“Appointed Times”–
Almighty God called and positioned Esther in life for Royality! Queen Esther, with God’s favor and anointing, was instrumental in saving the Jewish People from destruction! Like Queen Esther, our Lord God has positioned people for critical moments in history!
Recently, our President spoke to Congress and the American People. Reactions to President Trump’s address were mixed as they normally are politically! The Congressional event tragically exposed the callousness of people’s hearts today. Folks can approve or disapprove of the speech, but the reaction and Cold Heartless responses towards People’s Lives, touched by severe challenges and tragedy is just unacceptable! This specific moment in time has revealed what might be representative of heart attitudes across all walks of life. We must raise a questioning concern: Have we individually and as a whole become so cold toward wounded and hurting humanity? For us and our day, it seems to be a fact “we do not feel other’s pain and act as it’s not my problem, until it’s our turn? Then, we cannot understand and expect why other’s Don’t Feel–Care–Help!”
Leadership, no matter at what levels and walks of life, must all understand they are positioned to Help and Serve! Likewise, as Christians, our Lord God has called and positioned us “For Such A Time As This!” Lives, yes even our Nation all hang in the balance. It is essential to fulfill our calling to be “Salt, Light, Witnesses, and Declare the Hope within us in Jesus!”
Friends, it is a fact, “Lawlessness” has and continues to increase resulting in most people’s love grows cold. So too, as it was in Noah’s Day even now, people’s hearts and priorities will be self-centered and pleasure oriented! It is no wonder care and concern for others (the broken and hurting) is met with Heart Hardness–Coldness–Lack of Empathy–Lacking Compassion–Even Refusals to Help!
We must ask, What’s our message “For Such A Time As This?” We must know and declare: The Good News is Our Lord God Loves us ALL!
Everyone must know–
- Jesus came to “Seek and Save Lost People” and giving them a “Future
and Hope” in God.
- Jesus paid the price for sin and separation from God
- In Him, we are Made Right before God
- Jesus is Our Healer–Deliverer–Provider–Giver of Comfort to Hurting Grieving
lives–Replaces Sorrow with Everlasting Joy
- In Jesus, we have Peace beyond human comprehension that guards our hearts
and minds in Him
- “For Such A Time As This”– Counter and Combat the Coldness, Lack of Empathy
and Compassion by:
- Praying for our Leaders: They have a Heart of Compassion-Love-Service for
the Good of All not self-serving interests
- Christian Voice in Prayer and Witness:
- Be Compassionate-Tenderhearted-Kind-Humble-Gentle-Patient-Forgiving
- Pray for One Another and Let Healing Flow touching Needy Lives
- Above all else, Love One Another in Jesus
“Life’s Journey”
Life: It’s so interesting and filled with many twists and turns in direction! Have you ever wondered how and why life’s course was charted from childhood to the present day? For myself I never imagined my “Life Journey” would be like it has been!
Looking back and reflecting about my Life’s Journey I must acknowledge these truths:
1) I am grateful for All the Blessings –
* Great Parents and Brother
* Loving and supportive Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles
* Skills gained working hard with my Father
* My Encounter with Jesus at 10 years old
* My Christian walk and Call to Christian Ministry spanning over 30yrs.
* My Wife, Son and his Wife
* Life as a Grandparent
The list could go on and on-
2) I also recognize “Life’s Journey” is challenged by the Demands of Work, the weariness of the daily grind, and multitude of concerns in our Personal Life and Christian Ministry.
If you consider your “Life Journey” as I have you’ll find similar truths will be identified. I believe you would voice similar expressions of gratitude and speak of many of “Life’s Challenges.” No matter the variety of details and life experiences this fact is sure: “Our Life’s Journey” is not “Just a Short Trip, but A Life-time Walk filled with many vast experiences.”
With that in mind Two Primary Questions must then be addressed:
- What will we do regarding Life’s Journey and All its Demands?
* How will we handle Life’s Blessings as well as its Challenges?
* Will we become Filled with Arrogant Pride or will we Walk in Humility?
* Would Anger take hold and consume us when life doesn’t go as planned?
* Am I setup to remain Steadfast and Determined or will I give up and quit on Life’s Journey?
2) Most Important: We must ask ourselves “Who Will We Walk Life’s Journey With?” Consider two passages from God’s Word. In Amos 3:3 we are asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” In Eccl. 4:12 Solomon declares: “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Just as the biblical saints of old, are we willing to walk out “God’s Appointed Journey Road” no matter where it leads while simultaneously dealing with the demands occurring on life’s path?
Abraham was called by God to leave homeland and family to travel to the land He would show him. Later in life God again directed Abraham to take Isaac, God’s promised heir, and travel to Mt. Moriah where he would be tested. This act of obedience provided a foreshadowing of what would follow on Mt. Moriah. Friends, Mt. Moriah, the place of the Scull, is the very place where Jesus would be crucified. God truly “Provided for Himself The Lamb” (Gen. 22:8).
Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers. God positioned him to direct a massive survival strategy which spared multitudes from starvation. After the death of his father he was approached by his brothers. Rather than seek out revenge as they expected he declared, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive.” (Gen. 50:19-20).
Esther, you recall, was chosen to be the King’s wife only to be challenged by Mordecai on behalf of the Jewish people. Hear the words which span the ages: “Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). No matter our position or status, like Esther, God will use willing vessels “For times such as this.” [Divine Appointments for His Divine Purposes and Glory]
Consider finally, “Saul-Paul”. An avid student of the Law, rising star among the Pharisaic ranks, and a notorious persecutor of the Christian Church. On his vengeful journey to Damascus to arrest Believers Saul’s encounter with Jesus totally altered his “Life’s Journey!” Saul’s Conversion experience and Calling as a “Chosen Instrument” of God brought him to proclaim the Gospel to Gentile Nations, Kings, and the Sons of Israel. Paul’s Journey brought forth multitudes of Blessings, as well as, an onslaught of personal sufferings! Paul’s declaration in Phil. 3:7-14 serves to challenge every Believer regarding our “Life Calling and Journey!”
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that
for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
So, Friend: “The Journey”… As You and I walk Life’s Path, we must realize:
“Jesus is Calling!”
First, Jesus says,
“Come to Me” — “I Am the Bread of Life” You will not hunger and as a believer in Jesus will never thirst” (Jn. 6:35). He promises, (Mt. 6:28-30) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
- Confess and declare the words of this beautiful hymn, “All to Jesus, I surrender…” {Yield, Obey, Serve Jesus with all your might}
Secondly, Volunteer Freely to His “Journey Call”
Like Isaiah, touched by the Lord God’s Fire and Power, upon hearing His Word: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Declare boldly, “Here am I, Send Me.” In (1Pet. 2:9-10), as God’s precious possessions, “so proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
- Life’s Journey— “I Never Imagined it would be like this” and “I would not change a thing!”
- For My Journey in Jesus: I declare, “I am in God’s Place” and “All the way my Savior Has, Is, and Will Lead me. One Day these words I long to hear: “Well Done thou good and faithful servant, enter into my rest.”
- Finally, for You Friend: What is the story of “Your Life Journey?” What Road are You Traveling? Are you in “God’s Place?” Is Jesus leading You in Life’s Journey? Have You answered His Call and Will You Volunteer Freely to Go Wherever He Would Lead?
Choices
What time to get up; What to wear, eat, drink, do; Where to go; Who to call and when; What bills to pay “first” and Which insurance to choose; Choices concerning Family – Friends – Work – Etc. The list goes on…
Yes, we must make choices daily, even multiple choice decisions throughout the day. With this daily task of choosing, consider and ask: “How much time and thought is given to our Spiritual Life choices?” Joshua’s challenge to Israel should still ring loud and clear: “Choose today who you will serve.” Would they – Will WE serve the gods and ways of the world? Or will the choice be to serve faithfully and completely the Lord God Almighty?” (Josh. 24:14-18)
Folks, it’s easy to talk, to declare our love and commitment to serve Jesus. Yet, we must acknowledge the “Fruit of our actions” speak to our real choices and commitments! In truth, only two choices are before us. Jesus identifies and defines them for us: “Enter by the narrow way, for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Mt. 7:13-14).
Yes, a multitude of choices are before us! Today and everyday make it your clear choice to Pursue and Serve Jesus. “Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt. 6:33) “Choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” Choose Jesus for He alone has the words of Eternal Life!
“Divide & Conquer”—“Forgiveness & Reconciliation”
Strength is found in Agreement! “A three strand cord is not easily broken.” “How can two walk together except they be in Agreement.”
Vulnerability and weakness occur when any divisive wedge begins to penetrate relationships! If the divisive wedge remains and is driven deeper and deeper, like a log being split for firewood, the further the wedge is driven, the wider the separation until total separation occurs. Unlike the beneficial goal of purposely splitting firewood to burn in the fireplace, divisive destruction and separation in relationships leaves a battlefield full of wounded, emotionally devastated lives!
Please ask yourself, what are some of the divisive wedges and tools of Darkness used to break and tear apart our lives? Personally, I would note these specific wedges the enemy uses to drive deep into our lives, seeking to separate and destroy relationships—[Anger, Resentment, Discord, Jealousy, Lies, Distrust, Unforgiveness].
Now consider and ask : Who and what is behind these Divide & Conquer warfare tactics? Who is it that is seeking to destroy our Lives, Marriages, Families, Friendships, and Churches?
It is essential- We recognize the “Pain Inflicted and Ongoing Fallout of these Divisive Separations”—[ Marriages blown apart, Family Members at odds, Homes broken, Friendships gone, at odds with & separated from God, Church splits] All these outcomes can potentially leave us with unimaginable Hurts, deep-seated Bitterness, a heart boiling pot filled with Anger, unexplainable Loneliness, a life outlook of Total Hopelessness!
Realize: All is not lost! The war for human hearts has not ended! There is Hope and, yes, we can find answers to address the Enemy’s Divisive Wedges and Schemes to Divide-Conquer & Destroy!!!
In Jesus, we have a message of Hope and Answers for the divisive assault of darkness! Jesus clearly identifies the wedge tools to divide and destroy Human Hearts and Lives!
> Be Aware: The devil is: a murderer, liar, father of lies. He is a thief seeking to steal-kill-destroy. (Jn. 10:10)
> Ask & Receive: God’s Love & Life found in Jesus, for “He came to give us Life Abundantly”
> In Repentance: Experience the removal of all sin wedges. Then, you will find the Full Blessing of Forgiveness and be Reconciled and made right before God in Jesus!
> Daily-At All Times: Keep the Heart Slate clean & right before God. (1Jn. 1:9)
> In Marriage: Don’t let anyone-anything create a breach, wedge of separation, or breaking of your sacred vows made before God and with your spouse!
> Make Certain: Not to hold on to Anger and Unforgiveness. “Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.” Keep All relationships Right- {With God & Others}
> Refuse: To give Bitterness & Resentment a place to take root in your heart!
> Always Remember: God’s Love in your Life & Heart will “Cover a Multitude of Sins.” So “Forgive and Receive Forgiveness”
* Friend, What will you choose?
* Divisive wedges that will Tear Apart & Destroy-
* God’s Love & Forgiveness bringing us to right relationships with Him and Others in Jesus-
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Priorities: Part 2
Priorities in Life: Part 2
“What’s going to happen next?” Would you ever have believed we would be facing such turmoil as witnessed today? Terrorism has gripped the world. Evil and godless values are gushing forth. The landscape of American culture and morality is changing drastically before our eyes!
The Future— Are you concerned? Are you wondering, maybe even seeking for ways to gain a glimpse into the futuristic unknown? Many seeking comfort and direction, concerning the unknown and changing world events, look to “Government” to be their guide. For others, they seek the “Mystics.” Yet, personally I rest confidently in God’s Eternal Unchanging Word! He knows my “Frame and Days.” He declares: “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them” (Ps. 139:16).
Almighty God alone has full knowledge regarding our lives. Day by day, if you and I will allow Him, the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us, bringing about His greatest blessings to fulfillment, for His Kingdom glory and our good!
The Future— Jesus said: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” David declares in Psalm 37:23, 25, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way…I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.” For us to truly realize God’s abundant blessings, Divine guidance, and protection, we must choose to “Enter the Narrow Gate” and travel His “Narrow Way” that leads to Life! Sadly, multitudes are deceived and pursuing “Life’s Future” on the devil’s broad way of lies, leading to death and destruction (Mt. 7:13-14).
Be Encouraged Today— Don’t be worried and anxious for tomorrow, for Our God will take care of our tomorrows! Each day has enough trouble “and concerns” of its own (Mt. 6:34). Instead, let God’s Word “be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path” (Ps. 119:105). Listen to the Holy Spirit! He is Spirit of Truth and “He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come” (Jn. 16:13).
Do you realize “… the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2Cor. 4:4). Sadly, folks believe the “Lie rather than the Truth.”
Join me in Prayer for:
1) A Mighty Holy Spirit Revival to come upon “The Church.”
2) The Gospel Doors be opened- That Blinders fall off the Unbelieving-
Eyes be opened to see and lives be given totally to Jesus!
3) The Gospel spread like Wildfire with a “Mighty Outpouring of Holy Spirit
Demonstrations and Power witnessed and experienced Worldwide!
“For Such A Time As This” Believer you are placed upon the Earth! Answer the Call! Be Jesus’ vessel of service at this “Defining Moment In History!”
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