What does “Walking in the Word” mean? Today we will discuss several examples of this saying and how to apply them to our daily Christian walk. Continue reading →

Have you ever thought of praise as a weapon? When you choose to praise God you are turning your attention away from the enemy. You begin to focus your thoughts on the greatness and goodness of God. Psalms 149:6 “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.” Praise is part of our weaponry as Christians to deliver us from the devil’s oppression in our lives. Continue reading →

“Shut the Door!!” Probably all of us remember multiple times when we were told as youngsters to “shut the door“. If you are a parent, I’m sure you also have hollered “shut the door” as your children were running in and out of the house. Well, Friend, in the near future there will be a final call for another door to be shut. This time, it will be God Himself who commands “Shut the Door!”

Most of you reading this already realize that we are in the end times. Pastor Jim Bakker has a mandate from God to sound the trumpet loud and clear with the message of Revelation. The call goes forth to prepare, prepare, prepare! Pastor Jim emphasizes that we must be right with God, listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit, be watchmen on the wall and get ready.

Remember Noah? He heard from God and was directed to build an Ark to save his family. The Lord instructed Noah to “shut the door” of the Ark before the flood waters came. God is providing an Ark of safety for His people today, just as He did for Noah. A flood of challenging events, foretold in Revelation, is heading our way. Soon there will be another “SHUT THE DOOR” command coming from Heaven!! God in His mercy warned Noah’s generation. Once again, the Lord is allowing a warning period before the Ark of grace slams shut. We are right now in that season of mercy for Earth’s inhabitants.

Are you listening and heeding the trumpet sound through God’s ministers who are calling us to be alert and pray? Are you ready? Have you prepared? Are you close to the Lord so you can endure the hardships coming??? Have you stored food, water and other necessities in order to survive? And, MOST IMPORTANLY, are you prepared spiritually to endure this time of testing?

I pray these questions don’t overwhelm you, but rather encourage you to press into God. It’s important for all of us to participate with the Holy Spirit and obey His instructions. The smallest effort is significant in God’s eyes, when done in obedience. God can miraculously supply even when it looks like there are no resources. (Philippians 4:19) Trust in God and exercise your faith.

There are doors we individually must shut before the final “SHUT THE DOOR” is uttered. It’s time to shut the door to deception, laziness, apathy, and slam hard the door to temptation! Shake off the weights that so easily beset you and shut the doors of distraction. In turn, open the door of your heart to seek God more and study His Word. Reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus’ love and win souls. (Proverbs 11:30 …he that winneth souls is wise.)

Provision and safety is found in God, dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, and being joined with like-minded believers. When the Lord shuts the door of time allowed for this world’s system, you will be safe inside His Ark because you have been obedient. Peace can be found in God’s promises of protection and provision. Read Psalms 91 often and apply it to your daily life.

No one knows exactly when the Lord will say “Shut the Door”! We do know, however, that our Heavenly Father doesn’t want any to perish. (II Peter 3:9) He loves us so dearly. (John 3:16) If you’re not sure you are in God’s Ark (His Kingdom) and covered by His blood, then now is your moment! Humble yourself, ask God’s forgiveness for your sins, accept Jesus as your Savior and enter into the Ark of God. I’ll look for you inside the Ark!

 

You have been given a measure of time on this Earth to live and leave a legacy. What are you doing with your measure of time? Are you waiting for the “ideal” time to pursue your goals? Perhaps you are thinking about saying how much you appreciate someone, but you’ll tell them tomorrow. You want to get closer to God, but you are too busy and other things are demanding your time. Hopefully tomorrow……

Most understand after living any amount of time here on Planet Earth how fast time passes! All too soon, the day comes when you’re gazing into the mirror, observing wrinkles and graying hair and wondering “Who is that person looking back at me?” (That has been happening in my own life lately! – HA!) Am I trying to discourage or convince you that it’s too late? NO – just the opposite is true! As long as you are alive it is not too late. NOW IS THE TIME to fulfill your destiny and keep short accounts with those you love.

Today is the day to share love and kindness to all you meet. Let God’s compassion flow through you to others with words of encouragement and thoughtful deeds. Forgive, “let go and let God.” Grow closer to God and learn more of His Word. He promises that if we draw near to Him He will draw near to us. (James 4:8) “But it is good for me to draw near to God…” (Psalms 73:8)

Dedicate the rest of your life in service to God. As you submit to Him, the Lord will direct your steps and help you fulfill your destiny. God will use you to bless others and accomplish much for His Kingdom. When you please the Lord and are a blessing to others you will finish your measure of time with no regrets.

 

If only I had more money; if only I were older (or younger), if only I were better looking; if only I had better parents or a happier upbringing; if only I could live somewhere else; if only I had more education or were smarter; if only I had a rich relative, etc. Then, and maybe then, things would be different and go well for me….IF ONLY.

Many of us have entertained the “if only” thoughts throughout our life and sometimes we have remained stuck in them. These fantasy and victim mentality thoughts can be a tool the enemy uses to paralyze God’s people and keep us in a state of limbo. Who would want us to doubt that things could ever change or be better, or that God could really move in our lives and turn things for the good? The devil uses our thought realm to challenge truths of the Bible and attempts to change us from people of hope into victims of despair.

For every negative “if” we can think of, God has a positive response. For every lack that is in our life, the Lord has a provision for that need. For every heartache we have endured, the Lord is our Healer. Hurtful memories remind us of the lack of nurturing or safe environment that was missing in our childhood, but we have a wonderful Heavenly Father who loves us and heals our broken heart. John 3:16, I John 4:8

Turn to God’s Word to offset the “IF’s” attacking your mind. Let’s follow the example of Jesus who when tempted by the devil, responded by speaking the written word. Begin your journey of seeking encouragement from the Lord by meditating on His Word and believing His Word above all your emotions and thoughts. Speak out loud and declare who you are in Christ and what He has done for you and what He promises to do as well.

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

*Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

* My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)

*God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (II Tim. 1:7)

*The Lord has a hope and future for me for good and not evil. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Friend, with God on your side, who can truly be against you? (Romans 8:31) Let the past be the past by allowing the Lord to heal you of your wounds and go forth into your future with God. He has already been in your future and has good things for you and He promises to never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Get the “IF’s” out, refuse to be an “iffer” and get the Word in!!