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.

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!

"Our Assignment"

Given February 28, 2007

"Open our eyes to the assignment you've given us." This was my prayer on this morning during devotion time. Here's how it came about.

I saw a group of new soldiers gathered before the general. They were asking him for all the rewards and benefits of being a soldier and he was about to give them their orders. He aknowledged the benefits but said, "Now men, it's time to go into battle."

They were shocked and suprized! They were saying, "What do you mean? We have to fight to get the rewards?" They hadn't signed up for that; they didn't understand.

God made me aware that we, as Christians, are like that. We, "sign up" to be a Christian, go to church, and expect all these rewards and benefits to just come our way. We don't realize that sometime we have to fight for the cause. Many churches are preaching the benefits and not mentioning the fight. "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Deuteronomy 28:2". Part of what the Lord is saying that we are to hearken to is to be strong, believe and not doubt, use the authority and name of Jesus, and go fight the enemy. God told Joshua, "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:7".

"Open our eyes, Lord, to the assignment you've given us." May we all see what's involved in being a Christian Soldier.