Category: Inspirational

Dealing With The Curses Of Balak

Batak

I am going through a major transition in business right now. My partner and I had two businesses together. We have agreed to separate, with him taking one business and me taking the other on negotiated terms. I have sensed that God has orchestrated this. I believe He has led me to this place, but it has been a walk of faith. The business I am leaving behind is one that I believe God showed me He cannot bless. I won’t delve into the reasons why. After He had shown me this, I prayed for Him to open doors in a different direction. Immediately things went terribly wrong in the business I am leaving behind. The result is me leaving it and taking over the other business on negotiated terms. Continue reading “Dealing With The Curses Of Balak” →

The History Of Halloween

Halloween

The history of Halloween is a long one. Many cultural practices have conspired to create the product we have today. I’ll try to present this information chronologically to avoid confusion, and will add a few of my own thoughts at the end. I do not claim to have created a comprehensive account here; only a brief over-view, since many are not familiar with the basic history of Halloween. Continue reading “The History Of Halloween” →

God, My Compass

Compass

There are many things that guide people, that people essentially use as a compass. Money, relationships, entertainment and pleasures of all kinds. Or perhaps in many cases these things are more like treats dangled in front of us, leading us one step at a time to an unknown destination. In our natural state, we are quite content with this moment by moment existence. Our imagination keeps us supplied with notions of how ultimately we control the course we are on. But that is not reality. We are really walking one step at a time in a mirage that is ever shifting and changing on us. But we have no problem with it when we are walking in the flesh. Continue reading “God, My Compass” →

Our Need For A Shepherd

Shepherd

We were all created with the need for a Shepherd. In Eden, man communed regularly with God and they were in a perfect state of dependence on their Shepherd. When man fell, it was due to the fact that they wanted to become shepherds and gods unto themselves. God let them have their way in this and they effectively became independent of God. Continue reading “Our Need For A Shepherd” →

The Gift Of Repentance

Repentance

In an age where repentance is hardly acknowledged as a necessary means of salvation, my title may come off as paradoxical to some. Many view the idea of repentance negatively. It creates a premise that we are fundamentally evil. This used to be a commonly held belief in the church. But today many have lost sight of it and have turned to some hippie version of Christianity. They believe all is mellow and all people are good at their core. Continue reading “The Gift Of Repentance” →

Do We Count It All Joy?

All Joy

When we first started out on our journey of faith it might have come as a surprise to us that we were destined for hardship. The first few bumps we faced certainly did not inspire joy, and probably caused us to pause and evaluate. What did we sign up for? Is it worth the cost? Or perhaps like myself you might have thought, ‘I can make it through these few trials—surely after this all will be well on my journey.’ Continue reading “Do We Count It All Joy?” →

Are We Prepared To Marvel?

Marvel

Many times we get caught up in the time leading to the second coming of Jesus. This is to be expected. There is so much going on in that season. The chaos. The promise of revival. The dread of persecution and darkness. There is good and evil on the horizon—both in proportions possibly not seen before in the world. This equals great conflict and of course absorbs a lot of our attention. Continue reading “Are We Prepared To Marvel?” →

The Age Of Enlightenment

Enlightenment

It is no secret among those of us who are truly enlightened, that what the world calls enlightenment is nothing more than an excuse to actually go back in time, presenting old evils in a different light. And if we do not agree with the moral legitimacy of what they present, then we are outdated and unintelligent. But I find it interesting since, what is being presented as enlightened and cutting edge, is often, as I mentioned, actually just a repackaged version of an ancient evil. Sometimes it is not even repackaged, they just bring it back and call it the height of enlightenment to accept it. Continue reading “The Age Of Enlightenment” →

Clothed And In My Right Mind

Mind

A while back, after a major spiritual breakthrough, I had incredible peace. I had just made contact with someone from back in grade school whom the Lord had led me to reconcile with. I’ve had major wounds in my heart from childhood, and bullying from school and elsewhere had played a major part. After battling in my mind for many days, I could not deny what the Lord was asking me to do—and I finally extended forgiveness.

As mentioned above, the result was a major breakthrough and peace. I communed with Jesus and celebrated what He did for me. The thought crossed my mind that more and more I am clothed and in my right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. My problems throughout life have obviously not been equal to the man in the tombs from whom Jesus cast out the legion of demons, but I’ve had some. 

I don’t speak of them much since I’m not here to glorify them or make a victim of myself. But I also realize that through victory over them, I can demonstrate the power of God. Continue reading “Clothed And In My Right Mind” →

Where Do We Find Strength?

Strength

Last week I explored the scriptural directions in finding rest. But what if God is asking you to push ahead amidst difficult circumstances? Sure we can find rest in any and all circumstances, but sometimes we also need strength. Sometimes God will not allow us to completely lay down something we are walking in. Perhaps the work He is doing in us through the road we are walking on is not complete. Maybe the work He is doing through us for others is not complete. But we are worn out. What is the Biblical example to finding strength in these situations? Continue reading “Where Do We Find Strength?” →

Find Rest, O My Soul

Rest

Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. –NIV 84’

              Many Illegitimate Options

How many things do we find rest in? Now more than ever it is possible to create illusions of security and rest in corruptible things. The temptation is, to put our eggs of hope for rest in many baskets, in case any of them fail. If we are fortunate, they all fail at once, so our illusions are forever shattered. Continue reading “Find Rest, O My Soul” →

God’s Punishment On Those He Has Known

Punishment

Amos 3:2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. –ESV

I have heard many people mocking the concept of God’s punishment on nations for embracing iniquity. As it relates to laws enacted and proclamations made in the United States, many have pointed to other nations to say that that nation has embraced the same debauchery as the U.S. many years prior and they do not see any judgement from God. Continue reading “God’s Punishment On Those He Has Known” →

God’s Unchanging Character

Unchanging Character

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

            Our Imagination & The Devil’s Lies

When we were yet sinners and unrepentant, we looked at the unchanging character of God as boring. Perhaps we thought anything that stays the same for that long must be stale. Our hearts were flitting this way and that, looking for freshness, excitement and ultimately—life. Ironically, all the things that feel like life to the carnal man bring death over time. Continue reading “God’s Unchanging Character” →

The Winds In Your Sail

Winds

Everyone is propelled by some external force—some kind of spiritual winds. As much as we would like to think we are pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, we really aren’t. There is a fierce battle for our wills, our destinies and our souls. No one is exempt, and no one emerges from the battle a neutral bystander. Especially not in the age we find ourselves in. Continue reading “The Winds In Your Sail” →

What Pleases God?

Pleases

Most of us have been taught how to avert the wrath of God from our lives. Through cleansing by the blood of Jesus we are made whole and righteous before God. We put on the righteousness of Christ since He took our sins on Himself if we will but repent of them. It is an exchange. The greatest gift in the universe. But beyond an aversion of wrath, what is it that actually pleases God? The process I just described has, at it’s base, the component needed to please God in an elementary form. Continue reading “What Pleases God?” →

Building God’s Brand

Brand

This may seem like a strange term, but I use it to make an illustration. So much of what we see on the internet, especially on social media, has to do with people building their brand. There is a lot of traffic on the internet. People can go there without leaving their seats. It’s where we can find a convergence of every conceivable demographic. The first thing that comes to a business savvy person’s mind is, how do I target these people and make them part from their money? And how can I get a little fame mixed in with the deal? Continue reading “Building God’s Brand” →

From One Glory To A Greater

Glory

I am amazed at the amount of times God has revealed a certain level of glory to me and I was willing to sit back and say, “ah this is wonderful, I’ll just hang out here.” There have been times I reached points of victory that were great and I could not, in my little mind see anything better on the horizon. I’ve learned by now (I think) to assume that as long as I am alive, there is more coming. Not to mention the final glory when our race is finished, if we have finished well.  Continue reading “From One Glory To A Greater” →

The Spirit Of Religion—And The Aftermath

Religion

I have come down hard on some of the movements in modern Religion in a few posts on this blog. Some of this has been reactionary, coming from my own experience in some of these movements which produced frustration within me and a cry for something better. Something authentic, lacking men’s agenda and filled with the presence of God. I believe God has allowed me to experience some of these things first hand for a reason. Continue reading “The Spirit Of Religion—And The Aftermath” →

A Line In The Sand, Or Our Heads In The Sand?

Sand

Many times we as Christians have drawn lines in the sand and then buried our heads in the same sand while our spiritual enemies erase the line. When we look up, the line is gone, so we draw it again—farther back this time. The enemy has gained territory. Sometimes it’s in society, sometimes in the church. Sometimes personally sometimes corporately. Continue reading “A Line In The Sand, Or Our Heads In The Sand?” →

Turning The Tables—Draining The Swamp

Swamp

For over two years of the Trump presidency we forgot about draining the swamp. Most of what we heard was a tidal wave of hatred and accusation against Trump from his opposition—including the media. There was also the ongoing investigation into whether or not Donald Trump colluded with Russia to interfere with the election. This investigation seemed positioned to give a back-bone to every bit of hatred his opposition could throw at him. It seemed it was designed to legitimize the idea of Trump being corrupt and not trustworthy. If they could cast that image on him from the beginning, then perhaps other accusations would stick too. Continue reading “Turning The Tables—Draining The Swamp” →

A Lion In The Kingdom

Lion

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. –ESV

This verse is from the Bible so we must begin with the premise that it is true. But many times we look around and see what we perceive as righteous people cowering before an onslaught of evil bullies. I’m not talking about martyrs facing persecution. Even in this it is possible to be bold as a lion. Continue reading “A Lion In The Kingdom” →

How Do We Look At The Wonders Of God?

Wonders Of God

Something I thought of recently was the way various groups of people reacted to the wonders Jesus performed when he came into their communities. In some cases, they attracted people. Mostly those who needed deliverance or healing. This seems pretty natural. Then there were those who felt threatened by His works because they upset a power structure they wished to maintain. But there was still another reaction some people had: fear. Continue reading “How Do We Look At The Wonders Of God?” →

Passover: Origin, Practices and Christian Significance

Passover

The Israelites were in bondage to Egypt for over 400 years. There came a time when God finally raised up a man to deliver them. Through this man, Moses, God brought plagues on Egypt to incentivize Pharaoh to free the Israelites. 9 plagues of the worst kinds were not enough to completely convince Pharaoh to release his captives. Continue reading “Passover: Origin, Practices and Christian Significance” →

I Will Not Be Inquired Of By You

Inquired

Ezekiel 20:30-31 Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Will you defile yourselves after the manner of your fathers and go whoring after their detestable things? When you present your gifts and offer up your children in fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, declares the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you.  Continue reading “I Will Not Be Inquired Of By You” →

Taste And See That The Lord Is Good

Taste

Psalms 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! –ESV 

How often have we stood in the shadows and watched as others partake of the goodness of God, thinking instinctively that we have no portion in this? Even many who have some type of relationship with God, do not realize what is theirs experientially in Christ Jesus. Continue reading “Taste And See That The Lord Is Good” →

The Slumber Of This Age

It’s like there is a lullaby playing on a PA system that reaches around the world. Spiritual slumber is settling like a cloud on hordes of Christians. With the availability of so many things that are spiritual poison to those who languish in them, many have done exactly that. Distractions, entertainment, ease, and comfort, help us along in our drowsy state if we revel in them. I am no exception. Continue reading “The Slumber Of This Age” →

When Evil Serves The Purpose Of God

evil

You may have read the title of this post and wondered if I have gone off the deep end. Well, I haven’t. The purpose of this post is not to try and soften my characterization of evil in any way. I am not trying to justify evil by showing how it can serve God’s purpose. Rather, I am simply after two legitimate points: Continue reading “When Evil Serves The Purpose Of God” →

The Love Of Many Will Grow Cold

Love

Matthew 24:11-12 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. –ESV

We are living in a time when this prophecy is being fulfilled. In general, it describes the condition of the modern church. And yet the dominant movement of tolerance in the modern church is said to be rooted in love. Many say or imply that it is a form of Godly love to have little or no regard for sin in the church body. Sin is lawlessness and according to the above referenced verses, it leads to a waning love. Continue reading “The Love Of Many Will Grow Cold” →

A Culture Of Death And Darkness

Culture Of Death

Many in our nation are weeping, mourning or lamenting in the wake of another political attempt to solidify our standing as a culture of death. I am one of them. It saddens me but I am not surprised. With the track record New York state has because of its heavy influence by New York City, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that they have legalized late term abortion. Continue reading “A Culture Of Death And Darkness” →

Faith—A Simple Illustration

Faith

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. –ESV 

This chapter in Hebrews is notorious. It has many graphic illustrations of faith–practiced by those of whom the world was not worthy. I recommend reading the whole chapter if you want a deeper faith. But in this post I would like to explore this one verse. And share a simple illustration for those who may be struggling to understand faith at all. Continue reading “Faith—A Simple Illustration” →

The Fingerprints Of God

Fingerprints Of God

As I go through life, many times simply trying to get through the next big hurdle, trying to meet the next deadline, or achieve my next self imposed goal, (not to be confused with a Kingdom goal) I can get pretty absorbed in mundane matters before I know it. When I start down this road, I catch myself eventually and remind myself of the dangers of this road if traveled for too long. Continue reading “The Fingerprints Of God” →

Kingdom Goals For 2019

Goals

Well 2018 is coming to a close, Christmas is over and the new year is about to begin. It is a well known tradition to make resolutions for the coming year, but I’ve found that for most people, those are setups for failure and disappointment. Most likely it’s because we enter into these resolutions with our own will and strength. And most of us know that nothing of eternal value is done with our own strength or will anyway. Continue reading “Kingdom Goals For 2019” →

For To Us A Child Is Born…

A Child Is Born

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. –ESV  Continue reading “For To Us A Child Is Born…” →

Holy (& Wholly) Unto The Lord

Holy

I know some of these plays on words are cliché by now, but it struck me how true this one is, and I have never seen it before as far as I know, so it might even be original. Being holy before the Lord is not something written or talked about much in the church today, since the popular message seems to be grace. And the way grace is talked about in many cases is not necessarily Biblical. Continue reading “Holy (& Wholly) Unto The Lord” →

A Lamp On A Stand—A City On A Hill

Lamp

Matthew 5:14 & 15 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. –ESV

 What does it mean to be a light? I have written before about receiving light in the midst of darkness, but I would like to explore the idea of being a light. Continue reading “A Lamp On A Stand—A City On A Hill” →

Going Through Life Like A Battering Ram

Battering Ram

Some of the posts I publish are nothing more than a reflection of my own mistakes and the lessons I learned from them. Lucky for those who read my posts, I have made plenty of mistakes and shouldn’t have a shortage of materials any time soon. I am reminded, because this post definitely falls in this category. Continue reading “Going Through Life Like A Battering Ram” →

When The Harvest Is Not Yet

Harvest

Here is a subject that seems appropriate for the fall season. It is a time when many in rural areas are harvesting what they have planted in the spring. You see pumpkins and cornstalks lining shops in town. Local produce has been available for some time now. Soon the leaves will change and fall—nuts will drop to the ground in abundance. Squirrels and other animals harvest these nuts and have a nice store for winter. Continue reading “When The Harvest Is Not Yet” →

Temporal Or Eternal—Where Is Your Reward?

Eternal Value

The priorities of the human mind amaze me. The way we embrace delusion for reality, and temporal over eternal many times. Even the most strategic businessmen—who are well acquainted with waiting patiently for a reward—do not necessarily know much about storing up eternal wealth. Also, many people in the faith do not behave as though there is another world coming. One more important than the one in which they find themselves. Continue reading “Temporal Or Eternal—Where Is Your Reward?” →

Light—In The Midst Of Darkness

Light

One would think that between light and darkness, the choice would be easy. If we were presented with a straight forward option between the two, it probably would be. The problem is, there is a friend of darkness who has strategies of glamorizing darkness and lying about its consequences. He presents doorways into darkness and calls them portals of light. This is especially the case in the age we find ourselves in. And this friend of darkness—Satan—has hordes of helpers—spiritual and physical, who are quite willing to be an echo chamber for him. Continue reading “Light—In The Midst Of Darkness” →

An Attitude Of Gratitude—No Exceptions

Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —ESV

How many times do we go through life reacting to the circumstances around us, and feeling justified in doing so? It is tempting to be thankful when things are going good, and to complain when things are not going as planned. Continue reading “An Attitude Of Gratitude—No Exceptions” →

The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come

New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. –ESV

 This is a familiar verse to many of us. It has probably also been an inspiration to many. How many of us became born again, and did not learn to despise our old ways? It is impossible. Do the old things tantalize us from time to time? Sure, but then we remember what Christ has done for us and the death that comes with sin. Continue reading “The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come” →

Making Room For God’s Voice

God's Voice

Are you hearing God’s voice speaking into your life? Many people make this out to be a mystical, unattainable thing, reserved either for lunatics or great men of God. And then there are some people who think there is no difference between the two. I’m not speaking to that person—I am speaking to the person who would like to hear from God, but is struggling. Continue reading “Making Room For God’s Voice” →

Surrender—A Paradoxical Path To Victory

Surrender

How many military victories have been obtained by surrender? To the best of my knowledge—none. Traditionally, the nation represented by the military force that surrenders gets the lesser end of the terms laid out by their adversary. In extreme cases, they forfeit all they have and become slaves to the ones they have surrendered to. Continue reading “Surrender—A Paradoxical Path To Victory” →

Tomorrow—A Day That Never Comes

Tomorrow

Last week I wrote a post titled Yesterday—A Thing Of The Past. I Decided to keep things going on this track for two more weeks. This week I want to address the time we unnecessarily spend thinking about our future. Or the future of a corporate body we may be a part of. We’ve all heard the saying “tomorrow never comes.” It’s true, but we fail to grasp it at times. Continue reading “Tomorrow—A Day That Never Comes” →

Yesterday—A Thing Of The Past

Past

How much time do we really spend in the present? It obviously varies from person to person. I know I have had to learn to do it—it doesn’t come naturally for many people. The temptation is to either dwell in the past, regretting things you have done, or else to look to the future in fear. Also there is the possibility of looking at the past through sentimental eyes, wondering why your present doesn’t match up. None of these are healthy—we miss what God has planned for us right now. Continue reading “Yesterday—A Thing Of The Past” →

Words & Wonders

Wonders

“What do youknow about? Words & Wonders?” My brother asked me when I told him I had no interest in a particular conversation going on around me, for my lack of knowledge on the topic. This got us going about my blog, and I started digging for the meaning of my tagline. I finally decided it was a good time to identify what it means and share it with my audience. Continue reading “Words & Wonders” →

Be Courageous—Fear Not!

Courageous

How often do we find some version of this admonition in the Bible? It was most famously spoken in preparing Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan, but a version of it is scattered throughout scripture so often, I think my time would be more effectively spent otherwise, than to get an exact count. The point is, the principle of courage and over-coming fear is one often repeated in the Bible—and for good reason. Continue reading “Be Courageous—Fear Not!” →

The Art Of The Question

Question

How many times do you find yourself slogging through life, thinking you’re on your own, and you have to figure everything out from scratch? I know I do it from time to time, and I used to do it a lot. Pride can be a factor in this, as well as inferiority. Funny how these two are found together so many times. The thing is, two opposite extremes tend to be very comfortable in the same environment—they feed off each other and react to one another. But that’s not the point of this post—maybe I’ll do one on that later. Continue reading “The Art Of The Question” →

Uncircumcised Philistines

Philistines

How many of you have uncircumcised Philistines in your life? Maybe they live rent-free in your head, mocking your dreams, visions, and goals, especially if they are Divinely inspired. Or they use other people to do it. Perhaps they speak through certain members of the media, or their political counter-parts, taunting the armies of God. Whether on a personal or corporate level, these are giants that can intimidate, bully, and shame you to ineffectiveness if you let them. Continue reading “Uncircumcised Philistines” →

From OCD To Excellence

OCD

OCD has become a bit of a buzz word among millennials, and those who have bits and pieces of it, seem to wear it as a badge of honor. You will hear phrases such as, “I’m really OCD about keeping dust off my computer but a cluttered room doesn’t bother me.” Or you may hear one of dozens of other variations of this line, depending on the preferences of the individual. The way it is said, makes you aware the person saying it is proud of his or her idiosyncrasy, and thinks it is a part of what makes them unique. Those who have more than just bits and pieces of OCD don’t seem to be quite as proud of their situation. They just quietly do what their OCD requires and wish many times they could just let some things go. Continue reading “From OCD To Excellence” →

Freedom—

Freedom

the human spirit longs for it; people steal for it, go broke for it, even murder for it…and then there are people who actually fight for it and find it. This may come off as a strange or mysterious way to describe this cosmic battle. But as all things must, we will view this through the lens of spiritual understanding. Most take for granted that freedom is a good thing. There are exceptions to this rule. Mainly you find them in people who want to take away others’ freedom. Or else people who have a sycophantic view of those tyrants. But you will find in the main-stream human being, a general acknowledgment of the virtues of liberty. Continue reading “Freedom—” →

Don’t give worry time to demonstrate it’s value—

Worry

or soon you will have no time. No one can add a single hour to their lives by being anxious according to Matthew 6:27, and yet it comes naturally for many of us.

Why do we have such a hard time believing that worry has no merits? First of all, many of the things we worry about do not come to pass, which makes it seem like our worry is being rewarded, thus giving it credibility in our minds. We do not allow that these might be coincidences, (or God’s mercy) and yet the many small (and sometimes large) miracles we receive from God daily, we so easily put down as coincidences. This is trickery from the enemy; we are misplacing our faith. Continue reading “Don’t give worry time to demonstrate it’s value—” →