THE SIXTH MAN ... IN THE GARDEN

I am sure every NBA player would like to be a starter, everyone would like to be on the 1st team...and for sure everyone wants to get into the game. I suppose that in the course of every players career they will get the opportunity to start at least once. I am certain though that every player even the most regular starters will spend some time on the bench.

This thought occured to me about the "sixth man" or the super sub. Even though this guy doesn't start his head is IN the game, his thoughts are disciplined. He isn't sitting there
with a crummy, egostical, mumbling and complaining attitude. If he does "cop a tude" he won't stay in the game long if he gets in at all.

We need to remember that Jesus is always the All Star and we as His body support Him. We have to keep our hearts in the Kingdom and our eyes on the prize....being conformed to image of the Son of God. We can't allow ourselves to become distracted by the cares of this life, riches or fame, self pity or the many other things we could be tempted with.

Will you be ready the next time the Father looks down the bench and points at you?

I'm sure you can be. His grace is sufficient for you and His mercy endures forever.

SELAH

GARDENING

SOIL AND SEEDS

Jesus described 4 different soil conditions.
~No soil, just rock hard.
~Shallow soil with no depth. Stony and hard.
~Soil with enough depth but full of thorns and weeds.
~Good ground ... No weeds, sticks, stones or thorns.

Each of these examples represent different conditions of heart and soul.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
[Je 4:3] For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
[Ho 10:12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

It seems that much of the time we are waiting on God or wanting God to do something about the condition of our hearts and minds. These verses and others (Rom. 12:1&2, James 1:21) point out that the condition of the soil of our hearts and the seed sown in them is our responsibility. It's up to you and I to break up the fallow (unused) ground and to get rid of the weeds and debris and sow good seed. The Holy Spirit is always here to help us. The Blood of Jesus, the promises of God, His grace and mercy are always available ... But it's up to us to use what Jesus has made available.

Happy gardening!

SELAH

SEED ... TIME AND HARVEST

Jesus said the Kingdom was like a man planting seed in the ground and then waiting until the harvest was ripe before picking the fruit.

Have you ever tried to pick a blackberry before it was ripe? Probably the fruit was ruined, a mess was created and if you did succeed in getting anything to eat you wished you hadn't when you tasted it.

Be patient your harvest will come, and there are not many things better tasting than a ripe blackberry.

My Pastor used to say, "God is more than enough and He is never late".

Wait on the Lord, give your seed time to grow.

Timing is everything.

SELAH

Some Definitions

These are definitions for our look at Mark 4.

- Seeds = words
- Words = thoughts exspressed
- Soil = heart of man
- Heart = spirit and mind
- Let him hear = understanding

Be blessed as you meditate the Word of God.

SELAH

AN ASSIGNMENT

Please read Mark chapter 4. The Lord willing the next posts will revolve around thoughts from those verses. Read the chapter a few times and think about it.

Be Blessed

SELAH

GO YE

[Mk 16:15] And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Today as I am flying I am considering my "world", what it is and how am I touching it with the "good news"?

First I am aware that my world has changed and is continuing to change. Two years ago my world was that of a "full time minister" / missionary. Today my world is that of a full time minister / believer / Christian among building inspectors, city officials, sub- contractors and home buyers. At this specific time I am one of about 50 passengers on a small jet.

I find myself challenged to believe God for more and more "doors of utterance", windows of opportunity to share the Gospel and the life and love of God with those I come in contact with. It doesn't seem practical at the moment to stand and preach, but as I asked the Lord I was prompted to pray for the salvation and blessing of those around me. I may not be the one to deliver the "word of the Lord" to my fellow passengers but I can make mention of them before the Father in the Name of Jesus. I am reminded that as our High Priest Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us and He is our example in all things .... Amen.

Go touch your world today, let the Holy Spirit guide you and be a blessing.

SELAH

OH YEAH

Hey everyone ... long time.

I am looking out my window at the trees and creatures in them all wrapped in the morning sun, and I am thinkng LIFE IS GOOD!

Life is good because of my wife, my sons and their families, and good friends. I'm breathing, I'm in pretty good health ( for someone that can use the honored citizen menu now), its a new day with new possibilities.

Life is good and getting better. I am sure the most significant reason is the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in my life. He has set me free to really and truly live life more and more abundantly. There really is no limit to what He and I or you and He can accomplish, the possibilities are endless and the plans He has for us are so awesome. I can say from experience that the Lord will take you to places you maybe haven't even thought of as yet. He is able and willing to do "more than we can ask or think" Eph. 3:20.

Think BIG. Today is a great day and tomorrow will be even better.

SELAH

FAITH

The subject of faith can take us down many paths, here's one.

The Bible tells us in James that "faith without works is dead" or barren, or unfruitful. Then we are told in Hebrews that "without faith it is impossilbe to please God". Indeed faith is an important subject, something we need to understand and grow in.

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)

The faith that Noah had caused an action, he moved, he prepared, he did something becasue of what he believed. It took many years to build the Ark, a good share fo his life, but because of what and whom he believed he stayed with it. Let me make this statement, "If what you say you believe does not effect what you do, you really don't believe it".

Notice James said, "faith without works is dead", he didn't say faith without manifestations, there is a big difference. Many times we are tempted to be discouraged when we excersize our faith and the manifestation doesn't come to pass as we had hoped. Faith isn't always about the manifestation that we want, but it is always about pleasing God. If you read the whole chapter of Hebrews 11 you will find that there are those who were "destitue, living in caves, and sawn asunder". Those aren't the usual manifestations we would expect to be associated with "productive faith", but God was pleased enough with their work of faith to record them in the Bible. In short I think it is safe to say that God is more interested in the Work of our faith, in our trusting of Him than in the manifestations our faith produces. That is not to say that He doesn't want us to have all that he has promised us or that we should not pursue the dreams He has put in our hearts. It is just that faith is about trusting our Father and obediently living our lives for Him and His purposes not just getting things from Him. It's a matter of priorities.

God is pleased with us as we use our faith even if we sink like Peter. Mt 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (KJV) When you stop and think about it that doesn't sound like some scathing rebuke, but like a father reaching out to a toddler who is learning to walk. If Jesus were that upset with Peter He might have called him a "viper" or "white washed seplechure", I am sure Jesus knew how to say what He meant. No I think it was more like "dude, you can always trust me" .. my paraphrase. I believe everytime you step out in faith Jesus and the Father look down on you and say, "look at him or look at her go". Jesus is Your great High Priest and your intercessor, I think it is safe to say He is your greatest fan.

Go for it. The Lord is on your side, who can stand against you?

SELAH

ONE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

[Jn 14:23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Having the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit living in us is prosperity or success anyway you want to slice it.

You might say or think "How will having a close relationship to God help me in everyday life"?

The greater our awareness of the presence of God the more apt we are to walk in His ways. His ways are blessed already, His ways work, and He is the one who best knows how to live life. The path that our Shepherd chooses for us may not always be the easiest in our mind, but it is ALWAYS the right path and in the end we will find goodness and mercy following us and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

THAT IS SUCCESS.

SELAH

A WINDOW

Our ability to trust the Lord, to believe Him or have faith in Him and His Word is directly related to our revelation of His love for us as an individual. To the degree that we are convinced that Jesus loves us is the same degree that we are willing to trust Him.

The Love of God is so amazing, so incredible, so great toward us that is passes understanding. That however doesn't mean that we can't experience a deeper and deeper communion with Him. He loves you and I more than we know. Lets do all we can to plumb the length, height, breadth and depth of His love.

1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:

Eph 3:17-19That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV)

SELAH

WET WATER WALKER

Sometimes I think Peter gets a bad rap, when the story of him walking on the water is told. It is almost always mentioned that Jesus said to him, "oh ye of little faith" but the Bible doesn't even mention what Jesus said to the eleven still in the boat.

Peter did have the faith to get out of the boat. True he was overcome with the sights and sounds of the circumstances around him and he began to sink, but he walked on water farther than I ever have... how about you?

Learning to walk by faith is like Peters experience, we make it a few steps then get caught up in the things, the fears, the circumstances around us and get our eyes off the Lord and His Word. Thank God He hears and answers when we call. Sometimes we may have to swim to the shore, spit out the seaweed and say here I go with God again .. in the end He will see us through. In the days that we live in and are facing we have to know how to walk by faith, living by the Word of God alone.

I guess I just want to say I would rather be a wet water walker than a dry boat rider. I would rather be working on walking with Jesus than rowing a boat in a storm.

Blessings in Jesus

SELAH

ALL WE NEED AND MORE

[2Co 9:8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

I want to start out by saying that the context of this verse is money. We can expect financial blessing from God to come our way. Jesus said in, [Lk 6:38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Having said that it occurs to me that so often we think or say, "I need this much money so I can do" ... Whatever it is we are thinking about. It is true that in some cases only money will do. However in many cases money isn't what we need at all. For example if I need a computer and I ask God for it He may have someone give me one, or He may prompt someone to loan me one, the boss may let me do the work on the office system, or someone could give me the money to buy one, or I could get some overtime and extra cash to buy one. The point is that God has many avenues of meeting our needs and answering our prayers.

As I thought about our opening text it occurred to me that what God gives us is His grace (His ability in us to do what we cannot do ourselves). His grace abounding toward us is what makes us sufficient for all circumstances. [Phl 4:13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. No matter what state or circumstance we find ourselves in, California or Alabama, empty check book or full, in Christ we are sufficient because we have His grace in abundance. We have grace to endure, to stand, to overcome, to win, grace to do all things and to finish our race.

SELAH

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)

That's quite a statement isn't it?

What was your first thought when you read that? Was it "Yes", "all right" or, "Amen"? Might it have been "yeah right" or "no way"?

After thinking about it for a moment, do you think it is possible for a man to do the works of Jesus?

More to the point, do you think it is possible for you to do the works of Jesus?

I hope your answer to those last 2 questions was yes, because God does or He wouldn't have said it! We may have to learn how, but we can.

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

Remember what we believe starts with what we think.

SELAH

A DIFFERENT TWIST

I ran across this verse the other day and I thought it would be a good installment.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Frank Outlaw

I don't know who Frank Outlaw is but ... thanks Frank.

Ro 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (KJV)

I believe the destiny of every Christian is to be conformed to the image of the Son of God. Our thoughts, words and actions should line up with that God given goal.

SELAH

MORE CONTRASTS

Buddah is dead.

Confuscious is dead.

Mohammed is dead.

JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE AND WELL ... FOREVER THE SAME ... UNCHANGABLE ... THE LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS ... HE IS SAVIOUR ... HE IS HEALER ... HE IS BAPTIZER IN THE HOLY GHOST ... HE IS THE SOON COMING KING.

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER

SELAH

CONTRASTS

David as a shepherd boy said,"who is this uncircumscised Philistine that defies the armies of the living God" and went after Goliath.

Joshua and Caleb said, "we are well able to take the land, let us go up at once and possess it". Later they did just that.

Caleb when it was time to take possession of his tribes inheiratance said, "give me the mountain", which was where the giants lived ... and he took it.

The "boys" in the boat said, "Master we are perishing". (Not that there is anything wrong with calling on God for help) but Jesus replied, "Why are you so fearful"? The word fearful is first translated or defined in Storngs Concordance as "timid". Jesus was asking, why are you so timid?

There is at least one thing that all of these men had in common. They all had the same covenant, with the same God.

We have a "Better covenant established on better promises", and the God that they served has now become our Father and lives within our hearts.

Why are we so timid?

Be bold, be strong for the Lord thy God is with thee.

SELAH

FLOATING BOATS

Jesus and "the boys" were going across the Sea of Galilee. He was asleep in the back of the boat and a storm came up. The boys freaked out and woke him up saying, "Master don't you care that we are perishing"? He said, "why are you so fearful and where is your faith"? Then rebuked the storm and there was a great calm.

They "the boys", like we do many times forgot who was in the boat with them. I suppose we should give them a bit of a break, after all they were still learning who Jesus really was. Maybe we are too in a way. I think though, that most of us should realize that if God says something is going to happen it will happen. If He tells us to "go to the other side" He will make sure we get there.

The Bible tells us, "Fear not I am with you", "I will never leave you or forsake you", "Lo I am with you always", " the Kingdom of God is at hand", "the Kingdom is in your heart", "if God be for us who can be against us", "The Lord is on my side" and "The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing".

Who or maybe the better question is what floats your boat? The simple answer is your faith in the Lord Jesus who is in your boat. Even though Jesus questioned the boys about their faith, in their defense I think it should be pointed out that they did have enough faith to cry out to Him, instead of doing what we do so often which is struggle silently in our own strength and suffer shipwreck or drown.

The Lord is always available to us and He wants us to call on Him. He has given us access to His mercy and His grace. We have been told to "come boldly" to the throne, but still so often "we have not because we ask not".

Are you in a storm? Do you need help, wisdom, understanding or strength? ASK.

Php 4:5-7 ... The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)

SELAH

SEEDS, WORDS AND POWER

Ge 1:11-12 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (KJV)

Mr 4:14 The sower soweth the word. (KJV)

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV)

Seeds produce after their own kind. This is true for plants, animals and human beings. It is also true of God's seed, we were born again of incorruptible seed, the Word of God.

Words are seeds. Most important are the Words of God for they are the seeds of His will and purpose. Just as natural seeds have within themselves the power to reproduce, so the Word of God has power within itself to produce the will of God.

Every promise of God has the power within itself to produce its fulfilment. Every command of God has within it the power to accomplish the command. God will never ask of us something that He will not enable us to do. For the sake of clarity it should be said that seeds must be planted and commands must be acted upon in order for the power to be released... but it can be released! Halleujah!

Remember your words are producing your life. What kind of harvest are you planting? Are your words in line with Gods?

Word up ... Power up ....

Help us Lord to guard our thoughts and choose our words wisely today in Jesus Name. Amen

SELAH

OUT AND ABOUT

Ac 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV)

Jesus went about doing good, so can we. We are anointed with and empowered by the same Holy Ghost as He was, the same God is with us and He has promised never to leave us. Jesus said that as believers we would the works that He does.

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)

Notice that it does not say the works that I did, but that I do. Jesus is still alive, doing the same things He has always done, He is just using us to do them. Notice also that it says "shall he do" and not he might do. Should we be setting our sights higher?

I think it's important to remember that there are many ways of doing good. The most effective deeds or acts are those that the Lord directs us to do. Jesus is our example in exact obedience, as in all things. He only did what He saw the Father do and said only what He heard theFather say, that's one reason he was so successful at all He did.
To smile, or give a hug, or an encouraging word in the Lord's timing is just as important as a "miracle" or healing. Whatever the Lord directs us to do, to whomever, where ever we are, we can do effectively because He is with us to strengthen us. He is ever with us empowering us to do good.

Be blessed and be a blessing while your out and about ... perhaps on a majestic moped ...hmmm

SELAH

HEAVENLY RIDE

I rented a Harley today and rode with one of my sons. It's been awhile since I've been on a Harley. What a Blast!!!!

The Bible says Jesus went about doing good. I've been challenged by that simple description of the ministry of the Master. God is with us too, and we can go about doing good.

I was glad today that I was able to go about on a Heavnely Harley, it could have been a Holy Honda, a Godly Goldwing or I could have riden a Yamaha for Yahweh. I guess that main thing is going about doing good with Jesus.

SELAH

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Php 4:5-8 ... The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

There is at least one thing that has all of the attributes, the Word of God.

The Bible is a collection of the thoughts of God on every subject we will encounter in life. They are thoughts that we can think, thoughts that will lift us to His position, they are higher than our thoughts. His thoughts are better than our thoughts. His thoughts are grander than our thoughts and His thoughts produce His ways.

His thoughts produced His Words. His Words produced actions ("let there be" and there was). Those actions set in motion our world and the lives we can live in Him. The Words of God establish the position and potential of God in our lives. For example He has declared Himself to Jehova Jireh, The Lord our provider, because He is the Lord and He changes not, because the Word of God is settled forever in Heaven He will forever be our provider. With God the impossible is possible He is Almighty God.

His thoughts in our hearts and minds, His Words upon our lips will produce His will accomplished in our lives. His Word on our lips releases the potential of God into our lives.

The words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts are of great importance. David asked that both be pleasing to God. Again let me say that the relationship of our words to our actions must be understood ... our words combined with our actions frame our worlds. Your mate can be your "old lady" or your "old man", or your best friend and greatest love. We are the ones who choose our words, thats why we should engage our hearts and minds before our mouths.

Think on these things ... the higher things ... the higher ways. Be Blessed in Jesus.

SELAH

THINKING AGAIN, AGAIN

Thoughts produce beliefs. (right or wrong)

Beliefs produce attitudes. (good or bad)

Attitudes produce behaviour. (good or bad)

Behaviour produces the lives we live. (good or bad)

Proverbs tells us "as a man thinks in his heart so is he". Jesus said, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks".

In the last blog I said, "words produce actions". The words that we speak are a part of our behaviour. The words that we speak set the boundries of our our lives, they often in a very direct and immediate way determine our next actions. Sometimes the words we say may seem so insignificant, but they are really very powerful.

Having said that about words ... the point of this thought is our thoughts.

If we change our thinking everything else changes.

Php 4:5-8 ... The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

SELAH

THINKING AGAIN

Thoughts produce words.

Words produce actions.

Actions produce the lives we live.

Php 4:5-8 The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

SELAH

NEWS FLASH

Hello fellow bloggers

Its been a while. Just want to report that God is awesome!

Since my last post I spent 12 days in India preaching the Gospel. It is so wonderful to serve a God who keeps His Word. Just as in the book of Mark, the Lord went with us confirming the Word with signs and wonders. Jesus really is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Multitudes were saved and healed, Prasie God! One brother named Chuck was used several times in opening the eyes of the blind. The team leader and I ministered to a man who was brought to the meeting in a chair. He had not walked or spoken in 3 years and had only very limited use of one hand. We did our part in Jesus Name, God did His part and the man left the meeting walking and praising God. There were many so many others, God is so, so Good.

Today is a great day, tommorow will be a great day. We are walking through our days with a Great God.

Blessings to you.

SELAH

YOUR TOMORROWS

Tomorrow will be a great day. Why? Because God doesn't change, He is a good God and He will not leave or forsake me. There are other reasons but that's for later.
Applying your faith to this thought today will change your tomorrow, and changing your tomorrows to great days will change your todays to great days. Get statrted!

Blessings in Jesus.

SELAH

MERCY AND GRACE

MERCY has to do with our failures and shortcomings, with our missing the mark or more plainly with our sin and the covering and cleansing of our sin.

We are forgiven because of the Mercy of God.

GRACE has to do with our living fruitful, faithful abundant lives in God.

It is because of the Mercy of God that the Grace of God is available to us. The Mercy of God is there "if" we sin the Grace of God is there so we don't have to.

1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (KJV)

Just notice that the scripture says "if" not "when", that's a huge difference when you think about it. If I say "when I sin" I am setting myself up for failure, however if I say "if I sin" I at least give myself the opportunity not to. I may sin, but I don't have to ... neither do you.

Thank God for His mercy and his grace.

SELAH

GOD'S ABILITY

As long as I can remember I've heard "grace" defined as the unmerited favor of God. That's true but there is more to it than that. Grace has to do with the influence of the Holy Spirit on the life of a believer. Grace could be defined in a broader way as: "the ability of God in you to do what you are not able to do yourself" ... which is anything. Jesus said we can do nothing apart from our relationship and fellowship with Him. ( John 15)

Paul said the we are "saved by grace through faith"(Eph 2:8), in other words we access the grace that produces salvation in us by faith.

The word for "saved" is also translated in the NT as delivered, preserved, healed, protected and made whole. We can do none of these things in and of ourselves, but the Grace of God active in our lives can. God will do these things for us because He loves us not because we earn it or deserve it.
God so loved the world (us) that He gave ... this is the mercy of God in action ... His only begotten Son ... this is His grace extended ... that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ... this is grace in action, saving the one who believes.

We can be saved, delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole by God's ability in us to do what we cannot do for ourselves through faith, through believing.

SELAH

HANGIN' WITH JESUS

Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV)

"Hangin' with Jesus", I've always thought of this phrase in a "practicing the presence of God" sort of way, but I think there's more to consider. When Jesus hung on that cross, we hung on that cross, when he died, we died and when He was raised up so were we. We were raised into a brand new life, a brand new position in life, a new position from which to live life.

Eph 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)

We need to keep hangin' with Jesus, we need to consider our position in Him and continue practicing His presence. The more we are around Him the more like Him we become. The more like the Master we become the more of heaven on earth we will experience. That doesn't necessarily mean we will live on "easy street", but how fulfilling do you think Jesus' life was? I know in my own life the most rewarding times have been acts of faithful obedience to the commmandment of Love. There have been many "goodtimes" but the best have been touching someone else with the life, love and power of God.

Hangin" with Jesus, always a new adventure. Seek those things that are above.

SELAH

SONS

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(KJV)

Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(KJV)
Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
(KJV)


John uses the word teknon; Paul uses the word huios and teknon.

Vines Dictionary has this to say; Notes: (1) For the synonyms teknon and teknion see under CHILD. The difference between believers as "children of God" and as "sons of God" is brought out in Rom 8:14-21. The Spirit bears witness with their spirit that they are "children of God," and, as such, they are His heirs and joint-heirs with Christ. This stresses the fact of their spiritual birth . On the other hand, "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God," i. e., "these and no other." Their conduct gives evidence of the dignity of their relationship and their likeness to His character.

When we are born again we start out as or become teknon sons or children of God and grow into huios sons of God who are led by the Spirit of God. Jesus is our example as He was led so we can be led. It goes without saying that it is our responsibility to follow, but as we do we will become more like Him.

Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(KJV)

Php 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: (*or complete)
(KJV)

Pray with me:
Father God. Thank you for your mercy and for allowing me to be your child. Thank you for your grace at work in me today to make me like you. Give me the grace today to yield to you in every way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

God is not going to give up on you so don’t give up on yourself. Jesus really does LOVE YOU!

SELAH

NO LIMITS

Eph 3:20 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, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)

Ever thought about what power is at work in you?

What power is available to you today?
Consider these, the Blood of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the unchanging Word of God, the never ending Mercy of God, the abundant Grace of God, the Matchless Mighty Name of Jesus and His everlasting Love!

What power have you released in your life today?

SELAH

MORE THAN YOU ASK OR THINK

Eph 3:20-21 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, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)

There are no limitations in God. He is able to do exceeding abundantly, He is able and the enemy is not able to stop Him. When a person decides to answer the call of salvation there is nothing the enemy can do to stop the new birth from happening. This is true for any promise God has made. When the Word of God is acted upon in faith it will come to pass as God intended.
The Devil is simply not big enough to stop God from performing His Word in your behalf.

Not only is God unstoppable but because fo our relationship and communion with Him we can live victoriously. We can accomplish anything;

Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (KJV)
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)

There are many directions one could go at this point but let me end this post by asking you to read Eph.3:14-21. Notice as you do what is being asked for, think about it carefully and then remember that God is able to do exceeding abuntdantly above.

SELAH

Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)

Is the new creation wicked? I think not, in fact all things about the new creation are of God.

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV)

Is the new creation unrighteous?

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)

Can we as new creations act wickedly and unrighteously? Yes, even though we don't have to.

The process of changing our thinking to the higher thoughts of God changes our ways to the higher ways. Our conduct changes from unrighteous to righteous as we forsake the wrong thinking.

For the most part we have been trained by the world to think contrary to the ways of God. I think it is important to say that not everything we've been taught is "wicked" in some foul and evil way. Thoughts that are unrighteous can simply be thoughts that are not right, thoughts that are not correct ... the wrong way ... negative as oppossed to positive. 2+2=5 is not wicked but it is wrong. To think that you are worthless when God the Father and Jesus thought you were worth the price of His Blood is not "wicked" but is wrong. Thinking about oneself in that way for a prolonged period of time will produce terrible, perhaps wicked results in a persons life.

Isaiah tells us to forsake the old thoughts, the Apostle Paul tells us in;
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

I am thankful that I have been given the privilege and the ability think the thoughts of God and walk in His ways. Thank God for His abundant mercy and grace.

SELAH

More thoughts on thoughts

Ps 45:1 <> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (KJV)
Inditing = bubbling up, or boil over

I once looked up the word conscience and found a defintion to be; "the totality of ones thoughts and feelings". Everything we do or say starts with a thought or a series of thoughts. Even the things we don't do are a result of our thoughts. It has been said that a stronghold is a series of thoughts that hold us in bondage.

2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)

The word "imaginations" could translated arguments or reasonings. When these arguments or reasonings are contrary to the thoughts and purposes of God and they persist they become strongholds that need to be pulled down. It is as we meditate upon the Word of God that these imgainations are destroyed. Considering the thoughts of God on any and every matter brings us to His way which is the higher and better way. The Word of God is Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and will only lead us into Truth. Thinking the Truth leads to knowing the Truth and knowing the Truth leads to doing the Truth and that leads to freedom and success.

Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection (your heart, your thoughts)on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)

Think Higher

Be Blessed

SELAH

Meditaitons

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV)

This scripture has been a challenge to me for months now, because everything we say and do begins with our thoughts. The things we ponder, the things we muse about as we go through our days eventually shape the ways of our lives. Jesus said in, Lu 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV)

God has His thoughts toward us and our lives; Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)

The question is do our thoughts about ourselves and others align with His. Pleasing thoughts produce pleasing actions and pleasing actions bring the statement we all want to hear in the end. "Well done thou good and faithful servant enter in to the joy of your Lord".

Selah

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..."

Just listen to the confidence in that statement. Think about the attitude and the mind set David had to be able to pen those words. Consider how that kind of thinking would have been developed.I'm sure there is more that can be said, but by way of a simple statement I believe that kind of confidence can only come through realtionship, a close and growing one.

Is the Lord your shepherd? What does that mean to you TODAY?

SELAH

I am glad that God has my back and my future. People can be faithful, loyal friends and then people can be people .... But God never changes He is the friend forever. I am also thankful that my sons are double brothers in the natural and the spirit. Blood is thicker than water and the Blood of Jesus is the best of all at binding together.