dickbraswell

Fiery Trials

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you… 1 Pet 4:12.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivereth him out of them all…  Psa 34.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…  Isa 54:17.

When the enemy shall come in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him..  Isa 59:19.

Fear thou not for I am with thee; be not dis­couraged; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee, I will help thee:  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness…  Isa 41:10.

Multitudes of God’s people are going through strong testings.  Some of the things many in the Body of Christ will face can be overcome only by and through BIBLE FAITH.

Now this is the victory which overcometh the world, even our faith… I John 5:4.

Satan has diabolical schemes and strate­gies set to discourage and defeat the church of the living God.  All hell is breaking loose and, like it or not, more is on the way.  If we are not in the fire we are not doing much for God.

However, this is not the time to be distressed and dismayed… it is the time to believe.  It is the time to trust.  It is the time to have confidence in God.  It is time to have absolute trust in the Word.   The world is nervous.  Governments are ner­vous.  Leaders and statesmen do not know where to turn or what to do.  Only those who are strong in God will see it through.  This is not the time for Disney World Christians… it is the time for those who will face the fire, charge ahead and refuse to back up.

There are many fiery trials and fiery fur­naces that will try our faith.  Satan uses these to discourage and defeat the believer. They are de­signed to destroy our faith and to make us lose confidence in God.  They are set before us to move us into fear and to make us get into doubt.  They are sent by the devil and they are sent to destroy us.

Notice the story of the Hebrew Champions recorded in Daniel chapter 3:

They were in a strange land 

They were “out of place” because they were God’s People and they were confined to a pagan land.  If you are born again, you do not “fit” in the world.  You are in a strange land and your citi­zenship is in another country. You are actually an alien on earth.  You are “out of place.” You are looking for a city whose Builder and Maker is God.

They were in a strange land because of who they were.  They were God’s children and they were being held in captivity.  They were hated by the world and rejected by the world.  They were a threat to the kingdom of darkness and Satan planned for their destruction.  They were targets of paganistic and false religions.  We are a threat to Satan’s kingdom and we need not be surprised when opposition arises and when af­flictions come.  Remember, the Word says,  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all   Psa. 34:19.    

Nebuchadnezzar was in charge 

He was a pa­gan king.  He was against God and against God’s people. Satan is the ruler of this world system.  He is against God and he is against the God in you and me.  He purposes to destroy God’s peo­ple and to bring the Church into bondage.  Satan may be “in charge” of this world system, but we have more power than he has.  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.   1 John 4:4.    

They had opportunity to become like the Babylonians but instead they chose to stick with God

They were tempted. They had op­portu­nities to compromise, cop out and cooperate with the devil, but they were committed to their calling.  We can choose whom we will serve.  The decision is ours.  It is up to us.  Whom we serve determines whether we live or whether we die; whether we succeed or whether we fail.

They refused to compromise

They would not bow and would not burn.  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up… Dan. 3:18.  

They decided to stay with God and to honor their convictions.  They made a decision and they stuck with it.  They were determined and absolute with their faith.  They did not even consider anything other than obeying God and God’s Word.  They did not value their physical lives; they had rather keep themselves pure and clean than escape the fire.  They were committed.  The only thing that mattered to them was stay­ing with God.

They refused to get discouraged because of a difficult and impossible situation 

Sit­ua­tions are not supposed to affect us… we are sup­posed to affect situations.   Situations do not change God.  God is changeless.  God is im­mutable.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to­day and forever.  Do not judge the Word by your situation,  judge your situation by the Word.

We are not the only saints who have ever been in a hard place.  The devil wants you to think that you are the only one with such an impossible circumstance.  He wants you to believe that your problem is bigger and “badder” than anybody else in the world.

Consider Paul and Silas and their problem described in Acts chapter16.   Consider the Apostles who were beaten and im­prisoned time and time again.  John was left on the Isle of Patmos to die.    Look at the saints who paid with their lives through martyrdom.  Check out the heroes listed in Hebrews 11.

Notice:

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:  Heb 11:32

Who through faith subdued king­doms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Heb 11:33 

Quenched the violence of fire, es­caped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Heb 11:34 

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not ac­cepting deliverance; that they might obtain a bet­ter resurrection: Heb 11:35

And others had trial of cruel mock­ings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: Heb 11:36

 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Heb 11:37

 (Of whom the world was not wor­thy:) they wandered in deserts, and in moun­tains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  Heb 11:38

 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: Heb 11:39

The writer of Hebrews tells us to:

Consider Him (Jesus) lest ye be­come weary and faint in your minds…   Heb 12. 

Resist discouragement 

Discouragement will produce self-pity, com­plaining and question­ing God.  We will never be able to stand in the fire if we are discouraged and full of self-pity. It’s amazing to me how many believers enjoy having others “feel sorry” for them.  They seem to take comfort by wallowing in self-pity.

I often wonder just how they would or could fare in times that were comparable to those the New Testament believers faced.   I have been in places where people were not praying for money to pay the rent or the car note, but where they had to pray for their next meal… for food for their children and for shelter from the elements.  This nation has been and still is inundated with the grace and mercy and the blessings of God.  Go check your refrigerator right now and count your blessings.   We have absolutely no reason to be discouraged.  We are blessed. 

Make up our minds

It’s imperative that we fix our minds.  Stand still.  “Having done all, stand…!”  We should determine in our mind to never give up.  Never back up.  Never let up.  Never ease up.  These Hebrews refused to give in to defeat and they refused to compromise.   But “what if?”  But “just in case…”  What is our alternate plan?  SINK or SWIM.  Live or die.  Win or lose.  Get healed or stay sick.  Never ever consider backing down. God has no “plan B.”

 Rejoice in our trial

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  James 1:2

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  James 1:3  

            Faith has a proving ground.  Just like cars and trucks and other vehicles.  Trials and test­s are the proving ground for our Faith.  God does not cause them or bring them on, but they are the test track for our believing.  (1 Pet 4:12).  “Counting it all joy” when we are really hurting is difficult but it is not impossible.  Rejoicing is the opposite of complaining and griping and self-pity.  The sooner we rejoice, the quicker it will be over!  When we get to the rejoicing stage, the victory is at hand. 

The trial we are now in is purifying and re­fining  

Every trial is cleansing and tempering. It is working patience in us and it is causes us to depend totally on God.  It directs our attention to God’s ability.   It reminds us of God’s promises.  Trials keep us focused on that which is important.  It prioritizes our lives and gives us the courage to forsake and refuse those things which have become detrimental to our faith.

Above all, know that GOD IS ABLE.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery fur­nace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.   Dan. 3:17  

Now unto him that is able to do ex­ceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…   Eph. 3:20  

Nothing, no matter what it is, is ever too “broke” for God to fix. God is able.  This is the Magna Charta of the Christian Faith!  Knowing that God is Able!  Believing that God is Able!  Being assured that GOD IS ABLE!  When we have a revelation of the ability of God then we can boldly confess “if God be for us, who can be against us?”  (Rom 8:31)

The Real Test

When we are in the fire, remember He is in the fire with us.  If you do not stay with God, where and to whom will you go?  The Christian walk is not an easy one but it is the best one.  It is not for the sissy or the coward or the lazy or the fickle.  It is for the Brave.  It is for the Bold.  It is for the Fearless.  It is for the Courageous.  Listen to these champi­ons:

Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us for the burning fiery furnace and He will de­liver us out of thine hand, O king,  but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up…   Dan 3:17-18.

NOW… what are we going to do when we face the fire?  What are we going to say when we face the fire?  How are we going to act when we face the fire?   What declarations will we make when we are about to be thrown into a situa­tion we do not deserve and which we do not under­stand?

Who is going to give in… us or the devil?  Which way will we go… God’s way or the world’s way?  Which will we choose the easy way or the right way?  What testimony will we leave?  What impression will we make on those who are watching us and waiting to see what we will do?

What will you do in the midst of the fire?  Always remember:

 GOD IS ABLE!

Word for Today:  May 20

“In 1607 the Jamestown settlers stepped ashore on pristine soil at Cape Henry, Virginia.  They immediately planted a cross and claimed this land for Jesus Christ.  That same day, Reverend Robert Hunt gathered the group for a prayer service.  He urged the men to pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would go forth to all nations from these shores.  The charter of Virginia, granted by King James I, gave their purpose as: propagating the Christian Religion to such people as yet live in darkness…”

These noble individuals were sheltered and schooled in homes where the Bible was read, studied and practiced.  Marriage was scriptural and paramount and the sanctity of such marriages became the birthplace of statesmen and leaders and scholars and merchantmen that feared God and laid the foundation of our great nation.

God is determined to bless any nation that stays true and faithful to Him and His Word.  God will safeguard any government that honors Him and keeps His Word.  God will supernaturally protect the people of any country that will humble themselves and pray.

PRAY today for the USA

Word for Today:  May 19

The fact is, life does deliver some crushing blows

We need to “get real.”    It is unprofitable for us to live in some dream world where everything always is perfect.  Life is not some Hollywood American Utopia where there is no pain and no disappointment…  The devil is real and the kingdom of darkness is real.

Some of these contradictions that we are unable to understand are aimed at believers as well as unbelievers.  The church is not immune to demonic attacks.  In fact, the purpose and ploy of the devil is to kill, steal and destroy… primarily that and those who are not already “his.”   Therefore, how we react and cope in difficult and trying times is extremely important to the Kingdom of God.

We must understand that the “curse” is far reaching.  Even though the Redemptive Work of Jesus cancelled it for the Believer, its effects and influence is still very active in the natural world.  That’s why we are experiencing war and murder and injustice and abuse….  All manner of wickedness and evil that is contrary to the Kingdom of God.

The world we live in is influenced by principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12).  This is a principle that those in the early church were well aware of.  However, the Message that motivated those experiencing the trials and tribulations of such an unfair and unjust environment was a Message of great encouragement.  It declared that even though times were tough, they were Overcomers.

This is one of the recurring themes of New Testament Theology and it is a contemporary Message of encouragement to us as well.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  1 Jo 5:4

Word for Today:  May 18

The seed and the ground

Jesus gave us the parable of the Sower and the Seed.

This parable is found in all three synoptic Gospels.  We need to consider some characteristics that identify a seed and also some ground conditions that are necessary for the seed to germinate.

Jesus said that the Word is the seed.

The ground is the heart.

He pointed out that the condition of the ground in which the seed is sown determines the extent of the harvest.  Good ground produces a bountiful harvest.

The Seed is the Word and when the Word is sown in good Ground (the proper heart condition) then the Word will produce “after its kind.”  Ideally, Word production is the production of the Will of God.

Whatever is in the Word will be grown in the earth.  Whatever is in the Word will be produced on the earth.  Jesus prayed in the Model Prayer “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”  When our heart condition “draws out” what God has placed in, then God’s Will is accomplished on the earth.

In Real Time.  In the present.  In the now.

When and where it is most needed

Word for Today:  May 17

God established the family.

The first human He made was a Husband and Father.

The second was a Wife and Mother.

The first family was given the awesome responsibility of “replenishing” the earth.

The family is more important than the church.  The family is more important than “religion.”  The family is more important than being “spiritual.”  The family is more important than anything God planned for the welfare, protection and propagation of the human race.

The family was established before the church.  It was on earth and functioning before Israel became the Chosen People… the Grand Plan and special nation through which God would send a Savior and redeem the world.

There is a Biblical pattern and plan for the family… It is simple and it is clearly stated in the Scriptures… One man.   One woman.  One time.  Until death.

The plan is defined and explained in the Word as follows:

• Husbands… love your wives. (Eph 5)
• Wives… submit (yield) to your husbands… (Eph 5)
• Children… obey your parents…. (Eph 6)
• Families… serve the Lord. (Jos 24)

…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Simple.  Plain.  Unquestionable.  Imperative.  Fundamental.

Surviving the Storm

Ps 107:29   He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still  

Mark 4:35   And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side

Mark 4:36   And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship And there were also with him other little ships

Mark 4:37   And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full

Mark 4:38   And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Mark 4:39   And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm

Mark 4:40   And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Mark 4:41   And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

What are Storms? 

Storms are circumstances and situations.   Storms are problems.  Storms are crises.  Storms are hindrances and delays and disappointments.  Storms are situations that plague us and harass us and attempt to destroy us.  Storms are sicknesses and physical attacks. Storms are Family conflicts and marriage troubles.  Storms are difficulties and impossibilities in the work place. Storms are addictions and habits that keep us in bondage.  Storms are demonic.

Where do they come from?  What causes them?

Storms are caused by the devil.  They are demonic attacks.  They are designed to do what the devil wants to do to you… to kill you, to steal your goods, and to completely destroy you.  Storms are planned and birthed in hell.  They are designed for you personally by the devil and his demons.  They are intended to keep you as far away from God and God’s Purpose as possible.

What is the Purpose of Storms?

The purpose and intent of storms is to stop you before you get where God wants you to be.  Storms arise and winds blow in the process of MINISTRY and SPIRITUAL GROWTH.  When you determine to obey God and Be a Blessing to OTHERS is when you will find yourself in a storm with the devil attempt­ing to sink your boat.  The moment you decide to Go to the Other Side with Jesus, satan will send a storm to stop you and to sink your boat.  You hear the voice of God… the challenge… the command… (this is point A) and you start out toward point B which is the place where God wants you.  And on the way….. you run into a STORM.

            (1) Storms arise and winds blow in the process of MINISTRY and SPIRITUAL GROWTH.  When you determine to obey God and Be a Blessing to OTHERS is when you will find yourself in a storm with the devil attempt­ing to sink your boat.

            (2) Storms will challenge your faith.  You may not be able to see God or hear from God.  You will be tempted to give in to wonder (“Why me?”) and doubt (“What if?”).

            (3) Storms are caused by the devil and they are devices to stop you from getting to the place where God wants you to be!!    God does not cause storms… if He did then Jesus was guilty of rebuk­ing God in this case.

            (4) Storms do not mean that God is not with you.  On the contrary, they are proof that He is with you and that a miracle is about to take place.   Storms are not “punishments” or “chas­tenings” from God… God will not put you in a storm to “teach you something!”

Some of the most dedicated NT personalities were at times caught in a storm.  The disciples were in the middle of the sea in a storm and saw Jesus walking on the water.

Paul was on the way to Rome and his ship was nearly destroyed in a great storm. 

Storms can cause:

Discouragement and despair.  They can move us to a place of giving up and going down with the ship.  They can make us tired and weary.  They can cause us to blame God and get mad at Him.  They can destroy our peace and mess with our minds.  They can make us sick and frustrate us.  Storms can strain our marriage and hurt our home. Storms can separate us from friends and destroy relationships.  Storms can keep us out of the Will of God.

Here are some common errors believers make in the midst of the storm:

• Some will use their own efforts to “bail out the boat” and try to keep it afloat.
• Some will look at the storm and try to size it up. “How long?”  “How strong?”  “What’s wrong?”
• Some will concede to defeat immedi­ately.

If you are in the midst of a storm, what are you going to do?     How do you intend to handle the situa­tion?  Are you going down with the ship?  Or will you Stand in the Storm?

Notice our Text:

Mark 4:35   And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

• It was time to move. It is late in the day.  Night is at hand.  Let’s go while we can.
• Jesus wants us to go with Him. Jesus said “Let us”… not “Let Me” or “You go by yourself…”  He said “Let US.”
• Jesus knows that there is a Miracle waiting “on the other side…” (Remember the Demon Possessed man that got free of the devil?   That what is going to happen to those who Stand in the Storm and make it to the other side….  There will be a miracle waiting for you.

Mark 4:36   And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

• Jesus wants us to be a part of the inner cir­cle. Notice He sent the multitudes away.
• Jesus wants us to “Take Him” just like He is.   He is, Not like we make Him.  Not like religion makes Him.  Not like unbelievers make Him.  But “Like He is…”
• There are many other “ships” that you can get in. Be sure you get in the ship that Jesus is in.  There is the religious boat.  There is the denomination boat.  There is the performance boat… the good works boat.  There is the “feeling” boat.  The program and method boat.  There is the tradition boat.  Many boats are out there, but Jesus is in only one of them.

Mark 4:37   And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

• Storms “arise…” They start small and get bigger.
• The storm buffeted the ship… the place where Jesus was. Where is Jesus now?  He is IN THE BELIEVER.  The fury of hell rages against every believer.
• The raging waves began to spill over into the ship. When the outside gets on the inside, un­less a miracle happens, the ship will sink.
• The ship got full. Your ship may be full.  The outside may have gotten inside.  But remember, Jesus is in the ship with you and God will come to your rescue.    Don’t panic.

Mark 4:38   And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

• Jesus was not alarmed. He refused to be affected by the devil.  satan was no problem to Him.  Nothing satan can do or could do was any danger to Him.  “Nothing shall by any means hurt you…”  Luke 10:19
• He was in the “hinder part” of the ship. This is where the rudder is located.  He was at the place of choosing the direction of the ship.
• He was asleep. No worries.  No fears.  No problems.  No danger.  He was at rest.
• He was calm. His followers were in a frenzy.  They were hysterical.  They were filled with fear.
• The disciples were certain that they were going to die. They said so.  “Don’t you care?  We are in serious trouble.  We are going to die.”
• To accuse Jesus of not caring is to call Him the opposite of Who He is. What you say is what you get.  What you believe is what will happen.  What you fear is exactly what will come upon you.

Job 3:25   For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me

Mark 4:39   And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm

• Jesus got up. Jesus spoke up.  Because His faith was UP.
• He rebuked the wind. (This is the cause of the waves.  You need to speak to the CAUSE not the RESULT).
• He “said” to the sea. “Said” means com­manded.  You can command things to happen with the words of your mouth.   No matter how impossible the situation may seem to be.

Mark 4:40   And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

• Jesus dealt with the imminent danger, and then He turned to His disciples. “What’s wrong?” “What’s the matter?”  “Why are you so afraid?”  Why have you decided to die?”  What made you give up?”  “Don’t you know WHO is WITH YOU?”

Mark 4:41   And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

• They were afraid of the wind. They were afraid of the waves.  They were afraid of the sea.  Then they were even afraid of the answer.  No won­der Jesus accused them of having no faith.
• Then they got to talking to one another. They did not talk to Jesus, they talked to one an­other.  When you talk to one another, gossip will continue.  When you talk to Jesus, gossip will stop.
• Unless YOU KNOW what Manner of Man Jesus is, you will always find yourself in disturbances and storms and threatening situa­tions.
• Why should not the wind and sea obey Him? He created them.  His Word created the wind and the sea.
• Storms are threatening. Storms can be frightening.  Storms can be fatal.  Storms can be destructive.  Storms can change things.  Storms can be turned into blessings

BE CALM (38)

We are to be like Jesus and Jesus never suffered from PANIC or ANXIETY or NERVOUS TENSION.  He as calm, cool and collected.  He was ASLEEP.  ASLEEP in the MIDST of the STORM.

My children slept right through some of the greatest storms of my life. They were as­sured that I had everything under control and that I would keep my cool and see them through.     If God is our Father, and He is, then He will take care of us and see us through.  Hallelujah!

SPEAK THE WORD (39)

The Word spoken in faith and prayed in faith always produces PEACE.  In this storm, Jesus REBUKED the wind and SAID to the sea…  There is a time to PRAY and there is a time to ARISE and SPEAK THE WORD.  Faith-filled words will make the NATURAL submit to the SPIRITUAL.  If “no-faith” which is what the dis­ciples had (“how is it that ye have no faith…?”) yields to the destructive power of storms then FAITH (which is what Jesus had) makes the de­structive power of storms SUBMIT to the POWER of GOD.

You cannot SPEAK THE WORD if you do not KNOW THE WORD and you cannot ACT ON THE WORD if you do not BELIEVE THE WORD.  WORDS that were FULL OF GOD’S FAITH released God’s Power and brought cre­ation into existence.  (More stars in the heavens that grains of sand on all the shores of all the seas of the earth)  God’s Word spoken and prayed in FAITH will move mountains and stop storms.

DON’T BE AFRAID  (40)  

Notice the times in the Word that Jesus tells us to “fear not…”  Notice the times He was met with a crisis that He said “Do not be afraid…”  Fear and “no faith” are one and the same!!  You will fear to the exact degree that you have no faith.  Little faith… much fear.  Much faith…little fear.  GREAT FAITH… no fear!!  Fear motivates satan and sets demon forces in action.  Fear is a spirit and must be dealt with accord­ingly.  “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power  and a sound mind…” EVERY STORM YOU FACE will attempt to GET YOU TO MOVE IN FEAR.  The only place in your life that satan can control is that place that is domi­nated by FEAR.  Fearing it is EXPECTING IT to happen.  (New pajamas, new gown, new under ware new robe in drawer saved for when you get sick and go to the hospital)

• Jesus did not look at the storm
• Jesus did not listen to the negative confession of His companions
• Jesus did not expect the worst to happen
• Jesus released His faith by the Words He spoke

EXERCISE YOUR AUTHORITY (41) Take Charge of the Storm

“What manner of man is this?”  Jesus said that you and I would do even GREATER WORKS than He did because He was going to the FATHER.  His return to the FATHER re­leased the HOLY SPIRIT to the CHURCH to function in GOD’S place and DO GOD’S WILL on earth.  What Jesus said is POSSIBLE and any­thing short of it is DOUBT and UNBELIEF.  God has given us (you and me) the ABILITY and POWER and AUTHORITY to do what He says we can do.  “I can’t” is a cop out and cuts across everything God said about His Children.  YOU CAN because GOD SAYS YOU CAN!!  It has nothing to do with how HARD or IMPOSSIBLE the task may be or how VIOLENT your STORM may be.

You are a misfit on earth because you are now made to live and function by heaven’s laws and principles.  You have GOD-POWER… GOD-LIFE… GOD-AUTHORITY living inside of you.  YOU can stand in the storm.  You will conquer your storm.  You will get to the place God wants you to be.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad be­cause the winds of your storm will be invaded by God and they will drive you to the other side!!  Right where God wants  you to be!!!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me…”   walk through the fire and walk on the water… defy devils and cast out demons… witness with power and preach with effective­ness… possess the wisdom of God and have the mind of Christ… Life your life filled with all the fullness of God!

YOU WILL SURVIVE!

Word for Today:  April 16

God says you can  

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Phil 4:13

Does this do away with all the “I can’t” situations?  Does this negate all “impossibilities” in your life?  Does this erase all excuses for self-pity?  Does this do away with all defeat?  Would God have said this if He did not mean it?

Does this apply to you as well as to others?  Certainly He said it and He certainly meant it.  Then all our problems have no “reason” for remaining in our life.

How much longer do you intend on putting up with all that junk the devil has piled on you and your family?  Is there any reason for not doing that “impossible” thing now?

If we know to “do good” and “doeth it not” the Word says it is sin (James 4:17).  Any Believer who has the Truth and is willing to cast off everything that is contradicting it, can step right out of the impossible and into the possible.  But it requires ACTION.  It requires DOING.  It requires RISKING.  But it will WORK if the Believer will really believe.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.   Mr 9:23 

IF we have knowledge of the Truth and apply that knowledge to our circumstances through the God Kind of faith then Victory will be insured.  Every time.  All the time.  Anytime.

No matter what

Word for Today:  April 15

If we had no Living Lord we would have no Miracle Power.  If Jesus was not alive, the Gospel would have no power.  The ONE THING DIFFERENT about our MESSAGE is that it CHANGES LIVES!  It is more than philosophy and more than religion.  It is more than literature and more than history.  It is LIFE and it is POWER and RESTORATION.

The RESURRECTION of JESUS CHRIST was and is the greatest RELEASE of GOD’S POWER in the history of all creation.

The RESURRECTION of JESUS from the Dead is the GREATEST EVENT that ever TOOK PLACE.  Nothing compares with it and nothing ever will.  It is the GREATEST and MOST GLORIOUS WORK that GOD the FATHER ever did.  It surpasses Creation.  It surpasses God’s dealing with men in the Old Testament.  It is the greatest MIRACLE of ALL TIME.  Nothing man has ever done can compare with the Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead.  All the achievements of men fade and become unimportant when compared with the RESURRECTION of JESUS CHRIST.

Paul says, without the Resurrection of Jesus:  (1) All our preaching is in vain  (2) our Faith is powerless and fruitless  (3) we are all guilty of being liars… false witnesses… those who do not tell the truth  (4) our sins cannot be forgiven… we are still guilty and condemned  (5) there is NO HOPE for those who have died in the faith… in other words, there is no heaven  (6) we, of all men on earth, are the MOST MISERABLE  (I Cor 15:14-19)

Because JESUS LIVES:

1. Don’t look for the LIVING among the dead
2. Expect your needs to be met… according to His Riches in Glory
3. Miracles Still Happen
4. Stand Fast… Resist the devil… Refuse defeat…
5. Live the Resurrection Life and expect Resurrection results

CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY!!

Word for Today:  April 14

Do Something

• Are you going to stay in the boat and sink in your storm?
• Are you going to sit where you are until you die?
• Are you going to withdraw from the challenge, give in to reason and unbelief and self-destruct?

Decide to do something!

Take the initiative.  Move off dead center.  Get up and go on.

There was a “great famine” in Samaria.  The enemy has surrounded the city and the inhabitants were starving.  Women were killing and cooking and eating their children.  They were slaying their beasts of burden and eating them.  The dung of birds and animals was collected for food.  The situation was desperate.  Horrific.

Four lepers were sitting at the gate to the city of Samaria.  They could not go in.  They could not stay there.  They had one option.  Go into the camp of the enemy and plead for mercy.  They asked:  “Why sit we here until we die…”

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?  2 Kings 7:3 

Do you intend for “things” to always be as they are?  Are you convinced you are going to “die” if you remain like you are and where you are?  Are you ready for a Change for the Better?  When do you want this Change to happen?  Why not NOW?

God is looking for movers and shakers…. those who will determine to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.  God expects you to do something about the stuff that is happening to you.  He expects you to do something about what’s happening in the world.

He has given you the Power and the Authority to make things change.

Just Do It

Something is Stirring

There are many indications both visible and invisible that speak loudly of the Move of God in this hour.  Something is stirring.  There is a “sound of a going in the tops of  the mulberry trees” (II Sam 5:24).  There are urgings and hints and shadows of Something soon to be revealed to earth by God.  It is like stages in a mother’s pregnancy.  There is development and growth and signs that the New Life will soon be Birthed.  So it is in the earth today.

The world will be impacted by the most awesome and spectacular visitation of God the human race has ever experienced.  Sure, you say, I’ve heard this before.  Maybe you have, but you are now caught up in the count-down and NOTHING shall be able to prevent or hinder what God has planned for this hour.  The Countdown has begun and there is no stopping it now!   The eternal purpose of the Eternal God will break forth and the Church will come into its Glory… the Same Glory that Jesus shared with the Father in the beginning.

Many things will happen.  Some will be pleasant, other may be painful.  None can be ignored.   The Lord God who Reigns will see to it that His Church is pure and holy and without spot or wrinkle.  This process may be painful.  On the other hand, the Lord God who Reigns will also immerse His Church in baptisms of Power and Glory and Excellence and Perfection.  Waves of anointings will flow.  New Mantles of Anointings will rise.  Men and women and young people and children will minister in powerful Spiritual Gifts that will shock the unbelieving world and the Laodicean church.

What God is saying today, He said to prophets and apostles in the past.  He said it, but many resisted it and refused to believe it.  Others wondered what He meant.  Some did not understand.  Today, that message and that Prophetic Word is clear and uncluttered.  Haggai, God’s Prophet, to a lethargic and complacent company of Jews, was sent to speak the Word of the Lord regarding Restoration.  Israel had just been released from captivity, and had returned to their beloved Jerusalem.  Haggai spoke God’s Message of restoration and encouragement to awaken the conscience and stimulate the enthusiasm of his people to Rebuild and Restore the Temple.  This is a type of the Prophetic Message today regarding the Restoration of the crippled, traditionalized, man-made Church.    Notice what Haggai said:

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;  And I will shake all nations…  Hag 2:6-7

First, he said, “in a little while” God will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land.    How long is a “little while”?  I don’t really know.  But I declare that in God’s “little while” there will be some shaking and quaking. Those things that seem so fixed and stable and secure will be jarred to their foundations and men will know that it is God Who is doing the shaking.  We are in that season known as “God’s little while.”  It is the time of preparation for manifestation.

God said that He would shake (1) the heavens, (2) the earth, (3) the sea, (4) the dry land and (5) all nations.  That shaking has now begun and everything than can be shaken will be shaken.  The Church will be shaken.   Denominations will be shaken.  Preachers will be shaken.  Ministries will be shaken.  Believers will be shaken.    The world system (cosmos) will be shaken.  Sinners and unbelievers will be shaken.  Fear and Terror will fall on their hearts and they will run (not walk, but RUN) by the millions into the safe haven of the Turned-on, Fire-filled Church.  The whole earth will be made to Know that God is God!

Second, there will be Fresh and New Mantles of Anointing flowing.  God’s Power will be revealed in the Church.  His Glory will sweep through the Church and His Presence will be awesome.  It will be as it was in the days of Solomon… the priests and the servants of the Lord will not be able to stand by reason of the cloud for the Glory of the Lord will fill the House of God (2 Chron 5:14).  New streams of Anointings will flow.  Men will stand boldly to declare “thus saith the Lord” and will not fear the opposition of men or the reproach of the world.  Healing streams.  Delivering streams.  Streams of strength and streams of encouragement.  Streams of revelation and streams of unction to preach and speak in behalf of God.

Great anointings that will shake cities and towns and villages and communities… all flowing through men and women and children who are yielded to God.  Prophetic anointings will operate and discerning anointings will operate.  It will be as pure and powerful as that Anointing Peter had when he saw the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.  Great and awesome anointings of power and supernatural abilities, healings, and faith, and miracles… just like it was in the Book of Acts, will be the atmosphere and the climate of the Restored Church.  Now, we see through a glass “darkly” but soon we will see as God sees!  Hallelujah!!

Third, out of the shaking and the anointing will come a season of Repentance and Cleansing.  Men will be convicted of sin.  Sin will be revealed.  Great fear will come on them all just as on the day of Pentecost.  Fear (respect) for God and His servants will prevail.    Men will have regard for the Word the prophet/preacher delivers.  The church will no longer be taken lightly and the preacher will no longer be the butt of jokes and the subject of slander.  The Church will rise to new heights of respectability and accountability and integrity.  Sin will not go undetected.  There will be no “secret sin” but it will be revealed and repented of.  When sin is dealt with, the anointing will flow unimpaired.

Quality and not quantity will be the norm of the Church.  Bigger is not always better.   The size and seating capacity of the Church auditorium is no measure of Spiritual success or the favor of God.  How clean are we?  How pure are we?  How loving are we?  How unforgiving are we?  How kind are we?  How careful are we to always speak words of Life and how determined are we to refuse words of death?  How understanding are we?  How respectful of the Men of God and the Ministers of God are we?  The violence of the shaking and the intensity of the anointing will produce Repentance and Cleansing in the Church.  Revival comes out of Repentance.  The fundamental message of the Prophet is:  “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

Finally, the Re-Born Church will be composed of a company of Committed Believers.  The Army of God will be made up of Champions and mighty warriors.  No weaklings.  No cowards.  No flakes and no freaks.  Committed Men and Committed Women.  God is bringing in His First String.  The bench-warming and water-boy days are over.   God is producing Quality in the Body of Christ.  Like the Olympic Games, the Re-Born Church will place the Best, the Strongest, the most highly Disciplined and Trained champions on the front lines and we will Go for the Gold.  The bronze is OK and the silver is good, but we will be satisfied with nothing short of the Gold for God!!   No grumbling and no complaining.  No fault-finding and no self-pity.  No fruitless efforts and no mud-slinging.  Only the Best for God will do.  Commitment is the name of the game.  Commitment is produced out of Love of and Respect for the Church of the Living God.

Haggai declared that the “Glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…”  Now, that is really exciting!  This is the Re-Born, Restored Church.  This is the Revived Church.  This is the Church that is on the way!

Hallelujah!!