Free and Fearless

Words mean something. All too often we find ourselves carefully crafting our words to be sure we don't offend anyone.  Other times we are not so careful and just come out with it, saying it just as it is.    We should guard our words and speak LIFE at every opportunity.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/pro.18.21.nkjv

There are also times when we speak when we should be listening and times when we fail to speak when we should.  

While all this talk about words, right ones and wrong ones,  may cause us to lose confidence when dealing with expressing ourselves, there is a time that we should have no inhibition or reluctance.  That time is when we pray.  In this case, the focus is not as much on the words, rather the attitude.  How do you approach a friend to ask for help? Is your approach the same if you were approaching someone you don't know as well?  Think about it, your relationship with the person will impact the way you go to that person.  

How do you approach God in prayer?  If you are unsure of your relationship with God, you may be reluctant.  If you aren't convinced that God can, your request may be presented in doubt. If you feel like you aren't worthy to approach Him, you may believe He can, but not for you. 

We find specific instructions for how we are to come to God...very precise.  Get this:

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv

Boldly is described as with freedom and fearless confidence. 

Now, you may not have fearless confidence when you go to another person with a request, regardless of how well you craft your words. But because the blood of Jesus makes us a child of God and that gives us freedom to approach the throne of God, we can come to our Heavenly Father with fearless confidence!

Today, when you pray, picture the open throne room, our Good and Gracious God, sitting on the throne...waiting on you!  Just as you step into the room, you hear your name, Come my child, I've been waiting on you...

Approach the throne with freedom and fearless confidence!

Wait

Why wait?  These days there is a push from every direction to hurry up, do it now, pursue your dreams, move on and move up...get in the fast lane, pass up the slow movers...do it your way...not the old way...get moving.  I'm weary just writing about the pressure cooker world we live in.  

There really isn't anything wrong with taking action, making positive changes, planning to get where you need to be, moving on or moving up. However, we aren't wired for the constant push that depletes the body and soul. We are wired to wait. 

I know, seems like a contradiction but it really isn't.  We all have gifts and callings that will empower us to allow God's love and light to shine through us.  God does equip those He calls into action and that would be all of us....yes, you.  

We are called to take the gospel message to the lost, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and in the Holy Spirit, to teach and encourage, be true followers of Christ and make a 

difference in the Kingdom!  Eveything we do should be geared to following the directions God gives you. 

Yes, I know..that sounds like more push in your world that is already moving so fast that slowing down or stopping will wreck the train!  But consider this, God wired us to wait on Him...and that requires taking time to spend time with Him..to seek Him in the Word, in Prayer, in Worship and before you move.  

Wait.  Before you take a step into the hurry up lane of life, devote yourself to the practice of waiting.  Quiet yourself in His presence, open His Word, open your mouth in Praise, open your heart to pray...then...wait... 

“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/isa.40.31.nkjv

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.28.19-20.nkjv

Don't you know?

We are just about to the summit of this Christmas Season, the BIG EVENT, what we've been preparing for and waiting on, anticipation is high, as are emotions...after all, this event doesn't happen every day....in fact, it only happened ONE Day but will, in fact, happen again.  Maybe tonight? Maybe tomorrow?  Don't you know it could be at anytime?  

Jesus came to this earth, Immanuel, God with us, to a stable, to the welcoming arms of a mother and father, to the world.  His time here on earth wasn't long, but the impact of HIS coming, His Life, His ultimate sacrifice of dying on a cross for the sins of this world,  has forever stamped His image on this world and on the hearts of those who choose to believe.  His coming to this stable in Bethlehem was prophesied and documented in the scriptures, fulfilled in a glory filled moment.  

And for a moment in time during this season, eyes of many will look into a stable to see the baby Jesus, swaddled in rags, cradled in straw, the Savior of the World.  Don't you know? He came to be God with us and God in us.   He came to change the world and to change me and you.  He came so to pay the price for our sins, so that we could have the promise of eternity with HIM.  

Don't you know? The BIG EVENT is going to happen soon....sooner than most think or are ready for. Yes, I know...you're ready.  The gifts are wrapped, dinner preparations have been made, stockings are hung by the chimney with care, cookies and milk are in place.  Much preparation for the big day...and I wonder...don't we know...that He is coming again...are we ready?  And I wonder, as we gaze into the open stable and look at the miracle of the birth of this Child, are we changed?  The shepherds who where watching a star and visited by angels, couldn't get to that place fast enough. They had to see for themselves.   Once they saw this Child, they told the whole town what they had seen.  What they saw, changed them.  And they couldn't wait to tell the world.  Don't you know?  We should be just like that.  All the time.  Every day.  

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"  1 Corinthians 3:16

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."  John 15:12-13

What would happen if we lived as image bearers of God?  Would you allow this Christmas Season to become a time of change.  A time to hit the reset button and refocus on what is truly important...to revive and refresh ourselves in the reality of Immanuel, God With Us.  Let's take down the walls of self-righteousness, self-centeredness and selfishness.  Let's begin  to live like the shepherds who have just seen the face of God...and tell the world what we've seen.  Let's begin to love again, loving all others with the love of God...as we bear His image everyplace we go.   

Gaze into the stable...look on the face of God.  

Don't you know?  He's coming again. 

Are you ready? 

Immanuel

During this month, I've been enjoying a devotional book Immanuel:  Praying the Names of God through the Christmas Season by Ann Spangler.   This week, the focus is on the name Immanuel.

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")  Matthew 1:22-23.  

The name Immanuel appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures and once in the New Testament.  It is literally translated "with us is  God" or as Matthew's Gospel put it, "God with us."  No matter where we are or what we are going through, God is with us.  This is a simple reality that we tend to forget and what power and strength is found when we grasp this reminder that He never leaves us.  Let that wash over you for a minute.  

Today, I want to share with you directly from the reading for today.  As we rise to the challenge to daily spend time with God in prayer, in His Word and with other followers, I pray that we will also be so changed by spending time in His presence that we will begin to show the reality of His presence in us, by demonstrating His presence every place we go.  Ready to meet the challenge?  

This is from the devotional...

"If we want to experience Immanuel, "God with us," we need to be where He is, to do what His love compels, to reflect his image to the rest of the world.  Today, I pray that Christ will piece my heart with the things that pierce His.  I ask for grace to look for Him in the midst of the world's suffering, whether close to home or far away.  I pray that he will give you and me faith to join Him there, transforming our prayers, our time, our talents and our financial resources into evidence of his presence in the world-Immanuel, a God who is truly with us, in this Christmas season and every day of the year."   (Ann Spangler,  Immanuel, p, 71)

Challenge

As 2015 is coming to an end and a new year is set to begin, here's a challenge: rather than wait for the new year to begin to a resolution, start today.  No list is needed, simply resolve to be more Christlike.  In order to accomplish this resolution, you will need to read the Word daily, pray without ceasing and worship God, both in your daily walk and by joining with other followers in a church that will help you encounter God in worship, equip you and engage this culture.  Will you accept this challenge?

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

Titus 2:1-15 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/tit.2.1-15.nkjv

Do the right thing

I've had the unique joy of working with pre-school children this week! 4 year olds have a strong sense of justice and are quick to point out when a friend isn't doing the right thing. They have learned the rules and see violations of those rules as a personal affront.  But when they miss the mark, they are ready with an admission of guilt or a strong defense.  Doing the right thing is what most little ones want to do but following through doesn't always come natural. Many opportunities arise throughout the day to teach doing the right thing!  What a blessing it is to see them striving to be their very best and do what it right!  

As adults, we've been taught the rules, too.  However, as we "grow up" those rules become obsured by what we think is right, becoming less willing to accept correction and finding strong justification for actions based on a heart that may or may not, know what is truly right.  We can deceive ourselves into believing our actions are right if we fail to consider doing the right thing in God's eyes, not man's.  

Consider your ways. 

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”

Proverbs 21:2-3 NKJV

Sweet treat

Discovered a new treat!  Milk chocolate, caramel and salt combined to make a delicious treat! Seems strange that sweet and salty can combine to make a tantalizing taste bud delight!  

The tongue would find this pleasing, especially since it specializes in producing opposites, blessings and curses.  What works well in the bakery and candy making world should not be the combination we produce with our tongues.  

Listen to your own words today. Will your combination of words be positive, encouraging, and uplifting or negative, discouraging and defeating?  Will you speak blessings or curses?  Let your words be sweet, full of flavor and a sweet treat to all who hear!

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

James 3:10 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.3.10.nkjv

Confidence

Having confidence that God hears you will transform your life! This is a bold statement. There are many times throughout the day that I talk to people and judging from their response, I can determine if they really heard me...a failure to be heard could be an issue with either the one talking or the one listening.  There are many other times that I'm left wondering if I'm heard.  Unanswered text messages and emails leave me wondering if the message got through.

Questions about communication may be resolved by resending messages, rewording and repeating until something happens to get a response that signals my message got through.  Communication can be accomplished in many ways but if the message isn't received and responded to, then communication has failed.  It is difficult to establish effective communication if you have no confidence that the message gets through.

There may be times that you feel like your communication with God isn't heard. Ever heard yourself say  "I pray, but I feel like my prayers are hitting the wall"?  

We may judge our communication with God based on our feelings or measure based on the answers received.  Talking to God isn't like a tweet, text or phone call.  Provided you have established an open line of communication with God through faith in His Son, Jesus, having no unconfessed sin in your life, and asked according to His will...you can have confidence that He hears and you will have your petition.  No bounce back message for a wrong email address, no ignored texts, or dropped call when you communicate with God.

Before you pray, take a few minutes to check your connection...Adore Him, Confess, Thank Him, then share your supplications, requests of all types, with Him.

Be strategic, make a list of 3 greatest needs on your heart today. Find a scripture for each one that reveals His will.  These are suggestions for ACTS that will give you confidence when you communicate with God and His Word confirms He Hears...

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

I John 5:14-15 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/1jn.5.14-15.nkjv

Urgent

Urgent. This word is an attention grabber!  An "urgent" matter demands all energy to be focused on addressing the need...it can't wait...to delay would bring dire consequences...perhaps a life or death situation.

The wail of a siren communicates urgency...that sound never fails to draw my attention.  Do you hear the sound in a voice that says this isn't chit-chat, something is going on and needs attention?   A baby will cry with every bit of lung power that can be summoned when a need isn't met.  A red stamp marks the envelop as Urgent so you will open the seal and get to the details without delay.

Urgency is communicated in many ways.  Have you ever felt a driving need to call someone, not knowing why?  Have you ever sensed a need so strongly that it could not be ignored.  The Holy Spirit sounds an alarm in our spirits to accomplish specific purposes.  Just like the siren draws your attention, these promptings should drive you to act.  You may be prompted to pray...or called to action...or both.  No matter what, the response is critical.  

Tune into the sound of God's voice and be sensitive to the prodding and prompting of the Spirit.  Even as you are going about your daily routine, listen. You are needed to connect heaven and earth.  The person in line next to you at the checkout counter may need a word of encouragement. The server at the restaurant may be dealing with a crisis. The neighbor you wave to may need to know someone cares.  Those that surround you today may not know Jesus and there may not be another chance to tell them.  

Look around you, listen and see with the heart of God.  Sense the urgency...and act. There isn't anything more important than sharing the Gospel of Grace, God's great love and the message of salvation, deliverance and provision.  

Today, you may think the urgent need is your shopping list but God may have a greater need for you to meet,  sense the urgency...be compelled...respond.

““But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”

Acts 20:22-24 MSG

http://bible.com/97/act.20.22-24.msg

Believe

Hard to believe some of the things we see and hear...even when we see the evidence...the charred ashes of what was once a home, wreck car on the bed of a tow truck, loved one in a hospital bed, tubes and machines surround, the flower covered casket. Hard to believe...

One of the past Blue Blood episodes has Danny waiting on word about the condition of his son, laying in hopital with severe brain injury.  He hears his sister, Erin, say that it will be alright...and Danny responds "you don't know that."  Erin says something to the effect that she doesn't know but she believes he will be ok, and sometimes "believing is better than knowing."  Danny questions, "You still have faith?" 

What do you believe when faced with struggles, hard circumstances, sickness, sadness, troubles of every kind...where is your faith?  

Believe.  Not what you think, not what you think you know, not what you see...Believe in Jesus Christ. 

“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.””

Mark 9:23 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mrk.9.23.nkjv

“But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.””

Luke 18:27 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/luk.18.27.nkjv

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/heb.11.1.nkjv

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/heb.11.6.nkjv

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/2co.5.7.nkjv

Provider

Worry is a joy stealer.  That's a simple fact.  You are chewing on something right now, trying to figure it out or find a way to do it yourself...you may have called a friend or two to discuss it, posted it on social media, and even told the checkout person at Walmart all about it.  You couldn't sleep for wrestling with it...your morning is already consumed by it.  

Question...how much time have you devoted in prayer about it?  I know, silly question.  Of course you prayed. And, you even found a scripture or two that spoke to God's faithfulness. You...are doing all you can do, right?  Let me ask you this, do you believe He will take care of you? Would you be willing to stop fretting and go back to your prayer closet...this time ready to LISTEN?  He heard you...and has already provided for you...and He wants to tell you all about it!

Refuse to allow worry to steal your Joy!  Jehovah-Jireh, your Provider, cares deeply for you and will make a way! 

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6:26 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.6.26.nkjv

“I am the Lord, the God of the whole human race. Nothing is too difficult for me.” (Jeremiah 32:27; GNB)

Prince of Peace

This Monday morning, at the beginning of the Christmas season, may feel anything but peaceful.  Times of peace and quiet are few with demands for your time and attention are constant.  Trying to find peace even results in stress, if there is resistence. Some folks depend of others to bring them peace or still others seek that feeling of peace through artificial means.  Peace is the prize that few attain yet it is readily available!  We can have peace in every situation and circumstance if we know the Prince of Peace!  He came to this earth over 2000 years ago to bring us peace.  Let these verses wash over you and begin to feel the lasting Peace that comes only from one Source...Jesus.  

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/isa.9.6.nkjv

““Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””

Luke 2:14 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/luk.2.14.nkjv

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 14:27 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jhn.14.27.nkjv

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/isa.26.3.nkjv

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/php.4.6-7.nkjv

Names

Names identify what a thing is and its purpose.  Ask for a whatchmacallit to be retrieved from the tool box, you may get the hammer when what you really needed was a screwdriver.  Names mean something and are specific. You have a given name, but other names like mother, sister, friend, teacher identify facets of your relationships.  Kind, considerate, faithful, selfless, compassionate futher disclose your character. Names reveal much!

The names of God help us to better understand who He is...the bible is full of multiple names that reveal the character of the Name above all names.  During this Christmas season, focus of drawing closer to Him by discovering Who He is, in the Word and in your life. 

Join us at the Tabernacle of Praise as Pastor Bryan introduces the Name Above All Names the next 3 Sundays!  

Over the next few weeks, we will explore His names in this blog also!  Let's rediscover the Awe of Who He is...this Christmas Season! 

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

Heart's Desire

Dream big!  Desires and dreams are not a bad thing if your heart is set on delighting in the Lord.  Loving the Lord, following after His ways, allowing Him to search you and cleanse you, and walking in the Spirit will keep those Dreams and Desires in line with Him, making the impossible possible.  Desire what God wants and dream big!

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.”

Psalms 37:4-5 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/psa.37.4-5.nkjv

Company business

In this day and time it seems that simple common sense has been replaced with a complicated system of politically correct rules that make no sense.  Without diving deeply into those matters, Iets turn our attention to a Proverb, that may simplify matters for you today...

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/pro.13.20.nkjv

We need to walk in this world with a clear perspective of our purpose...to be salt and light, to bring God's flavor and the light of Jesus Christ with us wherever we go...but we must also be guarded abiut the company we keep...those that are closest to us...the one's who we allow to offer us comfort and counsel.  The effectiveness of our salt and light may be compromised if we fail to be on guard.  Who are you listening to?  Give prayerful consideration to the counsel of God's Word and seek His Wisdom and discernment...your business is His business!

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

James 3:13-18 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.3.13-18.nkjv

““You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.5.13-16.nkjv

Hope

These days, dire circumstances  "go viral" in social media platforms, broadcast news outlets, and talk show programs on all sorts of media.  The reports seem to communicate that these events are a part of life and there is no expectation that things will get any better.  In fact, the world seems captivated by the hopelessness of situations, with eyes and ears fixed on receiving the latest breaking news alert.

While these reports may be filled with facts from seemingly credible sources, they do not tell the whole story. While devastating events may be recorded on a timeline and make headlines, they only point to a deadline and serve as a reminder we must be  "....rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer."  (Romans 12:12)

Hopelessness has an answer and it is found in this simple verse that I am praying over your life right now...

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/rom.15.13.nkjv

As all kinds of news reports bombard your media channels today, let the Good News of God's Hope penetrate your heart and mind instead and cause us to saturate these circumstances in prayer...let every report you hear today, prompt you to pray...and let Hope rise up!