Recently I read a quote from the former head of state of China, Jiang Zemin. He was asked by a former correspondent for Time Magazine, what he wished for in regards to China's future. Zemin's response was, "I would like for my country to become a Christian nation". The rationale for his response was that a panel of Chinese scholars had spent 20 years studying why China continually lagged behind Western culture in science and industry. The conclusion of the study was that Western culture's (America) strength was not in its politics, economy or military. The heart of the success of the West was Christianity and the moral foundation that it provided for the social and cultural life.
Around the time that America passed the abominable legislation of same-sex marriage, a very popular and prominent preacher made the statement that America was not a Christian nation. From a Witness standpoint, I would agree; but from a historical standpoint, I would not. Regardless of where America is today, this country was founded as a Christian nation. That is a historical fact. Not everything America did or has done, historically, could be categorized as Christian; but when you look at the foundation and the Providence of how this nation came together as a national, sovereign entity, it's hard to deny the hand of God in the forming of this country.
For these reasons, I lament America as The Loss of a Christian Nation. Even though we were founded on Christian principles and beliefs, as a nation, we have made a strong departure from the faith that made America one of the most prosperous nations in the history of the world. Let's look at some of the dynamics that have led to the Loss of our Christian Status.
One of the biggest mistakes America made was when we legally took prayer out of schools. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but what the Morning Prayer in schools did was create and establish a Consciousness of God amongst the children in the school system. Regardless of what was or was not being taught at home regarding the Lord, at least the children could go to school and be introduced to the concept of God. This was significant in regards to the shaping of our culture.
Then another mistake this country made was the legalization of Abortion. To nationally condone the murder of unborn children is a moral disgrace on the Christian witness of our nation. I know several Christians who have participated in abortion. Unfortunately, things happen, and people don't always make the wisest decisions at inopportune moments. But I am almost certain that the Christians that I know who were challenged to get abortions, would not have done so if it had been against the law. There's such a thing as individual choice, and then there's such a thing as the Moral Choice of a Nation. This is why God judges nations as well as individuals (Matthew 12). Legalized Abortion is not the witness of a Christian Nation.
Lastly saints, we have to deal with the most recent moral blunder in this nation's history, the legalization of same-sex marriage. To have a President condone and approve this type of perversion is a travesty. Once again, people can choose if they want to indulge in homosexuality. But same-sex marriage is a national issue. No matter what the dynamics of a person's relationship was with the same sex, the law of the land did not allow them to get married. And once again, the reason this is an abomination is because marriage is not a secular arrangement, it is a Sacred Institution; whether the masses treat it as such or not (including hetero-sexual couples). Once you infringe on the Rights of Almighty God, there's a Price to pay for that. A Christian Nation would not celebrate and promote that which God calls an Abomination (Leviticus 20). America can Repent, and I believe God would be Merciful. But until that time, we will continue to mourn over America as The Loss of a Christian Nation.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Friday, June 3, 2016
Do You Know What Time It Is?
The God we serve is a God of Timing. We are in a Season where it is imperative for us as the children of God to know what time it is. I'm not talking about the time on the clock. I'm not even talking about what time it is in this country. I'm talking about what time it is in regards to the Father's Heavenly Timetable and the events He has planned and ordained for this world and His People for such a time as this. For this reason I ask the question, Do You Know What Time It Is?
Now is a Time of Preparation. Now is not the time to "be on display". Now is not the time to be reaching for the "limelight", wanting to be seen and desiring to be recognized. Now is the Time to operate under the radar. Now is the time to be low-key. Why? Because there are some things that God wants to work out, work in and work on regarding your walk with Him and your relationship with Christ. But a lot of times, when we're operating in the public eye, certain duties and responsibilities can serve more as a distraction than they can to draw us closer to Jesus. So if you're not where you think you're "supposed to be" or even where you "deserve" to be, just Know What Time It Is.
Now is a Time of Discipline. For many of the saints, the first several months of the year have been rough and tough. It has not been "easy-going". As I've expressed before, many of you are asking God, "what in the world is going on"? The Father is Disciplining you. Not in terms of punishment or judgment, but in terms of Development and Edification. I know it may "feel" like you've done something wrong, but that's not where God is coming from. The scripture clearly says, "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son (or daughter) whom He receiveth" (Hebrews 12). If God didn't Discipline us and Chastise us for the purpose of Character Development and Spiritual Purification, once He placed us in our Post of Service, we'd be more raggedy than we could ever imagine. God knows what He's Doing. It's a Time of Discipline.
Lastly saints, we are in a Time of Hope. For many this may seem like a time of pain, a time of despair, a time of distress, a time of grief; and to a certain extent all of this may be true. But when you're dealing with Jehovah through the Blood Covenant of His Son, Jesus the Christ, no situation can be characterized by distress, despair, depression or pain. The scripture says that Jesus endured the Cross because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12). What's the Joy that the Father has placed before you? What's the Prize that He's Promised you to Incentivize your Faith? What is your Heavenly Hope that at His Appointed Time will manifest in the Natural Realm? Do you know? If you do, then by the Grace of God, you Know What Time It Is.
Now is a Time of Preparation. Now is not the time to "be on display". Now is not the time to be reaching for the "limelight", wanting to be seen and desiring to be recognized. Now is the Time to operate under the radar. Now is the time to be low-key. Why? Because there are some things that God wants to work out, work in and work on regarding your walk with Him and your relationship with Christ. But a lot of times, when we're operating in the public eye, certain duties and responsibilities can serve more as a distraction than they can to draw us closer to Jesus. So if you're not where you think you're "supposed to be" or even where you "deserve" to be, just Know What Time It Is.
Now is a Time of Discipline. For many of the saints, the first several months of the year have been rough and tough. It has not been "easy-going". As I've expressed before, many of you are asking God, "what in the world is going on"? The Father is Disciplining you. Not in terms of punishment or judgment, but in terms of Development and Edification. I know it may "feel" like you've done something wrong, but that's not where God is coming from. The scripture clearly says, "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son (or daughter) whom He receiveth" (Hebrews 12). If God didn't Discipline us and Chastise us for the purpose of Character Development and Spiritual Purification, once He placed us in our Post of Service, we'd be more raggedy than we could ever imagine. God knows what He's Doing. It's a Time of Discipline.
Lastly saints, we are in a Time of Hope. For many this may seem like a time of pain, a time of despair, a time of distress, a time of grief; and to a certain extent all of this may be true. But when you're dealing with Jehovah through the Blood Covenant of His Son, Jesus the Christ, no situation can be characterized by distress, despair, depression or pain. The scripture says that Jesus endured the Cross because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12). What's the Joy that the Father has placed before you? What's the Prize that He's Promised you to Incentivize your Faith? What is your Heavenly Hope that at His Appointed Time will manifest in the Natural Realm? Do you know? If you do, then by the Grace of God, you Know What Time It Is.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Decisions and Seeds
Many times people wonder about how their life is going to turn out and what is going to be the summation or outcome of their Destiny. This is a very interesting thought that every human being ought to take very seriously. However, the unfolding of one's Destiny and the outcome of life is not as mysterious as one would think. For the most part, all things considered, you can map out your destiny by two primary things: your Decisions and Seeds.
The cumulative effect of one's life can be summed up succinctly, based upon the various Decisions that we make and the Seeds that have been planted in our lives and the Seeds that we choose to plant in and with our lives. Of course there are always extenuating circumstances for which we generally are not prepared for (a sudden accident, death of a loved one, losing a job, etc.). But even with the various fortuitous events that are sometimes thrust upon us, the Decisions we make and the Seeds that we plant in response to those things still end up shaping our Destiny.
I want to urge everyone to take great care in regards to the Decisions that you make during this Time. Regardless of what people may say and in spite of how things may feel, this is not a time to be careless, reckless or indifferent when it comes to the Choices that we make in and for our lives right now. Even things that on the surface may seem "inconsequential", take the time to "think" and truly ponder, is this a Wise Decision to make at this time? Once again, I'm not just talking about "major decisions", I'm talking about what we would consider "everyday" decisions. Are these the right people to be hanging out with right now? Is this a good relationship and friendship to be developing? Do I need to take this promotion? Should I be getting involved in this Ministry? The Decisions that we make shape and form our Destiny.
Then saints, we need to look at the Seeds that we plant. The scripture says very clearly, Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6). We need to very careful and prayerful about the Seeds that we plant. We need to examine the Seeds we're planting with our Families. Are we honoring our parents? Are we honoring our spouse? Are we covering and training our children? We need to examine the Seeds we're sowing Financially. Are we paying our tithes? Are we giving sacrificially? Are we supporting the poor? And lastly, we need to examine the Seeds we're sowing unto the Lord. Are we giving Him the Praise and Worship that He deserves? Are we being obedient to His Will, even the things that are not personally convenient and at times even hurt? Are we treating others the way we want to be treated? If we examine these various areas, we will find that at the end of the day, our Destiny and our Future is determined by our Decisions and Seeds.
The cumulative effect of one's life can be summed up succinctly, based upon the various Decisions that we make and the Seeds that have been planted in our lives and the Seeds that we choose to plant in and with our lives. Of course there are always extenuating circumstances for which we generally are not prepared for (a sudden accident, death of a loved one, losing a job, etc.). But even with the various fortuitous events that are sometimes thrust upon us, the Decisions we make and the Seeds that we plant in response to those things still end up shaping our Destiny.
I want to urge everyone to take great care in regards to the Decisions that you make during this Time. Regardless of what people may say and in spite of how things may feel, this is not a time to be careless, reckless or indifferent when it comes to the Choices that we make in and for our lives right now. Even things that on the surface may seem "inconsequential", take the time to "think" and truly ponder, is this a Wise Decision to make at this time? Once again, I'm not just talking about "major decisions", I'm talking about what we would consider "everyday" decisions. Are these the right people to be hanging out with right now? Is this a good relationship and friendship to be developing? Do I need to take this promotion? Should I be getting involved in this Ministry? The Decisions that we make shape and form our Destiny.
Then saints, we need to look at the Seeds that we plant. The scripture says very clearly, Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6). We need to very careful and prayerful about the Seeds that we plant. We need to examine the Seeds we're planting with our Families. Are we honoring our parents? Are we honoring our spouse? Are we covering and training our children? We need to examine the Seeds we're sowing Financially. Are we paying our tithes? Are we giving sacrificially? Are we supporting the poor? And lastly, we need to examine the Seeds we're sowing unto the Lord. Are we giving Him the Praise and Worship that He deserves? Are we being obedient to His Will, even the things that are not personally convenient and at times even hurt? Are we treating others the way we want to be treated? If we examine these various areas, we will find that at the end of the day, our Destiny and our Future is determined by our Decisions and Seeds.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
The Messiah has Come
If you are familiar with the Jews' religion, then you are aware that collectively they do not embrace Jesus Christ as the Messiah. As Christians, we embrace Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of David, who would sit on the throne of David as the result of the Davidic Covenant that God the Father made with King David prior to his death (2Samuel 7). However, the Jews do not embrace the belief that the Man who walked the earth nearly two thousand years ago and died on the Cross for the sins of the world, is the individual for which the scriptures prophesied would come and restore the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1).
This "difference of opinion" has served as a major divide between the Jews and the church since the inception of Christianity. However, there's something that the church needs to atleast take into consideration in regards to the perspective of the Jews not embracing Jesus Christ as the Coming Messiah. The widespread belief amongst the Jews was (and is) that when the Messiah would come, not only would He restore the Kingdom to Israel and assume the throne of his father David, but He would also usher in a type of "Golden Age" for the children of Israel that would make them the spectacle of the the world and the glory of God as His chosen people (Isaiah 61). So, the question that a lot of the Jews have in regards to the validity of the Messiahship of He who we worship as Jesus the Christ is, where is the Golden Age? Where is the change and the transformation that is supposed to come when the Promised Messiah assumes His Throne?
This my brothers and sisters is a legitimate question. But it's not an indictment on the Messiah status of Jesus, but rather a reflection on the witness of the church. When Jesus did walk the earth in human flesh, everything that the Scriptures said He would do, He fulfilled (Isaiah 61). He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He gave sight to the blind, He walked in miracles, signs and wonders; and He died for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53). The misunderstanding amongst the Jews is that when Jesus did this in His three year Ministry, He then equipped the apostles to teach and train the saints so that The Golden Age could then be ushered in and manifested by the church (Acts 1). This is why Jesus trained the disciples for 40 days in His Post-Resurrection Ministry. The scripture says that He spoke to them pertaining to the Kingdom of God (Acts 1). But once again, the fallacy and flaw of the faith of the mainstream church is that we don't major in the Kingdom, we major in religion, which we call Christianity. What we do on Sunday mornings and the activity that we contain in our ecclesiastical gathering centers, is not the idea that Christ had nor has of the church. The church, the Body of Christ, is supposed to be the Divine Agent and Instrument for which Jesus in this day and time ushers in the Golden Age of the Kingdom of God. People want to blame the government and the police and the school system and Wall Street for all the problems that are plaguing our society. But Jesus said that the church is the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5). Until we learn and commit to accessing the Kingdom Power of God, things are not going to change. But once we do, and we will, people will know that The Messiah has Come.
This "difference of opinion" has served as a major divide between the Jews and the church since the inception of Christianity. However, there's something that the church needs to atleast take into consideration in regards to the perspective of the Jews not embracing Jesus Christ as the Coming Messiah. The widespread belief amongst the Jews was (and is) that when the Messiah would come, not only would He restore the Kingdom to Israel and assume the throne of his father David, but He would also usher in a type of "Golden Age" for the children of Israel that would make them the spectacle of the the world and the glory of God as His chosen people (Isaiah 61). So, the question that a lot of the Jews have in regards to the validity of the Messiahship of He who we worship as Jesus the Christ is, where is the Golden Age? Where is the change and the transformation that is supposed to come when the Promised Messiah assumes His Throne?
This my brothers and sisters is a legitimate question. But it's not an indictment on the Messiah status of Jesus, but rather a reflection on the witness of the church. When Jesus did walk the earth in human flesh, everything that the Scriptures said He would do, He fulfilled (Isaiah 61). He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He gave sight to the blind, He walked in miracles, signs and wonders; and He died for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53). The misunderstanding amongst the Jews is that when Jesus did this in His three year Ministry, He then equipped the apostles to teach and train the saints so that The Golden Age could then be ushered in and manifested by the church (Acts 1). This is why Jesus trained the disciples for 40 days in His Post-Resurrection Ministry. The scripture says that He spoke to them pertaining to the Kingdom of God (Acts 1). But once again, the fallacy and flaw of the faith of the mainstream church is that we don't major in the Kingdom, we major in religion, which we call Christianity. What we do on Sunday mornings and the activity that we contain in our ecclesiastical gathering centers, is not the idea that Christ had nor has of the church. The church, the Body of Christ, is supposed to be the Divine Agent and Instrument for which Jesus in this day and time ushers in the Golden Age of the Kingdom of God. People want to blame the government and the police and the school system and Wall Street for all the problems that are plaguing our society. But Jesus said that the church is the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5). Until we learn and commit to accessing the Kingdom Power of God, things are not going to change. But once we do, and we will, people will know that The Messiah has Come.
Monday, May 30, 2016
The War Zone
There comes a point where every believer in Christ has to make the decision of what type of Christian they're going to be: are they going to be a Christian Civilian or are they going to be a Spiritual Soldier. Once you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you're in the Fight whether you want to be or not (1Timothy 6). But your status as a believer and the role you're going to play in the Kingdom is still one of personal choice. My hope and prayer is that those who are reading this today have made the choice (or will make the choice) to be a Spiritual Soldier, not just a christian civilian. Jesus shed too much Blood on Calvary's Rugged Cross for us to resort to simply being Sunday morning church attendees. The world is only going to change when we as believers grow up, take a stand, and assume our post and position as Soldiers in the Army of the Lord. As we make this decision and ultimately transition, we need to then understand the dynamics of The War Zone.
In the military, there are certain areas, whether it's geographically (on land) or in the air (airspace) that when you enter, it is described as you entering "the war zone". This is why you hear in the news about certain countries having their ships hijacked or airplanes shot at and bombed out of the sky; because they violated what that country described as "the war zone". You entered a space to where, once you "trespass" or "cross that line", we then have the legal right to attack you and shoot you down; because you've violated our "war zone". As it is in the natural, so it is in the Spirit. There's a place you go in the Spirit Realm to where, once you "Cross" that line, you're fair game for the Enemy (the Devil). God will not force any child of His to go into the "War Zone" and become an open target for the Evil One. But if you're a Spiritual Soldier, intent on taking territory for the Kingdom of God, you know the only way you can fulfill that objective is to move into The War Zone.
One of the first signs that you're entering The War Zone is when you've learned how to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5). Even though we have a lot of gifted and anointed believers and ministers of Christ, you're going to be hard-pressed to advance the Kingdom of God if you're still individually under the influence of the sinful nature and indwelling sin. God has given us the strategies of how to put down the "old man" (Colossians 3). And once we do, the level of Satanic attack will escalate. No need to fear though. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1John 4). This is just to apprise you of what you're getting ready to run into in the Spirit Realm.
Another indicator of moving into The War Zone is when your Christian witness moves beyond the four walls of the church and into the streets and communities of the world. The Devil doesn't mind us "having church". We can stay in the sanctuary and praise God all day. This doesn't necessarily infringe on the Enemy's territory. This is the reason why we can have Conferences, and Revivals and church meetings and ministry events and the world and our communities never change. But when we decide to stop having church and start being the church; when you start talking to people about Jesus on your job that don't know about Christ. When we start moving out into the Communities and meeting needs and demonstrating tangibly the love and compassion of Jesus. When we start taking a stand against the Perversion that our Governments are legislating in this country and letting our elected officials know that these laws are against the Divine Will and Word of God, then you're going to see Satanic attacks rise in your life. You're moving into The War Zone.
I look forward to the day when living in The War Zone is a daily way of life for me. Jesus said to rejoice when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you for His Name's sake (Matthew 5). The scripture says that happy are those who endure suffering and affliction for the cause of Christ (James 5). The Bible also says not to think it strange when the fiery trial comes upon you (1Peter 4). Too many believers and preachers are trying to "stay away" from Suffering and Persecution. Not here buddy! I look forward to the day, in the name of the Advancement of The Kingdom of God, where my lifestyle is one of living in The War Zone.
In the military, there are certain areas, whether it's geographically (on land) or in the air (airspace) that when you enter, it is described as you entering "the war zone". This is why you hear in the news about certain countries having their ships hijacked or airplanes shot at and bombed out of the sky; because they violated what that country described as "the war zone". You entered a space to where, once you "trespass" or "cross that line", we then have the legal right to attack you and shoot you down; because you've violated our "war zone". As it is in the natural, so it is in the Spirit. There's a place you go in the Spirit Realm to where, once you "Cross" that line, you're fair game for the Enemy (the Devil). God will not force any child of His to go into the "War Zone" and become an open target for the Evil One. But if you're a Spiritual Soldier, intent on taking territory for the Kingdom of God, you know the only way you can fulfill that objective is to move into The War Zone.
One of the first signs that you're entering The War Zone is when you've learned how to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5). Even though we have a lot of gifted and anointed believers and ministers of Christ, you're going to be hard-pressed to advance the Kingdom of God if you're still individually under the influence of the sinful nature and indwelling sin. God has given us the strategies of how to put down the "old man" (Colossians 3). And once we do, the level of Satanic attack will escalate. No need to fear though. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1John 4). This is just to apprise you of what you're getting ready to run into in the Spirit Realm.
Another indicator of moving into The War Zone is when your Christian witness moves beyond the four walls of the church and into the streets and communities of the world. The Devil doesn't mind us "having church". We can stay in the sanctuary and praise God all day. This doesn't necessarily infringe on the Enemy's territory. This is the reason why we can have Conferences, and Revivals and church meetings and ministry events and the world and our communities never change. But when we decide to stop having church and start being the church; when you start talking to people about Jesus on your job that don't know about Christ. When we start moving out into the Communities and meeting needs and demonstrating tangibly the love and compassion of Jesus. When we start taking a stand against the Perversion that our Governments are legislating in this country and letting our elected officials know that these laws are against the Divine Will and Word of God, then you're going to see Satanic attacks rise in your life. You're moving into The War Zone.
I look forward to the day when living in The War Zone is a daily way of life for me. Jesus said to rejoice when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you for His Name's sake (Matthew 5). The scripture says that happy are those who endure suffering and affliction for the cause of Christ (James 5). The Bible also says not to think it strange when the fiery trial comes upon you (1Peter 4). Too many believers and preachers are trying to "stay away" from Suffering and Persecution. Not here buddy! I look forward to the day, in the name of the Advancement of The Kingdom of God, where my lifestyle is one of living in The War Zone.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
The Discipline of Fasting
As we continue to press into the Kingdom of God, one of the keys to getting to where God has spiritually ordained us to be is the Discipline of Fasting. You're not going to be able to enter the Kingdom of God and access the power thereof without learning how to Deny Your Self (Ephesians 5). This is one of the challenges of many Christians in regards to learning how to Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5). Many of us have not learned how to Deny Our Selves (Matthew 16). As a result, we stay trapped in the spirit of the flesh rather than basking in the Freedom of the Spirit (Galatians 5). One of the things that can set us free so that we can operate at the Level for which God has ordained is the Discipline of Fasting.
Fasting is the spiritual discipline of denying one's self in a particular area for the purpose of drawing closer to God and yielding to His Will. If you're serious about being close to God and having His Divine Will manifested in your life, it is imperative that you develop a Lifestyle of Fasting. Let me say it again: if you are intent upon having the Divine Will of God being manifested in your life, it is imperative that you develop a Lifestyle of Fasting. Fasting is not an option, it is Mandatory. I'm not sure if the Discipline and Principle of Fasting is taught enough in many of our mainstream churches. But I'm telling you for the record, if Fasting is not something that you're acclimated to doing "on the regular", you need to change your mindset and adjust your spiritual practices. In order to grow spiritually and be all that God would have you to be, you must embrace The Discipline of Fasting.
A lot of times when people think of Fasting, they automatically think of food. Of course this is appropriate, since many of the fasts that are mentioned in the Bible were specifically people fasting from food (Matthew 4, Exodus 34, Esther 4). However, food is not the only area for which one can conduct a Fast unto the Lord. What you want to be prayerful about is an area for which you may "over-indulge" that is not considered a sin. You do not Fast from sin, you repent from sin. So for some people, you may need to fast from television. Others may need to fast from the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Some people may need to fast from talking on the phone. A Food Fast, however, is always in order. But the main thing with conducting a Fast is the objective of denying yourself in order to increase your capacity for God (Psalm 35).
When you go on a Fast, do it within a specific time frame. Don't just fast "arbitrarily", but set the time. So you may say, ok I'm going to fast for 3 days. Or, I'm going to fast for a week, or I'm going to fast for a month. But whatever the time frame is, set it. You can always adjust your Fast while you're going through it. So you may start off on a 3 day fast and then need to lengthen it to 5 days. Or you may have started out on a 30 day fast and need to shorten it to 3 weeks. That's ok. But whatever you do, make the time frame specific, don't just leave it open.
I believe saints that many of us have reached a period in our walk with Christ where a Fast is in order. If you feel like you've hit your "spiritual wall". If you feel like you're in a "funk" and you just can't pray and worship your way out of it; it may be time for a Fast. For this reason I recommend that all of us adopt as a part of our spiritual devotion and commitment, The Discipline of Fasting.
Fasting is the spiritual discipline of denying one's self in a particular area for the purpose of drawing closer to God and yielding to His Will. If you're serious about being close to God and having His Divine Will manifested in your life, it is imperative that you develop a Lifestyle of Fasting. Let me say it again: if you are intent upon having the Divine Will of God being manifested in your life, it is imperative that you develop a Lifestyle of Fasting. Fasting is not an option, it is Mandatory. I'm not sure if the Discipline and Principle of Fasting is taught enough in many of our mainstream churches. But I'm telling you for the record, if Fasting is not something that you're acclimated to doing "on the regular", you need to change your mindset and adjust your spiritual practices. In order to grow spiritually and be all that God would have you to be, you must embrace The Discipline of Fasting.
A lot of times when people think of Fasting, they automatically think of food. Of course this is appropriate, since many of the fasts that are mentioned in the Bible were specifically people fasting from food (Matthew 4, Exodus 34, Esther 4). However, food is not the only area for which one can conduct a Fast unto the Lord. What you want to be prayerful about is an area for which you may "over-indulge" that is not considered a sin. You do not Fast from sin, you repent from sin. So for some people, you may need to fast from television. Others may need to fast from the Internet (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Some people may need to fast from talking on the phone. A Food Fast, however, is always in order. But the main thing with conducting a Fast is the objective of denying yourself in order to increase your capacity for God (Psalm 35).
When you go on a Fast, do it within a specific time frame. Don't just fast "arbitrarily", but set the time. So you may say, ok I'm going to fast for 3 days. Or, I'm going to fast for a week, or I'm going to fast for a month. But whatever the time frame is, set it. You can always adjust your Fast while you're going through it. So you may start off on a 3 day fast and then need to lengthen it to 5 days. Or you may have started out on a 30 day fast and need to shorten it to 3 weeks. That's ok. But whatever you do, make the time frame specific, don't just leave it open.
I believe saints that many of us have reached a period in our walk with Christ where a Fast is in order. If you feel like you've hit your "spiritual wall". If you feel like you're in a "funk" and you just can't pray and worship your way out of it; it may be time for a Fast. For this reason I recommend that all of us adopt as a part of our spiritual devotion and commitment, The Discipline of Fasting.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Where Is God?
Have you ever looked at your life and asked the question, Where Is God? Have you ever looked at the world and various situations and asked the question, Where Is God? This is the argument that a lot of atheists and agnostics like to make from the standpoint of, if there really is a God then why does He allow this and why does He allow that? These are legitimate questions, but not towards the validity of the Existence of the Almighty. But still, even for those who are ardent believers in God and in no shape, form or fashion question His Eternal Existence or Presence; sometimes we are still challenged to ask the question, Where Is God? Not does God exist, but Where Is He in this situation, in this predicament, in this circumstance?
Saints, let me start off by saying that God is where He's always been, On His Eternal Throne (Psalm 47). But remember, God is also Omni-Present, so He's Everywhere at the same time. So even though "we" may not see or know Where He Is in a certain situation or given circumstance, I can assure, God is Right There, closer than you can imagine. So the appropriate question is not Where Is God, the more pertinent question is Where Are We? As God is Moving, and He Is, and as His Presence pervades whatever situation we're experiencing and being challenged to endure, the better question is Where Are We, and even better, Where Are We with God?
What I am learning is that as a child of God, as a believer in Christ, every situation and trial that we go through is Divinely Designed by the Lord to test and expose where we are in regards to our faith and relationship with Him. We must keep in mind and always remember, Life is about God, it's not about us. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12), so He gets to write the script anyway He Divinely chooses. The question in every episode that God Sovereignly and Providentially allows is, not just where is our faith, but where are we in our relationship with Him (for which our faith is a reflection of). So when the Trials and Vicissitudes of life hit you hard and in a very painful and sometimes even seemingly destructive way, before you start questioning the whereabouts of God and why and how could He do this to you, first ask the question of Where are you in relation to Him in regards to the situation He's Providentially allowing you to experience.
Nobody had a more legitimate reason to question Where Was God than His Own Son, Jesus. As a matter of fact, Jesus went so far to ask, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?(Matthew 27). But did God show up for His Son? He most certainly did! And remember, He didn't relieve the suffering, He didn't alleviate the pain; but what the Father did do was Validate the Experience. That's what The Resurrection was all about; the Validation of the Crucifixion of His Son, Jesus the Christ. And saints, I can assure you, as a child of The Father in whom His Son dwelleth, if you can just hold on a little while longer, in the midst of the disappointment, in the midst of the disillusionment, in the midst of the unanswered questions, in the midst of the hurt, in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the anger, in the midst of what feels like utter hopelessness; our God will also Validate your Experience and show you that even though you may ask Where Is God, He will prove to you beyond a shadow of a doubt: He's Been There All the Time.
Saints, let me start off by saying that God is where He's always been, On His Eternal Throne (Psalm 47). But remember, God is also Omni-Present, so He's Everywhere at the same time. So even though "we" may not see or know Where He Is in a certain situation or given circumstance, I can assure, God is Right There, closer than you can imagine. So the appropriate question is not Where Is God, the more pertinent question is Where Are We? As God is Moving, and He Is, and as His Presence pervades whatever situation we're experiencing and being challenged to endure, the better question is Where Are We, and even better, Where Are We with God?
What I am learning is that as a child of God, as a believer in Christ, every situation and trial that we go through is Divinely Designed by the Lord to test and expose where we are in regards to our faith and relationship with Him. We must keep in mind and always remember, Life is about God, it's not about us. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12), so He gets to write the script anyway He Divinely chooses. The question in every episode that God Sovereignly and Providentially allows is, not just where is our faith, but where are we in our relationship with Him (for which our faith is a reflection of). So when the Trials and Vicissitudes of life hit you hard and in a very painful and sometimes even seemingly destructive way, before you start questioning the whereabouts of God and why and how could He do this to you, first ask the question of Where are you in relation to Him in regards to the situation He's Providentially allowing you to experience.
Nobody had a more legitimate reason to question Where Was God than His Own Son, Jesus. As a matter of fact, Jesus went so far to ask, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?(Matthew 27). But did God show up for His Son? He most certainly did! And remember, He didn't relieve the suffering, He didn't alleviate the pain; but what the Father did do was Validate the Experience. That's what The Resurrection was all about; the Validation of the Crucifixion of His Son, Jesus the Christ. And saints, I can assure you, as a child of The Father in whom His Son dwelleth, if you can just hold on a little while longer, in the midst of the disappointment, in the midst of the disillusionment, in the midst of the unanswered questions, in the midst of the hurt, in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the anger, in the midst of what feels like utter hopelessness; our God will also Validate your Experience and show you that even though you may ask Where Is God, He will prove to you beyond a shadow of a doubt: He's Been There All the Time.
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