Put Feet To Your Faith

Jesus had ministered all day to a crowd of thousands. Toward the end of the day the disciples came to Jesus with a problem. They were in the middle of nowhere, it was late, and the people had not eaten. The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away so they could go and find food for themselves and their families. Then Jesus did something that seemed strange to the disciples. He said, "You give them something to eat". The disciples started reasoning. They considered how much money it would take, and where they would have to go to obtain food for so many people. Honestly, they thought He was being unreasonable. They had already considered all the natural resources and options, and Jesus' response to them did not fit into their natural reasoning. The one thing they had failed to consider was Jesus. They had with them the one who created them and everything else they could see or touch. Serving as a man, but completely filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was not bound by the natural order of things. He simply told the disciples to have the people sit down in an orderly manner. Then He took what provision they had (5 loaves of bread and two fish) looked up to heaven, prayed, and then had the disciples begin serving. Wow! He recognized the need. He understood the Father's heart and love for the people. He prayed accordingly. Then, He began serving the need of the people. And Guess What? The Father did not disappoint. He took that small offering and rewarded them with abundance. Everyone ate till they were satisfied, and then the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of leftovers. One more thing; immediately after this great victory, Jesus started preparing for his next assignment. He sent the disciples on their way, and He went to pray.

If you are in a situation today that seems impossible...I mean you have looked at it from every way you can think of and there is just no way out...turn to God. Listen to what he is telling you to do. You need to shut off your reasoning, listen to your heart...do what Jesus did. You serve a miracle working God. Consider these five things:
1. Recognize the need
2. Seek God through scripture, godly council, and time alone with him so you can understand his heart concerning the matter...always remembering how much he loves you.
3. Pray according to His will, always giving thanks.
4. Then start working toward the goal, trusting God to meet you at your point of need.
5. When (not if) the need is met, prayerfully set your sights on your next assignment.

Trust God... you will not be disappointed. He is growing your faith muscles.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Don't Worry

 5 Facts About Worry:

 Worry is a down-payment on something that may never happen.

 Worry opens doors to demonic attacks.

 Worry causes stress.

 Worry is a perversion of the beautiful imagination God has given you.

 Worry Is sin.

 5 Cool Quotes Regarding Worry:

If things go wrong, don't go with them.  ~Roger Babson


I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance.  Then, whenever doubt, anxiety or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal - and soon they'll forget my number.  ~Edith Armstrong


Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.  ~Glenn Turner

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.  ~Leo Buscaglia


Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it.  ~Mark Twain


What did Jesus Say about Worry?
5x2 Scriptures (Double Portion)

  

 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ~ Luke 12: 22-32

Don't Forget Who You Are

Imagine a king in a magnificent and glorious kingdom. In this kingdom are all the riches and treasures you could ever dream of. It is a land of peace. Everyone loves one another, and there is no lack. One day the king speaks to his son, whom he dearly loves. He tells this son there is trouble in another land; a land far away, full of other people whom he loves as well. They are suffering terribly; drought, famine, poverty, sickness, and fear have taken hold of the land. These terrible problems have caused the people to do things they normally would not have done... and to lose hope. He asks his son to go to this land and help the people. He gives him everything he has at his disposal to use as a means to rectify the problems in that place. The son enthusiastically agrees to go to help the people of the far away land. He heads out on his journey; taking with him silver and gold, precious things, caravans of food supplies, fresh water, medicine, and valuable information from all the sharpest minds of his kingdom. Information designed to teach the people of the land to understand the cause of their problems, as well as valuable information on how to solve them.

Much time went by, and back at his home the king heard nothing from his son. He waited for a very long time, but when he still received no word from his son, he sent others to find him. They went to the distant land to find the kings son. When they arrived they found things to be worse than they ever imagined. The people of the distant land were in serious trouble. The condition of the people was worse than they had heard about, and all the people were very sick. They had no money for food, no medicine for the sickness that ran rampant, and no one seemed to have any hope or ideas for a brighter future. They found the kings son, and to their amazement he was curled up in the corner of a hut, in a village over-run with poverty, sickness, and despair. He had become one of them. When they approached him he was startled, and then began to weep, asking them why they had taken so long. “Why has my father done nothing? Why has he left us here with no hope of the future?” The messengers did not know how to respond, they simply said, "you had everything you needed...we thought you would have used the things your father gave you to help the people, and yourself. That's why you came here. We found all of the supplies and information in the valley on the other side of the hill. Why did you abandon them?”

Does it seem strange to you that the son would have abandoned the supplies and all the other things his father had given him as aide to the people? How could he have forgotten his purpose for going to the far away land? He didn't even take care of himself. He became like them. He had everything he needed to help the people, as well as provide for himself. Yet when the searchers arrived he blamed them, and his father, for having done nothing. If the father would have been there, what do you think his response might have been to the son?

As strange as this story sounds, the reality of it will hit way too close to home for most of us living as Christians today. The job the son went so eagerly to do, is the job assigned to every Christian today by our Father in heaven. Jesus said it is expedient that I leave so that I can send you a comforter, a counselor, a guide...the Holy Spirit. Jesus was to be the first of many brethren, implying there were to be others like him.

 Beloved, the ideas many Christians have that life here on earth is something to be endured until that day when we finally see Jesus and are completely transformed into His image in the twinkling of an eye, are in many ways erroneous. Yes on that day we will know fully the things which we do not know now, and yes we will put off this body of flesh for an eternal one, but the truth is we have a job to do while we are here on earth.

 We are ambassadors here, sent by a loving Father, King, and God of all creation to administer help to the lost, sick, and dying people in this far away land called the world. In Christ, our Father has given us everything we need to help these people and ourselves. We have the very power that raised Christ from the dead living on the inside of us. Not only that, but we have the very mind of Christ in our born again spirit. As a matter of fact, His Word tells us that He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. In our born again spirit we have God's character:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We have Jesus' very own peace given to us as a gift. If you have taken the journey through the book of Romans, and actually applied those truths to your life, then you have laid down your life, now saying "it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me".

Brothers and Sisters we are a peculiar people, set apart by God, for God, to do with as He pleases. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, and it is time that the true sons of God step up and be counted. It is time for the church to go public. We are not to be conformed to this world. We are here to administer assistance to the sick and dying. We have the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in us, because on the cross of Christ there was a divine exchange that took place. Now having accepted the exchange we are to be adorned with all the gifts of the Spirit, and set apart as the chosen bride of Christ. We have been given authority in His name to do His work in the world.

We are to strengthen the weak by administering the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are to heal the sick. We are to bind up the injured by administering inner healing and deliverance from the oppression of the devil. And we are to evangelize, seeking the lost and bringing back those who have strayed away from God's protection. We are instructed and empowered not only to do these things, but also to prophesy and speak life into any situation that does not line up with the word of God. Poverty, sickness, disease, depression, strife, divorce, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, rebellion, and any other ungodly spirit or aspect of the curse that rears its head is to be cut off with the sword of the Spirit - the Word of God. We are to disciple others and to be discipled ourselves, enjoying and exploring the measure and gifts of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to submit to one another in love.

Somehow many of us, as if leaving all of our provisions in the valleys of our lives, have neglected to administer (or really even seek to obtain) the provisions God has provided for us through the sacrifice of His precious son Jesus. My friends, let us consider the question asked by the writer of Hebrews, inspired by the Holy Spirit: "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

We are just travelers passing through, heading to our eternal destiny with our heavenly bridegroom...looking forward to the "well done", and a seat at the table upon arrival.

"...ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it..." Joshua 1:14, 15

Covered In Rainbows

Not long after I was saved, I had a wonderful encounter with God. Jesus had saved me and I was glad of it, but my heart was broken by all the wreckage of my past. I was continually in the word and hungry for God. 

One day I stopped to put gas in my car, and while I was standing at the pump I was overwhelmed with grief, sorrow, and a longing for God. I remember looking into the sun. It was beautiful as it set that evening... and though He seemed very distant from my heart, somehow at that moment, I knew that I had an audience with our Creator. Looking into that sunset, with tears streaming down my face, I cried out, "Lord I'm Seeking You"!

At that very moment, as if someone tapped me on the shoulder, I turned around. As I turned, I was completely enveloped by the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen. It was right there...as if  God himself had taken His brush and painted it over my head as I looked toward the sun and cried out to Him. It touched the ground on both sides, and at that moment I felt as if I were getting a glimpse into heaven. The tears began to flow even more as I was keenly aware of God's love and presence. I knew that rainbow had been placed there just for me, as a loving response to a child with a broken and contrite heart, from a caring Father. I didn't know all of the spiritual ramifications of it at the time, but somehow I knew it meant I was protected. It meant He was there and He cared for me enough to show me a beautiful sign of His protection...and love.

Today you may be in a similar situation. Maybe you have received Jesus as your Lord and savior, but you are not experiencing all the blessings you hear about on television. I want to encourage you today. He is right there with you. God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. The part people most often leave off of that promise is that it is conditional. He says "you will find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I know now that God never leaves us. The reason we only find him when we seek Him with all our heart is because that is the only time we are freed up from the distractions of this world long enough to hear Him. Do you know that one of the things I was amazed about that day, other than the magnitude and majesty of that amazing rainbow? People were everywhere; all around at the convenience store and gas pumps, and driving by in cars. But it was as if no one saw the rainbow but me. I am not saying nobody else saw it, but as I looked around at the people - as if I were thinking that it would stop traffic and everyone's stare would be locked onto this amazing rainbow, or on me as God was giving me this great revelation - they were not even paying attention. They were too distracted by the cares of this world to even notice.

 If we want all that God has to offer, we need to start by offering Him our time. He just wants to be recognized... He wants to be believed...And just like you and me, He wants to be loved...just for who He is.

Beloved, when God looks at you, it is as if you have a rainbow over your head. He is constantly reminded of the covenant He has made with His beautiful son Jesus. The first rainbow was placed in the sky as a reminder to God and man of His covenant with them not to destroy all life again by flood. But that was just a type of the wonderful covenant of peace we can now enjoy in His precious son Christ Jesus.

 If you belong to Jesus that is all God sees when He looks at you; the beauty and perfection of His beautiful and perfect son. He will never break His promises of love, forgiveness, and blessing toward you, because you are in Christ. Just remember that God wants you to stay aware of the "rainbow"; the covering of the covenant He has with Jesus.

When we do not take time for Him, and keep our mind renewed in His word, we allow the deceptions of the enemy to come into our minds and wreak havoc. So stay in constant communion with your loving Father, by walking in the Love of Jesus, and staying submitted to Him through His word and the Holy Spirit. Put God first... He loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. 

"Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you.." Genesis 9:14, 15  

 "I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them..." Jeremiah 32:40

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD..." Jeremiah 29:11-14
 
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"...anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

My Peace I Give To You

 On the last night Jesus spent with His disciples, He had many things to share with them. He gave them instructions, and explained about the Holy Spirit and eternal life. He also warned them of many bad things that would come because they had been chosen by Him. He gave them authority to use His name. Then He prayed for them.

One of the most personal, and beautiful, things He did was give them His peace. Jesus’ peace allowed Him to sleep in the midst of the storm, to speak to His creation and tell it to be still. His peace allowed Him to walk untouched through the midst of those trying to throw Him off a cliff. His peace allowed Him to never be carnal, to always forgive, to always love, and to always be in communion with the Father. Not only did He give this peace to them, but He made sure to let them know He would not take it back from them. Unlike people of this world, who might give and take...Jesus only gives.

Brothers and sisters, today if you are struggling to be at peace, turn to Jesus. He has provided for your peace. This is a peace you can have in the midst of the storms of life. No matter who or what is coming against you. If you are having problems with your marriage, friendships, children, your finances, or if you have sickness in your body - Jesus says “let not your heart be troubled or afraid". On the cross He provided for every need you will ever have.

 Use the authority He has given you. Speak to the mountains in your life. Say, "spirit of poverty, strife, rejection, fear, sickness...Jesus told me you were coming, but I have news for you. You cannot stay. Jesus has already defeated you, and right now, in the name of Jesus, I command you to go and not return." Now believe that it is done, and begin to praise your God who cannot lie. Call upon the gift of peace given to you by your loving Savior. Allow it to dominate you. Fill your mind with the beautiful promises in God's word and be at peace. Jesus loves you, and He is interceding for you even now.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3 NLT

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 KJV

Don't Be Afraid

After Jesus fed the 5000 with five loaves and two fish, He sent the disciples in a boat to Bethsaida, and He went to pray. They ran into some trouble on the water. They rowed all night against heavy wind, they were straining at the oars, and they had only made it to the middle of the lake. In a vision, Jesus saw they were in trouble so He walked to them on the water. When they saw Him they thought He was a ghost and were terrified. But Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." He got in the boat and the wind died down.

The disciples should have known Jesus would take care of them. He hand picked each one of them to be His disciples. Only hours before, He had miraculously fed 5000 people with just 5 loaves and two fish. Still the bible says they were amazed, because their hearts were hardened regarding the miracles He had already performed.

Today, if you are facing tough situations in your life, remember that Jesus is right there with you. He will never leave you or forsake you, and He is more powerful than any situation or weapon that can come against you. He handpicked you to be His disciple, and He is very protective of you. Think back on all the tough times in your life and consider the fact that they are now only memories. He has delivered you from every trial, and He will continue to be there for you.

 Recognize Jesus for who He is; your friend, your brother, your healer, your provider, your redeemer, your King...your God. Speak to Him as if He were sitting right there with you, because He is. He is willing and able to help in every situation. Do not limit Him by doubting, or complaining. He loves you, and no matter how deep you have gotten yourself into trouble, He wants you to enjoy the peace that only He can provide. Begin speaking to Him now...go ahead talk... He is listening.