TITANIC

Most people know the story of the Titanic. It was sailing from England to America, in 1912. On its maiden voyage, it sank and almost everyone on board died because they drowned or froze to death in the icy waters. The thing about the Titanic was it was a large very grand ship. It was possibly made better than any ship in the modern era. But in man’s arrogance, they called it the “unsinkable” ship. It had all these watertight doors so that if the hull got breached it would close off the water and protect the vessel from sinking.

Also in man’s arrogance, they said, “Even God himself cannot sink this ship.” I’m sure God looked down at all their grandeur and their arrogance. And said, huh, how about an iceberg right here? All it took was them hitting one little iceberg and the unsinkable ship ended up on the ocean floor.

A lot of people say the iceberg sunk the ship. Some people say, well it was because the guys steering it, reversed the engines and didn’t steer it fast enough to avoid the collision. But I say arrogance is what sank that ship. “Even God himself can’t sink this ship.” Who were they to think that they were so good? That they didn’t need God’s blessing on the ship. These were wealthy people at the time that were used to having everything their way. I mean this ship was full of grand rare-to-find wood. It was filled with only the best table linens and the best China for the dining room. All the wrought iron and the grandeur and everything was pure opulence. And yet, one voyage and it ends up at the bottom of the ocean.

Prov16:18-19 (18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

We sometimes can also get arrogant in our own lives and before you know it, there’s an iceberg that must take us down a peg or two. I thank God for the icebergs in my life that I collide with that make me stop and say whoa. Where am I going? How did I get here? And God, please help me turn around and steer this ship just a little better.

Our own lives are often like the Titanic. We can get set on a course and we can get heading toward that course so fast, that we don’t see the iceberg until it’s too late. But if we’re tuned in to God? We know what’s coming; the iceberg is on the way. People of this earth are wicked; they’re headed down a bad road and there’s about to be another iceberg. But if we’re prayed up and we’re where we need to be with God, he can and will warn us how to avoid the icebergs of life.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

LIVING WATER

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This Jesus spoke of the Holy Ghost because He was not yet sent to us. Jesus had to ascend before the Comforter; which is the Holy Ghost could come to the body. When Jesus walked this earth, he was God’s body on earth. Now we are God’s body on earth, through and by the Holy Ghost inside of us.

The living water that Jesus spoke about flows out of us to help others. His Spirit reaches out to the lost, broken, sick and dying. It is our job as the body to reach out and help the broken and rejected. We can be the gap filler from where they are to where Jesus is waiting for them to surrender.

I took a drive Sunday to enjoy the beautiful day we were given. I ended up at the falls near my house. As I stood on the edge of the water, I started thinking about how water flows. There are times when we allow ourselves to get out of the flow of God’s will. When this happens our emotions, feelings and thinking patterns become negative and stagnate.

To get rid of the negativity, we need to get out of our rut and back to where the flow of the Spirit can move. The Spirit will begin to push away the negativity and things that are causing us issues. Allowing the flow of the living water will keep our hearts and minds in a good place.

Phil 4:7-8 (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Keeping our focus on the good things of God will keep our hearts and minds on the right path. We cannot be a help to anyone else if we allow life to get us down. If we allow ourselves to not flow in the spirit.

There is a difference between saying a prayer and praying a prayer. When we pray a prayer, we make a connection to God. Our words touch the throne of grace. Praying a prayer will allow the Spirit to flow and cause changes to us and our circumstances. When we say a prayer, it can be a rehearsed lip service or a simple petition for His favor. Saying a prayer never gets results.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

CHURCH PEOPLE

The day after Easter I went to my favorite place to get breakfast. The nice lady that I chat with at the pickup window asked how was my Easter. I told her it was nice and I got to spend time with my family. She said,”I had to work, and then she did air quotes with her fingers and said, “the church people,” came in after their Easter service. They were rude and angry that we were closing early to spend time with our families. Why would they not want us to spend time with our families?”

I immediately said, “There is a difference between “church people” and Christians.” As I continued my drive to work, I thought about what I said to her. Just because you faithfully attend church each week doesn’t mean you are saved. It doesn’t mean that when Jesus comes again, he is going to take you with him. The messages preached in each service need to make an impact. Each day we need to walk a little better than the day before, even if we are a new Christian.

I know we all get emotional at times and allow our flesh to rise up. Especially when we are treated badly. I have heard many people say that they do not like to work at restaurants on Sundays. Their reason is the “church people”. We need to go out of our way to be kind to everyone. If you go to a restaurant anytime be sure to be kind, even if your server is not kind. Don’t be skimpy with your tips. Christians are supposed to be generous and loving.

Christians will walk in love and will carry themselves with kindness, dignity, and humility. Every one of us has bad days when our flesh rises, and we fail. We cannot impact this world with the gospel if we are walking in our flesh. The times we find ourselves not walking in love is because we have lost our God focus.

Gal 5:16-17 [16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. I am grateful that God forgives our failures. We are to walk in the spirit and we will not walk in the flesh.

If we keep our connection to God intact and spend time with him, we are less likely to fall. Staying filled with Him will keep us from walking in the flesh. Psalm 139:23-24 KJV Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

This verse needs to be our daily prayer; for God to search us and lead us. We need to be so full of God that there is no room for the flesh to rise up. As long as we are in this life, the flesh will war with the spirit. I pray I never am categorized as “Church people” I want to be known as a shining light; a Christian that is the real deal. I want people to see Christ in me.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

Have God As Your Compass

I have a bonus blog for you today. It was written by my brother Ben. He is a man of great faith that I am blessed to have in my life. He is always there for me when I need him. He was telling me of a thought he had and I asked him to write it for my readers.

My son and I were traveling back to West Virginia for Easter when we started discussing how much we missed my brother-in-law, Bud. He was always prepared for anything while out in the woods. He always had a compass which got us thinking about being prepared. If everyone had a compass for God and makes God their true north, they will never get lost from Him.

How many times have you been lost and can’t find your way? If you knew your true north you could follow it back home. Let’s say you’re following your true north and you see something that distracts you just for a little while. You walk off the path to look at something not paying attention to your compass, and you get lost in the woods. You were going in a straight line toward home.

You’re happy because you know the way, but suddenly things change there’s a mountain slide that you have to go around. Obstacles in your way, some too big that you think you cannot overcome. Then your left with seeking answers. What do I do? You’re still trusting in your true north which is God. You start to go around these obstacles, and you get turned around, getting lost. Your compass is now forgotten, not knowing which way to go, after a long time of searching. Everyone’s time is different, all the blood sweat, and tears you find yourself at the lowest point in your life; still not knowing what to do. During all these obstacles and struggles, you still have not gone back to your compass. The only way out of this situation is to make God your true north, always follow him and you will know the way home. Romans 8:14– For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

If, not you will stray from your path and be lost. Just remember that sometimes you have to walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7-9) Everyone has a compass from God called the Holy Bible (KJV ). Follow the word and you will not stray from the path on your journey home.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

COMFORT ZONE

The obnoxious alarm wakes you from a deep sleep. The first thought you have is, ‘it can’t be time to get up.’ Hitting the snooze button with a smile, you dig down in the covers. It is so comfortable there in the big fluffy bed. Dozing off you have a smile. Ten minutes later the same obnoxious sound only it is a little more urgent this time. Dragging yourself from the bed you make your way to the coffee maker. The last thing we want to do when cozy and comfortable is to get out of bed and fight traffic going to work. Oh, how easy would it be to stay in the comfortable place of our bed.

None of us want to step outside of our comfort zone. How many times have we done something that terrified us? We didn’t want to step outside of our comfort zone? But when we did, our boundary to our comfort zone expanded. We were no longer afraid of something we had overcome. Everything God asks us to do stretches us. It gives us more confidence in our ability to overcome.

If we are comfortable, we are normally able to do things within our abilities. God wants to do extraordinary things with our lives, but we have to be willing to follow his lead. Sometimes we want to fill our time with the same thing as yesterday. We get into a comfort zone.

God has so much more for us if we could push beyond our comfort zone. He wants to make us warriors for the cause of Christ, but we have to be willing to be bold. He is wanting us on our faces before him, praying for our country. We need alone time with Him in order to be used by God. Pray for deep roots, we will need them to stand strong against what is coming our way.

Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross. He asked God to let that cup pass from him. He was also a good son and said not my will but yours be done. He pushed past his comfort zone and gave in to the process that was set before him. Because he pushed through his comfort zone, many were able to have a right to salvation.

We will never become all that God wants us to be if we are not willing to say, “I trust you, Lord.” Yes, stepping outside of our comfort zone is scary. Yes, the life of a warrior is not an easy road. But he needs bold people in this time to say, “I am a child of God and I will follow where he leads, I will go where he sends me.” If we don’t go, who will? If we want to stay comfortable, who will sacrifice for the gospel?

I often think of my grandfather and how he traveled all over the east coast of the US, in the fifties and sixties preaching the gospel. Without even a vehicle sometimes. He hitchhiked, not knowing if he would get enough money to get home. He truly lived by faith. He gave up a good paying job to preach the gospel. Sometimes he would even have to pick up odd jobs to get to the next town. But he didn’t let that discourage him. He preached the gospel anyway. Countless people were saved, healed, and delivered from demons, sickness and sin. They have passed that faith on to the next generation of their bloodlines. All because of his willingness to step out of his comfort zone.

What will be my legacy? How many lives can I touch if I am only willing to go where He leads? How many lives can you touch by stepping out of your comfort zone? Together we can be a great army of faith-filled, spirit-filled, word-filled warriors that will not allow the enemy to have one more person, NOT ON OUR WATCH.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

HUMBLE VESSEL

The potter makes a vessel. He creates it in the shape he wants and designs it with a specific use in mind. Let’s say he makes a vase. He fires it and makes it strong and to hold water. If we compare a natural vase to Christians as a vessel this will help us to understand pride.

The vase would have no business being prideful of the flowers inside. The vase didn’t make the flowers. People don’t look at someone who receives flowers and say,”Oh, look you got a vase.” They say, “Oh look, you got flowers.” The vase is just to hold the water to keep the flowers fresh.

In like manner, we do not have a right to be prideful when God uses us. We are simply a vessel that carries His Spirit. We carry his love. We are just empty vessels without Him. Because he uses us doesn’t mean we should feel superior to other vessels. After all, it is what God places in the vessel that has the beauty; His love and His Spirit. Just as the flowers make the vase pretty. A proud vase would say, “Look at me, I am so wonderful that God decided to place his Spirit in me.” A humble vase would say, “Don’t look at me, look at God’s Spirit, He is the one that needs the attention.”

James4:6–⁶But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Luke 14:11 –For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

God gives grace to the humble, which is basically the opposite of pride. People that are full of pride have such a high opinion of themselves that they do not have room for God to move in their lives. Pride often comes with a religious spirit. Look at all the Bertha Better than you’s. They are judgemental and full of pride. While they are looking down their noses at others they are committing sin by being so full of pride and judgmental.

To be humble is to not brag or be self-important. God will exalt the humble. The prideful will be brought down. Humble people listen to others. They are not too proud to ask for help. Humble people are grateful for what they have been given. The humble are pleasant to be around and very helpful.

We are called to serve, but we cannot do that if we are prideful. Even Jesus humbled himself and became a servant. He had every reason and right to be exalted and prideful. But instead, he showed many acts of humility while he walked this earth. Jesus is our example, we need to check ourselves and see if we are a vessel that God can use.

HIGHER

There was a little girl walking with her daddy. They were in a large crowd and she felt scared that there were so many around them, pressing in on her. What if she lost grip on her daddy’s hand? She couldn’t see what was going on in front of her. All she could see were legs like tree trunks in a thick forest. She asked her daddy to lift her up higher so she could see. Once in his arms, she could see the pretty horses running freely on the beach. The ocean view was amazing. He pointed out different things to her as they spent alone time together, even though they were in a crowd.

We often do not see the evil and all that is going on around us because we are mixed in the crowd. We don’t see the beauty God created either. God is calling his children to a higher place. A place in his arms a place of fellowship with him. He will point out things to us as we spend alone time with him. He will show us beauty and wonder and whisper future plans to us. He will also warn us of evil and possible attacks. All because we choose to be alone and talk to him.

The higher the fewer. People will not understand us and our choices. The higher we go, the less they understand because they do not see what we see. The crowd is in their way. Their vision is not as clear. God has not revealed to them what he has to us because we have spent time with him.

Many people have been hurt and abused by people who are supposed to be looking out for them. People in church can often wound us very deeply. We may forgive, but getting to a point the scars don’t hurt is difficult. We can overcome what people have done to us by rising above, asking God for his healing and the ability to forgive them. We can use what they said to propel us into our future. Few are willing to go the rough road they prefer to walk where it is easy. They will never reach their potential. Jesus never promised things would be easy. He promised not to leave us to try to navigate the hard stuff alone.

I keep feeling a call to come up higher. God is going to need an army of warriors. Evil is everywhere, even in a lot of churches. The pastors are so full of sin and greed that God has left that place a long time ago. He needs us to rise above sin and the things of this world, he wants to give us special gifts, that only come by climbing higher.

God is going to need people full of the Holy Ghost to stand against the enemy and put Satan in his place. We will not reap deliverance for ourselves or those around us if we don’t sow time in prayer. You can be sure the enemy will know if you are walking in the power that God has placed within you; when he gave you the Holy Ghost. The enemy has a lot of power right now. He is trying to destroy as many lives as possible. We need power over the enemy, but how do we get that power? By having a good connection to our Father. We need to be able to hear His voice and know it is Him that is leading us.

To get my point across, Acts 19: 13-18– 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

The evil spirits knew Jesus, and they knew Paul. Just because someone says in Jesus’ name doesn’t mean they have the power necessary to put the enemy in his place. That power only comes by fasting and prayer. Just like in Mark Chapter 9, a man brought his son that was possessed. He asked the disciples to deliver him, but they could not. Once Jesus had commanded the demon to come out to not enter him again. He sent the man and his delivered son on their way.

Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Consider our lives are like light bulbs. In order for a bulb to shine it needs a power source. Prayer is that connection to our power source. If we pray and get connected to the power source (JESUS) we will become the light God desires.

We need to get more serious about our walk with God. It is time we climb higher and become His Warriors. Remember, The Higher the Fewer, people will not understand you. Remember, Little Prayer equals Little Power. We are going to need that power over the powers of the enemy.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SPIRIT OF TRUTH

I was thinking about the human perspective and how people’s opinions are tainted by the things they have been through. For example, I work with several women and on winter mornings. Some of them will be texting. ‘All the roads are so bad; everybody stay home.’ Some of them will be like, ‘oh, I was just out and it’s not that bad. I’ll be there.’ others are like, ‘well, I don’t know what I’ll do’

The one that says the roads are so bad and it’s so horrible to stay home. She had a scary accident on winter roads; so she’s afraid. They are not as bad as she thinks they are in her mind. But the experience of the wreck makes her afraid.

We are the same way about spiritual things. If we didn’t have the experience of growing up with a loving father, it is hard for us to relate to God being our father. But if we had a good father, then it is easy to relate to God being a loving father who only wants the best for us. It is easier to trust in spiritual things because of our experience.

Experience cannot be our entire driving force. Especially when it comes to spiritual things. God is a Spirit and we must worship him in Spirit and truth. We cannot allow our human experience to get in our way. God takes the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

Education

Education cannot be allowed to get in the way of spiritual things. Some feel that they are superior to others if they have completed an education at a seminary or Christian school. Education means nothing if they are not led by the Spirit. If they are taught man’s ideas or doctrines, they could even be dangerous, deceiving many.

John 16:13- Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he will not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Being led by the Spirit is critical to anyone in the ministry or really anyone that calls themselves a Christian. In order for us to walk by faith, we need to be empowered by God’s Spirit. The Holy Ghost will teach us all things. He gives us the right words to speak to witness to and encourage others. He is our guide and leads us in paths of righteousness. He will give us power over the powers of the enemy. The Holy Spirit is the discerner of thoughts and will convict us when we step out of line.

God honors the bold and the brave. In order to have boldness against wickedness we need to grow a holy backbone; full of boldness. Allowing our God Focus to be on Jesus and not those around us. That holy boldness is what it is going to take in these last days to accomplish our tasks for the eternal kingdom of God.

Experience and education are good things in their place. But none of it will replace being led by the Spirit of God. It should be our daily prayer, before our feet hit the floor every morning, that we be led by the Spirit and allow the fruit of the Spirit to show in our character. (Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Gal.5:22-23)

Take a few minutes and think about God’s plan for your life. Then allow his boldness to arise in you. He will empower you with His Spirit to be the light someone needs in their darkest hour. One thing I do know he will never leave us alone, if we trust in Him.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

ALONE

There are seasons we walk through in life that we are meant to walk alone. Not completely alone, but alone with God. He will cause our friends and family to not be available when we need a shoulder to cry on, because he craves alone time with us. He will isolate us so we can get to know Him. We consider times of isolation a low point. Almost like we are walking in a valley and we prefer the mountain top. We want to be anywhere but alone in the valley. But he wants to teach us that the mountains and the valleys are both necessary. It is on the mountaintop that we exercise what we learn in the valley.

The top of the mountain has the best view, and the most exciting things happen. Look at history, God spoke to Moses on a mountain. He destroyed the prophets of Baal on a mountain. But for us ever to get to the mountain top experiences we need to walk through the low places. It is in the valley that we learn the lessons that will prepare us for our climb. God will walk us through the valley; just as he will help us climb the mountain. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

It is in the quiet places we can hear his still small voice speaking to us. He will guide, comfort, strengthen, educate and encourage us. We must be willing to wait on him, to speak to our hearts. We must be committed to the process.

The struggles we go through make us who we are and what we are getting ready to become. Difficulties are not a part of our lives to cause us pain. They are a part of our life to strengthen us for our destiny. Goliath was not something David had to face just to get past fear. God used Goliath to elevate David to his destiny as king.

The main thing to remember is that he will not leave us in the valley to suffer alone. He will not leave us one second longer than we need to but will lead us out when it is time. He can and will deliver us out of the hand of the enemy. It is our job to let go of our fear, anxiety, our ideas of what we need. He will give us what we need. We don’t always know what is best for us, but God knows.

If you find yourself dealing with something scary and hard to walk through, just listen for that still small voice that is whispering, “I am here with you, my child. I will help you. I need you to see ME in a new light. I have plans for you and they are going to be amazing, just TRUST me.” It is in these quiet times that we learn who we really are, deep down. Every valley is different some only last days. While others will drag on for years. God will only leave us there until we learn what we need and are empowered to take the next step.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

IMPACT

Another work week is almost done. I thought of a question for us all to ponder. “When I die will I have made an impact on the eternal?” This is a question every Spirit-filled, blood-bought Christian should be asking. We don’t have to have great skills to impact eternity. All we need to do is get on our faces before God and pray. Ask him what he wishes us to do.

We want to say to God, please do this or that and it immediately happens. We do not realize what all God has to manipulate and get the timing right to make what we pray for happen. When he tells us to wait, it isn’t because he wants to watch us squirm. He doesn’t say wait to make us uncomfortable or unhappy. Sometimes we are not ready for what we ask, even if we think we are ready.

Have I made an impact on the eternal? We all can make an impact if we apply ourselves. I often think of a story about a woman who was a devout Christian. She had been one to be involved in the ministries of the local church. She would deliver meals to the shut-ins and teach Sunday school, or anything asked of her. She had made an impact on her community for the kingdom.

The little woman had a stroke and was unable to walk. She was bedfast and for a while, she wondered why God even spared her life. The ministries she had been involved in previously were no longer an option for her. After a few weeks of feeling sorry for herself, she looked over and saw the phone book. The idea came to her that she was going to start at the beginning of the phone book and call people to ask them if they know Jesus.

The next few years until her death, God used her to encourage people to seek God. She saw many come to know Jesus because she made a phone call. There is something we can all do. The question we should be asking God is, what can I do now to impact the eternal? If we listen and then do all we can to impact people’s lives, we will have an answer. When our life is over, we can have peace that we have made an impact on the eternal.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS