CONGRATULATIONS TO DALLIE POLLARD FOR WINNING THE GOD FOCUS GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY!
The title of today’s episode: Vessels
Yesterday I spoke about sincere vessels. God has been dealing with me further on the subject of vessels. Webster’s dictionary defines a vessel as an object used as a container (especially for liquids). When I read that definition, the following verse came to mind.
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, our of his belly shall flow the rivers of living water.
God has designed us all with a void in our lives. Many choose to try filling the emptiness of our vessel on our own. They think the answer is in a needle they put in their arm or a new relationship of the week. They turn to many other things that can destroy our vessels. None of these things can fill our vessel. They may distract a person temporarily from their despair, but the all leave an even deeper emptiness behind.
When we feel that deep emptiness, there is an answer; his name is Jesus and only Jesus. He alone has the power to deliver us from our despair. We normally think of sinners as bein the only ones that have a void in their life. Christians can find themselves empty sometimes, too. At times in our Christian walk, we have spent so much time pouring out our vessel to help others that we find ourselves empty.
Although we find ourselves empty, we are not as empty as the sinners of this world. We have peace to know Jesus is there. We can take some time to get alone with God, and he will open the tap and fill us up once again. A vessel is a container made to hold liquids. God designed us to hold living water (His Spirit). Without that spirit, we do not belong to him.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Without that living water, we will continue to be empty. Sometimes, we need to empty our lives of distractions so God can use us in a deeper capacity. We need to pray every day to be empty of our fleshly desires, hang-ups, selfishness etc and pray for God to fill us up so He can use us for his glory. The most awesome, fulfilling experience any vessel can have it to be used by God.
The world is tired of Christianity with its judgmental, self-righteous, self-centered people. The need to see sincere vessels is greater than ever. People want us to admit we are not perfect. They need to see that we sometimes make wrong turns. Then and only then will they understand about God’s unfailing love and overwhelming forgiveness.
Dear Lord, Help me to be a sincere vessel. Empty me of me and fill me with you.
Jer 18:3-6 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
We want to be a genuine vessel. Sincere is something every Christian should be at all times. Webster’s Dictionary defines sincere as genuine, honest or real. Looking further I discovered the origin of the word sincere. It comes from the Latin word meaning without wax. In the Greek it means sun tested.
This word originated in Bible times to show that porcelain vessels were unblemished. During the firing process tiny cracks would appear. These second-rate vessels sold for less money. Dishonest merchants would sometimes fill the cracks with pearly white wax. To the naked eye they appeared to be unblemished, which would of course sell for a higher price. The only way a person could tell if they were wax filled or unblemished was to hold them up to the sun. This was called the sun test.
God is sometimes referred to as a potter and we are referred to as clay. Because he molds and forms our lives. We; however, have a flaw, we live within this flesh. We will never be perfect until we shake off this mortal shell and get our glorified bodies.
Sometimes during our firing process (trials of life) tiny flaws appear in us. Instead of God filling those cracks with wax he has a special covering which makes us unblemished, it is the blood of Christ. If we allow him to wash over us and recreate the flawed parts, we will be a sincere vessel.
If we decide to fill the void spaces or small cracks with the wax of sin, bad attitudes, dishonesty etc. We would never pass the “son” test. We can only be an unblemished vessel with the light of God reflecting in our lives.
Unblemished porcelain is a beautiful white. Just like we become when washed by the blood of the lamb. Porcelain vessels and earthenware are made of the same clay. The major difference between a porcelain vessel and an earthenware mug is the porcelain vessel is fired hotter. If you feel you are in the middle of a fiery trial it could be that God is turning you into a porcelain vessel.
With that being said, let us return to sincerity. We need to have an honest heart. We need to discover our own flaws and how to get rid of them. Covering them is never a good idea. Being a sincere vessel will help us to be a good witness. We cannot be a light if we are full of bitterness, jealousy, unforgiving attitudes and dare I say it, hate or judgmental attitudes.
There are a lot of vessels full of wax. These people can look good. They can walk the walk and appear to talk the talk, only God knows if their heart is sincere. Remember the vessels, they look identical, only the sun-test can reveal the one with wax. As we face tests and trials in life sometimes, we are allowed to face them to see what we are made of; can we walk the walk when the way is hard?
We need to learn to look at others through the “son” test with a sincere heart. Knowing that we all have come short. If we can learn to look at others with the love of God, suddenly they look like unblemished vessels. We can pass the “son” test by trusting in him with an honest heart. By walking with integrity.
I ask myself, “If someone were to shine a light on my life, would they find me to be a sincere vessel? Would they see that there is some wax that needs to be removed from my life?
People in this world are starving for Jesus. They are wanting to see Christians that are real, genuine sincere vessels. We need to allow the master potter to mold us and form us into a usable vessel.
2 Tim 2:19-22 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
We want to be vessels of honor, or sincere vessels. Those are the vessels that will hear him say, Well done my good and faithful servant.
The title of today’s episode is: “PETITION HEAVEN”
I am going to talk today about petitioning the court of heaven. I have a friend who inspired me this morning with the story of one of her dreams. I will not go into details about the dream it will appear on her blog. She is a gifted writer and God uses her in many ways. She is also a prayer warrior. You can find her blog at: www.writinggodsvision.com
She inspired me to start thinking about the courts of heaven. In the times of kings, they would sit on their throne. They had a royal scepter that was basically a staff with a ball on the end of it. Many were gold with jewels encrusted on them. The purpose of the scepter was to signal to his bodyguards that someone could approach.
People were killed for approaching the king without his approval. This scepter was the ok signal to keep his bodyguards from swinging the large axes and beheading the person approaching the throne.
This is the dilemma that Queen Esther faced in the book of Esther. The king had not sent for her, even though she was queen, he could have let the guards kill her for breaking protocol. Because of their relationship and the fact that the king loved Esther, he extended his scepter. There was a relationship, we must have a relationship with the king if we expect His favor to be on our lives.
Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
In other words, as Children of God we have a relationship with the king. We can boldly stand and petition the court of heaven. Because God sees us through the blood of Jesus. We have been given power over the enemy. God will restore what the enemy has stolen we just have to ask for it to be returned. He took your health, then petition God for restoration. If he is stealing your peace, you can ask for it back. If the enemy is attacking you financially, God can restore that too.
Prov 6:30-31 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; 31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. We can ask God to restore to us what the enemy has stolen and he has to give it back. We just have to make a petition to the court of heaven that we want it back.
A petition is a formal request made to a court or governing body. It is normally in writing, but when it comes to petitioning heaven, it can also come in the form of prayer and supplication before God. If we obey God he will restore the things the enemy has stolen.
Mal 3:10-11 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Mal 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
I think this means all the good things we do not just the money or first fruits. But if we are faithful to God and use what we have been given to bless the ministry and others, he will pour out a blessing that we will not have room enough to receive.
He will rebuke the devourer, satan and keep him from stealing from us. Whatever we do will prosper, because the enemy will not be able to touch it.
Luke 18:1-5 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
This is encouragement to be persistent. She didn’t give up on the first try she kept going to this unjust judge. God granted her favor and the judge gave her what she wanted. Not because he feared God or man, but because she was persistent.
We cannot pray halfway once about something and forget it. We have to boldly come to the throne and petition the courts of heaven. Spending time with God in praise and worship will go a long way to build our relationship.
Luke18:6-8 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
This tells us that God will avenge us speedily. In other words, God will punish the enemy by making him give back what he has taken from us. Just as the unjust judge restored the widow’s house to her.
The word avenge means to take vengeance on someone for a wrong. It is when you retaliate for a prior wrong. People often take vengeance on someone on behalf of someone close to them. Like in a lot of the old cowboy movies they would take vengeance on someone who killed their family.
Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
We are to give everything to God and he will work it out for our good. We don’t even have to think about vengeance God has got that covered too.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. It is amazing to know that we can come boldly to the throne and petition the one true king. He will deliver us and avenge us. He will restore all the enemy has tried to steal.
WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING The title of today’s episode is: “SOLID FOUNDATION /SOLID FOOD” When a baby is born it is unable to eat solid food. It doesn’t have any teeth to chew it up. The baby will eat it’s mothers milk which has all the nutrients it needs. This milk also contains anti-bodies against disease. As a child grows they develop their teeth. Then they can start eating solid food. But you don’t give a toddler that has just started to develop teeth a steak or raw carrot. They start off with things like macaroni and cheese and cooked apples. As they grow up a little more then they are ready for chicken or steak. They are mature enough to be able to chew the meat and digest it properly. Paul found the church at Corinth in a mess. They were arguing over minor points of doctrine, and each stood with the minister that led them to Christ. Paul said I fed you with milk and not with meat because you were not able to bear it. A large portion of the church is in this state today. They have been on the milk bottle too long. If a baby is not introduced to soft foods and is continued to be fed with milk they will never develop into a strong child. I Cor 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Paul told them that they needed to see that it didn’t matter if they came in under Paul or Apollos or someone else, it was still the same Jesus. We cannot be carnal and spiritual at the same time. He went on to tell them that Christ was the foundation on which to build our faith and doctrine. 1 Cor 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. We must build on a solid foundation. Once that foundation was laid, we need to build our spiritual house upon the foundation of the gospel of Christ. Everyday the enemy is releasing new doctrines into the world to confuse people. These amazing revelations often come from people taking the word out of context. I saw where someone said we should not say Jesus when we pray because of Acts 4:18. This is the danger of taking one verse and basing a doctrine on it. The word of God says, precept upon precept, line upon line. Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. If you read the whole chapter for context, Peter and John healed a man in the name of Jesus. The religious people who thought they knew it all was concerned about losing their status in the peoples eyes if Jesus continued to be preached. They are the ones that commanded that Peter and John not say or teach about the name of Jesus. This doesn’t mean that we cannot teach and say the name of Jesus. Because the whole rest of the bible says we should use the name of Jesus. I said all of that to say this, it is easy for people to get confused if they do not have a solid foundation. To someone who did not know the word of God says all through the New Testament that we should use the name of Jesus. They would be lacking the foundation necessary to say that the above assumption, built on one verse is incorrect. Colossians says whatever we do in word or deed to do it in the name of Jesus. Heb 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Paul was telling them that they should be matured in the doctrine of Christ Jesus. They should be helping the new converts to build a solid knowledge of the truth. Instead, they were holding on to the milk bottle and didn’t have sound doctrine themselves. In other words, the deep things of God that help us to grow the spiritual fruit, comes from the meat of the word. A lot of fruit will not grow from staying on the milk bottle. I think many of the body are clinging to the milk bottle. They are satisfied with just basic knowledge. They don’t want a deep walk with God because it will cost them something. They will have to give up their canal ways and dig into the word of God. It will cost them doing some of the things they would like to do, in order to spend alone time with God in the secret place. I pray the Body of Christ can grasp the concept of digging deeper into the word. We have been on the milk bottle too long, its time we grow up. We will never have the necessary tools for the harvest if we don’t grow up. Take time to read the word and ask God to give you insights to the meat of the word.
Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
The title of today’s episode is: “JUDGING THE SACRIFICE”
History gives us the story behind the story of Jesus and the money changers at the temple. Many only want to speak of Jesus’ loving, peaceful side. They say Jesus didn’t judge. They do not speak of the Jesus that stood boldly before the religious people and called them a den of vipers. He told them they were open sepulchers of dead men’s bones. In other words, he was standing against their evil. That is what we are expected to do is take a stand against evil. Many people are afraid to take a stand. If we are going to be like Jesus, we are going to have to be strong and speak the truth in love, but still speak the truth. I am not saying we need to go as far as Jesus did with a physical confrontation. He had to make them hate him so that they would crucify him.
During the season of Passover, the Jews would travel to Jerusalem. When the people came to Jerusalem to sacrifice an animal for their sins, the evil ones would tell them that their lamb for example had a blemish. They would have to buy one from them. The people would often trade that lamb to lower their price. Then the evil men would turn around and sell that lamb to someone else.
They would overcharge the widows who could barely afford a dove to sacrifice. The sacrifice was not about the monetary value of the animal, but the cleansing of sin. They cheated the people when they changed one currency to another. They were evil men, profiting off of peoples desire to be obedient to God. They played off of their willingness to be obedient to God.
Jesus was sickened by their evil. He took a scourge and ran them out of the temple. He turned over their money tables so that the money was scattered on the ground. He did this to cleanse the temple. It cost them a lot of money and they hated him for it.
We are the temple of the Holy Ghost. This is symbolic of how Jesus cleansed our temple of evil. When we make him Lord of our life his blood cleanses our sins. He removes all the evil that was trying to corrupt our temple. Just as he ran out all the evil merchants that were taking advantage of the peoples desire to do the right thing. He runs off all the evil spirits that were trying to control our lives.
It was not right that these men were judging someone else’s sacrifice. Like we don’t have the right today to judge what someone else does for God. Maybe they are doing all they can do. In our eyes it may not look like much, but we don’t know the whole story. People, even ones close to us often deal with things we do not understand. We don’t know how big of a sacrifice they are making. We do not know with what attitude they make the sacrifice. If they do it with a love for God and a will to be obedient it is viewed by God as a big sacrifice. If we do it for attention of men and out of obligation it is not viewed by God as much of a sacrifice. That type of sacrifice, God would reject like he did Cain’s sacrifice in Genesis.
Mark 12:38-44 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Many would have judged the woman as being stingy or not caring. Monetarily she didn’t give anything in comparison to the others. However, God doesn’t judge by the monetary value, he judges by the sacrifice. The widow loved God because she gave all she had to give. The others gave a small portion of their large amount of money.
It doesn’t matter what we give to God, people will often look at it like its not a big deal. But we are not to judge another man’s sacrifice or servant.
Romans 14:1-4 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
This is one way of saying don’t be legalistic like the Pharisees. We are not to judge our brother. God alone has the right to judge, because we are his servants. None are perfect and we all have our ideas and opinions about small things. Some try to pick up elements of the law and others have too much grace. But as the saying goes, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” We need to come together as the body of Christ and set aside the little things. Let God work it out.
Romans 14:5-6 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Paul was trying to get the church in Rome to see that it wasn’t about works and observances as much as it was about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It was about their acceptance of this sacrifice and God’s amazing grace.
Don’t allow others judgments of you pull you away from God. If you have his spirit inside of you, listen to Him. He was sent to be our guide. If we have faith and believe, then follow with our whole heart, we cannot God wrong.
I cannot believe we have reached Episode 100 already. When I started, I didn’t know if I would be able to keep up the pace of a devotional every day. God is faithful to pour into me what He wants you to hear for the day.
Since this is Episode 100, I decided to do something fun to give back to you. If you would like to be included in a drawing for a God Focus gift pack. You will need to sign up by May 25, 2024. Included in the gift pack will be a copy of my short bible study books. Set Aside Every Weight- which is about getting rid of things that keep us from our goals. Drawing lines in the concrete – which is about dealing with temptation. The third one is Determined Individuals which is all about brave people that were determined to reach Jesus. All of which will soon be listed on my website with links to amazon. A god focus insulated mug and other goodies.
To register go online and sign up to receive my blogs. www.godfocus.net. If you are already getting my blog then send me an email to be included in the drawing. Email: angela@godfocus.net You have until May 25, 2024 to be included in the drawing. I will do a drawing and announce the winner on Friday May 31, 2024 on Episode 110.
Over the course of 100 videos, I have encouraged you to be bold and brave, to not be double minded, to fight the good fight of faith, to stand strong, to walk in love, to pray with determination and faith, to think about how Big our God really is, to be the warrior God created you to be by picking up the gauntlet. I have shown you how God wants us to encourage one another and keep looking up. We have looked into different aspects of God’s character which happens to be the fruit of the spirit. We have also called out sin and explored the works of the flesh. So I sit wondering where to from here, I am in anticipation of God revealing many more things to us as we go forward trying to live each day according to his word. Pray that God will reveal fresh manna in his word that I can share with you. Thank you for being faithful to watch my videos.
Now the title of today’s episode is: “GOD IS FAITHFUL ”
I want to talk to you today about how God is faithful. First, I want to define the word faithful. To be faithful means you are loyal or unwavering from your word. When you make a promise you keep it. Some other characteristics of God are purity, truth, holding steadfast to the truth, being trustworthy and honest.
2 Thes 3:1-3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
When we give our lives to Christ, our lives become God’s responsibility to establish us in his truth. He is obligated to keep us from evil. Because he is faithful to his children. He does this by infilling us with his spirit. If we allow His Spirit to be our guide, we will be established and righteous.
Lam. 3:22-24 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
We are fortunate that His mercies are new each day. His compassion does not run out. As we start each day with him, he is faithful to give us the strength to get through what we are going to face that day. We can have hope that he will see us through whatever we face. He will be on the other side of our trials with renewing strength and peace. We can ALWAYS depend on Him.
Ps 36:5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
David had a heart for God. Many of the Psalms speak of Gods love and compassion. This is a reminder of how big our God is and is David’s way of saying that our God is limitless.
Ps 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
The psalmist wanted us to know that God’s faithfulness wasn’t just for a few people in Bible times. But is for all generations as long as the earth remains. His faithfulness will be with us through all eternity.
I Thes 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church, That the God who cleanses us fully from sin, is able to keep us preserved blameless until Jesus returns. If we continue to abide in him and allow his Spirit to be our guide. He has called us all to do things to further the gospel. He is faithful and will do a work in people’s hearts, if we go and do what he called us to do. He will work with us to change lives. Because he is compassionate, unwavering, loyal, loving and honest.
He will never let us down. He will see us through the fiery trials of life. We are never alone. He will fight our battles for us. All he asks is that we trust Him. He is not moved by the circumstances that seem to be huge in our lives. He knows the end from the beginning. He loved us so much that he died for us. For all of these reasons he can be called faithful.
He asks that we are faithful to the promises that we make to him. We can be if build our Christian character. Allowing the fruit of the spirit to grow will give us unwavering faith and the characteristic that will help us to be faithful to God.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
God will not give up on us. He has a plan and will finish what he has started in us. We will be all he created us to be as long as we remain faithful to the cause of Christ.
The title of today’s episode is: “WAITING FOR AN ANSWER”
Have you ever wondered why it takes so long for God to answer some prayers? God even sent prophecies and years passed from the time the prophecy was released to the time of fulfillment. In other words, we hate to hear the word wait.
We go to God in prayer, believing that he will answer us. Sometimes the answer comes quickly and it is yes or no. The yes is easy and we are excited and rejoice telling everyone, “I prayed and God answered.”
The word “no” is disappointing and we do not understand why, when our request is a good thing. At least in our minds, it is good. But God sees the whole picture he sometimes says no to a temporary thing. This will leave us free to receive a better thing a little farther down the road. Another explanation could be that God sees how that good thing could destroy us later down the road. He says “no” with our best interest in mind, because He is a good father.
But when he says wait, that is even harder to receive. Wait means I am going to give you what you desire, but not yet. Again, he sees the big picture. Sometimes there are lessons we need to learn before he can trust us with our request.
God gave Abraham the promise that he would be the father of many nations and he didn’t have one child. He and his wife Sara were by human standards too old to conceive a child. After a revelation like that I am sure Abraham was excited. But God made them wait for the fulfillment of the promise.
During the course of the “waiting” Abraham and Sara were growing weary and she came up with the idea of letting Abraham have a child with Hagar her handmaid. This only made things worse for them in many ways. Because they did not trust God, Ishmael was born. The descendants of Ishmael still fight against the Israeli people today. By them not waiting on God, they created turmoil not only for themselves, but for their descendants.
God did fulfill his promise to Abraham. It took twenty-five years. If God said it, he will fulfill his promises. Because he is truth and he cannot lie. We in our weakness sometimes hinders God’s promises. Our negative talk and saying things like, “Well God said he would answer my prayer, but I don’t think its ever going to happen.” That is not faith, neither is worry. Once we hear from God and he says wait, we need to get out mindset right. We need to look at each day with hope and anticipation of the “yes, today is the day.”
It takes, timing, faith and trust to see the promises fulfilled. In the time from the yes until we see the manifestation of that yes is the wait. What do we do in the wait? Thank him for the answer, just like you already have it.
Romans 4:16-21 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
He calleth those things which be not as though they were, against hope believed in hope, and being not weak in faith but was strong in faith, giving glory to God and being fully persuaded that what he promised he was able to do.
He was fully persuaded that God was able to give him a son. He was not weak in faith, but had strong faith. When it looked like things were not going to work out he hoped against what the enemy was telling him.
When you are in the waiting the enemy will come and tell you that it is not going to happen. He will manipulate the situation to make it look like it is going the opposite direction. The waiting is a firing process in which faith grows. We have a hope deep within the depths of our soul that through the process God will come through and meet us on the other side of the wait with the answer “yes”.
Abraham was fully persuaded, which means he had wrestled the matter thoroughly while he was waiting until he has a mindset that there was no convincing him that he would not have a child with Sara.
Abraham called things as not, as though they were. One way he could have done this was to say, “Thank you God for my child with Sara.” “Thank you God for fulfilling your promise.”
Let me see if I can break it down, lets say you have asked God for a new car. God has said wait. While you are in the waiting process, you can thank God everyday for your new car.
I have a friend that asked God for a vehicle. She was specific with him, I want it to have less than how ever many miles. She was specific about how many people she could haul in the vehicle. God answered her prayers down to every detail. But in the wait, she said, Thank you God for my new vehicle, with x amount of miles etc.
She called things as not as though they were and God’s answer went from wait to “Yes”.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
In the waiting our strength is renewed by God. He will help us soar above the storms the enemy tries to put in path. We will run the race with God renewing us and helping us to stay strong in our faith and not give up while we wait for the answer.
We have to guard our hearts against unbelief and discouragement, both will prolong the wait. If you find yourself waiting for an answer from God. Remember Abraham and how he waited. Allow your faith to convince your flesh that God is going to answer, then hold on to the answer, thanking and serving him in the wait.
The title of today’s episode is, “THE PRESSURE OF ANOINTING”
Everyone wants an elevation of level in their spiritual walk. But many do not want to go through the trial that grows them to be able to step up. Each new level requires us to go through something to bring us closer to God and a new level of anointing. Think about an olive, it doesn’t bring forth oil unless the flesh is crushed. We need to press our flesh to give up control. We cannot grow in the spirit unless we deny our flesh.
Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. This was an olive grove that had an olive press. There was no greater pressing than when Jesus was preparing for what he was about to face. Olives are always pressed three times. The first press was used in the temple and for religious purposes. The second pressing was used for cooking. The third press was used to light a lamp.
Jesus took disciples with him. But left them and went deeper into the garden to pray. It was in this prayer time that he was preparing and being pressed like never before in his life. His human side didn’t want to go to the cross.
Matt 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
But he allowed God to press him to accomplish what he needed to do to save all of mankind. He prayed three times or was pressed in the oil press three times. Each pressing squeezed the flesh of the fruit a little harder.
Matt 26:40-41 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus understood that our flesh is the weakest part of our being. Often our spirit longs for deeper things in God. But our flesh does not want to sacrifice whatever we have to give up in order to rise up a level. This is where the pressing comes in, we have to force our flesh into the position that we can be squeezed. Allowing God to draw out of us that precious oil that leaves the anointing of God.
We cannot take anyone with us on the journey of pressing in or being pressed. It is a personal thing that is between us and God. People can only go so far with us. But ultimately the journey is ours to take alone. But on the other side of the pressing, we will be stronger in our spiritual walk.
Matt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
First, he had to surrender the will of his flesh to God. That made it easier to stand before Pilate and not say a word. He had the matter settled in his mind before the kiss of betrayal from Judas.
Matt 26:43-44 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
It took Jesus three times praying to fully release his will to go forth and be punished for the sins of all mankind.
Luke 22:39-44 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke’s account is further proof that this was an agonizing prayer. He really struggled and pressed into the will of God. It is hard for me to imagine what Christ suffered for you and me. But it took a lot of preparation to carry out the will of God. He was already feeling the weight of those sins in the garden. But he surrendered the will of his flesh so that his flesh could give up its life’s blood for us. Prayer is not always pretty and dignified. Sometimes it’s ugly crying and sobbing.
God is not asking us to endure anything as difficult as Jesus suffered. But he does realize it is hard to give up the will of our flesh. He knows temptation and understands what it means to go through a pressing. If we can endure the pressing, we come out on the other side more like Jesus. Because his oil of anointing is released to us. That anointing can break any yoke.
Kathyrn Kuhlman said, The anointing will cost you something, it will cost you everything. But it is worth the cost to be under the anointing presence of God.
I Pet 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
As we overcome different trials we grow stronger. It also increases our joy in the Lord. Knowing that he will never leave us and has seen us through yet another pressing.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
We have to trust that God knows what he is doing. Just as clay is in the potters had and is formed into the vessel he chooses; we are in God’s hands. He is patient and will continue to work on us until we are what he created us to be all the time. Each trial is pressure from his hand to bend our will to his. Be encouraged when trials come, God is right there with you and will not leave you.
The next time you feel the pressure of the oil press, remember that God is preparing you for the next level of his anointing.
The title of today’s episode is, “IT’S YOUR CHOICE”
God often wakes me with a song in my heart. A couple of days ago, the song that was my spiritual earworm was a song by the Hinsons. “Who is on the Lord’s Side? It was popular when I was a teenager. The words got me to thinking about my post Friday. We have to choose to pick up the gauntlet. We have to choose sides.
There are a few places in the word of God where the children of Israel had gone astray. Once they were dancing around a golden calf and saying this is our god that brought us out of Egypt. We are at a pivotal moment in our own history. God is asking, are you going to trust me or are you going to look to the little gods of this world.
Other than the stories of Jesus, Elijah at Mt. Carmel is one my favorites. Jezebel was ruling everything with her cunning ways. Israel for the most part was following Baal. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest. If your God be god, then let him send down fire from heaven.
1 Kgs 18:21-22 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
It is time we stood boldly like Elijah. He thought he was the only one still standing for the Lord. But he was determined to stand even if he had to stand alone. If you don’t know the story read I Kings Chapter 18 and 19. For time sake, I will not read the rest of the chapter, but the prophets of Baal cried and cut themselves and did everything to get their fake God to answer with fire. It did not happen. Then Elijah prayed a simple prayer and God sent down fire and consumed the sacrifice. The prophets of Baal were taken and destroyed.
Then we find Elijah hiding in a cave and God asks him why he was in the cave. He was hiding from Jezebel who threatened to kill him for getting rid of the prophets of Baal. He was feeling alone, like he was the only one standing for God. But God told him he wasn’t the only one.
I kgs 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
God always has a remnant of people that stand strong. Elijah felt like he was alone, yet there were seven thousand that had not bowed down. There are many more of God’s people today than seven thousand that are standing strong and keeping the faith. They do not buy the lies of the enemy. The evil we see on the news is only showing a small group of people that are trying to make us think they are many and the enemy is winning. He is the forever loser and will not prevail over God’s remnant.
Romans 11:2-5 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
A side note I was curious if verse 2 the name Elias was referring to Elijah on Mt. Carmel. I googled, Is Elias and Elijah the same person? Google says: Elijah was a Hebrew prophet who ranks with Moses in saving the religion of Yahweh from being corrupted by the nature worship of Baal. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God” and is spelled Elias in some versions of the Bible.
I love that his name means “Yahweh, is my God.” Does our reputation or how we are known agree with that statement? Does our lives say, Jesus is my God?
The story of Elijah on Mt. Carmel was not the first time God’s people were told that they needed to choose. I mentioned earlier the children of Israel, while God was writing the tablets of his laws for Moses, they were breaking every one of them in the camp below. Moses was angry with the people of Israel. He threw down the tablets that God had written the ten commandments and broke them into pieces.
Exodus 32:26 “Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come unto me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.”
The people were asked to choose which side, good or evil. All down through time each person has had a choice to make; a choice of good or evil, The Lord or a man made little “g” god that doesn’t have power. Some even choose to follow satan who has some power to manipulate, lie and convince people he has power. MY GOD is greater than all of them combined. There is not even a comparison. Our God is so far above the rest there should not even be a question.
JOSH 24 14-18
Joshua 24:14-16 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;
Joshua 24:17-18 For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: 18 And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.
I want to remind you that you don’t have to be bowing down to a golden calf or dancing naked in the grove or burning incense to a false god. Anything that we put before God is an idol. It is so hard and so easy at the same time to allow things to get in our way. It pays us to be ever vigilant about our spiritual life and faith walk.
As we are quickly approaching what many consider end times, it is now more important than ever to have the matter settled. These stories are a constant reminder to choose good and not evil. Will we allow how things appear to sway us? Will we let fear creep in and be our guide? Will we cave at the first sign of resistance to our faith? No, we are going to boldly say, I will stand for the Lord if I have to stand alone.
But we are never really alone. God stands with us, just as He did with all the prophets of old. He will go before us and fight for us. We just have to be willing to stand with him. Pray for God’s will in our lives and never give up.
In history there was a brave man that led a resistance against people that were oppressing his people. His name was William Wallace. He had such resolve and determination to have freedom, that as he was being killed by his enemy, he screamed the word freedom. It sparked his people to go on and win their independence from oppression.
We never know, when we are standing firm on the truth of God’s word, who we will encourage to stand strong. Freedom from our enemy is a fight worth fighting. I ask, who do you choose today? Jesus or an idol? Right or wrong? Freedom or bondage?
As for me? I will choose the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only one who died for me and redeemed me from bondage. Take time to think about where you stand today. Then go out and inspire someone to stand strong for Jesus.
The title of today episode is “Picking Up The Gauntlet”
I awoke a couple of weeks ago and I heard God say, “The gauntlet has been thrown down.”
I cannot say I had much idea of what that meant. I thought I knew what a gauntlet was, but I looked it up anyway. A gauntlet that is thrown down is an armored glove, or a part of the armor that protects the hand.
In Medieval times, a soldier would challenge someone by throwing down his gauntlet. It was meant as a formal challenge to a duel. If the opponent accepted the challenge, they picked up the glove that was thrown down.
At first, I could see several different things this phrase could mean. But I wanted to know what God meant by the phrase. I started to pray into it. As I researched, I came across the word gauntlet as slang of today. Gauntlet is slang for a situation in which someone is attacked, criticized, questioned by many people.
I thought, that describes the church of today. The remnant, that are standing for the truth of God and being attacked, criticized and questioned by society. They do not want the truth of God. I pondered how this affected the church as a body of believers.
As I prayed into what God told me, “The gauntlet has been thrown down.” I got an even deeper revelation that I want to share with you today. The gauntlet is everything the enemy is trying to do in the earth. He has thrown down the challenge. He says he is going to destroy the next generation and take away our rights to pray, read our bible or believe in God. He says he will make us a god that we can all worship in unity. One that won’t upset the agenda of the evil ones. The question is, are we going to pick up the gauntlet. Are we going to fight the good fight of faith and stand boldly. I have decided I am going to pick up the gauntlet. How about you?
Are we going to have the boldness of David and tell the enemy that he will not defeat us? Are we going to be cowardly and tremble with fear as the enemy tries to intimidate us? It is time to rise up and stand strong. We were not meant to sit quietly in camp while God goes out and fights our battles. Yes, he says he will fight our battles, yes he will defeat our enemy. We cannot rise up in our own strength and try to fight the enemy.
We are fighting a spiritual battle. It cannot be won by natural means. If we try to fight by natural means, we will end up like the seven sons of Sceva. We will end up naked and wounded by the enemy. Never think for one minute that the enemy cannot prevail over your flesh. He is a master manipulator; the enemy has a lot of power. If you do not know the Jesus that Paul preached then you could be headed down a rough road.
But as children of the most high God, blood bought by the work of the cross, filled with the Spirit of God, we have power over the enemy. He should not even try to challenge us. Because we will win this battle, not physically, but by what we do. We have something we need to do.
Jehoshaphat was told to put his worshippers out front. To a natural mind that seemed silly.
I Cor 2:14 -But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
We have to remember that we are not warring in the natural. We will fight on our knees the battle that is set before us. The Holy Ghost that is in us will fight for us. We just have to open our mouths and declare the word of God.
Oh, I feel this so strong in my spirit. Things are shifting, the battle lines are drawn. We are staring at the enemy across the battlefield. He is not hiding all his evil any longer. It used to be the enemy only worked in the darkness, hidden where society as a whole could not see. Maybe that is why the church fell asleep.
But now, they are blatant, open and challenging with their evil. They are doing sorcery and witchcraft on stage at concerts and Christians are buying and sending their teenagers off to see this evil. Christians dress up for Halloween as witches and television characters that they shouldn’t even be watching, let alone emulating. Then they wonder why their children are not acting like they did before but are rebellious. Two hours a week in church cannot counteract the 24/7 bombardment of evil. This is why it is important to pour into your children the things of God. Also pray and declare God’s word over them. Witchcraft is rebellion, it is rebellion against God. It is one of the works of the flesh that make God sick.
Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Until we stand up and pick up the gauntlet, the enemy will continue to destroy people through the works of the flesh. Sometimes people get in so deep into these things that the only one that can get them out is God. They become bound, the enemy gets a stronghold and builds a wall of resistance against God.
Do you think God is moved by the walls of the enemy? Jerico was six chariots thick and all it took for God to knock it down was for his people to be obedient. The church is marching around quietly, but it is coming the moment of truth when God says to shout. Are we going to obey or are we going to be quiet because we don’t want to offend someone?
I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or purposely set out to offend anyone. But as a child of the one true living God, I have to obey my daddy. We are to speak boldly the word of the Lord. It is time we took a stand against evil.
When we pick up the gauntlet the battle plan must be as follows: worship, pray, declare and watch.
Worship the Lord—worship brings us into the presence of God. It allows our Spirit to make a better connection to be able to hear our instructions. By worship I don’t mean go to church and listen to a song or two. I mean allow your spirit to connect with God in quiet reflection.
Pray – pray against the evil of this world. Pray for God’s presence to bring down evil and for him to release his sweet presence in the earth. No one can come to God except God draws him.
Declare the word written in the bible, declare what God is going to do in the earth. Making declarations is not a name it, claim it doctrine that went around some of the churches in recent years. But it is about binding and loosening.
Matt 18:18-20 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal or fleshly. Our weapons are worship, prayer and declaring the word of the Lord and declaring things that agree with the word of God.
A few examples of declarations:
I declare and decree, that God is going to bring down the evil strongholds. Satan’s plans will not prosper against God’s people. We have victory through the blood of Jesus.
I declare and decree, that the enemy will not have my lost family, but all will come to know the Lord. The prodigals will return to the house of God.
I declare and decree, that God will bring down the evil child trafficking rings and they will be punished for harming the children. God will heal the children and give them a good life.
I declare and decree, No weapon that the enemy had devised will prosper against God’s people or the upcoming harvest. We render their weapons null and void.
I declare and abundance of provision over God’s people that they may take the gospel to all the ends of the earth.
I declare that all the incantations and spells put out into the atmosphere by the enemy will not prosper because God’s people are praying and decreeing that all evil weapons will be destroyed and not have an affect on God’s people.
I declare the words of Psalms 91 over my household and over my family. The Lord will deliver us from the enemy and his traps. I declare that I have protection under his wings. I declare that I will not fear what is going on in the news, because he is my protector from evil plots, viruses, destruction and storms, both spiritual and physical storms. I declare that his angels watch over me and my family, because we choose to worship his name.
Watch – The final thing is to stand back and watch God move, he will send revival and freedom to the people of the world if we pick up the gauntlet and tell satan he will not win.
I read Psalms 91 almost every night over my home and in my life. It is time we got fired up. We have been in basic training too long. It is time we take up the gauntlet and GO TO WAR against our enemy. I listen often to a preacher named Tim Sheets and he calls the devil the Forever Loser. I love that so much, because against God’s people he is the forever loser, if we stand strong and declare the word of the Lord and pray, we cannot be defeated, because God fights for us.
GOD FOCUS--Psalm 34:3 O magnify the Lord with me.... 