Monday, April 26, 2010

There is no Fear in God's Perfect Love (1 Jn. 4:18)

Yesterday, I preached MYSELF free. Like Job who prayed for his friends I got a double blessing of God's perfect love. I was intending to raise my congregation, friends and family out the "fear slump" caused by the world's economic uncertainties.
During service, my daughter Kue danced to Tye Tribbet's, "Chasing God." And her dance convicted me that I had taken my eyes off of God, and put them on people. As I preached, I realized that I needed to be freed from fearful people, places and things. I had fear OF people falling, failing and forfeiting their Kingdom inheritance. And I had fear FOR people in need and distress.
Are you fearful? Remember there is absolutely NO lack in Jesus Christ -- not in His power, presence, provision or promise. God did not give us a spirit of fear.(2 Tim. 1:7) And if God didn't give it to us, who did? Like God asked Adam in Genesis 3:11, "Who told you that you were naked?" Who have you been listening to that caused your heart to fail for fear? (Luke 21:26)
Today I say: Keep your heart with diligence for out of it springs the issues of life. (Prov.4:23) Trust in the Lord always, and He will GIVE you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4) Whenever you are afraid, trust in the Lord. (Psalms 56:3)

Thursday, April 1, 2010

How Do You See the Cross?

Most people see the Cross as the place for forgiveness of sin, which is true. But some refuse to go to the Cross and say, "Jesus, have Your way with my life." It is possible that you want His crown, but not His Cross; His blessing, but not His burden; His success, but not His servanthood. Matthew 16:24 says, Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." If you have taken up your cross, then you are truly a follower (a disciple) of Jesus Christ?
How do you see YOUR cross?