His Spirit Blogs

Mistakes

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires.”

Psalm 37:4 NLT

Dear Reader, have you ever made a mistake? I know I have made many during my lifetime—and probably will make many more. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes we make mistakes without realizing; sometimes we know but shrug it off; and sometimes we know immediately, but it is too late to take it back. When you come right down to it, a mistake is a mistake. Mistakes are inevitable, but there is hope.

There is only One who is perfect, that is, Jesus Christ. He is the one to come to when you realize your mistake. He is the one who can erase it and give you strength to move past it. He will set you on solid ground once again and steady you as you continue your journey. (Psalm 40:2)

When you understand a mistake has been made acknowledge it, turn away from it, and ask forgiveness. This happened to me just today. I told something that was not true. Before I knew it the words were out of my mouth and there was nothing I could do to hold them back. I counseled myself saying, “You were just trying to protect someone.” However, at that moment I forgot that God is faithful and would’ve protected me. It is always better to tell the truth, because the truth will set you free.

You see, I have been a little lax in my conversations with the Lord. I told myself that I needed to do this or that and didn’t have time to devote to reading, meditation, and prayer. W R O N G!!! And you know what happened? This little white lie made a crack in my armor and allowed the Enemy to creep in—I do mean “creep in” because he is a venomous snake.

But, this too shall pass. Because you see God has spoken through His Word. He says, “[My] delight is in those who fear [Me] those who put their hope in [My] unfading love.” (Psalm 147:11)

You, too, can get past your mistakes. Come to the Lord asking forgiveness, repenting of your sin, and then, stay in communication with the One who can lift you out of the pit of despair and set your feet on solid ground. (Psalm 40:2)

Believe—have faith—trust in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Put on the whole armor of God and do not allow any cracks to form. (Ephesians 6:10-20) Begin again and be renewed by the Holy Spirit of God. This is the first day of the rest of your life, live it in the freedom of the truth.

Dear Lord forgive me for forgetting to put you first in every aspect of my life. Erase my mistakes and let me start anew. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

The rest of the story…

As always God has a plan. After I had confessed my sin to God and received forgiveness from Him, I received another phone call from the person I told the little white lie to. I told him that I had not told the truth and asked his forgiveness—he forgave me. Case Closed.

 

Psalm 37:23   Deuteronomy 30:3   I Corinthians 1:19   I Samuel 2:9

 Psalm 40:2   Psalm 147:11

Joy Comes In the Morning

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.” Psalm 113:2

Something horrible, something unimaginable has just happened! All the signs had been there, but somehow you refused to acknowledge them. But, here you are walking and talking about it in the aftermath. How could this have happened?

There are many situations in life that take place like this:-you know that unless you change, you will one day self-destruct. Yet, somehow you are powerless to do anything about it. Perhaps it is because you are having too much fun or making too much money, or so-n-so expects it of you.

But, then something happens and you think you have lost it all. The day is black and filled with clouds that erupt into a violent storm. You think all is lost, this is the end for you. Then the next day you awake and find that the sun is shining and the air is clear. All at once there is a glimmer of hope and a chance at a new beginning. Without the storm you would have never found it.

That, too, is the story of Jesus. The people humiliated him, spat on him, and tortured him. His friends, his disciples, who watched in great horror and for fear of their own lives, did nothing. Their friend, Jesus, the one whom they loved was being treated like a criminal. The mob cried,” CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM.” (Luke 23:21) And the weak leader, even though he couldn’t find any good reason to sentence him to death, did so. It was the beginning of the end.

The day that Jesus died, the sky turned black. The light of the sun was blocked out and the darkness ruled—but only for a time. His mother watched him die and his beloved disciple, John, stood beside her. Grief and sorrow covered them like a heavy blanket as they watched the soldiers bring him down from the cross and lay him in the tomb—it was the end. Was it?

The Psalmist wrote a thousand or more years before, words of encouragement for times like these. He said, “…Weeping may linger for the night; but joy comes in the morning.” (30:5)

The morning came and the grave was empty. The evil could not hold the Lord Jesus. It could not keep Him in the darkness; the sun was shining. They were soon to discover “HE IS ALIVE!” A new day is dawning—only believe.

Just as the disciples discovered after they invited Him into their house, Jesus is walking with you, also, as you venture into a new beginning inviting Him to come along. A new beginning that wouldn’t have been possible without an ending—as violent as it was, this new beginning will be new, exciting, and blessed. As Leo Tolstoy once wrote: “You cannot have a beginning unless you have an ending.” (The Beginning of the End, 1896)

Travel on trusting in the Lord, for He is beside you all the way. He has said, “I will be with you until the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20) and the writer of Hebrews pens His words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) This is the message of the cross.

Dear Father, thank you for showing me the way; for never giving up on me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

 

Read Luke 24:13-35

 

Recruitment

“Go on home! The Lord will not let me go with you.” Numbers 22:13

Balaam, a prophet of God, was recruited by those who wanted to rid the land of the Israelites. He was offered money and power if he would just curse them. Balaam was told by God that he couldn’t go. But, with the offer of power and recognition he could not resist, so he tested the Lord God until he was finally given permission to go, but with the understanding that he was only to do what God told him to do. It was almost as if God said, “All right if you want to go so bad—go! But, you are not to curse the people, because they are blessed by Me.”

Balaam’s eyes were clouded with the promise of power. He could not see the angel of the Lord blocking his way. He was intent upon going with the enemy and performing a curse upon the people of God in exchange for money and power. He had transgressed; God rebuked him for his transgression. Even so, God put words into the donkey’s mouth and made them audible so that Balaam could hear them. Then his eyes were opened to the presence of God and His commands. Balaam fell down on his knees before the angel of the Lord.

There are times in our lives in which we are recruited to do what we know as wrong. At first you may stand firm, but with repeated offers, you give in. Even so, God does not give up on you. He sends his messenger to intervene and turn your face back to Him. He will use any means to wake you up.

Donkeys cannot talk. Yet, Balaam heard the voice of the one he was riding. Drastic situations call for drastic actions. Balaam could not see the far-reaching effect of what he was to do, but God could. This drastic situation called for the drastic act of Balaam’s donkey speaking to him.

Are you being recruited by the Evil One to do something that is against Gods will? Is it something that does not fit in the scenario of all things good, perfect, and loving? Then listen for God’s voice coming from unexpected places. He, and only He, will lead you along the path of righteousness.

Dear Lord, lead me in Your righteousness along the path you have ordained even before I was born. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

 2 Peter 2:15, 16

Read the account of Balaam in Numbers chapter 22

Who Am I?

“Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. I John 4:4

 

I am sure that I am not the only one who has mouthed or thought these words—“Who am I?” In this thought, we may begin to doubt our purpose for being. And, if we do not catch hold of it, fear will begin to seep in. Our nerves will become jangled and the ruler of this world will begin to taste what he thinks as victory. But, the truth is, Christ has overcome the world. And I am reminded that I am a child of God, and as such, nothing can harm me because I have made the Lord my refuge…no evil shall befall me, no scourge can come near my tent. (Psalm 91:9, 10) You see, I, and all who have been forgiven and have made the Lord a place in their heart, are children of God, and as such are under the protection of His wings.

Some of us have had our identity stolen by those who are agents of the evil one. But, we must remember, as horrifying as that is, it is only the identity that the world gives us. And, it does not define who we are. Our real identity can never be stolen, as long as we remember, who we are in Christ. When we profess Jesus as Lord of our lives nothing can be taken away that identifies us likewise.

Isaiah says it like this: “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall refute every tongue that arises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication is from me, says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

If this is where you are today—feeling persecuted, encroached upon, or are crying, “Isn’t there anyone to help me?” be assured there is!  Remember our struggles are not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the authorities, against the cosmic powers…against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places…therefore take up the whole armor of God…stand firm” (Ephesians 6:12, 13) You see, everything may be taken away from you—everything that is, but the steadfast love of God. Do not fear. He will come and save you.

Easter, the day we remember and celebrate the great sacrifice our Heavenly Father made for us when Jesus allowed himself to be put to death, taking upon himself our transgressions that they be removed once and for all, is coming near. This is when Satan works the hardest to get his foot in the door of our heart. So I encourage you all the more to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm because God has promised that He will defeat and conquer the enemy. In fact, God has already won the battle, He will destroy His creation, the Devil, and all who follow him.

I am rejoicing through my struggles, because it tells me, that I am a true child of God. I am thanking God for His affirmation, may you, also! Who am I?—“the aroma of Christ to God.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

 

Dear Father, thank you for making me Your own. I will stand firm in Your love and be courageous. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

 

2 Corinthians 5:17   Isaiah 54:14, 17   John 12:31   Isaiah 50:7, 8

John 1:12, 13

A Change of Perspective

“…I make your enemies your footstool.” Luke 20:43

How is it some can look a cloudy sky and see only the dark clouds? While others can look at the same sky and see the blue sky surrounding those very same clouds? We can do the same with the activity of our lives. We can see our trials and tribulations as problems as we struggle through them, or we can wait on the Lord for He has proclaimed He will make “our enemies as our footstool.” (Luke 20:43, I Cor. 15:25, Ps. 110:1, Eph.1: 22-23) The difference is our perspective.

As a member of the church, which is the body of believers, you were given dominion over the world. The Lord God promises to make your enemies as your footstool.

Today I was reprimanded as Jesus spoke to me through my morning devotion. He said to me, “You are not under attack, the attack is under you.” For it was not long ago I made the statement—“We are under attack.” We were undergoing a series of mishaps. There is a whole list of things that broke or malfunctioned which had to be taken care of immediately. These things were distracting us from our daily prayer, study, and reading of God’s Word, and anything else that we were called to do for our Lord. My perspective was out-of- wack.

As a faithful believer, I have been given authority over any attacks that the Enemy may decide to throw at me—as are you when you make your vow to follow Jesus.

As Paul writes to the believers in Rome, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:12) Therefore, there is nothing ole-sloo-foot can do that has the power to overtake you when you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. So, from now on, let you and me change our perspective and view of the glass as half full instead of half empty. For there is no doubt in my mind that when I put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20) God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will be victorious over anything the Enemy may want to do to us who believe. I pray that you and I will, from this moment on, change our perspective, for God has made the Enemy our footstool.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Luke 20:42, 43   Ephesians 2:6   Romans 14:11   Acts 2:34/Ps 110:1   Ephesians 1:22, 23   I Corinthians 15:25

God’s Phone Number

“Call on me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you.” Psalm 50:15

I think I could say with surety that if I asked you the phone number of a best friend or member of your family, you could tell me. Those who are close to our hearts occupy a special place in our memories. Do you know God’s phone number? Do you know how to get in touch with him? Perhaps, you haven’t called upon him lately. Well, if that be the case, there is no better time than the present.

God’s phone number is 537-3333 AKA Jere 33:3 which says, “Call upon me and I will answer,” not only that but, “and will tell great and hidden things that you have not known.”  Positive assurance from God is that if we will ask him, he will tells us remarkable secrets which we have not known. He will prepare you for whatever is to come. Those who come to Him shall be saved.

Recently, a tornado hit a small town in Alabama. The residents were given only a few minutes warning before the deadly winds struck. It wiped out the whole town, some lives were lost, but many were saved. There are many disasters that strike our lives, but we can survive if we call upon God for his protection. He and He alone knows the future. Joel writes, “…everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved…” (2:22)

Just as many were saved when the destructive tornado hit, so too, you who have heard God’s call and answered him. Matthew writes, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (7:7) Even so, we must “wait upon the Lord (Psalm 27:14), be strong and let your heart take courage; “wait for the Lord.”

It seems that the United States, indeed the world, is in crisis. There is a rising crescendo of violence and war. It is written that something good comes out of all things. In this case, it will be that many will cry out to the Lord—He will answer—and they will be saved. Maybe it’s time that you dialed God’s phone number. Or, maybe it is your daily practice, if so, do not give up for everyone who calls upon God through Jesus, will be saved. There is a battle going on—a spiritual battle between good and evil. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14)

Dear Lord, blessed are you. Thank you for answering when I call upon you. I shall not forget your mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Jeremiah 33:3   Genesis 18:17   Deut. 4:7, 29   Psalm 50:15   Isaiah 55:6, 7

Three Little Words

“Once you were alienated…But now he has reconciled you…If you continue in your faith…”Colossians 1:21-23

Amazing Grace—once I was lost and now I am found. There was a time when I didn’t know, but I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Then at the right time I met Jesus. He told me that He had forgiven all my sin and now I was white as new fallen snow.

I was once a slave to sin, but my Savior set me free and I could start anew. I was free to walk in the Way, the truth, and the light of Christ. I will continue to stay close to Him by reading His Holy Word, by prayer, and being ready to witness for Him in word and deed.

Three little words are found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. They are:–once…but…if.

“ONCE you were alienated” (Col 1:21) I willfully cut myself off from a relationship with the Lord by my sin. Even if I had prayed at this time (which I did not) but even if, God would not have heard my prayers—they would’ve gone unanswered.

“BUT now he has reconciled you” (vs. 22) Jesus, the Son of God, gave himself up to death upon the cross. He willingly died and in doing so, shed his blood that you and I may be washed in it. Once and for all—past, present, and future—our sins are forgiven—those who ask to be forgiven and repent (turn away from) are no longer held slave to sin.

“IF you continue in the faith” (vs. 23) we have been reconciled to God, and we must not go back to being his enemy—once we were lost, but now we are found. His death has made us holy, so we must not deliberately or willfully give ourselves to a life of ungodliness—to do so would break our relationship with God and result in the loss of our inheritance as children of God. Instead, let us continue to say, and therefore live these words—“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Hear my prayer O Lord—

When I falter, Lord, help me to remember to seek Your face and allow you to lead me in righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Colossians 1:21-23   Philippians 2:8   Jude 20-21   Jude 22-23

Forgiveness is a Weapon

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deed,”

Hebrews 10:24 NRSV

 

To forgive or not to forgive, that is the question. Many, at this very moment, are living in an abusive relationship. Some, however, have been able to escape from an abusive spouse, adult child, or even a workplace. If that is the case you may wonder, “Now what?”

I was one who decided I couldn’t live another moment not knowing whether or not I was going to get punched, slapped, or ridiculed. It took one last frightful night to convince me that I needed to take myself, my children, my dog, and whatever belongings we needed, and “fly the coop!” “But, where do I go from here?” I thought. (You can read this whole story in my book, “Embracing the Call,” the story of an imperfect woman who met her perfect God.)

The truth is I wasn’t able to move forward until I had forgiven him. O, I was living life making accomplishments, but it wasn’t until many years later when I had forgiven him, that I truly began to live. You see, forgiveness is not about condoning someone else’s actions, it is about setting yourself free. The Lord wants to relieve you of this heavy burden that you are carrying. You see, it is not ours to carry—the Lord God has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay…” (Romans 12:19)

If you are in this kind of relationship, believe me, I know how you are suffering. The Lord calls out to you saying, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

As we journey through this life we commit many sins, intentional and unintentional, but God forgives us over and over again. It must be true, otherwise we would not be able to see and enjoy all the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us. “What blessings?” you ask. “All I see is my pain!” Exactly, ask God to open your eyes and your heart that you may be able to see what He is providing for you.

Forgiveness is the greatest weapon we have in our arsenal. The enemy cannot fight against it. He doesn’t know what to do with it—it is not in his program. So, if you want to chase the Enemy away, forgive. You will be doing the same thing as if heaping burning coals upon his head.

Jesus teaches us to forgive as he has forgiven us. Also, “IF you forgive others…your Heavenly Father will forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) You can do it—God will give you strength, if you ask Him. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, waiting patiently for you to open it. (Revelation 3:20)

Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving me—help me to forgive others who have hurt me so that I may live in freedom under your yoke. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Matthew 18:22   Matthew 6:14   Ephesians 4: 31-32

“…whoever comes to Me will never be hungry…” John 6:35

 

Many of us are hungry. We hunger for many different things. Some want success; some riches; some love; some just to be appreciated; and some are hungry literally—for food. Sometimes we are hungry for something and do not know what. It just seems like you need something, but it is just beyond your reach.

You think that if you could live over there or change your place of employment, or marry this person or that person it would satisfy your hunger. But, you know what? Even if you made all those changes, you would still be hungry. The fact is, wherever you go you have to take yourself with you. And until you deal with what is lacking within your spirit, you will never be satisfied. Everything will still be wrong. So you continue to search.

Then one night you are watching television and turn on a new show—one you’ve even skipped over before. But, this night it caught your eye and you couldn’t turn it off. It was one of those variety, competition shows. The very last act was the one you were meant to see.

All of a sudden you found yourself truly in worship as you listened to the testimony and singing voice of a woman all dressed in white, looking like an angel. She was praising the Lord and telling the world about how the Lord—no the Holy Spirit—had answered her prayer to be able to sing. And did He ever! God gifted this young woman with an incredible, on pitch voice, and now she is using her gift to bring others into a relationship with the giver of life—Jesus Christ.

My friend, this is what you have been hungry for all this time. This is what the world is hungry for, also. We fight and sneak and steal and blame others for our lostness when all the time our hunger arises from the fact that we have turned away from God. And until you have a relationship with God, you cannot have a successful relationship with another. In fact, until you have peace with God there cannot be true peace within yourself.

God’s word tells us “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) John quotes Jesus as saying, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and who ever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) And John writes in the book of Revelation, “They will hunger no more and thirst no more…” (7:16)

Listen to His still small voice, He is calling you to accept His love. He wants you to “be still and know that [He] is God.” (Psalm 46:10) Jesus calls your name saying, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and you will never more hunger. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved…” (Acts 16:31)

 

Dear Lord, receive me now into your fold. You are my shepherd and I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1) In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

“…let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature…”

 James 1:4 NRSV

When men and women make the choice to enter the United States military they must first go to a place known as boot camp. This is a military training camp with strict discipline. There are many different kinds of boot camp among which are fitness boot camp, prison boot camp, computer boot camp and, of course, military boot camp.

The boot camp teaches great discipline and obedience. There is nothing easy about it. Some people complete it and some do not. It is altogether different than what was expected or even what one has experienced previously. But, at the completion the person has become new and ready to meet the demands of life.

What about a spiritual boot camp? The disciples were in one that lasted 3 years. At the end they were expected to carry on the work of the Lord. They all completed the course, save one. Judas Iscariot could not meet the challenge of standing up against the Enemy—he joined him. The remaining 11 were equipped with the armor of God. Nothing could separate them from the work of the Holy Spirit who had breathed life into them. Now they stood as a mighty army against the foe.

Boot camp is hard, but at the end you will feel the strength of the Lord. As you meet the trials and tribulations you will count it all joy (James 1:2) because you know that God is working on your behalf. Through each trial, hardship, and disaster, God is there with you. At the end you will be stronger and the strength of your character will make you mature and complete lacking in nothing.

So, hang in there. It may be a tough go for a while, but the sun will shine again in your life. Graduation day is coming. You will put on the whole armor of God. In your hand will be the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Never cease your prayers. You are now a part of God’s army. The Holy Spirit has breathed new life into your once dead soul. Count it all joy, my friends. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Let joy reign when you are surrounded by many troubles and tests. “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” (Philippians 4:6) You are not alone.

Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that nothing can separate me from your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Romans 5:4   I Corinthians 15:33   Hebrews 1:3   Ephesians 6:11