The Problem With Success

Megalomania:
-Obsession with the exercise of power, especially in regards to the domination of others.
- Delusion about one's own power or importance.

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 16:18

How would you describe success?

Webster's says this: 
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose, the attainment of popularity or profit.
Synonyms: prosperity, affluence, wealth, riches, opulence.The website, I AM SECOND, actually lists “Success” as a stumbling block, along with addictions, emotional dysfunctions, etc..
Who doesn't want to be"successful"?
The defination in Webster's definition sounds great;
there is nothing wrong with any facet of success, in and of itself.

The problem with success lies with what is going on in the heart of the sucessful.

David and Solomon started out great, their hearts were fixed on abiding with God and obeying Him, but as they grew more and more successful
pride grew in their hearts and they got their priorities all mixed up. 
They came to think that they were actually the ones pulling the strings;
they thought they actually were in charge,
instead of the King of the Universe.
They began to scorn God's word.

The resulting consequences were ugly.

There is nothing new under the sun.
Success has a way of puffing up those who have been blessed.
The challenge of those blessed with success is to pursue humility, recognizing that God is higher than they are, and is the One from whom all blessings flow.

"Do nothing out of vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Phil. 2:3
Scorn not God, or success itself, but rather scorn the worship of success-
be vigilant and don't let it become an idol.

The pride of success brings a downfall,

but as we walk in humility before the LORD- keeping Him alone preeminent, beloved, He  promises to lift us up.

Looking Up

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deut:31:8

There is a very good reason why the Lord  tells us repeatedly not to be discouraged. Discouragement and depression of the spirit actually causes our attitude, our gaze, to be pulled downwards. Discouragement, a primary weapon of our enemy, seeks to cause us to lose our "vision". We might feel like we are facing seemingly insurmountable difficulties.
If we give in to discouragement we find ourselves staring downwards,
instead of where we should be training our focus:
"Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."
Psalm 24:7
Our eyes are the windows, the gateway to our souls.

"...when I am lifted up[ from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
John 12:32
Jesus Himself is the Lifter our Heads, the Encourager-the One through whom we can have courage, joy, peace beyond comprehension, especially in the midst of trials.
Hebrews 12 tells us this:

"...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Beloved, look up, be encouraged!
He is strong when you are weak, keep your heart-gaze locked on Him.
You will never lose heart,
together with Him you'll finish the race without being overcome by weariness.

Unopened?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

Imagine gift-wrapped packages heaped up,
each package unmarked for any particular person. 

They could be suitable for whoever takes it.
One by one the parcels are selected, chosen because they are the largest,
or the heaviest, perhaps having the prettiest wrapping and bows.
Finally, all that is left is a solitary box in the corner.
It is poorly wrapped, as if a child had done it,
it is neither large or has any serious heft to it,
and no one is at all enthusiastic about receiving and unwrapping it.

He was despised and rejected by men;
    a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces

    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:3

Yet inside awaits the most amazing gift one could ever hope to have bestowed on them, a priceless gift that the Giver went through incredible lengths to offer.

You get this analogy...Jesus-whose real name is Yeshua, (meaning "salvation"), was and is the greatest gift ever to be offered to the sons of mankind. 

I say "offered" because the gift of salvation that cost the King of the Universe the life of His only begotten Son has to be received and unwrapped by each of us. Otherwise it remains unopened, awaiting as those who it was intended for-everyone of us- spends their lives unwrapping a heap of worthless stuff, left with rubbish and fancy, empty boxes scattered about.

Beloved, if you have not received, have not opened the Gift of salvation and eternal life yet, now is the time.
And if you have already have the Gift, make sure that you tell everyone in your sphere of influence,  the "pre-believers" in your family, your friends, colleagues, those you encounter anywhere and everywhere...

It's time to open the Gift.

Impact of Faith

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.
1Samuel 17:45,46

David was a ruddy-complected young man who was considered by his brother’s and contemporaries as nothing more than a shepherd. When he came with provisions from his father for the fighting men, the Scriptures record his own brother’s irritation at him. Even Samuel had trouble seeing past his fleshly vision of who the future successor as King would be; he saw all of David’s brothers before he met with David.
But that day on the battle front his faith, the confidence he had-faith in God’s power, not in his own strength propelled him to victory over a frighteningly gigantic adversary.
However, later in David’s life as King, his faith began to change, to turn. He sins against the LORD, ordering a census to assay HIS OWN strength, the strength of his armies, horses , and chariots, instead of relying on the power of God.
How could this happen, after all that David had experienced first hand? How could David have degenerated so far as think his armies were more able to protect, save, and deliver than “Eloheynu Melech ha Olam”-Our God the King of the Universe?
David’s not the only one.
Consider Israel today, America, or many other powerful nations. Huge armies and sophisticated weaponry are trusted foolishly over the Creator God without whom they would cease to exist.
Let’s get really personal here: Are we any different from David?
Where is your real faith today?
Does it rest where it should, with a Holy God who loves us and cares for us, sacrificing his only begotten Son for us all, or does your faith rest precariously on a bank account, wealth portfolio, a career/profession, a government,  or anything other than God?
We must constantly examine and carefully examine of hearts because faith in anything else besides God has another name-idolatry-and the LORD will not take second fiddle to anything else.
Today beloved, realign your faith and confidence to the only real One who is worthy and trustworthy.
The Lord, He alone is God!

The Gift

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, 
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness, from then on and forevermore. 
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. – Isaiah 9:6-7

Why are gifts given at Christmas time?
We had the supreme displeasure of being in an extremely busy mall yesterday as people scurried about buying stuff.
In my heart as I looked about, I knew that very few were thinking at all about the reason why we have come to practice gift-giving in the first place.
The Ultimate Gift: Jesus.
There are some folks who consider me “abnormal”.
They are bothered by the fact that I cannot have a conversation without bringing the LORD into it, praising and thanking Him, all the time.
To those folks I can only say-“GET OVER IT”!
I can’t stop thinking or talking about Him, and there is a very good reason.
He rescued me from a life of emptiness and depravity, and delivered me from an eternal destination in hell.
He valued me so highly that He laid down His very life so that I could have Life-both here on earth and in the eternal life to come.
He feels the same way about each of you, and offers you the very same Gift.
Some of you have already unpacked and received this Gift….some of you have not, but even as you read this,
I know that deep down in your heart you know the truth.
Everyone needs the Savior-the ultimate Gift.

Now

"If you stood before the Lord, King of the Universe today, and He asked you:
"Why should I let you into Heaven?"
What would you say?
My nephew, Ryan Nemets, died unexpectedly & tragically last week.
It could've been more tragic.
The biggest question I had was not how he died, but where he would be spending eternity.
Contrary to what some may think or theorize, heaven & hell are real places-and not everyone goes to heaven. The Bible - God's Owner's Manual for us- tells us so, We must consciously and intentionally choose life. This begins by choosing JESUS ( the LIFE and LIGHT of all men) as Lord God & Savior, repenting, (turning away) from doing stuff that Jesus wouldn't do...No one knows the day or hour of our their death, but if you are not saved yet-TODAY, right NOW is the time of your salvation.
Not to choose salvation through Jesus( Yeshua the Mashiach- Messiah)...
means that you have have already made a decision- for eternity in hell.
Ryan made this decision, and so we are rejoicing- this is his homecoming!
So... I'd like to ask everyone of you, have you chosen Jesus, are you born again? This is the greatest gift ever given to us- receive it NOW- while there is still time.Congratulations Ryan, See you soon! You are loved!

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
"that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:14-18

Dangers of An Island Mentality

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone,  and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”
Romans 14:7

” A winter’s day,
In a deep and dark December,
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below,
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I’ve built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of  friendship; friendship causes pain.
It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
Don’t talk of love,
But I’ve heard the words before;
It’s sleeping in my memory.
I won’t disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am on island.
I have my books,
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.
– “I Am A Rock”, Simon & Garfunkel

I’d like to address this message to those who are feeling isolated, discouraged, disenfranchised, and hopeless.
I am aware of so many wonderful people who are without community alone and lonely.
No man is an island.
You didn’t start out that way.
But over time you have been hurt by others, may have suffered losses of health, finances, loved ones.
Church splits and the fall of church leaders you greatly admired may have severely damaged your faith.
You may have slipped away from being part of a vibrant (and necessary) community because of so many hours at your job, maybe other responsibilities, and for many of you maybe you’re just feeling tired and plain worn out emotionally, spiritually, physically. There are often other contributors to the state of isolation you find yourself. Saturday or Sunday may be the only day you have off, so you may have stayed home from going to your congregation…once, twice, and then suddenly you  realize you haven’t been to worship in weeks, months, years. You may have been saddened and offended that no one even noticed you have been missing, causing you to withdraw into your shell, your island, even more.

No man or woman was created to be alone, no one is supposed to bear that “island” mentality.
The Lord, your Creator, didn’t-DOESN’T-intend for you to live that way. This line of thought smells like smoke-it is from the pit!
Recognize that the risk of becoming cloistered and isolated is dangerous; and fan the flames of dormant friendships.
Reconcile offenses, take the first step forward, forgive others as the Lord has so graciously forgiven you.
Are you feeling the crushing weight of adversity? “Consider : ” A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Proverbs 17:17
Overwhelmed by anxiety?
Consider: “Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs him down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25

I would like to ask you plainly, perhaps bluntly:
Where have you fixed your vision, on Jesus, the Author and Perfector on our FAITH, or on yourself and the trials you’re going through?
Are you finding yourself struggling with unbelief and faithlessness?  Get back into a daily quiet time and reading of the God’s Word.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the Word of God.”

Romans 10:17
Fearful? ” God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, courage, and a sound mind.”
Beloved, there is strength in numbers, in community.
My prayer for each of you, for us all, is that we will all be in community, not islands.
“How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together, in unity….”

Phototaxis/Turning To The Light

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:4,5

In nature there is a common phenomenon whereby certain plants and animals turn towards the direction of the light for nourishment.
This phenomenon is known as positive phototaxis, and in it I see another example in nature manifesting an important spiritual principal.
Jesus is life and the light of all mankind. What the devil brings though is darkness, and those who are currently in sin, are decidedly
negatively phototaxic- the exposure that the Light brings is initially painful as sin is revealed, but eventually overcome .
We were created to walk in the Light of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Him is everything we need to fulfill, to grow into our godly potential, all that our Creator God planned for us, but still bestowing on us the ability to make our own decisions and choices.
He has set before us “the way of life and a way of death”, admonishing us to choose life and light over darkness and death.
Beloved,  turn towards the Son today.

10 Tips For Gaining the Crown/Finishing Well

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

-2Timothy 4 :6-8

I do not take the credit for what follows; they are the notes from a sermon, (paraphrased) given by the amazing RT Kendall, of whom I had the great privilege of hearing recently.
"Prize, inheritance, reward...crown. 
Gaining the crown, not just entering into the gates of heaven, is the result of persevering to the end, finishing well as Paul did. 

Here are 10 tips for gaining the crown of righteousness:
#1: Put yourself totally under Holy Scripture...don't ever think you are above Scripture, lest you become yesterday's man like King Saul.
#2: Be accountable to reliable people. The "I'm accountable to God"line? That is a dangerous excuse. Establish transparent accountability to reliable godly people.
#3: Be squeaky clean when it comes to money. Do nothing dishonest in any of your finances, whether it be personal, business, or mnistry.
#4: Maintain sexual purity. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association  states sexual impropriety accounts for the fall of 3/4 of Christians.
#5: Come to terms with jealousy when you feel threatened by another's calling and gifts. Saul became murderously jealous of David, after hearing maidens singing songs of victory-Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten-thousands after David killed Goliath.
#6: Be willing not to get the credit for what you do. John 5:44
#7: Always- ALWAYS keep your word. INTEGRITY.
#8: Live in total forgiveness.
#9: Be a thankful person at all times.
#10: Maintain a strong personal prayer life.  
Use a Bible reading plan and read Scriptures daily.

Beloved, Follow these rules faithfully, moment by moment. Feasting on God’s Word and being filled with Holy Spirit, hungering and thirsting for righteousness as we remain in him will not only get us to the finish line, but also gain for us the crown of righteousness as well-the very thing we hungered and thirsted for.

Lessons From Nehemiah

“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”
Nehemiah 4:7-9

Recently we had opportunities to visit with some of our old friends. Our time together was so good, and in the courses of our conversations we asked, “What about so-and-so, have you heard from them?”
We were saddened to hear that some were no longer walking in the faith, while others had excelled.
When Nehemiah and his people began to work on the wall diligently, the progress became evident. Soon their enemies began to come around, trying sow discord, making threats, and spreading lies. They tried everything they knew to stop the building up of the wall around Jerusalem, God’s dwelling place., trying to bring fear, discouragement, offense, and anxiety among God’s people.
But Nehemiah and the people prayed and persisted in the building, not just finishing the wall with excellence, but in only 52 days!
In our own lives, this is also how the accuser of the brethren works. The building of the wall is a metaphor for the pursuit of a godly life, as we wield the sword of the spirit-God’s Word- and the shield of faith.
Like Nehemiah we must reject the lies of the enemy, and pursue relationship with our Abba.
Courage, joy, love, and the fruits of the spirit come from the Lord as we trust Him, feed on His word and seek Him with all our hearts.
Beloved, keep your eyes fixed on Him.
Listen to the “Kol Dodi”, the voice of the Beloved, the Bridegroom.

Thankful

"Rejoice always,
Pray continually,
Give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1Thess 5:16-18

It takes thoughtful, intentional consideration to be thankful.
As the banner in the header reads: "Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."
What are you thankful for today?
Dig deep, look around, and go way past the material stuff that surrounds you:
Salvation.
God's furious love and lovingkindness
God's amazing grace.
God extending such undeserved mercy.
Family. Friends. Health. Life.
Such thoughts are God's will for us, as the Scriptures tell us above;
At the same time we must make an intentional effort to reject those thoughts that smell like smoke;
thoughts demonically inspired to bring sorrow, anxiety, and discouragement...
Those sneaking thoughts that seek to remind us of losses and failures, remembrances of  hardships and trials
but trying to block our spirits and attitudes from the fullness of our testimonies
and our Father's redemptive plans as we seek Him alone with thanksgiving (Jer. 29:11-13).

Beloved, Thanksgiving is not a one day celebration.
It is meant to be celebrated continually, not just daily, but moment by moment.
Thanksgiving: Just do it.

The Plan

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Jer.29:11-13

People love to quote Jer.29:11, but what about the next verses?

His Chosen People were warned at the beginning, way back in Deut. 28, what would happen if they neglected God and worshipped idols.
How is it that we are we entered into captivity? Are we any different?
We become enslaved to whatever, whoever it is that has a hold over us, spending our time and efforts on what amounted to idols…
“Captors” don’t come and take prisoners without cause-without the “gates” left unguarded.
Banishment from holiness doesn’t happen without us being opened up to unholy things…
Let’s talk about responsibility here and wrong doors cracked and guardposts left unwatched.
Captivity is brought when one stops seeking the LORD, seeking other worthless pursuits instead; the result not maintaining a prayer life and personal relationship with God.
The Plan He has for each of us is spelled out plainly here:
He requires us to call on Him, cultivate our prayer lives, seek Him and then finding Him-
the end result is a return to our First Love-and a return from exile to Kingdon living and Holiness.

Questions

 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes s0 that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
John 15:1-4

Yesterday was a struggle. I was feeling the weight of bad decisions, decisions that had tremendous negative financial consequences for me and my family. I felt really down, and the only voice I honestly heard as I wallowed in self-pity was that of the one who specializes in accusing, demeaning and otherwise dragging us downwards-the devil himself. I questioned so many things, I played back so many crossroad moments where I made impulsive or bad choices.
I saw a quote this morning from Mike Bickle regarding deception: "The lifestyle to keep from deception: Keep talking to the Lord. Set your heart to obey. Stay in dialogue with the Lord about His Word."
But I was directed to the rhema scripture this morning; here is what I hear Jesus saying to me in John 15:

"Remain in Me, with Me, and near Me, even moreso during seasons of pruning and testing. Your testing produces your testimony which is vital for you and the other saints for overcoming. You are already clean-so don't let the enemy tell you that you are filthy or worthless. Your fruitfulness is not of your own doing, and is empowered only by your faith, and faithfulness in Me alone, not in yourself. Beloved, remember Me and My word when you are in a valley of decision or season of pruning- greater fruitfulness is coming!!"

Mystery

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1Corinthians 15:51-54

Recently I went to Beechgrove (aka Alexander) Cemetery with my history-buff sister.
It was a cool autumn afternoon, a breeze was gently blowing and as we walked the leaves on the ground crunched underfoot.  We moved among the tombstones, looking and reading, sometimes brushing aside moss and mold. The earliest grave I could find dated to the beginning of the 19th century. My sister meandered one way, me the other, and as I did I observed that some had lived long lives, others very short, many as children.  I thought of the brevity of  life here, as truly we are just passing through, and the hope, even more than that-the PROMISE-that we have as believers in Jesus as Lord.  As I walked I quietly rejoiced as I considered the unavoidable fact; my body will one day wear out or fail, but I will put on immortality and take up residence in the mansion Jesus has prepared for me, and so will all who have received Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus is Lord over death too! People are always looking for a hero…well, He is the greatest “superhero” of all time. If you have a fear of death you needn’t have-as long as you know Jesus, really know Him, meaning that you chose to follow Him, receiving and believing.If you are reading this and you have put off becoming a believer now is the day of your salvation.Don’t procrastinate making the most important decision you will ever make.

Gimme Shelter 264

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Psalm 18:10

Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.
Psalm 143:9

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1,2

Where should we go when things don't happen as we imagined or as we planned?
Where should we turn when we have troubles, when life deals us lemons, when our jobs, friends, family, our government perhaps even our own bodies fail and disappoint us?
There is only one place, one person, only One Solution-the Lord Almighty!
He's our only, our everything, all there is, and all we need... our Rock, Redeemer, Savior, Deliverer, Provider, Healer, Counselor, Abba, Master, Lover, our Bridegroom.
So, why pull our hair out with worry?
Beloved, go to the Rock that is much higher, deeper, wider, and longer than we can imagine.
Gimme shelter Jesus!

Little Things

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..."
Zechariah 4:10a

Life begins with a fertilized egg, two cells doubling over and over, taking shape as nourishment is provided, according to God's purposes and divine instruction: some becoming massive creatures.
A seedling in its proper environment eventually can become a towering redwood.
Yet early in their existence they may have seemed inconsequential to some,
overlooked by those who were larger and more mature.
David the shepherd certainly felt this; those around him only saw a ruddy nuisance of a boy,
God however saw the heart of a future king.
A trembling downcast Gideon tried to hide from the LORD's angelic emissary who came with empowering and wonderful inspiration.
Timothy struggled with poor self-esteem as he dealt with the disrespect from those who may have been older, but not wiser: "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
I Timothy 4:12

Don't despise small beginnings, whether they be your own or those of others you know, who may need your encouragement. I say this to you as I move in earnest towards the publication of a devotional that I know was God ordained and initiated, that has been in my own heart as I struggled with this small beginning.

What "small things" might you have in your heart, beloved?
..."the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..."

First Things First

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." 

Col. 1:15-20

In our theology we recognize that Yeshua is preeminent. Most of us acknowledge the things that Paul expounds here in the book of Colossians. These things were revealed to him by none other than Holy Spirit, they were not the teachings of men. I have a confession to make here. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and while everything inside me proclaims  PREEMINENCE!, I face a daily struggle that starts with the moment I awaken each day. Unless I start with giving Him my first fruits and my best-devotions as soon as I wake up, before anything- I find that the burgeoning list of things on my daily TO DO LIST will get the best of me. Before I even realize it, I find that I may have deferred my crucial one-on-one prayer time, losing an important aspect of preeminence for the day- my utmost for His highest. Thankfully His mercies are new, not just every morning, but every moment. He stands at the "door" of our hearts, knocking, waitng for us to stop an re-organize our priorites, to place Him in the only position He is worthy of: First of everything. If you have struggled with ordering your steps, beloved, know that God is the creator of eveything including time management. Ask Yeshua, and He will help you to fulfill that desire of your heart to keep first things first.

Faith For Yourself? 158

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

And lean not on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5,6

I was speaking to a friend this morning who confessed his difficulties believing God’s promises for himself. I identified with him immediately because at times, I suffer from the same faulty thoughts and emotions. When faced with certain trials I would wonder if there would be light at the end of the tunnel, if that certain situation might ever change.

I had the faith to believe - for others - but not always for myself.

 The faith to believe for everything comes straight from God’s Word. Unbelief and its evil twin, discouragement smell like smoke; they come from the pit of hell, from the author of lies.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing (straight) from the Word of God.

Here are just a couple things that the Lord wants to tell you:

“You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

Phil.4:13

“Fear not, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Beloved, God has you in the palm of His hand;
read His promises and declare them over yourself.

Have faith in yourself -God is more than able!