Holy Earnestness…in prayer!

A friend sent this to me today… soo perfect for where we are! ;-) 

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."
- Psalm 62:8

A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matt. 11:12). 

The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. . . . It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves. . . . 

Is there ANYONE seeking me???

This morning as I was just reading Psalm 53, it really pricked my heart when I read verse 2 & 3. 

The Bible reads: "God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God."

[Pause a second here.] 

I can almost feel Him crying, can't you? "Are there any seeking me, are there any that truly understand?" 

My heart responds, "Yes, Lord, I am seeking! I'm crying for you." Yours may respond the same.

And yet the next verse continues, "Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no not one." 

"Oh Lord," my heart breaks… "Forgive me, forgive us. This is so true, for even in my seeking after you, I too so often turn back. I turn to my own ways, to my selfish ways, to the ways of the world…and I know that even my righteousness is really just nothing more than filthy rags. (Isa 64). Oh Lord, forgive, have mercy upon me, upon us!"

Thankfully, He does have mercy, and even though our hearts are corrupt, even though we are sinners and there's NOT ONE of us that deserve what He came to give, He covers our sins with His own righteousness, and by HIS STRIPES, we are healed!! He exposes our need, but then He provides the remedy, HIMSELF! So while my heart breaks as I realize my own weakness again, I also rejoice that we have a merciful Savior today! 

Take my Heart - Your Work, not mine!

Revived by His Word's reading yesterday was Psalms 51. It was so inspiring reading the thoughts everyone shared as they read through the chapter. If you aren't part of this Bible reading, you should visit.

Anyway, the whole chapter of Psalm 51 is soooo powerful, but verse 6 really stuck out to me… how God desires TRUTH in our INWARD PART. But we cannot make ourselves clean, only He can cleanse us. We cannot create a clean heart, only HE can do this in us!! 

So today I echo these words…

"Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul."

It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

And of course, only HE can give us strength to live a life of victory. As we are praying for greater revival and reformation in our lives and church, sometimes the devil comes along tempting me with discouragement. "How can you ask for such BIG things?" However, I was just reading the following quote this morning and it soooo encouraged me. It said, "It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect GREAT THINGS from Him." Christ Object Lessons, p. 146 

(Dear Lord, we are not worthy, but you are worthy! Thank you for the victory you will give us today as we surrender our brokenness and sin to you.)

It's what you Don't See that really counts…

In the Bible we see Christ providing bread spiritually and physically for His followers time and time again. He loving cares for all our needs. However, when the physical bread was not at first visible, and the disciples were faced with thousands of hungry followers, their first thought was to send the crowds away. All they saw was the visible, or lack of visible resources. But we must learn from their experience that it’s not what we see that matters.

Is God up in heaven looking down upon His hungry children and saying, “Oh no! The need is too great. I really want to feed them, and I want the gospel to go to the whole world, but I simply cannot do it. I don’t have enough power or enough bread for all their need!” Is God saying this? No, of course not!

“When you give what you have to God, He multiplies it. Not only does he multiple 5 loaves and 2 small fishes so they equal feeding 5,000. But the disciples ended up with more leftovers than they had food to begin with. The lesson is simple, if you put what little you have in your hand into the hand of God, it won’t just add up. God will multiply it.”[i]

Inspiration tells us, “By faithfulness in little duties, we are to work on the plan of addition, and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication.”[ii] When Jesus prayed, the invisible resources became visible. Faith was the converting power and it will be the same for us today. The outward appearances may be unpromising. We may have what seem to be insurmountable challenges within our family, church, or ministries, but if there is a lack, it’s not because of lack of resources. It is because of lack of faith, for “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.”[iii]

[Excerpts taken from our upcoming book, Daring to Ask for More - Chapter 3]

---

[i] Mark Batterson, Circle Maker, p. 51

[ii] Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 360

[iii] Acts of the Apostles, p. 145

Praying For Rain…Join Us!

I'm once again in Silver Spring Maryland for another 21-day "Praying for Rain" Prayer initiative. Even though you aren't with us, please join us in prayer!!

I've heard some ask, "Why are we praying for the Latter Rain now?" This is what I share in response.

"Ask and ye shall receive!" John 16:24

“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it.” The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895.

“The Latter Rain—Let Christians ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.” The Signs of the Times, February 17, 1914.

“Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Christ Object Lessons, p. 147

“When the church awakes to the sense of her holy calling, many more fervent and effective prayers will ascend to heaven for the Holy Spirit to point out the work and duty of God’s people regarding the salvation of souls. We have a standing promise that God will draw near to every seeking soul.” 1 Selected Messages, p. 116 

It all starts in the INSIDE…

I shared this the other day during our prayer weekend in Kentucky. It's worth sharing again here as we want to guard against a Christianity of form and pretense.

“For he is not a [Christian], which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. But he is a [Christian], which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Rom 2:28-29 

(Of course, I substituted the word Jew for Christian, in the Bible verse above, as the point is more personal if we realize this talks to us today as well!)

As my favorite author writes, "The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian."

Let us make sure our hearts are right with God today, as it's what's on the inside that He sees and that really counts. Others may applaud our spirituality, but it's the sincerity of our heart that God applauds. 

Success has a goal!

I've climbed a lot of mountains, but not without some serious effort. And if I hadn't determined before I left the bottom of the mountain that I was going to make it to a certain point… I never would have made it, because it was so tiring and so much work. Makes me think about our lives, spiritually and otherwise. 

Praying specific prayers, and having specific goals are important, I think to spiritual growth and success in life. As my mom use to say, "You don't hit a target that you don't aim at!" 

As I've been praying specific prayers, I've seen God answers in such specific ways. However, as I've set goals for myself, I've also been able to accomplish things I never would have imagined before. Of course, we always need to be open for the Holy Spirit to lead us and change our plans, but having a goal is important. 

The Bible tells us, "Where there is no vision the people perish." Prov. 29:18

Inspiration tells us, "Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. Such an aim is set before the youth of today. The heaven-appointed purpose of giving the gospel to the world in this generation is the noblest that can appeal to any human being. It opens a field of effort to everyone whose heart Christ has touched."

So the highest goal that we can have as Christians is giving the gospel to the world in THIS GENERATION! Let's pray that God will help us keep this goal in view as we move forward, and not allow ourselves to be distracted by life details or obstacles from the enemy…

The Secret of Spiritual Strength…

Today I was reading Psalms 46…what a powerful chapter. If you haven't read it, you should go back and re-read.

There may be a lot of activity happening in our lives, but we must remember that God still sits enthroned above all. He still rules over the affairs of men. And He calls out to all of us, even in the midst of our hectic lives, BE STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD!

If we pay attention, this will be the secret of our strength!

"An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need." 

Let's take time to BE STILL, stop rushing, and sit down with Him today!

*Thoughts taken from the book Education, p. 260-261

New Song in my Heart…

Psalm 40:3 really spoke to me today as I was reading in the Revived by His Word initiative…

It says, "He hath put a new song in my heart!" 

Reflecting on that thought I read this inspiring passage: 

"When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification. “Being justified by faith,” he has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. – Acts of the Apostles, p. 476

Often times I will find myself in tears as I am humbled before The Lord because of my sins and shortcomings. I'm so far from where He has called me to be! However, as I look to Him, He always takes away the tears and gives me a new song of joy. And this is what we are told will happen…just last week, I was kneeling on my bed praying and crying. But I remembered that I should praise Him even when I feel discouraged, and so even in my tears, I started singing. And as I sang and thought of God's goodness and His character of love, He gave me a new song and heart of praise. It was amazing. 

We are told, "The more you contemplate the character of Christ, the more you will become conformed to his image. Come to Jesus just as you are, and he will receive you, and put a new song in your mouth, even praise to God." Gospel Workers, p. 451

Let's sing a new song to Him today! No matter what the trial or challenge, and the enemy is angry. I know because he's been attacking me like crazy. He always does when I start into some new ministry project. But let's sing anyway, and God will deliver us. He did it for me, and He will for you too!

Learn to Speak Words of Faith!

Psalm 39:1 says, "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me."

It is a sobering thought when we realize the significance of our words. Matthew 12:37 says,"By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." 

About 8-10 years ago, I went thru very dark discouraging time in my life called Depression. You may have read about it in my testimony. As I sought to get back up and move on, it was brought to my attention how my words were constantly filled with doubt and despair. I was challenged to take 2-4 weeks to not allow myself to say anything negative, critical or discouraging about myself, life, God, or to others. Instead I needed to replace those negative thoughts and words with something positive, or words of praise to God! 

What a blessing that challenge was! As I looked to God for strength, and I spoke words of courage even though my feels were dark, He turned my darkness into joy! I learned to speak words of encouragement and hope, and as I did, my thoughts and attitudes changed. So I've learned by experience, not only should we take heed that we sin not with our tongues. We must actively learn to TALK FAITH...especially in the work of God. What a difference it can and will make!!!

"Talk Faith and Encouragement—Let us take heed to our words. Let us talk faith, and we shall have faith. Never give place to a thought of discouragement in the work of God. Never utter a word of doubt. It is as seed sown in the heart of both speaker and hearers, to produce a harvest of discouragement and unbelief." Evangelism, p. 633

"Lord, whether in our homes with those closest or in our service, help us to speak only your words of faith and truth today!"

[I'm in Kentucky this weekend speaking for a prayer conference! Please pray for me today that God will use my words, that He will actually speak His Words through me, to lead many to a closer walk with Him!]

Arise and go to your Father today!

In Psalm 38 we can really feel David's soul anguish as he cries out to God for mercy. However, PTL, God is even more ready to extend mercy to the contrite heart than we are asking for it. 

I love the passage where we are told, "Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul."– Christ Object Lessons, p. 206 

We are sinners, but there is hope for when we turn to Him, He takes us back with open arms, forgives us and makes us clean. Praise the Lord! 

However you have failed or disappointed God today or in days gone by, do not try to make yourself clean. Just turn and go to Him. He will do the work. He will make you clean! He's just waiting for you to come! "Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isa. 1:18 

[I'm traveling to Kentucky today for prayer conference. Then I will be headed on to the General Conference for 3 weeks of prayer. Please keep me in prayer, and pray that God will use me in these coming weeks for His glory. So much going on right now, I just need His supernatural strength and blessing!]

Delight thyself in the Lord…

Psalm 37 is one of my favorite Psalms! I memorized this during my academy days, verse 4 being the key verse with "Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart." 

However not only has God fulfilled this promise.... But what's more exciting is that He changes our hearts so that we want HIS DESIRES in place of our own. 

Inspiration tells us: "If we will consent, God can and will so identify us with Himself, so mold our thoughts and aims, that when obeying His will, we are only carrying out the impulse of our own minds. Then we shall not desire to carry out unchristian desires; we shall be filled with an earnest determination to do the will of God. We shall not try to work in our own strength, and we shall guard strictly against self-exaltation." – PUR February 16, 1905 Par. 4 

"Keep changing my heart oh Lord!" Is my prayer today! "Give me a love for you and your desires, above my own. May you be my ONE DESIRE!"

In thy Presence is fullness of Joy!

"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." Ps. 36:7

I love this verse. What a great God we serve! "How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shall make them drink of the river of thy pleasures." Vs. 7-8. 

As Christians there is no need for us to go hungry when God has spread a spiritual banquet before us daily. 

Psalm 16:11 parallels these verses, "Thou wilt whew me the path of life: in thy presence is FULLNESS OF JOY; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." 

Let us partake of HIS FULLNESS today!!!!! The fullness that comes from drinking of the Living Water that never runs dry, the fullness of eating of the Bread of Life that never runs out. If we open our mouth, He will fill it. We don't have to find the food… He is the food, He is all! He will fill us and give us all we need! Praise the Lord!

How Long Lord?

As I was reading Psalm 35 this past week, verse 17 caught my eye where David calls out, "Lord, how long wilt thou look on?" In other words, how long will you allow me to suffer, how long before you will deliver me from my enemies? How long before I will see my prayers answered?

How often have we cried the same, feeling encompassed by trials, difficulties, temptations, or not seeing the answer to our prayers. "Lord, have you forgotten? Do you see what is happening in my life? How long will you look on? When are you going to DO SOMETHING about what my enemy (Satan) is bringing against my life?" 

I know I've cried this on more than one occasion, wondering if God sees and hears or if He has forgotten? 

It may at times feel like God has forgotten, but He has not!! This may at times be the cry of our heart, but there is HOPE!! Luke 18:7-8 says, "And shall not God avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith on earth?"

Let us look up with HOPE today knowing that God sees and He is working, even if we don't always see that answer to our prayers right away. He has not forsaken us. And no one that comes to Him will be cast out. Every sincere prayer is heard. And at the right time, it will be answered. Let us hold on!

He stopped at nothing…

Have you ever thought about the fact that God stopped at nothing to save us. He didn't bargain to get us FOR SALE. He didn't bargain to get us half-price or anything else… He and His Son paid FULL PRICE for us! And the amazing thing is, that they did this, knowing what they were getting. They did this knowing we would turn against them, spit in their face, and most of us would walk away. They loved us so much…they were willing to pay FULL PRICE even to reclaim damaged goods! What an amazing thought!

However what is so encouraging to me, is to know that just as they started the process, they will complete it. As God tells us in Phil. 1:6, He that started the work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Inspiration tells us:

"Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." – {DA 57.1}

Do you know HOW to be ALONE??

More thoughts from the sermon, "The Biblical Call to Holiness" by Paul Washer

"When I became a Christian and felt the call of God to ministry, an old preacher saved my life. He took me in His office and He said, “Boy, do you know how to be alone?” I said, “Well, well what do you mean?” He replied. “Well you said that God has called you to be His man. Is that true?” “Well yes sir, I feel I’m called.” “No that’s not what I said. You are either His man or you aren’t called! Now do you know how to be alone?” I looked at him, “Well, what do you mean?” He continued. “Do you know how to separate yourself from the college group. When your friends go skiing, will you go out into the dessert and pray? And while they are going to all their little tiny conferences to get psyched up and enthused for about a week, and then allow the fire to go out afterwards because it’s not of God, will you stay awake and pray for hours? When they are sleeping because they watched too much Television, or had too much fellowship, will you be burning the midnight oil reading [the Bible]? Do you know how to go into a room and walk away from everybody and just be alone with God? That will be the key to your ministry. But beware boy, because you’ll be alone all your life. And often times the only one standing with you will be God.”

We seek out so much Christian fellowship. We need to seek out the fellowship of God. And we do that by knowing His Word. God is exalted in His Word with His name. You can’t know God apart from His Word.  God has reveled Himself, He has spoken. Through His Son. And look at how His Son treated the Word. He honored it with His life. He fulfilled it, and He told us to obey it. You can’t know holiness unless you know God’s Word. You just can’t. You just can’t!

To listen to the sermon OR read the document I typed up of the sermon, plus some additional thoughts, click one of the following links!

Audio Sermon - Biblical Call to Holiness

Typed up Sermon

The Word, the Word, the WORD!!!!

Here's a few thoughts from a powerful sermon called, "Call to Practical Biblical Holiness" by Paul Washer

These are his words directly…so let's jump right in! ;-)

"…It’s funny, when I talk about the theology of the holiness of God, everyone gets so excited. When I talk about the practicality of it, everyone says that I’m a legalist. But how do you find this knowledge? Look in verse two or Romans 12…

“Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” By the renewing of your mind. Do NOT be CONFORMED to IMAGE of this world.

In Peru, when we are building a church out in the high jungle, we use mud, and we take a box about this big, and we fill it full of loose sand so that the mud wont stick to it, then we fill it full of mud, than we flip it over, and a block comes out. And we can make every block just the same, because we have the same mold. The world has a mold. Satan has a mold. Religion has a mold. To make you just like you ought to be. But they are gonna make you not like God wants you to be. But you are to break out of that mold, and there’s only one way….how? By renewing your mind. By being transformed, being metamorphosised, by the renewing of your mind in God’s Word.

Many of us are awake about 16 hours a day. Some of us a lot less, and some of us a lot more. And constantly, because we live in a wicked generation, our minds are being bombarded with garbage, with filth, with sewer from the world… The only way to have a renewed mind is to have the power of the Word of God to fill your mind. You need the Word, you need the Word, you need to memorize the Word, you need to read the Word, you need to study the Word, you need to meditate on the Word, the WORD, the WORD, the WORD. 

God said, Put it on the door posts of your home. When you sit down and when you rise up, when you walk through the streets, the Word of God. Throw away some of this carnal stupid Christian music you listen to. A lot of these [musicians] don’t even know anything about the Word of God or its power. Start memorizing the Word of God. Most of you live your life based on these flimsy little songs, and not upon the Word of God. You’ve got to get into the Word. You’ve got to love the Word. It’s got to become a passion for you. We honor the old prophets. We honor the Tozer’s and the Spurgeon’s, but we don’t want to pay the price they paid. They paid the price by being men who walked alone and lived with God, and they loved His Word."

So where are we today? Do we live our lives around the Word, or are we constantly struggling to fit the Word into our daily life?

To listen to the sermon OR read the document I typed up of the sermon, plus some additional thoughts, click one of the following links!

Audio Sermon - Biblical Call to Holiness

Typed up Sermon

That we may be ONE!

What is God's greatest desire for His people? That we may be ONE!

We are told, "It is the will of God that union and brotherly love should exist among His people. The prayer of Christ just before His crucifixion was that His disciples might be one as He is one with theFather, that the world might believe that God had sent Him. This most touching and wonderful prayer reaches down the ages, even to our day; for His words were, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” John 17:20. 

While we are not to sacrifice one principle of truth, it should be our constant aim to reach this state of unity. This is the evidence of our discipleship. Said Jesus, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35. The apostle Peter exhorts the church, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; loveas brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8, 9

So as we look at our own lives, what is keeping us from being ONE with our brothers and sister in Christ? What is keeping us from being ONE with our families? Is it self, pride, or something else within us? Is it our desire for supremacy or to prove to others that we are right and they are wrong? We may feel that it is others that are to blame for this lack of unity…but maybe it is ourselves?? Think about it!

Can we manufacture Peace?

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” 

The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165. 

Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. 

When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;” and life’s desert “shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 55:13; 35:1

Thoughts for this reading are from Desire of Ages, p. 302

Do you DESIRE God??

I don’t believe Love is just doing the right thing. I don’t believe love is just keeping the commandments, and I don’t believe love is just being patient, and kind, that’s what love looks like when it walks and talks, but love is PASSION!

Let me ask you a question, do you have a PASSION for God? Do you desire Him? Do you long for him? Yes we all go through times in which our hearts are dull, yes, we go through times when we need to be encouraged, yes we go through times when our eyes are mesmerized by things they should not be, yes we all struggle in that. 

But if someone were to look at your life, would they say, “This person has a passion for God! Not for ministry, not for missions, not for evangelism, but for God!”

The sign of a genuine work of God in the heart is that you begin to hate the sin you once loved and you begin to love the righteousness you once ignored. The question is not, do you agree with that or are you challenged. The question is, is that a reality in your life. Is it? Young lady, young man, elderly man, elderly woman, middle age man in the prime of life, is it a reality in your life, are you continuing to grow in your hatred for sin and in your love for righteousness? That’s the question!

So it’s not a question of “do you want to do the right thing? Or do you want to be moral or do you want to have a good life?” It is this! Do you desire Him!???

I hate preaching that goes like this: “You know, you’ve got a wonderful life, yuppy! You got a really nice house and really nice job, and you’ve got a really beautiful wife, and you’ve got 1.25 children, and you’ve got three cars, and Subaru’s and suburban’s, and you just got a great life. Everything fits perfectly in place. You just lack one thing. You lack Jesus!!!” 

That is the most disgusting thing you could ever tell someone. What would be more appropriate to say is, “Sir, your life is nothing. It has no value at all apart from Jesus Christ. He is not some little accessory that a yuppy puts on top of his life as though it were a cherry on top of ice-cream. You have Jesus and Jesus has YOU, or you are barren and wasted and lost. 

So it’s not a question of “Do you want a better life and do you want to go to heaven, do you want to fix your marriage, and do you want all these things! No! Do you want God? Do you desire Him?”

Everyone knows they are a sinner. They just don’t realize how heinous and terrible that is! Nor do they want to let go of the very thing that they choose to drink down as though it were water. So you see, the question is not, “Do you recognize you’re a sinner!” The question is, “What has God done to your heart?”

People come to me all the time and they say, “I have a new relationship with God!” And I say, “Well, do you have a new relationship with sin, because if you don’t have a new relationship with sin, you don’t have a new relationship with God.”

Has God done such a supernatural work in your heart through the Holy Spirit that although prior to that you have lived a life of ignoring God, of hating God, you now see Him as esteemed above all things. And you desire Him above ALL things?!

God is infinite. Heaven will be an infinite chase and infinite tracking down of the glories of God. But most don’t want that. Even most who attend evangelical churches. And I can prove it, because they don’t want it now. If you don’t want it now, you wont want it then. Because eternal life does not begin by dying and going to Heaven. He says, “This is eternal life that they might know you, the only true God.” Might Know YOU!!!! And that begins the moment He regenerates your heart, and reveals to you God. 

So the big question, Do you desire Him?

Thoughts from talk by Paul Washer, "Do you Desire God" given unknown date

The Power of His Eyes…

In Psalms 32 today, there were several thoughts that stood out to me. One was the sincerity of David's repentance towards God. Speaking of this very thing, Inspiration tells us:

"David’s repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his transgression against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. David did not in despair give over the struggle. In the promises of God to repentant sinners he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance."

For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
Thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Praise the Lord for this!

The second thing that really spoke to me in todays reading was how God instructs us and shows us the way we should go with His eyes. Did you catch that? With His Eyes! However, we aren't going to receive that instruction and direction if we aren't paying attention to His eyes. 

What does it mean to look into God's eyes?? We hear a lot about listening to His voice, paying attention to His Word, and following His laws and statues. But what does it mean to look into His eyes? 

I don't know the in-depth answer, but I know that we usually only give our "eyes" to people that we have a relationship with. And it's only those that we are extremely CLOSE to that we can read messages in the eyes. I think we are to have such a close relationship with God that He doesn't even need to say anything. We can see His face so clearly, we can see His eyes so clearly, that we know the way we are to walk simply by looking up at Him… this is the kind of relationship I believe God is looking for. That He can guide us with His eyes! 

Wow!!! Take some time to contemplate on that for awhile… very deep…

We are homeward Bound…

We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us, hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.

It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Hebrews10:35-37. 

Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7, 8

These thoughts from book, Christian Experience and Teachings, p. 236

When the Spirit of God takes over…

What happens when the Spirit of God comes in?

"If any man be in Christ, He is a new creature!" II Cor. 5:17 

Praise the Lord! I've seen this true in my life again and again. However, it's not just a once in a lifetime gift. Christ renews our heart and life EVERY SINGLE day!!!! Praise the Lord!

"When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the joy of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see, creates a new being in the image of God."—The Review and Herald, November 19, 1908.

Let's allow Him to transform our Hearts TODAY!!!!

A life REGULATED by the Word…

The Bible tells us, "To the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word it is because there is no life in them." Isa. 8:20

“The life of a Christian is a life regulated by the Word of God just as it reads.” Reflecting Christ, p. 77

Because God’s Word is divinely inspired, it is not like a mere human piece of literature that we can tamper with or adjust to suit our purposes. We don’t change or twist its truth to meet our culture or the political correctness of modern times. We don’t push it aside for our own theories or personal preferences of interpretation. Why? Because it came by inspiration of God, and God does not change. (2 Pet. 1:20,21, Mal. 3:6)

“The children of God have reached the most critical part of their pilgrimage; for the nets and pitfalls of the enemy are on every side. And yet with the guidance of the Lord, with that which is plainly revealed in His Word, we may walk securely and not stumble. But we shall daily need to seek God, to inquire, “Is this the way of the Lord?” You cannot go on following your own inclination, and at the same time be treading in safe paths. You cannot live to please yourself, but must submit your will to God. But how will you understand what is the will of God unless you study His Word with humble and contrite heart?”  Youth Instructor, May 18, 1893, par. 4

Is your life being regulated by the Word of God today? If not, are you willing to ask God to make the changes in your heart that are needed? Join me in asking for a closer walk, according to His Word today! We are told, “If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact… A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits.” Steps to Christ, p. 57

Seeking God's Kingdom or your own??

"Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33

While following this command may mean different things in specific, it means one thing to all of us…Christ is to be first. Aligning our life and priorities with Heavenly goals must be utmost in our minds.

As we reflect on our daily life, let us ask ourselves again…am I truly seeking HIM first in all that I do? Am I seeking the Kingdom of God first, or am I seeking to advance my own earthly Kingdom?

In the Bible Study booklet that we're currently publishing, I wrote the following thoughts for contemplation, and let me share them here:

Applying God’s Word to your Life

How does God’s Word affect the following areas of your life?

• Life Goals: Do these reflect the Word of God? (See Matt. 6:33, Jn. 17:3)

• Daily Decisions and Life Decisions: Are these made based on Biblical principles or your own feelings and desires? (See Prov. 3:5,6, Prov. 14:12, Prov. 11:14)

• Attitudes: What are your thoughts and the motive of your actions? Are you looking at life through the lens of God’s Word, or through your own limited critical human mindset? (See Phil. 2:5, 2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, Ps. 19:14, Ps. 119:165, Isa. 55:8,9)

• Lifestyles: Does your lifestyle (from how you spend your money to what you do for entertainment, to what you eat and how you spend your time) glorify God, or is it just all about what you want to do? (See 1 Cor. 10:31, 1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Tim. 2:3)

• If your goals/decisions/attitudes/lifestyles do not align with God’s Word, are you willing to change?

“Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.” Mount of Blessings, p. 146

"Men are no more favorable to Bible simplicity or to practical godliness than in Christ’s day. Few accepted the world’s Redeemer; few will now accept the message of his servants. Though the multitude eagerly flocked around him to receive temporal blessings, yet Christ sadly declares, “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.” Thus the mass of mankind are today seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches." – Signs of The Times, March 16, 1882