Devil,
Be careful about what you try to take from me. I have been keeping a very detailed ledger and have documented everything you owe me. This letter is to inform you that your current balance is quite substantial and is due upon receipt. Please be advised that in accordance with God's Word, you are not only responsible for the original balance, but are required to pay many times over what you have already decided to take. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter!
Sincerely,
James Johnson
Photo Credit: http://images.publicradio.org/content/2008/08/28/20080828_past_due_bankruptcy_18.jpg
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Time to collect!
THIS AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Austin Power House Church - Not Your Average Church
As an agent in the real estate industry, it is my job and my absolute pleasure to find the perfect home for you. But today, I want to talk about another home - a church home.
As a Christian, I truly believe what the Bible says about sharing the Truth and the Good News with others. My sole objective with this posting is to introduce you to an awesome church in the Austin area.
Origins / History: Austin Power House Church was founded in July of 2004. The pastor's family along with a tiny crowd of 3 members met weekly at Alonzo's tacos in Austin, TX. After meeting at various places around South Austin, Austin Power House Church acquired it's first building on W. William Cannon. Today, Austin Power House Church has grown to roughly 1,000 members and currently meets in a 30,000 sq. ft. facility on the corner of E. St. Elmo and Todd Ln.
Bishop Paul Ojeda: After literally dying from a cocaine overdose in 1997, Paul Ojeda gave his life to the
Cell Groups: Like many other churches, Austin Power House Church has cell groups that meet throughout the week. These cell groups are truly the heartbeat of the ministry. There are men, women as well as youth cell groups that meet weekly. These meetings are used to share the Bible, testimonies, prayer requests and is the primary tool used to disciple men and women of the church. The vision is for each cell group leader to multiply themselves 12 times, who, in turn, multiply themselves 12 times (as Jesus did with the disciples). Unlike many churches, everyone in the ministry (including the Pastors / Bishop) are accountable to a leader. This proves to maintain a Godly order that many other churches lack. Unfortunately, a lack of order found in some ministries is one reason why Pastors fall from grace and/or find themselves in the middle of serious contraversy.
Encounters: Throughout the year (usually once a quarter), Austin Power House Church holds an Encounter God weekend. This is an opportunity for men, women, youth and children to spend an intimate weekend with God at their respective Encounters. This is where true transformation occurs. People have been delivered from drugs, alcohol, adultery, pornography, fornication, homosexuality, etc. from these Encounters. Many powerful testimonies can be viewed on the church's website (listed at the end of this blog) as well as YouTube and Vimeo.
Vision: The vision of Austin Power House Church is simple. Win the lost, Consolidate them into the house of God, Disciple them as Jesus discipled His men and Send men and women out to multiply the result. God has used Austin Power House Church to transform drug dealers of the past into past-ors and former gang members into true servants of the Lord.
Signs, wonders and miracles: In the past 6 years, Austin Power House Church has witnessed tremendous miracles. The list of testimonies is truly endless. Marriages have been restored, people have been healed of cancer, people in wheel chairs have left walking, etc. The Bible says in Revelation that we overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. People will argue with the Bible forever, but they find themselves speechless when they are told an amazing testimony.
Guest Speakers: Austin Power House Church has been blessed to have many well-known pastors speak 
If I'm not currently helping you find a home, I just want to personally invite you to my home church.
4414 E. St. Elmo
Austin, TX 78744
www.austinpowerhouse.com
512-416-1600
Photo Credits:
Banner & Bishop / First Lady - http://www.austinpowerhouse.com
Dr. Edwin Louis Cole - http://www.cmnworld.com/about/dr-edwin-louis-cole
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Faith.
Friends,
Let’s talk about faith. When you ask God to help strengthen your faith, He’s going to stretch you paper-thin. It’s just the way He works. Ever try praying for patience?
I really needed break-through and miracles this week. I didn’t receive them. I know this is not how I usually start my blogs, but it’s because I’ve gone so much deeper this week. Allow me to explain.
… Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2 (NKJV)
The Bible clearly states that we have not because we ask not. However, no matter how much you believe in your blessing or how successful you are at casting out your fears and doubts, you don’t always experience the “believe and receive” fruits of your faith. This can immediately cause you to wonder if you had “enough” faith to begin with. In more extreme circumstances, one might believe that God is mad at them. This is clearly a lie from the enemy. Sometimes God has other things in mind – no matter how “for-God” your plans might be.
I cleared my schedule this weekend to do something really radical for God. Of course, whenever you’re doing something for the Lord, the enemy starts to interfere. Even as I type this on a Friday afternoon, the enemy is attacking me with feelings of fatigue and illness.
Events totally out of my control drastically changed my schedule. I prayed, fasted and had other brothers and sisters in Christ standing in faith (and agreement) with me. I trusted the Lord and did everything I could in the natural to receive my blessing.
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 (NKJV)
After spending a moment with God, I realized that sometimes your gift of faith is still having your faith when you’ve endured your trial. It’s protecting and maintaining your faith when things don’t go your way. I was really prepared to receive the Holy Spirit this weekend, but perhaps this weekend is more about what I can pour into others. There are people in my life that really need prayer right now. What if someone reads this and makes their way closer to the Lord? What better way to fulfill God’s purpose than to advance His kingdom – especially when the enemy does everything to stop the blessing? Besides, God is much more powerful than the enemy’s work and could have intervened at any time – but He didn’t. At first I thought God was going to strengthen my faith by making me sweat a little. Who knew He would solidify my faith by giving me the exact opposite of what I asked of Him?
One of my favorite events in the Bible takes place in the book of Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have been captured by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king tells the three men they are about to be thrown into a fiery furnace for proclaiming their love for God and refusing to bow down to an image of gold.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
Wow! Listen to what they say! They clearly have the faith that God will deliver them from the fire but state, “but even if he does not,” acknowledging that their faith would not be any less no matter what happened! Perhaps God doesn’t give us the immediate blessing so he can see how we act afterwards. Do we still put all of our trust in Him? Do we have the fruits to back up our faith? Faith is the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Jeremy Camp wrote a beautiful song entitled, “I Still Believe.” I’ll list the lyrics below before I continue this entry.
I Still Believe – Jeremy Camp
Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
Seems I don't know where to start
But it's now that I feel
Your grace falls like rain
From every fingertip, washing away my pain
[Chorus:]
I still believe in Your faithfulness
I still believe in Your truth
I still believe in Your holy word
Even when I don't see, I still believe
Though the questions still fog up my mind
With promises I still seem to bear
Even when answers slowly unwind
It's my heart I see You prepare
But its now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
From every finger tip, washing away my pain
[Chorus]
The only place I can go is into your arms
Where I throw to you my feeble prayers
In brokeness I can see that this was your will for me
Help me to know You are near
Jeremy wrote this after his wife, Melissa Lynn Camp, died of cancer.
…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)
Do you really think that Jeremy sat idly by as he watched his wife die? I can only imagine the prayer and fasting that took place when he found out she was ill. How many brothers and sisters in Christ must have prayed with him for his wife healing? Do you think Jeremy Camp lacked the faith to save her? Did he not have enough faith? No! God’s plan is uncertain, but he still told the Lord that his trust was in Him.
Yes, I was really disappointed about the outcome of my weekend, but my faith is still in the Lord. My blessing is still on its way – and it’s bigger and better than I could have imagined.
In Christ,
James
Let’s talk about faith. When you ask God to help strengthen your faith, He’s going to stretch you paper-thin. It’s just the way He works. Ever try praying for patience?
I really needed break-through and miracles this week. I didn’t receive them. I know this is not how I usually start my blogs, but it’s because I’ve gone so much deeper this week. Allow me to explain.
… Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2 (NKJV)
The Bible clearly states that we have not because we ask not. However, no matter how much you believe in your blessing or how successful you are at casting out your fears and doubts, you don’t always experience the “believe and receive” fruits of your faith. This can immediately cause you to wonder if you had “enough” faith to begin with. In more extreme circumstances, one might believe that God is mad at them. This is clearly a lie from the enemy. Sometimes God has other things in mind – no matter how “for-God” your plans might be.
I cleared my schedule this weekend to do something really radical for God. Of course, whenever you’re doing something for the Lord, the enemy starts to interfere. Even as I type this on a Friday afternoon, the enemy is attacking me with feelings of fatigue and illness.
Events totally out of my control drastically changed my schedule. I prayed, fasted and had other brothers and sisters in Christ standing in faith (and agreement) with me. I trusted the Lord and did everything I could in the natural to receive my blessing.
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 (NKJV)
After spending a moment with God, I realized that sometimes your gift of faith is still having your faith when you’ve endured your trial. It’s protecting and maintaining your faith when things don’t go your way. I was really prepared to receive the Holy Spirit this weekend, but perhaps this weekend is more about what I can pour into others. There are people in my life that really need prayer right now. What if someone reads this and makes their way closer to the Lord? What better way to fulfill God’s purpose than to advance His kingdom – especially when the enemy does everything to stop the blessing? Besides, God is much more powerful than the enemy’s work and could have intervened at any time – but He didn’t. At first I thought God was going to strengthen my faith by making me sweat a little. Who knew He would solidify my faith by giving me the exact opposite of what I asked of Him?
One of my favorite events in the Bible takes place in the book of Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have been captured by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king tells the three men they are about to be thrown into a fiery furnace for proclaiming their love for God and refusing to bow down to an image of gold.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
Wow! Listen to what they say! They clearly have the faith that God will deliver them from the fire but state, “but even if he does not,” acknowledging that their faith would not be any less no matter what happened! Perhaps God doesn’t give us the immediate blessing so he can see how we act afterwards. Do we still put all of our trust in Him? Do we have the fruits to back up our faith? Faith is the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Jeremy Camp wrote a beautiful song entitled, “I Still Believe.” I’ll list the lyrics below before I continue this entry.
I Still Believe – Jeremy Camp
Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
Seems I don't know where to start
But it's now that I feel
Your grace falls like rain
From every fingertip, washing away my pain
[Chorus:]
I still believe in Your faithfulness
I still believe in Your truth
I still believe in Your holy word
Even when I don't see, I still believe
Though the questions still fog up my mind
With promises I still seem to bear
Even when answers slowly unwind
It's my heart I see You prepare
But its now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
From every finger tip, washing away my pain
[Chorus]
The only place I can go is into your arms
Where I throw to you my feeble prayers
In brokeness I can see that this was your will for me
Help me to know You are near
Jeremy wrote this after his wife, Melissa Lynn Camp, died of cancer.
…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)
Do you really think that Jeremy sat idly by as he watched his wife die? I can only imagine the prayer and fasting that took place when he found out she was ill. How many brothers and sisters in Christ must have prayed with him for his wife healing? Do you think Jeremy Camp lacked the faith to save her? Did he not have enough faith? No! God’s plan is uncertain, but he still told the Lord that his trust was in Him.
Yes, I was really disappointed about the outcome of my weekend, but my faith is still in the Lord. My blessing is still on its way – and it’s bigger and better than I could have imagined.
In Christ,
James
Photo Credit:
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ugh!
Friends,
Some of you may have noticed that it has been a while since I have posted anything. A new career, the attempt to write a book, church-searching and planning a wedding has taken my focus away from blogging. However, there have been a series of events this week that have forced me to break the silence. I have two, major ideas I would like to present. Hopefully, I can successfully tie them together. If not, this will simply be two ideas under one post. We’ll see what happens.
During the Legacy Men’s Conference this year, I had the awesome opportunity to listen to Pastor Steve Kelly of Wave Church in Virginia Beach, VA. He said something that really caught my attention. He said, “God is all-sufficient, but He is not all we need.” This idea tends to refute all of the worship songs we sing in church doesn’t it? I have to admit, I was almost offended when he said this. It sounded borderline blasphemous. For some reason, the comment made its way to an old, dusty shelf in my mind and resided there for several months. A few days ago, I pulled it off the shelf and considered the comment again. I discovered Pastor Kelly was absolutely right.
God is, undoubtedly all-sufficient. But He is not all we need. What we need is people in our lives to help us out. Although God is not all we need, He provides these needs (people) for us.
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
In this verse, Paul recognizes that God, though all sufficient, is not all we need. He supplies our needs according to His kingdom.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
From the beginning of time, God acknowledged the importance of human relationship and the need for spiritual partners.
This week, I heard a colleague say, “I’ve really backslid, but I don’t need to go to church.” I was dumbfounded. Admittedly, going to church doesn’t make you a [better] Christian, but the accountability and act of placing yourself in the presence of followers is important.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
Calling the twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. Mark 6:7 (NIV)
Am I getting through to any of you? The number two holds power in Scripture. It is not coincidence.
As I was speaking to another friend this week about her and her husband's spiritual life, she replied, “I don’t need a man to seek Jesus - I can do that on my own.” She’s right, she doesn’t need a husband, significant other, etc. to seek Jesus, but it is indeed God’s design that husbands be a spiritual leader for their wives. People and relationship are essential to walk closer with God.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18 (NIV)
Did God ever deal with Ruth? No! He blessed her for being so steadfast and faithful! If Ruth would have said, “I’ll just do it my own,” she would never have met Boaz. People and relationships are needed to get to Christ. When we believe and get into agreement with God, he’ll make sure those people are supplied to us. This brings me to my second point.
I admire the independence of some women. However, I’ve noticed that it is getting a little extreme. This over compensated behavior is starting to sabotage society. The event is a vicious cycle that is corroding the differences between genders.
God did create man and woman equal. We were created by a perfect, unchanging God in His own image.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
This being said, God created us equal but different. Matthew Henry said it best. “Eve was not taken out of Adam’s head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him.” This is exactly how I love my wife-to-be.
Chapter seven of Joshua Harris’ book, Boy Meets Girl is entitled, “If boys would be men, would girls be ladies?” It beautifully illustrates God’s intended roles of the sexes.
Right now you might be asking yourself, “Why is he making such a big deal out of this?” Allow me to share with you something that happened to me yesterday.
I went to Whataburger to pick up some food for Janell and myself. As I arrived to get my number 5 with jalapenos, I observed a couple leaving the building. The woman opened the door (of the building) for her husband. Hmm… As they approached their car, she opened the passenger door for her husband. He climbed in. She walked around the car, let herself in and drove away. What is that? I was shocked and appalled! How are men supposed to practice servant leadership when this gross display of role-reversals exists?
If men aren’t going to open car doors or pull out chairs, they’re too immature to be a spiritual leader. It is our job as men to honor women as a creation of the most-high God.
Women – you’re not off the hook. If a woman takes it upon herself to do these things, you can’t complain that chivalry is dead. You’re the one holding the murder weapon! Give men the opportunity to be servants.
I know this sounds old-fashioned. That’s the problem. It only sounds old-fashioned because we have dismissed so many values. This is only one of many. The dismissal of said values is the reason why younger generations are not only responding to the gospel at an alarmingly low rate, but have no respect or comprehension of how to be men and women. We have to set the example!
My point? God is not all we need. He supplies them through people and relationship. However, we have a spiritual and social responsibility to fulfill our roles as men and women.
Photo Credit: http://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/weirdweddingphotos.jpeg
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Vultures.
Friends,
I took the liberty of posting this song on my page. I wanted to share something with you and this song might help me do exactly that.
Vultures – John Mayer
Some of us, we're hardly ever here
The rest of us, we're born to disappear
How do I stop myself from
Being just a number
How will I hold my head
To keep from going under
So far, this song sounds pretty cliché. It’s the “daily grind, the same ‘ol, the rat race.” It’s no secret that we face trials in our lives.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NIV)
We were not put on this earth to live as victims and without purpose. God put us here to live as MORE than conquerors.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
The trials will come; and they come for a reason. God puts us in some unpleasant circumstances to help us grow, but He always supplies us with the resources. Consider the children of Israel. As Moses led them to the Promiseland, God supplied them with bread and water. Yet, they were so focused on the discomfort of their journey, the 11-day trip turned into 40 years. How many times do we walk around our mountains? God can move them! Look what it says in Isaiah.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 40:4-5 (NIV)
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
How often do we tell God when He is going to bless us? I know I do. I’m starting to learn my lesson about that, too. When it gets “down to the wire,” what do we do?
One of my favorite events in the Old Testament takes place in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It’s actually the second time this week that I’ll be visiting this story. Someone very close and special to me recently shared a message about this event in The Bible. Maybe I’ll be able to post it, soon? ;-)
King Nebuchadnezzar had built an idol and commanded the three men to bow to it. The men were told that if they did not, they would be thrown in the fiery furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, o king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Notice the three men said, “the God we serve IS ABLE to save us from it.” They did not say, the God we serve WILL save us from it. We have to stop putting God in a box. We have to stop overriding His will with ours’.
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me, testing me
Even when we think we can’t walk another step, we have to take one. If we trip or fall, God will pick us up. Our faith will be tested and tried - that is a promise.
For we do not have a high priest among us who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
The finished work of the cross is a give and take event. God took our sin, our shame, our transgressions and our pain. He then gave us love, life and strength to overcome anything. We will be tested. We will succeed. We will live eternally.
How did they find me here
What do they want from me
All of these vultures hiding
Right outside my door
I hear them whisperin’
They're tryin’ to ride it out
They've never gone this long
Without a kill before
I love this verse! I can only imagine how frustrated the enemy must be when we live with Christ in us. Satan has to wait longer for his kills these days. When I fall, I fall to my knees and allow God’s grace to bring me back again. If we all lived as followers of Christ, Satan would be out of a job! Could you imagine if Jesus was the Lord of the world’s hearts. Satan would have to retire!
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me, testing me
Wheels up
I got to leave this evening
Can't seem to shake these vultures
Off of my trail
Power is made, by power being taken
So I keep on running
To protect my situation
The only power Satan has is the power we give him. Power is NOT made. Power came with God in the beginning. He then blessed His creation with power. Unfortunately, we’re so quick to give it to the enemy. Why do we do this? We should be holding on to the power God gave us.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you. Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Whatcha gonna do about it
Whatcha gonna do about it
Whatcha gonna do about it
Don't give up give up
Don't give up give up give up
Don't give up give up
Don't give up give up give up
I can’t begin to tell you the trials I’ve faced this week. However, I can say I took a stand.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, TO STAND. Ephesians 6:13
The question really is what we choose to do. Remember, God will give you the strength to overcome your trials, the tools (armor) that you need to do so and bless you like it was all your doing! What a wonderful God we serve!
In Christ,
James
I took the liberty of posting this song on my page. I wanted to share something with you and this song might help me do exactly that.
Vultures – John Mayer
Some of us, we're hardly ever here
The rest of us, we're born to disappear
How do I stop myself from
Being just a number
How will I hold my head
To keep from going under
So far, this song sounds pretty cliché. It’s the “daily grind, the same ‘ol, the rat race.” It’s no secret that we face trials in our lives.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NIV)
We were not put on this earth to live as victims and without purpose. God put us here to live as MORE than conquerors.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
The trials will come; and they come for a reason. God puts us in some unpleasant circumstances to help us grow, but He always supplies us with the resources. Consider the children of Israel. As Moses led them to the Promiseland, God supplied them with bread and water. Yet, they were so focused on the discomfort of their journey, the 11-day trip turned into 40 years. How many times do we walk around our mountains? God can move them! Look what it says in Isaiah.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 40:4-5 (NIV)
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
How often do we tell God when He is going to bless us? I know I do. I’m starting to learn my lesson about that, too. When it gets “down to the wire,” what do we do?
One of my favorite events in the Old Testament takes place in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It’s actually the second time this week that I’ll be visiting this story. Someone very close and special to me recently shared a message about this event in The Bible. Maybe I’ll be able to post it, soon? ;-)
King Nebuchadnezzar had built an idol and commanded the three men to bow to it. The men were told that if they did not, they would be thrown in the fiery furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, o king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Notice the three men said, “the God we serve IS ABLE to save us from it.” They did not say, the God we serve WILL save us from it. We have to stop putting God in a box. We have to stop overriding His will with ours’.
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me, testing me
Even when we think we can’t walk another step, we have to take one. If we trip or fall, God will pick us up. Our faith will be tested and tried - that is a promise.
For we do not have a high priest among us who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
The finished work of the cross is a give and take event. God took our sin, our shame, our transgressions and our pain. He then gave us love, life and strength to overcome anything. We will be tested. We will succeed. We will live eternally.
How did they find me here
What do they want from me
All of these vultures hiding
Right outside my door
I hear them whisperin’
They're tryin’ to ride it out
They've never gone this long
Without a kill before
I love this verse! I can only imagine how frustrated the enemy must be when we live with Christ in us. Satan has to wait longer for his kills these days. When I fall, I fall to my knees and allow God’s grace to bring me back again. If we all lived as followers of Christ, Satan would be out of a job! Could you imagine if Jesus was the Lord of the world’s hearts. Satan would have to retire!
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me, testing me
Wheels up
I got to leave this evening
Can't seem to shake these vultures
Off of my trail
Power is made, by power being taken
So I keep on running
To protect my situation
The only power Satan has is the power we give him. Power is NOT made. Power came with God in the beginning. He then blessed His creation with power. Unfortunately, we’re so quick to give it to the enemy. Why do we do this? We should be holding on to the power God gave us.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you. Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Oooooooooooo
Whatcha gonna do about it
Whatcha gonna do about it
Whatcha gonna do about it
Don't give up give up
Don't give up give up give up
Don't give up give up
Don't give up give up give up
I can’t begin to tell you the trials I’ve faced this week. However, I can say I took a stand.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, TO STAND. Ephesians 6:13
The question really is what we choose to do. Remember, God will give you the strength to overcome your trials, the tools (armor) that you need to do so and bless you like it was all your doing! What a wonderful God we serve!
In Christ,
James
Monday, March 24, 2008
Fasting
Friends,
I wanted to share something that has come to light this week. As I type this, I have no idea as to when it will be posted or read by others. I’ll explain this a little later.
Last week, a friend of mine proposed they would be fasting. This fast was to refrain from certain types of media and various foods. My views on fasting have been changing over the years. My friend stated that they really needed God to bless them and that fasting would put them in the proper state of mind and spirit to receive God’s blessing. So far, I understood the purpose of the fast.
Allow me to go into detail for those who might not understand why some Christians fast. As inhabitants in a fallen and imperfect world, we tend to divert our attention to people or things that take our eyes off of God. Although these things might not be sinful in nature, we are all susceptible to spending an unhealthy amount of time with these activities. For example, there is nothing wrong with watching TV. However, when our TV habits keep us from studying God’s word or performing His will, we have made an idol, of sorts that separates us from God.
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods." Jeremiah 16:19 (NIV)
What kinds of things do we often put before God? TV, money, the internet – even people! In Joshua Harris’ book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, the author warns us that even relationships with people, especially dating, can be dangerous if they take our eyes off of God. Yet, it’s so easy to get distracted. Why? Because the enemy is always trying to tempt us. The devil always makes it sound so appealing, but what you reap in the end is death – spiritual death.
The idols speak deceit, the diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. Zechariah 10:2 (NIV)
Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most well-known chapters of the bible. David’s expression and depiction of Jehovah Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd, is romantic, captivating and comforting. Don Duncan, the senior pastor at Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels, Texas once said, "Jehovah Rohi comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable." We are so thankful to have a shepherd, a God so loving. However, we cast him aside when we get too involved with activity and people.
Fasting is a great way for us to refocus our love and attention on God. It also gives us the opportunity to use our sacrifice as a blessing to others. I came across the following scripture a few months ago. It’s been marinating in my heart and mind since I read it. For some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s obvious that God wanted me to meditate upon it.
’We have fasted before you!’ they say. ’Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ "I will tell you why!" I respond. "It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ’Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes." Isaiah 58:3-12 (NLT)
I know it’s a lengthy piece of scripture, but let’s break it down. Isaiah first condemns those who fast as a means to "appear" holy. It’s talking the talk, but not walking the walk. Insincere faith is not only an oxymoron, but it’s mocking God. Isaiah goes on to say that those who fast have an opportunity to use their sacrifice to be a blessing – to free the oppressed. Oppression has many forms, but our clarity through fasting can help us break bondage of any kind. Then, it says when we call upon our Lord, he will eagerly respond. Our fasting is a symbol of our faith. It’s an act of our faith. And when we are faithful to God, he is faithful to us, listening to our every need. Isaiah says he will quickly respond, "Yes, I am here." After the Lord blesses us, he imparts upon us a new strength, a new depth of faith that will allow us to rebuild walls and restore homes. Who wants to be known as a rebuilder and restorer for God? I know I’m typing with my hand raised!
After meditating on Isaiah’s words, God made me realize that to be a true brother in Christ to my friend, I needed to fast with them. It’s not to appear righteous. It’s not to impress anyone. It’s not to be a martyr. My friend’s arriving blessing means so much to me that I need to demonstrate my faith to God through fasting. It’s almost like agreeing with my friend in prayer.
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (AMP)
I know that my friend is in agreement with God. And I am in agreement with them through my fasting. This act allows me to break yokes and remove chains. Do you see a pattern? It’s all for the glory of God. It’s what being a spiritual partner is all about.
Since part of this fast restricts the use of the internet, I might not get to post this for a while. That’s okay.
I want to share with you one last thing. Since I’ve started the fast, which has only been a couple of days, God has used all of the time I could be spending on the internet or indulging in food to talk to me. He has granted me wisdom and discernment in my relationships, allowed me to bless my brothers and sisters in Christ, given me opportunities to pray for and serve others and has even blessed me with the first ideas for a book I am writing. Though I live a life of self-discipline, I am truly amazed at what God has done by the simple sacrifice of a few, creature comforts. Not only that, but I know he is working behind the scenes on my friend’s behalf. I can’t wait (figuratively speaking) to see what he has in store next!
In Christ,
James
I wanted to share something that has come to light this week. As I type this, I have no idea as to when it will be posted or read by others. I’ll explain this a little later.
Last week, a friend of mine proposed they would be fasting. This fast was to refrain from certain types of media and various foods. My views on fasting have been changing over the years. My friend stated that they really needed God to bless them and that fasting would put them in the proper state of mind and spirit to receive God’s blessing. So far, I understood the purpose of the fast.
Allow me to go into detail for those who might not understand why some Christians fast. As inhabitants in a fallen and imperfect world, we tend to divert our attention to people or things that take our eyes off of God. Although these things might not be sinful in nature, we are all susceptible to spending an unhealthy amount of time with these activities. For example, there is nothing wrong with watching TV. However, when our TV habits keep us from studying God’s word or performing His will, we have made an idol, of sorts that separates us from God.
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Do men make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods." Jeremiah 16:19 (NIV)
What kinds of things do we often put before God? TV, money, the internet – even people! In Joshua Harris’ book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, the author warns us that even relationships with people, especially dating, can be dangerous if they take our eyes off of God. Yet, it’s so easy to get distracted. Why? Because the enemy is always trying to tempt us. The devil always makes it sound so appealing, but what you reap in the end is death – spiritual death.
The idols speak deceit, the diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. Zechariah 10:2 (NIV)
Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most well-known chapters of the bible. David’s expression and depiction of Jehovah Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd, is romantic, captivating and comforting. Don Duncan, the senior pastor at Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels, Texas once said, "Jehovah Rohi comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable." We are so thankful to have a shepherd, a God so loving. However, we cast him aside when we get too involved with activity and people.
Fasting is a great way for us to refocus our love and attention on God. It also gives us the opportunity to use our sacrifice as a blessing to others. I came across the following scripture a few months ago. It’s been marinating in my heart and mind since I read it. For some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s obvious that God wanted me to meditate upon it.
’We have fasted before you!’ they say. ’Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ "I will tell you why!" I respond. "It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ’Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes." Isaiah 58:3-12 (NLT)
I know it’s a lengthy piece of scripture, but let’s break it down. Isaiah first condemns those who fast as a means to "appear" holy. It’s talking the talk, but not walking the walk. Insincere faith is not only an oxymoron, but it’s mocking God. Isaiah goes on to say that those who fast have an opportunity to use their sacrifice to be a blessing – to free the oppressed. Oppression has many forms, but our clarity through fasting can help us break bondage of any kind. Then, it says when we call upon our Lord, he will eagerly respond. Our fasting is a symbol of our faith. It’s an act of our faith. And when we are faithful to God, he is faithful to us, listening to our every need. Isaiah says he will quickly respond, "Yes, I am here." After the Lord blesses us, he imparts upon us a new strength, a new depth of faith that will allow us to rebuild walls and restore homes. Who wants to be known as a rebuilder and restorer for God? I know I’m typing with my hand raised!
After meditating on Isaiah’s words, God made me realize that to be a true brother in Christ to my friend, I needed to fast with them. It’s not to appear righteous. It’s not to impress anyone. It’s not to be a martyr. My friend’s arriving blessing means so much to me that I need to demonstrate my faith to God through fasting. It’s almost like agreeing with my friend in prayer.
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (AMP)
I know that my friend is in agreement with God. And I am in agreement with them through my fasting. This act allows me to break yokes and remove chains. Do you see a pattern? It’s all for the glory of God. It’s what being a spiritual partner is all about.
Since part of this fast restricts the use of the internet, I might not get to post this for a while. That’s okay.
I want to share with you one last thing. Since I’ve started the fast, which has only been a couple of days, God has used all of the time I could be spending on the internet or indulging in food to talk to me. He has granted me wisdom and discernment in my relationships, allowed me to bless my brothers and sisters in Christ, given me opportunities to pray for and serve others and has even blessed me with the first ideas for a book I am writing. Though I live a life of self-discipline, I am truly amazed at what God has done by the simple sacrifice of a few, creature comforts. Not only that, but I know he is working behind the scenes on my friend’s behalf. I can’t wait (figuratively speaking) to see what he has in store next!
In Christ,
James
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