To Dwell

"One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in his presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple." Psalm 27:4 (AMP)

        The word dwell means to live or continue in a given state. In other words to dwell means to hang on to something that you feel is important to you. Something you cling to when it matters most. What's interesting about this passage is that out of anything David could have asked for he asked to dwell in the presence of the Lord. To spend time and linger with God above anything else. Not riches, not fame, not fortune, all he wanted was to spend time with God. Wow!

         Reminds me of people who clung to the presence of God when the chips were stacked against them. Consider Hannah, who wanted so badly to have a child and the only thing she felt compelled to do was to dwell in the house of the Lord and inquire of His presence, and sure enough God showed up for her and gave her Samuel (perhaps the greatest prophet of all). Likewise, Elizabeth was also found in the house of the Lord seeking after Him and an angel appeared to her and told her she was going to give birth to John the Baptist.

          It is no coincidence that God chose to reveal himself to these women just as He made himself known to David. If you dwell in the presence of the Lord, you will find whatever you're looking for, whatever is the deepest desire of your heart will be fulfilled. In fact, God asks you to come after Him in this way by telling us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks  receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7-8) Take Him at His word.

All Our Needs

"At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:18-19 (NLT)

       Its so easy to be negatively affected by lack or even fearful of it. We see it everywhere, and it's not completely relegated to a finances, it could also be a lack of physical wellness, or a lack of relational stability. The pendulum of lack swings far and wide. We cannot however, be overcome by fear of it invading our lives.

       I've said before that in his 23rd Psalm David declared, "the Lord is my shepherd I shall not lack." He knew who God was to him and as a result of the greatness of his shepherd David knew and understood that lack had no hold on him, for His shepherd provided everything he needed. Paul undertakes a similar mindset knowing that God with His glorious riches will supply all of his needs. Both of these men knew and understood that the bounty of heaven was vast and that the ruler of Heaven would never allow us to experience lack in any way.

        You must arm yourself with the knowledge that even though it may not always seem like it, God has a plan to bring his generous supply to your life. You just have to trust Him and hold firm to what His word says about Him. For He never fails

My Help

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 (AMP)

      A few years ago the Brooklyn tabernacle choir released this Psalm in a song and it sounded majestic. I remember being in college listening to this song trying to figure out how I was going to make it through with 2 jobs and a heavy school schedule to fulfill. 

     I remember feeling the weight of my problems all on my shoulders. Suddenly, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me when meditating on this Psalm as he told me..."Where are you looking for your help?" Instantly I recognized that in my frailty I was trying to figure out something that really wasn't my responsibility to figure out. My responsibility was to look up for my help. 

     Long story short, as I focused on this Psalm through the years it has always been a calibration check if you will for what am I focusing on. Am I focusing on the problem? Being that the very same problem is something I may not in my own physical ability even figure out. Or, am I focusing on the one who could always fix my problems? The one who always helps me in my times of greatest need. Don't for one moment let your circumstances determine your faith. Resolve what you will believe in first and no matter what hold on to it. 

I don't know, but I know

“Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” Genesis 22:5 (NLT)

       I can't even imagine what was going through Abraham's mind at this point. Its amazing to even fathom the gigantic steps he took in this endeavor. God asked Abraham to take his only son (foreshadowing) to the mountain as a sacrifice. Abraham is well past 100 at this time and he's waited all his life to have a boy like Isaac, and now God is asking for him. I'm sure Abraham's brain was fried.

       What really sticks out to me is what he tells his servants as he and the boy make the venture to the mountain. People say that Abraham had incredible faith and there is no doubt, but I believe that he tells this servant these words almost to even convince himself that He and Isaac will return. As if to say, "I don't know (how) but I know we will return."

         There are times in our lives God is asking the same of us. To do something that seemingly runs counter to every fiber of our being. That we can't possibly fathom how anything good will result from this. We have to be resolute like Abraham knowing that if God brought us to it He most certainly will bring us through it. Where we say, "I don't know, but I know."

Prosper

"God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible...for every living thing that moves on the Earth."

     The other day I was reading a book and the author directed me to this passage. What astounded me is that I have read this passage numerous times in my life and yet I simply glossed over this life changing word that was always right under my nose. Prosper.

      This word has become somewhat of a buzz word in Christian circles. You have some circles that embrace it wholeheartedly, while others aren't quite sure of it and really have trouble defining it. Whatever the school of thought, I am firmly convinced that God's desire for us is to live in prosperity. If He didn't intend for us to live that way then why would it be the very first thing He commands us to do? If that weren't enough, why would He add multiplication to the process? Or even establishing dominion?

      I wish that we would all understand the significance of this passage and what it means for us. It means that we don't have to accept living in lack. We don't have to just get by. We don't have to let the world influence us. We need to ask God for His will to be done, and that will is for us to prosper in every single facet of life. Claim and believe that for yourself. It will go a long way in fulfilling God's desire for you.

The Shall Not mentality

"The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack." Psalm 23:1 (AMP)

      I've read this scripture many times in my life, and I'm amazed at the very fact that I never really noticed the "shall not" part of it. I'm sure I've read it before but those two words jumped out at me, as I thought about this passage this morning. Why?

     It's simple really, I understood this passage before as God's responsibility more than my own. What I mean is that because God was my Shepherd the burden of provision was more on Him than on me. Then I realized that "shall not" has more to do with MY MINDSET, than His action (Because God operates on faith). David, in one of his hallmark Psalms says in so many words: I SHALL NOT to let my circumstances take away my focus, I SHALL NOT let my mind wander into thinking that I will lack, and because of that I SHALL NOT believe in God for anything less than being my Shepherd.

     His choice to believe in God in His wilderness told me everything I needed to know about His resolve. He didn't focus on being displaced from his home in the middle of the desert, he saw that God was preparing a table for Him (v.5). I realized that it's all about what you see and how you see it that will determine whether you live in lack or in prosperity. Choose to adopt the "SHALL NOT" mentality, and you will be right in the end!

Confidence

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord. His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries.He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor." Psalm 112:7-9 (AMP)

        What a beautiful depiction of the life of a righteous person. Many people would wrestle with this being them or not, fact is, the bible says that "we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:9)
           The Psalmist in this passage has a true understanding of what it means to live where you are confident in whom He made us to be. Our focus should never be on our economic situation, sickness, death, or anything meant to bring us fear. 

           Our mindset should be to see past these obstacles trusting in God, and living as though He will come through for us. If He's never left you before what makes you think He'll leave you now? It's just not going to happen. Look to his character and commit your ways to Him. It is in these moment where you will have the freedom to live generously and have that generosity come back to your life in unprecedented ways.

Outward Focus

"Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people..." 1 Corinthians 9:19 (The Message)
 
       Paul had the right idea and outlook when it came to others. He spent the majority of his Christian walk seeking every opportunity to serve others. He wholly adopted the mantra of Christ when Jesus commanded us to "love others as He had loved us." The best part of all this is that Paul didn't do this grudgingly, but was willing to pour himself out to others making himself an empty vessel by the time His life was over. 
 
       Why? The answer is simple as he continues to write, "I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!" (v.20-23) Paul realized how powerful the gospel was to his own life and did all he could to make that same message available to others. 
 
        I believe what attracts others to us as Christians is our hearts for others, more importantly our heart for those who cannot help themselves. God desires nothing more than for us to reach them with whatever He makes available to us. I encourage you all to seek an opportunity this week to reach someone who falls into this category. Shine the light that Christ has asked us to shine, and do not be encumbered by your own world. Reach others and I know that God will bless you with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Difficult love

"Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (The Message)

      Love in its purest sense is a hard thing to understand. I mean how difficult is it to always look for the best when you feel hurt? Or never looking back to the past when it seems like all the enemy does is remind you of your past. Love quite possibly could be one of the most difficult characteristics to engender. Because it requires so many different actions that run counter to our human nature.

      But God didn't ask us to "love our neighbor as He loved us,"? He commanded us to do so and offered us His help in doing so. We cannot love like He expects without having Him guide us along the way in showing us how to love.

       Consider Jesus, a man who was beaten beyond physical recognition, tortured incessantly, and ended up saying, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." That is the example of love that 1 Corinthians 13 chooses to demonstrate. It's a hard task I know, but it's a worthwhile endeavor that we should allow Him to teach us.

Trust

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”- Romans 15:13 (NIV)

         To have joy and peace is a wonderful thing. If you stop to think about the people around you how many people can you confidently say have joy and peace? Not many for sure. Why? I think the reason is rather simple they are more self-reliant than they are God-reliant. Its only natural as we humans have a natural tendency to be self-sufficient. Its in giving up that self-reliance do we face a great area of uncertainty so much so that after giving it a small try we rush back to our self-sufficiency and sink deeper into less joy and peace. What a crazy cycle.

          To give things up to God requires a tenacious persistence to leave it in His hands. You have to almost will yourself to keep your hands away from what you want to handle so badly. Often times it takes much longer (in your mind) to see results because you're not used to trusting God and so you are flooded with anxiety. But as time goes by and God works on your behalf better than anything you could have ever tried you sit there and think to yourself... "I could have never done that." It is then where you feel that overwhelming sense of peace which leads to joy. 

           What am I saying? Simple. At first trusting God is not easy. It takes a tremendous amount of patience and hope in God. But when God works and you see how awesome that work is, that hope starts to well up inside to the point where it overflows in your life. I'm convinced that in this day God is looking to do something so incredible in our lives that after He's done, nothing can ever pull us away from our trust in Him. Not trials, nor tribulations. I want nothing more than for all of us to get there, but you have to take a step of trust first.

Being Fruitful

"For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush...Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not [practice] what I tell you?" Luke 6:44,46

      I was sitting in on a group discussion years ago when one of the members there made an excellent point on identification. They said, "We can for the most part tell by looking at someone who they are and what they represent." She went on to use Mormon's as an example, the way they walk and talk is very distinguishing as well as the way they carry themselves. You can tell who they are by the evidence of their fruits.

      Every one is a figurative tree that produces a certain fruit. Christians are supposed to look like a certain tree but sometimes we fall short of meeting up to the standard... Jesus. Jesus is so perplexed by this that He asks a simple question..."why do you say you're my tree when your fruits prove otherwise?" (paraphrase)

       Point is, our identification in Christ is solely predicated on the fruit we produce IN Him. I did not say FOR Him because we on our own cannot produce fruit. In our human condition it is absolutely impossible to do so, because we are born into frailty. Our identification with Jesus is only possible THROUGH Him. Once we assume our position with Him living within us, then our fruit will grow into the form it was intended to take all along.

Loved

"...Yes I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." Jeremiah 31:3 (AMP)

     It never ceases to amaze me to discover the depth of God's love for us. Nothing draws people's attention more than acknowledging how much they are loved. If they sense from someone a deep affection and care then walls come down and people become more open.

      God knew this about us so He devised a plan to draw us not with condemnation but with love. Jesus' life on this earth was nothing more than God's message of love to us. The gift of grace is nothing more than God showing us that it doesn't matter what  we've done He still wants relationship with us. This is what true love is all about. I'm so happy to know that at the end of the day regardless of what's going on around me, I'm loved, and because I'm loved everything is going to be alright!

Sacrifice

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NIV)

        Once sin entered our lives through Adam we took on its appearance and form, and the only way someone could be sanctified before God, something pure had to be offered on their behalf. For example, in the days of Moses, there would be a priest that would enter the tabernacle of God and make a sacrifice on behalf of the people. This however, was not how God intended it to be for He created us to individually have a relationship with Him. Yet the sin we were clothed in prevented us from rightfully having this with God.

        So God set out a plan that would take care of this problem forever, and in the tribunal of heaven He devised a plan that would forever bridge the gap between man and Himself. The righteous sacrifice on our behalf would have to be a man who was wholly unblemished and tainted by sin that would come to this world and die taking on all our sins with Him and forever reconciling man with God. Enter Jesus. And the rest as they say is history.

        Why is this so important? Consider this... if Jesus never came then our condemnation would still justifiably exist. We would not be able to partake in the presence of God individually. I don't know about you but if I had to live a life without God being the epicenter of my life I'd desire death (which by the way is what I deserve). Thankfully, it does not end there and that's why the sacrifice of the cross is so meaningful to mankind because it took us out of the place we belonged and put us into the place God wanted us to be. How truly wonderful is this story, the sacrifice of Jesus for you and me. Wouldn't this be enough to compel others of God's love for mankind? It certainly does for me.

The Stable Force

"He who dwells in the secret place in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]" Psalm 91:1 (AMP)

    When I was going through school I loved "if/then" statements. Conditional statements for me brought about a finality to a problem. "If you do your chores, then you will get an allowance," My mother used to say. "If you do well in school, then you're going to get a scholarship..." the education system tells us.

     The Psalmist here is taking a similar approach. He's telling us, "if you remain stable in the presence of God, then no enemy can overcome you." For me this verse motivates me to find the secret place of the Most High so that I could always remain powerful in His shadow. Sure the enemy may come against you, but if you remain stable, He can't do anything to you. To me that is power on display for all to take notice.

Development

"Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." Psalm 119:27-28 (NIV)

      The only way to get stronger in anything is through repetition. If you want to be in shape... you can't expect to go to the gym just once a week to get in shape. It is a matter of discipline to go at least 3 maybe 4 times a week if you expect results. But it doesn't stop there... you have to also incorporate a disciplined eating lifestyle so that the work you put in would be sustained. 

       In similar fashion, if we expect to be strong spiritually we have to read the word of God consistently. Reading and meditating on the word of God is so vital to our lives that if we strengthen ourselves through it we would overcome great obstacles. Job 4:4 says, "Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees." This doesn't sound like a person who just started working out but rather someone who made working out in the word a repetitive exercise that brought about more strength, and just as incorporating a disciplined eating style sustains the workout so does a disciplined prayer life. If you speak to God about His word your relationship with Him grows deeper because you understand better who God is and what He intends to do with your life.

        Develop yourself spiritually. That you might grow stronger spiritually to overcome the evil in this world, but not only that... To also strengthen those who stumble along the way. This is our calling.

God

"What other great nation has gods that are intimate with them the way God, our God, is with us, always ready to listen to us? And what other great nation has rules and regulations as good and fair as this Revelation that I'm setting before you today?" Deuteronomy 4:7-8 (The Message)

        Stop and think for a moment, have you ever heard of another God capable of what our God can do, or has done? Has Buddha ever saved his followers from the oppression of nations? Did Mohammed die on the cross to rid us of the condemnation that sin brought down upon us? 

         Is there a God like our God? The answer? A resounding no.  No God loves His people so much that He would personally guides them out of captivity, and ensure that they have all they need on their journey. That's what makes our God so great. There is no one like Him. You could try and search the annals of history and you would never come up with a God so lasting, so loving, so just.

        I try (just like Moses) to understand how can we stray from a God with such a track record? What more does God need to do to make us believe? He has done everything imaginable and so much more. All He asks of us is our allegiance and our love. Simple and plain... what He asks of us doesn't even come close to comparing what He does for us. If doubt ever enters your consciousness, just pick up the Bible and rift through what God has done, for that God is the same today, and will be the same for all eternity.

The Word

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

       The word of God is essential in providing proper illumination for our daily walk. A key element of living in the word of God is that we learn how to avoid sin. We were born into sin through the fall of man, so we are constantly striving against our own sinful nature. But thank God we have a way to fight sin. Constantly focusing on the word of God allows us to not only understand who God is but also see what His desires are for His children. 


       Equally as important, we're able to use the word to encourage and help other people. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)

        I know in my own life the word of God has served as a catalyst in the most difficult circumstances. It has served as a crutch when I didn't feel like walking. A compass when I felt lost in this world. It humored me when I felt down and depressed, and showed me love when I didn't even want to love myself. God gave us His word so that we would live free. Why don't we take advantage of letting it be a vital aspect of our daily life? He's looking to reach us... through His word. Let Him!

Excellence

"This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding." Daniel 5:12a (NLT)

       If you read the book of Daniel you will quickly realize and understand that Daniel was a man given to excellence. He had an excellent spirit, which gave way to him being filled with divine knowledge and understanding. In fact, his excellence was so evident that 4 kings gave him prominence in their kingdom.

        God wants us to have that same favor, but we like Daniel have to commit ourselves to spending time with Him. Daniel was committed to consecrating himself to God even at his own expense (see Daniel 6), and in all this God protected Him. Which leads me to believe that the more time I spend with time not only will I be a man of excellence but His protection will always cover me (Psalm 91:1).

Boldness

"So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need." Hebrews 4:16 (TLB)

      I wonder if we went out to the streets today and asked people which of them needed some grace, I'm confident that you would be overwhelmed by their responses. What puzzles me is how few people know the access we have to grace, fewer still know how to activate it in their lives.

      It's all about being bold. I've never met a bold person who didn't commit their hearts and mind to pursuing something. A bold person is not tepid in action, rather they understand what they need and how to get it and pursue it with abandon.

       This is exactly how we ought to come to God. God is not interested in feeble requests, He's interested in knowing how bad you want it, and how far you're willing to trust Him to deliver it to you. A few examples from the bible: 1) "If my people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves, pray, seek, CRAVE, and require of necessity My face" (2 Chronicles 7:14a) 2) "Our Father who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come" (Matthew 6:9a) 3) "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above anything we can ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20a). There are many more examples I could have used but I chose these in particular because a person of Boldness Craves the presence of God to activate grace in their lives, They understand His Kingship and want His rule to dominate their lives, finally, they know that He is able to do anything they need over and above anything they ask.

       Are you bold enough to see the limitless possibilities God can do in your life? He'll sustain you with His supernatural strength and you'll be able to withstand the trials and temptation our enemy brings upon us. Boldly lift your eyes toward heaven for your Deliver awaits!

Prayer

"If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the locusts to eat the crops or send a plague on my people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (The Message)

       When Solomon had built the temple and consecrated it to God. His prayer made provision for the fact that the people would turn and grow selfish in the abundant blessings God would provide for them. Solomon did this because he was well aware of the history his country showed in turning from God in the good times. In difficulty and adversity however, they would pray because they knew God would bail them out.

       2 Chronicles 6:26 is Solomon's plea for God to continue to hear the prayer of the people when the affliction of their sin has done them in. God's response is succinct yet powerful. All God is looking for in these moments is humility and connection. "If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land." (NLT)

        A repentant prayer would not only cause our difficult situation to dissipate but it would also bring us healing and restoration. A sincere and earnest prayer would turn moments of famine and lack into a legacy harvest and abundance. This is why prayer is the lifeblood of any person connected to God. It is our way to ask for an escape and point us in a direction where we can see the love of God cover our sin. This is what we should want for our society, and our generation. Lets humble ourselves and pray to bring healing to our land.

Move Ahead

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message)

       It's rather obvious to say that the only way in life to advance is to move forward, but it seems to me like there are alot people who don't really get that. What do I mean? If I recounted all the people who make their past their reference point I'd be talking for days. The thing that really gets to me is why do they continue to go back there? It's not like there's anything there for them... what's done is done.

       Paul saw the same thing in the people of Philippi. Speaking from experience, he told them the best way for them to be fully effective for the Kingdom is if they started thinking ahead and not behind. If you don't know about Paul's past, you have to understand one critical thing. If anyone could have let their past beat them up it was Paul. After all, he supervised the martyr of Stephen, and was doing his level best to eradicate Christianity in the middle east. People throughout his life judged him on account of his past, but he refused to go back there instead he pressed towards the mark where Jesus called him to be.

       Are you being affected by your past? If so, lay it down. Don't get what I call Lot's wife syndrome, where what was behind was so appealing you couldn't let go and you become a prisoner of it. God wants you to move forward to where He's calling us all to be. Will you heed His calling?

Endurance

"For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope." Romans 15:4 (Amplified)

     God cares for us enough to lay out His plan for how we should live in explicit detail. He did this because He wanted us to use the instructions of the past to produce in us an endurance for the future. After all, if you know what lies ahead you are better prepared for the battle, right? 

      We are equipped with the knowledge that this life is going to bring about some trials, but this knowledge should enable us to encourage not only ourselves but others to make it through. Jesus said, "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved." (Matthew 10:22 NASB) Endurance is a depth of character that is brought about through perseverance and we all know God rewards perseverance.

Pure Gold

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold." 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)

      No one likes to talk about trials much less endure them. For when trials occur we all cringe at the prospect of how long it will last and when will the cloud be lifted.

      What Peter is trying to convey in this message that trials quite often can lead to what is best for you in your life. He likens it to the purification process of gold. When gold is first found it is very raw and looks quite dirty, in fact at first sight there is nothing desirable about gold. However, when it endures it's purification through a scorching fire the end result is magnificent to behold.

        When we are going through what seems to be the crucible of life, it is for a purpose. The purpose is that our final outcome after the purification will yield an outstanding sight to behold. Taking heart in trials can be difficult, but the bible proves over and over again that in the trial you are not alone, and the end result will result in something excellent within your own life.

Well Able

"But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." Numbers 13:30 (ESV)

      What a remarkable quote from a man who knew intimately who God was, and what God was capable of. Caleb returns from scouting out the promised land with 11 other elders and the majority opinion of the promised land was though it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey there were also giants there. The fact that giants were there caused a panic in the crowd and all but Joshua and Caleb were ready to pack their bags and make a U-turn back to Egypt.

        Isn't that like us? When the sign of adversity hits the promise we were destined to possess we often cringe and welcome a return to what we were  DELIVERED from. Caleb however, was not dissuaded by the opinions of the many because he reasoned if God brought us this far he's certainly well able to take us all the way.

         Daily I'm trying to adopt the same mindset as Caleb and think to myself over and over that, "greater is He that is within me than He that is in the world," (1 John 4:4) and "overwhelming victory is ours through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) We must remember just like Caleb knew in his heart that even though the odds appear stacked against us we are not well able to overcome because of our own ability, but because of Him who's with us. For if we relied on our own strength we'd recognize we are woefully inadequate to deal with the giants that inhabit the promised land.

Drawn

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do and it gave him great pleasure." Eph 1:4-5 (NLT)

       God's greatest wish is to always bring us to him. Why do you think that Jesus' number one invitation was always to come (Matt 11:28)? Why do you think God sent His only son to die for us on a cross (John 3:16). He wasn't willing that any of us would face the eternal damnation we were destined to receive, but instead He paved the way for us to avoid the death penalty altogether (John 3:17).

       I know many people know this, but I wonder how many people truly GET IT. He didn't have to but He did, and the reason why He did it was because he wanted to have all along what we so flippantly run away from when it gets to commitment. Relationship. Bringing someone to yourself demonstrates an act of service. One that is selfless in nature. That is who He is, and I'm eternally grateful that I partake in the lifelong benefits his nature provides.

Deliverance

"Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again." Exodus 14:13 (The Message)

         Egypt represents slavery, oppression, the inability to worship as you desire to worship, and so much more. In Egypt its difficult to grow because when you do your seed is persecuted, everything you've tried to sow gets snuffed out. All your ideas diminish, your goals fail, Egypt is the place where dreams go to die.

         There comes a day where God hears your prayer in Egypt and though you are at the end of your rope God brings you to the edge of a sea where a decision has to be made. As you make your way to take the steps toward freedom you look back at all you went through to get to this point. The pain, the crying, the agony, all of it comes to a head and God says to you..."Take a good look for you shall see this struggle no more forever." Suddenly, an overwhelming feeling overcomes you as you realize that hardship you endured not only made you stronger but increased your faith and all that you thought was lost is now found. 

         I don't know what your Egypt represents today, however,  I can tell you that we all have one. God is our eternal deliverer. No matter how bad things seemingly get they actually get us closer to the day where we will come face to face with our Egypt and emerge victorious. I want to encourage you all today that if you feel like you cannot hold on any longer try holding on a second more. God is coming... I guarantee it. And Egypt? Well... the only way you'll see them again is if you go back on your own, and I pray you don't.

Christianity

"Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God." Philippians 1:27-28 (The Message)

        How are you living today? It's a simple question with a complicated answer for some. There are those out there that still really haven't figured out this whole Christianity thing. How to live for Christ, or more importantly how to die to yourself. Christianity in its simplest form is people who are devoted to living as Christ did.

        For those who don't know the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are replete with examples of the most selfless, loving man ever to roam the earth. His life was so magnificent that millennia after His time here on earth we still revere His love and sacrifice for all mankind. 

        Now I know what some of you might be saying. How is it possible to live like that? The answer is rather simple but difficult in execution. Live life one day at a time (Matthew 6:34) and daily take up your cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Christ's goal was to reach the world with His message of grace,love, and salvation. Our lives reflect message of Christ. It is totally up to us on how this world views Christ. The less we focus on ourselves the more the world will see Him through us. 

Too Much

"Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool." Eccelesiastes 5:3

       It's easy to give your mind over to restless thinking these days. It's easy to drift into thinking about how the bills are going to get paid, how my house is going to recover its worth, or am I on the path in life I'm supposed to be on.

        In the process of thinking too much words begin to creep in that should have no place in our mouths. Words  like I can't, and it's too hard. Once those words infiltrate our thinking our power is severely diminished.

         Jesus' sacrifice on the cross availed to us a life of tremendous opportunity. A life in which we would be able to share in his power, and in the favor he lived. Jesus told us that when we felt the pressure of life clamping down upon us all we had to do is just give him our burden and He would take care of the rest for us (Matt 11:29-30). It curious how we forget the biggest benefit we have available to us. I pray we'd rely less on our own ability and more on what He's promised for us.

Stand For Others

"Then I prostrated myself before God, just as I had at the beginning of the forty days and nights. I ate no food; I drank no water. I did this because of you, all your sins, sinning against God, doing what is evil in God's eyes and making him angry. I was terrified of God's furious anger, his blazing anger. I was sure he would destroy you. But once again God listened to me." Deuteronomy 9:18-19 (The Message)

          God is always searching for men and women who would stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). People who would lay aside their own personal gain for the greater good of the body. Moses was such a man. He fervently sought the mercy of God and went for days and week without eating only that God would have pity on his people and God did.

           Is there not a cause for us to stand in the gap today? Our nation is going through a rapid moral decay. Our church is becoming less and less influential in its purpose, and is being persecuted daily for what it stands for. Now more than ever we need more than one man to stand in the gap. We need a community, we need a society, we need a generation. There will be a time of great revival upon the land and that time may be fast approaching. We need to do our very best to be ready and pray and fast that our nation, our church will once again turn to God... only then will we possess the promise God has given to us. I will stand in the gap... will you join me?

Trust

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me." Psalm 91:14 (MSG)

       If you'll hold on to me for dear life... I envision someone in the middle of the ocean who doesn't know how to swim but is holding on to that life saver for dear life. Why? Because they know that if they let go the life they breathe may be cut severely short.

       God wants us to hold on to Him the very same way. He wants us to hold on so tight we display white knuckles in the process. He promises that no trouble is to big for Him, and that He'll shield you with the best protection and care you could ever imagine... there is only one plea that He extends to us... that we would get to know and trust Him. It's such an easy and sincere plea. If only we would get to know and trust Him.

         How could a God as powerful and dominant over all the earth like our God be so interested in us getting to know Him? I would think we'd be more concerned with Him getting to know us. God has promised us that WHATEVER circumstance in life we face He can beat it. If we only got to know Him and trust Him a little better each day. It's His plea to us... let us all purpose to know and trust Him.

Endurance

“Those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

    Staying fit spiritually (through praying, fasting, and reading God's word) deepens your relationship with God. Being spiritually fit is also important because this life is a life that will require every ounce of our spiritual strength to make it to the end.

    Years ago I got a scholarship for the ROTC program at my school that prepared me for my military career. I had no idea how to do anything "military" but I needed to learn very soon because the summer was approaching where I would have to go to basic training. Day after day I had to train my mind, and my body to deal with the rigors of constant physical training, mental exercises, and challenging obstacle courses. I remember that I would run outside during the hottest portions of the day because I knew that when I got to Florida from July to August for basic training it would be much worse. I never relented in my training because I knew it would produce in me an endurance factor that would carry me to the end.

     Building up our spiritual endurance factor is even more important. We can't expect to resist the devil's constant attacks or even overcome basic life obstacles if we are not suited for battle. Many people fail to recognize that we're in a major spiritual war, and if we are not prepared for battle daily we will lose. Jesus was very cognizant of the constant battle raging around him and wanted us to be ever alert and always prepared. Ready yourselves for battle, train up your spiritual body to resist the enemy. Then and only then will you be mature and complete lacking nothing (James 1:4).

Do you hear that?

"And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice." 1 Kings 19:12 (AMP)

      A whisper is something conveyed in a very intimate setting, it is so faint that if you are not in tuned with it you could miss it altogether. People have a tendency to whisper when they only want to target a specific audience, someone they trust with information that they don't want anyone else to know.

       When the prophet Elijah found himself in this situation, he was fleeing a queen and king who sought to persecute him. He was afraid and disillusioned with how things in his life were going and suddenly he is exposed to a different side of God he desperately needed, yet it was presented to him in a totally unexpected way. It was a whisper in the midst of chaos and it was in this whisper that he received His word and this word would propel him into his destiny.

         What's going on in your life today? Are there obstacles in life that are in your way and you don't know how to handle them? Take a page out of the life of Elijah who had to re calibrate what he was listening to in order to pick up what God was whispering to Him. Spend time finding out what God is whispering to you (through prayer, his word, or through others), it's going to change the course your life.

Lesson Learned

"May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given to you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts]." 1 Peter 1:2 (AMP)

      It's interesting that Peter is the one writing this passage because grace and peace were the things furthest from Peter's mind in the early stages of his discipleship. He was well known for his tantrums and antics. He was hot headed and quick to make a wrong decision when things got tough. His lowest point was denying Christ 3 times so that He wouldn't be affiliated with a man destined to die.

       Then something happened. Jesus spoke life into his life (John 21) and suddenly all the lessons Jesus taught in him in 3 years began to take root. When Peter was presented with his opportunity at the day of Pentecost 3,000 were added to the church (Acts 2). What a dramatic turn of events for a man who's life was destined to catch fish.

       This passage for Peter is a reflection. He's taking a look back at his life, and realizes that the only things in life what are worth having in great measure is grace and peace. Having grace lets you realize that you cannot fulfill things on your own power, and peace is understanding that even though you can't do things on your own you're still going to be ok. Isn't it ironic that the two things Peter had trouble with reconciling in his life became the cornerstones of his walk with Christ. Just like Peter may grace and peace be multiplied unto you so that you can live a full and complete life in Christ. Amen!

Deceived Perception

Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." John 20:29 (The Message)

      Jesus was relaying this message to the one disciple who said that He wouldn't believe He was resurrected unless he saw Him and touched His wounds. Jesus obliged Thomas' request but also told Thomas something profound, an oxymoron of significant lasting value. Blessed are those who believe without relying on sight.

       In thinking about this passage, I began to realize that if people lived solely off of what they saw there would be a tremendous amount of people living without any sort of hope. I began to also think of what they would see, especially in these times that appear (to the naked eye) to be difficult. Specifically, they would see a world that has a lack of resources, an abundance in immorality, war, and so on.

       In the unseen realm there are an abundance of resources, a remnant of people turning to God, and the prospect of peace in a perilous world. How? Well, Jesus stated that, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) Very simply stated, don't limit your vision solely upon what is seen, for if you do you will eliminate the boundless possibilities of what is unseen.

Taking a step

"...But when he (Peter) perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:30-32 (Amplified)

When Peter delved into the innermost depths of his faith his focus was solely on Jesus, "So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus." (v.29) As He walked toward Jesus his direction was secure and no outside circumstance could derail the arrival to the destination.

Until... he lost his focus, "But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened." (v.30) All was fine and dandy until perception entered the picture and his sense of focus was diminished altogether. Now instead of using his tunnel vision to arrive to where Jesus was calling him he...began to sink.

Doesn't this seem eerily familiar to our own lives? Where we are seeing Jesus do the impossible and for a moment we get carried away in the euphoria of our faith and dare to dream for the impossible. Jesus tells us to come, and we do for a moment until... the moment of true faith comes when we percieve our surroundings exactly like Peter did. The best part of this story however, is how Jesus ends it as when Peter begins to drown Jesus reaches down to save him. That's definitely something we can all identify with.

If we ever find ourselves out there on the sea using impossible faith, remember one thing... focus intently on Christ because if you do there is no question you will reach your goal.

Plans

"Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished." Proverbs 15:22 (AMP)

      Struggle with finding God's will for your life? Talk to someone, but not just any someone. Talk to someone who would be considered a wise authority on the subject of direction be it a: pastor, counselor, parent, trusted friend, etc.

        By talking to these type people you avail yourself to a wider experience base and they may present to you a position that you didn't factor into your equation. Which is what Solomon is trying to say in this passage. Sometimes in life we don't have it all figured out but if we rely on just our opinions our plans have a greater propensity to fail than if we counseled with others.

Patience

"I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry."

     It's difficult to exercise patience when things around you are going a mile a minute or even a mile a second. However, those who make the most unemotional decisions are the one's best equipped to receive the best outcome in the end.

      It's easy to react to every crazy situation and storm we face. It's easy to go off the deep end and proclaim to others the dissatisfaction you feel when things aren't quite going your way. On the other hand, it is very difficult to remain quiet and patient, which is why many refuse to do so.

       Jesus repeatedly wanted us to understand that whatever we are facing He understands. He knows our going out and our coming in. More than anything He wants us to understand that He's willing to carry our burden for us, If only we wait patiently for Him. (Matt 11:30) What will you decide to do today? My advice would be to wait before reacting and see what He does on your behalf.

Speechless

"THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork. Day after day pours forth speech,night after night pours forth knowledge. There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard. Yet their voice [in evidence] goes through all the earth." Psalm 19:1-4a (Amplified)

       I can see the Psalmist writing this passage as he sits outside gazing at the night sky. He must have been overwhelmed by the sights he could see. The stars in the midnight sky going on endlessly for miles and miles just enough to captivate his mind and his soul leaving him speechless. He couldn't help but ascribe all this greatness to the creator of all things as he would say that the heavens speak forth the amazing glory of an Almighty God.

       When was the last time we let our surroundings captivate us in such a way? When has gazing at the heavens or the landscape of the earth given us pause? If it has been too long, take some time and enjoy the canvas of a sunset, the beauty of majestic mountains, or the ripple of the sea. Why? It re-calibrates our focus and show us God's power in each of those things. Not only that... it will raise in us a semblance of gratefulness that though these things were created by God so were we. If the thought of us being included in sunsets and deep blue seas doesn't captivate our senses...I don't know what will.

Adversity

"So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose" Philippians 1:18-21 (The Message)

        Beaten badly on numerous occasions Paul persisted in preaching Christ to others. Imprisoned without a cause he continued to preach Christ. Shipwrecked. Snake bit. Scourged. Slandered. He maintained his resolve to preach Christ. Why? Paul had the right perspective in handling adversity.

        In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shocks the world by how he views his consistent toil in life. He writes, "For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]," (2 Corinthians 4:17) For Paul it was all about perspective. In the midst of the "light and momentary affliction" of a jail cell, he'd have a perfect chance to witness to the prisoners and the guards. In the midst of a slanderous trial, he sees an opportunity to proclaim Christ to the general counsel. The very ones accusing him of blasphemy. Paul consistently saw his trials as opportunities not adversities, and consistently preached Christ through it all.

        Paul was so concerned for others in the midst of his adversities that he really take time to think of himself. Sounds just like Jesus. On that old rugged cross, Jesus looks down to John (who is beside Mary his mother) and says to him "Here is your mother." (John 19:27) Taking care of the needs of Mary and not even focusing on the grueling pain He was enduring.

        Adversity wants to punch you in the gut and take you out. However, it is up to you how you will respond to it. Will you let it overcome you as you become inwardly focused? Or will you overcome it by looking for opportunities to be outwardly focused like Jesus and Paul consistently did? In all situations remember this... it is better to give than to receive. This is how we show the world the depth of the love of Christ in us, that is available to them.

Firmly Planted

"And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]." Psalm 1:3 (Amplified)

      Substitute each he in this verse with the word I, and what you have done is you have empowered yourself with the ability of a tree. Now to some a tree isn't a glamorous thing to be. All they do is stand there for centuries and to the naked eye do nothing except shed leaves in the fall, and sway when its windy. Who would want to do that forever...Much less be compared to it?

       The Psalmist however saw trees differently. He saw them as grandiose producers of fruit, that have life sustaining power if they are productive members. (After all, Jesus cursed to death an unproductive tree, so you know already that a tree is a truly significant element in the grand scheme of things) The only way a tree can be truly productive is if it is rooted correctly and positioned to flourish.

        Psalm 1 compares a man who walks righteously as a tree that is productive in every possible fashion. A tree that whatever it does shall prosper. Such a tree can only be rooted in Jesus who is the epicenter of righteousness. I want to be that tree, and I pray each day for God to firmly plant me by the streams of water. For it is there where we will be able to withstand the forces of unrighteousness and be the productive members of Christ's body we were always intended to be. Food...or fruit for thought.

The Resolute

"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." Psalm 112:7-8

     When I think about a resolute person I think of someone who has their mind made up. They believe something and no situation, or circumstance would ever change them. In this passage, I believe the psalmist is relating the person who's confidence in God has a resolute character. No turbulence in life could change their faith in God.

        I want to be a man of resolute conviction. I don't want my emotions or feelings to be tossed aside and changed based on how my circumstances have changed. I know what God has done for me and for many others in my life, and there is no question that in the end I will always end up on top, because God is FOR me. Just has He is FOR everyone else. So for me there is absolutely no reason not to be resolute in HIM.

Loving God

"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!" Deuteronomy 6:5 (The Message)

       This above all other things is what we need to apply to our lives more than anything else. It is so important to understand that the singular object of our undivided love is our God. I mean this love is a love that transcends all things and should be shared with no one else. 

        I know there are some out there that say what about our spouse? Our children? Our friends? Moses, wholly unapologetic about this edict continues to say, "Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates." (v.7-8) In other words, loving God isn't something that should be done only when you go to church (or are around church people). It should be embedded in your lifestyle and passed on to the generations that succeed you. 

          Its not at all difficult to love God. Everything that we have in life is because of Him. Our blessed lifestyles are totally unmerited due to our sinful nature, but it's freely passed down to us from Him. If we can't make Him the greatest love of our lives then we really don't understand where it is we came from... and (more importantly) where we were destined to live.

Everyone Else

"Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love." Romans 13:8-10 (The Message)

     Paul's letter to the Romans speaks about love and how it is used to fulfill the law. I've struggled many times in the past trying to do all I can to earn my salvation, but I slowly came to the understanding that my salvation can in no way be earned through my efforts. If it were possible then Christ died in vain, but Christ came to seal up the debt of sin I owed and only through him can I be free. In doing this for me Christ showed me an aspect of the law that I myself can fulfill. The labor of love He gave me can be transferred to others. 


     In Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus was tested with a question, in His reply he sets the course of this new law which has the world spinning on an entirely different axis. The passage states, "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commandments are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." The two greatest commandments have nothing to do with anything you can do to earn salvation through performance, but it has everything to do with channeling the love and appreciation of God's gift you received and use it to show others this love and change the world.

      I have seen what love can do and it is a marvelous undertaking to live a selfless life pouring love into others. Though it is a great challenge, there is nothing more fulfilling. 

The Word

"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
 
          God's word is a shield around us. It's useful in fending off the attacks of the enemy while helping us live the life He has called us to live. God's word is our guide in a world without direction. I find that far too often in my life each time I identify the sin within me, it's because I have neglected the very word that speaks against the thing I did. I have seen more than usual the benefits of coating the word in each and everything we do because it serves a useful purpose in our lives that far exceeds anything else on this earth.
 
           Consider that the word of God is God's connection to us (outside of prayer). It is the essence of who He is and what He'd like for us to do. Surely He can't make us do it due to free will, but the benefits of following His word leave no doubt that it's the best way to go. If you haven't been into the word as you have in the past I encourage you to pick it up more and read it more. The issues of life that spring from this well are abundant. If you have been reading it continue to do so as I'm sure you are reaping the benefits of what it provides. 

Vows

"When you tell God you'll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up." Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (The Message)

     I remember watching a movie a while back were there was an agent who had lost the majority of his clients except a mid-level client and a really high-profile client. When he goes to visit the family of his high profile client he's still relatively unsure if they would sign with him or not, he finds out that because he made the personal trip to the family's house they opted to sign with him. What struck me was what the father said to the agent as he said, "we decided if you came in person we'd stick with you... now I don't do formal contracts but I give you my word and its stronger than oak." Unfortunately, as the movie progresses the family ends up signing with another agent right before the client was drafted. So much for a word stronger than oak.

       How do people view our word? Do they take it as evidence of who you are and what you represent? Or do they take it at face value and don't put too much stock in it? Be careful with your words because what you say not only represents you but it also represents your Father in Heaven. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. If you make a promise to God or to man be sure you make every attempt possible to keep it. The promise of a word is very significant and owning up to it will not only benefit others, but yourself as well.