generosity

What will it take for American Christians to grasp this reality of a generous lifestyle? In America we are so consumed with security, comforts, and living the American Dream that we offer very little of our money and time to the poor among us. It might happen when we have a little extra money in a month or when we hear a testimony or message from a missionary working in Africa or Asia. God is calling us to so much more than giving a few gifts here and there for the poor but He desires hearts that burn with compassion for those in need and act on their behalf that God may be glorified. Paul in 1 Timothy 6:7-10 reminds us that this life we lead is only temporary: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” What legacy will you leave on this earth? Will you live for this world or for the one to come? May we look towards eternity and the reward that God has in store for those who walk in fearless love and with generous hearts. 

Understanding the times....

In Esther we see that a people who knew law and justice understood the times. Our nation desperately needs men and women who understand the times - who walk in the knowledge of God’s law and justice and stand for His Kingdom and righteousness in a society that has gradually turned its back on God. The blood of millions spilled through the atrocity of abortion cries out hoping this generation will hear and take a stand and say enough is enough. 

I do believe this generation in America is going to bring forth the greatest revival in the history of the world. This generation will carry two things that will bring forth this worldwide revival. 1) This generation is going to walk in the manifest presence of God and display God’s glory and power like the world has never seen. 2) This will be a generation who understands the times - who know the law and justice of God and can establish His kingdom on the earth through signs and wonders and a revelation of how to build godly societies. 

We will see Esthers, Josephs, Daniels, Elijahs, Jeremiahs, Deborahs arise that will influence every sector of society that will walk in the power and wisdom of God. This generation will come against the darkness that has infiltrated every sphere of our nation - no longer will the church hide its light but we will shine brighter than ever before. In the past 100 years we have failed as the people of God haven’t been the leaders of our society - we know we have failed when we see the divorce rate higher in the church than in the world, when sexual promiscuity is ravaging young people in the church, when abortion is rampant in Christian homes, when fathers are absent, when the people of God have turned to the state to provide for all their welfare, healthcare, education and retirement needs. We have withdrawn ourselves from society and have allowed the culture to influence us rather than Christians influencing society. 

As Christians the Lord has given us the mandate to subdue the earth and take dominion on the earth. It’s time to embrace this mandate and begin to walk in the power and wisdom of God to see this nation revived and return to its Christian heritage. Awake church! Embrace God’s presence and walk in His wisdom that we might establish God’s Kingdom on the earth. 

Renewing our minds.....

Romans 12:2 states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Paul is exhorting us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and not to be conformed to this world. Our minds need to be renewed on a daily basis through fellowship with God and the study of His word. Paul later says in 1 Corinthians 10:4 regarding the spiritual war all Christians face, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” There is a war raging in America for the hearts and minds of the next generation - a war between Christianity and Humanism. To our detriment, Christians are losing this battle in every sphere of society. I spent 5 years working as a campus minister at the University of Virginia, the top public university in the country, and met hundreds of students who were Christians that viewed life with a man-centered philosophy rather than a Christ-centered worldview. Not only that for the 4 years they were in college they were being pounded class after class with a view of life that replaces God as supreme with man as the ultimate being in the world. Christians must retake their position as the salt and light in the academic institutions of our nation and tear down the stronghold of humanism that is holding so many in bondage. Even though we are losing this battle, there is hope because we serve a mighty God. Rushdoony writes, “Clearly, a religious war is in process, between humanism and Christianity, and in that war, church, state, and school are almost wholly on the side of humanism as against Christianity. But history has never been determined by majorities but rather always and only by God.” May a remnant arise in our nation that will be fearless lovers of God who transform our society and establish God’s Kingdom on the earth. 

Laus Deo

Laus Deo - “Praise be to God.” These two simple words are atop the Washington Monument which stands at the heart of America’s capitol city declaring that God be praised for this nation and the blessings bestowed upon it. God is waiting for another generation that will once again embrace this cry and declare God be praised on every corner in this nation and the nations of the world! It says in Luke 19:40, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” The monuments, the writings, the lives of America’s forefathers are crying out “Praise be to God” but where are the people of God today making this declaration? For too long we have cried praise be to man, praise be to the state for our success, life, and liberty. Just as the Founders of this great nation understood where the source of life, liberty, and happiness came from, we too need to turn our praise to the King of kings and Lord of lords and stop exalting the state and ourselves above God. 

Finding inspiration in the midst of warfare

Seems like there is so much warfare over my family and I especially in the areas where we want to see breakthrough. I'm doing everything I know how to do - praying, worshiping, crying out for deliverance - yet it's been hard crawling out of it. I'm watching Two Towers as I write this which always gives me inspiration and hope for good overcoming evil. There is such a war going on for the hearts and minds of Americans and for the most part we are clueless. As Christians we don't realize that the hosts of heaven are waiting for us to partner with them to see victory achieved in our lives. Lord give me a greater revelation of heaven and Your desire for us to co-labor with You to bring heaven to earth. Heavenly encounters....that's what I long for. The Lord wants to act on our behalf but how do we maintain that belief when nothing seems to be happening for you? Even when nothing seems to be moving there still isn't anything as beautiful as being in the presence of God - although that can feel hard when under such warfare. Have to press in until we see the breakthrough....Lord give me the strength!

Lord greater vision, revelation, authority, and power that Your Kingdom will come in might and You would be glorified in our midst.

Jesus moved with compassion

Christians who walk in fearless love will live a life of compassion, charity, and good works. Acts 10:38 says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit, and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Jesus is our model for life today and He exemplified acts of goodness throughout His ministry. He set free the oppressed, healed the sick, fed the poor, and brought glory to His Father through His compassion and generosity. In Matthew 9:36 it says Jesus “saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion for them.”  Later in Matthew 14:14 Jesus was moved with compassion again for the multitudes and “healed their sick.” When He saw the four thousand hungry and weary Jesus had compassion and multiplied the loaves and fish to feed them. Christ’s compassion for the hungry and broken caused Him to act on their behalf. Psalm 86:15 says, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” God’s heart beats with compassion for the hurting, broken, and hungry. In the same way we too must walk with compassion towards those who are in need of a touch from God. Jesus called us to glorify His Father by our actions before men: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) It is a fearless love that will do whatever it takes to let our light shine and bring glory to our Father. 

"wasting" your life

Are you willing to “waste” your lives for the living God?  Are you willing to be fearless lovers of God like the woman who “wasted” a year’s worth of her income on the Lord? Are you willing to follow the call and destiny of God upon your life even if it means leaving your loved ones, being ostracized for your radical commitment to God, or facing the risk of failure by taking a step outside of your controllable world. This is an hour in America where we need to step out of our comfortable places, break free from normal conservative Christianity and take a risk for God. So many of us limit what God wants to do through us because we are too afraid to let go of what we can control and take a risk for a higher call. There is a new breed of Christians arising in this nation that are no longer going to follow the “normal” Christian life in America but are listening to another sound and following the drumbeat of God’s heart. 

religious spirit....

Jesus spent much of his time addressing the religious spirit of the Pharisees and Scribes and even His disciples, warning them of the danger of embracing religious acts without embracing the person of Christ. One such example is found in Matthew 26:6-13 with the woman who poured an alabaster flask of costly oil on Jesus’ head. This act of worship reflected so much of this woman’s heart for her Savior and the sacrifice she was willing to make to honor Jesus. She poured out a year’s worth of money upon Jesus and was willing to give everything to be in the presence of the Lord. The reaction of the disciples is a perfect example of how many in the church today would respond to a person who would spend everything just to be with the Lord. The disciples questioned the worthiness of this act of worship and were indignant that such “waste” occurred. They valued good deeds over our highest calling of being worshippers of God. Jesus on the other hand valued this woman’s act of worship toward Him and exalted her to a place of influence. When we seek God first and value our relationship with Him above all else, God in turn exalts us to realms of influence. 

Compassion

Jesus’ heart breaks when He sees the suffering, downtrodden, poor, needy, and those desperate for rescue. He longs to come through and deliver, and will, if we cry out to Him for help. God will personally deliver those in need but He also has commissioned His Bride to do the works of Jesus on the earth: To show compassion to the weary and broken, to feed the hungry, and deliver the oppressed. Our calling as the Body of Christ is to be the provision of God to the needy around us. Unfortunately, we have forsaken our role and handed off this most important calling to the United States Government. We have entrusted the care of the poor and needy, the widow and orphan into the hands of the state. In situations where God should be glorified for His compassion, His generosity, His goodness to the broken and needy, the state gets the glory. The state has replaced God as the one who provides and gives food to the hungry. This breaks the heart of God.

Transition

Transition seems to be occuring with a lot of people I know. Transitioning into a new job, or having kids, moving, finishing school, walking into a new season. Transition can be stressful, challenging, nerve racking and is for most people but it doesn't have to be. It is in these moments that God wants to shine through and meet you. He wants to show Himself strong for His beloved and be glorified. In my own transition I could easily get wrapped up in the details and allow my circumstances to rule my day rather than allow my faith to soar to a new level and see God rule my day. I look at both my choices and know one will bring life, increased faith, and blessing and the other fear, doubt, & worry. It's a simple choice but difficult to make in the transition. I know one thing and that is my God is big and loves to come through for me. He will meet me at my point of need and I will learn to trust Him all the more.

This is why I love this period in my life because the end result will be a complete and utter abandoment to the love and the Lord of my life. He is good.

Fearless lover continued...

This is a time in our generation where a group of individuals need to rise up and be completely fearless for God and His Kingdom. This world desperately needs a generation who are so enraptured with God and His Kingdom that they will stop at nothing to bring liberty to individuals and societies. It takes a fearless love to stand up for God and His righteousness when darkness surrounds us on every corner. This book is designed to inspire you to become a fearless lover of God and in so doing, achieving all that you were born to do and be. 

What is the beginning point of the journey in becoming a fearless lover? It starts in the place of worship and prayer - being in the presence of the living God. It’s in the presence of God where we find the strength and courage to live and take risks for God. From the beginning of time we were meant to dwell with God and walk with Him on a daily basis.  It is a part of our original design to abide in the presence of our Lord and Creator. As we walk with God, we become more like Him and in turn express His heart and Kingdom to a world that needs it. Victory and breakthrough occur in your life and a society as a people embrace the call to seek His face in worship and stand up for His truth and righteousness. For this generation to see God breakthrough and bring freedom to individuals and communities we must pursue the heart of God and have worship as the foundation of our lives. 

For a good book to read on worship try Exploring Worship by Bob Sorge....

My song

Fearless Lover

though the storms may come
and things seem hopeless
fear creeps in doubt takes hold

when life is hard
and darkness surrounds me
war is raging for my heart

I fix my eyes in your beauty
I find my strength in Your presence
I remind myself of Your goodness
I'll seek Your face and will not fear

make me a fearless lover
make me a fearless lover
make me a fearless lover
of You

presence

God's presence....there is nothing like being in the presence of God. How I long for more of Him more of His presence in my life. Take me to a deeper place and allow Your fire to burn deep within my heart. Ministering to God must come first before ministering to other people. May our hearts burn with one passion - to see the beauty of the Lord.

Fearless!

I am constantly thinking of what it means to be a fearless lover - this is the phrase of my life right now. I've written a song about this idea in the last week - I'm still in the process of fine tuning it. Over the weekend I had an idea to write a book about this whole message of fearless love. It feels God inspired and I'm excited about starting this project. I've always wanted to write books and I better start somewhere...and what better place than writing about the theme of my life. It's time I devote myself to writing down ideas that have the potential to influence a generation. Spirit fall, inspiration come, and wisdom arise!

War

This life we live is a war - a battle against darkness, sin, bondage, suffering, injustice, pain, sickness, disease, violence, murder, racism, death. Good vs evil; light vs darkness, Kingdom of heaven vs Kingdom of hell. I see it every day. It's a battle to love, to overcome, to find joy, to stand against injustice, to find life against disease and death, to find victory over sin. We are at war and the devil and his demons are the enemy. What does it take to win this war? Courage? endurance? hope? love? It takes the loving arms of our Father, our King, our Lord, our Savior helping us , encouraging us, strengthening us, refreshing us, etc. When we embrace Him God embraces us and the full resources of heaven are at our disposal. It's simple really. Live to be with Him and worship Him - His presence brings the freedom, the victory, the light, the life, the joy, the justice, the strength, the power. May we always lean into His presence and allow Him to overshadow us. The Kingdom of Heaven cannot lose - we just have to let heaven fill our lives. Heaven is Jesus it's the moment we meet. be with Him and heaven is released in our lives.

For of such is the kingdom of heaven

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
As I was playing and wrestling with my son this morning this scripture verse from Matthew 19 came to my mind. "For of such is the kingdom of heaven...." Why would Jesus proclaim such a powerful statement? What do children possess that we as adults have lost? So many thoughts flood my mind as I think about this. Children pursue what they love with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. They're not afraid to express their emotions when things don't go the way they want. They're innocent and pure in heart. They believe in things that we as adults have deemed impossible. They dream and pursue their dream until someone more "experienced" tells them it can't happen. We adults need to sit with the children and learn from them. God wants us to pursue Him like a child would, wants us to express our frustrations, hopes, and dreams with Him, wants us to dream big and never let the impossible defeat us. If we would believe in God like a child we could move mountains, see our dreams come true, and find fulfillment in what truly matters.

Where is the fire in the land?

“A man who started to paint his front porch while his house was on fire would be considered an idiot. Is the picture overdrawn when I say that this is what the modern church is doing?”
- Ravenhill

“The Gospel is not an old, old story, freshly told. It is a fire in the Spirit, fed by the flame of Immortal Love; and woe unto us, if, through our negligence to stir up the Gift of God which is within us, that fire burns low.”
- Dr. R. Moffat Gautrey

Where is the fire in this land? In my own heart? We have lost the authenticity of Christianity. The power of God has been watered down by our programs, our traditions, outings, and our get together socials. This is not a time for us to stand idly by while millions face eternal damnation. The modern church doesn’t know the reality of Christ and the power of His Spirit. Why are we not empowered by the Holy Spirit, filled and moved to impact the world? Where are the apostles of this hour? The Johns? Peters? Philips? Pauls? Stephens?

We have to press into the Lord to encounter Him. We can’t let the fire burn low. This is not some old religion that has been carrying on for 2000 years. This is as real as it gets and if we miss it we’ve lost it all.