Kim Connor Devotional

No Expiration Date

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-12-29T12:32:05-05:00

Isn’t it amazing that this year is coming to a close and a brand new year is about to begin? It seems to me that each passing year flies by quicker than the one before! As I took a few moments to look back, I realize that I did accomplish and learn some important things. I can also see the areas where I need to step it up, change and rearrange.

One thing is certain: seasons of life. People and material things can come and go. Life’s challenges, and the emotions they create, can fluctuate from high to low and then somewhere in between! We have new babies being born this year, and on the other hand we have said goodbye to loved ones who have passed. When I start thinking about it, everything in this world, just like this past year, has an expiration date. There’s an expiration date for food, medicine, gift cards, coupons, our beloved pet Sparky and yes, even people.

Yet, there is something that has no expiration date-God’s word! Look what it says in Isaiah 40:6-8:

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Our God and His word are eternal! His word never fails or looses power! His word can be trusted at all times and is the foundation of every victorious believer. No one, not even Satan himself, can take the word of God from us. Every truth and precious promise eternally belongs to us. The word is the one lasting and stable thing in this life, in a world of constant change and uncertainty. This year, let’s go after the word of God and walk in the light of it like never before!

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

It doesn’t matter what this year dished out for us or what next year holds, we have the word of our God that brings victory to every one that believes it and lives by it. When you need power, you will have it. When you are not sure what to do next, the word will light your path so you can see clearly. It’s time to bring the level of the word that’s in our hearts up to the next level. We need to crave it and desire it like our bodies do for food. When our heart is full of scripture and we speak it with our mouth then victory is ours!

When we do this we are resisting the Devil. The Bible says if we resist the Devil he will flee from us! We are not going to let him intimidate us or steal from us any longer. We are standing our ground standing on the word! The word of God and prayer is how the will of God will be accomplished in these last days. The word is the foundation of everything, even praying correctly. We won’t be deceived, powerless or pray amiss if we know what the Bible says and we act on it.

God’s word is eternal, it never expires. We can count on His promises year after year no matter what comes our way!

I John 2:17: “The world and it’s desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

Psalm 119: 89-91: “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Good Tidings of Great Joy!

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-12-22T13:40:05-05:00

Luke 2:10: And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

That was good news to the shepherds that night as they learned of the birth of Jesus. Many may feel that the good news is for the past, for the “good ol’ days.” Can there really be any good news in the times we live in?

When we turn on the T.V., read the headlines on the internet, or pick up a newspaper, it is full of bad news. There is crisis and terrible tragedy on every hand. The news we hear and read also gives us no hope for the future, but rather a forecast of impending doom and gloom. If we take in a steady diet of all this bad news, we will live in fear and will be convinced that there is no hope. What are we to think and what are we to believe? Jesus Himself said that things in the world will only get worse, not better, as the end of time approaches. How does good news of great joy fit into the right here and now?

We have all had someone ask us at one time or another, “What would you like to hear first, the good news or the bad news?” I am so glad that when the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds that wonderful night that he didn’t say, “I have some good news and some bad news.” No, He told them not to be afraid because he had good news that would bring great joy to all mankind.

This good news was declared 2000 years ago, but this proclamation of great joy remains present day good news! The bad news is now past tense!

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.”

We were dead in our transgressions, but because of Jesus’ birth and our Father’s great love, mercy and grace, we are saved!

When the angel said, “Unto you is born this day…” he wasn’t just speaking to the shepherds. He was speaking to you and me! Jesus was born for us that day!

Jesus, the Word of God, has always dwelled in Heaven with the Father. Jesus laid aside all of His glory in heaven, came down to earth, and became human in order to save us.

2 Cor. 8:9 says “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that through His poverty might become rich.”

Jesus had to clothe Himself in flesh, becoming like us, in order to save us. He was no ordinary man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin girl. The Bible says that as a man, Jesus was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin.

Because He put on flesh to save us, we can now put on the new clothes that are His! When we accept the Son of God, who was born a baby in a manger, as our Lord and Savior, then we can have divine fellowship with Him now. Not only that, but when this earthly life is done, we can step over into Heaven forever!

How do we put on the new clothes He has provided? First we are washed in His own precious blood that He shed on the cross at Calvary. We accept the sacrifice He made when He died in our place for our sins. With His blood our sins are washed away forever, never to be found again! Glory to God! Then we put on a robe of righteousness!

Thank you Father that the bad news is past tense. I am no longer dead in my transgressions, but alive in Christ forever! Thank you for sending your one and only Son as a baby to save us all. In a world that’s upside down and full of chaos, we have good tidings of great joy!

Psalm 98:1-3: Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For he has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

The Lord had made known His salvation; His righteousness he has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

kimconnor@whwc.org

The First Christmas

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-12-15T11:02:51-05:00

An Event of Faith

Luke 1:30-37: But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “ The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

The very first Christmas was an event of faith. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was just a young virgin girl. When the angel Gabriel came to visit and told her that she would bear God’s own son, she believed him. How easy would it have been for her to respond, “That’s crazy and impossible for me to have a child; I have never known a man. And you say God Himself is going to be the Father of my child?” But she didn’t.

Think about the faith it took to accept the responsibility to carry God’s son knowing that her family, friends, and entire community would never understand. She would be shunned and disgraced because she would have a child out of wedlock with her betrothed, Joseph. How would she explain that God was using her to bring the Savior of the world to all mankind? That wouldn’t go over so well. She could of said, “This is too hard and impossible to bear.” But she didn’t.

Mary and Joseph had faith in God knowing that what He had spoken to them, He would do. They had faith to obey and carry out the plan no matter the cost. Sometimes the cost is ridicule and persecution because people who walk according to the flesh and the world can’t understand the things of God. Standing in faith can be a lonely place for a season, but if we don’t loosen our grip of faith, we will see the promise of God come to pass.

After the angel Gabriel had declared these things to Mary, she responded in Luke 1:38,

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

In verse 45, her cousin Elizabeth said, “and blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

And that is just what happened. What God promised, he performed ! Despite Satan trying to use Herod to destroy the promise, Jesus, God’s own son was born. When Herod ordered the death of all the first born sons, Joseph and Mary kept trusting in God’s promise. They took a journey of faith on a donkey to a place of safety. Jesus the King was born in a stable in the town of Bethlehem.

It is the same with us. We must take God’s written and spoken word and believe it, proclaiming like Mary: “Be it unto me according to thy word.” If we do this, there will be a performance of those things God has promised unto us! Glory to God!

This reminds me of something Jesus said in John 11:40.

“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

So, this Christmas, don’t let this season be just a time of being over-scheduled, over- partied, over-spent, and over-stressed. This is the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus!

Let this Christmas be an event of faith! What a wonderful opportunity to share our faith with others about the true meaning of Christmas. Choose to believe God for whatever you need. Do you have a financial need? Believe that His provision and care are limitless! “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus!” Do you have a need for healing in your body, or in a relationship? Go to the word, get a promise and stand on it. Believing for a loved one? Don’t give up! Keep praying and standing on the word! Make this Christmas season an event of using and sharing your faith,then you will see the glory of God! Remember, nothing is impossible with God!

Acts 27:25: “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Giving Thanks & Praise: A Key To Prayer, Peace and Deliverance!

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-12-08T10:59:45-05:00

I heard Bro. Kenneth Hagin say many times that if we would just balance the scales of asking God for things in prayer with praise we would see more answers to prayer. I must say that I agree with him. I have not only experienced this first hand but there are so many scriptures about thanksgiving coupled with prayer. This makes giving thanks and praising God ahead of time, before the answer manifests, an important key in prayer.

I Thess. 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I Timothy 2:1 lines up with that: “I urge, then, first of all that requests, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone….”

Here’s a third witness over in Col. 4:2 : “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

These are New Testament instructions. However, even in the Old Covenant, we see that before the Israelites would go into battle, they sent the praise team out ahead of them! The singers and those on instruments went out before the army because they knew that praising their God first brought them victory in those battles. I think we have to really hand it to those praisers because they didn’t go out to battle with a sword or shield, but with a shout and song of praise! This showed their complete trust and faith in the great I AM! If that was the Old Testament and we are living in the New, founded on better promises, then how much more should we make giving thanks and praise a part of our everyday life?

When we face the enemy head on, what are we armed with? Praise and thanksgiving, or fear, doubt and worry? Are we pacing the floor and speaking defeat, or do we lift up our hand and declare with our mouth the greatness of our God? What are our weapons? They are praying the word in the name of Jesus sealed up with praise and thanks!

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of this world, worldly, carnal or fleshly) but mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds...”

The word of God also promises that if we couple prayer with thanksgiving, we can walk in the peace of God and our hearts and minds will be guarded and kept strong.

Phil. 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Have you ever noticed that worry and fear seem to be magnified at midnight when we are laying in bed trying to sleep? Our mind is going like a freight train and scenarios of the worst possible outcomes swirl about in our heads. Many turn to food to ease their nerves. I have to admit, I have done that as well. I think to myself, “ a big bowl of cereal or a big slice of cake would make me feel much better and help me fall asleep.”

There is a better solution. Instead of turning to a midnight snack, try a midnight praise and thanksgiving session! That’s what Paul and Silas did when they were chained up in a prison cell. We’ve all heard the story, but it’s one of my favorite.

Over in Acts 16:21, Paul and Silas were arrested for preaching the gospel. They were then beaten and thrown into the darkest, most secure part of the prison with their feet bound in shackles. They had a really bad day, to say the least, and they had every reason to feel ungrateful and feel like a victim. They could have said “God, why did you let this happen to us? How could things get any worse? I guess God has abandoned us and we will probably just rot in this stinking prison.” But that is not what they did. Instead they had a midnight praise session!

In Acts 16:25 it says: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them.”

They obviously were not praising under their breaths, but out loud where everyone could hear. The power of God came on the scene and the prison was shaken by an earthquake. The prisoners were all released and the guard got right with God that night!

Giving thanks and praise is not only a key to prayer and peace but it’s also a key for deliverance!

kimconnor@whwc.org

An Attitude of Gratitude

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-12-01T11:03:01-05:00

Psalm 107:8-9 “Let them give thanks to the lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

The words on this page will undoubtedly fall short in expressing the gratitude I have for God’s love and care for us! When I think of His goodness, mercy and kindness I am so thankful. He has completely saved me and turned my life around. He not only saved me from Hell through the death, burial and resurrection of His son Jesus, but He has also blessed me with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. Now those things would have been enough to praise Him throughout all eternity, but His blessings don’t stop there! You can go ahead and shout - it’s O.K!

God’s wonderful salvation not only includes sending His only Son to pay for my sins, but He has provided healing for my body and mind, protection, peace, and material and financial provision. Did I mention I get to spend an eternity in Heaven with Him? This is not just for me, but for all who receive Jesus and believe in Him.

Oh and it’s not over yet! He has given us the privilege of prayer and His written word so that we can access His power and know him as our best friend. And I thank God with all my heart for the Holy Spirit who is our comforter, helper, teacher, counselor, and the power of God working in us and through us! I know that was a mouthful. There are so many things to be thankful for, we could go on and on.

As I reflected on what God has done for me, my heart swells up with thankfulness and causes me to give Him thanks and praise with my mouth. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband (You know, my Father is the best matchmaker in the universe!) and our precious children. I see Him working so lovingly and patiently to bless, protect and guide them. There have been challenges, you who have teenagers understand, but thank God that prayer always works and always changes things!

I remember in our darkest and most stressful times how He always came through with just what we needed. When sickness attacked, I witnessed His supernatural healing power. Even the birth deformity of our youngest child totally healed to the amazement of the doctors! I am thankful that all my children are living for the Lord. I will continue to completely surround them on all sides with prayer. When lack threatened, he always provided.

I am also thankful for our church that was started and built by the Lord. Thank you God for the privilege of being a part of your work, the call you have placed on mine and Jeff’s life, and for the privilege of serving your precious people. God has truly brought together and amazing group of believers who are sold out to God and His plan. Lord, we just continue to welcome your presence, leading and anointing. This is your church and your people. Thank you for all the lives born again and changed forever. Thank you for the love and unity in your body. To God be the glory! It’s also important to be thankful for the people that God puts in our lives to teach us and believe in us. I’m sure you can think of some, just as I think of our parents and many important Godly leaders and relationships divinely placed in our lives.

As you can see, I find myself just pouring out the gratitude in my heart today. During the Thanksgiving holiday this past week we took time to give God thanks and praise for all His blessings. No matter how tough circumstances may get, we should always give God thanks. Actually we should have an attitude of gratitude every day of the year.

I Thess. 5:18 says, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

David said in Psalms 34:1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Having a thankful heart is not an occasion every third week in November. It’s not only when things are bright and sunny. It should be the continual state of our heart. Notice that the above verse in I Thess. said to be thankful in all things, not for all things!

A person with an attitude of gratitude is always offering up thanks and praise to God for what he has done, what He is doing and what He shall do. When a person does this he is activating his faith and releasing the power of God. This pleases God so much because the word says it’s impossible to please Him without faith. Our faith honors God.

Giving thanks actually paves the way for blessings that God has in store for us!

Psalm 50:23 says, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”

Glory! When we live with an attitude of gratitude, it honors God and releases the blessings of His salvation!

All of you have something to be thankful for. I challenge you to be a blessing this holiday season and be an encouragement to others and share in the comments section. We all love to hear how God has blessed His people. Love you all!! Until next week…

kimconnor@whwc.org

This Little Light of Mine... (Part III)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-11-24T10:36:29-05:00

Walkin’ What We’re Talkin’

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

This is the third and final part of our light series. However, this doesn’t mean we have covered all the ways that we can be an ambassador of light in this world. The goal is to spark us to shine brighter than ever in our sphere of influence. Within your sphere of influence, you will inspire people in a way that I never will and vice versa. Whether we realize it or not, we all have an influence of either good or bad. That impact is either a good reflection or a not so good reflection of our Father to all we come in contact with, unless we’re a hermit living in a cave somewhere! We may not live in a cave, but if we don’t let our light shine, it might as well be in a cave because it does nothing good for the kingdom. Jesus called us the light of the world and a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

What people see on the outside should reflect what’s really on the inside of us. What we say and what we do speaks volumes. Imagine being hungry and spotting a big, red, shiny apple. It looks so delicious and juicy so you decide to take a big bite. It’s pretty disappointing when it looks like a luscious piece of fruit on the outside but on the inside it is brown and mushy. I have also noticed that some “fake” fruit is deceiving in its realistic outward appearance. What is on the outside is not a true indication of what is on the inside.

We need to taste good through and through, not just look good on the outside. We can talk the talk, but talk can be cheap. If we are going to be a light we’ve got to be walkin’ what we’re talkin’!

People want to see the real; real people, real life, real move of the Spirit, real God. They have a hunger for the real, not the fake. People don’t need to see a “super spiritual” Christian who mystically floats into a room instead of walking into it! I believe folks want to see a supernatural God working through the life of a person just like them. They don’t need someone to act “holier than thou.” They are not as likely to listen to someone who only acts like they live in some unattainable spiritual place.

This reminds me of the account of Paul and Barnabas in the city of Lystra in Acts 14:8-13. Paul and Barnabas were ministering and a crippled man was instantly healed. Because of this amazing healing, the crowds thought that Paul and Barnabas were gods, so they were going to worship the men. Notice what the apostle Paul said in response to the crowd at Lystra:

“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.”

It encourages me when I read in James 5:17: “Elijah was a man, just like us (subject to like passions as we are). He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced crops.”

When people see us as everyday people, with the evidence of the power of God in our lives, I believe it gives them hope. They not only gain hope that God will receive them, but they get a hunger for God as well!

We said earlier that talk is cheap when we don’t back it up with actions. That is true, but it’s also important that we are known as people of our word. We are people of integrity if we do what we say.

In 2 Corinthians 1:18-20, the apostle Paul spoke of how God is faithful. God is faithful and consistent with keeping His word. In other words, He doesn’t speak out of both sides of His mouth. His promises are not “Yes” and “No.” The word says that no matter how many promises God has made, they are always “Yes” in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, “Simply let your ‘Yes be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No, ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Isn’t that interesting that if we speak out of both sides of our mouth we are not a good witness for Christ? We can’t merely excuse ourselves by saying that we are only human. We have a higher standard now.

It’s important to know what we believe, speak in line with that belief, and then act accordingly. If mixed messages are sent then we might be seen as undependable or untrustworthy. Those things are not attributes of the God we serve. On the contrary, He is always faithful and trustworthy! God always watches over His word and performs it!

If God said it, then it’s the truth. It’s the truth that sets us free! The Bible says that God cannot lie. It’s impossible for any untruth or even a half truth to ever come from Him. When we give our word, we must follow through, even to our own hurt. That’s part of reflecting who God is on the inside of us.

Remember that we glorify God when men see our good works. Matthew 5:38-42 puts it in a nutshell for us: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Every situation is an opportunity to reflect His light or to ‘walk the talk.’ It’s easy to act just like the world, but let’s go the extra mile. We may say we are a Christian on the outside, but the world really sees what we are made of by what’s on the inside. Our words and our actions are speaking loudly. Let’s keep walkin’ what we’re talkin’!

Ephesians 5:16: “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity; because the days are evil.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, way beyond the blue……

kimconnor@whwc.org

This Little Light of Mine... (Part II)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-11-17T14:43:15-05:00

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden….Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We are to set our light to shine where others can see it. The more we shine, the more people see Jesus. This brings glory to our heavenly Father.

What does it mean to be a light in the darkness that surrounds us? Last week, we covered two ways to shine bright for Christ. The first way to light up our world is to live a pure life. The second way is to always speak the truth; letting God use our mouths to be a witness for Him to the lost.

The third way that we can shine is to be lovers and not judgers. We have already talked about speaking the truth, but Jesus always spoke the truth in love. He spoke patiently and lovingly to everyone He came in contact with. Jesus never called anyone a filthy sinner and he never spoke condemnation over someone. If we look carefully, we will notice that the religious leaders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, were the ones that Jesus spoke to the most harshly. Jesus read them like a book. He called them snakes, and white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones! They were pretending to be godly men, enforcing laws and regulations on others, while their own hearts were far away from God. These religious leaders knit picked and passed judgment on others in order to uphold traditions of man’s religion. It was all about rules and legalism, not about love. The Pharisees and Sadducees had a lot of head knowledge, but lived hypocritical lives. They couldn’t live up to the standards that they held others to. They were the blind leading the blind deeper into darkness.

People need love, patience and compassion, not judgment. Part of the answer is speaking to sinners in love, not speaking down to them. Instead of pointing out all of their sins, which they already know, we can point out how precious and valuable they are to God. They are so priceless that Jesus was sent to take their punishment and provide every blessing they will ever need. They don’t have to be perfect to come to God. When they come to Father God, He will perfect them and make their lives into something beautiful!

Jesus loved sinners. He befriended them and spent time with them. He sat down and ate meals with them. Jesus didn’t become like a sinner when He was around them, rather He brought light and hope to them. I believe, the ungodly were drawn to Jesus and His words because his words were saturated with prayer and motivated by love.

In Matthew 9: 10-13, there is an account where Jesus entered a house and sat down for dinner with a big group of sinners. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to the disciples, “Why does your master eat and fellowship with publicans and sinners?”

In verses 12-13 ,upon hearing this, Jesus said, “ It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means; ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

When was the last time we took somebody out for lunch or even invited a family for dinner that isn’t saved? Ouch. My heart has been squeezed! We are always eating and fellowshipping with other Christians. Christian fellowship is good, but have we overlooked a key to the ministry of Jesus?

Where does our light shine the brightest? Does it shine brighter in a room that’s already well lit, or in a dark room? The lost are stumbling around because they are in the dark. Many are most comfortable in the dark because that’s all they know. When you shine the light and expose their darkness, you may get a reaction! Sometimes the light hurts their eyes so badly that they reject you. If this happens, don’t lose heart, you are planting a seed of light in their lives. Keep praying, loving and planting seeds. Others will come and plant and more will water. Sometimes, you will shine your light on someone who is tired of the darkness and ready to step into the light. What an awesome privilege to lead someone into the light! In either case, you are letting your light shine and bringing glory to your heavenly father!

Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine………..

kimconnor@whwc.org

This Little Light of Mine...

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-11-10T11:18:22-05:00

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says that we are the salt of the Earth. For the last two weeks, we have talked about what makes us salty and how staying that way builds the kingdom. There is something else that Jesus says we are; in the following verses he tells us that we are light.

Matthew 5:14, 16: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden…. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus also says in John 9:5 “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

It’s clear that since Jesus has physically left this earth, we are now His representatives or His ambassadors of light. He has passed the baton on to us! We can shine bright as we follow the example that He left for us as He walked the earth two thousand years ago. I would like to share with you four ways that we can be a light to our world:

1) Living right
2) Let Jesus use your mouth
3) Be lovers - not judgers
4) Walk the talk

Jesus lived a sinless life. The Bible says that He was tempted in every way that we are, yet he was without sin. For our light to truly shine, we need to live a pure life, not giving into sin. We choose to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh because we have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light!

Of course, Jesus is the only man in history that will ever be completely sinless. I am so thankful that He could be the spotless lamb sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins! His sacrifice was final. His blood never loses it’s power! Glory! Even if we sin after we are born again, He has it covered!

I John 2:1 says, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
In order to be a light in a world that is watching us, we must always strive to live a life pleasing to God.

Another way that we can be a light is to continually speak the truth of God’s Word to those around us. When Jesus came in contact with people, He spoke about the ways of the Father and how to get to Heaven. Jesus always took time to share, whether it was one person, like the rich young ruler, or whether it was a crowd of thousands. No matter where He went, Jesus told everyone about God’s love and about the path to eternal life.

Sometimes, the most difficult thing for us to do is to freely speak up and share with those who are lost. Often, we are so self-conscious and too concerned with what man will think of us. Truthfully, it only matters what God thinks of us. Imagine all of the precious ones who will make Heaven because of someone’s boldness in sharing God’s love! I know I am thankful for those who, with the love of God, stepped out of their comfort zone and reached out to me when I was a mess and so lost. Ask God for the help of the Holy Spirit and for boldness. He will help us! The Word says that the Holy Spirit is our comforter, teacher, guide and helper! Jesus says in Luke 12:12,

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Being a light is being a witness and letting the Holy Spirit use our mouths. Every time I have witnessed to others and relied on the Holy Spirit, I have been pleasantly surprised by the words that come out of my mouth. The precious Holy Spirit was sent to be our helper so we can be a light to our world!

That’s the first two ways to be a light, next week we’ll shed more light!

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…

kimconnor@whwc.org

Worth Your Salt (Part II)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-11-03T12:05:37-05:00

Luke 14:35 says, “Salt is good, but if it loses it’s saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears let him hear.”

Last week, we talked about how Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. As the salt of the Earth, we are to impact those who are in the world around us. Jesus also said that if we lose our saltiness, we are useless to others and the kingdom. What makes us the salt of the earth and how do we stay salty?
To gain a better understanding of this passage of scripture, it is important to read the verses around it, so let’s back up a few verses to Luke 14:26-31, 33.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters --yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him saying, ’This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king, will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”

I believe the key to being salt and staying salty is found in these verses. First of all, we need to realize that we have to love Christ more than anything else on this Earth. It sounds harsh when Jesus speaks of “hating” our father, mother, spouse and kids. It almost seems like he is speaking in a way that contradicts scriptures saying, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” or “The greatest of these is love.” However, He is not contradicting the word at all. This word “hate” means that the love we have for our family and even our own life should be less than the love that we have for Jesus. To be a true disciple of Christ, we have to put Him above all things, even those things that are precious to us.

Secondly, Jesus said unless we pick up our cross and follow him, we cannot be His disciple. In Mathew 16:24, we find the verse that mirrors Luke 14:27, “If anyone come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” John 12:24 also states, “ The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Other than the Devil and demons, our biggest enemy to contend with, is our flesh or sinful nature of desires and lusts. Our flesh is constantly trying to gain control over our spirit man by talking to us and pulling at us. However, the Word says that we can’t walk in the spirit if we are giving into the flesh. The apostle Paul said “I keep my body under everyday, lest after I preach to others become a castaway.” Paul understood that he had to say no to sin daily by not giving into selfish motives or actions that would pull him away from God and keep him from fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.

In order to keep our spirit man in control, it is essential that we have a strong prayer life and word level in our heart. We can also keep our flesh under by practicing fasting in combination with prayer. We must stay filled, or be-being filled, so that our spirit man is constantly yielded and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We can be dry as a bone with our flesh in the driver’s seat, or we can stay saturated and filled to overflowing by spending time in His presence. Denying our flesh means that we say, ‘not my will Father, but yours be done.’ We make a decision in our hearts and in our minds that if a dream, a plan or an activity doesn’t put the Kingdom of God first, or glorify His name, we steer clear of it. It also means going the extra mile, even when we are tired and weary. Daily we must put our flesh under, pick up our cross and follow Him.

Thirdly, we must count the cost to be the salt of the earth and be a true disciple of Jesus. Notice the parable of the man who started to build the tower, but didn’t first sit down to consider if he had enough money to finish it. Before we decide to follow Christ with our whole being, He wants us to consider the cost. What exactly does it cost to be a Christian? We have already established that we must put Him first place in our lives and put our flesh under in order to yield to His will. But, it also means we have to stay the course and follow through. We can start off with a lot of zeal, but fizzle out down the road. God is calling us to be a faithful servant and a wise steward with all he has given us. We must not only be a starter, like the man who started building a tower, but we must be finishers to the end. In Exodus 13:17 , when Pharaoh freed the Israelites, God did not lead them on the shorter route through Philistine country. Why? God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Once we begin our journey with God, we can’t turn around and head back towards Egypt when the going gets tough. No, when the going gets tough, the tough get on their knees! We must realize that following Christ may not cause us to win a popularity contest. Remember the verse we shared last week in Matthew 5:11-12?

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven…”

I Tim. 3:2 also says, “Everyone who lives a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

We are the salt of the earth. We are here to be the example of Jesus to the world. Let’s stay salty and build the Kingdom!

kimconnor@whwc.org

Worth Your Salt

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-10-27T13:14:43-04:00

Worth Your Salt

In Luke 14:34-35 Jesus said, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears let him hear.”

Salt is a wonderful thing. As a natural preservative, it helps keep things fresh and as a healing aid, it helps mend wounds. Of Course, let’s not forget, that it makes things taste much better! Jesus is saying that if we as His disciples, live righteously, our presence in the earth will bring salvation and preservation to those around us. I believe that the Spirit of God, who dwells in us, can bring healing to another as we share truly good tasting things to those who are spiritually starving.

That’s great news; but what if we lose our saltiness? Jesus said that if salt loses it savor, it’s useless because you can’t plant it or even use it as fertilizer to enrich the soil! It is just thrown away. When this happens to us, we are no longer an influence for those in the Kingdom of God, nor are we useful to those in the world who need preservation and salvation.

As I was meditating on this salty scripture, the phrase “worth your salt” came to me. I immediately Googled the phrase to find out its origin and true meaning. I’m not usually into a lot of trivia, but the information about salt is very interesting.

The phrase, “worth your salt”, began with the ancient Romans. During this era, salt was considered healthy, very valuable, and at times, difficult to acquire. Many Roman soldiers’ wages were paid with actual salt, while other soldiers were given a salarium, which was an allowance to purchase salt. The word soldier literally meant, “one who is paid with salt.” Also, the ‘sal’ in the word salarium is Latin for pay. Over the years, the word salarium was shortened and introduced into the English language as the word “salary”. Therefore, if someone is worth their salt, they are worth the wages they are paid.

Very interesting, huh? I thought so too! Think about what Jesus was saying. He challenges us to stay salty, or be worth our salt, so we can receive our reward ,or wages, in heaven! Where did He say that? In Matthew 5:11-13, Jesus is talking about salt again.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

So, what makes us salty and how do we stay that way? Hold onto that thought until next week!

“He who has ears let him hear….”
- Jesus

kimconnor@whwc.org

The Secret Weapon

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-10-20T09:31:31-04:00

Ever wonder what’s the true answer to success and blessing? Today’s economic forecast is nothing short of gloomy. Can the Christian have an edge and experience supernatural provision as the world runs to and fro in fear of financial lack? Well, there’s good news! We have a secret weapon. Be a giver! Actually, it’s not a secret, it’s written right in the word of God. We just have to believe it and act on it.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

This verse holds the key for blessing and increase. God has established a system that is based on giving. His system always works because His word always works! He promised that if we’ll be givers, He will pour blessings right back into our lives. When we do our part, He will do His part.

God’s system works no matter if the economy is in good shape or if it’s failing. I am so glad that I don’t have to put all my trust in the government or the banks or any other establishment of man.

Give and it shall be given sounds like foolishness to the world. The world’s system is not centered on a love for God or His word; it’s centered around the love of money. Its goal is to satisfy man’s flesh and it’s desire for more and more. Jesus hit the nail on the head as he spoke to religious leaders in Luke 16:13-15.

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts! What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”

Isn’t that interesting how Jesus pointed out that the things they valued so highly were of no value to God? They were supposed to be men of God and examples. They fell into the snare of the enemy as many still do today.

The love of money is a trap set by the enemy. He knows that there’s not enough room in a man’s heart for God and Money. He knows man’s heart can never get satisfaction and peace through material things. So many are caught up in the deception that, “If I can only attain this certain salary or buy this kind of house or car; then I will be so happy.” It is a vain pursuit that leaves man with emptiness still.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “Whoever loves money never has money enough. Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.”

Sadly, even Christians can get caught up in this trap. They begin reasoning why they can’t afford to give when the Holy Spirit prompts. They even stop tithing regularly because they don’t feel they can afford it. The truth is that we can’t afford not too!

Proverbs 11:24: “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”

Our Father wants us to be blessed with everything we need. He also enjoys giving us the desires of our heart. We just have to learn to operate in God’s system by being a giver. When giving becomes our lifestyle, and our love is for God, then it even feels good to give! When He leads us, we don’t hesitate in fear of lack because we know that He always replaces it and then some. The old saying is true: ‘You can’t out-give God!’ We have the promise of being a vessel that God can flow through financially, and we will never lack any good thing. Giving is our secret weapon, and that’s something you can take to the bank!

Proverbs 11:25 : “A generous man will prosper. He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Treasure & Trust

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-10-13T09:50:12-04:00

Last week we talked about being rich towards God and how He desires to bless us, but not at the expense of our relationship with Him. We need to trust Him completely and put Him first in our finances, but what about God being able to trust us?

First of all, is having a lot of money and things the true definition of rich? If someone has a cool million in the bank, but doesn’t have peace or satisfaction in their heart and mind, what good is that bank account? What is the value of attaining great wealth only to be diagnosed with terminal cancer? Imagine a high powered CEO who oversees a huge corporation or a person who plays the stock market like a fine tuned instrument as they live lavish lifestyles that most of us can only imagine. How rich are they if they cannot honestly name one true blue friend? Have they gained the world but lost their marriage, their kids, or even their own soul? Obviously, attaining worldly wealth is not the true definition of rich!

Here is another question. What good are all the blessings from heaven if they are stored up in a barn? We may understand that prosperity God’s way is true prosperity, but can we really glorify God by heaping up treasures on this earth?

I Timothy 6:17-19 says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that the may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

Luke 12:33-34 says, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Blessings are not so we can look around and say “God is so good! Wow, look at how much we have gathered!” Our Father blesses us because He loves us and because he watches over His word to perform it. Another reason is to be a blessing to others, to bring increase to the church and the Kingdom of God.

Think about this, he blesses us on this earth so we can use it as a tool of faith. When handled properly, we lay up treasure in heaven as a sure foundation for the coming age! Yes we are to trust Him to bless and provide, but likewise God needs to be able to trust us to handle properly what He has given us.

Luke 16:11 says, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who then will trust you with true riches?”

It is so important to honor the Lord with tithes and offerings and to be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share. This is a matter of trust and treasure. There is not enough room on this page today but the parable of the talents in Mathew 25:14 and the story of the master and his servant in Luke12:42 really put things into perspective. Jesus shows in these illustrations how the master giving to his servants what belonged to him and how the servants handled what he had entrusted to them. The fearful, lazy servant was not faithful or diligent. He actually took the blessings for granted and abused his privilege. He was stripped of what he had, punished and thrown into outer darkness-yikes!

But on the other hand, the faithful servant took what he was given and not only cared for and maintained it, but returned it to his master with profit. This servant was blessed by being given even more and put in charge over even more things!

Thank you Father for every single blessing! I want to be a faithful and trustworthy servant with what You have entrusted to me!

kimconnor@whwc.org

Certain Riches

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-10-06T09:45:21-04:00

Luke 12: 18-21 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’”

“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.”

When we don’t put God first in our lives and in our finances, we reason within ourselves our own plan for prosperity. Without our priorities in order, our foundation will be like sinking sand. Ordering our priorities properly is the difference between certain riches and uncertain riches.

Such is the man that Jesus describes in this story. I don’t believe that Jesus was inferring that this man shouldn’t have blessings and be successful financially. The point He was driving at was that this man spent all his time and energy to fill his life with material wealth without making sure his heart stayed right with God. Another observation could be noted that he trusted in his own plan and in riches themselves rather than God. Remember that the word says it is the love of money, not money itself, that is the root of all evil.

Psalm 39:6 says, “Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro. He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.”

The man in this story who acquired so much wealth didn’t honor the Lord with his increase. Wealth gained God’s way is true prosperity. Here is a great way to fill up your barns and storehouses:

Proverbs 3: 9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

I have heard this saying for many years and I believe it to be true, “God doesn’t mind you having things as long as the things don’t have you!” Is our pursuit in life more about getting ahead and getting richer or being rich towards God?

I often do a heart check to keep my priorities in order. I don’t check my heart because I am one of the mega rich of the world, because I am not. You don’t have to be a millionaire to get caught up in attaining wealth and moving up to the next level of success. I believe people of any level of economic status have to guard their hearts and minds to stay rich towards God. We all have to keep our focus on the true and certain riches. We should remind ourselves of this next verse each time we are tempted to be anxious about staying prosperous in uncertain times:

1 Timothy 6:7 says, “For we brought nothing into this world, and we take nothing out of it.”

I have decided not to get bent out of shape about the things of this earth, which are temporary and will turn to dust. I know that if I seek first His kingdom and His righteousness then all these things with be added unto me (Matthew 6:33). I walk in such peace that true and lasting riches come from walking close with my Father.

Proverbs 8:18: “With Me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

At All Times

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-09-29T09:43:10-04:00

Psalm 62:8: Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

The times in which we live could be considered the most exciting times in the history of mankind. We can see and hear with our own eyes and ears Biblical prophecy coming to pass.

There are wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation. Natural disasters are increasing all over the world. Famine, sickness and disease are at epic proportions as new strains of viruses and bacteria challenge the medical world. We see the timeline of events unfolding as we observe the nation of Israel and throughout the Middle East. These signs are just to name a few, but Jesus said they would come. He called them birth pangs.

When we start looking at all that is going on in the world how could this be exciting? Well, to the lost soul it is an utter nightmare, but to the believer it is just confirmation that we should continue to look up because our redemption draws nigh. The exciting part is that it all means that the rapture of the church and the second coming of the Lord are at hand.

We must guard ourselves from worrying and living in fear of the times. We have to trust God to protect us and care for our needs. We have to purpose in our hearts to trust Him now as we did in less challenging times. We have to continue to take God at His word like the apostle Paul said in Phil. 4:9:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

It is so easy to lose our grip of faith when we hear all the reports of the plots of terrorist groups to carry out their evil plans. Fear tries to set up residence in us as the cost of living goes up daily. We can easily be flooded with thoughts such as, “Will I be able to pay my mortgage and buy enough groceries this month? Will I be able to afford gas for my car so I can get to work? If I lose my job, how will I take care of my family?

Listen to what Jesus said about worry in Luke 12:22-26 “Then Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than the birds! Who of your by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’”

We need to trust Him at all times. Worry never changes things for the good. We need to remind ourselves that God’s word works just as well in the hard times as it does in the easier times. Faith in God’s promises, instead of worrying, is what puts the power and provision of God into action for us. We can live each day with God’s peace that passes all understanding! Remember that we walk by faith and not by sight. Every morning we can make our declaration that our God is Jehovah Jireh! He’s our provider!

2 Thess. 3:16 : “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Love Sweet Love (Part III)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-09-22T09:33:55-04:00

Love One Another

John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This is one of the greatest testimonies to the world that God is real, when they see the genuine love of God that we have for others, especially for those in the body of Christ. It is important that this love is demonstrated not just to those in our local church or denomination, but to all believers. We need to show love to one another in word and in deed, just as Jesus did for us.

I John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Of course most of us won’t have to literally lay down our lives for another, even though I believe it includes that; but it means to put the needs of others before my own, to prefer one another. Sometimes it will be a sacrifice on our part, but we are to be there for one another.

This verse says we know what the love of God is because of the example we see in Jesus. In the same way we are to follow this example to draw others to Christ.

How we love as the body of Christ, through our words and actions, reflects directly back to our heavenly Father. Whatever impression we give to the world, is the impression they have of God. Do people see us quarrelling, criticizing or judging another believer? Do people see coldness or apathy? Do they hear a lot of legalism instead of grace and freedom? If they do they can only assume that’s what God’s love is like. We can turn people on to God, or turn them off.

Over in Galatians 6:10 it says, “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

We are exhorted to make use of every opportunity we have to build up or encourage someone else, especially those of the household of faith; it builds up the kingdom of God and draws the lost to Christ. You see, the lost are observing us. Yes, it seems that they are just waiting or hoping to see us fall so they can say, “See, I told you none of that Christianity stuff is real.” I tend to believe that most of the lost are hungry, dissatisfied and long for something that’s real. I think deep down inside many of the lost are watching us and hoping to see that it works because they are searching for answers. If they don’t see love at work among the believers, why would they desire to have what we have?

If we, as the body of Christ, can demonstrate unity and love to all of our own first, it’s like the litmus test for the world that God’s love is real and that he loves them so much.

We have all heard comments through the years from people who make excuses not to attend church. They may say something like, “I gave up on religion or church because all those people are just a bunch of hypocrites!” or “Those people act so ‘holier than thou’ and I feel they look down on me.”

I am so thankful to God that He surrounded me with Christians, who just oozed with His love when I was first born again. I am not saying they were perfect, but they loved me into the kingdom. Their love also helped me to continue to grow and mature in the Lord.

When I first gave my heart to the Lord Jesus I was a little rough around the edges (just like most of you were!). The whole Christian lifestyle was foreign to me. I was only 18 years old and in many ways still talked and acted like the world. I dressed like the world because it’s all I ever knew. Now some things in my life fell off right away; but others were pruned away as I grew. But all the while, even at the start, I had such a love and a passion for God. I had such a hunger to please him and to obey Him. Those precious folks taught me through word and deed. They didn’t judge me or avoid me because I wasn’t like them. They didn’t try to be the Holy Spirit in my life but introduced me to Him and He cleaned me up. They just loved me, plain and simple.

I realize now that I need to practice the same love and patience with new Christians and with the ones who have been a Christian for many years. People will always be people. They are going to challenge your love walk, but remember our example, Jesus.

I John 4:20: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Love Sweet Love (Part II)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-09-15T23:32:19-04:00

The Love Test

Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love.”

It’s so easy to love people who love us back. It’s easy to be kind to those who are friendly and generous. These kinds of relationships with people make us feel good inside. We want to give to these people and do things for them automatically. We receive richness back into our lives as we give into theirs. These kinds of relationships with family and friends are true blessings from God. They encourage us and build us up; but this love comes naturally and easily.

Love doesn’t seem to come so easily when someone is difficult to get along with or unkind. This is where the challenge comes. This is the true test of love, to love the unlovable; to have the ability to love unconditionally like our heavenly Father does.

I Corinthians 13:4-7 describes what true love is and how it behaves, “Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

There are times we will come across people who just make us uncomfortable. They may be very sick or needy. They may not look or smell nice. Love looks beyond these outward things and loves the person. We must show them love and kindness. That’s agape, or the God kind of love. So many will never see the love of God unless it comes through us.

It’s also very challenging when someone’s behavior is “unlovely” or they mistreat us. Our human nature wants to retaliate and set them straight. Deep down on the inside of us we want an “eye for and eye and tooth for a tooth!” But what does the Bible say? The word says in Romans 5:5 that “…God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit…”

The moment we think of how to respond to a difficult person we have a choice to act out of our old human nature or act from our new born again nature that is full of the love of God. Our opening verse reminds us to be gentle and humble and “bear with” one another. We might say it this way, to put up with one another and just be nice! Because of the love of God, we must love one another at all times, not just when it’s easy. We are encouraged to love to the point that we forgive sins and faults.

I Peter 4:8 says, “Above all love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 10:12 closely mirrors this when it says, “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.”

There will always be someone who tests our love walk, whether it’s a family member, church member or co-worker. There will be times the bank teller at the drive thru window seems to take forever to help the customer ahead of us, and it’s all we can do to have self control. We will all most likely have the opportunity to let a fellow motorist know how we feel about their driving capabilities! At these moments we can draw on the love of God that is on the inside of us and pass the test!

There is a bonus question to this love test that if we get it right then we can pass this test with flying colors, “How far do we really have to take this love walk?” Is it enough to love the people who are in need or that are hard to get along with?’ What about the haters? People that hate because of our faith, race, skin color or economic status.

Jesus knew there would be haters. He experienced hate first hand because the religious leaders hated Him. Jesus saw prejudice and hate in the society of His day between different people groups. He also knew people would hate you and me. That’s why He told us in John 15:18,

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.”

So here’s the answer to the bonus question found in Luke 6:35-36,

“But Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Father, thank you for loving me when I was unlovable; for saving me when I was ungrateful and wicked. Help me to love like you love, in Jesus name, amen.

Love Sweet Love (Part I)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-09-08T12:16:36-04:00

“Go and do likewise.”

He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

As Jesus spoke these words, an expert in the law wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

Jesus replied in verses 30-36. “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite , when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

There are so many people who are hurting or in need. They are like the man left for dead. They have been beaten up by the cruelty of the world. The enemy has stolen from them and nearly destroyed them, leaving them on the side of the road with no hope. Sadly, the priest and the Levite, who knew the right thing to do, who had the ability to help, didn’t reach out. It is almost unthinkable that they could pass by a bleeding and dying man, even one of their own countrymen, and do nothing.

Notice, though, what this passage says about the Samaritan as he traveled: “and he came where the man was.” The Samaritan had an agenda to carry out and a course he was taking, but he took time to stop and go to where the man was. Also, it is interesting that the Samaritan was a stranger from another place, who was despised by the Jews. The priest and the Levite were of the same country and religion, but they didn’t care. Yet, it was the Samaritan who helped the hurting man. He didn’t care what country he was from. He didn’t even consider whether the man could pay him back for his kindness. He put the love of God in action by helping a neighbor in need.

All the hurting, dying and lost people are not going to come to us. They won’t all conveniently show up to church so we can reach out to them! We have to go where they are!

Then the word says that the Samaritan saw him and took pity on him. This word pity means compassion. Too many times we simply feel sorry for people, but that certainly doesn’t help them.

Compassion is motivated by love. It takes the next step beyond sympathy and does something to help change the situation. It takes action and gets involved.

It’s human nature to ask ourselves a question similar to the expert of the law, “Who is my neighbor?’ when we pass by someone who is hurting. We may have thoughts like, “Is this really my responsibility?” or “Do I really have time to stop?”

Of course one individual can’t carry the load of all, but as we go about our day, the Holy Spirit will lead us and show us who to minister to. He will be faithful to show us what to do. Our job is to be sensitive to His voice and be obedient. Just our encouraging word or kind act, could make the difference between life and death for another. It could be the difference between despair and joy for someone.

It may cost us our time, our resources or even our money, but isn’t that why God has blessed us with these things? Our cost is small compared to the value of a neighbor encouraged or rescued from the enemy’s grip. I wonder if these acts of compassion are what make up all the jewels in our crown we will receive in heaven? So we are compelled by the love of God and the command of Jesus, “Go and do likewise.”

I John 3:17-18: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity (compassion) on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

What's in a Name? (Part II)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-09-01T13:03:32-04:00

What’s in a name? Power and authority when the name is Jesus! Signs and wonders follow all believers that trust in His name.

Phil 2:9 says, “Therefore God also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on the earth, and those under the earth.”

The Father has given Jesus the highest name of all. He has been given all power and authority, and then He has passed His name (that holds all power and authority) on to us that believe in that name!

In Acts chapter three, we see Peter and John on their way to the temple at prayer time. There was a man who was crippled from birth, carried and set at the temple gate to beg of those who passed. This is something he had done for years. Peter and John most likely had passed him many times before, but this day was different. This day the crippled man’s life would be changed forever.

As Peter and John walked by the crippled man that day, he asked the disciples for money. Peter replied, “Look at us.” He went on to say, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

The Bible says that instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and walked. He continued following Peter and John to the temple courts walking, jumping and praising God!

All the people around were filled with wonder and amazement because they recognized this was the man they had seen day after day, and year after year, begging at the gate.

With all these people gathered around, Peter took the opportunity to preach Jesus. And preach he did! Notice, though, what he said in verse sixteen…

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”

Peter knew the power of the name of Jesus. He knew that name had been given to him and because he possessed it, he was able to use the name to bring healing power to another.

We have the name Jesus just as Peter and John did. Because we are believers in that name, we possess healing power through His name. We do have something to give! We can speak to sickness and disease and tell it to go. We can lay hands on the sick and God heals them.

We have the power to command devils to flee and render them powerless to work. This is what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 10:19,

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

What’s in a name? Everything when it’s the name of Jesus!

Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs shall follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

What's in a Name? (Part I)

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-08-25T15:24:47-04:00

What’s in a name? Salvation when it’s the name of Jesus! Actually, everything we will ever need is found in that name!

Matt. 1:21, 23 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

It seems these passages are reserved for Christmas time. I believe we need to remind ourselves all year round of how the Word of God took on flesh to fulfill God’s plan to bring forgiveness of our sins so we could be reconciled back to the Father. Because of what Jesus did, we can say with confidence and joy that God is with us.

The Bible says that Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death, even the death of a cross. He was tempted in every way we are but He never sinned. He allowed Himself to be beaten, torn, mocked and finally nailed to a wooden cross by His hands and feet. We deserved this punishment for our sins; but He took our place. Yes, He died for us, but He rose from the dead victorious too! Hallelujah!

These are things we know already. They are foundation knowledge to our faith; but it is always good to reflect afresh on what He has done for us and what our salvation really cost. He redeemed us with His own precious blood, the blood that now perpetually cleanses us! Isn’t that wonderful? If we sin five minutes or even fifty years later, we just ask Him to forgive us, and His blood still works and forgiveness is ours. His blood washed us white as snow when we were saved, but His blood never, never loses its power! Oh glory! I just feel like shouting right now and I just think I will!

To save means to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, to make to do well, and to make whole. Salvation is not just escaping Hell and gaining Heaven; even though that would be reason enough to worship and praise Him for eternity. When He saved us, He completely saved us by delivering us from bondage to the kingdom of darkness, from sin, sickness and disease, poverty and lack, and spiritual death! Thank you Jesus! I do believe I am preaching myself happy!

There are times when the enemy attacks or we are facing a challenge in life. It is very easy to get our eyes on the problem or sickness more than Jesus and the salvation that belongs to us. There are times when the problem seems bigger than the promise. I know because I have been there too!

When sickness tries to attack my body or my loved ones, I remind the devil that I am a child God. The word says that healing is the children’s bread! So I just proclaim right out loud so the enemy can hear that healing belongs to me and that he has no right to take my bread! I just quote him 1 Peter 2:24 and stand on that word that by Jesus stripes I was healed.

The next time fear tries to grip us that we won’t be able to make ends meet; let’s just stop and run to the word! We need to remind ourselves that God has never failed and He will not fail now or ever. We can just claim Philippians 4:19 that says, “But my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

The next time we are tempted to worry about our children, our job, our marriage or anything that we feel anxious about, go to the word! Cast all of your care upon Him for He cares for you! It’s good to find two or three scriptures that cover our case, learn them and confess them. Get the word in our heart and coming out of our mouth.

Everything we will ever need is found in the name of Jesus: healing, blessing, peace of mind, direction, deliverance and more. Because of what Jesus did for us, now God is with us. He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

kimconnor@whwc.org

Responding to the Call to Pray

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-08-18T13:58:39-04:00

“If My people which are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:14

It is such an awesome thing when God says of us, “My people.” Since we have been born again and washed by the blood of Jesus, we belong to Him. We are His possession and He is our Father!

With this awesome privilege comes a great calling. This calling is so great because we are called by His Name! We have been personally chosen and appointed by the name that holds the highest honor, authority, character, holiness and renown in the entire universe! There is no other name that is higher, and He has called us. One part of this calling is the call to pray.

Our Heavenly Father has put out the call, but it is up to us to respond to it. He promised to hear us, forgive us and heal our land. Notice, the first word of the verse above is the word “If.”

If we respond to the call to pray, things will change in our lives and in the lives of our families and friends. If we respond to this call, we can bring change in our churches, our state, our government, our nation and even beyond our borders. If we truly believe that prayer changes things then how can we neglect this call?

James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (makes tremendous power available, dynamic in it’s working).”

This kind of prayer described in James is not, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”. It is not a prayer prayed every now and then. The prayer of a righteous man or woman is full of passion and power. It is a consistent force that is effective!

We need the spirit of prayer to come upon us as the body of Christ. Here at Winter Haven Worship Center I believe that is just what is happening! The people of our church are coming alive and getting fired up. We are pressing into prayer and seeing results. Glory to God! Let’s stay fervent in prayer, seeking his face, and together we will see the power of God! We will see what God is longing for, the precious fruit of the earth. And that good will triumph over evil in the end.

Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

Proverbs 15:8 “…but the prayer of the upright is His delight.”

When we respond to the call of prayer as the early Christians did in the book of Acts, we will see the move of God’s Spirit. In the 14th verse of the first chapter it says, “They all joined together constantly in prayer..”. The Holy Spirit anointed the disciples to preach and thousands were born again and many were healed. There were many signs, wonders and miracles performed in their midst as they…“devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:42. The disciples were even set free from prison with the help of angels because of the prayers of the church.

We have the key to revival. We have the key to the power of God and for every break through if we respond to the call to pray!

Do you have a testimony of answered prayer? You can be a blessing and encouragement to others by clicking on the comments button below and sharing what God has done for you!

kimconnor@whwc.org

Hide & Seek Part III

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-08-11T09:31:05-04:00

First Things First

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

When it comes to doing things in the proper order, there are times I bend the rules a bit. You see, sometimes I would rather have dessert before dinner, and sometimes I do! But when it comes to assembling something like a bike, for instance, I don’t have a choice in the matter. It’s important that I complete step one before I complete step two if I want a bike that I can ride when I’m finished! It’s the same with our lives. To be truly successful, we have to get our priorities in the right order.

There are so many things we desire and seek after in this life. Not all of those things are wrong or sinful. We seek after a loving, committed relationship with another, higher education and a career so we can be financially secure. The truth is that our Heavenly Father wants us to have all of these things and more.

III John 2 says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

God desires that we prosper in all things, and He has made the way for us to do so if we will just seek him first and foremost. We so easily get our eyes on our goals and the desires of life and take our eyes off of Him. It’s all about relationship with the Father, who is the source of our blessings, rather than the blessings themselves. If we put Him first, He has promised to take care of us:

Psalm 34:10 reads, “…those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”

Our God is so good to us! If we seek the Lord above anything else, there will be nothing that we lack! Seeking Him first will affect our loved ones as well:

I Chron. 28:8 says, ”…be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever.”

When you choose to put God first, it will bless you now but it will also leave a legacy of blessing, spiritually and materially, for your children, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren!

Psalm 63:1: “Oh God you are my God. Early I will seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Hide & Seek Part II

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-08-04T13:00:48-04:00

Col. 3:1-3 says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Did you know that if you are born again that you are now dead? That’s right, dead to your old man. You are dead to the old nature with all its sinful ways and desires. On the other hand, your spirit man is now alive unto God! Here’s even more good news. If your old man has died, you life is now hidden with Christ in God! You have been delivered and made secure in Him.

Eph. 2:5-6 tells us…“even when we were dead in trespasses, (He) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,..”

If we are hidden with Christ that means we are also seated with Him! Glory to God! To have this awesome privilege should motivate us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

I had a lady tell me once how she was feeling so sad now that she had decided to follow the Lord. I thought that was a strange thing to say so I asked her what she meant by that. She replied, “Well I am sad because I know all the things that I am used to enjoying I have to give up. I know that the old me has to die, and I am grieving over my death.”

It was like she was feeling pain from being separated from sin and her old life. She knew that living for God was the right thing to do, but she really wasn’t ready to die to her old nature. Her statement had taken me by surprise and caused me to question if she was really ready to give her entire life over to God. She still loved her old nature.

We should have a funeral for the old man; but this funeral is not full of sadness and grieving, but full of joy and celebration! When we are delivered out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, our earthly and sinful desires are replaced by the desire to live a pure and holy life that is pleasing to God.

This doesn’t mean we are instantly perfect when we are born again though. God, through His word and by His Holy Spirit, begins pruning out habits, desires and wrong thinking. He lovingly reveals to us the things that are not pleasing to Him. We continue to change, grow and mature until we get to heaven. When He reveals to us a part of our old nature that has not been pruned, we have to put it to death.

Notice that Colossians says in the third chapter “to keep seeking and to set your mind on the things above.” Remember that we are new creatures in Christ because our spirit is born again, not our mind. Our mind is to be renewed day by day and washed by the water of the word. In other words, we have to set our mind on the word of God in order to keep the old man under. We are brand new creatures in Christ. The old things have passed away and all things have become new.

If the “old things” keep showing up in our life more than the new, then we should check the setting of our mind! If I am in my home and it is really hot, even though I know I have a great air conditioning system, I check to see if the settings are correct. If it is set on 80 degrees, I know I am going to change the setting right away so I can cool off! In the same way, we keep our minds set with the word of God.

If we are hidden with Christ in God we are raised up and seated with Him in heavenly places. We are in a place of deliverance and security. Deliverance belongs to us not only from sin, but from all the plans of the enemy!

Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble: you shall compass about me with songs of deliverance.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Hide & Seek Part I

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-07-28T19:47:45-04:00

If you don’t want to be a “burn-out” case, then get to the secret place!

Remember when you were a kid and you played hide and seek? You searched for the best hiding place, where you knew you wouldn’t be found, and stayed quiet as a mouse. Or maybe you and your buddies had a secret hideout where you would meet. Our Heavenly Father has a quiet hiding place and a secret hideout for us to meet with Him!

Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

It’s not enough to go to church, attend a bible study or prayer group. These are things we should be doing on a regular basis; but nothing can take the place of spending time in the secret place with Him. This quiet, secret place is where we can really get to know Father God. It is in this place that we worship Him, talk to Him and He speaks to us. In this secret place He changes us by His glory, refills us and strengthens us for each day.

You give out, and then you give out some more, right? You give out for ministry, for your family and friends, and for your job. If you keep giving without replacing what was used up, you will be empty and dry. If you’re not careful, you will be a full-blown burn-out case! You may be thinking, “I’m there right now!”

In Mark chapter 6 Jesus sent the disciples two by two on a ministry tour. The disciples went out telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. They cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. All they took was a walking stick and the clothes on their backs. Their transportation was their own two feet; food and lodging came from the kindness of those they met along the way. I can imagine they were very excited about all the wonderful things that happened; but I can also imagine they were very exhausted and hungry.

When the disciples returned from their journey, they told Jesus all they had done and taught. (They reported right back into the presence of Jesus after their labors.) Then Jesus said to them in verse 31, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus recognized they needed some time to recuperate from their hard work.

Moving on to verses 32-33, the word says that Jesus and the disciples left by boat for a quiet place where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them.

NEWSFLASH…..life keeps happening and it keeps coming at you fast; no matter whether you are weary or up for the task! It’s like a merry-go-round that doesn’t stop, you have to get off of it to take a break! There will always be a distraction to hinder you from going to the secret place.

I once read somewhere that, “You’ll never find the time to spend with the Lord, you have to make it.” How true that is.

Your Heavenly Father knows your frame and knows all that is going on in your life. He knows you can only go so far without coming into His presence and getting alone with Him. But if you make that time, it will be the difference between being a “burn-out” case or living a victorious life.

Matthew 6:6 says, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

kimconnor@whwc.org

Don't Give Up Now!

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-07-21T12:01:25-04:00

Hold fast! You are closer than you think to your answer! We have all heard it said that it seems “darkest before the dawn” or “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!” I believe there’s a lot of truth in both those sayings.

Is there something that you’re believing God for? Are you praying and standing on the word of God for your breakthrough? Then hold fast to your faith! Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope, without waivering, for He who promised is faithful.”

Think about the story of Jairus in Mark chapter 5. He was a leader in the local synagogue who came to Jesus in a heart-wrenching crisis. Jairus pressed through the crowd and pleaded with Jesus saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.”

He went into the presence of Jesus and not only made a request but a very strong confession of faith, “and she will live.” Glory! Jesus and Jairus started towards Jairus’ house. On the way, Jesus stopped to heal a woman with an issue of blood. I wonder what was running through Jairus’ mind at this point? His thoughts may have been something like this: Jesus, my request is much more urgent! If you stop to heal everyone along the way, then my daughter could die!” He may have been tempted to get anxious and worry; doubts began to creep in. In the same way, when we don’t see our answer manifested right away, we begin to waiver.

As Jesus was saying to the woman, “Daughter, your faith has made you well….” a messenger, bearing an evil report, arrived from Jairus’ house. The messenger said to Jairus, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any further?”

This report was the complete opposite of Jairus’ confession of faith. It sounded like an announcement of defeat. His prayers seemed of no effect. He could have given up right there, as many of us would; but he took hold of the next words of Jesus, “Do not be afraid, only believe”.

Notice that even when death appeared to have won at Jairus’ house, Jesus said to all those who gathered, “Why make all this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” Jesus then put out all the unbelievers and evil reporters. When He went into the room where the girl lay, He took only the girl’s parents and His faith partners, Peter, James and John.

If you are determined to hold fast to your faith, then you can’t hang out with the doubters! You must hook yourself up with those who are in agreement. In verse

41, Jesus took the child by the hand and said to her, “talitha cumin,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose up and walked.

You may feel like Jairus; that what you are praying and believing for has not manifested yet. It even appears dead with no signs of life. You may be tempted to waiver because things are not happening in the time frame you expected.

Notice what else it says in Hebrews 3:6 “…but Christ as a Son over His own house, WHOSE HOUSE WE ARE, IF WE HOLD FAST the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope FIRM TO THE END!”

Tie a knot of faith to the end of your rope and hold fast. Bring your petition before Him and hold fast to your confession. Don’t give up now! You are closer than you think to your answer!

kimconnor@whwc.org

Rooted and Grounded

stephenrobles@whwc.org — 2008-07-14T09:59:07-04:00

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NLT) This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.”

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

Some seasons in life seem to breeze joyously by, while others challenge your faith. You must never trust in the arm of the flesh, in your own strength or intellect, or in any other human being. When you do, your heart becomes cold and insensitive to the Lord, to His Word, His voice and His promptings. Your spiritual growth is literally stunted like a little scrubby shrub in the desert.

You should be able to look back at the end of each year and see growth and change in your knowledge, attitude, faith level and your prayer life. The fruit of the Spirit should be more evident than ever. In other words, in every area, you are moving forward. You should be more able to hear and distinguish the voice and the leadings of the Holy Spirit in your everyday life.

If you don’t see growth, your life will be in a desert -like condition that is barren, no hope for the future, lonely and salty. You will not know in whom your help comes from. This saltiness will keep you in a state of being thirsty and parched. You are never quite satisfied and you feel weak and defeated. You will find yourself being led by your emotions, head logic and sense knowledge.

The real secret to be blessed (happy and prosperous) is to put your complete trust in the Lord, to totally rely on Him. If the roots of your faith are in Him, you won’t be consumed when the heat is on, no matter what fiery trial you face! You won’t be a scrubby little shrub but you will be like a big strong tree planted along the riverbank with roots that go deep.

Think about the giant redwood trees. They are large, strong and gorgeous. But the real secret to their beauty and strength is their root system underneath the ground. Their roots spread out towards nourishment (their life source), and they intermingle and connect with the roots around them.
This forms a network of strength and source of life. The secret is to get rooted and grounded in God’s Word and get to know our Heavenly Father. Knowing Him and His Word is our source of life. Prayer keeps us connected to Him. Remember that prayer is not just a phrase repeated over and over, but it is talking to the Lord and allowing Him to speak to you. The precious Holy Spirit was given to us to help us pray, to lead and guide us into all truth.

If you stay rooted and grounded in God’s Word, your leaves will stay green and fresh no matter what season you are in. Even better yet, the Word says you will continue to produce fruit no matter the circumstance! God’s blessings will abound and your prayers are always answered even when others around you are in confusion. The Word and the Holy Spirit will never leave you out in the cold. Think about this, if your leaves are green that means they are full of life. Where there is life, there is growth and where there is growth, there is always change. God’s change will always be for the good!

Psalms 1:1-3 (NLT) “Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners, or join with the mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating in it both day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither and they prosper in all they do.”

So rejoice in whatever season you are in. Seasons come and seasons go but God never changes. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and forever! God’s Word declares that if you stay rooted and grounded in Him, you will prosper, grow and flourish in all you do!

kimconnor@whwc.org