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).

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!