The American Dream!

As I sit looking out my window, I observe nature at work in my world. The rain is falling at a steady pace and a gray squirrel is running from place to place appearing to be searching for food he has stored. His work must continue whether sunshine or rain. No matter what the weather or circumstance each day brings the same responsibility and need for provision and survival.

We have a lot in common with my little squirrel. We rush at a hurried pace from place to place searching for whatever we perceive to be the needs of life. And we do that for the entirety of our lives. We rush through our childhood wishing that we were older so we can participate in the games of life. Whether it is to attain the age of 13 to be a teenager or 15 to get a drivers permit or 16 to actually get a drivers license. And on we go experiencing the magic of age, graduating high school and maybe college.

We hurry through those magical years thinking that by “obtaining” our lives will be fulfilled. We find a mate, get married and start a family. We are so very busy learning how to be a companion, parent and provider, thinking that life will slow down at some point and we can begin to enjoy who we are and what we do. So, we rush through the early family years thinking that when the children get older, or we land that perfect job or we achieve this or that special status we've always wanted, that all will be “better” and we can slow down and enjoy this life we have created.

And, before you know it the children are all grown up, have chosen mates and have started families of their own. Then we rush through the grandparent years helping our children and grand children to do the same as we have done. We are rushing through time achieving, thinking all along this journey at some point we are going to slow down and enjoy the life we have created for ourselves and our families.

We set our goals in life always thinking of tomorrow or later. I realize that there are things in life for which you must plan. It is best to prepare for college and career, marriage and family, retirement and final things. But, it is so very important to keep the finish in mind, always. A correct understanding of the final things in one's life will keep everything else in proper focus. Then we understand that our vision of the finish will determine how we respond to every relationship in life. No matter what decision or choice we may face, the final things will bring a correct perspective to the matter. Ecc. 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Therefore, life's choices are governed by our vision of final things. We realize that we live our lives in the present tense. We are planning for tomorrow by the way we live today. That will not only affect our lives but also those who have been given into our care and those who share our sphere of influence on this journey.

Now, getting back to my little gray squirrel. His creator has given him an innate sense to gather and store provisions. I am sure that what appeared to me to be a frantic search was normal for him. That's the way squirrels are because God created them that way. You and I are created to live on a much higher plane. If God gives an animal an innate sense of provision for his life, God has done so much more for us. The problem comes when we fail to communicate with Him. My little squirrel has an automatic system built into his consciousness for his provision. We are created higher than any other creature in God's creation. We were made for relationship with God and each other. Our relationship requires communication. If we fail to communicate with God, we cannot receive instruction for our provision.

If we are listening to God, He will instruct us in His plan for us today. He will help us to understand that we live His will today so that we are in His will tomorrow. If we follow Christ today, we have no need to worry about tomorrow. Our life and future is secure in the grace of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Holy Ghost Transformation!

Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Do not live according to the custom or pattern of this current age. We cannot follow the example of the world community and expect to draw near to God. The customs and behavior of our world system are repulsive to God. His command is, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” 1 Peter 1:16. And again in 2 Cor. 2:16, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,..”

Our standard is God's standard as modeled in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the new template, the new and better way and He delivered the plan in person. He became the living example through which those desiring God are transformed and enter into a living personal relationship with Him.

This transformation is initiated by the renewing of the mind. The Word states, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Phil. 2:5. Have the mind of Christ rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation and continuing instant in prayer. Walk in this life in Divine communion with the Father having continual access to His strength, power, wisdom and deliverance. We cannot think like the world thinks and walk like the world walks and expect to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God. That is why we must experience a change in our temporal mindset, a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Ghost in response to our obedience and submission to Him. Thereby, we are restored to a level of communion that Adam experienced in the garden before his sin. We are regenerated by the Holy Spirit to walk in intimate, holy and unrestrained relationship with God.

The result of our intimate union with God is to know His perfect will for our life. God has a good, acceptable and perfect will for each life He has created. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” Jer. 29:11. The reason many people never fully understand and experience God's plan for them is they lack that intimacy with God. Because of the mercy and grace of the cross, God will meet us where we are. The redemptive power of Jesus' blood will reach into the deepest darkness to rescue anyone, anywhere. But, we must be willing by the Holy Spirit to leave the darkness behind and step fully into the illuminating power of His Word. By embracing His Truth and walking in obedience the door is thrown fully open for intimate communion and revelation to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Thank you Jesus!!!

Cry Out to God Against the Shedding of Innocent Blood!

Isaiah 59:7, “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. 8The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.”

Over the past few days, the Lord has really burdened my soul and spirit to pray for the innocent souls living in our world. Innocent souls who are suffering unimaginable horrors and death at the hands of vicious, wicked people. My heart cries out to God for Divine intervention and deliverance for these precious treasures!

I know it is so very hard to comprehend what others are going through unless we are in the same situation at the same time. I can hear, in the distance, the cries of the children and the parents who have seen their homes destroyed, the ones who lost every single thing they owned.. .. I can see the heartbreak in my mind of the families who had to leave homes because of the fires or the floods , bombs, or enemy ... But in no way can I experience the utter hopelessness that they are feeling... I cannot know the anguish of the parents who saw their children killed by people who get enjoyment from killing the innocent, the Christians, the Jews... I could not know, unless I am standing in their shoes... God please send a strong revelation upon YOUR people to cry out against the shedding of innocent blood today...Just because you and I are not in the middle of severe storms, calamity , disaster, revolution , upheaval, war or killing ... does not mean it cannot come near to where we are and to our neighborhood... We are not exempt from what is coming on this earth because of sin.. Daniel, speaks of " it shall be for the time appointed"... when will it come to us? We do not know. God help us to be mindful of the suffering and the dying in our world... Give us your compassion for intercession... This is so important, to love others and pray for them in their sufferings...

Will you join with me and cry out to God against the shedding of innocent blood. Just as the righteous blood of Able cried out from the very ground covering him, I pray that the shed blood of the innocent will proclaim to God of heaven and earth, “how long will this continue?” My soul is screaming, “God have mercy on us all.” I pray that the prayers of the saints will bombard heaven bringing Divine deliverance. May God bless you for praying!
Co-written with Myra Boozer

Prayer for Today: Lord Set Me Ablaze for You!

Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Lord Jesus, thank you for the dawn of a new day. Now, it is time to turn to the task a hand. What do you have for me today? What do you have that I should share with others? Lord, fill me with your WORD so that the over flow is charged with redemption and deliverance. Oh! Come Holy Spirit of God and inhabit every thought, word and activity. Sanctify me afresh and the place of my habitation. Purge from the very air around me the darkness that infiltrates our world and replace it with the light of YOUR PRESENCE. I feel the intensity of the battle. The Holy Spirit within continues to struggle with the arm of the flesh, for he is ever present. Lord Jesus Christ, help me to die once again that YOU may bring LIFE and more abundantly. Help me to say with Paul the apostle that it is not me that possesses this mortal body but it is YOU that lives here.

Your reign in my life will affect the world around me for YOUR PURPOSE. I invite you to rule the environment around me. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Come Lord, take control, lead us to the completion of our assignment here. We must share YOUR message with all men. All must have the priviledge to escape the darkness. Send forth YOUR light through the WORD of your mouth, penetrate and dispel the gross darkness that has invaded our land. Release YOUR Holy Spirit fire to burn away the obstructions that hold fast the lost souls of man. Set the Body of Christ ablaze that we burn so intensely that conviction and repentance are the result. May the light of your glory be reflected in our faces, in our walk and in our message. All to the HONOR and PURPOSE of God. Even so come Lord Jesus! Amen

A Prayer of Thanksgiving!

Ps. 121:1, "...I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."

Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing us to share in the glory of your presence. The freedom, the peace and the absolute marvelous deliverance is a testimony of your desire to reveal yourself to your people. It is good to dwell together in unity as one in you and through you.

Thank you Lord for bringing us into the outer court (the court of praise), into the inner court ( the court of ministry) and the Holy of Holies. In the Holy Place we come face to face with YOU and experience your person as Almighty God, Lord God Jehovah, our Creator, our constant Support and Shield, our Deliverer, our Counselor, our Redeemer, our Savior, our Lord and our God. It is there that we receive access to all we need and require for this present journey. Lord, your strength is our present help in time of need. The shield of YOUR covenant is our defense from the tormenting darts of the enemy. Truly, You are the source of our victory.

Holy Spirit, thank you for giving us a WORD from God. A WORD that is spiritually embraced and conscientiously invested. Lord Jesus, help us to let go of all things around us and every substance within us that would impede our success in YOUR cause. We do here and now accept YOUR promise of an expected end by faith. We fall helplessly into you embrace and look to you for the strength and grace to complete YOUR assignment. We open our hearts, minds and souls to YOU and without reservation do purpose to receive all that you desire to invest in us. Prepare us O Lord and fill us full of YOU! Amen

The Message: Sustainability Through a Damascus Road Revelation!

There is a delicate balance in pursuing God into His revelation and pursuing our own inspiration. The determining factor is the anointing of the Holy Ghost. God will anoint His revelation and Holy Ghost inspiration but He will not anoint inspiration that is born out of our human intellect. His anointing signifies recognition and approval. We must secure the anointing of God upon our message. If not our message is not God's message. The goal for all should be to be one with Christ in desire and purpose.

There is much to be said about the influence of our religious heritage. However, I don't want to be stuck (consumed) in religious tradition but neither do I want to lose the spiritual virtue of past generations. It is important to understand that all of us are continuing to evolve into the person and local churches that God desires that we become. And just as important that we understand that the Bride of Christ continues to evolve. Eph. 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Paul says that Christ loves the Church and gave Himself for it that the process of making herself ready might be accomplished by washing of the Word. God's plan for the Body is set in stone IE., in the Word. It will not change but we, the frail human characters that we are must find His perfect plan.

In our search for God's perfect plan we must remain flexible (mouldable, pliable). A healthy tree can remain strong in the storm but if there is disease and rot the storm will expose that weakness. The storms are coming and only the spiritual virtue of our heritage in Christ can sustain us. Any other foundation will crumble and fall under the pressure of the storm. If we walk in obedience to God, we have an appointed end. Jer. 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” We can know our outcome if we will put our faith in Jesus.

Paul stated that his intention was to press toward the mark. Phil. 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” He knew from his experience that this was a daily challenge. He must have looked back many times to his Damascus road encounter with Jesus. That day, Paul received a revelation of who Jesus really was. He came face to face with the Son of God, the Redeemer of Israel, his Messiah and he knew it in the depth of his soul. That encounter was, no doubt, an indispensable strength to him as he ministered for Christ. And the Lord continued to speak to him and reveal His truth.

In Acts 27 Paul had requested audience with Caesar. He was in the custody of a Roman centurion and on his way to Rome. Acts 27:10, “And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter;” Paul had revelation regarding this journey, but the centurion chose to listen to the captain rather than Paul. Why? Because it was not convenient to winter there they wanted to proceed to Crete. Circumstance inspired them to continue on their journey rather than give heed to revelation by the man of God. Inspiration driven by circumstance usually comes out of our own personal desire and intellect.

Acts 27:13, “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.” This again speaks to circumstance. A temporary change in circumstance can lull us into Satan's plan. 14, “But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind... 18And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 20And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.” Three days and nights in the storm and now all is lost and there is no hope! But God?They were not including the God Factor. They drew these conclusions based on their knowledge and the circumstance. Many times our knowledge is not sufficient to draw the appropriate conclusion from our circumstance. Then we must apply the God Factor and go to Him for revelation knowledge to chart the appropriate course.

Acts 27:21, “But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. 23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.” Revelation from God insures survival but there is still a requirement for individual participation. Three important elements of the God Factor come into play: Repentance, Faith and Obedience.

Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him. Because, you see it was more than Paul who had discouraged this voyage. It was God through Paul. How many times has God tried to warn us along our journey and we discounted the messenger who delivered warning. But God? God always has the last word. We determine our outcome by our obedience or lack thereof! So, the first thing these sailors had to deal with was their decision to sail, admit that it was a mistake and be willing to change. The Bible calls this concept, Repentance. Second, they had to believe what Paul was telling them. This was the beginning of their Faith which would sustain them in the coming days.

Acts 27:27, “But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down...29Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 30And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, 31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. 32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.” The third element of the God Factor, they must stay in the ship continuing to exhibit faith in the revelation and Obedience to the man of God. God's plan of deliverance included the debris of the broken vessel that had sustained them thus far. But they had to be willing to stay with the ship until she literally broke apart on the rocks. Those broken pieces became their salvation.

Acts 27:33, “...Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you...36Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.” The fast was concluded. They could take comfort that all would be saved and they were all (276) of good cheer. They continued in Faith and Obedience as they threw everything overboard to lighten the ship. They had done what they knew to do. Now was time to allow the God Factor to bring the end to their storm. They took up the anchors and committed to the sea. Completely free of all encumbrances, completely sustained by the wind of God. 

Acts 27:41, “And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves... 43 the centurion...commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

The sustaining factor in Paul's life was his relationship with Christ and the fact that he walked in revelation and inspiration. Having an intellectual understanding of scripture can be an advantage. Passion and zeal have their place in the Gospel. And even our incomplete understanding of God's plan is a beginning that we can build upon. But the bottom line is that we must walk in the revelation of Jesus Christ if we are to experience His perfect plan for our lives. Just as Paul had his intimate encounter with Jesus, we must do the same! That is what sustained Paul and that is what will sustain us! Paul had his revelation of Jesus Christ and we must have our's to sustain us in the coming storm!

Prayer for Today. Lord, Capture Me!

Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Lord Jesus, today I ask you to capture my mind, capture, my heart and capture my soul. Keep me, the total me safely in your hand. Empty this vessel of all substance except YOU. Fill me full with YOUR SPIRIT. Create anew in me the passion, power and deliverance of you VISION! Engage my total self to procure the desire of you heart through me. Fill this emptiness with an outflow of living water, creating a worthy vessel overflowing with your love, compassion and generosity. Help me to feel the hurting of precious lives that surround the place of my habitation. And thereby flow through me to aid and comfort those who are bleeding. They are bleeding-out the wonder of life, because of the mortal wounds of the enemy. Help me to stop the bleeding that is draining them of the very life you give. Anoint me to bring the good tidings of YOUR Gospel to a broken world.

Oh! That your Holy Spirit in me would bind up the broken hearted. Those whose hearts have been shattered by the deceitful, insidious enemy of their soul. Lord, set at liberty those held captive, held captive by their past. Release them today from their broken dreams and failed plans. Cause them to look to YOU for their total deliverance and life in YOU. In the Name of Jesus set them free! Loose the chains and open the prisons for them that are bound. May the Holy Ghost invade the dominions of Satan with such power that the chains will disintegrate at His mere presence. May the presence of the Almighty God be so powerful that the prison doors be hurled from their hinges and these eternal souls be forever set free.

Lord Jesus Christ, I pray this day for you anointing to fall heavy upon the Body of Christ, that we walk as you walked, talk as you talked and BE as YOU ARE the LIVING BREATH OF LIFE in an otherwise lifeless world. Lord, anoint us with the message of YOUR GOSPEL that all who will hear will accept YOUR LIFE and have that LIFE most ABUNDANT. Praise to our LIVING CHRIST, in JESUS NAME! Amen

Prayer for Today!

Lord Jesus, I pray that you make me a blank slate today. That you begin anew to create the person you want me to be. Remove from me the pride of the accomplishments and successes of yesterday. Today is a new day, a new beginning, to fulfill and display Divine tasks fresh from the mind and heart of God. Lord, remove from me the crushing weight of past failures and inadequacies. Help me to throw off the suffocating thoughts that paralyze my forward movement and hinder me from fulfilling your perfect work in me. Help me to be friend, neighbor, companion, father, grandfather, servant, pastor, preacher, prophet, intercessor, deliverer. Help me to be faithful, loving, compassionate, kind, enduring, helpful, gracious, holy, victorious, strong, reverent, thankful, pleasant, encouraging, supportive, gentle, consistent, anchored, gracious, resilient, humble, submissive, trusting, and obedient. And tomorrow, I will start all over again in order to make each day a new day in Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen!

John 9:10, “Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.”

Prayer for today!

Lord Jesus, make us one with you in desire and purpose today. I don't want to be
stuck (consumed) in religious tradition. Neither do I want to lose the spiritual virtue of past generations. We must remain flexible. A healthy tree can remain strong in the storm but if there is disease and rot the storm will expose that weakness. The storms are coming and only the spiritual virtue of our heritage in You can sustain us. Any other foundation will crumble an fall under the pressure of the storm. We stand in You! Amen

He Will Lift Up A Standard! part 2

God will set apart (sanctify) and identify as His the believers in His Kingdom. How is that going to happen? God will, by His Spirit, lift His Standard and His obedient followers will flow to it, when the enemy comes in like a flood. We are currently living in the time Isaiah described in chapter 59. In verses 16-21, Isaiah writes by the inspiration of the Spirit of God concerning the last days restoration of the nation of Israel. God brought salvation at the first Advent of Christ but Israel rejected Him. At His second Advent or second coming He will judge His enemies and restore salvation to Israel. The word “Redeemer” means kinsman redeemer, one who is related by blood to those he redeems. The restoration of Israel is at hand. The deliverance of the Body of Christ is even at the door.

The enemy has come in like a river over running its banks and causing great destruction and distress where ever it flows. The flood gates are open and just as Aaron and the priesthood were responsible for the disobedience and idol worship of the Israelites at Sinai, the leadership in Christianity must share the responsibility for where we are today. The strong emphasis placed on the doctrine of inclusion in the religious world has lead to a departure from the faith which was delivered to the saints of the New Testament. This doctrine must be reversed in the churches. Instead of inclusion, separation of the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world must be preached again from our pulpits. Although the gospel message is one of inclusion and is to all men, there always has been and always will be the Divine standard to be achieved. His holy standard can still be achieved in the heart of the submissive, obedient believer through the work of the Holy Spirit living within us. Jesus said that He (Holy Spirit) will lead and guide into all truth. John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” The Truth is the standard but can not be achieved apart

from the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in the heart of the professed Christian.

Difficulty has arisen because of a departure from the leadership of the Holy Spirit. How can we be lead by Him if we are not first possessed by Him? How can we be possessed by Him unless we believe that He exists as the third person of the Godhead fulfilling Jesus' promise to be our comforter? John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” The promise of the Comforter was as such to provide a Paraclete to lead and guide the Church as Christ's Advocate or on His behalf. The Holy Spirit is to lead the Church just as God lead Israel and Jesus led the New Testament Church.

The Hebrews writer tells us that if we are to please God we must first believe that He exists and secondly believe that He will reward us as we seek Him. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Consequently, we must believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-existing and co-equal with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Those who reject the Person and work of the Holy Spirit reject the whole of God's plan and that is the root of the confusion. When this basic scriptural truth is denied, every doctrine built upon that foundation is at risk of dilution or discarding altogether.

The doctrine of inclusion came into existence because religious leaders wanted to accommodate people. It began with local congregations accepting individuals in various situations and circumstances. As public opinion became increasing more liberal, societal pressure expanded to include entire groups of people and lifestyles. Although the Word of God strongly condemns carnal, fleshly thought and lifestyles, the moral climate of our world demands that such behavior be accepted and embraced by the populace of the world including Christianity and the Church.

The Kingdom of God is a spiritual entity and as such has a spiritual administration. True, we all are mortal beings but God uses mortal beings in His Kingdom if they are subject to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit must be embraced in submission and obedience. The tension comes with conflict between the carnal leadership of man and the administration of the Holy Spirit. Religious leadership has succumbed to the collusion of ambition, greed and pride. Therefore the door is thrown open wide for governance by man and the Holy Spirit has been expelled. Hence our present dilemma.

The question today is, “Am I going to follow a religious movement or the Holy Spirit?” The answer to that question will determine my affiliation with a religious group or being a part of the Kingdom of God. And the answer to that question will determine our eternity. My prayer is that we will allow the Holy Spirit to open our ears to hear what He is saying in this late hour!

He Will Lift Up A Standard! part 1

I am thankful today for the beginning of a new year. There is always a feeling of anticipation and maybe even apprehension as we look forward to this new beginning. I feel in my heart that there are battles ahead in which only the grace of God can sustain us. The devil is running rampant in our world and although conditions may appear bleak at times, Isaiah describes God's response when the enemy comes rushing in.

Isaiah 59:19, “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

In the Old Testament economy, a standard was the identifying colors of an army or kingdom. It was necessary to be able to identify allies and enemies. God's promise to Israel was that He would stand with them against His enemies. This is a necessary principle in our spiritual warfare today. God will set apart (sanctify) and identify as His the believers in His Kingdom. Over time the lines between the Kingdom of God and the system of the world have become blurred to the extent that it is difficult to determine who is on the Lord's side. It is time to be identified with true believers in the Kingdom of God.

Exodus 32:26, “Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.”

Upon returning from Mt. Sinai after his Divine encounter, Moses found that the Israelites had fallen into idol worship. Because Moses had delayed his return, they fell back into old habits, the idol worship of Egypt. The priesthood which was to be set apart (sanctified) for service to God had become co-conspirators in the deed. Aaron, the high priest himself, had supervised the task of building a golden calf statue and presented it to the Israelites. They failed miserably in their first attempt at freedom, exhibiting the actions of their old life in Egypt. But now, Moses had thrown down the gauntlet. It was time to decide who would follow God into their new life in Him.

The final choice was not made here. The Israelites continued to be called to accountability throughout their journey. On one particular occasion as they were preparing to enter the promised land of Canaan, Joshua presented them with the same challenge. Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Israel failed God many times but were given the opportunity to choose the right way. I think of the many individuals who died in the wilderness journey because of their disobedience. Here again they were called to accountability. It was time to choose. (continued part 2)

Where is Truth and Justice? part 2

We face a difficult time ahead as political leaders jockey for position, power and influence. For the most part it is all just a lot of noise like a sporting event. Each side supports and vehemently defends their team and believe it doesn't matter about the process so long as our team wins. But it really does matter how we play the game. The game builds character and integrity which embrace truth, justice and judgment. If the process fails to yield these attributes, how can we expect a government to lead in truth and justice. It is not what we say but what we do that defines us as person and as a nation. God help us!

Truth and justice lay abandoned in the street, discarded as refuse in the gutter. What happened to the promise “to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” and “so help me God?” What happened to the greater good of all men, rather than the selfish and ambitious views of a particular political party or social group? What happened to the preference of others and their needs over the narrow constricted view of what we want? A self focused mentality has invaded and captured our conscious resolution and thereby affects everything we say and do.

In Isaiah 59:9-21, Isaiah gives a litany of sins for which Israel needs a redeemer. He observes that judgment, justice and truth are qualities absent from the life of Israel. Because there was no qualified mediator, God would provide salvation through the coming kinsman Redeemer. This salvation is in Jesus Christ whom they rejected at the first Advent. But God promises that He will forgive their sins and restore them in covenant relationship in the end. Isaiah 59:20, “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”

“and unto them that turn from transgression,” is a provision of the covenant but will be implemented through repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. That will happen to a remnant of Israel in the end.

The call of God to all of humanity is to repent and return to God. Any people who expects the favor and covering of God must approach Him in repentance and follow in obedience. One of the greatest judgments that God brought against Israel was their failure to uphold “truth and justice.” That principle is just as relevant to our country and our world today. If God brought the leadership of Israel to judgment because of their lack of truth and justice, He will do the same for every generation.

We must have the intervention of God in the days and weeks ahead. “Let the Body of Christ fall prostrate before Him, casting all care upon Him, and believing for His Divine and perfect will. And let His perfect will be exercised in me.” Amen.

Where is Truth and Justice? part 1

Isaiah 59:14, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 15Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.”

Here we are at the beginning of a new year. There are some people who will laud their great accomplishments and progress in this journey to a better world. Then, there are others who view the future with pessimism, bemoaning the lack of positive markers in the process of moving forward. However, we must admit that we, the inhabitants of this earth have witnessed both positive and negative events in 2015. We also must conclude that each event, situation or happening has presented us as a civilization the opportunity to right the wrongs, correct the injustice and return to truth.

We live in a fallen world and as such will continue to witness the same climate in 2016 unless we as a people choose a different path. If we continue with the same choices, making the same mistakes, the result will invariably be the same. As a society, we can't continue on this same path and expect a different outcome.

Therefore, we are required to make the difficult choices. We must choose to love others as we do ourselves. We must choose to do no harm rather than promote our own selfish ambitions and desires. Can you imagine how that one principle would change our world if only it were embraced by a majority of the earth's population. We must choose to embody truth in every thought, word and action. That principle alone would impact every person that our lives touch. We might not change the world but we would change our world. We must choose to treat every relationship justly and impartially. What if we actually treated others like we want to be treated. And, we could go on with our list but space cannot contain all that requires out attention.

We should be challenged as we look back on the activities of 2015. Did we do our best to affect the world around us in a positive manner for the Lord Jesus Christ? The whole of creation is crying out for a change. Are you pleased with the outcomes you have observed or does God's Spirit within urge you to make a greater difference in the time ahead? The challenge before us is, “will we make a difference?” Are we willing to invest ourselves to address the woes of our community, our city, ourstate, our nation and our world? (continued part 2).