“True Christianity is the greatest adventure that anyone can have on this earth. True Church life, the way it was intended to be, is a supernatural experience. It is life from another realm beyond this earth that brings true life to this earth.”
(Rick Joyner)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Anchor
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
The anchor symbolises steadfastness, steadiness, firmness. It is there for a purpose. This hope in Jesus will keep us secure in the worst of storms. I think that it is interesting to note that in Jesus day, anchors were large stones with a hole through them for the rope. It fits the other metaphors used of Jesus as our "Rock".
In other words, our hope in Christ and His promises is not a "wish" or a "I hope so" but it is strong, firm and secure.
Hope is Jesus – it is in Jesus. As our strong "anchor" Jesus can give us hope through any struggles we have on this earth.
If you are in a storm or trial remember to drop anchor to see you through – that is to put your confidence in Jesus.
Now that is something to hold on to!!
The anchor symbolises steadfastness, steadiness, firmness. It is there for a purpose. This hope in Jesus will keep us secure in the worst of storms. I think that it is interesting to note that in Jesus day, anchors were large stones with a hole through them for the rope. It fits the other metaphors used of Jesus as our "Rock".
In other words, our hope in Christ and His promises is not a "wish" or a "I hope so" but it is strong, firm and secure.
Hope is Jesus – it is in Jesus. As our strong "anchor" Jesus can give us hope through any struggles we have on this earth.
If you are in a storm or trial remember to drop anchor to see you through – that is to put your confidence in Jesus.
Now that is something to hold on to!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Shining Lights
The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. The saint is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world, himself a light. ~Felix Adler
“You are the Light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
The definition of darkness is "the absence of light". Light changes darkness, but darkness cannot change light. You can't decrease light by turning up darkness. In fact the darker it is, the more the smallest light glows. To put it in perspective, in complete darkness the flicker of a match can be seen for twenty miles. Light will always penetrate darkness. It is a law of nature. It is the same way in the spiritual realm. When the light of God shows up, it literally shows up, and the darkness flees before it. It must, because that’s what darkness does when light comes. Simple.
So this week, keep that in mind when God asks you to carry His light into territory that you don’t feel comfortable in. Keep it in mind when it comes to praying for your unsaved family members and neighbours and the random people God puts on your heart. The light within you is greater than the darkness in them. The world needs to see your light! The Light of Christ!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Suddenly
"The world wants change quickly, but God brings change in little pieces that accumulate - then suddenly explode! Notice God's little things." (John Paul Jackson)
Often we look for the miracle moment, forgetting that the breakthrough is actually just another step of many. Rather like the seasonally dormant egg, where the visible cracking of the egg just happens to be the final step. It may seem to us that we expend a lot of effort for little or no results, but change is already in motion, preparing for breakthrough. Take a kettle of water for instance, that is being heated. For some time there is no visible evidence of the energy in action, then at around 100 degrees centigrade the water steams and boils.
The first six times around the walls of Jericho would have felt like this, lots of energy but no visible results. But the first six times around were just as essential as the last time around when the walls came down.
Similarly it can appear to us that God moves in our lives suddenly, when actually He was working behind the scenes the whole time.
Notice the little things, the little progess - your breakthrough, your answer to prayer could "suddenly" be about to appear!!
Often we look for the miracle moment, forgetting that the breakthrough is actually just another step of many. Rather like the seasonally dormant egg, where the visible cracking of the egg just happens to be the final step. It may seem to us that we expend a lot of effort for little or no results, but change is already in motion, preparing for breakthrough. Take a kettle of water for instance, that is being heated. For some time there is no visible evidence of the energy in action, then at around 100 degrees centigrade the water steams and boils.
The first six times around the walls of Jericho would have felt like this, lots of energy but no visible results. But the first six times around were just as essential as the last time around when the walls came down.
Similarly it can appear to us that God moves in our lives suddenly, when actually He was working behind the scenes the whole time.
Notice the little things, the little progess - your breakthrough, your answer to prayer could "suddenly" be about to appear!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Communion
In the same, Jesus tells us to remember Him through the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the wine.
In the Remembrance of Jesus through communion, there is provision. The crucifixion provides restoration, atonement, eternal life. Healing of body, soul and spirit.
“But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53)
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper,he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22)
So today, come to remember His past provision, come to remember his sacrifice and come to remember about all, His love for you.
In the Remembrance of Jesus through communion, there is provision. The crucifixion provides restoration, atonement, eternal life. Healing of body, soul and spirit.
“But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53)
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper,he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22)
So today, come to remember His past provision, come to remember his sacrifice and come to remember about all, His love for you.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Moving On
MOVING ON!
“2008 will be the year of the “best of times and the worst of times.” For those who do not take the past with them it will become the best of times. For those who live in the past, and take it with them it could be the worst of times. Give the Lord your future, you could be a Gideon.” (John Paul Jackson)
This year it is time to break off the shackles of your past and step into the future and plans that God has for you. God has too much planned for you to let you waste your time on your past. Your yesterday does not have to be your tomorrow!
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ “ (Jeremiah 29:11)
MONUMENTS TO MISTAKES
Too often we make monuments to the disappointments and mistakes in our lives. We continually visit them and meditate on the what ifs, the could have beens and the whys. If we let it, our past will derail our future. We can intentionally or unintentionally let our hurt, disappointments or injustices, sabotage the plans and purposes that God has for us today. Don’t let the wonderful things that God has for you pass you by because you are too focused on yesterday. Looking back is saying “tomorrow will be like today, because today is like yesterday.”
CROSSROADS
We have a choice, we can either spend our time reacting to the past or responding to the vision that God has placed in front of us. George Orwell once said “Who controls the past controls the future, who controls the present controls the past”. When we live under yesterday’s mistakes and condemnation we keep the focus on ourselves and not on God. When we make our lives about our past, we put ourselves in control. When it is about our future – God is in control. Perhaps you asked someone out and they said no – don’t interpret that into the next time you ask someone out the answer will be the same. Maybe you were turned down for a job – don’t let that impact your confidence. Or perhaps someone said you wouldn’t amount to anything – don’t let that stop you. Sure, there are some things that need working on – but we need to anchor our faith in God and not in the facts from our past.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
LETTING GO
Gardeners understand the process of “de-heading”. To encourage new buds to come forth, old and dead blooms are cut off. We need to treat our past in the same way. There are things in our lives that we need to let go of. That old relationship that springs to mind every time you meet someone new, the criticism that perhaps you received from a parent or teacher that echoes in your mind, or the failure that occurred when you tried something new that holds you back when other opportunities come up. We need to remove them from our minds so that we can let the new things come forth.
We can also hold onto the past through unforgiveness. It was once said that “forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Forgiving someone of a past hurt enables us to move more freely into the future. Holding on to the resentment or unforgiveness keeps us tied to our past and restricts God being able to move on our behalf in that area. Letting go means God can respond with justice on our behalf.
THE OVERCOMERS
God does not consult your past to determine your future. Proof of this is in His Word. Look at Paul – as Saul he persecuted and oversaw the death of many Christians, yet he did not look back and instead became a passionate evangelist and teacher. Yes he had a past, but he knew he was acceptable to God through Christ and that is where he put his confidence.
“Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for what God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Sarah, Abraham’s wife, laughed at God over His promise that she would have a baby. In other words she mocked God! Yet in Hebrews she is remembered as a woman of great faith. The wonderful thing about God is that He looks at us in our finished state!
“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11)
Your past is not your future. We need to continually realign ourselves with God and what His Word says about us and His thoughts towards us. God is always moving - He always looking forward.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Remember - no matter your past - God’s mercies are new every morning! “Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.” (Anon)
As Thomas Jefferson once said “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Don’t let 2008, the year of New Beginnings be cluttered by yesterday. Your past, no matter how good or bad is over – it is no longer in existence! Press on into what God has for you today and tomorrow!!!
“2008 will be the year of the “best of times and the worst of times.” For those who do not take the past with them it will become the best of times. For those who live in the past, and take it with them it could be the worst of times. Give the Lord your future, you could be a Gideon.” (John Paul Jackson)
This year it is time to break off the shackles of your past and step into the future and plans that God has for you. God has too much planned for you to let you waste your time on your past. Your yesterday does not have to be your tomorrow!
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ “ (Jeremiah 29:11)
MONUMENTS TO MISTAKES
Too often we make monuments to the disappointments and mistakes in our lives. We continually visit them and meditate on the what ifs, the could have beens and the whys. If we let it, our past will derail our future. We can intentionally or unintentionally let our hurt, disappointments or injustices, sabotage the plans and purposes that God has for us today. Don’t let the wonderful things that God has for you pass you by because you are too focused on yesterday. Looking back is saying “tomorrow will be like today, because today is like yesterday.”
CROSSROADS
We have a choice, we can either spend our time reacting to the past or responding to the vision that God has placed in front of us. George Orwell once said “Who controls the past controls the future, who controls the present controls the past”. When we live under yesterday’s mistakes and condemnation we keep the focus on ourselves and not on God. When we make our lives about our past, we put ourselves in control. When it is about our future – God is in control. Perhaps you asked someone out and they said no – don’t interpret that into the next time you ask someone out the answer will be the same. Maybe you were turned down for a job – don’t let that impact your confidence. Or perhaps someone said you wouldn’t amount to anything – don’t let that stop you. Sure, there are some things that need working on – but we need to anchor our faith in God and not in the facts from our past.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
LETTING GO
Gardeners understand the process of “de-heading”. To encourage new buds to come forth, old and dead blooms are cut off. We need to treat our past in the same way. There are things in our lives that we need to let go of. That old relationship that springs to mind every time you meet someone new, the criticism that perhaps you received from a parent or teacher that echoes in your mind, or the failure that occurred when you tried something new that holds you back when other opportunities come up. We need to remove them from our minds so that we can let the new things come forth.
We can also hold onto the past through unforgiveness. It was once said that “forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Forgiving someone of a past hurt enables us to move more freely into the future. Holding on to the resentment or unforgiveness keeps us tied to our past and restricts God being able to move on our behalf in that area. Letting go means God can respond with justice on our behalf.
THE OVERCOMERS
God does not consult your past to determine your future. Proof of this is in His Word. Look at Paul – as Saul he persecuted and oversaw the death of many Christians, yet he did not look back and instead became a passionate evangelist and teacher. Yes he had a past, but he knew he was acceptable to God through Christ and that is where he put his confidence.
“Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for what God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Sarah, Abraham’s wife, laughed at God over His promise that she would have a baby. In other words she mocked God! Yet in Hebrews she is remembered as a woman of great faith. The wonderful thing about God is that He looks at us in our finished state!
“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11)
Your past is not your future. We need to continually realign ourselves with God and what His Word says about us and His thoughts towards us. God is always moving - He always looking forward.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Remember - no matter your past - God’s mercies are new every morning! “Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.” (Anon)
As Thomas Jefferson once said “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Don’t let 2008, the year of New Beginnings be cluttered by yesterday. Your past, no matter how good or bad is over – it is no longer in existence! Press on into what God has for you today and tomorrow!!!
Cultivating Joy in Life
Over the Christmas period we hear a lot about it being the season of joy. But surely joy is not just restricted to Christmas! What does it mean to have joy in life? Does it mean we should always have a Cheshire cat like grin on our faces, even in the midst of trials?
Joy is defined as a “triumph, cheerful and a calm delight, a deep feeling of contentment.” Some have described it as “the feeling of grinning inside.” It is something that should reside beneath the surface. Joy is not happiness which is a feeling and comes and goes. It is also not based on our circumstances. As Richard Wagner once said “joy is not in things, it is in us.” As Christians we have access to a joy that exists regardless of what our circumstances are like. Jesus said “I have come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10) Furthermore, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and therefore it should be one of our characteristics and evident in our lives.
So how do we cultivate joy in our lives?
1. Live in an atmosphere of thankfulness
§ Rejoicing and thankfulness is an act of will and is hard in times of difficulty. But it draws our focus to Heaven so we can agree with what is true, no matter what we feel or perceive with our physical senses or emotions. Thanksgiving always brings us into God’s presence and connects us with what He is doing and saying in the midst of our circumstances. It helps shifts our focus from an earthly to a heavenly perspective and helps us acknowledge that God is more real than our difficulties.
2. Take a Heavenly perspective on life
Don’t focus on the bad, the lack in your lives, but focus on what God is doing or has done in your life.
Meditate on God’s blessings. This helps us to connect with God and strengthens our faith. By pondering His benefits we feel encouraged that God will look after us.
Remember that Heaven can invade your earthly situation and change it. We should be praying for God to breakthrough any difficult situations that we face, for healing, for our needs. We are not alone!
3. Feed your spirit so that it is bigger and stronger than your soul.
Magnify the good, the godly and God in your life.
Be discerning over what you watch. Try to minimize watching a lot of programmes about death, as well as being careful with what news items you watch. Counter them with comedy.
If a problem starts to become bigger than your awareness of God you need to retreat to God and spend time worshipping Him until He becomes the focus and is magnified in your life over your difficulties once again.
4. Forgive and forget
Unforgiveness in our hearts nurtures bitterness. It blocks our relationship with the Lord as well as with the people who have hurt us. God doesn’t remember our sins – “He remembers them no more.” We also need to forget the offenses against us. It is tandem to forgiving – we need to do both. Without forgetting we can’t forgive.
Forgive yourself and let go of your past. You know that you are holding onto the past when you think frequently about past events, criticize yourself for your actions and obsess over the why.
5. Be content
Just as Paul learned to be content, we also need to learn to be content. We need to be content no matter what our circumstances. Being dissatisfied and frustrated with our lot in life will cause us tension and stress.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11)
Our current situation is not necessarily our future or permanent condition. We need to find the joy and contentment in our current position, while at the same time placing hope and trust in God that things will change. Yes, there are things we can and should action immediately that will resolve some of the discontentment, but other aspects will be part of the season in life that we are in. We need to be confident that God gives us the grace and strength for our particular situation.
Don’t compare yourself to others. All this does is make us discontent with our lives and robs us of our joy. It makes us strive after things we don’t need or may not even want.
6. TRUST GOD
§ The validity of God’s promises rest on His character and His resources, which are revealed to us in the Bible. It tells of His faithfulness, His resources and His mighty works.
§ God is into timing. He is about seasons and everything happens in His time. When we get tired of waiting for Him and try to force our goals and ambitions, or whatever else we are wanting, to happen ourselves we end up operating out of the flesh where there is anxiety and worry. When we wait for God’s timing and then are in God’s will it is a lot easier. Don’t try to bring it to pass yourself.
To put in boxes (if room)
“Be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
Joy is defined as a “triumph, cheerful and a calm delight, a deep feeling of contentment.” Some have described it as “the feeling of grinning inside.” It is something that should reside beneath the surface. Joy is not happiness which is a feeling and comes and goes. It is also not based on our circumstances. As Richard Wagner once said “joy is not in things, it is in us.” As Christians we have access to a joy that exists regardless of what our circumstances are like. Jesus said “I have come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10) Furthermore, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and therefore it should be one of our characteristics and evident in our lives.
So how do we cultivate joy in our lives?
1. Live in an atmosphere of thankfulness
§ Rejoicing and thankfulness is an act of will and is hard in times of difficulty. But it draws our focus to Heaven so we can agree with what is true, no matter what we feel or perceive with our physical senses or emotions. Thanksgiving always brings us into God’s presence and connects us with what He is doing and saying in the midst of our circumstances. It helps shifts our focus from an earthly to a heavenly perspective and helps us acknowledge that God is more real than our difficulties.
2. Take a Heavenly perspective on life
Don’t focus on the bad, the lack in your lives, but focus on what God is doing or has done in your life.
Meditate on God’s blessings. This helps us to connect with God and strengthens our faith. By pondering His benefits we feel encouraged that God will look after us.
Remember that Heaven can invade your earthly situation and change it. We should be praying for God to breakthrough any difficult situations that we face, for healing, for our needs. We are not alone!
3. Feed your spirit so that it is bigger and stronger than your soul.
Magnify the good, the godly and God in your life.
Be discerning over what you watch. Try to minimize watching a lot of programmes about death, as well as being careful with what news items you watch. Counter them with comedy.
If a problem starts to become bigger than your awareness of God you need to retreat to God and spend time worshipping Him until He becomes the focus and is magnified in your life over your difficulties once again.
4. Forgive and forget
Unforgiveness in our hearts nurtures bitterness. It blocks our relationship with the Lord as well as with the people who have hurt us. God doesn’t remember our sins – “He remembers them no more.” We also need to forget the offenses against us. It is tandem to forgiving – we need to do both. Without forgetting we can’t forgive.
Forgive yourself and let go of your past. You know that you are holding onto the past when you think frequently about past events, criticize yourself for your actions and obsess over the why.
5. Be content
Just as Paul learned to be content, we also need to learn to be content. We need to be content no matter what our circumstances. Being dissatisfied and frustrated with our lot in life will cause us tension and stress.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11)
Our current situation is not necessarily our future or permanent condition. We need to find the joy and contentment in our current position, while at the same time placing hope and trust in God that things will change. Yes, there are things we can and should action immediately that will resolve some of the discontentment, but other aspects will be part of the season in life that we are in. We need to be confident that God gives us the grace and strength for our particular situation.
Don’t compare yourself to others. All this does is make us discontent with our lives and robs us of our joy. It makes us strive after things we don’t need or may not even want.
6. TRUST GOD
§ The validity of God’s promises rest on His character and His resources, which are revealed to us in the Bible. It tells of His faithfulness, His resources and His mighty works.
§ God is into timing. He is about seasons and everything happens in His time. When we get tired of waiting for Him and try to force our goals and ambitions, or whatever else we are wanting, to happen ourselves we end up operating out of the flesh where there is anxiety and worry. When we wait for God’s timing and then are in God’s will it is a lot easier. Don’t try to bring it to pass yourself.
To put in boxes (if room)
“Be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
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