Visions And Dreams

In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions; your old men will dream dreams.

 

Acts 2:17

Imagine this scenario for a moment, "I need to meet with you," said an older man with a strong accent during a break at a conference overseas. The two men walked outside to have a coffee break and sat down. "God wants you to know that He removed your finances in order to prepare you for greater things to come—He has done you a great service."

Shocked by the words he was hearing, from the mouth of a man whom he had never met before, in his 35 years of life, he wondered how would he have known I had lost a half million dollars in the previous few years, virtually all of my financial net worth, to some unusual calamities?

That week, during lunch and dinner break times, the two men continued to meet. And on the last morning of the conference the younger man was enjoying wonderful, juice from fresh oranges from an island in the Mediterranean Sea, where the conference was being hosted. It came time for the men to say there goodbyes and as they did they bowed in prayer. As they prayed, the older man began to describe a picture he was seeing in his mind.

"I see a picture of a large orange tree. The tree is full of large, ripened oranges. They are beginning to fall to the ground. You are the tree!"

Again, the younger man was shocked and amazed, and now tears were welling up in his eyes.

"You are the third person in three years that has had a similar vision during a prayer time like this. The first two people were also strangers to me."

The younger man left the conference rejoicing that God could be so personal in his life. God used an older man to supernaturally speak a word of encouragement in a way that he would know it was Him who was speaking.

There are times when God supernaturally speaks into our lives. He does this to demonstrate His power, His love, and His intimacy with us. Do not be surprised if God sends one of His messengers to speak into your life when you need it most. Be open to how God might want to speak into your life today.

Captivated By Our Savior

There was the frantic clanking of pots and pans, the harsh sound of broom bristles against dirt floors and the hearty aroma of hot vegetable soup and freshly baked bread in the air. The roughness of dirt residing on skin and beads of sweat collecting on one's brow was visibly apparent.

 

Jesus was here to visit!

 

There was so much to do, in so little time!

 

In all the chaos of the preparations, there was but one heart that yearned to catch every word that slipped from her Savior's tongue. Determinedly, she fixed her eyes on His gentle face. His countenance was soft, yet strong.

 

 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10:38-42)

 

 

Mary was captivated by her Savior... she was enraptured by His love for her and she yearned to prove her affection in a tangible way. Mary, in an earlier chapter, came to Christ with her alabaster jar. She anointed His feet with her tears of repentance and wiped them with her hair.

It has been assumed, by many others, that Mary's alabaster jar was her dowry. A dowry was something she would give her husband if or when she was to be married. In addition, Jewish women in those days never let their hair down in public. Only on their wedding nights did they show themselves in that manner. Truly, Mary unashamedly exposed herself in the presence of her Savior. She desired Him to understand the genuineness of her adoration. In Mary's eyes, Christ was the only thing on earth that mattered most to her.

 

Now, on the other hand, Martha was not all wrong in her service to Christ. Often, life calls us to be busy with responsibilities and to carry out specific duties, whether it is school or work. But Scripture clearly states that Martha was "distracted". How many distractions are set up or forth coming in your own life? Repeatedly, we fill up our calendars with a considerable amount of "good things" but end up distracting ourselves from what really matters most to our Savior, which is a heart ultimately after Him.

What Are Your Fine Qualities

It is not the author's style in Pride and Prejudice, but the characters—notably that of Elizabeth Bennett, that one is drawn to which carried Austen's book into a top classic. She's been dubbed the best female character ever penned, but if we look close enough we see that we have overlooked a truth about Miss Elizabeth: she is incomplete. It wasn't Elizabeth's sparkling personality, because she's actually quite dull by herself. What made Elizabeth a superstar was her foil.

 

A "foil" is a literary term meaning, "One that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another," as taken from www.thefreedictionary.com. A foil is a character possessing traits that are opposite from the main character, therefore illuminating the main character's fine qualities.

 

What immortal Jane Austen character have we forgotten?

 

None other than Lydia Bennett. Wild, boisterous, flirtatious and immature—Elizabeth's youngest sister is only remembered for being, well, horrible. To put it kindly, she's annoying; but at the core, Lydia lacks modesty.

 

To some, "modesty" is another antiquated word from Austen's era. To others, it may be commonly used but rarely understood. Properly defined, modesty is the special combination of unpretentiousness and discretion; it is a desire not to draw undue attention to self.

 

Consider for a minute what Webster's 1828 states:

 

"…modesty springs no less from principle than from feeling, and is manifested by retiring, unobtrusive manners, assuming less to itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others are all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require….In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle."

 

What makes Elizabeth Bennett so special?

 

Compared to her sister's immodesty, we admire her self-control. She's characterized by quiet good sense—not a desire to be noticed—therefore, we notice her.

 

The contrast between Elizabeth and Lydia symbolizes the choice we must make:

 

• Modesty or flaunting?

• Humility or attention demanding?

 

Which are you adorning in "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Peter 3:4)?

 

Most of all, which character are you exemplifying in your life?

Satisfaction Guaranteed

"Guaranteed to make you thin in just three weeks!"
"Lifetime warranty on all our merchandise."
"If your pizza isn't there in thirty minutes or less—it's free!"

Guarantees—it's the American way, so much so that we're suspicious of any product or service that doesn't come with a warranty. Our trust extends no further than the terms of the guarantee. Whereas the woman in Proverbs 31 "considers a field and buys it"; we read Consumer Reports and scour the fine print for terms and conditions—it's just good common sense we justify.

 

The mistake we make is trying to apply the same principles to the Christian life: "I feel called to go to the mission field, but I don't know if that is wise financially." 

We don't want to trust God.

 

What we really want is a guarantee that things will work out in our favor, before we take that step of faith that God has called us to. So we settle for what we know because what we don't know is just too scary. We accept the trade-off—an underlying dissatisfaction with life—so we can stay safe. The American way has led to unhappiness in the Christian way for many of us today.

Going to the mission field is financially seen as risky; there are no guarantees of a nice, fat pension upon retirement.

Desiring to know the outcome of our choices is only natural, which is why Peter asked Jesus,

 

We have left everything and followed you. What then will we have? (Matthew 19:27).

 

Jesus replied that those who leave all to follow Him will indeed be blessed for doing so and will ultimately want for nothing.

 

But we still want the details of those blessings in advance—we want guaranteed specifics. Well, here is a guarantee for believers, For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

The Goodness Of God-likeness

 

As we look to God and live out lives of God-likeness, we see more clearly that all things good do certainly come from God.

 

As believers we all know we should live a Godly life, as Jesus did, but we fail to do so at times. We are to live according to God's Kingdom, and not of this world. We see this stated in 1 John 2:17, "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

 

Through the saving grace of God, we each—as believers—have the great opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven. It is difficult to do at times, but we must remember that our time on earth is so short, compared to eternity. Whether we want to stay here or not doesn't matter. We simply can't, and won't.

 

But while we are here we should, no we need to be living out a God-like life. As we skim through Scripture, particularly Jesus' ministry here on the earth we see that He is the prime example of living a God-like life. But nowadays it seems that we are all too concerned with the problems going on in the world that we fail to remember to be living in a state of God-likeness. We are caught up with all that is going wrong in the world that we are not able to fully be used by God to further the Kingdom.  

 

Again, looking at Jesus' earthly ministry, did He look at the wrong going on in the world around Him and shake His head thinking that there was no hope?

 

Did He not see it fitting to share a meal with a tax collector? (Luke 19:1-9)

Did He overlook witnessing to a Pharisee? (John 3:1-21)

Did He ignore the outcast woman at the well? (John 4:5-26)

Did He stone the woman caught in adultery? (John 8:1-11)

 

No, in fact He sought out those who where indeed apart of the "wrongs" in the world.

 

Why would Jesus do such a thing?

 

Because He knew the need to be God to these people was more important than trying to fix the "wrong" in the world around Him. He came to do the will of the Father (See John 6:39-40) and that should be our mindset as well.  

 

As we go through our daily lives, we should always be learning and growing in all areas of life, from the directions we take, decisions we make, how we spend our time, and who we spend are time with are all to be based on what is consistent with the Word of God.

 

Jesus' life and ministry reflected what is consistent with who God is and we see who God is all throughout Scripture. The following are just a few of the places noted throughout Scripture that speaks of God and His goodness:

 

• Exodus 34:5-7
• Deuteronomy 4:31
• 2 Samuel 22:32-34
• Psalms 73:26
• Proverbs 30:5
• 1 Corinthians 14:33

In order to be more God-like and seeing more of the manifestation of His goodness in our lives—and in the world around us—we need to look to His written Word—the Bible which is truly our manual for living. Until we take time out to seek the wisdom written on these pages we will never truly know what it means to live a God-like life which is a reflection of His goodness.

 

So, stop looking to what is wrong in the world and start putting into action a life that is God-like and ask God for revelation and power to accomplish this for His glory. Change happens when God's true character is illuminated in our lives and not when we point out the wrong in the world and in others around us.

 

 

 

 

A Message From A Prophet

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

 

Amos 3:7

 

God used His prophets in biblical times and even today to reveal His plans in the lives of His people. It is seen all throughout Scripture and is proven over and over in the lives of many of God's people. It is as though God sends out His "scouts" to inform His servants what is ahead for them. Sometimes He does this because He knows the event will require such changes in that person's life and to assure them of His call on their lives. God did this in the life of Moses, as He came to Moses at the burning bush to reveal His purposes for the people of Israel and His call on Moses to free them.

Has anyone ever given you a message that was relevant to your current life circumstances, but which no one else would have known about except you and God? Or have you ever received a specific impression from the Lord that was a message of encouragement for another individual? These are examples of "prophetic ministry" which is a gift the apostle Paul desired all believers to practice (See 1 Corinthians 14:1-5).

Has God placed individual(s) in your life to speak His plans for you? Are your eyes and ears spiritually sensitive so that you will know who the messenger(s) of God are that are speaking into your life? Elisha had a servant who could not see or hear with spiritual eyes and ears until Elisha prayed they would be opened. Then the servant could see the great army of God protecting them (See 2 Kings 6:17). Pray that you might see and hear with the Spirit, as God may desire to reveal His purposes and plans through another individual(s), known as modern day prophets.

Enlarging Your Territory

..."Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!...."

 

1 Chronicles 4:10

He is mentioned only once in a brief description in the Old Testament, yet what he says and what his life bespeaks could fill volumes. He was a man whom God saw as worthy of a request that had significant consequences for him and his family. His name was Jabez. Here is how the Scripture describes him:

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request (See 1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

When you think of territory, you probably think of land or some area in which you have dominion. Jesus often spoke about giving responsibility based on what we do with the little things first. Jabez must have been a very responsible person. God describes him as honorable. Jabez must have understood what it really means to be blessed by God. He was a man who knew what it meant to press into God and ask for God's favor with passion. God saw the heart of this man and gave him his request. His borders were enlarged and he lived a life free from pain.

 

Imagine that!

God will enlarge a person's territory as He knows that person will use it responsibly and will steward what is given in light of God's Kingdom. God truly wants to increase our territory to have greater influence in the world around us. That territory can mean personal influence and/or physical territories.

It is rare to have a life without pain as it is often necessary to mold us and shape us. This is the only exception I have seen in Scripture. Jabez must have been quite a man with incredible integrity and purity of heart.

Are you this kind of person?

 

Can God enlarge your territory and entrust you to use it for His purposes?

 

Ask God today to enlarge your territory and to make you the kind of man or woman who is worthy of such trust.

Are You A Model Leader

C.S. Lewis said,

 

"Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is..."

 

Our true identities will always be found out, and chances are, we'll never witness the scope of our influence. Like a stone thrown into the water, casting ripples in every direction, even those who don't know our names are bound to be touched by the impact of our lives. Here is a challenge you should consider as you live to be the best model leader as possible:

 

• Be Genuine – If you're truly a good role model, you'll set the same example with family as you will in public with friends

 

• Don't Be A People Pleaser – It's all too easy to be motivated to set a good example by wanting to impress others. However, other people are human too. They're bound to disappoint. Paul wrote, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) We should want to set an example, but only for the glory of God.

 

• Be Willing To Be A Servant – In John 13:1-20, in the act of washing His disciples' feet, Christ proved that leadership requires servanthood. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet…" (John 13:14). If the Son of God did this, how can we do less?

What role models do you have in your life?

 

How have they impacted your life?

 

What characteristics have defined their leadership?

 

Are you up to the challenge to be a model leader?

Umm... It's Alright

"Umm... it's alright." 

 

In Sense and Sensibility, Marianne cries out in similar frustration to her mother, "To hear those beautiful lines, which have frequently almost driven me wild, pronounced with such impenetrable calmness—such dreadful indifference!"

 

Marianne strikes upon something we have all felt. When a thing we love is not treated with the whole-hearted, passionate adoration we believe it deserves—something within us rebels. We are indignant when a praiseworthy object is left unpraised. Adore it or loathe it, but do not simply tolerate it!

And yet, how often do we apply this very same principle to our personal relationship with God? Realistically, it is of no consequence if someone fails to produce what we deem is the "proper response" to our earthly affections. What should we care if a friend gives a favorite movie only three stars? It's small beans. On the other hand, our opinion of God is an unbendable issue. He's the only One worthy of total devotion. But with a nod of acknowledgement, to many are saying, "Umm…God, You're alright"; as if He were a choice dessert. We wade in apathy where we should rightly dance with zeal.

Unlike us, missionary-martyr Jim Elliot cried to God for passion:

 

"God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. God, deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. Make me thy fuel, Flame of God."

 

Nothing lukewarm there… can we really say that our love is such a consuming fervor that nothing else matters? Sam Storms put it well, when he wrote in his book One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God,

 

"Apathy is impossible in the presence of the Son of God. Ineffable beauty compels a response: either passionate devotion or hatred. Middle-of-the-road,straddle-the-fence, you-do-your-thing-and-I'll-do-mine indifference dies when Jesus draws near. Love Him or despise Him, but abandon the myth that He can be tolerated. Sing for joy or spit in His face. Apathy simply isn't an option."

 

 

Passionate devotion or hatred—there is no room for a response less than the extreme. Christ wants all of ourselves: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). Not part of the time. Not mildly or insipidly. Just as Christ gave us His everything, our everything is demanded in return. It's radical, fanatic, obsessive, and unreserved. It's a love that shouts from rooftops, to the God who is never merely just alright.

God's Sufficiency In That Which He Has Called Us

Some say that, the most obvious sign that someone is called by God to something, is that they feel utterly inadequate for whatever it is, and this is true to a point. He first brings us to a place where we know that there is no earthly way that we could ever do such a thing He has called us to without the indwelling leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. God often times will strip us of our pride and self-reliance, and show us our desperate need for Him. And then He tells us to go do that which He has called Us to—leaning wholly on Him.

 

This is expressed so well in C.S. Lewis' book Prince Caspian.  Aslan asks the young king of Narnia:

 

"Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?"

 

"I–I don't think I do, Sir," said Caspian. "I'm only a kid."

 

"Good," said Aslan. "If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not."

 

How true this is and we see it stated well in Scripture:

 

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God… (2 Corinthians 3:5).

 

Isn't that a lovely thing!?

 

We see that one of the great tenets of Scripture is the claim that God is completely sufficient for all matters of life—even that which he has called us to. It's by His hand and power that He alone will be able to accomplish what He in fact has called us to.

 

We shouldn't be worried how the plot will play out, because God is sufficient enough to bring the set, the characters, and special effects together for His prefect premiere in which He has called you to star in.

Think Huge

How do you think huge in God's will?

First of all, thinking Huge refers to establishing goals that you don't currently know how to achieve. God desires to do meaningful things through each of our lives. God desires to take us places we've never been and bless us in ways that we haven't even imagined. The challenge is that our idea of what we can accomplish and what God wants us to accomplish are worlds apart.

It is so tempting to set routine, standard, ho-hum goals that we know we'll reach. But is that what God wants or expects for us? I don't think so. Too many people (if they bother to set goals at all) establish safe, little goals that don't require God's assistance to reach. I believe God is looking for something more... what do you think?

One way to think huge is to set goals that are so ginormous that when you reach them, you'll know God had His hand on the situation. Set goals that go beyond where you've been and what you've accomplished in the past. Think about how you get a great workout in the gym. It's not by doing the same old routine. To grow in the gym, you have to place greater demand on your muscles than you ever previously have. If you are likely to reach your goals by just depending on yourself, rather than having to depend on God, then you're not thinking huge enough...

Ask God what one things would be the greatest He could do in and through your life. Ask God to reveal His will for you through your desires and passions. Ask God today to reveal the goals that are worthy of your full potential.

Is there any limit to what you can accomplish with the full power of God working through you?

Think huge... NOW!

Serve God Where He Calls You

Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

 

Exodus 31:1-5

Bezalel was called by God to perform a most important work for Him. I am sure that Bezalel believed that he was naturally gifted with his hands to make fine crafts with gold, silver, and bronze. He probably did not associate it with God's work. But the Scripture tells us that God chose him and filled him with God's Spirit to enable him.

Does God call men and women into certain places to fulfill His purposes—to fulfill that which needs to be accomplished throughout the world?

 

Have you ever thought about how God has a balance of interest in each human throughout the world?

 

Did it just happen?

 

Was it by chance?

The desires, talents, and skills you have are not born of your own making. So many believers fail to seek God's direction for where He would have us in order for His work to be accomplished. Sometimes God will remove us from our present location or doings in order to bring us to the place where He has called us. Seek and serve God where He has gifted you and the Spirit is calling you to.

The Strength Of Visionary Leaders

..."Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.

 

Zechariah 4:6

Visionary leaders—especially God's people—should be the most positive, joyful people on earth. This joy should be a by-product of a healthy, intimate relationship with Jesus. God calls each of such visionary leaders, to be careful that vision is born out of His Spirit.

Faith in God comes out of obedience to God's Spirit. It is important to beware of anything that puts the burden of performance on you rather than God. There are times in our lives when God doesn't want us to climb every mountain. Sometimes He wants us to go around the mountain. Knowing the difference is the key to being a man or woman led by the Spirit.

God has called us to affect the world through His Spirit, not by our might. Have you tapped into the real power source—the leading and guiding of the Spirit? If not, ask God to reveal and empower you through His Spirit today.

Thirsting After God As Elisha Did

..."Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"....

 

2 Kings 2:9

 

The first requirement to move in greater power and authority in God is to hunger for it. Yet even this hunger is born from God. Elisha hungered after God. Elisha saw many miracles as Elijah's servant. But he wanted more. He wanted a double portion of Elijah's spirit. When he asked Elijah for this, the prophet responded, "You have asked a difficult thing." It wasn't because it couldn't be granted. Elijah knew that with great anointing came a great weight of responsibility and at times difficulty.

Second, humility comes before honor. Elisha was known as the "servant of Elijah." How would you like to be known as "the servant of John"? Your name is not even mentioned. This was the preparation of Elisha. It has been the preparation of many men of God. Consider Joseph, the servant of Pharaoh. Consider David, the servant of Saul.

Third, Elisha committed himself totally to his calling. The Scripture says when Elisha was called to join Elijah, the younger man left his farm business completely. He slaughtered his oxen and had a great feast for the community. It was all or nothing. He could not fall back on his farm trade if his new venture didn't work. This demonstrates Elisha's pioneer spirit in stepping out, not knowing what was ahead.

Do you want greater anointing in God?

 

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

 

Begin thirsting for God's anointing in your heart like never before—this is the starting place.

 

 

A Tool For Miracles

With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared.

Judges 6:21

How does God call people into His service? There is a clear pattern in the way God calls men and women into service for Him. Almost every major leader has been called while he or she was in the midst of performing his or her everyday duties. Peter was a fisherman; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a physician; Paul, a tentmaker; Moses, a shepherd; Jesus, a carpenter; and so on.

When God called Gideon to free the people of Israel from the oppression of the Amalekites, He did so while Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. Like Moses, Gideon argued with God, saying he was nothing special, so how could he be used of God to save Israel?

Gideon acknowledged God by preparing an offering to Him. Then the angel of the Lord did an interesting thing with Gideon's offering; he took the tip of his staff and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread.

As with Moses, God chose to do a miracle with a staff, the instrument that symbolized Gideon's work life. Why would God do this? It is because God wants us to know that the tools He has given each of us are the tools He wants to use to demonstrate His power. However, in order for that to happen, we must yield our tools to Him for miracles to be manifested through them.

Have you yielded your tools to the Lord?

God wants to work through you—allow Him to do that starting today.

Fulfilling Vows

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement."? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.

God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).

God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God.

Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives—marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.

Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.

Seeing The Works Of God In Deep Waters

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.

They saw the works of the Lord....

Psalm 107:23-24a

When you were a child, perhaps you spent a lot of time in the summers at the beach, and recall wading out until the waves began crashing all around you. As long as you could stand firm, the waves were of no concern. However, as you moved farther and farther into the ocean, you had less control over my ability to stand. Sometimes the current was so strong it moved you down the beach, and you even lost my bearings at times.

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters and it is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years.

The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he never could have imagined it. He was to see God's works more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old to mess it up. So, God took Joseph through the deep waters of preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face. Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life.

Fulfilling The Destiny God Has For You

Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff.

Numbers 20:11a

Will you fulfill the destiny God has for your life? Perhaps you have never thought about it. God had a perfect plan for Moses to lead the people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. It's been said the hardest place to score a touchdown is from the goal line. You're almost there. But there is something about crossing over that makes those last few yards the most difficult. Moses failed at the goal line, and it prevented him from finishing well a glorious life of service for God.

The people of Israel were complaining that they did not have water to drink. It was another of many tests for Israel. Moses inquired of God and God said, "...Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water" (Numbers 20:8a). Moses, in his frustration and anger with the people, began to act on his own and made a strategic mistake. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice with his staff. In spite of his disobedience, the rock poured forth water.

God was calling Moses to a different dimension. Moses was to use his words to speak the miracle. However, he not only lost his temper, but he also took credit and dishonored God. He used his staff, the symbol of his work life as a shepherd, to force the provision.

When we become callous, we can use our skills and abilities to force what we believe should happen—we take control. When we do this, we are in danger of failing to enter the Promised Land of blessing from God. Living in life's spiritual dimension requires patience and obedience. Beware of solving problems in your own strength. God wants to bring you into the Promised Land of His blessing. But it will require walking in the spiritual dimension first and foremost.

Unless The Lord Goes With Us

Then Moses said to him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."

Exodus 33:15

Moses was in the middle of his journey through the wilderness, leading the people of Israel out of Egypt. The people had just sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moses interceded for them and God spared them their lives. Moses then talked one on one with the Lord. He knew he could not lead this stubborn people without God's presence. He had come to realize that without God's presence, he could not do anything.

How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:16)

Moses did not want to move farther without the assurance that God was moving with him. He knew it was a life-and-death situation. He sought the Lord with his whole heart on this one matter.

The question is a good one. If we are to be effective in anything we do for the Lord, the Lord must be in the midst of it. Unless the Lord's power is seen among us, we will be just another person who has religion. Unless we manifest His life to others, they will see only good behavior.

Moving out in presumption without God's leading will more than likely end in failure and frustration. Ask God daily to assure you of His presence and power in all your doings. Then you will be assured that you will be distinguished among all the other people on the face of the earth—for God's gain and glory.

The Spiritual Realm

So what shall I do?

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

1 Corinthians 14:15

How real is the spiritual realm? Consider this story for a moment of a lawyer who was preparing for an important case. He knew that he must be prepared to argue five separate points. He was to appear before the supreme court, so it was a very important case.

As he neared the time in which he was to go to court, he began to pray about how he was to argue the case. He spent much time in legal preparation and intercessory prayer. As he went to court, the Spirit spoke to him and said, "Do not argue point one, point two, point three, or point four. Only argue point five."

Imagine the struggle of faith that must have taken place within this man. If he were reading this wrong, the shame and professional fallout would be devastating.

The time had come to present the case before the judge when he said, "Judge, I wish to withdraw points one through four. I wish to argue only point five."

The opposing counsel stood up and objected. "Your honor, he cannot do that!"

"Objection overruled, counsel," said the judge.

So as God would have it, he went on to present his case around point five only, and then sat down. When the opposing counsel stood to present his case, he stood speechless. He could not get a word out of his mouth. He finally mumbled a few words and complained to the judge that he was going to have to yield. It seems that the opposing counsel had prepared to argue only points one through four, but failed to prepare for point five. The judge ruled in favor of the man presenting the case.

The unseen Lord wants to help us in the physical realm of every area of our lives. We must acknowledge His presence and tap into this incredible resource He has given to each of us. Seek out God in all things and ask Him to reveal His perfect plan for you this day and every day that follows.

The Way Of God For Great Leaders

If My people would but listen to Me....

Psalm 81:13

God has a specific training ground for leaders. There are three patterns of preparation that have been common among most of God's leaders.

First, there is a time when the leader is separated from his old life. Consider the lives of Moses, Joseph, Abraham, or Paul. In order for God to mold and shape them into His nature, it appears that He had to remove them from the life of comfort. Someone once said, "You cannot go with God and remain where you are."

Second, there is usually a time of solitude. God often brings leaders into a time of solitude in order to speak to them without other distractions. Hosea 2:14b says, "I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." Paul was sent to Arabia for two years for a time of solitude. Joseph spent years in the solitude of prison. Moses spent 40 years in the desert herding sheep.

Third, there will be a level of discomfort. The setting in which the preparation takes place usually is not a place of comfort or is as pleasurable as we thought it might be. Abraham traveled through the difficult deserts. David lived in caves fleeing Saul. Paul was frequently persecuted.

Are you ready for the classroom of leadership preparation?

If God chooses to bring you into this class, you may have one of three reactions to the events:

1. First, you may say, "I don't need it." Perhaps you know intellectually that you do need this, but God wants you to know it in your heart. Pride prevents us from entering this classroom.

2. The second reaction may be, "I'm tired of it." You decide you've had enough. If so, this will disqualify you from leadership.

3. Finally, God's desired response from us in this preparation is, "I accept it." To accept it with joy is the place of maturity in Christ. God often keeps us in these places until we come to accept and agree that Jesus is enough. Is He all you need?

Like the people of Israel, I think we have something to do with the timetable of our education. "If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:13-14).

Are you ready for the process required for being a godly leader? Ask for His grace to willingly embrace these times of preparation.

Working Wholeheartedly

"In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered."

2 Chronicles 31:21

Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old Testament.

We discover from the passage above that King Hezekiah had two major attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.

Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart.

You may achieve great things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day climbing into the boat of success, only to find it is the wrong boat.

What does it mean to seek God?

It means creating time to sit before His throne in quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right or to the left. God desires for you to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him.

Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.

Dying For Lack Of Knowledge

"The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God."

1 Chronicles 13:10

If asked, most would say they like to read, but find reading God's Word a difficult discipline.

Now, for believers how could this be? If you do not commit yourself to knowing what is in God's Word and following it, you will fail to know and experience God.

God's Word is life to our souls.

It provides knowledge that leads to life. The prophet Hosea tells us,

"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children" (Hosea 4:6).

God has given us His Word that has specific laws and principles that we need to apply to our lives on a daily basis. King David forgot to follow one of those laws related to the ark. "...But they must not touch the holy things or they will die..." (Numbers 4:15). When they were transporting the ark, Uzzah innocently reached to steady the ark but was immediately stricken dead when his hands touched the ark of God.

Did David know this law or did he simply forget?

Did Uzzah know this law and if so, did he really believe it?

Many believers take God's Word lightly. They believe they can violate His Word without consequence. This is not true; the Lord stands by to uphold His Word. It can bring life, or it can bring death. When God provides instructions, we need to follow them.

We must all have a fearful respect of God's Word.

Do you take God's Word seriously?

Is it life or death for you?

Do you feed upon His Word daily so that you might know Him?

Feed upon this knowledge and be blessed of God.