Ragamuffin Crew!

Chapter 32
Ragamuffin Crew!
(Luke 10:21-24)

My greatest joy comes from seeing my natural and spiritual family grow and develop. That is why Christmas is such a wonderful celebration. It is so nice to see family come together both at home and at church. Some you don't see except during this time of year, so many changes take place, like marriage, having babies, children growing up, etc., it is a delight!

We see here in Luke 10:21 Jesus filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit as He acknowledges His Father for the wisdom He has bestowed on these childlike ones. I look at the ones God has placed around me, very few scholars, great athletes, or super-talented, popular individuals, yet such amazing growth is taking place. God loves using the despised of the world, the least likeliest to accomplish His will.

Have you ever tried to teach something to someone who thinks they know it all? Those who have had it easier than most usually are prideful and arrogant and are not teachable. It takes being broken to usually be willing to be taught.  

I love my ragamuffin crew, the down and outers, those whom the world has rejected, those whom have been hurt so bad that it seems nothing good will come out of them.  These are the ones God is shining on, saving, healing, delivering, restoring, and rebuilding into His beautiful bride.  They may feel far from being anything good but I see through and I know God is at work, transforming them from the inside out.  They might not even seem that they listen, but I know they do, they are much more special than what they yet realize, but in time they will see what only God can do.

Most would be frustrated for they are short-sighted and cannot see the end product from the beginning.  Yet God bestows spiritual eyes to those whom pray.  So I thank God for His grace that allows me to see my natural and spiritual kids not as they are but as they shall be in Christ Jesus.

The things these ones will hear, see, and do are beyond what anyone could ever dream of.  As it says in Luke 10:24 "I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see but they didn't see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it."

I am so filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit right now because of the great things that are in store for you who God has divinely brought into my life.

SENT ONES (LUKE 10:1-20)

Why today in the American church are there so few souls being added to the kingdom? 

We see here in Luke 10:1-2, that the Lord had disciples willing to be sent out in two's. The Lord said the Harvest is great the problem is the workers are few because the lack of prayer. The harvest is a bi-product of our personal growth. As we bear fruit (grow in character), harvest follows, the unsaved around us see the witness of Christ and are drawn to Him. 

The Devil's device to prevent Harvest is to hinder our spiritual growth, he does this by causing us to turn against one another. To gossip and backbite rather than to pray and build each other up. We are part of a body and only when each member supports one another through prayer does the body develop and mature.If we took the same amount of time to pray for others as much as we talk about them positive change rather than continual negative results would follow.

A child doesn't naturally desire to work, they want to play, and just simply have fun. One works as they grow up and naturally desire to be self-sufficient and be a help to others. The American church is still in childhood behavior because of the lack of prayer for one another.

Living sacrificially is the ingredient for successful adulthood. It is necessary in order to be a good parent, spouse, employee, etc. So few American Christians are willing to sacrifice because they haven't spiritually grown up. 

The Lord reveals in Luke 10:3-20 the sacrifices of being a sent one. No longer will they be safe, they are going into dangerous ground, the enemies territory. They must completely trust in God and not in material things. They will experience both acceptance and rejection and pronounce blessings or curses accordingly. Great demonic opposition will they encounter, but yet great authority and power over the enemy will be upon them. 

Only those mature can handle such sacrifices and again maturity comes as we pray for one another, then and only then will sent ones be released into the fields, and the harvest follow. So let's make this our prayer, Lord let me talk about nobody or nothing but pray about everyone and everything.

The Cost of Commitment (Luke 9:57-62)

Chapter 30

THE COST OF COMMITMENT

(Luke 9:57-62)

We have all made commitments verbally that we quickly abandoned.  Our emotions speak louder than our reasoning sometimes.  Meaning we get lost in the moment, not thinking through what we are doing.  Time and time again I see people make commitments to God with their tongue but their actions never follow suit.  

As leaders it is our responsibility to break down what it means to make a commitment to God. We all love to say salvation is free, but it is not, it costs our entire life, our money, relationships, talents. gifts, possessions, everything.  

Jesus drew huge crowds but only a few followed Him.  When He was ministering healing and deliverance people responded, but when He declared the sacrifice it was to be a disciple, people withdrew themselves.  We live in a culture that celebrates those that draw crowds, and reject those that lose the crowd.  Jesus in America today would and is being rejected, for we live in a comfortable, compromising culture, which is at total conflict with the Kingdom of God.  

In Luke 9:57-62 we see someone saying to Jesus "I will follow you wherever you go."  Jesus now breaks down what sacrifices therefore this person will have to make.  It will mean he won't always have somewhere comfortable to sleep, his families demands are no longer his first priority, and he was to leave all his family who were spiritually dead behind and go preach the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is hardcore, his message is hard to swallow, his ways are difficult to follow, that is why many are called but few are chosen.  Many are those who are following an American version of Jesus and not the real thing.  The bible was meant to be literal, taken as is, not something to be interpreted along with the culture and times we are in that fits with our present day lifestyle.  Jesus is radical and so are those that truly follow Him, they stand out as awkward in the world, for they are different, the world hates them, few friends do they have, and much suffering do they experience.  

Jesus knew the ears of most wanted to be tickled, so He stopped speaking in simple terminology but in parables, for only those who had the heart to seek Him would discover the understanding of what He truly said.  He reveals His mysteries to His friends for they are those whom He entrusts for they know Him and can easily relate to what He is saying.

So the questions we must ask ourselves are we following the real Jesus or a phony?  

Are we a true friend of God or a fake, one who is just using God for their own sake, rather than giving oneself to God for His sake?

Relationship takes commitment which costs everything, how committed to God are we really?

The Effect of Uncertainty! (Luke 9:46-56)

Chapter 29

THE EFFECT OF UNCERTAINTY!

Luke 9:46-56

I would love to understand everything, always knowing what to expect ahead, fully prepared for whatever comes before me. Life is just not that way, hearing God's voice is not always clear, life is full of uncertainty. How each one responds to uncertainty determines the degree of adversity one has to face.

In Luke 9:44-45 Jesus tell the disciples that He will be betrayed and placed in the hands of his enemies. The disciples couldn't handle this prophecy. For they could not imagine life without Jesus. You ever hear something that you would rather wish you hadn't, so you try pretending you didn't or that what you heard must be a misunderstanding.

In Luke 9:46-48 we see the disciples arguing. The fear of what they heard of the uncertainty ahead caused strife amongst them. They were fighting over who is the greatest, probably with this in mind, if Jesus is no longer around who will replace Him? When we are uncertain we rationalize things, using our limited mind to try to figure out what to do if things don't work out as expected.  Jesus responds to their argument telling them whoever is the least among you is the greatest with the example of a child.  A child is not caught up in uncertainties but simply trusts their parents that they have everything under control.  Many of our inconsistencies are because of our uncertainties.  We simply don't trust God as we should and our indecisiveness is proof of it.

Whenever we become indecisive we become divisive, meaning we become uncertain of everyone and everything that challenges us.  We see this in Luke 9:49-50, John says to Jesus, "Someone was using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group," in which Jesus responded, Anyone who is not against you is for you."  Uncertainty limits our perspective to that which we are certain.  A child expands their perspective through new experiences, he is like a sponge, which can be either good or bad.  We are to be wise and not just accept everything we see and hear as from God, but we should not respond critical, until we seek counsel from God, just like a child asks would why about everything, so should we.

With all our uncertainties let's spend less time reasoning everything out and rather spend more time praying for God's will.  Then we will no longer be like the wind tossed to and fro, but rather walking with confidence down the narrow path no matter how far ahead we see, trusting God each step of the way.

God please restore our innocence, release a grace of childlikeness to come into our hearts, help us in our uncertainties know your will in everything so we are not working against you but with you to establish your kingdom on earth.

Is Your Head In The Clouds? (Lk. 9:28-42)

Is Your Head in the Clouds?

(Luke 9:28-42)

We all love to escape from reality sometimes and we each have our unique method of doing so.  As a child I would play basketball, hour after hour by myself, pretending I was in the NBA.  Watching movies, playing video games are some of my current methods.  Some people so desire to escape reality because of the pain of their past that their methods are much more damaging, like drinking alcohol, doing drugs etc.

God can also be a method, a crutch, someone to help take the trouble away.  This seems like a good method but it can become extreme, leading to spiritual whoredom.  Basically we treat God like a prostitute, He is just being used to make us feel better, and that is it.  No commitment involved, no mutual relationship, we just come to Him when we need a fix.

We see this here in Luke 9:28-36, Jesus taking, Peter, John, and James along to the mountain to encounter God.  They see Jesus transfigured, they see Moses and Elijah, how glorious, a mind boggling experience.  Peter's response was a bunch of babble about building a memorial.

Many of us are Jesus junkies we are all about an encounter with God, not bad, but if that is it, something is not right.  It is like going into marriage thinking that it is all about sex.  Responsibilities now must be shared, life has to be lived, the honeymoon always comes to an end. 

In this passage God responded to Peter's babble by simply saying this is my Son, listen to Him.  Meaning obedience to His voice was what mattered most, not just a worship experience.  If we were as passionate about listening and obeying His voice as we are with worship experiences this world would be a far better place.  

So few Christians believe in the power of God and many of the ones who do keep the power to themselves and those that happen to walk through their doors.  It is something left for church services rather than a daily experience with God.  If we would just open our ears to God daily we would encounter God through power evangelism to the world.  It would no longer just be a worship experience but part of our life lived out everywhere to everyone.

We see in Luke 9:37-42, when they came out of the mountain and faced the world, they didn't take what they experienced on the mountain with them.  The disciples were ineffective in praying for a boy needing deliverance.  Jesus was angry telling the disciples you lack focus, (your heads are in the clouds), so Jesus again had to step in and do what they should have been capable of doing.  I get so frustrated myself as a parent when my kids still act irresponsible, not being able to handle things they should know how to do.

Worship experiences are not something we are to build a shrine around.  They are not what we are to seek out alone.  We are to encounter God for the purpose of being empowered to greater service.  If we seem so spiritual in our worship yet in our daily practical life God is not evident, we have become a spiritual whore, our heads are in the clouds, we are so heavenly minded we are no earthly good. 

Choose Your Path? (Luke 9:21-27)

CHOOSE YOUR PATH?

(Luke 9:21-27)

We live in a culture that glorifies those whom draw a crowd. Many of us live for the sake of others liking us. We love the feeling when people celebrate us. We get our worth from having lot's of friends on facebook and people wanting to hear us or be entertained by us. It is the American Idol syndrome. The hardest thing of becoming popular is maintaining it. The pressure that comes and the things that must be done to continue to be liked is unbearable for most. Stars don't shine for long before they fall.

We see here in Luke 9:22-27, Jesus was not concerned with maintaining the crowd, He spoke the bold truth of what it really meant to follow Him, because of that many left Him, to the point where He had few followers when He died. Most Preachers do whatever it takes today to keep the crowd, watering down the truth, presenting a gospel that Jesus did not preach. People like to hear messages that tickle the ears, where it is all about what is in it for them, few are those who like hearing what sacrifices they must make to truly follow Jesus.

We have all been made to believe something good was free to later find out we didn't read between the lines and a cost followed. The saying goes; "nothing comes free and good benefits come with a price." Well the bible says we receive salvation by grace, which is God riches at Christ expense, meaning we cannot earn it.  Yet we see here Christ telling the crowd, you must turn from your selfish ways and live a sacrificial life in order to follow Him, and that alone is the only way to be saved, if you try to save your life you will lose it.  Hard to swallow!  So this means we cannot enjoy healing, deliverance, prosperity, etc. without a hefty price.  Salvation is not free, it costs everything, our entire life.  All of our money, time, gifts, talents, relationships, etc., now become His.  So do you still want to follow Him? That is why it says "many are called but few are chosen."  

So we must choose which path we are going to follow, the crowd going through the wide gate, or the few going the narrow way?  If we choose the latter it means we will be going against the crowd resulting in humiliation, isolation, hatred, and pain.  We must embrace this call, no longer ashamed of the Son of Man, but living boldly in the face of opposition that some may leave the crowd wi and also take up their cross and follow Him.

Who Do You Say I Am? (Luke 8:18-20)

Who Do You Say I Am?

(Luke 9:18-20)

We have all been falsely accused, prejudged, just wrongfully thought of by others, it can be one of the most frustrating things to experience. These things come from people who don't really know us, who make their observations from a distance. It is is fine if someone sees something not right with me and confronts me about it, but usually they don't, rather they spread slander, gossip, and backbite. 

Now some people spend their life trying to please everyone, doing all that they can to make people believe the best about them. Not me, I am about pleasing God, life is too short, and God's plan is too big, for me to waste time, spending my energy on changing people's perspective about me. I will do what I can as God leads me, but I understand that only those whom I have a relationship with can really understand me.

Those whom God draws into relationship with me will know my true intentions and will hold me accountable in love when they disagree. They will confront me, and not sit back, and speak about me to everyone but me.

People thought all kind of things about Jesus as they still do today. Few people deny His existence, but they rationalize Him just to be a Great Teacher. If anyone though truly hears His teachings, you either got to believe He is the Messiah or He is mental patient. 

Jesus main concern is with those who know Him personally, His disciples, that they have the right perspective of who He is. So here in Luke 9:18-20, in a very personal time of prayer, that only His disciples witnessed, He asked them "who do people say I am?" The people all had different incomplete views, but when He asked them who do you say I am, Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God!"

It is sad when someone's view of us changes because of listening to popular demand. They deep down know that we are not what others perceive of us, yet they deny the truth, because they don't want to experience rejection. These are the ones that hurt us the most, our family or close friends who forsake us because of Christ. Usually though people will turn back to those who are genuine and real when life crisis comes and they need true support as we will see later with Peter. 

It is upon this confession of Peter that the church is built. Jesus was limited to the amount of influence He had just like all of us, for He was one body, with a small amount of time. He realized that the small amount of people who truly knew Him, would be the ones that carry further His plans, that His one body would later become many bodies. We must always think more about quality than quantity, knowing that with quality will come quantity. Jesus made twelve disciples who each made their own disciples until it multiplied continually up to today where 1/3 of the world claims to be Christians.

So we must ask ourselves do we know Jesus as our personal Savior or from a distant as just a mere image.  If Jesus is known personal then we must take His words literally and therefore our life will declare His reality to the world. 

Set Up (Luke 9:10-17)

Have you ever been led somewhere, through something, that seemed spontaneous, but you then realized it was a set up?  Until we have become perfectly formed into the image of Christ, the process of transformation is always taking place.  It seems the times I have experienced God the most, He quickly takes me through a test and trial, to cause me to trust Him even more.  He does not want me to become too comfortable for I can easily become complacent and stunt my spiritual growth.

We see in Luke 9:10-17 "the story of the five loaves and two fish," the disciples had returned from being sent out, preaching the Kingdom, healing the sick, and delivering the oppressed, they were excited, telling Jesus everything.  My natural and spiritual kids love to tell me of their accomplishments it is encouraging to them how proud I am of them.  But, just like the disciples here they can get so excited telling their stories that they forget about the one who is listening, I might have other plans, I might be tired, hungry etc, they get so caught up in the story, they are not aware how long they are speaking just expecting me to listen until they are done.  Sometimes I would like to do what Jesus did for He slipped away quietly and was gone.  But it says, the crowds found out where he was going and followed.  Instead of Jesus saying can I just get a break, He welcomed them, teaching them and healing those who were sick, for Jesus knew what He was doing, this was a set up, everything He did had a divine purpose.

All of a sudden now the disciples who had been so caught up in what God did through them that they were basically unaware of the needs of those around them, were now fully aware and started pleading to Jesus to send the crowds away for food and lodging, complaining there is nothing to eat here in this remote place, probably thinking why couldn't He have just stayed back near the village listening to their stories.

Now the unbelief of the disciples are going to be clearly seen.  Now they became sarcastic with Jesus "are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd."  Sarcasm is used to make someone look dumb, when it is used against someone they usually try to defend themselves so they don't look so dumb.  Jesus though was using all this as a setup for the disciples to realize that their faith is still very limited.  They could believe God for so called spiritual needs like healing and deliverance, but not for providing the necessities for simply feeding the hungry.

So Jesus once again blew away their narrow minds and took five loaves and two fish and fed the five thousand in whom had more than enough to eat with leftovers remaining.  So much of the challenges we face in life is just God setting us up to increase our faith in His unlimited power in our lives.  The quicker we can believe the quicker we get through the challenge and not have to repeat it again, as we will see later on with the disciples.

Stories Told!

STORIES TOLD

(Luke 9:7-9)

Whether we like it or not, people are talking about us, some good and some bad. Our actions speak for themselves and in today's continual media expanding world, it spreads quicker and has more influence than ever before. If there is a story to be told it will. 

See one's knowledge can be questioned but someone's story that is validated by others is fact and cannot. So do we just have knowledge of God or have we experienced Him?  Is the world puzzled by our activities? Do we have living testimonies that declare to the world His overcoming power and grace?

We need to be in the world, building relationships with the lost, not keeping distant in judgement but loving them unconditionally, for with time if God is in us, it is impossible for Him not to be seen working through us.  

For with relationships stories are shared, lives are experienced, and spread from one relationship to the next.  If the world is going to overcome the lies of the deceiver our testimonies spreading from one person to the next need to be shared.  People make up stories all the time, if they are going to be believable, we must prove ourselves to the world, by being connected building trust over time where we are seen as genuine and real.

Jesus was not accepted by all and neither will we, He suffered, and He promises all those whom follow Him will do the same.  His story in us offends those who don't want to submit to His authority.  So, yes our testimony will effect many lives for good, but it will also cause much trouble, yet we can account it for righteousness sake, and know our reward eternally is great.

Sent to Sent (Luke 9:1-6)

SENT TO SEND (Luke 9:1-6)

I often feel overwhelmed in regards to what I want to see done and what I want to be part of. There are so many needs around me, and therefore so many opportunities to make a difference. I would love to do it all but I know I am not capable. 

God has given me a heart for so much but if I follow my heart in everything I will burn out. I am learning that not everything good that comes my way that I feel called to is necessarily from God. Sometimes it is not for me but someone near me that I am called to help equip, encourage, and send out. So part of my being sent is recognizing those God has given me to send. So that together we can do so much more than alone.

If I spend the majority of my time going everywhere, doing everything, I will never have the time to reproduce the Christ in me in others.  The amount of time Christ is formed in others is determined by the support they have around them.  That which is neglected does not grow.  

While yes, their are so many pressing needs around me, I must see ahead and understand how best to use my time so I can be able to extend further through those I am building relationships with today.  I can only go in one direction at a time, but by sending out others we go in many directions at a time as we see here with Jesus and His twelve disciples in Luke 9:1-6.  

Many refuse to be sent because of what they lack.  We must understand that we will never have enough, that is why we need faith.  God cannot use us to do what only He can do without faith, so if we are refusing to go, because we don't have, then we don't have the faith necessary to do anything anyway.  

When Jesus sent his disciples He gave them power and authority to walk in the supernatural, they did not need material things, God would supply their every need.  When we seek His kingdom first we will never be disappointed, all things will be added unto us as needed.  Our heavenly Father will never let one of His sons and daughters who are doing His will go without bread.  

When sent out by God we must be able to receive at the same time as we give.  We are agents of God, so when people give unto us they are giving unto the Lord, and we cannot deny them the blessing therefore that will follow. Those whom welcome God's sent ones will be blessed and those whom refuse will be cursed.  It is false humility to deny God's people from blessing Him thinking we don't deserve it or feel too honored.

So God has called us both to be sent and to send and in doing so we multiply ourselves throughout the earth. 

FAITH VS. FAME (LUKE 8:40-56)

Chapter 22

FAITH VS. FAME

(Luke 8:40-56)

As a teenager growing up my dreams were shaped by the American culture with the desire to become famous and be in front of crowds. I first experienced this in sports being a standout football and basketball player. I also joined a lip-sync group where surprisingly I experienced a taste of being a teen heart-throb, signing autographs, even fans stalking me, all just because I got on stage and tried to mimic stars, weird. This life of stardom is what I longed for. My future was all about how I can become great in the eyes of others.

Just because I am a Christian does not mean these thoughts just leave me. The desire for fame is still there. Recently, I was more honored before others than what I ever imagined, it could easily go to my head. Yet I know that God has a way to keep me humble, He uses people like my wife and children who see all my faults, and different circumstances to do just that. I have learned that any honor given me is for the purpose of glorifying God.  So to Him be all the Glory and Praise!

We see in Luke 8:40-56 Jesus constantly being surrounded by crowds yet He didn't lose focus of ministering to individuals.  Crowds can be loud and demanding, making it hard to hear and therefore be sensitive to God's guidance.  

We all know people who are one way in person and another way around other people.  Jesus remained the same.  Many ministers today get more caught up on how to draw and maintain a crowd than truly touching the lives of individuals.  Many of them are untouchable, you can't get close to them unless you are part of their inner circle, there only connection with the majority of the people is when they are on the stage.  I have tried to interact with some so called great leaders out their and they don't even take me on, as if I hardly exist, if I haven't done some great accomplishment yet, they make me feel I am a waste of their time.

Jesus the son of God, the greatest of all human beings who ever lived, loves and cares about each individual in this world, and doesn't ignore any who seek Him for help. 

Here in the midst of the crowd Jesus responded to the needs of Jairus concerning his daughter, and the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years.  Jairus was a ruler, the woman with the issue of blood was of no reputation yet Jesus healed for He has no reputation to keep and He seeks no glory of His own.  When it was told that the the daughter of Jairus was now dead, Jesus went to his house with the crowds laughing at Him as He took her by the hand and brought her back to life.

Walking by faith will eventually bring fame, because of the amazing miracles that God does through us.  We must remember that faith is trusting in God to do what only He can do, therefore we can never take any credit, or what fame we have taken from God will end in shame.

Delivered to Deliver

DELIVERED TO DELIVER

(Luke 8:26-39)

Why don't we see demonic manifestations here in America like in other regions of the world? 

Well as we see here in Luke 8:26-39, demons do not want to be recognized, they don't want to be without a home, they want a place to inhabit, they want to remain in the dark. In places where it is unchurched they can be in the out and open, for there is no power available to remove them, but in churched regions like in the US, they seem to be unrecognizable to most. This has caused many to even doubt their existence, but trust me go to places like Haiti and Africa, and they will be seen. These are places where people openly worship the Devil knowingly, so demonic activity is clearly seen. 

Since we don't believe much in the demonic world, we deal with people who need deliverance by natural means, medication, programs, which only keeps the true problem more and more hidden.

We must lose our fear of the demonic world, we see here in this passage that the "demon shrieked and fell down begging Jesus not to torture him." We have all power and authority in Christ Jesus over all darkness.  Christ has already established our victory, we are just called like the police department to enforce it.  

I am dealing with issues in people around me who don't understand why they do what they do, they want to change yet don't have the power to do so.  I seem to give them the right words or actions yet it is still not enough to see dramatic change.  What is needed I am discovering is deliverance.  So how does deliverance take place?

In this case we see Jesus spoke to the demon, how many of us are too scared to do that?  The demons must respond to an authority greater than their own.  So the demon said we are legion for we are many.  When a criminal is apprehended their identity must first be discovered before they can be found guilty, charged and imprisoned.  The same is true with demons, they must first be identified and then the authority is now available to evict them of their current dwelling and put them where they belong in the abyss.

Once this Gerasene was set free Jesus called him to reach his family and the entire region with the good news of what Jesus has done.  Once one is set free from something they gain a deep understanding and have the compassion needed now to help set others free with similar needs.  So many in this world are crying out for help in this hour, yet until we are delivered we cannot deliver and their cries will go unheard.

The Impossible, Possible!

The Impossible, Possible! (Psalms 18:29, Zechariah 8:6) Joshua & Loraine Kennedy How many times has God allowed a situation to get worse before allowing it to get better? So many times it seems to get to the point of impossibility, and yet God sees us through. Only God can get the glory when something impossible becomes possible. Our faith so easily wavers when we are tested with time. It may seem we have lost everything yet if we are still standing there is hope. God loves to be our way maker, who makes a way out of no way. Through this past seasons tests and trials God has proven to us how He alone is able. We have been made humble and broken and now God can entrust us with our greater call. Much of our battles has been hidden to the eyes of just a few, now God is calling us together to take on His battles, which our over the region, nation, and world. It is time to be joined together to deal with the huge impossible problems that the world has no answers for. Missions and the church need to converge together as one and no longer be separate. The great commission is to be followed by all and not just a chosen few. Church is to be no longer just about being a member of an organization and one's participation in it's services and events, but a daily walk with God, obeying His call to reach our neighbors with His love seen in our words and actions. As we begin united together with this passion, God will impart into us such strength and power, that we will be able to crush an army, and scale any wall we encounter (Psalms 18:29) The Lord of Heaven's Armies will work through this small remnant of God's people's to make the impossible, possible all around as the streets of the cities around us become filled with joy and laughter because of the goodness of God that is manifesting as Heaven converges with Earth.

True Strength

My favorite movies or documentaties are about people who are able to do amazing things at such great odds. Likewise, the people whom America votes for in tv reality shows like X-Factor, American Idol, America's got talent, So You Think You Can Dance, etc. are those who have an amazing story that goes along with their talent. Nearly everyone faces adversity in life at some point, it is these stories we relate with and are inspired by to continue on. Our history proves that humans are more capable than any other creation in handling pain. Those of us who have endured much and yet overcame on what seems our own, can have the hardest time relying on God. Our past successes cause us our current failures. We are so use to making things work on our own. Yet, it probably never seems like enough. We seem to always fall just short. Things just never seem to work out as planned. Many of us have come to the place recently where we have reached our boiling point, the place where we finally give up, where we realize we can not handle what we are facing on our own. God is teaching us how to lean on Him for strength for there is so much more than can be accomplished through Him, than separately. He doesn't just want us to turn to Him when we have no place else to turn, but every moment of every day in everything, He wants to be Lord. The forces behind the circumstances that have brought us to this place of humility cannot be dealt with in our own power. These forces are greater than any natural human power can give. It is like the servant Gehazi when he saw the massive army surrounding him, then his spiritual eyes were opened, and he saw the Angelic host that was so much greater surrounding His enemy. God is opening our spiritual eyes to see true reality the spiritual battle that each of us face, and that we have much more for us than against us. We must now submit our circumstances into His hands so that true strength from above can come. We are truly strong in the Lord when we are no longer moved by man or our situations, but by the hand of God. Then God can in all His mighty power can move through us and His great exploits can be seen throughout the earth.

TAKE THE LEAD! (Luke 8:22-25)

It is one thing to have Jesus with us it is another to have Jesus lead us. We all like help when we need it, but we don't like feeling helpless, where we give control to another. It is so much easier to be a Sunday morning Christian, than a moment by moment, day by day, follower of Christ. Many storms in life could be avoided if Jesus was steering the ship rather than sleeping. Jesus is a gentlemen and He will only lead us to the degree we allow Him. If we just want Him around to help us get out of jams, He will be just that. If we want Jesus to have complete control and He lead us and we follow, He will be that. So our daily experience of God will be determined by who is in control of each situation. Most of us only cry out to Him when our situation brings us to dire need. We need to get free from self-dependence and become God-reliant. Walking in brokeness and humility, acknowledging God in all of our ways, so He directs our path, and therefore though we walk through the valley of death, He keeps us from evil. The show Dancing with the Stars merges Star's with dance experts. If the star is smart and not full of pride they will allow the expert to take lead and make them look good, rather than them making a fool of themselves. What humiliation must we experience before we allow God to take the lead? When God is in command of our lives are words have power and authority and storms can instantly be calmed. We must allow Jesus to be Master and not just our servant if we are going to see the works that He did and even greater works through our lives. Our call is for Jesus to lead us in serving others, not in Him serving us to lead others. "So Jesus take the Wheel."

Our True Family (Luke 8:19-21)

Our family can be the hardest people to accept change in our life. For it demands them to examine themselves which causes them to feel uncomfortable, because of guilt, shame, deep pain, etc., in which they would rather leave ignored. We cannot force change on anyone but it is so easily seen that way with those you live with. They may feel we think that we are better than them now, especially when certain things we did together we don't do anymore. They may try their best to distract us from following God and pull us back into our past. If that don't work then they might even reject us, many are those who have lost their families after accepting Christ. Jesus himself when doing the will of His heavenly Father was trying to be rushed away by His mother and brothers. Jesus response seems quite harsh, "My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God's word and obey it." Jesus point was that as Christians we must forsake all and follow God, even our loved ones. Yes, we are to try to reach them, and make that a priority, which is God's will, but it is not our only call of obedience. So when our family tries to prevent us from obeying God we don't allow it and we suffer whatever consequences therefore may follow. Our true family is now those who hear God's word and obey it. Family is so necessary for our personal growth. We all need support, so when our biological family does not support us we must look to our spiritual family. Our biological family is now our mission field, where we lay down our life to reach, but until they accept Christ we must understand that they are instruments that the enemy can use to distract, and even destroy the work of God in our lives. We all want peace in our homes, no-one wants to come home and fight, it is supposed to be our place of refuge. But, this might no longer be the case, our refuge maybe our home church, and our personal homes are now a war zone, where we fight the good fight of faith, not against flesh and blood but against dark powers, through spiritual warfare. We must learn to not take things personal, knowing the source behind unbelievers and those not yet mature in the Lord. If we are faithful to God and follow His leading, trusting Him with all of our heart, then the promise in His Word that our whole household would be saved will come true.

Coming Out Of Hiding!

Chapter 18 Coming Out Of Hiding! (Luke 8:16-18) Upon it being known that I was saved and attending the local church in my hometown, the response from my peers was that is fine if it works for you, just keep it to yourself. That is our culture, everything is accepted as long as you don't push it on someone else. People have things that they are ashamed of, that they hope remain in the dark, not exposed, hidden, so they can pretend that they are okay. The majority of those in our culture are not looking for help, they want to be left alone, lost in their own sin. So when we are bold in our faith it is offensive to them. Most people hate confrontation, so many Christians stay quite, and allow other people to dictate the atmosphere around them. People will not ask us to turn the light on, they are scared of what will be seen when things are brought to the light. We must choose to turn on the light ourselves. What that means is we fear God not man. We allow Him to lead us not others. We are in the light when we are obedient to His voice. We don't allow our fear of confrontation to dictate the words and actions we offer. Our light will burn as bright as our ability to listen and follow the Lord's guidance. We therefore must learn to never lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all of our ways, so He may direct our path. His path is the light as long as we are on it He is seen, and what is in the dark comes to the light. So many around us seem to be be bound to their past. Not delivered, burdened down, angry, yet unwilling to to receive help. They seem so hard to reach, that is in our own power. When we are in the light people just seem to open up, they suddenly become transparent, and opportunity to now share the Truth and expose the lies becomes possible. So let us be in the light until the whole world is free of darkness and the Glory of the Lord has filled the earth.

LET THE WORD DO THE WORK

God has so transformed my life and so I expect the same to happen to those around me but for many it don't. If I could make people change I sure would. It can be really frustrating to see people who in Christ have so much potential but just refuse to follow His ways. I feel I say exactly what I think they need to hear and they seem to listen yet no real change follows. Jesus teaches about this in Luke 8:4-15, "the parable of the farmer scattering seed". The Word is the seed, the field is the heart. My responsibility is to give the Word, God's responsibility is to work on the heart. Depending on the condition of the heart will determine the effect of the Word. It takes planting much seed for some fields to produce much of anything. I cannot do what only God can, it is His field not mine. He alone can predetermine the time it takes for change to follow. If I get frustrated it does no good, it makes matters worse, for most likely I will neglect continuing to scatter seed, and I will cause a delay in the work God is doing. The Devil's job is to try to delay change, so I must remain steadfast, and just do my part, and eventually change will come. Many are those whom seem to receive the Word of God yet they have listened to the lies of the enemy so long, that the truth is just not received for long. Then their are others who receive the Word, yet it doesn't go deep, because their relationship with God is shallow, and in time temptation leads them away. While others seem to receive the Word but it is choked out because their lives are so full of the problems and pleasures of this world. Then finally their are those whom have a heart ready, they are willing to be open and honest with God and therefore He us able to grow within them bringing forth His character with a great harvest following. It is not our responsibility to figure out who is best to invest time in, it is our responsibility to simply be lead by God. This is not a marketing business where we examine whom will bring the best results. Each heart is different and we just plant the seed and leave the results to God. We don't have the ability to change anyone, believe me I have tried, the Word alone has the power to transform, so all we can do is work the Word, and let the Word do the work. Some may respond well right away while others may take time but we are never to give up on anyone unless it is God.

Team Up!

Chapter 16
TEAM UP!

Nobody becomes great on their own. With each great person there are many in the background that truly make greatness possible. Jesus himself did not go out and minister on His own, He took a company of individuals, the twelve disciples, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and many others. Each of these had something to contribute including financial resources that made possible what Jesus did.

God has chosen to limit His ability to His body, the church. The body only functions correctly when each member does it's part. Disability is when parts of the body don't function right. The church in America is disabled because of individualism. Our inability to work together has crippled what we can do.

I have a huge vision of what I believe God wants to do but I can only go as far as the people around me. People don't like to commit to anything, there is such little follow through, so many things are started and never finished. People are so easily moved from one thing to the next. Why? Is it the way we are raised, the consumer society we live in, or are we just shallow people, it's a combination of all.

Are we more led by how we feel than by faith, driven by our emotions more than the Holy Spirit? Are we self-seeking, not willing to share what we accomplish? These are questions we need to examine ourselves with, for each of us will only go as far as the team we form around us. We need help to accomplish God's will, each member of the body has received only a portion of God's grace. We need to call people out like Jesus did, will you forsake all and follow me.

It is amazing to see in sports, players commit to one team their whole career, most players go from team to team. It is hard to build anything with people that are not committed, you give them responsibilities, great possibilities are formed and they leave before they are completed. I have been in my current job for eight years and what a difference it makes in building something great for the future. I find very few around me though willing to do the same.

How can we work together when we are all so different? Through the Holy Spirit! The Spirit unites, the flesh divides. Our flesh likes to be comfortable, it likes people around us that agree with us, that see everything the same, but this mentality keeps us isolated to just a few and incapable of expanding our understanding therefore remaining ignorant in our own ways.

We see the early church in Acts 4:32 were united in heart and mind, they even shared everything they had, this caused them to testify greatly of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and people were added to the church daily. A body cannot be alive if it is divided into many pieces, it is dead. The resurrection of Christ is only made known when He is truly seen through His body united together as one.

Remaining Grateful

The bible says that in serving others we are to expect nothing in return, to give freely as we have been given. The only thing I expect though is gratitude that those whom you are good to are grateful in return. Many times though the people you help still tear you down by fault-finding, not being thankful, making you feel like you can never do enough. Not that I need someone's gratitude to feel good about myself, it just seems it should be the natural response.

When someone has been good to you for so long you get accustomed to it, and begin to expect it, so you hardly even realize anymore how good you got it, unless it is gone. This happens often with our spouses, parents, spiritual leaders, etc. I can see even with my walk with God I am less thankful that I use to be. I am so use to God's grace & mercy that I don't appreciate it like I use to, even my worship is more dignified now, not as openly expressive as it was in my younger days.

Usually the people that are the most expressive in praise & worship are those who appreciate what God has done for them the most. It is those who have been saved from the darkest of sins.

We forget where we would be in life if it wasn't for our heavenly Father. We can become like this religious Pharisee in Luke 7:36-50. We may show some type pf gratitude towards Jesus, like we give our tithes and offering, come to church, hold a bible study, etc, but our love towards God is nothing compared to those who still appreciate what God has done. For we see a woman with deep sexual sin having no decency by interrupting this dinner weeping before the Lord, even kissing His dirty feet and putting perfume on them. Instead of the Pharisee joining this woman in worshipping Jesus He judges Jesus saying "He must be no true prophet for He would know what kind of woman is touching him. She's a sinner!"

For those of us who have been saved awhile we can be just like this, looking at someone worshipping God extravagantly knowing they are still in sin and thinking who gives them the right to worship God like this? Well the answer is, Jesus does?

Jesus gave Simon the Pharisee a lesson which He does with all of us who begin to become religious, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Jesus came to save sinners, and we are all sinners apart from Him, the only way sin is overcome is by drawing near to Him. Worship is not us celebrating how good we are it is celebrating how good He is. Then as we draw near He cleanses us from and empowers us to overcome sin.

Celebrating Diversity

Celebrating Diversity
Luke 7:18-34

I was recently at a gathering with other Christians and felt uncomfortable because of the differences we shared. Not that I am completely opposed to the way they think, I can understand it, we are just quite different, and if these differences were discussed it may bring quite the argument. I decided to just keep the peace by keeping my mouth shut, rather than stirring up opportunity for the enemy.

When someone thinks they are doing right it is not easy to persuade them differently. There are certain truths that we interpret differently depending on our upbringing, surroundings, and those who mentor us.

Certain basic truths cannot be interpreted differently but some truth can. So instead of being divided because of our differences I think it is best to celebrate them. Therefore I choose wisely what I talk about around certain people, for their are certain sensitive issues that easily divide. United we stand divided we fall. We have to ask ourselves is this issue worth being divided over? There is a bigger picture that is more important than being right or wrong about something.

We see in Luke 7:18-34 that the disciples of John the Baptist came and questioned Jesus if He really was the Messiah? See John and Jesus were different from one another, for they had a different calling, and therefore some of their actions almost seemed totally in contrast with the other. While John lived separately from society and people came to him to hear him speak, Jesus went to sinners building relationships with those considered outcasts by the religious community. John's ministry was built on calling Israel to repentance for the Kingdom coming, Jesus ministry was built on celebrating the Kingdom that has come.

So John and his disciples had reasons to question for Jesus again was so different than John. Jesus instead of responding just continued to do what He does, heal and deliver. Then he told them to tell John what they saw. So basically what He was saying, it is the results that matter the most not the method. We all have a different purpose and God uses all of our differences in unique ways to fulfill His will on earth. So instead of comparing ourselves with others looking down on one another's differences, let's celebrate our diversities.

Follow Compassion

Luke 7: 11-16

Sometimes I feel like I am not doing enough for God, there are so many people in need, and I just can never do enough. I know it is not about what I can do for God but what He can do through me, but sometimes I feel I am not really yielded to Him. When I think this way God reminds me that I am only part of the body of Christ not the complete thing, meaning I have only a part to play I cannot do it all. So how do I know what my place of ministry really is?

We see here in this passage that Jesus was being followed by a crowd and then He was moved by compassion while passing a funeral procession and spoke to widows son who had died and commanded Him to come back to life. So we learn here even though Jesus had a crowd of people following Him desperately in need He ministered to the one He had compassion for. Now there were times Jesus had compassion and healed all but this time His compassion was for this child and those who were mourning.

Ministry without compassion does not come from the heart but from obligation which can become religious. Yes, there is a time to serve wherever needed, but for our primary ministry compassion must be the driving force. None of us like to be served from people who don't really care, who are just serving to get paid or to look good. We enjoy being served from people that put their heart into it no matter how menial the service is. When I go to a store and am treated like I am a burden for shopping rather than getting their undivided attention, I don't want to come back. This is why many in the world who are searching come to a church service and never return, for it is our love for one another that draws people to God.

So many believers don't know what their calling is, but all we have to do is follow our heart. What moves us to compassion? What stirs our emotions, meaning what causes us to cry or get's us real angry, these emotions God has placed in us for a reason. We are all made up different and if each one just follows there heart not trying to be everyone and do everything, everyone and everything will be reached.

Now our hearts were completely wicked prior to coming to the Lord, but we are being transformed, He is changing our heart. In this process we may not have compassion for others, it maybe all about ourselves right now, and that is okay, there is a time to be healed and a time to heal others, but in due time compassion will come and we will just naturally know what our ministry really is.

Authority through Humility

Just being good at something does not mean it is going to take you far. One's attitude has a big part to play. One can only be truly successful through the help of the support around them. So many people start well and finish poor because of their bad attitudes. Talent alone is not enough. True Authority is seen in Humility.

We see here in in Luke 7:1-10 the story of the Roman officer. He was highly respected by the Jewish elders because of his love for them and the help he had given. So when he had a need they looked out for him, they begged Jesus to heal his servant.

We usually find people with great authority very arrogant and high minded. It is hard to even approach them. Not the case with this Roman Officer. He approached Jesus in complete humility. He realized that no matter how great he was to man, he was nothing compared to God. He put His faith not in His ability but in God and His servant was healed.

This Roman Officer was submitted to the authority of his superiors but even greater he submitted to God. His authority had limits within the Roman empire, but submitted to God his authority was unlimited. Submitting to God in humility is what releases God's power upon us so that which is impossible with man now becomes possible through God.

It feels great to have power over others, to command people to do something and they follow, but it can't compare to having power over sickness and disease and all the principalities and powers of this world. This power is not based on our job title but our position in Christ. It does not come from our abilities and hard labor, but simply humbling ourselves in the sight of God, yielding to His power over our own.

It's Who You Are

Chapter 11
It's Who You Are

How many times have we said or did something hurtful we regret? Our usual response is I didn't mean it, or can I take that back! We think it is an easy way out, that the person hurt will just suddenly understand and get over it, but that rarely occurs. Truth is, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Our hearts are terribly wicked and if it wasn't for the mercy of God through the transforming power of His word we would be doomed, hurting one person after the other.

As It says in Luke 6:45, It's who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. For what we say and do comes from who we are. It is easy to say sorry, hoping that word magically resolves the issue.

Many times I have said sorry to my wife yet didn't change my ways and therefore the problem remained. I have seemed to repent of my sins, tears and all, yet no change follows. The thing is we don't really mean what we say unless our actions follow. What is spoken from the heart will be acted out. True Repentance is a turn away from what was confessed, which sadly for most takes complete humiliation before we really mean what we say.

We cannot change by our own power or might but by the Spirit. The Spirit works with the Word. As the Word brings conviction to our worldliness and true repentance follows the Word now get's received into our heart and transforms who we now are.

Repentance isn't true unless we let go of something, and what seems to be loss will turn to great gain, but if we reject truth for what we think we can not relinquish, all will be lost to everlasting regret and torment.

The World's Rejects

Whom the World Rejects, God Accepts!
Luke 6:20-42


I tried so hard as a young person to fit in. Always worrying about if I am saying the right thing, wearing the right clothes, and acting the right way. It brought such pressure, fear, and foolishness. I just wanted to be accepted and liked by the kids I thought were cool. No matter how hard I tried it just didn't seem to fully work because I was going against who God had made me.

When I gave my life to the Lord everything changed. I felt free to be me. I didn't care so much what other people thought of me for I was now accepted by God. As I grew in my love for Him, I began to love myself, for who He made me. I now celebrated my differences instead of trying to be like others.

I now joined a family of rejects, the church. Those who I use to make fun of and look down upon were now my friends and co-laborers in Christ. I actually had more friends and family than I did ever before. See I would rather be temporarily rejected by the world than eternally rejected by God. I lost so called friends but gained true friends who accepted me for who I am.

The things I strived so hard for and fell short in, I now was experiencing through God's blessings. All of a sudden I have many friends, I am making a positive impact in the world, I am married to the most beautiful woman both on the inside and out, I have amazing children, live in an amazing home, travel throughout the world, always having my needs met, and the blessings just continue to flow.

So I can relate with the beatitudes, I have been rejected by the world, hated, excluded, mocked, cursed because I follow the Son of Man, but yes I truly leap for joy for great is the reward I am experiencing here in this life and even greater in the age to come.

What the world sees as success is what one achieves, what one has been able to gain. What God sees as success is what one gives away. For what one gains will eventually be loss, but what one gives away will eventually be gain. There is nothing ahead but trouble for those that live for the approval of others, those who try to live to satisfy nothing but themselves, who are just trying to make it to the top of a popularity contest. Life is found in being real and not fake.

We will all have enemies in life, when we are free from what others think, we are no longer moved by what others say or do to us. So instead of our enemies bringing the worst out of us they bring the best out of us. We pray for our enemies and serve them with unconditional love.

We now treat everyone equally and do unto them what we would want them to do unto us. We no longer give to get, we give freely as the Lord has given freely unto us. Our Father has been so kind and generous to us it is natural for us to do the same to others. Life has truly been found in giving it away.

Dream Team

It was when I was a kid the USA Olympic Basketball went from college players only to NBA players. The first team was people like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and the likes all on one team. Some of the greatest players of all time, not competing against each other but playing together on the same team against the world, they were called the Dream Team. They had no flaws, they were near perfect, and it showed as they easily won the gold medal destroying all their opponents.

As I always say I am only as strong as my team. Who I choose on my team will determine how successful I am. Just like teams give much thought before drafting players, we see Jesus in Luke 6:12 prayed all night before choosing who would make his dream team.

We live in a individualistic society where people try to achieve so much on their own, so they can get all the credit. People don't like others to share in their success. The Kingdom of God is established through the body of Christ. His body is made up of many different members, which is all those that confess Him as Lord. The Kingdom can only advance as we work together. Our eyes can no longer be on ourselves but on the face of Jesus and His body, the church.

Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player ever could not have won all those championships without his coach, and the role players around him. Jesus the greatest human to ever live also could not have completed His mission without a team. Who we hang around will determine how far we go in life. We must choose wisely.

I have played pick up games before and as captain chose the wrong players, thinking they were good, maybe because of their size, and lost miserably because my judgment was wrong. The only way we can choose the right team is through the help of God. When man chooses apart from God's guidance they are wrong, we judge by outward appearances while God judges the heart.

The children of Israel chose Saul, for he looked the part, but he was prideful and stubborn, and the nation suffered greatly, God chose David a man after his own heart, and the nation defeated all it's enemies and lived in peace longer than ever before. Those whom Jesus chose did not look the part, they were full of problems, character flaws, the least likely's, but God knew their heart, they could be taught, they would follow, and eventually they would be the one that carried out the work that Jesus began when He was taken up.

Choosing who to work with together takes discernment which the Holy Spirit has given. Wisdom comes from above, so prayer must not be forsaken or poor judgement will follow.

We see in Luke 6:16-19 that people were identified differently. Out of the disciples, Jesus chose twelve Apostles, who are sent ones. Those who would go with Him from place to place, first following, and then doing what He does. It says in verse 17 that Jesus was surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. So there were those in the crowd who followed Him and those who only wanted healing and deliverance from Him.

On a team you got many players who are playing for different reasons, a good coach knows how to distinguish each player in a way that he get's the most out of them. Rookies usually don't become great over night, they must be trained, and be given experience in phases. If you put too much expectation they may become so frustrated in themselves that they give up, if you don't give them enough opportunity to grow they will never develop. Some players are stubborn and just don't learn well, they cannot be trusted in the game, they are basically just utilized in practice to fill a position, yet they still have a role.

Most people come to God for selfish reasons, but God does not deny them. For some of them will show gratitude and mature over time in relationship with Him, becoming true followers of Christ, to the point where they also will be sent ones, others may just warm seats on Sunday mornings, or even be very active in church activities but not really live it outside of church.

We must be able to distinguish who is who around us so we know what type of service to offer them. Some people around us need care, so our words are to primarily bring hope while offering healing and deliverance. We cannot expect much in return. They are to be treated like patients. Others are really trying to follow us but have so much issues to deal with they cannot really commit much. God is refining their character. The other group is ready to play, they have developed skills that can be used to better the team so are ready to be put in the game. Each person placed around us is important they are just at different levels in their walk, and must be treated accordingly.

True church is not a game, it is not a place we attend once or twice a week, it is a matter of life and death. It is walking with God daily, moment by moment, and being joined with the body of Christ to destroy darkness, save the lost, and advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth until the restoration of all things. Individually we will always be defeated but united we will stand and live victoriously while the world fades away like quickening sand. We might not appear to be great but God knows our heart and He has placed us on His Dream Team.

Law Change

Law Change
Chapter 8

Wouldn't it be nice to be a judge the one who makes laws? Or, the one who removes laws not liked? I thought I had it good as a young person being raised by my Grandma who basically let me do whatever I wanted. For most though they grow up with all kinds of rules they feel were made just to be broken. They get in trouble over things that really don't seem that bad. Rules that just seem not to make any sense. Though my Grandma spoiled me, I still looked forward to being free and living on my own, not having anyone to be accountable too, where I could really go wild.
We think we have it bad in regards to some of our laws that restrict what we want to do, but if you learn about other nations, especially Muslim countries you will be glad for the freedom we have compared to them.
Now for those who grow up in the church it seems much worse you have people always in your business, pointing out your flaws, scolding you for any little thing done they think isn't right. This is what Jesus experienced with the Pharisees in Luke 6:1-11. The Pharisees had added to God's laws all kind of strange requirements that God did not. They did this to look more righteous than others. To stand out as better than. So they could take advantage of those who felt less than, prospering off their so called unrighteousness.
Here in Luke 6 the Pharisees were on Jesus case in regards to the Sabbath. They had added all these unrealistic laws in regards to what you could and couldn't do on the Holy day. When we question authority in our youth it usually doesn't go well. Jesus now is Judge of the universe, the one that judges all things, yet these Pharisees blinded by their religious pride were questioning him.
Has anyone ever told you to do or not to do something, and you were like who do you think you are? Correction can only be received by those who have proven their love for you. Jesus was like how can you tell the Lord of the Sabbath what to do on His day? It is like someone telling you what they want you to do on your birthday, that is your day, you should choose what you want to do with it.
The bible says that man was not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath was made for man. God put a day aside for us to dedicate to nothing but building our relationship with Him. It should not be a day to feel pressured into something but a day where we can choose to just rest in Him.
Now in Hebrews 4 it talks about perpetual rest which we now have in Christ Jesus. We can enjoy our relationship with Him daily. But we do have responsibilities to deal with, we got to go to school, work, etc. God is to go with us, but everyone needs alone time to really focus on deepening one's relationship with God. If my wife and I don't find time to be intimate with each other even if we are around each other we will still drift apart. When we are intimate it makes all that we do together worthwhile and meaningful.
If what we do in life even if it is unto the Lord does not come from our heart then it is void and meaningless to God. God loves a cheerful giver, who gives of himself willingly. We have all had people including our parents do something for us out of obligation and not from their heart, well it just doesn't feel the same, and it is hard to be grateful.
So God has set up the Sabbath for us. Not to take something away from us, but to add to us, more of His life, to be freely experienced week by week. Yet since this day is our day to rest with Him, we can choose how we spend it. He would love for us to be alone with Him, but that is not always possible, we live in a complex world and all kinds of things can happen anytime, any day, so there are exceptions to the rule as Jesus tried to reveal to the Pharisees in this passage. If someone needs healing do we not offer it? If someone needs help do we not give it? We should try to implement a day into our schedule completely apart from work where we can focus on just being intimate with Him, yet being flexible enough to be available for God to use us when the opportunity arises.

Jesus has changed the law, we are now under grace, what that means is we have His spirit to fulfill what only He did, and that is live a sinless life, no longer just relying on ourselves. Problem we have is our flesh wants to sin, but sin has consequences. Grace does not allow us to get away with sin, God is just, and we will be punished for the wrong we do. What Grace gives us is God's power to overcome the desires of our flesh. Yes, there is a part of us that wants to sin despite knowing the consequences but there is another part of us that longs to be free from the clutches of sin. The law has pointed out what sin is, and grace has given us the ability to fulfill it. Not to take away freedom but to truly enjoy freedom, for there is no freedom in being bound to sin.

Generation Next!

Working with people of all generations, it seems like many that are older do not like the younger bringing change. They feel disrespected, unappreciated, not needed, etc. They expect what has worked for them to continue to work from one generation to the next. This can cause alot of frustration leading into conflict ending with division.

So when the generations separate, the old doesn't get passed on, and the new doesn't get properly formed. One can not build without a foundation and a foundation has no significance unless built on. Each generation is to be the foundation for God to advance His kingdom. The old is preparing the way for the new, for History is bound to be repeated if not learned.

What worked for one generation will not necessarily work for the next we must constantly adjust with the times. It is not that something is no longer important, it is just in need of adjustment, it needs to shift with the times and what God is currently revealing to the church.

If we don't stay attuned with God from one season to the next, then revealed truth will now become traditions of men. Jesus is the Word but we must continue to abide in Him for His word to remain fresh. He is always revealing more, taking us from glory to glory, from one generation to the next. When we take His former revealed Word and refuse to listen to what He is currently revealing, legalism follows. His fresh manna becomes stale bread. What was once birthed in the spirit will end in the flesh. The Word will be added to or taken away from producing a mixed message, false doctrine, traditions of men which nullify the Word making it of no effect.

Jesus in Luke 5:33 was questioned about why his disciples didn't fast and pray regularly. Jesus responded that there was nothing wrong in these practices it just wasn't the time to observe them. It was a time of celebration for the bride-groom was with them. A time of fasting will be necessary again but this was not the time.

Jesus uses the illustration of a new piece of cloth patching an old garment, and new wine being poured into old wineskin to explain that if we hold onto traditions established in the past then like the Pharisees we may be blinded to the truth He is revealing currently.

It is what each generation discovers that prepares the way for the next, so we must learn from the generations that have gone before us while passing down to the generations following us, yet always growing as we remain teachable listening to God and what He is revealing to generation next and making adjustments accordingly.

We got to ask ourselves are we living on yesterday's obedience, and not today's? Have we lost our ear to hear because we refuse to adjust what we have heard to what He is currently trying to reveal to us?

A Call To Discipleship

Chapter 6
A Call to Discipleship

As a former Football player and Coach I know a little about what makes a good team. It may seem obvious that a good team needs good athletes, but that is not always the case. Those born with natural talent can easily become prideful and therefore not teachable. We all know the famous slogan there is no "i" in team, one of my sayings is I am only as strong as my team. You can only have a good team if the players are willing to be taught how to work together.

We see in the NBA finals the Dallas Mavericks were not as strong as the Miami Heat athletically but they worked together better as a team, so when the Miami Heat stars were held in check, the team crumbled, while the Mavericks excelled under pressure.

When Jesus was forming His team He did not choose His Disciples as the world would. His chose a tax collector, the lowest of the lows in society. It is like choosing the person who would be chosen last for a team, first. You see those who are looked down upon, treated poorly, ridiculed, are those who when shown worth, when given value, respond with total devotion. For they are ones looking for change, longing to feel important.

When Jesus chose Matthew he left everything and followed Him. Totally dedicated. That is why Islam is so strong. They focus on reaching the down cast, the poor, the needy. For they easily become extremist.

When the Pharisees who were wealthy and powerful witnessed Jesus at a banquet with Levi (Matthew) and his fellow tax collectors they were like how can you eat with such scum. Jesus responded I did not come to call on those who think they are righteous, but to those who know they are sinners and need to repent.

My High School football coach told me if there were twelve of me on the team we would have won the championship. I was known as a dedicated player, not the most talented, but one who gave it my all. As a coach I would rather have no naturally athletic players who were teachable than a team of great athletes who thought they knew it all and didn't need my assistance.

Islam is our major opponent, understand now we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age. Islam is the spirit of the anti-Christ. If this nation is going to continue to be the land of the free, we are going to have to match our opponent in the degree of devotion. If we are devoted to the one and only God as much as Muslims are devoted to a false God, then we will win, "For greater is He that is within us than He that is in the world." Our battle is fought differently, while they hate, we love, while they bring war, we bring peace, while they kill, we give life. Our battle is won in prayer and by acts of Faith.

So we cannot be like the many who followed Jesus in the crowd and just got their needs met. We must willing to be the few who give up everything and follow Him. True disciples who are devoted, disciplined, dedicated, who like Matthew and the other disciples leave everything and follow Him.

Practically this means we cannot just come to church, and go home, living predominantly for ourselves. We need to be following the Great Commission, discipling the nations, by joining a discipleship group first then taking what we are being taught and teaching someone else, multiplying ourselves. Most importantly we must be fully submitted to Christ.

Authorized Authority

Have you ever been around someone who takes their position of responsibility too far? Who goes beyond the authority designated? They act as if they are the owner of an establishment but they are really not. They are the ones that talk bad about those whom have higher authority parading around showing off how important they think they are when in fact they are just jealous.

The Pharisees were just like that, they tried to walk in authority that God never gave. They followed Jesus looking for opportunities to criticize Him, to discredit Him, to get others to turn against Him.

People want to have authority but they want it there own way. To rise in authority it takes hard work, discipline, proper training, gifting, but bottom line it is who you know. God only gives authority to those who truly know Him. Nobody gives important responsibilities to someone they don't know. The more we know God the great authority we will walk in.

People can see through us, they can tell if we are who we say we are. For we are judged by what our life produces, if we are fruitful. If we have what people want they will seek our services, we don't have to try to convince them of anything.

We see how much people believed in Jesus by the story of the paralyzed man on a sleeping mat, who when they couldn't get to Jesus because of the crowd, went up to the roof, took off the tiles, and lowered him down by rope. We see then Jesus did not just heal him he dealt with his greater need He said his sins were forgiven. Those in authority can speak things to others that others cannot say or if they do it will not be received.

There are plenty of pretenders out there like the Pharisees who create their own authority but true authority is delegated by God. Our authority may be questioned but when God's hand print is on our work, enough said. When our life declares what only God can do then those who question us will be unheard.

Caught Not Just Taught

Chapter 4
Caught Not Just Taught

We get bombarded with all types of information daily. Not everything we hear are we able to respond to, know matter if we agree with it or not. With all the knowledge we are receiving it is easy to have information overload. Where we have just heard too much and don't even know where to start so we do nothing. How many of us have heard a sermon that was so inspiring yet did not know where to even begin in regards to putting it to practice? So our dilemma as ministers is how do we get our people to go beyond being hearers of the word to being doers also as it says in the book of James?

We see here in Luke 5:1-3 that the crowd were pressing in to hear the word of God and Jesus taught them standing on Simon's boat. In verse 4 Jesus now tests Simon to see if he really got it. Simon's response like many of us is he separated the natural from the spiritual. The bible is the manual for life. The purpose for spiritual revelation is to learn how to live supernaturally here on earth.

It is so easy to get people excited with our teaching, but I have found that very few do anything with it. God has given us His Word to increase our faith. Faith is a verb meaning action. So if we are not applying what we are hearing with faith we will use our human reasoning to justify our inaction and God's ways will not be established in our lives.

Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to let down his net to catch some fish, Peter says in verse 5 but I have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything, but against his reasoning, by faith he let's down his net in verse 6 and immediately he has more fish than he knows what to do with.When we obey God's word, His Spirit moves, and supernatural results follow. We will always have limitations separate from God, but when we follow His lead there are no limitations.

If we as leaders want to make disciples we need to test people on His word so that they can see how great God can move, and break free from the limitations they have put on themselves. People must see faith at work if they are going to be willing to follow. Preaching alone may draw a crowd, but to me it don't matter the amount of hearers one has it matters the amount of doers. This can only come if we give opportunity for the Word to come alive by providing illustrations that display God's power at work allowing others to step out in faith so what was taught can now be caught. For we see in verse 11, that these ones who witnessed this left everything and followed Jesus.

Chapter 3
Under the Anointing!

One of the toughest things in regards to school is trying to stay awake when you have a boring teacher. My favorite teachers are those that speak with passion. They make you believe in what they are saying and inspire you to put to practice what you learn. We see in Luke 4:31-32 Jesus taught in Capernaum and His teaching impressed the listeners, for He taught with boldness, confidence and authority, not just quoting what another believed but speaking in away that made the listeners believe.

When I teach without the anointing, there is a timidness, an uncertainty, I have to try to convince others through many words. When I teach under the anointing just like Jesus the boldness, confidence and authority cause what I am saying to be believable. It is usually straight to the point where you feel every word that is spoken.

When the Word is preached under the anointing signs and wonders follow. The kingdom of Heaven advances as God's presence exposes darkness and His light manifest Salvation, Deliverance, and Healing.

We see this in verse 33 and 34, a man demonically disturbed screamed out in the midst of Jesus teaching. Demons cannot stay quiet, we don't have to search them out, they will make themselves known if God's anointing is on us. We have all been around people who can't keep their mouth shut, that speak their mind, no matter how obnoxious they may sound. That is how the demons act around light. When they are exposed they act a fool. Jesus in verse 35 quickly puts the demonic spirit in it's place. When we walk in our authority darkness must flee.

In verse 36 and 37 we see Jesus is now recognized not just for His great wisdom but His amazing power. When we walk in both wisdom and power we become God's force that all of Hell is afraid of. Power gives influence as more and more people are drawn to God through us. For we see in verse 40-41 many sick and oppressed came to Him and He healed and delivered them all.

In verse 42-44 Jesus tried to leave but the crowds clung to Him so he couldn't go on. This is another test that many seem to fail. Can we handle the fame? When we seem to be so wanted by man do we give ourselves to their needs or do we walk in obedience to God? The purpose of the anointing is not to show off God's power but to draw others into relationship with Him. Not to get other's to rely on us but to get other's to rely on God for themselves.

The bible says God prefers obedience over sacrifice. We think we are so special because of the sacrifices we make for others, but God will only reward us for our obedience to Him. People's faith may draw an anointing forth from us but does it does not mean we are being obedient to God. For many leaders have done much good even while walking in darkness. The bible says that many will come to Him with all their good deeds and He will say depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I don'e even know you. So if people begin leading us rather than Him, burn-out will follow, for only God can sustain meeting people's needs. The anointing quickens our flesh we walk in supernatural power, when we are in the natural we easily become overwhelmed. Any leader that burns out is in disobedience to God.

Lesson to Lesson

Lesson to Lesson

Each lesson we pass leads to another lesson. God's bible school never ends until full maturity in Christ has been gained. Even though one has a degree in most careers today because things are always advancing additional training is continuously needed.

Jesus in Luke 4:14 returned from his 40 day intensive bible school training in the wilderness powerful in the spirit. As we see in vs 15 it gained Him much acclaim. As we learn from each lesson in life we have more to offer others and therefore greater influence follows.

Not everyone though is learning from the lessons in life and therefore are held back, repeating the same tests over and over again, these are those who can become jealous and try to pull back those who are advancing. It is usually those closest to us that seem to have the most difficult time accepting our growth, for it brings too reality where they are themselves, in which they would rather not admit, so they respond negatively.

This is what Jesus faced when returning to where He grew up. Those who know our past have the hardest time accepting who we have become. The attitude is usually who do you think you are?
Well Jesus laid it out in verse 18, it is God's Spirit that is on Him to preach the good news, bringing pardon to sinners, opening blind eyes, delivering the oppressed, He is the fulfillment of this prophecy from the book of Isaiah. It is not about who we are it is about who God is. It is not about what we are able to do it is about what His Spirit does through our lives. People who know us too well will often be limited because their ears are dull, their eyes are blind, for they can only see us and not the Spirit of God working through us. It says in verse 22 that they were all surprised in what they heard but they still questioned it (had there doubts) because He seemed so different from who they knew.

In verse 23 it says no prophet is ever welcomed in their hometown. Most of us will be sent away from where we grew up because people just have a hard time believing the changes evident in our life because of our past. It should be that the changes cause others to change as they see the true evidence of God's power, but man's stubbornness gets the best of them. I do have a few that I can say have changed from my hometown because of God's work in my life, but only a few, little compared to the impact I have had elsewhere.

In verse 28-30 we see that they did not just reject Jesus they tried to kill Him. Can we handle the test of rejection, where our own family and friends reject us? For many, this is the test that they fail. They can sacrifice much but not losing the ones they have developed lifelong relationships with. Jesus said we must forsake all and follow Him. Our ministry success will be determined by how far we are willing to follow Him. What or whom are we willing to forsake for the cause of the Gospel? That is why the bible says to count the cost. The price of following Jesus is our lives.

I remember people close to me telling me that it is okay that I have found religion but just keep it to myself? Meaning if I want to stay in relationship with them I better not preach to them. Also when I started getting radical that is when church folks really started examining me and trying to point out shortcomings. Meaning you are making me look bad, you better just be a dead good for nothing Church going Christian like me, or I will come against you.

God sent me away from this environment because He knew His power would be limited in my life. God wants to send many out of their comfortable environments so He can greatly use them, but few are willing to go? Many are choosing their family and friends over Christ. Yes, they still go to church, and serve diligently, but they have not really answered the call. They have dropped out of the school of the Holy Spirit, and have enrolled in the school of religion and tradition.