NOT MY WILL BE DONE BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE

 Matthew 19:26 - "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”"

Mark 9:23 - " If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

These two Scriptures have been an encouragement to generations of God's children. All things are possible with God. All we need to do is believe.

 Ephesians 1:19-21 - "and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."

Why are all things possible with God?

His power is incomparable. His power is greater than all other powers earthly or spiritual.

Matthew 26:39 - "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

All though all authority and power is in Christ and at our disposal.We must take the position of Jesus, not as I will, but as you will. This is a hard pill to swallow. Christ did not have to die, but it was in His Father's plan, and Christ willing gave up His life that we might have life in Him.

Isaiah 55:9 -  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

If you look at the cross  in human eyes, it makes absolutely no sense. Satan thought that He defeated Christ on the cross. Yet it was through this selfless act that salvation was brought to all people who put their faith in Christ and the cross.

We have all questioned God, and even doubted God. Why? Why?

It makes no sense to me God. Why have you allowed this to happen when I know you have all power to keep it from happening or all power to make it happen. It is at times like these we need to give all our thoughts, and desires to Christ. We need to lay them at the cross, and say as Jesus said, not my will be done, but your will because my mind is finite and your mind is infinite. My way seems the best, but your way is always the best.

Blessed with every spiritual blessing

Ephesians 1:4 - " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."

Let us reflect on what these spiritual blessings are as believers in Christ.

1) We have been forgiven and cleansed us from all sin.

2) We have been justified and made righteous in Christ's sight.

3) There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

4) Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, continually interceding for us.

5) We have the Holy Spirit who lives in us that helps us live a holy life, strengthens us, guides us, teaches us, helps us remember what God  has said to us, speaks to us continually, helps us pray, intercedes for us and much more. 

6) We are children of the the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's.

7) We have a God who loves us no matter what and never gives up on us.

8) We have a God who will always forgive us if we confess our sins with a sincere heart.

9) We have a God who helps us in our weakness and delivers us from trial and temptations.

10) We have a God who provides, protects and has good plans and purposes for us. He wants us to have an abundant life.

11) We have a God who is always in control, even when it seems like everything is out of control.

12) We have been given talents and spiritual gifts.

13) We have the fruit of the Spirit that is available to us as we yield to Him. Right there is a treasure trove of blessings.

14) We are part of the Body of Christ, His saints.

15) We have direct communication with the Father through Jesus Christ, and always available to us at any time.

16) We have eternal life now, and eternal rewards awaiting us.

15) All power and authority has been given to us through Christ.

There are probably many more that I have not mentioned.

So how are we to respond to these spiritual blessings in Christ?

We are to continually rejoice and be glad in them. We are to draw from these riches and use them for Christ's glory. 

No matter what the circumstances let us keep our eyes on Jesus and be thankful for every spiritual blessing we have in Christ.

I challenge you to look up Scriptures for each one of these and read them again.

The Faith the Defies Logic

 

Jesus encourages the application of faith for things which are seemingly impossible.

How does faith operate? 

For a start, faith begins where logic ends. 

 

1 Corinthians 2:5 says that our faith does not “rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

 

Faith is based on who God is - His unchangeable character, His power and His Word. Faith is not based on our ability, our expertise or our acumen. 

 

Abraham exemplified this “illogical” faith. Hebrews 11:8 says that, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (emphasis mine)

 

Quite unlike Abraham, we want to understand all the pros and cons before we implement a decision, or even take a step forward. But faith is about implicit trust and obedience in a God whose ways are far beyond our comprehension. 

 

Like Abraham, faith will cause you do things which seem radical. It will cause you to look foolish. But, remember, such acts of faith propel the greatest breakthroughs. 

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

 

Let’s unpack those verses:

Trust in the Lord – You and I are called to have complete faith in God

Lean not on your own understanding - Let go of your logic

In all your ways acknowledge Him - Depend on God in everything you do

And He will make your paths straight - The consequence: God will provide a breakthrough .

One of the greatest obstacles of faith is human logic. It’s only when you let go of logic can faith operate fully.

By Rajiv Shelladurai

CLOTHES FOR THE RIGHT SEASON

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"

Covid-19 pandemic has ushered us unto a new season. We need to identify what season we are in, so that we can appropriately adapt to the season we are in today. We need to adapt our wardrobe to the seasons. We don't wear winter clothes in the Summer, nor Summer clothes in the Winter. I believe we have had a season of Winter, but Spring is coming, and Summer will soon be here. The season of Winter has made many people weary, depressed and burnt out. At the same time, I believe the winter has caused many to draw closer to Christ. Yet, as in winter many things die or go dormant, so it has been in this season. The season has brought a greater understanding of our fragility, and lack of control over what is takes place, which has brought a greater lesson. We can't put our hope on know one else but Christ. I know that I have been and am being brought to a new level of trust in God. My branches have been stripped of self-sufficiency, and pride. This stripping was necessary to cause us to trust God more, and will bring greater fruit.

Disruption causes us to to trust God at a deeper level. Disruption shows where we are anchored, in man or God. This has caused us to draw nearer to Him. Trust is established in intimacy. This season has hopefully caused our roots to go deeper and draw deep from the river of life.

Psalms 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

You may still feel the bitter coldness of Winter, but lift up your head, Spring is coming. The blossoms are appearing. You may still feel weak, disoriented and fearful, but trust in God's love, goodness and faithfulness. You are stronger now then you were before, even if you can't see it now.

Divine Appointments

 

We are living in tumultuous times, which creates great opportunities for God to show up in a powerful way. I challenge you today to ask God to give you divine appointments. For this to happen we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We need to ask God, what are you doing right here and right now. We must live in the moment. It must be a daily choice. 

 

Acts 8:26-31 - "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?”

Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The one thing I love about this story is that the Holy Spirit told him to go stand by a desert road, and God gave Him no reason or explanation. He just obeyed. The second thing I take notice of in this story. Philip never saw the full fruit of his obedience. he was taken away by the Holy Spirit after his brief encounter, and most likely never saw him again. He didn't see the countless people who were probably brought to Christ through this influential man. Many a time, we don't see the fruit, but it doesn't matter. All we are asked to do is be in the here and now, listening to the Holy Spirit and being obedient to His voice.

There are divine appointments everywhere. We just need to look away from ourselves. We need to lift up our heads and say, Lord here I am, your servant. Show me what you have for me today. It may not be something great God is asking you to do, at least not great in your eyes. You may never know the full ramifications of one word or action done in the name of Jesus.

UNDERSTANDING THE ENEMY

 

To overcome Satan we need to understand his tactics. Satan’s main tactics are lies and deception. In the garden Satan deceived Eve by causing her to doubt God’s word and goodness, and minimizing the consequences of sin and disobedience. Satan still tries to deceive us by tempting us with things of the world, and making us think they are not really that bad. He tempts us in the areas where we are weak. We overcome deception and temptation just like Jesus by knowing the Word and not compromising. We also overcome by what we focus on. What you focus on grows. Focus on God and the things of God and the things of the world will become less attractive. The enemy also comes against us with fear of others, fear of failure and of circumstances we face. But 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Satan wants to intimidate you, discourage you and overwhelm you. But 1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” When you know who you are in God, and walk in the power and enablement of the Spirit, the enemy has no power over you. Victory is ours in Jesus Christ.

 

By Andy Clark

God shows up when least expected.

 Let us first look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke chapter 1.

Luke 1:6 - "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly."

They were both righteous and serving God faithfully. Yet, they were not able to have children. They were both very old. How often do we live righteous lives and serve God faithfully, but we don't see the reward of our righteousness and faithfulness. The promise(s) God gave us is not fulfilled. Our greatest desire is not being met. Yet, if we forge on in righteousness and faithfulness, God will fulfill His promise(s) to us, and usually at the most unlikely time. Zechariah was going about his priestly duties, when all of a sudden God shows up unexpectedly and in a great way. He wasn't in prayer asking God for a child. He had already given up hope that this would ever happen.. He was only concentrating on his duties as priest. Then bang, the angel Gabriel shows up out of the blue, and says you are going to have a child, and no ordinary child. A miracle child who will be full of the Holy Spirit before he is even born.

Then we have a similar story where the angel Gabriel shows up before a young virgin woman, named Mary and says you you will have a son. He will be no ordinary child, but a child born by the power of the Holy Spirit. He will be called Jesus, the Son of the most high. Mary was just minding her own business, living a holy life, and out of no where her life is turned upside down. She has found favor with God and becomes the mother of our Lord. She did nothing to earn the greatest child and gift of all. She wasn't even married. As far as she was concerned, this was just going to be another ordinary day. Instead, it became an extra ordinary day.

The idea I am trying to bring across in these two stories is that God often show up in a big way when least expected. When we are not even seeking it or expecting it. Therefore I counsel you to continue to be faithful in your spiritual walk and serving God, and don't be discouraged. One of these days God is going to show up in a mighty way in your life and ministry. It will be a wondrous thing, and maybe even a little scary or uncomfortable. It may turn your life upside down, but it will always be a good thing. It will be a good thing because it is a God thing. 

I know these past few months in our lives, God has shown up in a miraculous way. He has blown us a way with His great favor and provision. He has done the unexpected. It is like, wow God. Look what you just did. It is unbelievable. This all after a time of weariness and great trial.

INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

 

1 Peter 1:8-9 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

 

How many of us would love to have an inexpressible joy?

This inexpressible joy is rooted in our belief in Christ. Our belief in the salvation of our souls. Our belief in God's goodness and perfect love. Our belief in an eternal inheritance that awaits those who have given their lives to Him. Our belief that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Our belief in God's power to accomplish all these things.

 

Finally and most importantly our belief that He is who He says He is and does what He says he will do.

Dealing with Anxiety

Most of us deal with some level of anxiety daily. Yet, if we are not careful, it can grow and become a big problem in our lives. It can cause emotional and mental havoc on us. Most often it will manifest itself out of the blue or unaware. Everything is going fine, and all of a sudden it hits you. I know this is what happened to me. All of a sudden I had a major anxiety attack and then many others that followed at different levels. As a strong Christian leader this caught me by surprise. 

How can this be? 

I am a man of the Word and prayer. I am being used by God to preach and teach the Word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit. All of a sudden you begin to question your faith. As a Christian leader, the first thing that comes to your mind is that it is a spiritual attack. Therefore, we buckle down and read the Bible more, pray more and go on retreats. When this doesn't seem to be working, you begin to question God and doubt yourself. Often people will counsel you to take a vacation or get away and relax somewhere. This is a good thing, but not always the solution or the complete solution.When this doesn't make the problem go away. You then begin to think about getting counseling, or some kind of medical help. This can be real confusing. Do you go to God or do you go to another spiritual leader, or maybe a professional therapist or a doctor to prescribe you medication for anxiety. I found it to be not one or the other, but often a combination of them all. Not only the question of who to go to for help, but who is the best or right person to help you.Yet, ultimately you need a Word from the Lord on what to do to get out of the dark hole that you are in mentally, emotionally and maybe spiritually in. 

Here are some lessons I have learned or learned.

1) You must go to God first.

2) Secondly, you need to find someone who will stand with you in it without judging you, but love on you.

3) Thirdly you must soak in the Scriptures and immerse yourself into listening to worship and declaring the praises of the Lord.

4) You must seek someone who has gone through what you have gone through and found the victory. This can be a difficult thing to find.A person who has gone through extreme anxiety, depression or mental break down are hard to find. Not that there are not many who have experienced this, but few are willing to open up about their own experiences or willing to share their experiences with you. One thing thing that I have learned, if the person hasn't walked in your shoes, he will not really understand what you are experiencing or able to effectively help you through your struggle. People will want to help you and give you counsel and empathize with you, but will lack the ability to really relate to what you are facing.

5) Discover what is causing the stress, and anxiety. Then try to figure out how you got to the point you are at. Then take the necessary steps to walk through the stresses and anxiety. The steps to take will vary from person to person, and depending on what brought it on. 

6) Recognize that you are not as strong as you once thought you were, without condemning yourself.

7) Don't be to proud to admit that you are in trouble and that you need help. 

8) Call on prayer warriors.

9) Recognize where the battle lies if possible. If not clear, use multiple tactics to address the issue. (spiritual weapons, mental weapons, medical weapons)

10) Meditate on the promises of God, declare them and stand on them. Recognize the lies of the world, others, and Satan's. Don't let the Job counselors get you down. Those who are trying to whip you back into shape or saying that you are the problem.

11) Trust and rest in God's love and goodness. He is always on your side and seeking what is best for you. He is not looking down on you in a judgemental way, but with compassion. and love.

12) Seek practical ways to manage your stress and anxiety. Yet, don't run away from your anxiety, but except the reality of them without being judgemental about your thoughts or feelings. Rebuke all forms of self-condemnation. 

13) When you come out of the other side victorious. You will be better and stronger. Also, you will be better equipped to help others who are facing the same things you faced.

Hebrews 2:18 - "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 4:16 - " Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Thoughts from the Book In His Face by Bob Sorge

In the days to come I would like to share snippets form a wonderful book called "In His Face" by Bob Sorge. In hopes it will be a blessing to you.

1) When trials and troubles come, sis from Satan or is it from God? The answer just may be, "YES". This was true for Job.

2) Even though Job was under spiritual attack, he never entered a militant kind of warfare against the enemy. The only one Job ever spoke to was God.

3) Job counselors were very Scripture based, good, and accurate counsel. It was the right counsel- - for the wrong situation. Job's friends erred because they judged by what they saw rather than by what they heard.

4) There is 2 kinds of discipline. Some discipline is punishment; some discipline if training. (Hebrews 12:11) Some discipline of God os simply because He's wamtomg tp bring you to a higher place in Him.

5) Much of the stability we think we have in our lives is nothing but the gracious way God insulates us from grief.

6) No matter how difficult things get, I can always bless the name of the Lord. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

7) It is not enough to cry out (complain, mourn and weep), you must cry out to the Lord. God doesn't have a problem with us wrestling with questions of life, even anger, self pity, depression and indignation as long as we keep our face towards God, and keep our faith and hope in God. Job experienced all these things, and God wasn't upset at Him as long as he recognized God is God and you can trust Him.

8) There are season we go through in life: good, bad, ugly and indifferent. If you are in an unpleasant season, know it will last only for a time.

9) Sometimes we do everything we know and can do in the midst of our trial. We pray, praise, repent, fast, surrendered to God, rebuked the devil, read Christian help books, quote scripture, spend quantity time in God's presence, and all seeming to no avail. It is then we may need to fall back on Ephesians 6:13 - ".. and having done all, to stand." What does this mean? It means you don't have any more to give, and no clue what to do, but you simply trust God knows what He is doing. He loves you and will fight for you.

10) A PASSION FOR HIS HOUSE - PLACE OF WORSHIP. 

Psalms 69:9 - "zeal for your house consumes me..."

"I never cease to be amazed at the low priority many saints  give to their attendance of corporate worship. Somebody said, "you don't go to church to be a Christian." I can tell you who told you that - the devil. (I Timothy 4:1). Show me the Christian who doesn't think church attendance is necessary, and I'll show you an anemic, cold Christian with the pall of death on his countenance. Don't tell me you have a passion for Jesus if you don't have a passion for His house."  (Bob Sorge)

Then there is those Christians who faithfully attend church out of tradition, duty, paying their dues to God or as social event. They look in the mirror at themselves through the Word of God, and go away the same way they came. They are no better then those who choose not to attend. They both have the same problem. One doesn't come because he or she is not passionate about corporate worship, fellowship or instruction in the Word of God and more than likely doesn't want to sit under any spiritual authority. The other who faithfully comes out of duty, but like the other is not passionate about corporate worship, fellowship, instruction in the Word of God either. (from Roger Clark)

The both are lacking in zeal or passion for the things of God and/or ignorant of the importance the local church plays in the life of the body of Christ. (from Roger Clark)

Finally, the building is not the church. It is those who are born of God who are the church, and as the church we live our lives for Christ on a daily basis.

Co-heirs with Christ

Romans 8:17- "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

You are a child of God. You have everything you need to be everything God desires. Divine resources have been deposited in you. 

You share in the same inheritance as Christ! Your portion isn't a pittance. Your portion is Jesus portion.  

When we speak of the inheritance we have in Christ, many believers look at it as something that is future, not a present inheritance. While their is definitely a future inheritance, the inheritance is presently ours to enjoy. 

The parable of the lost son or prodigal son, most of us know well. Luke 15:11-31.  

The younger son asked for the share of his Father's estate. The Father gave it to him, and went and wasted it away on high living and self-indulgence. When he came to his senses, he came back to his father and repented. The father took him in gladly, and threw a big celebration. The older son who who had worked faithfully and obeyed the father was not very happy. 

Luke 15:28 - "“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours."

The key verse here is verse 31. He already had everything the Father had. He lacked nothing. All the Father's resources were at his disposal. Neither the younger or older son understood this principle. They were looking forward to their future inheritance on the father's passing away, but not enjoying the present benefits.

In other words, as believer and co-heirs of Christ, all Christ has is ours now. 

Understand your place in the family. You come to God not as a stranger but as an heir to the promise. You approach God's throne not as interloper but as a child in whom the Spirit of God dwells.... He will provide what you need to face the challenges of life. So trust God's great promises. 

I have taken some excerpts from Max Lucado "Unshakeable Hope"