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"

UNDERCURRENT OF VICTORY

 

As I was praying about what to post, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this prophetic word by Lana Vawser from Australia that she shared earlier this year which I believe is very pertinent for today.

“As I was praying about what I heard and saw in that time, days later, I heard the words "People of the United States of America, AGREE with Me as I am now "BUILDING AN UNDERCURRENT OF VICTORY!!!!"

 

The word "UNDERCURRENT" was highlighted so clearly to me, so I looked at the dictionary definition of the word UNDERCURRENT: 

 

UNDERCURRENT: 1. an underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly. 2. a current of water below the surface and moving in a different direction from any surface current. (Google.com)

Do not be swayed, deceived or distracted by "current atmosphere's" or the atmospheres that feel like they are "prevailing", God is doing things BELOW THE SURFACE. God is setting things up, He is moving, He is orchestrating things and YOUR PRAYERS AND AGREEMENT with what He is doing is POWERFUL. 

 

His Spirit is like that current of water below the surface that is bubbling and building momentum to move things in a different direction to what is being SEEN on the SURFACE. A definite demonstration of Zechariah 4:6: "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

As we see the growing turbulence on the surface, it is not a time to be fearful but to dive into the deeper move of God’s Spirit.

 

By Andy Clark

WHAT KIND OF TREE ARE YOU?

 

Ezekiel 17:24 - "All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish."

 

What kind of tree are you today?

 

Do you feel like the tall tree, and the green tree?

 

The tall and green tree feel that they are strong, and all is well.

 

You may feel that you are accomplishing what you were designed to do and are at the height of your career or ministry. You may feel like you are producing much fruit. If you are here in your life, you must be careful to not become proud, and think more of yourself then you should. God says he will humble the proud, and lift up the humble.

 

Do you feel like low tree or dry tree?

 

You may feel that you are not very important or making much of a difference, maybe being overlooked, and unnoticed. You may feel all worn out or dried up in your spirit. You may feel that you have nothing more to offer. If you are here in your life be encouraged that God can raise you up. He is able to restore you. He is able to produce greater growth and fruit in your life, and/or ministry. God takes pleasure in using the lowly, and weak for His purposes. If this is where you are at in your life, you need put your trust and hope in Christ. You need to stop looking at what is or what is not, and believe for what is not yet seen