Ego-Less Endeavors

"He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.]" John 3:30 (Amplified)

The disciples of John the Baptist tried to bait him into carrying an offense against Jesus, because they themselves were carrying one. Jesus' disciples were baptizing in close proximity to where John was and his disciples were questioning their motives (as if Jesus was moving in on their turf). John astutely recognized the offense and gave a worthy response to the situation.

Whenever offenses come there will be those who will come to you and try to bring you down with the offense. The best course of action to take during these instances is humility. By humbling ourselves we displace ourselves from emotion and give way to the work of God and not the foothold of the devil. If John would have taken an offense and responded emotionally He would have tainted the message God had destined him to bring and caused division in the ranks of believer. Once Jesus came, John quickly understood that the stage now belonged to Him.

In this life we must stand together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, always giving way for God's movement whether He's using us or someone else. John's actions teach us the power of living a life with a deflated Ego.

-Amen

Inner Thoughts Outer Expressions

"You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in them, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in them." Matthew 12:34-35 (NIV)

        I love hanging out with positive people. They provide an energy that is contagious and causes me to want to share that good vibe. Negative people on the other hand, I can't wait to leave their presence because their energy does nothing but drag me down.

         Have you ever considered that perspective is all about the heart? The good person speaks good positive things because those are the things that are stored up deep in their hearts. Conversely, a negative person has a negative self image (Though they will never admit to it), and this negative outlook propels them to not want others to be happy.

           Guard your heart from this. We have no reason to have a negative self image. We have Jesus who makes everything a positive experience. Don't for one moment let anyone steal the positive fruit that lies within you.

-Amen

The Finish Line

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

        I know everyone goes through life thinking at one point... "What's all this for?" "Whats the use in working so hard doing the right thing?" "Why spend all that time pouring into relationships, doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God... especially if no one on this earth necessarily appreciates my efforts?"

        The answer to these questions are all summed up in one word... Heaven. It is the only place worthy of housing the Almighty. It is the place we are all destined to call home. We have every right to work hard in this life to press toward that mark because our Father in heaven expects us to do whatever possible to make it to our home.

        You can make it!! Despair can't derail you. Hopelessness has no hold on you. The enemy can't contain the innate spiritual survival instinct we are all equipped with to obtain that ultimate prize. So I urge you all to not forsake the finish. Run the race! Do whatever possible to make it there. He's got it all prepared just for you.

-Amen

Dependence

"Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight. He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth. He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows."But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They're like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season." Jeremiah 17::5-8 (The Message)

         There are two types of people in this passage. One who trusts in himself, and another who trusts in God. The person who trusts in themselves leads a life of deception and invariably becomes out of touch with reality. The greater the obstacles become, the more this person thinks they have it under control and all together until of course... they break. Then all the things they thought were "together" find things irretrievably been broken on their own accord.

          Conversely, the person who trusts God is a person who is like a tree positioned to succeed. A place that regardless of circumstance they will enable them to have all the tools they need to bloom no matter how hot it gets. What's more is that as they continue to flourish in troublesome times, people will come to them for shade from the searing sun. In essence, God has placed them in a position where they can provide help to those who need it most.

          Dependence on God is a daily exercise that takes tremendous discipline, because it is our natural tendency to try and resolve our problems on our own. Allowing God to be the source eliminates our ability from the equation and brings out His best results.

-Amen

Believe

Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell that you would see God's glory, if you believe?" John 11:40 (NLT)

      At this point in his life Jesus was exasperated and emotionally drained. He had gone through so much, and the death of one of his closest friends brought him to tears. I'd surmise that lots of things troubled him in this particular event, but nothing angered him more than unbelief. Especially from the same people who had seen him make blind people see, and lame people walk among other things. Yet that was exactly where he found himself. Surrounded by people who doubted he could pull this latest miracle off.

       On the flip side, Jesus loves people who believe. Where there is faith he can work in incredible ways, manifesting himself in impossible situations. Moses believed that by raising his staff God could part the Red Sea, and David knew that overwhelming victory was his even as his compatriots shuddered in fear and used a stone and a sling to slay a giant. These and many others have proven that faith in action produces results.

       Joel Osteen is perhaps the most infectious personality of our day when it comes to having faith. Everything he does or says oozes with belief not only that God would make good things come to pass in our lives, but things that are largely unexpected and wholly impossible. He says, "God is about to release His favor in a greater way. Let go of little dreams, little goals, little plans, and EXPECT God's favor and increase." In other words, if you believe you will see God's glory. Don't for one moment minimize the impact of faith and its effect on your life. BELIEVE!

-Amen

Hope

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

      God whispers this passage to you while you navigate through your journey in life. Of course you are well aware of the competing voices in your mind. The voice of doubt which focuses on the present negative circumstances, and the voice of hope which sees opportunity in these circumstances and focuses on the sovereignty of God.

      The beauty of hope is that in the midst of despair it is the very thing that brings sanity. In Psalm 42:5 David writes, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence." Choosing not to focus on the negative aspect of Saul's persecution, David focused on his Hope (God).

       God has ordered our steps and has made a path through the darkest and most turbulent circumstances of our lives. David may not have known that 14 years of persecution in the wilderness would lead to the throne, but God knew. The people of Israel didn't know that 40 years of circling the desert would lead to their promised land, but God knew. What is my point? Simple. God knows the end from the beginning and He has never abandoned those whose hope was in Him. Whatever it is you are facing today... if your hope is in Him you can face tomorrow. 

-Amen

Fearless

"And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.  For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf." Philippians 1:28-29 (Amplified)

        While incarcerated by a dark and depressing jail cell Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians. In this particular passage, he exhorts the people of Philippi to be courageous and stand up to the opponents they are bound to face. To not be afraid but to stand firm in Christ who in the end will deliver them from such opponents. Paul definitely knew what suffering and being afflicted was all about, and was deeply concerned that some people didn't know how to respond to the inevitable.

          It can get a bit depressing sometimes when we're constantly struggling, fighting, and hoping that in the end the best outcome will occur. I know how it is to endure and have people say just a little longer and your breakthrough will happen. The little longer turns into weeks, months, and years. We grow tired and really frustrated with the process, and yearn for a way out, an end to what constantly has hampered us. It's hard to understand that the situation's impending destruction is on its way especially when the impossibility of deliverance grows stronger by the moment. 

           David went through many such seasons in his own life. In Chapter 3 of the Psalms he writes his own declaration in standing against the fierce opposition of his life. "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." (v.5-7) In David's circumstance, though he was surrounded figuratively by thousands of foes He knew that crying out to God would activate the supernatural power of God to act on his behalf. From time to time we all need an anecdotal reminder that a simple cry for help will go a long way. Lamentations 3:56-57 says, "You heard me when I cried, "Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!" Yes, you came when I called; you told me, "Do not fear."


-Amen

The Source

"Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water." John 7:37-38 (Amplified)

        This story sets the foundation of hope for everyone of us. Jesus is at this great feast, and I imagine that people all around Him are eating and drinking merrily. Then all of a sudden, Jesus interrupts the party. He doesn't do it rudely, but with a great measure of authority. Almost as if He wanted everyone to hear and understand the words He was about to say. Words of life flowing from the innermost part of His being. 

          Seeing that everyone was at a pretty good party, Jesus gave them an illustration I doubt they ever would forget for generations thereafter. He would go on to say, "If you thirst, there's only one place to drink, and if you believe, you will have an eternal flow of living water satiating your soul." The interesting think about the illustration of having a continuous flow is that a river or spring loses its usefulness once they run dry. Why? Because its life giving ability has been stripped. 

           However, if we believe in the life producing source of water (Jesus), we will be conduits of life always. Those around us who are living in an desert in their lives will find the oasis that they need. My prayer is that we believe in who He is and the power that He's destined for us to have. It's the only way to thrive in this crazy world.

-Amen

Reason

"None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny]." 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (Amplified)

       Human reasoning and God's thoughts are polar opposites. If someone does us wrong we want to punish them, while God wants to save them. When trials and adversities come, we think it's a result of what we have done in our past, God thinks of what it will help you do in the future. We can't begin to understand the infinite mysteries of heaven, so why do we try to play God thinking that we know what to do best?

        What we need to do is give up. Give up our ability to think we know what's best, give up our right to what we think we deserve. Inevitably, we will find that if we do these things and let the spirit of God invade our minds and hearts then the profound mysteries of our Heavenly Father will be revealed to us.

          Ever talked to someone about God and wisdom started flowing through you that you didn't understand where it was coming from? That's a glimpse of the Holy Spirit revealing the mystery of God to you. The Spirit (if you let Him) will change your mind in such a way that the things you thought were right will suddenly be all wrong. Grace will rule in your life instead of condemnation and fear. Love will overflow instead of guilt and shame. We are all born into sin, but through Christ's sacrifice we are born into righteousness. Change your reason, your logic, and cover it with the knowledge of Christ. You will never be disappointed with the results.

-Amen

A Prayer

"But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we ^[f]earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior, Who will ^[g]transform and fashion anew the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21 (Amplified)
 
       Lord, 
 
      We are your people and your treasured possession. You died for us to set us free from the bondage of sin that so easily ensnared us. To give us a chance to live our lives set apart for your glory. Because of Your sacrifice we are citizens of heaven and not of this earth. And though at times it may be difficult for us to understand, please help us find the path that continually leads to You. Help us recognize the path is not laced with bright lights and broad passageways, but rather tough terrain, winding, and narrow. Help us also recognize that without Your help we cannot navigate this course on our own.
 
        Most importantly, let us conform our body and image to reflect You. Let us show the world it is not us, but You in us. That we might represent the homeland as best we could, so that on that final day we can hear You say, "Well done my good and faithful servant enter into my eternal rest."We love you and we seek Your guidance from above. Show us the way my king! I ask this in the name of Your Son who paved this road with His blood that we might enter into Your bountiful grace.
 
-Amen