barrel. You know that place where life’s circumstances and conditions cannot get much worse. A place known for its darkness, emptiness, futility, despair, and the list goes on.

One dictionary describes it this way: “The location of persons or things of the very lowest quality, the least desirable, the dregs”. -The Free Dictionary

Here are some words that might describe what it feels like when placed in life’s proverbial barrel bottom:

Stuck
Hopelessness
Suffocating
Frustrated
Irritated
Depressed
Anxious

Can you relate? Have you been there? Are you there now? It is interesting to note that the Lord oftentimes places us in impossible situations, at the “bottom of the barrel” if you will, to learn something about Him, and to also learn something about ourselves.

As the saying goes, it’s not over until God says over. And the saying holds true today. When life’s situations and circumstances speak the impossible, it’s time to allow God to step onto the scene and see what only He can do. And God is the God of the impossible.

We’ll look into the lives of two people recorded in the Bible as perfect examples of being pushed to life’s bottom. Let’s see what they experienced and how their ultimate survival can teach us a life lesson. One was a widow woman and the other was a king.

From Emptiness To Blessedness

Her name is never mentioned. She was just a poor widow woman with a son who lived in a town named Zarephath. That’s all we know about her. Yet, God decided to use her life to tell the rest of the world that His miracles are real and they are ordained only through His command. As the story unfolds, Elijah is instructed by God to visit this woman because God had a mission for the prophet to accomplish:

Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. 1 Kings 17:9

Notice what the verse says. It says that this mission to provide food for the servant of God, from a poor woman, was “commanded” by God himself. This is where the paradox of the whole situation comes in. God is instructing a man who has nothing to go to someone who has nothing left to give. That’s not the way it works, right? It’s all about the law of supply and demand. You give from your surplus to receive someone else’s excess. But this is not the way God works. God works in the supernatural. God can take nothing and make it everything. This is exactly what he did for a poor woman who was down to her last scraps of food:

This widow woman was living at the bottom, at the very end of her existence. There was no 401k plan to bank on, no pension check coming in the mail and no secret cache of cash under the bed mattress. Nothing. But she gave anyway. Despite the risk involved, the widow woman obeyed the man of God and gave everything she had. Her faith was activated. Her faith propelled her to trust God. And God saw it, God honored it, and God blessed it:

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:14-16

And it’s not always about giving monetarily. The giving of one’s time. compassion, love, care, concern, and forgiveness also apply here. When these things are given from a seemingly empty well, God can only respond with His favor and blessings:

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:10-11

Scattered, Scarred and Recharged

David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. 1 Samuel 23:13

You know the story. The young boy with a penchant for strumming a stringed instrument, singing to the God he loved while on the job tending his father’s sheep. The true rags to riches story. But it was not always rainbows, guitars, and Cadillacs for the young man. He faced his enemies, a lot of enemies. Even after being anointed the next King of Israel, he paced the earth awaiting his calling’s arrival.

The king in power did not acquiesce without a fight (nor does the god of this world). There were many days scorched by the heat of uncertainty, protected only by afternoon clouds laced with doubt. And the expansive, stary night sky only mocked him as he pondered the absence of God, the God he knew who created all things. But he kept on. The lessons he learned years ago burned something in his spirit that the God he loved would not fail him. He read about it, he sang about it, and he wrote about it:

A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Psalms 103:1-4

So, he kept running for his life, life at the bottom. Until God showed up. And he did. His Lord did not fail him and restored everything he seemed to have lost:

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 2 Samuel 5:4

God Will Meet You At The Bottom

And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

There is something noteworthy about the above scripture that can slip by undetected. It’s Jesus’ remarkable ability of discernment, that out of a crowd of several thousand, he knew exactly how far, how much sacrifice some of them had made to “tough it out” with him in this wilderness situation. Apparently, some had sacrificed more than others. Some had endured more hardship to travel and hear the Master speak than the fellow across the field did. Was this a test? No doubt it was. He was testing the determination of this crowd to see who would leave the creature comforts of home aside to be near this talked about miracle worker named Jesus Christ.

And Jesus knows how far you’ve traveled. He sees your sacrifice. He knows how far you may have fallen into the dregs of life and how far down you may have descended. With Jesus, it’s never too far because he is waiting for you where you are, at the bottom of your barrel.

Just when you think you’ve hit the bottom where there is no hope, God shows up and changes the whole situation. Just like he did in this situation with a hungry crowd of people far from home with nothing to eat. And just like he did for a poor widow woman and for a homeless king wandering in a wilderness. Nothing is ever the same after God touches it. Ever.

What is the common thread in each of these two examples? Three things – attitude, attitude, attitude. It’s all about our attitude when sitting at the bottom. Because altitude is determined by attitude.

We cannot ignore three aspects of going to the bottom of anything – you did not voluntarily go there, you did not want to stay there, and certainly, you did not want to return there. That is until you discover the miracle reserved only for those who go to the bottom and patiently wait for God to show up.

Here are some takeaways from observing two lives traveling along their path of faith:

God knows exactly how far down you’ve gone.
God is there at the bottom.
God is not too aloof or distant to not travel to the end with you and for you.
God will take your emptiness and turn it into His blessedness.
God will teach you lessons at the bottom that will later take you to the top.

It is not over until God says it’s over. Even at the bottom of the barrel.

In the barrel or out of the barrel – Be Blessed in Jesus’ Name. Amen

By Invitation Only

February 17, 2023

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

By Invitation Only – you have seen the phrase before, and no doubt have been on both sides of the equation. You have either been honored to be the recipient of an invitation to attend a special event or on the other hand, been overlooked or ended up on the shortlist just as easily. I have experienced both scenarios – elation in one case and feelings of rejection and forlornness in the other. Did you know that entrance into God’s Kingdom is also ‘By Invitation Only’?

Yes, the call is to all, however, not all of God’s invitations are created equal. We will look into five invitation types – the forged, the lost, the ignored, the neglected, and the arrived. Let’s dive into this.

Every Good & Perfect Gift Comes From God

Let’s lay some foundation before moving along. And that is this: every good and perfect gift comes from only one source – God:

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

What are some good and perfect gifts? Here are some, you may have others to add:

The desire to love God
The capacity to reverence and fear God
The desire to pray
The desire to worship, praise & offer thanksgiving to the Lord
The desire to repent and keep a repentant heart
The desire to be faithful to the house of God
Faithful in giving
Faithful in reading & studying God’s Word
Showing compassion to others (the poor, widows, orphans, disadvantaged, abused, weak, and the sick)
The desire to be a servant
The desire to seek God’s will
The desire to see fellow brothers & sisters prosper, mature, and advance in the body of Christ
The desire to see me as the lesser, and others as the bigger

And the list goes on. The point is all of these gifts come from God. We can’t “take credit” for any of them. The very desire to “will” the work of God originates from the Lord. There is scripture to prove the statement:

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

From here we can understand that it is God who is the source of all things good and perfect. The only good in us comes from God. We are not good within ourselves. It is said that we cannot even get good enough for God to accept us. It is a futile endeavor to think we can. The real conflict is not God accepting us, it is us accepting God! Okay. let’s really go over the edge here. There is a popular song in the Christian worship space with the following tag line:

“I am who you say I am. You are for me, Not against me”.

Okay, that is great. But is not the following line even greater?

“You are who you say you are. And that’s all I need to know!”

Revelation has more staying power than affirmation. Let’s move along.

You may ask: What do you mean by all this? Let’s look at someone in the Bible who thought he could position himself to where God had to accept him, accept him for his own goodness. And this is the first invitation type and it belonged to a man named Cain,

The Forged Invitation

And in process of time, it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. Genesis 4:3

Most know the tragic story of Cain and his brother Abel. God established his standards for what constituted an acceptable offering – a living sacrifice. Abel offered “the firstlings of his flock” as his sacrifice (acceptable) while his brother Cain offered “the fruit of the ground” (unacceptable). And Cain became offended when the Lord let him know his offering was unacceptable. The result? The rejection enraged him to the point of taking the life of his brother.

What was Cain’s problem? His problem was he attempted to forge his own invitation to Heaven. He sought to make it to Heaven on his own merits, his own goodness, and on his own terms. God was not fooled.

This was not God’s only encounter with forgers. Jesus experienced them during his earthly ministry. The rich, young ruler was one and Jesus’ run-ins with the Pharisees and Sadducees comprised the list of the other forgers. These people thought they knew the way to eternal life better than God did.

Before plowing into the next type, it is worth mentioning that the next four are all derived from Jesus’ parable about the seed. This parable is essentially a window into how the Word of God, the “Invitation” if you will, is received and ultimately handled by its intended recipient.

The Lost Invitation

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. Luke 8:5

Here the invitation did not even make it to the intended recipient. The word was disconnected from its target, was lost in transit, and never delivered. How can this happen? First, it was not communicated. The Apostle Paul addressed this phenomenon in The Book of II Corinthians:

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 2 Corinthians 4:3

The Word, God’s truth was not delivered. In the next verse we can also see that even if a delivery attempt was made, there is an enemy who can make it appear invisible. The capacity to see and understand the invitation to eternal life is compromised to the extent that it’s as if it was never delivered.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

When they went to look for mail in their proverbial mailbox, God’s love letters sent personally to them, their unbelief caused them to see nothing but dark, empty space.

The Ignored Invitation

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. Luke 8:6

Here we see the invitation is making some progress in its delivery route. It was actually received and read, as it “sprung up”. The word’s effect upon the heart began its work. However, that work was cut short. Why? Because it was not taken seriously. The reader’s indifference to the meaning and importance of the invitation’s message caused it to be ignored.

Like when you receive mail and stack it in a pile to be read at a later time because it lacks the distinction of bearing something important. It could be the name of the deliverer, the appearance of the envelope or packaging, the stamp is watermarked and is not one personally licked and applied, or it is not certified mail that required a signature. Or the mail was opened, however, its contents were deemed unimportant, of no value, irrelevant or immaterial. So, its contents were not taken seriously. For these, the gospel was just not attractive and did not grip the heart.

The Neglected Invitation

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. Luke 8:7

Again, the message gains more traction here. The invitation was delivered, it was read and even taken seriously at first. The date and time of the event was penciled in on the calendar. It was determined that this event would not be missed. The RSVP line was filled in and the invitation was placed on a desk to be sent back. However, between the ’emotion’ surrounding the excitement and anticipation of the future event and the grating of time, something tragically happened. The thrill wore off, the joy dissipated, and the invitation’s aura paled.

Why? Things got in the way. In fact, another event happened to coincide with the date and time listed on the invitation, and it was decided this other affair would instead be attended. The Apostle John tells us exactly what happened here:

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:4

Left thy first love. This will snuff out good intentions every time, especially with things concerning eternal life and the kingdom of God.

The Arrived Invitation

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. Luke 8:8

Lastly, here the path of the invitation has run its course. It was read, and understood, its impact clearly appreciated, and the event contained in its contents was ultimately attended by its recipient. The gospel for these folks absolutely swept the reader “off their feet”. They simply fell in love with Jesus and remained obedient to God’s word! Such will it take to make it into the gates of Heaven.

It has been said that Heaven’s invitations are not what is most important. The most important element in arriving at eternal life is showing up with the boarding pass. And Jesus stands at its gate to collect our invitation:

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9

In Conclusion

We have discussed the circuitous and meandering path God’s call and His invitation to eternal life can take. Not all of the invitations God sends out are received and respected. Many are offered an invitation, but as we’ve seen. not as many are faithful enough to show up at the boarding gate with the pass in hand. May we not become weary in well doing but persevere through these trying times to hear those comforting words of the Master – enter thou into the joy of thy lord. welcome in thy good and faithful servant!

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. John 6:65

So Come Lord Jesus

November 18, 2022

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

So Come Lord Jesus

Have you ever experienced a situation or situations in life where you just wished Jesus would step on the scene? Or, after confronting a major trial or test your hope was for the Lord to simply call you home? If you have not, you have possibly known someone who has. Being exiled on the Isle of Patmos, no doubt the Apostle John was living there at the time of the writing of the Book of Revelation. It is in these situations where the heart can boldly cry out “So come Lord Jesus!“.

These four words are the last few words recorded in the Bible’s final book, And the very last four words written right before the book’s ending “grace benediction”. This should tell us something. And it does. What exactly is the Apostle John telling us here? Basically, the phrase is a plea: “Jesus, we desire your presence, are eager for your return, and hope you will not delay. We can hardly wait any longer and will not be disappointed if you come right now!”.

To be confident enough to say that means one thing – you are ready for the Lord’s second return to earth, which is a core theme communicated in The Book of Revelation. Jesus stresses six times in Revelation the urgency of being ready for his Second Coming with his phrase “I come quickly” (Rev 2:5,16, 3:11, 22:7, 12 & 20). Jesus alludes to the critical importance of readiness in these three words. In short, because of the almost mysterious nature of Jesus’ Second Coming, he is implying to “Be Ready“. Be ready all the time and be ready at all times.

There is an underlying theme to this concept of readiness that we can sometimes miss. It is the element of timing. Specifically, our reaction to the timing of Jesus’ return to earth. And there is no better example to illustrate its significance than in one of Jesus’ well-known parables, The Parable of the Ten Virgins.

Timing Come Down to Two Things

Before jumping into the heart of the matter it may be worth mentioning or refreshing our understanding of the definition of the word “parable”. Here is one of the best descriptions of what a parable is: “A parable is an earth-based story that describes or illuminates a heavenly truth”. With that under our belt let’s jump into this.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is recorded in Matthew chapter 25. Here is a situation where ten virgins are awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. Jesus alludes their anticipation (Mat 25:1) to the arrival of the kingdom of Heaven, or the Second Coming of Jesus to the earth. As the parable unfolds, we are told five of the virgins are equipped with lamp oil (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) with five of the virgins lacking that oil.

Let’s digress here for a moment. There is nothing more deadly in Satan’s arsenal than his attempts to hinder, suppress and impede God’s mission on earth by blocking the flow of the Holy Ghost through the Body of Christ. For it is the Spirit that energizes the Word of God in one’s life to ignite living faith into action. Okay, let’s move on.

The virgins are then unexpectantly jarred in the middle of the night by the shrill – “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Mat 25:6). The five wise virgins prepare to take their already lit lanterns to go and meet their bridegroom. To their dismay, the foolish virgins find themselves in a quandary as they have no light source to make that journey. And their attempt to harvest oil from their prepared companions fails.

In the end, the foolish virgins arrive too late and are rejected from entering the marriage banquet. And again, we hear the familiar words of Jesus: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Mat 25:13). What was one key differentiator (other than preparation) that determined the final outcome of the two groups of virgins? The answer is – timing.

For the wise virgins timing meant absolutely nothing. They were ready and prepared at all times. It was inconsequential to those virgins if the bridegroom came at midnight, 4am, 9am, a week later, six months later, or six decades later. The timing simply did not matter to them.

This was not the case for the foolish virgins. Because timing meant everything to them. Their marriage (salvation) hinged on them either being called to the marriage banquet in the middle of the day or by perchance, they happened to have lantern oil on the night the marriage cry was made. Depending on the timing, they would either be saved or find themselves facing God’s judgment (Mat 25:12). In the final scheme of things, timing will either mean nothing or timing will mean everything at the Second Coming of Jesus!

The Right Mind, At All Times

To continue on this thought of timing, let’s turn our attention to how it not only impacted the lives of Jesus’ parents but also everyone who would read Luke’s account of Jesus’ initiation to the Temple at Jerusalem. There are two people recorded in the New Testament that have always stood out as personifying what it means to be consistently ready and zealously cognizant of the time in which one lives. Furthermore, given the role they would play in the Saviour’s introduction into the Jewish faith system, it was critical that their reaction to God’s timing be perfect. They are Simeon and the prophetess Anna.

We are introduced to Simeon in Luke chapter 2 (vs 25-32). No other account of his life is recorded in the Bible. He was simply a man described as “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel:” who God had chosen to reveal the Messiah to before he died (Luk 2:26). Another aspect of Simeon’s life is given to us. He was sensitive to God’s Spirit and yielded in obedience to the spirit’s leading:

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Luke 2:27

Is that not all that God really needs to advance his Kingdom, willing and obedient vessels? Apparently, it was all that Simeon needed for the Lord to use him. The Lord chose this common man to prophetically announce Jesus’ Messianic role as the Savior of the world (Luk 2:28-35) as Joseph and Mary brought him to the temple. What a profound mission God called Simeon to fulfill. Since he was queued into God’s spirit it did not matter to him when the Lord prompted him to visit the temple. Simeon was ready.

Another humble and nondescript person used at this same instance in time was Anna the prophetess. We read about Anna in Luke 2:36-38. What was exemplary about her life? She devoted her entire life to temple service, night and day, with prayers and fasting:

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day Luke 2:37

Now that is living a life of total dedication to God. One could say Anna and Simeon had the right mind, all the time. God’s timing was immaterial to them because they were perpetually tuned into their faith in God’s word and the leading of the Spirit. Notice that they both arrived at the Temple exactly at the right time. That was not coincidental. Nothing happens happenstance in God’s kingdom. And nothing happens without prayer, fasting and sincere devotion to God’s work on earth. It just cannot be done any other way. The Bible gives us real examples through the lives of Simeon and Anna that that is how God operates.

Time Remains to Get Ready

God is faithful, merciful, longsuffering, gracious, loving, and passionate about His church. Jesus’ primary mission on earth was to destroy the works of the devil (death – I Joh 3:8) and to bring salvation to lost humanity. You might ask: “What does all that mean?” It means that until Jesus returns, there is still time to find lamp oil, become a wise steward and be a useful vessel for God to use in these endtimes we are living in. The Lord is forever bidding for people to come to the soon marriage supper of the Lamb (Joel 2:28; Luk 14:23; Rev 22:7).

If you find yourself under the weight of the “spirit of the age” or incapacitated by past abuse, failures, mistakes, shortcomings or sins, bring them to Jesus who is both ready and willing to hear your sincere prayer and give you the strength you need in your day of trouble! (Psa 37:39, 46:1)

Refuse to quit. Your breakthrough is just one prayer away. And with God, His timing is always perfect. Be ready for it!

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44

Stripped, Shamed & Shackled

July 4, 2021

And having spoiled (stripped) principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly (shamed), triumphing (shackled) over them in it. Colossians 2:15

He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets. The Message Bible

Today in America we celebrate July 4th – Independence Day. It is a day to reflect and consider our nation’s greatest attribute, our freedom and independence over tyranny. “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice FOR ALL”.

We know that these two seven-lettered words did not and do not come without a cost and a very high price. We stand as a nation of relative freedom and liberty because of the sacrifice of men and women who endured two world wars, an economic collapse, conflicts in the Middle East, political and ideological uprisings in far places of the world all for the purpose of keeping these underlying principles intact in our nation.

It is said there is a heavenly component intertwined in each and every earthly event. What transpires in earthly, physical happenings are the direct result of powers and forces occupying the spiritual sphere. Jesus himself asserted: “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven“. (Mat 18:18) This constant interplay between the earth and heaven will one day end (Rev Ch. 21). But until then, we are in the middle of the greatest power struggle in God’s creative universe – the battle for the soul; your soul, your family’s souls and the souls of your friends and neighbors. And the one who survives this epic battle and power struggle is determined by who and what is ultimately permanently stripped, shamed and shackled. Let’s dive into this a little bit more.

Enemy Warfare Tactics – Stripping, Shaming & Shackling

The two key components in warfare operate at two levels – the physical and the psychological (mental). Which is the most powerful? You are right, the mental aspect of conflict. If your enemy becomes mentally defeated, you have won the war. The enemy of our soul, satan, understands this concept very well The human mind is in the crosshairs of his spiritual sniper scope to launch his campaigns of frustration, hopelessness, fatigue, offenses, strife and confusion.

The first level of attack is physical in nature and involves a process of uncovering to expose weaknesses, vulnerabilities or failures. An example of this is seen in the account of King David’s servants and the Ammonites:

Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 2 Samuel 10:4

The Ammonites stripped David’s servants of their beards and clothes. What effect did this have on their morale and mental state? You guessed it:

When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. 2 Samuel 10:5

The men were shamed and subsequently decommissioned (shackled) for several months until their confidence and self-value was restored.

The same strategy was used against Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden:

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked (stripped); and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Genesis 3:7

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself (shamed). Genesis 3:10

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken (shackled). Genesis 3:23

Satan uses these same tactics against us:

They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. Psalm 64:5-6

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Psalms 35:4

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: Psalms 35:15

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me. Psalms 35:26

And Satan used the same strategy against Jesus. First he was stripped:

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. Matthew 27:28 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:31

Then Jesus was shamed:

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! John 19:5

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

And lastly Jesus was shackled:

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. John 19:17-18

Jesus – The Master of Turning Tables Around

Jesus was known to turn a few tables over (Joh 2:15), but he also turned some tables “around”. Around that is on the devil. What Satan did to Jesus, Jesus turned right around and used the same tactics against him.

First Jesus ‘stripped” Satan of his power over death:

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Mat 28:2
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Mat 28:5-6

Jesus’ resurrection tilted and shifted the power and authority structures in heaven and in earth. Jesus stripped satan of his power over death and forever proved who now ruled kingdoms in heaven and on earth. Satan would now no longer be death’s gregarious, arrogant power broker. His strutting and bold, arrogant triumphant parading of the death threat over God’s creation ended when Jesus ‘stripped’ him of death’s power by conquering and defeating it in a darkened tomb three days after his crucifixion.

Jesus ascended up into the Heaven’s in a glorified body and seated on the righthand (symbolism of ultimate power) of God (Mk 16:19, Lk 22:69).

This stripping and resulting humiliation brought shame to satan and his hordes of cursed, ungodly spirits. And shame always fills voids left by pretense, baseless authority and vain boasting. What is their shame? Jesus, the light of truth, exposes Satan and his hordes of who they really are. They are fallen spirits (Jude 1:6), with no hope and destined for eternal punishment (Rev 20:10). Jesus’ church, those born of water and the spirit have living inside of them the exact same Spirit that was in Jesus (Rom 8:11). “Born again” believers now have the power and authority to expose these spirits and take authority over them (Lk 9:1, Mk 16:17-18).

It was customary for the Roman army to take the vanquished and defeated foes and march and parade them through the city streets to humiliate and shame them. It was described as “triumphing” over them.

Jesus did the exact same thing Satan did to him when he defeated the spiritual kingdom of darkness and made his ascent to heaven:

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15

What was the prize? The prize was the stripping and shackling of a spiritual authority structure of gifts that shifted from the heavenly sphere to the earth. Jesus stripped, shamed and shackled these spirits, and in turn, took gifts originally intended to minister to him in Heaven (fallen angelic spirits now demoted to earth), to now minister through his church, the body of Christ, on earth.

This authority structure is what is now commonly called the five-fold ministry; a ministry that energizes church growth, defeats and deflects the works of the devil, empowers the gospel message to lead souls to repentance and experience the new birth, gives believers victory over sin and death, and lastly, for the perfection of God’s people:

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:8

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:10-12

Jesus – The Greatest Freedom Fighter Of All

To conclude, what the devil did to Jesus, he attempts to also do to us. The greatest advantage one can have over their enemy is to know their strategy, be privy to what their plans are and to know where they are and what they are plotting to do.

The enemy relishes in their work of darkness when they can freely operate in deception. The agents of destruction and accusation revel when they can move freely about undetected, undercover and unchallenged. Satan is empowered and emboldened while operating unexposed, roaming freely and unchallenged. Here is proof:

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. Psalms 64:4-6

Having this cloak of deception and deceivableness uncovered and exposed by light and truth, the enemy’s only recourse is to depart and vacate. He cannot withstand light. What is the result of being stripped of his covering? Being shamed and shackled.

Today is not only a celebration of freedom for one nation under God, but also a day to know and celebrate that there is a God who has ALL power, power available for people of all nations to be free from all bondage. And Jesus Christ is the name of the One who has come, and through his sinless blood, strip, shame and shackle the power of sin and death!

Be Happy & Be Free – July 4th 2021

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19

What Will You Allow God To Birth In Your Nightmare?

February 28, 2021

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. Genesis 37:5

Someone once said that God’s blessings are not all bright, shinny objects. There comes a time, a place and a season one MUST endure (call it a nightmarish experience) for God to reveal the mighty handiwork He ordains specifically for your life. The experience will either make you or it will break you. It will either make you ‘bitter’ or it will make you ‘better’. But, let it be known that if you endure the nightmare, God has waiting for you on the other side something that will change your destiny. It will change your perspective on God, on life, on yourself and on your world. The question is: will we allow God to produce the miracle in the middle of our nightmare? Will we trust Him to take our horrendous dark night for the purpose of birthing a masterpiece, a work of beauty?

We will look at five specific examples, the life of Joseph, Abigail, Peter, a personal story, and the life of Jesus Christ to see how a nightmare can birth something miraculous beyond human calculation. Let’s take a look.

Sweet Dreams Become Bitter Nightmares – The Life of Joseph

For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. Genesis 37:7

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. Genesis 37:9

The young man (seventeen years old at the time) was meek, kind, gentle, humble and called of God. The lad’s name was Joseph. One would think given these “blessings” all of life would be well – no pain to endure, no difficult life situations to navigate, no enemies, no perplexing circumstances to set one off the trajectory God ordained. That was not the case. In fact the opposite was true. Joseph’s call became a caldron of turmoil before birthing the life-altering actions it was designed to produce.

Joseph’s dreams caused him rejection by his brothers (Gen 37:18-28), placed him on the auction block of slavery (Gen 37:36), shackled in the prison house of false actuations (Gen 39:20), and marginalized and brushed-off for his spiritual insight (Gen 40:23). Through it all Joseph allowed God to bless him on three levels; personally (Gen 41:38-45), relationally (Gen 45:3-15; 46:29-30) and generationally (Gen 47:5-11). The Lord restored his personal life, his family’s unity and his nation’s sovereignty by faithfully traversing the dark roads he was destined to travel.

Abigail – From Disgrace To The King’s Place

Abigail learned of the plot to annihilate her husband Nabal, his entire household, including herself. David and his ragtag army of misfits were headed her way and they would leave no life untouched by their wrath. But, unlike her husband, Abigail was a godly woman who feared the Lord. Instead of being fear-struck, she found courage and hope in God’s faithfulness, and by faith, humbled herself before David with a freewill offering of food and provisions. Her prophetic and anointed words concerning David and God’s will for his life (I Sam 25:24-30) were God-sent (I Sam 25:32) which he desperately needed to hear at this dismal juncture in life.

Abigail endured her nightmare. Her faith enabled her to persevere through the darkness. What was her “silver lining” in the pending catastrophe? She became the wife of the King of Israel. The pain Abigail endured from living in a very difficult situation was now comforted by looking daily at the face of her child, Chileab (meaning ‘like his father’ or ‘everything of the father’), born in Hebron between her and David. While Abigail lived a past shadowed by disgrace, she now lived a life surrounded by royalty as the king’s wife.

Peter’s Test In His Own Personal Nightmare

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30

The account of Peter’s walk on the water to meet Jesus on a stormy sea was an unforgettable moment for him and for those who would read about it as recorded in Matthew chapter 14. It was truly a supernatural manifestation of God’s power in one man’s life. But, was there something else going on here that Jesus was setting out to accomplish? Was Jesus looking to use this moment of drama and near catastrophe to send a test of faith to his fresh band of disciples to expose who would prove to be the most passionate and faith-driven?

One thing we do know is not much is recorded about Peter or his life before this supernatural encounter of walking on water. But afterwards, Matthew has much to say about him. Could it be that God was waiting to see by using the sea to test and identify true faith? How much faith does it take to walk out of a boat and onto the sea in the middle of a raging storm? It would appear a whole lot. But, there is a key point here that needs recognition. It is faith. What happened when Peter stepped out of that boat to walk towards Jesus on the sea? He gave up all control. Peter relinquished his own control over the situation, and by faith, trusted Jesus to take control. And what was the target of satan’s attack against Peter? It was his faith in God (Luke 22:31-32).

Peter’s test of faith in a time of great darkness was the key God would use to birth his future special role in God’s salvation plan (Mat 16:17-19). By trusting in Jesus’ ability to deliver in impossible situations (Mat 14:28), Peter would have the faith to fulfill God’s will for his life. This faith would later come to good use at a most critical time and place – the beginning of the church age on The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36). It was engrained in Peter’s mind that no matter what may come in life, or death, Jesus’ word is true and Jesus would back it up. Even when prompted to walk on the sea in the middle of a raging storm.

New Life From A Nightmare

(Note: the following is connected to a post entitled “Worship On This Mountain” written back in August 2019.

While sitting at the red light it took some mental gymnastics to decrypt the vanity license plate on the car ahead. But, after juggling around the seven-lettered puzzle piece it was too real and almost too coincidental – LVNTMRE. Living nightmare. Which was a fairly accurate description of life for the past eight years or so. But, as it turned out God has a plan even living there.

The beautiful newborn child pictured above was 3 weeks old when this photo was taken. Logistically-speaking, she has neither a mother or a father. She is our first grandchild. She is healthy, beautiful and complete. But, you do not know the “nightmare”, the story behind her entrance into this world. The circumstances surrounding her birth are nothing short of miraculous. Her 9-month journey was atypical of the way most children enter this life. This little girl was born in a very difficult situation and under horrendous circumstances. Some of the more personal and sensitive details (and they are numerous) are excluded. You see this child was born by a parent addicted to crack cocaine, nicotine and alcohol (and other drugs). But, God reached His hands into a nightmare situation and brought forth a living miracle. The neonatal nurses at the hospital knew her background, read the blood work results and were on the lookout for withdraw signs. They were very minor.

This was all because of prayer coupled with the cooperation of one special family member. Prayers by her family and prayers from the body of Christ were heard and answered on her behalf and turned a certain tragedy into a wonderful treasure. God reached His hand into a pit of darkness and brought forth precious life. And all life is precious because it is created by God.

Even in the belly of hell Satan may challenge, but he cannot overpower God’s sovereignty. Jesus is the God of light, life, and love. Jesus is the giver and taker of life. When Jesus commands, hell listens, even when the situation dictates otherwise. Don’t loose your hope in the midst of your nightmare because He just might be planning to produce a living miracle in its midst.

And now we will save the best nightmare for last.

Jesus Christ – He Experienced His Own Nightmare

His life was perfect. He never sinned, his heart and mind was pure, he always handled himself gracefully and tactfully when faced with hate and injustice. His name is Jesus Christ. History documents his life. Jesus indeed walked the dusty, earthen paths and roads of this earth. Jesus lived for one purpose – to heal, to love and to set souls free from the curse of sin. But, even Jesus encountered his own nightmarish experiences.

“And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:32-34

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke 23:44-46

What did Jesus birth in his darkness? He birthed our healing (Is 53:5) and He birthed the church, God’s church, the highest life-form on earth, the body of Christ. God has free will and can choose to be whoever He wants to be. Yet, he decided to be love and be known as the God of love (I John 4:8, 16). And there is “no greater” way to display this love than to lay down His life for sinners, a people who don’t deserve it and can never do anything to earn it. God’s love is a gift. A gift to humanity. And Jesus endured the darkness of sin so that we might have the choice to embrace that love and be birthed into his kingdom.

Jesus endured the cross’ pain and shame to usher into the world salvation for mankind through the new birth of water and Spirit (John 3:3-8, 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4, 2:38; Rom 8:11). Jesus did it for you. God knew before creation that he would walk through this darkness (I Pet 1:19-20; Rev 13:8) and face the ‘nightmare’ on Golgotha’s hill. Jesus became sin for us who knew no sin that we might have a hope for something beyond the end of this life journey.

What Will God Birth In Your Own Nightmare?

No one really knows the totality of our life like God. He even knew before your birth the number of hair follicles that would be on your head (Mat 10:30). And no one really understands life’s nightmarish experiences you are going through, have gone through or somewhere down the road will go through but God. Are they to punish, callously inflict pain or purposelessly cause undue burdens upon your life? Never. We must come to an understanding of this. Whatever you go through in life is meant to better you, make your faith stronger, recharge hope, and most importantly to rekindle love – our love for God, love for our neighbor and love for ourselves.

We must allow the nightmares God sends into our life to produce their intended miracle, turn the mess into a masterpiece and birth the impossible out of the darkest of nights. Only God, only Jesus really understands the whole picture of your life. This is mentioned because God has sent you or will send you a nightmare to birth in you a miracle. What the enemy meant for evil, God desires to turn it around for your and His good. Why? Because God is glorified through the fiery trial of your faith (Rom 4:20; I Pet 1:7). There is nothing that defuses the devil’s machinery of mayhem more and completely blasts his apple cart of destruction and wickedness apart then when someone endures a nightmare experience while maintaining a right attitude by praising and magnifying the Lord in its midst. Do you know what that does? It shows whether it is the god of this world with the lower-case ‘g‘ or the God of Creation with the upper-case ‘G‘ that is really running this thing we know as life.

All Nightmares Eventually Come To An End

There is one thing that ends all nightmares every single time. Nightmares end upon one condition – when you “wake up” and open your eyes. The nightmare looses its power and grip when the person under its control wakes up and sees the light of day. Jesus is the light of the world (John 1:9, 8:2, 12:46). Jesus is the peace and comfort in life’s darkest moments. And Jesus came to heal the mind’s blindness caused by the god of this world (II Cor 4:4) and enlighten your vision to who really is the One in control. If we allow him. Jesus will take our worst nightmare, turn it around, and produce a work that will amaze you and those around you.

What miracles will you allow God to birth in your life like he did for Joseph, Abigail and Peter (and Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Samson, Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Peter, John, Paul, Barnabas, the blind, deaf, dumb, the bruised, the broken, the DEAD and so many others)? And who knows, you just might be next on His list!

Only Jesus can turn a LVNTMRE (‘Living Nightmare’) into a LVMIRKL (‘Living Miracle’).

May God Bless You & Keep You!

His Hands

October 10, 2020

Hand 1

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Psalms 145:16

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Col 2:13-14

That Nothing Be Lost

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? John 6:4-5

Jesus performed the miracle of feeding around five thousand men not including women and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. It is one miracle a child who ever attended a church Sunday school for any length of time will hear and never forget. In fact, it has been said by at least one seasoned minister and missionary who has travelled preaching the Gospel to many different continents around the world that this will be one question he will ask Jesus in Heaven: “Jesus, about those loaves and fishes. How did you do that?”

It is a miracle of miracles. One thing we sometimes might miss about this miracles is what Jesus did after it was over. What did Jesus do?

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:12

Jesus asked the disciples to pick up the crumbs left over from the miracle. Why? Why would Jesus bother to have the aftermath of the miracle, the discarded bits and pieces of what either fell out of people’s mouths or the byproduct of the breaking and distribution process be saved? Because Jesus is very concerned about how his miracles are handled and what becomes of them. Even the pieces that seem worthless and of no value.

What are the greatest miracles on earth? Some might mention “one of the great wonders of the world”, a brilliant work of art or an inspiring architectural design. However, the real answer is right before our eyes. The greatest living miracle on this earth is the person who stares back at you in the mirror. You. You are the most spectacular living miracle on earth, a living, breathing creation made in God’s own image.

God is concerned over the miracle’s crumbs because He ever wastes his miracles. What the Lord does is meant forever, for eternity (Ecc 3:14). God is interested in the lives of people who appear worthless and of seemingly little value. You see, God is highly concerned about the miracle when he formed you and every other living soul from the dust of the earth. That nothing, that no one be lost.

If God went to great lengths to collect the crumbling aftermath of a few pieces of bread and fishes, how much more is God concerned about picking up and collecting the wreckage of the soul broken by the sins of self and by the sins of this world?

Someone recently remarked about a mother’s love, nothing is more powerful than the love of a mother. A mother’s love will go to the extreme and fight for their children like no one else will. Well, that may or may not be true depending on who you ask. But, we have to admit women are fantastic creations and God surely knew what He was doing when He made them.

But, I’d like to propose here that there is a love greater than the love of an earthly mother or an earthly father. Whose love is that? It is the love of the Father in Heaven who walked in flesh upon this earth. The love of Jesus surpasses all earthbound love. The Father’s love is a love that is greater than life. It is a love that loves you more than you love yourself. You cannot, nor anyone else, love you greater than the love Jesus has for you. People will fail you and even the best fall short in the love mission. One writer stated the following: “The highest plane of human existence is to live and to walk in the perfect love of God.” There is no better place on earth to be.

His Hands

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: Matthew 17:22

The opening scripture reveals that by opening His hands, God postured all of His creation to experience His graciousness. God wants to be recognized as the satisfier of all living. On a more personal level, God enjoys being enjoyed. The soul that is attracted to God is a soul that is attractive to God (I Sam 16:7).

Those same hands that created life were allowed to be placed into the hands of the created. That is true love. That is a love only the Father of creation can and will do. How does this relate to us? It is said that our Eternity rests on many things such as what we say and by what we do. But, one thing that will surely determine our destiny will be how we have treated Jesus and his truth that was placed into our hands.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 1 John 1:1

How do you treat him? How do I treat him?