Iron Sharpens Iron
“If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 NKJV
Powering through is usually my default. I think we all do that. When things get tough we lower our shoulders and push harder trying to overcome under our own strength. We don't want to bother others with our problems or trials and we don't want to just get real with God and diligently pray for His help either. We just keep swinging a dull axe hoping our own strength will power us through.
If we would take the time to sharpen the axe:
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
And if Wisdom brings success:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 NKJV
Then why don't we:
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:13-16 NKJV
Seems too easy I guess or maybe the process seems to take too long.
Salvation is for the individual and God alone, but life as a Christian is a team effort. Yes, we all have to run our own race but:
“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 NKJV
We all need help getting across the finish line. Encouraging one another by sharing our testimony. Especially if it's an outcome of a prayer you've been asking for. That alone will remind us of the power prayer has and that God hears us when we pray.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15 NKJV
Ask for prayer. You don't have to go into detail but ask for help praying for whatever it is:
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””
Matthew 18:20 NKJV
And the sharpest tool of all, use the Word of God:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
As believers in Christ there are times when we have to stand shoulder to shoulder as an army fighting against darkness. There are times when we dance and sing before the Lord and there are times when we have to work together, even busting up a roof as we earnestly seek an answer to prayer for each other.
“And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.”
Mark 2:4 NKJV
“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
We continue to pray in Jesus Name-Amen
-Pastor Doug
“If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 NKJV
Powering through is usually my default. I think we all do that. When things get tough we lower our shoulders and push harder trying to overcome under our own strength. We don't want to bother others with our problems or trials and we don't want to just get real with God and diligently pray for His help either. We just keep swinging a dull axe hoping our own strength will power us through.
If we would take the time to sharpen the axe:
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
And if Wisdom brings success:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 NKJV
Then why don't we:
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:13-16 NKJV
Seems too easy I guess or maybe the process seems to take too long.
Salvation is for the individual and God alone, but life as a Christian is a team effort. Yes, we all have to run our own race but:
“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 NKJV
We all need help getting across the finish line. Encouraging one another by sharing our testimony. Especially if it's an outcome of a prayer you've been asking for. That alone will remind us of the power prayer has and that God hears us when we pray.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15 NKJV
Ask for prayer. You don't have to go into detail but ask for help praying for whatever it is:
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””
Matthew 18:20 NKJV
And the sharpest tool of all, use the Word of God:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
As believers in Christ there are times when we have to stand shoulder to shoulder as an army fighting against darkness. There are times when we dance and sing before the Lord and there are times when we have to work together, even busting up a roof as we earnestly seek an answer to prayer for each other.
“And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.”
Mark 2:4 NKJV
“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
We continue to pray in Jesus Name-Amen
-Pastor Doug
The Wilderness
In Exodus we see the Israelites leaving the slavery of Egypt on the way to the Promised Land. To get to the “Land flowing with milk and honey” the Chosen People of God had to go through the wilderness.
Why the wilderness? We are talking about a desolate, desert country with few trees, mostly scrub brush, and a whole lot of nothing except for The Presence of God.
God was there! In the middle of the wilderness, God was there.
“And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door.”
Exodus 33:9-10 NKJV
These people had lived in Egypt all of their lives. They knew the lineage they came from and how their people came to live in Egypt but they had never known life outside of Egypt.
The first thing God did in their liberation from bondage was to get them out of their situation.
“Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said.”
Exodus 12:31 NKJV
If you read the whole story you see over and over the Israelites complaining about everything. Here they are in the very Presence of God saying things like:
“And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.””
Exodus 16:3 NKJV
When Moses went up to the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments they got tired of waiting:
“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.””
Exodus 32:1 NKJV
“And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!””
Exodus 32:4 NKJV
So they insist that Aaron build an idol, most probably an Apis bull-calf, like they would have worshiped in Egypt. What??
It seems unbelievable to us as armchair quarterbacks that the Chosen People of God would do anything like this. But, the truth is in some way we all do. When we haven’t heard from God for in a while, when we pray for direction, when we feel stuck in the wilderness and are waiting for God to move. We lose focus and start looking in other directions for an answer or a way out. Maybe we look to another person to help us:
“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.”
Psalms 118:8 NKJV
Maybe we think we can spend our way out:
“Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—”
Psalms 49:6-7 NKJV
Maybe we think someone we know of influence can help us:
“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.”
Psalms 118:9 NKJV
Maybe we think we can just power over the wilderness and find a way out:
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalms 20:7 NKJV
Whatever it is, it’s not God!
These people witnessed daily the presence of God and still looked elsewhere for help. God went before them day and night. God fed them and clothed them. They could visibly see the Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night.
“He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.”
Exodus 13:22 NKJV
No, God brought them into the wilderness because His Presence was there. He didn’t just have to get them out of Egypt, He had to get Egypt out of them! This was a time of cleansing and sanctification. This was a time for learning who God IS and drawing close to Him. This is the time you discover your absolute dependence on God.
“So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
Exodus 33:11 NKJV
“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””
Exodus 33:14 NKJV
And Moses said:
“Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
Exodus 33:15 NKJV
Lord, if Your Presence does not go with us we would rather stay in the wilderness with You then live in the Promised Land without You. Lord help us to endure and have faith. Give us strength in the wilderness. Let Your presence be known in our struggle. Lord take the Egypt out of us and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Lead us, guide us, and protect us Lord. Draw us close to You Lord. You are our portion and provision. God, You are our strength and salvation. To God be the Glory forever and ever, in Jesus Name -Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name – Amen
-Pastor Doug
In Exodus we see the Israelites leaving the slavery of Egypt on the way to the Promised Land. To get to the “Land flowing with milk and honey” the Chosen People of God had to go through the wilderness.
Why the wilderness? We are talking about a desolate, desert country with few trees, mostly scrub brush, and a whole lot of nothing except for The Presence of God.
God was there! In the middle of the wilderness, God was there.
“And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door.”
Exodus 33:9-10 NKJV
These people had lived in Egypt all of their lives. They knew the lineage they came from and how their people came to live in Egypt but they had never known life outside of Egypt.
The first thing God did in their liberation from bondage was to get them out of their situation.
“Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said.”
Exodus 12:31 NKJV
If you read the whole story you see over and over the Israelites complaining about everything. Here they are in the very Presence of God saying things like:
“And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.””
Exodus 16:3 NKJV
When Moses went up to the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments they got tired of waiting:
“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.””
Exodus 32:1 NKJV
“And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!””
Exodus 32:4 NKJV
So they insist that Aaron build an idol, most probably an Apis bull-calf, like they would have worshiped in Egypt. What??
It seems unbelievable to us as armchair quarterbacks that the Chosen People of God would do anything like this. But, the truth is in some way we all do. When we haven’t heard from God for in a while, when we pray for direction, when we feel stuck in the wilderness and are waiting for God to move. We lose focus and start looking in other directions for an answer or a way out. Maybe we look to another person to help us:
“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.”
Psalms 118:8 NKJV
Maybe we think we can spend our way out:
“Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—”
Psalms 49:6-7 NKJV
Maybe we think someone we know of influence can help us:
“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.”
Psalms 118:9 NKJV
Maybe we think we can just power over the wilderness and find a way out:
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalms 20:7 NKJV
Whatever it is, it’s not God!
These people witnessed daily the presence of God and still looked elsewhere for help. God went before them day and night. God fed them and clothed them. They could visibly see the Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night.
“He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.”
Exodus 13:22 NKJV
No, God brought them into the wilderness because His Presence was there. He didn’t just have to get them out of Egypt, He had to get Egypt out of them! This was a time of cleansing and sanctification. This was a time for learning who God IS and drawing close to Him. This is the time you discover your absolute dependence on God.
“So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
Exodus 33:11 NKJV
“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””
Exodus 33:14 NKJV
And Moses said:
“Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
Exodus 33:15 NKJV
Lord, if Your Presence does not go with us we would rather stay in the wilderness with You then live in the Promised Land without You. Lord help us to endure and have faith. Give us strength in the wilderness. Let Your presence be known in our struggle. Lord take the Egypt out of us and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Lead us, guide us, and protect us Lord. Draw us close to You Lord. You are our portion and provision. God, You are our strength and salvation. To God be the Glory forever and ever, in Jesus Name -Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name – Amen
-Pastor Doug
rejoice and be glad
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24 NKJV
As our day unfolds I want to encourage you to remember that God IS with you:
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.””
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
God IS protecting you:
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
II Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV
God will always love you:
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
I John 4:9-10 NKJV
God will provide for you:
““Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV
God will give you peace:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 NKJV
God will answer you:
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
John 15:7 NKJV
God will be your strength:
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
God will guide you:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
Psalms 32:8 NKJV
God will fight for you:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.””
Exodus 14:14 NKJV
God will keep His word:
““God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Numbers 23:19 NKJV
Today, lean on the promises of God. Put your full weight down on them. Keep these words in your mind and in your heart as you face whatever comes today knowing that God IS with you and His love for you endures forever. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. So, rejoice and be glad in it!
May God bless you with health and wholeness? May God expand your territory and prosper you and your family. May God reveal Himself to you in a Mighty way. May God show you favor and bless the things you put your mind to and your hands to. May God mend fences and relationships in your life. May God give you wisdom for all the conversation and decisions you have today.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
I pray for and declare all these things over you in the Mighty Name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords! – Amen
-Pastor Doug
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24 NKJV
As our day unfolds I want to encourage you to remember that God IS with you:
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.””
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
God IS protecting you:
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
II Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV
God will always love you:
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
I John 4:9-10 NKJV
God will provide for you:
““Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV
God will give you peace:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 NKJV
God will answer you:
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
John 15:7 NKJV
God will be your strength:
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
God will guide you:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
Psalms 32:8 NKJV
God will fight for you:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.””
Exodus 14:14 NKJV
God will keep His word:
““God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Numbers 23:19 NKJV
Today, lean on the promises of God. Put your full weight down on them. Keep these words in your mind and in your heart as you face whatever comes today knowing that God IS with you and His love for you endures forever. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. So, rejoice and be glad in it!
May God bless you with health and wholeness? May God expand your territory and prosper you and your family. May God reveal Himself to you in a Mighty way. May God show you favor and bless the things you put your mind to and your hands to. May God mend fences and relationships in your life. May God give you wisdom for all the conversation and decisions you have today.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
I pray for and declare all these things over you in the Mighty Name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords! – Amen
-Pastor Doug
There is a Time
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
There is a time for every purpose under heaven. God IS The Creator of time.
“God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”
Genesis 1:5 NKJV
The Bible tells us that in six days God created everything just by saying “Let there be”. For us as humans our concept of time is extremely different from God’s. What we consider forever is just a moment in time for God. What we view as a long time barely makes a hash mark on the eternal clock that God uses.
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
II Peter 3:8 NKJV
Let’s fast forward to Jesus.
“Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.”
John 5:5 NKJV
Thirty-eight years to us is a long time. I’m sure to this man it seemed like an eternity.
“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.”
Matthew 9:20 NKJV
Twelve years this woman was not only dealing with a medical issue but, because it was blood she was shunned by the people around her because she was considered “unclean”. Twelve years must have seemed like forever to her.
To the man at the pool:
“Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”
John 5:8-9 NKJV
To the woman with the blood issue:
“For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
Matthew 9:21-22 NKJV
In a moment, in an instant thirty-eight years of affliction for the man at the pool was gone. Jesus just spoke and this man’s whole life changed. For the woman, just a touch of the hem of His garment and twelve years of sickness and shame were gone.
It was God’s timing. I believe that every account of healing and deliverance we read about in the Bible was a divine appointment for those people with Jesus The Son of God. Jesus knew when to be at the right time and place to intervene in the lives of all He touched. Nothing God does is random. “There IS a time for every purpose under heaven”.
No matter what you are waiting for, healing, direction, favor, promotion, relationships, a change of address, a job, whatever IT is God knows the need.
“”For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
Matthew 6:8 NKJV
And God says:
“It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”
Isaiah 10:27 NKJV
What seems like forever for us as we wait on God will be completely turned around in a moment of time.
“I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.””
Isaiah 60:22 NIV
You are literally one Amen away! One hallelujah closer! Don’t give up or give in. Don’t settle or compromise. God’s complete and total restoration is right there and you are on the brink of your miracle!
You can run this race, God Will provide the strength, and with Jesus by your side you will see victory! I declare it in the Name of Jesus over you and your family!
“Don’t give up you’re on the brink of a miracle. Don’t give up God IS Still on the Throne. Don’t give up you’re on the brink of your miracle. Don’t give up, remember you’re not alone!”
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name -Amen
-Pastor Doug
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
There is a time for every purpose under heaven. God IS The Creator of time.
“God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”
Genesis 1:5 NKJV
The Bible tells us that in six days God created everything just by saying “Let there be”. For us as humans our concept of time is extremely different from God’s. What we consider forever is just a moment in time for God. What we view as a long time barely makes a hash mark on the eternal clock that God uses.
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
II Peter 3:8 NKJV
Let’s fast forward to Jesus.
“Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.”
John 5:5 NKJV
Thirty-eight years to us is a long time. I’m sure to this man it seemed like an eternity.
“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.”
Matthew 9:20 NKJV
Twelve years this woman was not only dealing with a medical issue but, because it was blood she was shunned by the people around her because she was considered “unclean”. Twelve years must have seemed like forever to her.
To the man at the pool:
“Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”
John 5:8-9 NKJV
To the woman with the blood issue:
“For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
Matthew 9:21-22 NKJV
In a moment, in an instant thirty-eight years of affliction for the man at the pool was gone. Jesus just spoke and this man’s whole life changed. For the woman, just a touch of the hem of His garment and twelve years of sickness and shame were gone.
It was God’s timing. I believe that every account of healing and deliverance we read about in the Bible was a divine appointment for those people with Jesus The Son of God. Jesus knew when to be at the right time and place to intervene in the lives of all He touched. Nothing God does is random. “There IS a time for every purpose under heaven”.
No matter what you are waiting for, healing, direction, favor, promotion, relationships, a change of address, a job, whatever IT is God knows the need.
“”For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
Matthew 6:8 NKJV
And God says:
“It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”
Isaiah 10:27 NKJV
What seems like forever for us as we wait on God will be completely turned around in a moment of time.
“I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.””
Isaiah 60:22 NIV
You are literally one Amen away! One hallelujah closer! Don’t give up or give in. Don’t settle or compromise. God’s complete and total restoration is right there and you are on the brink of your miracle!
You can run this race, God Will provide the strength, and with Jesus by your side you will see victory! I declare it in the Name of Jesus over you and your family!
“Don’t give up you’re on the brink of a miracle. Don’t give up God IS Still on the Throne. Don’t give up you’re on the brink of your miracle. Don’t give up, remember you’re not alone!”
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name -Amen
Pastor Doug
Commit
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
Commit everything you say and do to the Lord. Sometimes the practical application of this verse may seem tough. We tend to compartmentalize God in our lives for certain situations or settings. The world has definitely drawn the line between God and everything else. The same talking heads we see in the media try to convince us that God has His place in the world but it isn’t in school, sports, politics, corporate America, law making, biology and a host of other places.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Everything you say and do matters to God. There is no separation between work, home, church, school or whatever. As a child of God we are called to represent Jesus in all aspects of our life. We do not work for men we work for God.
Jesus said:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.””
Luke 9:25-27 NKJV
Let your words and actions in all situations reflect the One you belong to.
“because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””
I Peter 1:16 NKJV
Holy means to be set apart, to be devoted to God and the things of God. Like I covered a couple of days ago, we are just visiting here our home is with our Father.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 NKJV
In the meantime God expects you to:
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
I Peter 2:13-17 NKJV
Obedience to God is paramount. God wants us to obey Him above any other sacrifice we can make.
“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”
I Samuel 15:22 NKJV
Obedience means to be Holy against the pressure and influence of the world. Being obedient to God will separate you from the world, now more than ever.
Jesus said it this way:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:24 NKJV
Jesus went to the cross for our Salvation and sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins. He also wanted to be obedient to His Father.
“And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.””
Mark 14:36 NKJV
Jesus crucified His flesh in the wilderness when the devil tempted Him and sacrificed Himself publicly on the cross for us.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV
Put God first in all you say and do:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
And:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
God, give us the strength to crucify the flesh today. To be obedient to You. Lord help us to reflect Your Son Jesus in all that we say and do. Grant us the wisdom to put You first before we speak and to acknowledge You in our words and deeds. Lord, as we used to sing in church “Let me be a sacrifice holy and acceptable.” In Jesus Name - Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
Commit everything you say and do to the Lord. Sometimes the practical application of this verse may seem tough. We tend to compartmentalize God in our lives for certain situations or settings. The world has definitely drawn the line between God and everything else. The same talking heads we see in the media try to convince us that God has His place in the world but it isn’t in school, sports, politics, corporate America, law making, biology and a host of other places.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Everything you say and do matters to God. There is no separation between work, home, church, school or whatever. As a child of God we are called to represent Jesus in all aspects of our life. We do not work for men we work for God.
Jesus said:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.””
Luke 9:25-27 NKJV
Let your words and actions in all situations reflect the One you belong to.
“because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””
I Peter 1:16 NKJV
Holy means to be set apart, to be devoted to God and the things of God. Like I covered a couple of days ago, we are just visiting here our home is with our Father.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 NKJV
In the meantime God expects you to:
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
I Peter 2:13-17 NKJV
Obedience to God is paramount. God wants us to obey Him above any other sacrifice we can make.
“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”
I Samuel 15:22 NKJV
Obedience means to be Holy against the pressure and influence of the world. Being obedient to God will separate you from the world, now more than ever.
Jesus said it this way:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:24 NKJV
Jesus went to the cross for our Salvation and sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins. He also wanted to be obedient to His Father.
“And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.””
Mark 14:36 NKJV
Jesus crucified His flesh in the wilderness when the devil tempted Him and sacrificed Himself publicly on the cross for us.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV
Put God first in all you say and do:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
And:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
God, give us the strength to crucify the flesh today. To be obedient to You. Lord help us to reflect Your Son Jesus in all that we say and do. Grant us the wisdom to put You first before we speak and to acknowledge You in our words and deeds. Lord, as we used to sing in church “Let me be a sacrifice holy and acceptable.” In Jesus Name - Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
-Pastor Doug
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
Commit everything you say and do to the Lord. Sometimes the practical application of this verse may seem tough. We tend to compartmentalize God in our lives for certain situations or settings. The world has definitely drawn the line between God and everything else. The same talking heads we see in the media try to convince us that God has His place in the world but it isn’t in school, sports, politics, corporate America, law making, biology and a host of other places.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Everything you say and do matters to God. There is no separation between work, home, church, school or whatever. As a child of God we are called to represent Jesus in all aspects of our life. We do not work for men we work for God.
Jesus said:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.””
Luke 9:25-27 NKJV
Let your words and actions in all situations reflect the One you belong to.
“because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””
I Peter 1:16 NKJV
Holy means to be set apart, to be devoted to God and the things of God. Like I covered a couple of days ago, we are just visiting here our home is with our Father.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 NKJV
In the meantime God expects you to:
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
I Peter 2:13-17 NKJV
Obedience to God is paramount. God wants us to obey Him above any other sacrifice we can make.
“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”
I Samuel 15:22 NKJV
Obedience means to be Holy against the pressure and influence of the world. Being obedient to God will separate you from the world, now more than ever.
Jesus said it this way:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:24 NKJV
Jesus went to the cross for our Salvation and sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins. He also wanted to be obedient to His Father.
“And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.””
Mark 14:36 NKJV
Jesus crucified His flesh in the wilderness when the devil tempted Him and sacrificed Himself publicly on the cross for us.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV
Put God first in all you say and do:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
And:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
God, give us the strength to crucify the flesh today. To be obedient to You. Lord help us to reflect Your Son Jesus in all that we say and do. Grant us the wisdom to put You first before we speak and to acknowledge You in our words and deeds. Lord, as we used to sing in church “Let me be a sacrifice holy and acceptable.” In Jesus Name - Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Pastor Doug
Shield of faith
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV
We’ve all read the passages about the Whole Armor of God. We’ve heard it preached from time to time. Not to minimize any part of the whole I do want to focus on:
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
Ephesians 6:16 NKJV
God says “above all, taking the Shield of Faith” and then mentions the “fiery darts” or arrows.
In battle fiery darts (arrows) were not used just to kill. As they were shot into enemy camps or villages they were used to set fire to whatever they stuck into. They were as much of a psychological weapon as a physical one. Fires would start and spread causing chaos, fear, and disorientation. They were used to stop the opposition from advancing and escaping. This might have been a medieval tool but it’s still being used today.
The enemy is firing arrows into the world all around us. Into our families, homes, jobs, and lives. Through social media, television, music, the news, and the political talking heads everything in the world today seems upside down, backwards and distorted.
We get distracted and disoriented focusing on this wide spread chaos and feel like we are pinned down with nowhere to go. Morality, truth, right and wrong, justice, fairness, family, and love have all been set ablaze.
We are constantly being distracted from the truth and the reality of what is really going on.
It’s a kind of mental conditioning that lulls you into believing that things aren’t that bad.
Some people call it “drinking the kool-aide”. The Bible says:
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!”
Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV
We can get so distracted by all the fiery darts and arrows being shot into our lives and smoke and fire breaking out all around us that we lose sight of the reason for the distraction. The frontal assault, God warns us about this:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
I Peter 5:8 NKJV
But God says:
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
I Peter 5:9 NKJV
The Bible IS the Word of God. It’s timeless, it’s the Living Word, and it’s always relevant. God saw all of this unfolding from the beginning of time and wanted us to be prepared and well-armed.
“knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.””
II Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
As if ripped from today’s headlines God said:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
II Timothy 3:1-7 NKJV
It’s everywhere you look just as God said it would be. This is your call to arms! This is where the battle lines are drawn. The enemy has been exposed and his plans discovered.
Today reset your focus on God. He is your King, Commander, Father, Healer, Source, Strength, Shelter and Provider. He will lead us out.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NKJV
“that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
I Corinthians 2:5 NKJV
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 NKJV
Today I pray that you take up the Shield of Faith. The Faith that can move mountains. The Faith that can snuff out the fiery darts and bring your focus back to your Source, Jesus and the Word of God. He will lead you out. He will touch you and heal you. He will give you peace in the chaos. He will give you hope in the storm. I pray God through the Holy Spirit would increase your faith and your shield would grow. That you would turn off the noise and remember the things of God. Focus on the Truth and what is right:
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.””
John 8:32 NKJV
Christians it’s time!
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
Strap up your shield you mighty men and women of God the battle is at hand!
In Jesus Name -Amen
May the Lord Bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV
We’ve all read the passages about the Whole Armor of God. We’ve heard it preached from time to time. Not to minimize any part of the whole I do want to focus on:
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
Ephesians 6:16 NKJV
God says “above all, taking the Shield of Faith” and then mentions the “fiery darts” or arrows.
In battle fiery darts (arrows) were not used just to kill. As they were shot into enemy camps or villages they were used to set fire to whatever they stuck into. They were as much of a psychological weapon as a physical one. Fires would start and spread causing chaos, fear, and disorientation. They were used to stop the opposition from advancing and escaping. This might have been a medieval tool but it’s still being used today.
The enemy is firing arrows into the world all around us. Into our families, homes, jobs, and lives. Through social media, television, music, the news, and the political talking heads everything in the world today seems upside down, backwards and distorted.
We get distracted and disoriented focusing on this wide spread chaos and feel like we are pinned down with nowhere to go. Morality, truth, right and wrong, justice, fairness, family, and love have all been set ablaze.
We are constantly being distracted from the truth and the reality of what is really going on.
It’s a kind of mental conditioning that lulls you into believing that things aren’t that bad.
Some people call it “drinking the kool-aide”. The Bible says:
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!”
Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV
We can get so distracted by all the fiery darts and arrows being shot into our lives and smoke and fire breaking out all around us that we lose sight of the reason for the distraction. The frontal assault, God warns us about this:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
I Peter 5:8 NKJV
But God says:
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
I Peter 5:9 NKJV
The Bible IS the Word of God. It’s timeless, it’s the Living Word, and it’s always relevant. God saw all of this unfolding from the beginning of time and wanted us to be prepared and well-armed.
“knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.””
II Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
As if ripped from today’s headlines God said:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
II Timothy 3:1-7 NKJV
It’s everywhere you look just as God said it would be. This is your call to arms! This is where the battle lines are drawn. The enemy has been exposed and his plans discovered.
Today reset your focus on God. He is your King, Commander, Father, Healer, Source, Strength, Shelter and Provider. He will lead us out.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NKJV
“that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
I Corinthians 2:5 NKJV
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 NKJV
Today I pray that you take up the Shield of Faith. The Faith that can move mountains. The Faith that can snuff out the fiery darts and bring your focus back to your Source, Jesus and the Word of God. He will lead you out. He will touch you and heal you. He will give you peace in the chaos. He will give you hope in the storm. I pray God through the Holy Spirit would increase your faith and your shield would grow. That you would turn off the noise and remember the things of God. Focus on the Truth and what is right:
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.””
John 8:32 NKJV
Christians it’s time!
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
Strap up your shield you mighty men and women of God the battle is at hand!
In Jesus Name -Amen
May the Lord Bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
Arise, Shine!
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1 NKJV
The Bible tells us to meditate on God's word day and night:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Joshua 1:8 NKJV
But, it's not enough to know the Word, we must be doers of the Word. If Christ lives in us and we abide in Him then it would only be natural that it would show outwardly. Like hair color or eye color or facial features that we get from our Mom or Dad. Sometimes people will say that a person walks or talks like someone they are directly related to. It's family traits that carry on through generations.
God should have the same effect on His children. We should remind people of Who we belong to. We should strive to reflect Jesus to the point where people know Jesus in the way we speak and act. We should reflect His words and heart so those around us feel His presence when we are with them.
The moon doesn't create its own light, it reflects the sun. In the same way we should reflect the Son, Jesus.
““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
Today I pray for favor, for the expanding of territories. I pray for healing and health. I pray for a fresh anointing on your life. I pray for peace, strength and comfort. I pray that you will be a living testimony to the greatness of God. I pray that He would so fill you with the Holy Spirit that you are incapable of holding it all and it would run over, spill out, and reflect Jesus in you for all to see.
In Jesus Name- Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
-Pastor Doug
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1 NKJV
The Bible tells us to meditate on God's word day and night:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Joshua 1:8 NKJV
But, it's not enough to know the Word, we must be doers of the Word. If Christ lives in us and we abide in Him then it would only be natural that it would show outwardly. Like hair color or eye color or facial features that we get from our Mom or Dad. Sometimes people will say that a person walks or talks like someone they are directly related to. It's family traits that carry on through generations.
God should have the same effect on His children. We should remind people of Who we belong to. We should strive to reflect Jesus to the point where people know Jesus in the way we speak and act. We should reflect His words and heart so those around us feel His presence when we are with them.
The moon doesn't create its own light, it reflects the sun. In the same way we should reflect the Son, Jesus.
““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
Today I pray for favor, for the expanding of territories. I pray for healing and health. I pray for a fresh anointing on your life. I pray for peace, strength and comfort. I pray that you will be a living testimony to the greatness of God. I pray that He would so fill you with the Holy Spirit that you are incapable of holding it all and it would run over, spill out, and reflect Jesus in you for all to see.
In Jesus Name- Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
-Pastor Doug
No Condemnation
One of the biggest attacks brought against the people of God is the lie that you’re not good enough. The devil plants the seed of this lie in our minds to make us walk in self-condemnation and doubt. People feel inadequate, believing they are not good enough to be a Christian. Some even walk away from the faith.
But it is a lie and a big one at that.
”There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.“
Romans 8:1 NKJV
The truth is that by and of ourselves, nobody measures up to the standard of God. The scripture tells us,
”As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”“
Romans 3:10-12 NKJV
We must learn that when we come to Christ, God does not condemn us. In Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God, and we have peace with God since He forgives our sins. God accepts people as they are and where they are.
1 ”Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.“
Romans 5:1-11 NKJV
You are good enough because God has said so. Faith in Jesus Christ makes you good enough.
It is by faith and the grace of God that you are saved and by which you will receive the gift of eternal life. It is not by works of any kind or any personal goodness that you may desire or perceive others have that you do not.
The basis of salvation is faith, and your faith in Jesus Christ makes you good enough.
31 ”What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Romans 8:31-39 NKJV
You are a child of God, one of His elect, and as the scripture says, “Who shall bring any charge against the elect of God?”
Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Nobody can condemn the people of God because God said so.
5 ”which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.“
II Thessalonians 1:5-8 NKJV
You are made worthy by God in Jesus Christ by faith, and no one can change that. Your worthiness is not earned, it is given to you by God, and nothing and no one can take it away.
If God is for us, then who is powerful enough to stand against Him and say you’re not good enough?
8 ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.“
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Do not fall for the lie that you are not good enough. It is an attack of the devil to try to take you away and separate you from the love of God and Jesus Christ. Instead, accept that God has made you good enough and give Him thanks for His love and this astounding gift.
Remember always that you are a child of God. God has made you good enough, and not even you can say the opposite.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Maybe you are unsure where you stand with God. Maybe you’ve never really given yourself to Him or maybe it’s been a long time since you have and you just want to be sure. We all have issues. We are all broken in some way. We all fall short every single day. We are all sinners. Today, let’s start fresh. Let’s give it ALL to God once and for all and receive the precious free gift of salvation.
Pray with me:
Lord God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ.
I believe that He died and rose again just for me. Lord, I repent of my sin and I turn to You.
I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
-Pastor Doug
One of the biggest attacks brought against the people of God is the lie that you’re not good enough. The devil plants the seed of this lie in our minds to make us walk in self-condemnation and doubt. People feel inadequate, believing they are not good enough to be a Christian. Some even walk away from the faith.
But it is a lie and a big one at that.
”There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.“
Romans 8:1 NKJV
The truth is that by and of ourselves, nobody measures up to the standard of God. The scripture tells us,
”As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”“
Romans 3:10-12 NKJV
We must learn that when we come to Christ, God does not condemn us. In Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God, and we have peace with God since He forgives our sins. God accepts people as they are and where they are.
1 ”Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.“
Romans 5:1-11 NKJV
You are good enough because God has said so. Faith in Jesus Christ makes you good enough.
It is by faith and the grace of God that you are saved and by which you will receive the gift of eternal life. It is not by works of any kind or any personal goodness that you may desire or perceive others have that you do not.
The basis of salvation is faith, and your faith in Jesus Christ makes you good enough.
31 ”What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Romans 8:31-39 NKJV
You are a child of God, one of His elect, and as the scripture says, “Who shall bring any charge against the elect of God?”
Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Nobody can condemn the people of God because God said so.
5 ”which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.“
II Thessalonians 1:5-8 NKJV
You are made worthy by God in Jesus Christ by faith, and no one can change that. Your worthiness is not earned, it is given to you by God, and nothing and no one can take it away.
If God is for us, then who is powerful enough to stand against Him and say you’re not good enough?
8 ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.“
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Do not fall for the lie that you are not good enough. It is an attack of the devil to try to take you away and separate you from the love of God and Jesus Christ. Instead, accept that God has made you good enough and give Him thanks for His love and this astounding gift.
Remember always that you are a child of God. God has made you good enough, and not even you can say the opposite.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Maybe you are unsure where you stand with God. Maybe you’ve never really given yourself to Him or maybe it’s been a long time since you have and you just want to be sure. We all have issues. We are all broken in some way. We all fall short every single day. We are all sinners. Today, let’s start fresh. Let’s give it ALL to God once and for all and receive the precious free gift of salvation.
Pray with me:
Lord God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ.
I believe that He died and rose again just for me. Lord, I repent of my sin and I turn to You.
I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Pastor Doug
The way that seems right
”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. “
Proverbs 16:25 NKJV
There comes a point in most people’s lives when they have to come to grips with the fact that their way of doing things is just not working. For some it comes in time for them to course correct and others are lost forever.
”Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! “
Luke 15:11-17 NKJV
Notice the course correction “But when he came to himself”. When he found himself in dire straits feeding hogs while he himself was starving, he snapped out of the delusion that his way was the right way.
Why do we wait so long before we decide that God knows what He is doing?
”“Your ways and your doings have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reaches to your heart.”“
Jeremiah 4:18 NKJV
Let’s look at Thomas:
”Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “
John 14:5-6 NKJV
Thomas knew Jesus. He just didn't realize Jesus was The Way. Likewise, people today know portions of God's Word but don't realize that God's Word is their way to victory.
People cry out for God to speak to them while their Bible lays unopened on their nightstand. God has spoken to us through His Word. We must believe it and receive its truths as The Way to victory.
”O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. “
Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV
”Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. “
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
The Word of God was written under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It was not written for “head knowledge”, but to the innermost part of our hearts. This is why some people find the Bible so hard to understand. They are trying to comprehend it using only their mind. The Word of God has to inspire our hearts before it can enlighten our minds.
”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “
Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV
A new Spirit:
”For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”“
Luke 12:12 NKJV
”If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. “
Galatians 5:25 NKJV
”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “
Romans 8:14 NKJV
It’s time to get serious about God. Time to quit relying on what you think you know and really get to know about God.
Dig into The Word and really listen to what God has to say about you and your situation.
”For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. “
Romans 8:15-17 NKJV
God wrote a book, just one.
”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. “
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
If your way of doing things isn’t working, isn’t getting you where you need to go, you have reached the crossroads. Continue in the bondage of believing you can do this on your own or surrender to Jesus and be free.
”Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, “
I Peter 5:6 NKJV
”Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. “
Romans 8:26-27 NKJV
There IS freedom and victory in Jesus!
”Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. “
John 8:36 NKJV
All the answers are in The Word. Seek and you WILL find!
”“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “
Luke 11:9 NKJV
Come to yourself! Snap out of it!
”Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. “
Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
”In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. “
Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. “
Proverbs 16:25 NKJV
There comes a point in most people’s lives when they have to come to grips with the fact that their way of doing things is just not working. For some it comes in time for them to course correct and others are lost forever.
”Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! “
Luke 15:11-17 NKJV
Notice the course correction “But when he came to himself”. When he found himself in dire straits feeding hogs while he himself was starving, he snapped out of the delusion that his way was the right way.
Why do we wait so long before we decide that God knows what He is doing?
”“Your ways and your doings have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reaches to your heart.”“
Jeremiah 4:18 NKJV
Let’s look at Thomas:
”Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “
John 14:5-6 NKJV
Thomas knew Jesus. He just didn't realize Jesus was The Way. Likewise, people today know portions of God's Word but don't realize that God's Word is their way to victory.
People cry out for God to speak to them while their Bible lays unopened on their nightstand. God has spoken to us through His Word. We must believe it and receive its truths as The Way to victory.
”O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. “
Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV
”Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. “
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
The Word of God was written under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It was not written for “head knowledge”, but to the innermost part of our hearts. This is why some people find the Bible so hard to understand. They are trying to comprehend it using only their mind. The Word of God has to inspire our hearts before it can enlighten our minds.
”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “
Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV
A new Spirit:
”For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”“
Luke 12:12 NKJV
”If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. “
Galatians 5:25 NKJV
”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “
Romans 8:14 NKJV
It’s time to get serious about God. Time to quit relying on what you think you know and really get to know about God.
Dig into The Word and really listen to what God has to say about you and your situation.
”For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. “
Romans 8:15-17 NKJV
God wrote a book, just one.
”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. “
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
If your way of doing things isn’t working, isn’t getting you where you need to go, you have reached the crossroads. Continue in the bondage of believing you can do this on your own or surrender to Jesus and be free.
”Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, “
I Peter 5:6 NKJV
”Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. “
Romans 8:26-27 NKJV
There IS freedom and victory in Jesus!
”Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. “
John 8:36 NKJV
All the answers are in The Word. Seek and you WILL find!
”“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “
Luke 11:9 NKJV
Come to yourself! Snap out of it!
”Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. “
Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
”In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. “
Proverbs 3:6 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
Barrel of monkeys
Did you ever have or play the game Barrel of Monkeys?
The game is simple. You pour out the barrel full of plastic monkeys on the table. Each plastic monkey has hooks for hands. Players hold one arm of a monkey and use the other arm to build a chain of monkeys, one at a time. The intent is to make the chain as long as you can.
“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
John 19:30 NKJV
The fact of the matter is, the war is over as Jesus said “It is finished!” Once and for all the atonement for our sins was made through Jesus The Son of God.
“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2 NKJV
Our job, our mission is a mop job to rescue as many as we can. We are the laborers wading out into the harvest of humanity to rescue and recover.
Jesus said:
““What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?”
Luke 15:4 NKJV
Reaching the “lost” is our primary mission.
“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:5-7 NKJV
In the bible, there’s a story about a tax collector named Zacchaeus. In biblical times, tax collectors were despised and considered to be some of the worst sinners, selfishly making money from whoever they wanted.
“Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.”
Luke 19:2-3 NKJV
“So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.””
Luke 19:4-5 NKJV
Zacchaeus encountered Jesus' kindness and later in this story, Zacchaeus says:
“Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.””
Luke 19:8 NKJV
Jesus replies:
“And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.””
Luke 19:9-10 NKJV
As Christians we are called to be like Christ. We are called to love, forgive and accept those who are lost. To search for and rescue the lost sheep and bring them into the fold. We are called to plant the seeds of salvation and introduce people to Jesus.
We are called to leave no one behind, just like Jesus did to Zacchaeus! For many of us, it would have been so easy to overlook Zacchaeus (literally and socially) but Jesus shows us a great example of how we can make sure no one gets left behind - even the most unpopular person.
Just like in the Barrel of Monkeys game we are called to reach out to the lost, pull them out of their present situation and lift them up. There is a great quote from the movie Backdraft where two firefighters are hanging over a huge hole in the floor of a burning building and below them the next floor is engulfed in flames.
The hero has one hand holding onto a steel beam and the other hand is holding onto the other fireman as they dangle above the raging inferno. The hero (Kurt Russell) says “If you go, we go”!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17 NKJV
Our job is to hold on! Hold on to Jesus and reach out with our other hand and rescue others. Jesus will Never let go!
We must bring the good news of Jesus and how He is the hope of the world. So, I encourage you to step out in faith and make His Name known during times where there is a loss of hope.
Be the guiding light that brings people out of the darkness. We know our God, and we trust in Him wholeheartedly because we know He has gone before us and that His love never fails.
During times of uncertainty, we must remember that God holds us in His hands, He will protect us and therefore we need not be fearful or afraid.
“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.”
Psalms 73:23 NKJV
And:
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
Psalms 46:1-2 NKJV
Lord, thank You for being our immovable rock in a changing landscape. You are constant and You are good especially when our circumstances are inconsistent and uncertain. We depend on You.
We proclaim the Truth of Your Word over our lives and into the lives of others. We look to You for provision and peace. Help us to share the Hope we have in You to a world seeking the truth.
Give us the opportunity and strength to reach out and rescue as many as we are able for the Glory of Your Kingdom in Jesus Name - Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
Did you ever have or play the game Barrel of Monkeys?
The game is simple. You pour out the barrel full of plastic monkeys on the table. Each plastic monkey has hooks for hands. Players hold one arm of a monkey and use the other arm to build a chain of monkeys, one at a time. The intent is to make the chain as long as you can.
“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
John 19:30 NKJV
The fact of the matter is, the war is over as Jesus said “It is finished!” Once and for all the atonement for our sins was made through Jesus The Son of God.
“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2 NKJV
Our job, our mission is a mop job to rescue as many as we can. We are the laborers wading out into the harvest of humanity to rescue and recover.
Jesus said:
““What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?”
Luke 15:4 NKJV
Reaching the “lost” is our primary mission.
“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:5-7 NKJV
In the bible, there’s a story about a tax collector named Zacchaeus. In biblical times, tax collectors were despised and considered to be some of the worst sinners, selfishly making money from whoever they wanted.
“Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.”
Luke 19:2-3 NKJV
“So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.””
Luke 19:4-5 NKJV
Zacchaeus encountered Jesus' kindness and later in this story, Zacchaeus says:
“Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.””
Luke 19:8 NKJV
Jesus replies:
“And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.””
Luke 19:9-10 NKJV
As Christians we are called to be like Christ. We are called to love, forgive and accept those who are lost. To search for and rescue the lost sheep and bring them into the fold. We are called to plant the seeds of salvation and introduce people to Jesus.
We are called to leave no one behind, just like Jesus did to Zacchaeus! For many of us, it would have been so easy to overlook Zacchaeus (literally and socially) but Jesus shows us a great example of how we can make sure no one gets left behind - even the most unpopular person.
Just like in the Barrel of Monkeys game we are called to reach out to the lost, pull them out of their present situation and lift them up. There is a great quote from the movie Backdraft where two firefighters are hanging over a huge hole in the floor of a burning building and below them the next floor is engulfed in flames.
The hero has one hand holding onto a steel beam and the other hand is holding onto the other fireman as they dangle above the raging inferno. The hero (Kurt Russell) says “If you go, we go”!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17 NKJV
Our job is to hold on! Hold on to Jesus and reach out with our other hand and rescue others. Jesus will Never let go!
We must bring the good news of Jesus and how He is the hope of the world. So, I encourage you to step out in faith and make His Name known during times where there is a loss of hope.
Be the guiding light that brings people out of the darkness. We know our God, and we trust in Him wholeheartedly because we know He has gone before us and that His love never fails.
During times of uncertainty, we must remember that God holds us in His hands, He will protect us and therefore we need not be fearful or afraid.
“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.”
Psalms 73:23 NKJV
And:
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
Psalms 46:1-2 NKJV
Lord, thank You for being our immovable rock in a changing landscape. You are constant and You are good especially when our circumstances are inconsistent and uncertain. We depend on You.
We proclaim the Truth of Your Word over our lives and into the lives of others. We look to You for provision and peace. Help us to share the Hope we have in You to a world seeking the truth.
Give us the opportunity and strength to reach out and rescue as many as we are able for the Glory of Your Kingdom in Jesus Name - Amen
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
- Pastor Doug
Time under tension
Time under tension is a basic principle for strength training. Keeping a muscle under a load or tension for a duration of time with no rest will cause the muscle to eventually fail. Over time the load has to be increased to reach the same point of failure due to the increase of strength and growth of the muscle.
God made our bodies to rise to the occasion. The harder the body works the stronger it gets and the better it performs.
There is no man made machine that can do that. Our bodies adapt, grow, and get stronger the more we subject them to time under tension and increased load.
Keep what I just said in your mind as you read this:
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.””
Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV
The mustard seed is the smallest of all the seeds. But when it has grown; or rather, as it grows the seed overcomes a lot of adversity (time under tension).
Birds will eat the seed, small animals will eat the tender shoots, and storms will come. Rain, wind, flood, drought, you name it. But if that little seed endures it will continue to grow and become a strong tree.
“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 NKJV
In Matthew 13 we see the picture of the fully developed mustard seed as a tree. Time under tension and overcoming adversity, it grows.
In Matthew 17 Jesus brings us back again to the “smallest of all the seeds” when He compares the amount of Faith in God we need to do great things.
Mustard seed faith is only the beginning but we have to have at least that much to get growing. What does that even look like when Faith grows?
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:5-8 NKJV
The Amplified Version says it this way:
“For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
2 Peter 1:5-8 AMPC
What is Faith then?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Faith can move mountains, faith can heal, faith can save, faith can strengthen, and faith casts out fear and doubt. Faith overcomes, faith endures. I urge you to read Hebrews 11 the Faith chapter.
“And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6 NKJV
Faith grows through adversity. Through adversity we see God move in our lives and Faith grows.
The more we are in tune with all the times God has blessed us, protected us, strengthened us, healed us and helped us the more our Faith will increase. “The evidence of things not seen” that’s God working in the background:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV
Know that the adversity you face now, whatever IT is, God IS using it for your good and to grow your Faith in Him. God has a plan for you and your life. He IS preparing you for the next level and strengthening your faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Time under tension is a basic principle for strength training. Keeping a muscle under a load or tension for a duration of time with no rest will cause the muscle to eventually fail. Over time the load has to be increased to reach the same point of failure due to the increase of strength and growth of the muscle.
God made our bodies to rise to the occasion. The harder the body works the stronger it gets and the better it performs.
There is no man made machine that can do that. Our bodies adapt, grow, and get stronger the more we subject them to time under tension and increased load.
Keep what I just said in your mind as you read this:
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.””
Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV
The mustard seed is the smallest of all the seeds. But when it has grown; or rather, as it grows the seed overcomes a lot of adversity (time under tension).
Birds will eat the seed, small animals will eat the tender shoots, and storms will come. Rain, wind, flood, drought, you name it. But if that little seed endures it will continue to grow and become a strong tree.
“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 NKJV
In Matthew 13 we see the picture of the fully developed mustard seed as a tree. Time under tension and overcoming adversity, it grows.
In Matthew 17 Jesus brings us back again to the “smallest of all the seeds” when He compares the amount of Faith in God we need to do great things.
Mustard seed faith is only the beginning but we have to have at least that much to get growing. What does that even look like when Faith grows?
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:5-8 NKJV
The Amplified Version says it this way:
“For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
2 Peter 1:5-8 AMPC
What is Faith then?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Faith can move mountains, faith can heal, faith can save, faith can strengthen, and faith casts out fear and doubt. Faith overcomes, faith endures. I urge you to read Hebrews 11 the Faith chapter.
“And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6 NKJV
Faith grows through adversity. Through adversity we see God move in our lives and Faith grows.
The more we are in tune with all the times God has blessed us, protected us, strengthened us, healed us and helped us the more our Faith will increase. “The evidence of things not seen” that’s God working in the background:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV
Know that the adversity you face now, whatever IT is, God IS using it for your good and to grow your Faith in Him. God has a plan for you and your life. He IS preparing you for the next level and strengthening your faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus Name - Amen