Standing Through the Storms!

(Prov 10:25 NIV) When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

In this text Solomon contrasts how the wicked and the righteous respond to storms. The Message Bible translation of this verse says, “When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed.”

We all face storms in life. It is unreasonable to think that we are going to live our lives without challenges, especially as a believer. Paul said, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2nd Tim 3:12). Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Mat 16:33).

This morning I came to work to find out that my old Supervisor’s (Royce) girlfriends son who just made 5 died as a result of a car accident. My heart aches for them. He just made 5 years old on March 25th. Please keep them in your prayers as this will be a very hard time for them and they are not believers.

It is true, we can’t get around it, in this world we will have trouble, challenges and opposition, but the good news is that as believers we can face every challenge with the expectation to come out on top! Jesus overcame the world so that we can do the same. I often say, “You can’t be an overcomer if you don’t have anything to come over!”

So the issue is not whether or not we will face storms, but rather how we will deal with them. Solomon makes it clear that the wicked are annihilated by the storms, whereas the righteous stand firm forever, having a sure foundation. Jesus taught something similar in the New Testament when He said, “So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on the rock. But everyone who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man. He builds his house on sand. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. And it falls with a loud crash” (Mat 7:24-27).

Once again, notice that the rains fell, the winds blew, and the floods flowed against BOTH houses. Neither one was exonerated from the destructive affects of the weather, but only the one that was on a sure foundation was able to weather the weather. The wise man, Jesus says, built his house upon a rock. The foolish man built his house upon the sand. In Jesus’ lesson, what made the wise man wise? What man the foolish man foolish? The answer is: whether or not they put into practice what He taught. Both the wise man and the foolish man heard what Jesus was saying. They both received His teaching, but only one turned the corner from information to application.

By choosing to apply God’s Word, by choosing to be a doer and not just a hearer (James 1:23), we can become the wise man in Jesus’ story; we can become the righteous in Solomon’s proverb.

So what does this mean to you ? It means you have a choice. You can either read these messages and walk away from your computer like nothing happened, ignoring what God is saying in your life, or you can read, believe, receive and apply His truth to your life. Believe me, the results will be different. Every day you apply God’s truth to your life you are adding another brick to your spiritual house; a house being built upon the ROCK.

When the rains fall, the floods flow, and the winds blow – and believe me, they will – you will be able to stand. Life in Christ does not mean that you will be exonerated from challenges, but it does mean that you will be able to face every challenge and remain STANDING!

Father, My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand. So I declare, by faith, that when the rains fall, the floods flow and the winds blow in my life, I will still be standing. I stand firm forever. I am the righteous Solomon referred to, I am the wise man Jesus taught about, and I stand! Having done all, I continue to stand! I shall not be moved by the storms of life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

The Hope of the Godly!

(Prov 10:24 NLT) The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.

In this text Solomon contrasts the wicked (who walk in fear), with the Godly (who walk in hope). Interestingly enough, I have been teaching on fear all month. Last week I taught several reasons why we should not fear and one of the reasons I taught was: "What you fear will come upon you."

Fear is a polar opposite to faith. Faith is an expression of your confidence in God and in His Word. Faith is based upon the hope that we have in God. When we find Bible Promises that line up with what we are believing God for, it adds substance to our hope (Heb 11:1). This Godly hope enables us to walk in an unrelenting confidence. Fear, on the other hand, is also a form of confidence, but it is a confidence in the negative. When you fear you are actually anticipating the negative to happen. Your confidence is not in God, but rather in what the enemy can/will do in your life. Fear opens the door to defeat; it welcomes it with open arms.

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he talked about an overwhelming and overcoming hope. In the 5th chapter he said, "Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (5:5). We see here that part of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to give us a hope that does not disappoint.
In Christ we CAN get our hopes us, because in Him we are never disappointed! When He leads us to something, when He opens a door, when He starts us down a path, He always does so with the intent to see His will through to the end. He will never get our hopes up, only to then pull the rug out from under us. He wants us to hope, to believe, to operate in faith, and to live with a fearless confidence in Him! In the 15th chapter of the same letter Paul said, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (15:13). This is one of my favorite verses in all of scripture. In this verse Paul calls God the "God of Hope," and I love that. Furthermore, he tells us that the Holy Spirit can cause us to abound in hope and give us all joy and peace as we trust in Him! That means we can have the excitement that comes from joy and the serenity that comes from peace, while we live every day in complete and total trust, confidence and faith.

So what does this mean? It means that you have a decision to make. We are living in a time where the economy is unstable, the dollar is failing and falling, our nation is still waging a war on two fronts, and many Americans are losing their hope.
The wicked don't have a choice. They really don't have an answer for fear. Fear - especially now - can grip their hearts and their minds and before they know it, their fears will be fulfilled. Without God, the wicked really don't have another way and they quickly find themselves in the realm of the hopeless. However, for those of us who are believers, we should never be hopeless, because with God we are never helpless. There is a hope available to us that never disappoints. There is a hope that comes from God that never fails. Hold on to God's hope today. With His hope in your heart you will be able to maintain joy and peace, no matter what happens in your life and our text for today says, "The hopes of the godly will be granted!"

Father, my hope is not based upon the economy, the dollar, or anything else in the world. My hope is based upon my relationship with You and this is a hope that never fails and never disappoints. You are my God of Hope! No matter what things looks like, and no matter how hard the challenge, I will never be hopeless, because with You I am never helpless! I have a hope - Your hope - that does not disappoint and that is why I am able to maintain joy and peace every day. I am not moved by what I see. I rest in my hope in You! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Are you ready to grow up?

Are You Ready to Grow Up?

(Prov 10:23 NLT) Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

This morning we continue our series, In this text Solomon contrasts those that enjoy doing wrong with those that take pleasure in living wisely. Now, you may be thinking, “The term ‘living wisely’ is relative. Some may think they are living wisely, even though we might disagree.” That’s true, so to be clear, the wisdom Solomon refers to here is wisdom from above.

His point is that there are some who enjoy doing things that are contrary to the will of God (those things outlined in His Word). Solomon calls the man that enjoys doing wrong a “fool.”

On the other hand, there are some who enjoy living their lives by God’s wisdom (outlined in His Word). Solomon calls the man that takes pleasure in God’s wisdom “sensible.” To further drive this home, let’s look at this verse from the New International Reader’s Version. The NIV says: “A foolish person finds pleasure in doing evil things. But a man who has understanding takes delight in wisdom.”

This verse reminds me of something Paul said in the New Testament in his first letter to the church at Corinth. He said: “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things” (1st Cor 13:11).

Most (if not all) of all us took pleasure in foolish things at some point in our lives. We did things that were wrong and thought they were cute, funny, or fun. We took pleasure in senseless things. Looking back it all seems so foolish, but at the time, it was enjoyable.

Paul admits that he too partook of childish and foolish things, but when he grew up, he had to leave those childish ways behind. When I read our text for this morning I think of men and women that have grown up (physically), but they have never grown up (mentally, psychologically, or spiritually). There comes a point where we must leave childish things in the past. The same thing we might laugh at a 2yr. old for doing, we might have serious concerns with if we saw a 20yr. old doing.

So what does this mean ? It means that the Father expects you to grow up in Him. He expects you to leave childish ways behind. The King James Version of this text says, “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief.” As you grow in Christ sin should no longer be a laughing matter. Later in Proverbs Solomon said, “Fools don't care if they are wrong, but God is pleased when people do right” (14:9). Don’t be a fool. You should care – you MUST care – when you are wrong and be determined to do all you can (with God’s help) to do right!

As you grow in Christ your desire to want to do God’s will should grow as well. There was a situation in the New Testament where Jesus sent His disciples out to get something to eat. While they were gone He ministered to a woman at a well. When they came back they offered Him some food. He told them, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” He went on to say, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing His work” (John 4:32,34).

They were offering him natural food, but Jesus had just received a type of nourishment that natural food can never provide. He was satisfied in knowing that He had just ministered to a woman that was hurting. His words had just changed her life forever!

When you grow up in Christ you get a sense of satisfaction from doing His will. You no longer take pleasure in the foolish things you once did, but you rather focus your time, talents, and treasure on things of eternal significance. Are you ready to grow up?

Father, I am Your child, I have been Born-Again into Your Kingdom, and I declare, by faith, that I am growing up into a mature citizen that is determined to make a difference. I no longer take pleasure in doing wrong. I don’t laugh at sin or mischief. I know my time on the earth is limited, so I will not waste time on things of no eternal significance. I take pleasure in doing Your will. I get nourishment from being used by You to be a blessing to others. Use me Father, today, for Your glory. Use me to make a difference in someone else’s life today. That’s what I take pleasure in – in doing Your will! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Increase – God’s Way!

(Prov 10:22 NIrV) The blessing of the LORD brings wealth. Trouble doesn't come with it.

This morning we continue our series, In this text Solomon contrasts those that gain wealth through God’s blessing (living life God’s way), with those that pursue wealth without it (the world’s way).

First of all let me clarify that this verse is referring to material wealth. I hope you understand that spiritual riches are far greater than materials riches, and being rich in the Kingdom of God – His righteousness, peace, love, and joy – should be our ultimate aim. However, in this verse Solomon is teaching us about material riches; which by themselves are not bad. Remember, having money is not the problem; it’s when money has you that you fall into a trap; the trap of thinking that money is that answer to all of life’s issues.

Young’s Literal translation of this verse says, “The blessing of Jehovah -- it maketh rich, and He addeth no grief with it.” Today’s New International Version says, “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” If we look at all three translations we can see that the Blessing of God upon our lives can open the door to wealth. The caveat is that when we walk in the Blessing – when we lives pleasing to God – we can attain material wealth, but we can do so without the trouble, grief, and painful toil that can accompany the ill-gotten gain of those that seek increase the wrong way.


Once again, let me be clear, the Lord does not want us to be poor. We have already learned that the Lord is against poverty. Later in Proverbs Solomon says, “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children” (13:22). The Father wants us to be able to be a blessing to our children and their children, but we can do that without forsaking God in the process. Those that seek riches without God may work hard, but their labor often seems in vain. In the 127th Psalm we see how hard it can be to work without the blessing. The Psalmist said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat…” (Ps 127:1,2).

So what does this mean? It means that the Father wants you to be financially secure, but He wants you to do it His way. When you pursue financial security His way, you can have more than enough to meet the needs of every situation, to give to every charitable work, and to leave and inheritance for your children; all without the grief that comes from attempting to do it without God. When your priorities are right, everything else falls into place.

Father, I thank You for teaching me how to profit Your way. I honor You with my finances. I give, as You lead me. I work diligently and faithfully. I respect authority and promote the vision of my superiors. I do all that I do for Your glory. Therefore, Your Blessing is upon the work of my hands and You cause me to increase Your way. I declare, by faith, that I have more than enough to meet the needs of every situation, to give to every charitable work, and to leave and inheritance for my children’s children! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Bill Johnson: "Learning to Host the Presence"by Bill Johnson Apr 25, 2009
One of the greatest privileges in life is to learn to be a person that God will rest upon. He already lives in every born again Believer. But He doesn't rest upon all of us. One way I like to say it is, "He is in me for my sake, but He is upon me for yours." When He is upon us, it especially changes others around us. Jesus modeled this lifestyle in the story of His baptism in water.
When Jesus was baptized, He came out of the water, the Heavens opened, the Father spoke, and then the Holy Spirit came upon Him as a dove and remained. "John testified saying, 'I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of Heaven, and He remained upon Him'" (John 1:32). If, in the natural, I have a dove sitting on my shoulder and I want to go about life without it flying away, how am I going to live? Every step would be with the dove in mind.
As we become faithful in learning how to host the presence of the Lord, it is important to understand that there is a tension between two realities: He has been given to us without measure, yet what we enjoy on a daily basis has been "measured" to us according to our faithfulness. In other words, we have access to the unlimited measure of God's presence, but He doesn't entrust Himself to untrustworthy people. All of the measurements are set up on our end of the equation. He typically entrusts us with the measure of the presence we are willing to jealously guard.
We are to become His resting place—the place from which the exploits of Heaven are accomplished. For when the Lord rests upon a person, there is actually an atmospheric shift that takes place wherever that person goes. How do you think Peter's shadow healed people? Our shadow will always release whatever overshadows us. When we learn to host the presence of the Lord, we get more breakthroughs by accident than ever used to happen on purpose. That is a possibility for every Believer every day.
One of the conflicts we face in learning to host the presence is sometimes found in the very lessons we learned from the previous seasons. Believe it or not, those principles sometimes war against the actual presence of the Lord upon us. We are to use principles to plan by, but we must learn to live from the presence. And if there's a conflict between the two, presence always wins out over principle.
For example, I may be accustomed to aggressively pursuing the will of God for my life. My key verse might be Matthew 11:12, "and the violent take it by force." Living by principle has me apply what I have learned up to this point—violent faith. But in this story, the presence of God may be leading me to "receive the Kingdom as a child" (Luke 18:17). If you live entirely by principles only, you will make assumptions in certain moments and seasons that are entirely based on Scripture, but they will be in conflict with the Spirit. In this example, both violent faith and childlike faith are Biblical. It is the Holy Spirit who knows how we are to respond in each particular season or in a given situation.
We are supposed to be well grounded in what God has said so we can discern what He is saying. It is the presence of God that gives me access to continuous ongoing faith, because faith comes by hearing, not having heard. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Learning to host the presence of God provides the atmosphere of the heart where faith becomes natural and normal.
Let's commit ourselves to become the resting place of God.
Bill JohnsonBill Johnson Ministriesbjm.org and ibethel.org
Bill Johnson's Itinerary:April 26-27, 2009Your Kingdom ComeRCC - The MeadwayTilehurst, Reading, RG30 4NXContact: 0118-941-5557

Value Added

Wishing you all a very blessed weekend

Value Added

(Prov 10:20,21 TNIV) The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

In these two verses Solomon contrasts the tongue of the righteous with the heart of the wicked. As I prayed over these verses I see two things:

1. The Righteous Add Value: The reference to silver is a reference to value. Solomon is saying that those of us who walk with God, who fill our hearts with good things, and who thereby speak words of life are valuable.

I have already explained the connection between your heart and your mouth. As a believer, since your heart should be full of the Word of God, your mouth should be full of words of life. You should be ever ready to speak words that enrich, edify, uplift and inspire. And we have already studied the importance of our words.

If you believe your words can make a difference (and they can), and you use your lips to build up all those around you, that makes you valuable to your organization. Not to mention the fact that the Lord can give you insight, revelation, wisdom, and understanding to be able to tackle the tough challenges you (or your organization) may be facing.

The Lord will give you the insight you need, because He wants you to make a difference where you have been planted. If He sends you into a dark place, He wants you to bring light. If He sends you into a place full of hatred, he wants you to bring love. If He sends you to an unproductive organization, He wants you to be used to turn it around. Bottom line: as believers, we should add value wherever the Lord sends us. Our words and our works should make a positive impact on a daily basis.

2. The Wicked are No Value Added: Just like the hearts of the righteous are filled with good things, the hearts of the wicked are filled with evil things. Therefore, out of the abundance of their heart their mouths speak and what comes out is “No value added.”

The lips of the wicked spread lies, they are quick to backbite, and they speak hateful and divisive words. These people tear down, not build up. They are conniving and their ways can spread like cancer through an organization; driving wedges between the members; causing division, discord and discontent. We are experiencing something like this at my company right now in our technical department and it is effecting our entire organization.

Solomon calls these people “fools.” I guess the saddest part is these people are too foolish to realize that they are really being a detriment to themselves. They will eventually reap what they are sowing. Solomon says that they will die for lack of sense. Their evil ways bring destruction.

So what does this mean? It means that you have a choice. Which person do you want to be: the person that adds value or the person that is no value added? If you walk with God, study His Word, learn His ways, apply His principles, walk in love, and speak words of life, you will invariably add value to every organization you are a part of.

People will seek you out, because you produce. At the end of the day, leaders of organizations are always looking for people that can produce positive results.

However, the wicked are not so. They quickly gain a reputation for being divisive, disruptive, and counterproductive. People like this are not sought after, but rather ostracized. Don’t allow this to be you. Walk with God and seek to make a difference everywhere you go!

Father, I declare, by faith, that I am VALUE ADDED everywhere I go. I fill my heart with Your truth and out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth speaks. I speak life and not death, blessing and not cursing, words that help and not words that hurt.

I uplift, edify, and inspire all those around me. And You Father, give me the insight, wisdom, revelation, and understanding I need to perform my duties in excellence. My relationship with You gives me an advantage over those that do not know You. As I apply Your wisdom to my life I am able to add value to every organization You bless me to be a part of! Use me today, Father, for Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

He Did It Just For You

When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.
I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather? When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?
If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could've transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn't. With a wave of his hand, he could've boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn't. With an arch of his brow, he could've paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn't.
Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?
Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody--anybody--who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday's paycheck.
Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, "Just give the nod, Lord. One word and these demons will be deviled eggs."
Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner's night.
Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer--"Is that your best punch?"
That was cool, incredibly cool.
But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?
He did it for you. Just for you.

by Max Lucado

THE SNEEZE They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowdedauditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing ... And the traditional caps, they looked almost .. As grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed bythe ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage.. Simply looked at the audience and said,'GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!' And he walked off stage... The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way toinvoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval. Isn't this a wonderful story? Pass it on to all your friends.........andGOD BLESS YOU!!!! This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland . Oh, how I wish THIS one would take off and FILL the whole Country!!!

Your Words Matter

(Prov 10:19 NIrV) Those who talk a lot are likely to sin. But those who control their tongues are wise.

In this text Solomon contrasts those who talk a lot with those who control their tongues.

The Bible has a great deal to say about the words of our mouths many Bible-based books have been written on the subject, and the topic gets addressed from pulpits all over the world on a regular basis. After studying the topic for quite some time I believe it all comes down to two major points:

1. What comes out of you is an indication of what is in you (got this from Carol Cobb). Jesus explained that our words flow from the abundance of our heart (Matthew 12:34). This means that we are connected to our words and our words are connected to us. If a person routinely speaks foul language he will be known as a foul person. You cannot disassociate yourself from your words.

2. Words have power. The old adage sticks and stones… words will never hurt me, is simply not true. Words can build up or tear down. Abusive words can ruin a person’s life, just like positive and affirming words can prepare them for success and victory.

Solomon understood the importance of words. As the wisest man to ever live (outside of Jesus), he knew that wise men choose their words carefully. Later on in Proverbs Solomon said, “Those who have knowledge use words with restraint” (17:27).

I am sure Solomon learned a thing or two about this from his father David. David said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked” (Psalm 39:1).

Why so much care? Why so much concern about words? Because God knows that where a great deal is said, without care and forethought, many idle words – and possibly many lies – will be spoken. Idle words are useless and unproductive words. People that speak a lot are people that can’t help but speak idle words. Since they are speaking all day long, they never take the time to carefully think through what they are going to say.

People that live this way will invariably allow their mouths to get them in trouble (here in the earth) and more importantly, they will have to give account for their words when they stand before God. Jesus said, “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak” (Matthew 12:36).

So what does this mean to you ? It means you should choose your words wisely. If you take the time to be deliberate in what you are going to say, you will find yourself speaking less; but you will also find that the words you do speak will have more meaning. Your words will be more effective and you will be able to get more done.

The same can be said of written communication. Today many communicate via email as much, or more than, they do over the phone. I have found that those who write long emails are simply not as effective as those who are clear, concise, and to the point.

Whether written or oral, say what you mean and mean what you say. In so doing you will show others that your words matter to you, and consequently they will also matter to them!

Father, I heed Your counsel, I submit to Your teaching. I will control my tongue and choose my words wisely. I declare, by faith, that before I communicate – either oral or written – I will carefully think through what I want to say. My words will communicate careful, clear and concise thoughts that will accomplish what I send them out to do. I fill my heart with good things and out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth speaks; speaking life, not death; blessing, not cursing; victory and never defeat! Father, may the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight today! In Jesus’ name. Amen

Guarding Your Heart and Your Lips

Guarding Your Heart and Your Lips

(Prov 10:18 NIV) He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

In this text Solomon contrasts those who conceal their hatred with those who openly spread slander. This is somewhat of a departure for Solomon, in that his previous comparisons have been between good and evil, righteous and unrighteous, godly and wicked. In this case, both are in the wicked category. They are, however, different types of wickedness.

The first person Solomon mentions is the person who harbors hatred in their heart towards others. If that were not bad enough, this person refuses to address the issue. He never openly confesses his dislike or distrust for the other person, but rather seeks to conceal his true feelings with flattery.
He pretends to be a friend, and outwardly behaves as one, but inwardly carries a root of bitterness.

Every time he has an encounter with the person or whenever the person’s name comes up in a conversation, he conceals his hatred with lying lips. There are many things wrong with this situation. First of all, as believers, we are commanded – not suggested – to love. Now, does that mean we are going to like everything others do? No. But dislike should not lead to disdain.

You can dislike a person’s ways and still love them. You can disagree without being disagreeable. The point is that as believers this simply should not be. The Bible gives us guidance on how to deal with conflict and we should love our brother enough to resolve any conflict quickly. Harboring unforgiveness in our heart becomes a detriment to our personal development and a hindrance to our prayer life. Not to mention that lying about it compounds the issue.

The second person Solomon mentions is the one who openly slanders others. Solomon calls him a fool. Our lips should be used to build up, not to tear down. Unlike the first man, who bites his lip instead of saying his what he really feels, this man’s mouth is stuck in the “ON” position.

He publically expresses his dislike for others; seeking to deprecate, defame, and discredit them openly. He has no care or concern for their well being or their public status. His only goal to speak negatively about the person he dislikes and he will lie if he has to. Fabricating stories is not off-limits to this person and before you know it, they have a hard time differentiating between what is true and false in their own minds. He is a fool because he thinks he is destroying the other person, but he is actually destroying himself. He is sowing seeds of discord and eventually, he will reap what he sows.

So what does this mean ? A few things:

1. Be quick to Forgive: Jesus said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.] (Mark 11:25,26).

2. Use your lips to Bless, not Curse: Paul said, “Don't let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

3. Walk in Love with God and Man: Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Matthew 12:30,31).

Father, I thank You for Your Word. Your Word has taught me this morning to guard my heart and my lips. I guard my heart from bitterness, malice, hatred, and strife. I guard my lips from lies and destructive words. I use my lips to build up and never to tear down. If I have an unresolved issue with my brother, I will seek a quick resolution. And even before the resolution, I will keep from defaming my brother with careless words. Father, I love You with all my heart and I love my neighbor as myself. I walk in love daily and I am quick to forgive. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Strengthened By Your Struggle

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 22, 2009

Beloved, take the time and be quiet enough to gain a fresh perspective of where you have been and where you are now before I lead you out to your next point of destiny. It is important that you see the past, not as a place of defeat, but as a place of experiential growth and victory. You have come through a lot and are stronger because of the struggle. This strength will serve you well in upcoming challenges, and the wisdom you have gained will undergird your confidence to overcome, says the Lord.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Making the Right Impact

(Prov 10:17 NIV) He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

This morning we continue In this text Solomon contrasts those who heed discipline with those to ignore correction. The Amplified Bible translation of this verse says, “He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.” I see two points in this text:

1. Our personal development: In our lesson from Proverbs 10:10 we learned that God is a loving, caring, and sharing heavenly Father. As our Father He has a responsibility to discipline us when we go astray. The title of the message was, “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love.” If God failed to correct us it would mean that He failed to love us. The reality is that His love is unfailing. He loves us unconditionally and He is ever ready to get us back on the right path. What this also means, however, is that He is ever ready to correct us when we need it. Our job then, as loving children, is to accept and apply His correction; so that we can become the men and women that the Father desires for us to be. I know that many do not like to be corrected, but the reality is that we all make mistakes. We all go astray. We miss the mark from time to time. If we would be honest with ourselves, we would realize that the only thing keeping us from acknowledging our shortcomings is pride. As believers, if we really want to develop into mature citizens in the Kingdom of God, we will have to remain humble and teachable. The more we understand our weaknesses, the more God can help us address them. Our goal should be personal development, but you cannot be developed if you refuse to be taught.

2. The Impact we can have on others: The selfish person may pursue personal development, but they pursue it with the goal of making themselves look better. Pride supplies the fuel to their fire. Their focus is on their lives and their lives alone! However, the humble and submitted child of God knows that their life is not their own. They understand that they were born with and for a purpose and God’s purposes are never limited to one person. His plans for you are too big to just impact you alone. He puts His best IN you and then places you IN environments where you can make a difference. Jesus said that we are to be the “Light of the world” (Mat 5:14). Light does its best work in the dark. God wants to be able to plant you as light in the midst of darkness, so that His glory, in you, could pierce through the bitterness, hatred, malice, and strife of others. The Father wants to be a blessing TO you, so that He can be a blessing THROUGH you. When God called Abraham He promised to bless him, but the overall purpose of the Blessing was so that Abraham could BE a blessing to others (Gen 12:1,2). The reality is that we will all impact others – one way or another. We all have some level of influence over others. Solomon’s point is that if we accept God’s discipline and correction we can influence others in the right way. However, if we fail to be developed, then we will influence others in the wrong way. And the sobering reality to all of this is that every one of us will be judged some day.

So what does this mean? God has blessed you to have a sphere of influence. For some the sphere is bigger than for others, but nonetheless we all have one. The question is: what are you doing with that influence? Are you allowing God to develop you, so that you can influence others in the right way? Or are you rejecting His discipline and thereby putting yourself and others at risk? Remember, you will have to give account for the impact (good or bad) that you have had on others.

Father, I thank You for Your Word. I declare, by faith, that I heed Your discipline. I remain humble and teachable. I submit to Your process of development. In so doing, I know that I am being prepared to both BE Blessed and to BE a Blessing to others! I release myself to You this morning – spirit, soul, and body – to be used of You, for Your glory. Use me Father to positively impact the lives of others today! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Both my husband and I have caught bad colds and we could not enjoy the fist nice day of spring. Ok so lets get to the message.


Wages

(Prov 10:16 TNIV) The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.


In this text Solomon contrasts the “wages” of the righteous with those of the wicked. Webster’s dictionary definition of wages is: a payment usually of money for labor or services. Interestingly enough, Webster also lists the words, recompense and reward under wages and provides Romans 6:23 as a reference.

In Romans 6:23 Paul said, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Noah Webster provides us two references. One is a common reference, and it deals with financial earnings. The other is an uncommon (in today’s society) reference, and it deals with life earnings; the eternal rewards that we earn (good or bad) for the things that we do in the earth.

I meet people all the time who fail to understand the significance of their actions. If something good happens, they thank God. If something bad happens, they blame God. Either way, they see God as the reason behind everything that happens to them, their family members, their children, and etc. They might show up late for work, on a regular basis, and wind up getting fired. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they say things like, “How could God let this happen to me?”

They eat the wrong foods, live a sedimentary lifestyle, they practice sin regularly, and when they get sick (in their body and their soul), they say things like, “If God loved me, He would not have done this to me.” People that live this way don’t understand the word “wages” in our text. They clearly understand what it means when it is payday – expecting full compensation from their employer – but they fail to understand the spiritual significance of what they do (or fail to do) on a daily basis.

In one sense, grace is God giving you what you do not deserve. Mercy is God not giving you what you do deserve. I thank God for grace and mercy and you should too. It is only because of God’s goodness that He continues to give us what we do not deserve and holds back what we really do deserve, but we should not live our lives based solely upon grace and mercy. You can fail to live the life that God expects for you to live and still come to God in prayer. Will He answer your prayer? He might or He might not.

God is a good God and He might do what you ask, just out of His goodness, but is that really how you want to live? Do you want to live every day depending on grace and mercy alone? I hope not. Solomon tells us this morning that the wages (the reward) for living a righteous life is LIFE – the God type of life. This is the life that God desires for you to live. Think of it this way: when you live the life God intends for you to live, it opens the door to the Good life (His type of life). However, the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. When you choose to ignore God’s counsel and you willingly live a life contrary to God, it opens the door to sin and death. Is that what you want? Do you want to earn your way to destruction?

So what does this mean to you? It means that your actions matter; that every cause has an effect. What you do today will be worthy of wages. You can either earn goodness or you can earn destruction. Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect. and not luck what will your actions cause today? Will they cause life or death, blessing or cursing, goodness or destruction? Remember, the choice is yours. God is watching and He will cause you to reap whatever you sow.

Father, I thank You for giving me the right to choose, for blessing me to be a free morale agent, and for having enough confidence in me to enable me to make my own decisions. I know that I will reap whatever I sow. Therefore, I declare, by faith, that I choose life and not death, blessing and not cursing, goodness and not destruction. My actions today will open the door to Your best in my life. I refrain from sin and death. I live a life of righteousness, love, joy, and peace. Be glorified in me today, Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

The Right Attitude About Money

The Right Attitude About Money

(Prov 10:15 NIrV) The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. But having nothing destroys those who are poor.

In this text Solomon contrasts the hearts of the rich with those of the poor. I read this verse in several translations before I got started. I feel led to share a couple of other translations with you. The Contemporary English Version says, “Great wealth can be a fortress, but poverty is no protection at all.” The Good News Bible says, “Wealth protects the rich; poverty destroys the poor.” As I prayed over this verse I received to major nuggets from it and I will share them with you. I believe this verse provides:

A warning against poor financial management: What Solomon states is absolutely true, wealth does provide a level of safety. Solomon was well qualified to talk about wealth. When Solomon was taking over as King of Israel and he had a conversation with God. In that conversation Solomon explained his concerns to God. To address his concerns, God told Solomon to ask for whatever he needed. Instead of asking for material things, Solomon asked for wisdom. God was pleased with his request and said, “Since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom… wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have" (2nd Chron 1:11,12). Many scholars believe Solomon was the richest man to ever live. As king he was able to observe the lives of the wealthy, as well as the poor. He knew (first hand) that wealth could buy a certain level of security, while poverty, in many ways, leaves the poor exposed. As believers we should be prudent in financial matters. Making poor financial decisions can have devastating results.

2. A warning against having the wrong attitude: I often say, “There is nothing wrong with having money, just as long as money does not have you.” The other danger I get from Solomon here is the danger of receiving the wrong attitude from either wealth or poverty. Many rich people make the mistake of trusting in their riches. If the current US economy has taught us anything, it is that money can come and go. Later on in Proverbs Solomon said, “The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it” (18:11), but we know that their wall of safety can come tumbling down. So those with wealth should thank God for it, and seek to manage it wisely, but their ultimate trust should be in God. On the other end of the spectrum are the poor. Even worse than the pride that money can cause the wealthy to have is the low self-esteem that the lack of money can cause the poor to have. Poverty is a terrible thing I have seen people seemingly incapacitated by the suffocating power of poverty. They work hard, but they never see a way out. Solomon says, “Having nothing destroys those who are poor.”

So what does this mean to you ? It means you must maintain a healthy perspective concerning money. Money makes an excellent servant, but a poor master. If you are wealthy, resist pride. If you are poor, know that you can get out. Either way, trust God!

Father, I thank You for blessing me with physically, mentally, psychologically, socially, and financially. I will use money as a tool for Your Kingdom. I ask You, Father, for wisdom concerning my finances. Help me to be a fiscally responsible son. As You do, I declare, by faith, that I will maintain the proper attitude. I will remain humble and I will trust You every day of my life. My life is in Your hands. Lead me and I will follow. Teach me and I will execute. Use me and I will bring Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 17, 2009:
My people, if you can rise above your circumstances and the worldly things that demand your time and attention; if you can be quiet and seek My face; if you will listen for My still, small voice, I will impart to you greater revelation of My kingdom, My purposes, and that which is before you. I am now calling you to a time of clarity in what you see and hear. But, you must come into the realm of the Spirit and refuse to allow your fleshly desires to pervert the purity of what I am about to impart. This place of holiness will require sanctification and consecration. You must give yourselves wholly to Me, says the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:4 ... each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.

A Cry of Victory

"It is finished."

Stop and listen. Can you imagine the cry from the cross? The sky is dark. The other two victims are moaning. The jeering mouths are silent. Perhaps there is thunder. Perhaps there is weeping. Perhaps there is silence. Then Jesus draws in a deep breath, pushes his feet down on that Roman nail, and cries, "It is finished!"

What was finished?

The history-long plan of redeeming man was finished. The message of God to man was finished. The works done by Jesus as a man on earth were finished. The task of selecting and training ambassadors was finished. The job was finished. The song had been sung. The blood had been poured. The sacrifice had been made. The sting of death had been removed. It was over.

A cry of defeat? Hardly. Had his hands not been fastened down I dare say that a triumphant fist would have punched the dark sky. No, this is no cry of despair. It is a cry of completion. A cry of victory. A cry of fulfillment. Yes, even a cry of relief.

It's over.

An angel sighs. A star wipes away a tear.

"Take me home."Yes, take him home.Take this prince to his king.Take this son to his father.Take this pilgrim to his home.(He deserves a rest.)

"Take me home."Come ten thousand angels! Come and take this wounded troubadour tothe cradle of his Father's arms!

Farewell manger's infant.Bless You holy ambassador.Go Home death slayer.Rest well sweet soldier.

The battle is over.

by Max Lucado

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 16, 2009:
Beloved, I see and know the things that have brought about a period of stress and uncertainty. And, I tell you that the light will dawn, and you will have greater revelation that will bring resolution to difficult situations. I will give you wisdom and direction that will release you from restrictions that have been difficult to cope with. Confining circumstances will give way to defining moments as you move with the wind of My Spirit. Changes will develop that will bring a sense of release and freedom, says the Lord.
John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

The Connection between your Heart and your Mouth

(Prov 10:14 NIV) Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

In this text Solomon seemingly contrasts the heart (or storage) of the wise man with the mouth of the fool. Like yesterday’s message, at first glance it looks like these two are not connected, but upon further review we will see that they are.

Wise men store up knowledge: Solomon, being the wisest man of his time, knew a thing or two about storing up knowledge. He knew that the wise are in a constant state of learning and that they meditate on the right things. Solomon’s father (David) taught about “The Blessed Man” in the first Psalm. He said that this man literally meditates on the Word (or counsel) of God day and night.

Likewise, when the Lord was preparing Joshua to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land He told Joshua to keep the Word of God in his mouth and his mind. The promise was that if Joshua meditated on the Word day and night, spoke the Word consistently, and then observed to DO (putting action to it) all that he learned, that he would literally make his own way prosperous and he would enjoy good success (see Joshua 1:8).

The key to all of this is what we store in our heart. The wise store Godly counsel in their heart. Eventually, the abundance of their heart begins to flow out of their mouth. Before they know it, what’s in their heart and their mouth begins to dictate what they put their hands to do and how they do it. Continue down this road long enough and you will find yourself living in God’s best. However, the fool chooses to fill his heart with the wrongs things and eventually his mouth gets him in trouble.

But the mouth of a fool invites ruin: Unlike the wise who meditates on Godly counsel, the fool meditates on ungodly counsel. They are quick to gossip, to welcome bad news, and to harbor on the evil done to them. They harbor bitterness, hatred, and unforgiveness in their hearts.

They fill their hearts with the wrong things and eventually the abundance of their hearts causes them to speak the wrong words. Jesus explained this well to the Pharisees when He said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Mat 12:35,36).

Did you catch that? Jesus explained the connection between what’s in your heart and what comes out of your mouth. It is obvious that the fool fills his heart with the wrongs things, because his mouth constantly gets him in trouble. If we fill our hearts with the right things, we can use our mouths to build up and not tear down.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he explained the benefits of using our mouths the right way when he said, “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph 4:29).

So what does this mean? A few quick things:

1. There is a connection between what comes out of your mouth and what’s it in your heart.

2. If you fill your heart with things pleasing to God, then you will speak words pleasing to God.

3. If your heart is full of Godly counsel and your words are communicating Godly counsel, it is only a matter of time before your actions line up with Godly counsel – causing you to experience God’s best in your life!

4. The wise speak few words, but the words that they do speak are used to build up and never to tear down. The fool speaks all day long and his mouth get’s him in trouble.

5. Jesus said that we will all have to give account for every careless word we have spoken!

Father, I understand the connection between my heart and my mouth. I fill my heart with good things. I meditate on Your Word day and night. As I fill my heart with Your counsel, the abundance of my heart begins to affect the quality of my words. As my heart and my mouth line up with you, my actions are soon to follow. I declare, by faith, that as I enter this day my heart is pure, my words are Godly, and my actions will be pleasing in Your sight. I am the wise, not the fool, and I experience Your best in my life daily! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!

What are you Known For?

(Prov 10:13 ASV) In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

In this text Solomon provides a seemingly strange contrast. He compares the lips of the wise with the back of the foolish. To get a better picture of what he is saying we must understand the setting (or the era) from which he is saying it. In ancient times flogging (or scourging) was a common form of punishment.

When someone committed an act that warranted punishment, but not necessarily prison, they were often publically disciplined with either a whip or a rod. Inevitably, the punishment would leave scars on the person’s back. Whenever they took their top off, people would know that they had – at some point in their lives – commitment an error that warranted the rod.

The English Standard Version of this text says, “On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.” Solomon makes it clear that the rod (or the whip) is reserved for the person who lacks sense or understanding. I often say, “Your life is a grand-sum-total of your decisions. You are where you are today, because the decisions you have made in the past and where you wind up tomorrow has a great deal to do with the decisions you make today.”

If you lack wisdom you will make foolish decisions. If you make foolish decisions, you will inevitably experience undesirable results. If you continue down this path you will eventually become known for the constant trouble you get yourself into. This all leads us to what I believe Solomon’s point is. As he compares and contrasts the lips of the wise with the back of the foolish I believe what he is getting is that we will all be known for something.

Solomon was the wisest man in the land. I am sure that he was aware that he was known for what flowed from his lips. I am also sure that he knew many people that were known for the trouble they consistently got themselves into – and they had the back to prove it! The question then is: what will you be known for? Will you be known for the wisdom that flows from your lips or for the trouble you get yourself in to?

Your decisions are like seeds that are sown into the soil of your life. If you make good decisions – decisions rooted and grounded in the counsel of God – they will bring forth a good harvest. This will be a harvest of peace, progress, and prosperity. But if you make poor decisions – decisions that go against the counsel of God – then you are going to reap a disappointing and distressing harvest.

This harvest will cause you nothing but pain, turmoil, and strife; and the worst part is that you will have no one to blame but yourself. If you consistently get yourself into trouble, you will eventually be known for it.

So what does this mean? It means that your decisions matter. You will reap the harvest of the seeds you sow. God wants you to make good decisions for two main reasons:

1. He wants you to enjoy life. Jesus did not die so that you could live a miserable life. He came that you would have and enjoy His abundant life (John 10:10).

2. He wants you to be light. You are supposed to shine as light in the midst of darkness (Mat 5:14). You can’t draw anyone to God if all others see in you is problems. They have problems. They need to see something in you that they don’t have. Be that light (God’s light) today!


Father, I thank You for blessing me with Your wisdom. Your wisdom enables me to make good decisions. My decisions are like seeds and they bring forth a harvest of goodness in my life. By consistently making good decisions I will eventually become known as a wise person. This wisdom will become light – Your light – and it will draw others to me. As they are drawn to me, I will direct them to You Father, so that You can move and minister in their lives. I declare, by faith, that Your light – the light of the world – flows through me daily! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!

Love covers a Multitude of Sin


(Prov 10:12 NIrV) Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them.


At first glance this text seems like a clear-cut comparison between love and hate – and ultimately, it does compare the two – but the real comparison Solomon is making is in the area of one’s response to evil. He is highlighting the fact that as believers we should respond to the evil done wrong to us in a different way than the world.


Love was the central theme of many of Jesus’ messages and He, more than anyone, taught us (by precept and example) how to respond to evil. It is too easy to repay evil with evil, but when you are able to repay evil with good, that’s when you know that God has wrought a change in your life.


In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus acknowledged that the Old Testament taught, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Lev 24:19,20). The issue was not what the Law taught, but rather what He was teaching. He came to show us a new way – a loving way, a caring way, a forgiving way. Jesus went on to say, “You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).


Did you catch that? True children of God walk in love. True children of God do not keep a track record of the wrong things done to them. True children of God have mercy upon those that transgress against them. True children of God know that love is our highest calling and forgiveness, our Godly mandate.


Paul was both the recipient and the disperser of forgiveness. He personally persecuted the church and he knew that he needed forgiveness for that. He came to God, received forgiveness, and then sought out to forgive, as he had been forgiven.


In his letter to the church at Colossae he taught them how forgiven believers should live, saying, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14). As believers we should not walk around with a root of bitterness, but rather with the oil of joy – quick to forgive, to let go, and to move on!

So what does this mean? It means you have a choice. You can either respond to evil with evil (making you no different than the world), or you can respond to evil with love (making you an example of God in the earth). Which will you choose? I know personally that it is a liberating thing when I release the wrong done to me. Not only does it free me, but it also frees the person who transgressed against me.


The Bible is full of evidence that proves that God expects us, as recipients of forgiveness, to forgive. Forgiveness helps mend broken relationships, heal broken hearts, and it provides a covering for the wrong done. I will close with the words of Peter: “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1st Peter 4:8).


Father, I have been forgiven, and I declare, by faith, that I walk in forgiveness all the days of my life. I don’t keep a record of the evil done to me. When people mistreat me, talk about me, and seek to come up against me, I earnestly pray for them. I pray that Your love would permeate their hearts. I know that their poison can’t stop my purpose, so I am not concerned about the attack against me. I am, however, concerned about the attacker. Use me as an intercessor. Use me to pray for them, to release Your best in them, to be the tool You use to bring about a change in their lives. Just as You have released me of all the evil I did, I release them, I forgive them, and I love them with Your unconditional love. I enter this day full of Your love and ready to forgive! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!

Watch Your Mouth

Watch Your Mouth

(Prov 10:11 NIrV) The mouths of those who do right are a fountain of life. But the trouble caused by what sinners say destroys them.

I hope you all had a Happy Easter!! This morning we get back to our primary teaching In this text Solomon contrasts those use their mouths to help with those who use their mouths to hurt. Later on in Proverbs Solomon said, "The tongue has the power of life and death" (18:21). The old adage, "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," may have applied to the playground, but it does not apply to real life. Our words can build up or tear down, so we must choose them wisely.

Like Solomon, James had a great deal to say about the tongue and it's use. His focus was not on what your words can do to others, but rather on what they say about you. James learned from Jesus that the words that come out of your mouth are in indication of the condition of your heart (see Luke 6:43-45).

No doubt James applied Jesus' teaching and he incorporated it into his own writings. In the first chapter of his letter James said, "If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless" (1:26 NLT).

That statement set the stage and in the third chapter he provided more detail. In chapter three he said, "... If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life. A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell" (James 3:2-6 MSG).

Just like the small bit controls the direction of a big horse and the tiny rudder controls is used to steer an enormous ship, our tongue dictates the course of our lives. If you read James' entire letter you will realize that he is teaching about spiritual maturity. His aim is that we all grow in Christ. He emphasizes the fact that our walk with God should not be void of works. He teaches that faith without works is a dead faith (see 2:18-26); but he also makes it clear that the true test of spiritual maturity is not in outwards actions, but rather in inward control. The fight of inward control is won or lost with a two-inch piece of flesh - our tongue. Just like a carefully placed word can turn a seemingly hopeless situation around, a carelessly placed word can start a fire that you may not be able to put out.

Simply put, it means you should watch your mouth. Your mouth can either become a fountain from which blessing, promises, and righteousness flow or it can become the vehicle through which destruction and defeat are ushered into your life. If you can control your tongue, you can control your life. However, to control your tongue you will need the help of the Father. Ask Him to help you to protect what goes through your eye gates (what you see) and your ear gates (what you hear). What goes through your eyes and ears eventually gets down into the soil of your heart. Your heart germinates what you sow into it and the harvest comes out of your mouth. Protect your heart and you will protect your mouth. Protect your mouth and you will protect your life!

Father, I thank You for teaching me the importance of my words. Not only can my words affect the lives of others, they also have a great deal to do with my own life. I declare, by faith, that I will carefully filter what I hear and what I see. I protect what goes into the soil of my heart. I will ensure that my heart receives what is right. As my heart receives the right things, it will bring forth the right harvest, and I will speak the right words. I speak life and not death, blessing and not cursing, and I use my tongue to help and not hurt. My mouth is a fountain of life, not a source of destruction. Use me Father to speak life into dead situations today - for Your glory! In Jesus' name. Amen!

The Story

(1st Cor 15:14 NIV) And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

God gave me a poem a few years ago about the story of the Resurrection. I simply titled it, "The Story."

God gave His best to Adam, in the garden,Kingdom Dominion, power, blessing, and the more,But shortly thereafter humanity was seeking a pardon,Adam disobeyed and the recovery from sin... a chore.God reestablished His Blessing with a man named Abraham,To bless the whole world was his charter, his mandate, his command,I am not really sure if Abraham could truly understand,The awesomeness of the task the Lord had just placed in his hands.

But Sin and Death still ruled because of Adam's transgression,An answer to this dynamic duo was needed in the land,Two types of lambs were chosen as an annual concession,The blood of these innocent animals was shed by the hands of guilty man.

The PASSOVER lamb served as a covering for death,The Atonement lamb as a covering for sin,But the blood of these animals was a just temporary solution,God sent Jesus to fight a decisive battle - and win!Jesus became the ultimate PASSOVER lamb,He conquered death once and for all,Jesus was also the ultimate Atonement lamb,On Calvary's cross sin took the last fall.

So behold the Lamb of God that took away the sin of the world,The ultimate sacrifice paid on Golgotha's hill,They hung Him high, they stretched Him wide, He hung His head, for me He died,And for three hours the light of the sun was stilled.But the true victory came later, after three nights and three days,When Jesus rose with all power in His hand,The resurrection is the Gospel, told in so many ways,And we must keep preaching it all throughout the land!

Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin,Jesus rose so that we could do the same,Jesus' victory is transferred to us, so now we win,Back to dominion, blessing, and power in life's game.So this upcoming Resurrection Sunday please remember what it's all about,It's more than rabbits and eggs and colorful attire,It's about redemption from sin and death, which should make you want to shout!Jesus died!

Jesus rose! So we could live Higher!That's the story that we tell, that's the story that we sing,That's the story that we preach all over the globe,But it's more than just a story; it's a life-changing thing,It's the Gospel, preached for the whole world to know!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 10, 2009:
Be aware that your spiritual atmosphere is charged with restlessness and a desire for change, and I say to you that you are sensing changes that are on the horizon. But, it is not yet time for real, productive change to manifest in your lives. Wait for My timing and leading, for if you step out too soon to force a transformation it will be by the flesh and out of the flow of My Spirit, says the Lord. Use this current restlessness to draw close to Me and be elevated to a new place in the Spirit.
Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

The Cross

The cross. Can you turn any direction without seeing one? Perched atop a chapel. Carved into a graveyard headstone. Engraved in a ring or suspended on a chain. The cross is the universal symbol of Christianity. An odd choice, don't you think? Strange that a tool of torture would come to embody a movement of hope. The symbols of other faiths are more upbeat: the six-pointed star of David, the crescent moon of Islam, a lotus blossom for Buddhism. Yet a cross for Christianity? An instrument of execution?

Would you wear a tiny electric chair around your neck? Suspend a gold-plated hangman's noose on the wall? Would you print a picture of a firing squad on a business card? Yet we do so with the cross. Many even make the sign of the cross as they pray. Would we make the sign of, say, a guillotine? Instead of the triangular touch on the forehead and shoulders, how about a karate chop on the palm? Doesn't quite have the same feel, does it?

Why is the cross the symbol of our faith? To find the answer look no farther than the cross itself. Its design couldn't be simpler. One beam horizontal--the other vertical. One reaches out--like God's love. The other reaches up--as does God's holiness. One represents the width of his love; the other reflects the height of his holiness. The cross is the intersection. The cross is where God forgave his children without lowering his standards.

How could he do this? In a sentence: God put our sin on his Son and punished it there.

"God put on him the wrong who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God" (2 Cor. 5:21 MSG).

We Serve a Living God!!

Paulette Fraticelli

(Mark 16:1-6 NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Solome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb… As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.”

Jesus died a brutal death on the cross for all humanity. He could have stopped the process at any time, but He willingly endured death, even the death of the cross, for you and I. He looked past the pain and he saw you, He saw me!

When it was all over they took down His body from the cross, wrapped it in linen cloth, together with spices, and placed it in a borrowed tomb that had never been used. Joseph of Arimathea (the owner of the tomb) and Nicodemus prepared the body, placed it in the tomb, and left. This is where we pick up our text.

The women went looking for Jesus’ body, but they did not find it. The body was not there because Jesus had been risen from the dead! This is what we will truly celebrate on Sunday morning. Resurrection Sunday is about the empty tomb that became the Good News of the gospel for all eternity.

That empty tomb gives Christians all over the world the spring in our step. That empty tomb is the fuel in our fire, the air in our lungs, and the wind beneath our wings! Without the empty tomb there is no Christianity. Without the empty tomb we have no hope. Without the empty tomb our message is just a story. Paul said it this way, “And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith” (I Cor 15:14 CEV).

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the single most important event in history – period! The resurrection of Jesus is what separates our religion from every other world religion. We don't serve an idol. We don't serve a man. We don't serve a dead God. We serve a Living Savior – Jesus is His name!

Over the nearly 2,000 years since many have tried to discredit and discount the validity of Jesus’ Resurrection, but the truth lives on. The most telling affirmation of the validity of His literal Resurrection was and is the dramatic change that it produced in the lives of those followers. From the weak, wavering, faltering, denying group of fishermen, tax collectors, etc.; the twelve plus the others became the most zealous, faithful, dynamic group who ever lived. They literally became burning evangels for the cause of Christ; and they totally turned the world up-side down for Him over the next 71 plus years. They were condemned, threatened, imprisoned, beaten, and commanded to be silent; but they just got right back out on the streets and just started preaching Jesus again – alive by Promise, dead by Purpose, Resurrected by (God's) Power, and reigning for our good Measure and Pleasure!

So what does this mean? A few things:
1. It means that Jesus’ victory over death liberates us to reign over death as well. Jesus took the sting out of death and He took victory from the grave (1st Cor 15:55).

2. It means that Christianity is the only religion with a living Savior. The prophet Mohammed died and remained dead. Siddhartha, the man who came to be known as “the Buddha,” died and remained dead. Mahatma Gandhi died and remained dead. The same could be said for EVERY other religious figure. Jesus conquered satan, hell and the grave with the Resurrection!
3. It means that to be a Christian you must have a personal encounter with the Christ! You can be a Muslim without ever meeting Mohammed, you can be a Buddhist without ever meeting Buddha, but if you are going to be a Christian you have to meet Christ for yourself!

Father, I thank You for sending Jesus to die so that I could live. I live for Him, in Him, with Him, and through Him. It is in You Father that I live, and move, and have my being. Jesus’ victory over death means that death has no victory over me. I am dead to self, alive to Christ, and I know that I will live forever in You and with You. I love you with all my heart and I live for You all my days. Help me to share Your love, Your light, and Your Resurrecting power with others today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is Today’s Word. Apply it and Prosper!

Our Blood Covenant
Paulette Fraticelli

(Ex 24:8 NIV) Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."

Most people are familiar with the "Ten Commandments" of Exodus 20. However, the Lord continued to give commandments (laws) to Moses for the next three chapters. In Exodus 24 the Lord 'sealed the deal' with a covenant of blood.

Moses told the people all the Lord's words and laws; and they responded with one voice saying, "Everything God said, we will do." Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning, built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. He then sent young men to offer bullocks as peace offerings to God. Moses took half of the blood of the animals and put it in bowls and sprinkled the other half on the altar. Afterwards Moses took the Book of the Covenant (which he had written the night before) and read it as the people listened.

Once again, they said, "Everything God said, we will do. Yes, we will obey." This is where it really gets good to me. Moses took the rest of the blood and threw it out over the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has made with you out of all these words I have spoken." Remember, the Old Testament is a foreshadow of the New.Let's take a closer look at this passage. The Lord gave Moses four chapters of clear instructions to give the people. He then told the people what God said and they said, with their own mouths, that they would obey it. Moses took it a step further and wrote down what God said, had an altar built, applied the blood of bullocks to it, and shared the commands of God again with the people.

Once again, they declared that they would be obedient to the Words of God. Only after this declaration of obedience would the other half of the blood be applied to the people. So there was blood on the altar and blood on the people, showing that both were mutually bound by this blood covenant (the strongest form of covenant). God was bound to protect, shield, and bless His people and they were bound to honor, love, and serve their God. So what does this mean ?It means that we are also in a Blood Covenant with God. Our covenant, however, was ratified with the most precious blood ever shed - the Blood of Jesus. All the gold in the world could not purchase one drop of Jesus' blood. Jesus died as the ultimate sacrifice (animals no longer required).

His blood was shed on Calvary's cross for the remission of sin and the redemption of humanity. This cleansing blood is offered to all people - the entire world - but like the people in the text, we must first make a declaration of obedience and acceptance before the blood is applied to our lives. Once we openly declare (with our own lips), that Jesus is Lord, that He died, and was risen from the dead, He becomes our Lord and Savior. It is at this point that His blood is applied to our lives, and the blood covenant is sealed!

Once the blood of Jesus is applied to our lives we enter into an everlasting covenant with the King of Glory. We are bound to honor, love, and serve Him and He is bound to protect, shield, and bless us!That's what this upcoming Sunday (Resurrection Sunday) is all about. Sunday we should celebrate the fact that Jesus conquered hell, sin, and the grave so that we could do the same. Father, I acknowledge afresh that Jesus the Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life in the earth, was persecuted, crucified, died, and was buried. You raised Him from the dead on the third day with all power in His hand. He ascended up to heaven and is seated at Your right hand.

He is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end. I acknowledge this with my lips and with my heart and I thank You for applying the blood of Jesus to my life. I am in Blood Covenant with You Lord and this covenant cannot and will not ever be broken. You are the God that I serve and I put no other gods before You. The blood of Jesus is applied to my life and I am healed, healthy, blessed, and prosperous because of it! In Jesus' name. Amen.