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?

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!

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).

If My People

Given April 5, 2007
Our world is in bad shape. We see chaos and every evil thing all around us. I heard recently some teachers in the United Kingdom are not teaching about the holocaust for fear of offending muslims. A mock hostage drill at a New Jersey high school portrayed conservative Christians as terrorists. Do these type of stories scare you? Do we just sit back and shake our heads helplessly? Is there anything we can do?

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14". Yes, it's up to US, God's people!

If Christians would get out of the pew, set aside their denominational differences, join in repentance and prayer, and seek God, we cold turn this thing around. And don't you think politicians would take notice. For example, if ALL Christians would unify and demand that scripture verses be placed on cereal boxes, eager to please politicians would give in and do it! The way it is now, a small, but very pushy, portion of the population is dictating what goes on.

God told Solomon if he would, "do all I have said and follow My commands" he and his kingdom would be blessed. That's what we need to do before we lose even more of our freedoms.

Get involved in the political process. Study the candidates to see what they stand for. Don't listen to what they say because they'll say anything to get elected. Study the way they've voted in the past and support the men and women who more closley believe and act as you do. The future of our country depends on us, God's people.

Strength, Shield, Refuge

Given March 11, 2007
We had a guest worship leader and speaker at our church this Sunday, Chet Caudill, who is the Director of Youth Ministries for the Appalachian District of the Assemblies of God. He was great! One of the songs he led us in created a vision in my mind; a revelation if you will.

The lyrics said, "Lord you are my strength, Lord you are my shield, Lord you are my refuge in my time of need". When I sang those words, the vision I got was this: I saw a believer in the midst of battle and sometims, God gives us Strength to fight and stand against the enemy. Sometimes He gives us a Shield to protect ourselves in the battle. And other times God sends us to a place of Refuge where we have total protection from the battle. "He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 144:2". Wow!

The next time you feel yourself in the middle of a battle, see yourself in one of these ways, or all of them. We ARE victorious, you know!