You Da Man!

Given December 16, 2007
This post is for men but I suppose it applies to women who are the head of their family as well. For you women who are responsible for your family, entitle this, "You Da Gal!"

I'm realizing, more and more, that a lot of people depend on my prayers. Certainly my family; wife, four boys, two daughters-in-law, four grandkids, mother, brother, his family, etc. Then there's my church where I'm a deacon and unofficial prayer coordinator. A lot of people look to me to be faithful in prayer and many don't even realize I'm praying for them every day. If I mess up, it could affect a lot of people.

I'm reminded of some guys in the Bible who messed up. Achan, Joshua 7, who brought back some spoils from battle against God's command. Not only did Achan get stoned, but his whole family too! And what about the guys who accused Daniel and had him thrown in the lion's den? When God delivered Daniel, the accusers were thrown in...and their families, Daniel 6:24.

On the other hand, we can read of some men who did good and their families were blessed. Cornelius, Acts 10, was a devout man and so was his family. He obeyed God and called Peter to come to his house and tell them the Good News. Cornelius called his whole family and friends together and when they heard the Word, the Holy Ghost fell on all of them! Of course, Joshua said, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD". Joshua 24:15.

And finally, it's recorded in Exodus 12:21-23 how the elders of the Israelite families called their own into the house, at the direction of Moses, and applied the blood of a lamb to their door posts. They and their families were saved when the destroyer came by. What if they had not listened, were doing something else, or forgot?

Guys and gals, a lot of people are depending on us so let's stay pure, stay in the Word, and be ready to act in faith and authority when needed. Be blessed!

Raise The Standard

Given October 19, 2007
There are lots of things wrong in our country, no doubt. We can read the paper, watch TV, or look on the magazine rack at the grocery store and see the influence of evil everywhere. It seems there is a flood of lawlessness growing stronger every day. Who will stand up for what is right?

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19". I heard this scripture today and it reminded me of the men and women through the years who have taken a stand against spiritual wickedness in high places. Many will complain about the problems but few will do anything about them. But when someone does stand up for what's right, others are more willing to get in line behind them.

We, as Christians, should be the ones taking the stand, stepping out from between the pews and encouraging others to join in. If we don't, our freedoms will slowly and methodically be taken away. We can all agree that the enemy is coming in like a flood so why isn't God raising a standard against him? The revelation for today is that Isaiah 59:19 says, "the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard". Where is the Spirit of the Lord today? He's in us!

We, as Spirit-filled Christians, are the ones who must raise up the standard of righteousness in the face of the flood and turn this country back to God. Just like in facing a natural flood, we will get wet, dirty, maybe injured, maybe even drowned but when we make the commitment, others will get behind us. Someone has to step out and raise that standard high! Will it be you?

Bill I Know

Given September 5, 2007
During the closing prayer at church last night, our pastor made mention of us, as believers, being able to cast out devils, speak with other tongues, and lay hands on the sick and see them recover, Mark 16:17-18. It reminded me that we should be taking more control over things in the earth than we are.

The verse in Acts 19 came to mind where seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out a devil using Jesus' and Paul's credentials and got whuped, (a southwest Virginia term). The evil spirit said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? Acts 19:15". As a believer, I want to be known by the evil spirits and have them say, "Uh oh, there's that Dotson guy. Don't mess with him, let's get outta here."

Do we really believe we can get to that point? What did Jesus say? "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12". He that believes, those who believe...

I heard it said by a famous preacher regarding Mark 16, "These signs shall follow those who believe that these signs shall follow them." We've got to believe! Jesus I know, Paul I know, and Bill I know. May it be so Lord.

Stumbling Block

Given August 15, 2007
First, I'd like to apologize to any who've noticed I've not posted in awhile. Adjusting to retirement has had me extremely busy but I hope to be back to regular posting now.

I pray each morning for the Ministering Angels, (Psalms 91:11, Matthew 4:11, Hebrews 1:14), to give me and my family direction around dangerous obstacles. Recently, I took a load of tree limbs to the dump and one small log fell out of my truck onto the road. Cars were slowing down and maneuvering around the obstacle so as not to hit it and possibly damaging their car. If someone had not noticed the log, they may have had trouble.

It made me think that that small log would be a big problem to someone on a bicycle but nothing to a large truck. The obstacles the devil drops in our path can affect us in different ways. The key is what we're driving, so to speak. It's the condition of our lives that make the difference. Luke 10:19 says we can "trample on serpents and scorpions" and "nothing shall by any means harm us". If we're prayed up and strong, a little log thrown in our path by the devil will be nothing to us; we can trample it!

I remember when I drove a school bus and, around Halloween, kids on my road would put logs and debris in the road as a roadblock for a prank. If I was driving my small car, I'd have to get out, remove the debris, and go on as the kids laughed from their hiding place in the bushes. But when I was driving the big bus, I'd just run right over it and go on to the disgust of the perpetrators.

When the devil puts something in my path to deter me from what God's called me to do, I want to be in the big vehicle and run right over Satan's plans. It drives him crazy!

I Can't Stands No More

Given July 15 , 2007
I heard something at church this morning that was a different kind of revelation. I was getting an update from a guy who has been in a great battle over his health. I posted about it here. He told me of a vision he had.

He said he felt like Popeye who was getting beaten up by Brutus, (the devil), and was in his clutches. At the last minute, Popeye says, "That's all I can stands, I can't stands no more!", pulls out his can of spinach, eats it, gains strength, and pulverizes Brutus. My friend said, this week, he was at the point where he "couldn't stands no more". He said Jesus was his "spinach" and he was tired of getting beat up. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19". It was encouraging for me to hear him and his wife talk like this. Speaking the Word of God is very important no matter what the circumstances look like.

We have the power and authority to use the name of Jesus to put Brutus in his place. My friend is going to make it!

Truth or Fact?

Given January 13, 2007
We've all heard the expression, "Tell it like it is", and that's supposed to be a good thing. Tell the truth, don't sugar-coat it, be honest. Well, let's look at what is truth and what is fact.

Christians believe, or we should believe, that the Words of God are absolute truth. Right? However, in this world, there are certain facts that are evident. I'll use sickness as an example. It is a fact that there could be cancer cells in your body. The medical tests, PET scans, etc. would show this. But, the Word of God says, "and with His stripes we are healed, Isaiah 53:5", which is truth. So, what's real, the facts or the truth?

I submit to you that the Bible is the ultimate truth and our words can change the facts. "Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak, 2 Corinthians 4:13, Amplified Version". I've heard testimonies galore and have experienced it in my own body that our words, based on our faith, can change the facts. If we believe God's Word is true, we must speak it without doubt or fear and see it come to pass.

Moses told Pharaoh, "Be it according to thy word...Exodus 8:10" when Pharaoh said get rid of the frogs tomorrow. Abraham practiced this when he did as God did and, "...spoke those things that were not as though they were, Romans 4:17". We can do it too. You can have what you say, so don't keep saying what you have. Think about it.

Truth or fact? Find out what God's Word says about your situation and speak His words over it. You can change fact by speaking the truth! Tell it like God says it is and don't give up!

Who's In Charge Here?

Given January 18, 2007

I’ve heard it said that we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. Our spirits will live forever and is really who we are. Our soul is made up of our mind, our will, and our emotions which all have something to do with how our spirit and body operates. And, our body is just the vehicle we need to get around and interact with others here on earth. As we all know however, the right part of us is not always calling the shots.

In order for us to live Christ-like lives and operate as effective servants of God here on earth, we have to consciously and purposely dictate which part of us is in charge. If we do nothing, our flesh – our earthly nature – will take over by default.

So how do we do that? We have to build up our spirit with the Word of God, and I don’t mean a little dose every now and then. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2”. This has to be an every day thing very similar to what an athlete goes through to attain top physical condition. It’s hard but it’s worth it!

Be assured, our sinful nature just won’t step out of the way and let our spirit take over; not at first. But, as we build up our spirit with the Word, change the way we think, and the way we talk, our flesh will have to take a back seat and let the spirit drive. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8”.

Let’s get to work!

Who Are You Talking To?

Given March 13, 2007
Jesus spoke to a lot of people; God the Father, his diciples and followers, his family, the religious rulers and all the people who came to see him. But did you know that Jesus spoke to non-human things too?

Jesus spoke to evil spirits, Mark 5:8; wind and waves, Mark 4:39; trees, Matthew 21:19; and fevers, Luke 4:39. And you know, every one of these listened to Him and heard Him. Do wind, waves, trees, and fevers have ears? I don't know but they heard and obeyed!

The important thing for us, as believers, to realize here is this; "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12". Jesus said that. Do we have faith in Him? Are trees listening to us? Are we even talking to people, and are they listening? Think about it......

My Space

Given April 14, 2007
No, this is not a post about the popular social networking site. It's about the space you have responsibility for. Everyone who is of age, has "your space" that you're in control of and your responsibility for that space changes and expands as you get older...maybe.

In I Timothy, the qualifications of a church leader are listed and one of them is: "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) I Timothy 3:4-5". These men, and it's the same for all men whether applying for church leadership or not, should have dominion and control over their house, or space. I, as head of my house, have responsibility for my space and everything in it. That includes my wife, kids, grandkids, (when they're at my house), all my stuff and my property. I don't have control of the nation but I do have authority in my space.

Some people have authority over bigger areas. "So the Lord established Jehoshaphat’s control over the kingdom of Judah. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. 2 Chronicles 17:5". Before you can be given dominion like that, however, you must be tested and proven. God is not going to give me control over my state just because I ask for it and claim it. I would have to prepare, be tested and proven in smaller areas.

But, I have been given control over my space and I have the authority to kick the devil off my property and out of my affairs in the name of Jesus. Take your God-given control in relation to your space and God will be pleased, (not to mention your family).

So, What' The Problem?

Given February 10, 2007

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33". Yes, we'll have trouble if we live in this world so there's no getting away from that and we know where this trouble comes from; the devil, the prince of this world.

However, there's a couple of truths that make me feel a lot better about the situation. In Genesis, we find that we look like God; we're made like Him, "Then God said, let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:26". So, we look like God and we're supposed to rule over all the earth. Now, of course, Adam and Eve gave that rule over to Satan but Jesus got it back for us.

The Bible also tells us that the Spirit of God lives, abides, dwells in us. "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11". That's awesome! The most powerful entity in the universe lives in me!

So, what's the problem? Why are we still having to put up with so much stuff from the devil? Jesus said we'd have trouble here but because we look like God and His Spirit is in us, we don't have to put up with it! Let's start realizing who we are, what we have and what we can do and put the devil in his place; under our feet, Psalm 8:6.