This Is The Life! – Jude 1: 20-21 (The Message)

20 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, 

21 staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

– Jude 1: 20-21 (The Message)

This Is The Life!

Do you want to know the secret to true happiness and a full and rich life?  Do you want to find out the "secret" for calmness and peace in the middle of life's storms?  Do you want more than anything to know God's will for your life?  The answer is simple . . simple, and hard, at the same time.  It's simple because it's available to and for all of us. It's hard because it's too simple, and our minds have a tough time making sense of it. In fact, it can seem downright  foolish to some folks.

The answer is . . . Praying In The Spirit!

That's it! 

That's all!

Pretty simple huh? 

By praying in the Spirit, and making it a daily habit, or lifestyle if you will, the Bible tells us that we can "carefully" build ourselves up – by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . to live the life that our heavenly Father designed for us. A life maintained in the center of His Love, and in His Favor. A life that moves, and breathes, in His Love and Forgiveness. A life of Strength and Victory, of Power and Dominion, over our past pitfalls and failures.  The Holy Spirit, when we pray IN Him, gives us wisdom, and abilities, and talents, and insight so that we can make the decisions that are going to propel us, and help us navigate the mighty flow of the River of God that is taking us from point A to point B - the River of Life . . . OUR Life . . . IN Him.

But praying in the Spirit can be a scary thing at first. I mean it sounds like a bunch of babbling, and it just seems silly to those who aren't accustomed to it. BUT, when a person takes the plunge, and removes the fear, and the doubt, and all the preconceived notions and ideas, and they open their hearts and let the sounds of praise escape through their lips – by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . their life will be transformed.  What seemed silly and contrived at first, will soon become a comfortable friend and a powerful weapon against the enemy.  Praying in the Spirit will be like a good breakfast – the most important meal of the day!

So open your arms! Stretch them out wide, and get ready as the Power of the Holy Spirit leads you, via the mercy of our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this unending life. This REAL life. This life designed especially and specifically, just for us, by our Father in Heaven, who (by the way), Loves Us VERY Much!

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that I need to continually be building myself up by praying in Your Holy Spirit. My arms are open and stretched out wide as I receive Your Mercies today. I pray for my brothers and sisters who are tentative about praying in the Spirit and I ask that You give them a boldness and a confidence to take the plunge into Your mighty River of Life, and let the Spirit move them as He wills . . . according to Your purpose, in Jesus' name!

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

TAKE HEART! – John 16: 33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.   In the world you will have tribulation.   But take heart;  I have overcome the world."
– John 16: 33

TAKE HEART!
When we think of the promises of God we usually think about His blessings.  Especially in this country where we have so much and we are all so blessed – we think of prosperity, and peace, joy, and an abundant life, and we hold on to the hope of eternal life with Him.  All of these are very good things and we should always think on them.

On the other hand, Jesus also promises us that as long as we are here on this planet, we will have tribulation.  We will have trials and troubles, and we will be persecuted, and lied about, and talked about, and accused of things we didn't do.  We will be shunned by the world for loving and believing in Jesus.  We will get sick, and we will have to watch horrible things happen to those we love. That's just the way it is – and the it will always be – for as long as we live.

As Americans, sometimes we forget that for much of the world, an Abundant Life could mean having just enough food for not one, but maybe two small meals a day.  Prosperity could mean having hand-me-down shoes.  Peace could be moment-to-moment, and Grace could mean that the mortar shells missed your home last night.

The troubles that we in America have to deal with are very different from the rest of the world, and sometimes we must seem like spoiled children to our Father when our prayers are so self centered and trite.  Sometimes we complain way too much about what we don't have, when we should be thanking Him for giving so freely to us.  We should be able to handle our troubles with more faith – especially in light of the fact that our God has blessed us to be able to live in such a rich country and with so much freedom.  

We should really recognize that we have found God's favor over all the other countries in the world.  No where else on this blue marble in space )in my opinion), do so many people enjoy the abundance of life that we do.  Oh sure, there are those of us who have more, and there are those of us who have less, but we have all been chosen to live in this blessed place at this time in history.  So what are we going to do about it?  How should we be living our lives and where should we be focusing our attention?

First I think we need to stop right now and thank our Father for giving so freely and richly to us.  We need to thank Him for sparing us from the terrible depths of poverty, and war, and famine, and drought, and genocide that many people in this world face every day.  We need to thank Him for running water (especially hot water).  We need to get down on our knees and praise Him for indoor bathrooms.  We should all open our closets this morning and shower God with gratitude for the ridiculous amount of shoes that we have, and the ability to choose a different clean outfit every day.  We need to stand in front of our refrigerators (and first of all thank Him for the refrigerator), and open the doors and sing praises of thanksgiving for the meals that are already supplied and just waiting to be prepared.  We need to lay our hands on our children and thank Him for the hopes and dreams that He has placed in each one – and the fact that they live in a place where those hopes and dreams can be realized.  

We, each one of us, need to stand in front of a mirror, look ourselves in the eye, and humbly ask our Father in heaven, the Creator of ALL things, the one who breathed life into each one of us, for forgiveness for taking all that He has so freely given us for granted.  We need to ask Him to forgive our petty, self-centered, prideful prayers and we need to repent from our unbelief of His Word because It says that we should be taking heart – having hope – having faith, because He has overcome the trials and tribulations of this world . . . just – for – us.

Prayer
Father, I am so sorry for always focusing on the things that I want and don't have.  My trials and troubles, while very real and big to me, should not be what I come to You with every day.  You know what they are and You have already promised that You will supply me the grace to overcome them.  I repent of this self-centered way that I have been approaching You.  I thank You father, for this wonderful life that You have blessed me with.  I thank You for my awesome wife - she is always a blessing and a help to me.  I thank You for my son – he is my joy and You have blessed him with the ability to move people's hearts.  I thank You for my step daughter - she is pure light to our family and our grandchildren are a constant reminder of the miracles You bless me with each day.  I thank You for my step son – he loves You so much and he works so hard to provide for his family.  I thank you for my entire family and all my friends Lord – You have provided me with the richness of their wisdom.  I thank You for my job and the people that I get to interact with every day – I pray that I can be a good representative of Your kingdom to them.  Most of all Lord, I want to thank You for calling me to this time and this place in history.  I pray that I can effect change in this world and that others will come to know You because of the life that You have given me and the path that You have set my feet on.  Help me to live well and to show Jesus to everyone around me.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

Peace Out! – 2 Corinthians 13:11

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace;  and the God of Love and Peace will be with you.
– 2 Corinthians 13:11

Peace Out!
Rejoice!
Restore your relationships!
Comfort one another!
Agree with one another!
Live in Peace!
     THEN...God, who IS Love and Peace, will be with you.

Pretty heady stuff eh?  Can you wrap your mind around this one?  The ball is in your court – whatcha gonna do with it?  You gonna run with it or are you gonna sit around waiting for God to make you feel like being a lovable and peaceful Christian?   If that's the case I hope you have a good set of lungs because you're gonna be holding your breath for-a-long-time!  

God wants us to take the initiative and show the world that we are different – that we talk differently, we drive differently, we live differently, and we react differently – not because we are being made to, but because we choose to.  We have to make a conscious effort to rejoice in the face of tough situations like when we receive a bad Dr's report, or a job loss, or to show love and compassion to those who oppose us.  We must choose to speak life into situations that by all outward appearances seem to be hopeless, and we must live peaceably and be examples of calm in the midst of our trials so that our neighbors and coworkers, and anyone else observing us will be drawn to the light of Christ that dwells within us.

As we do this . . . as we make the choice to rejoice in the life that we have, and as we demonstrate peace, and love, and kindness, and we learn to live full and contented lives (despite our circumstances), we will experience God's love and peace which will enable us to go even deeper in our relationship with Him.  In turn, this will allow us to be even more effective in bringing peace and love and joy to those who don't know Christ.  It is a continuous cycle that as Christians, we should be constantly working in and towards.  

I have been trying to apply this in my own life and I can tell you that I have never felt more at peace with who I am and my walk in Christ.  I am, on a daily basis, getting a better understanding of the depth of God's love and the sweet taste and aroma of His peace in my life, and I actually feel physically better because of it.  Oh, I still have arthritis, and I still have all the aches and pains that go with that, but the stress just isn't there as much.  I wish I could say it isn't there at all, but I am still learning how to make the right choices in celebrating my life as Christ intended, and I know that everyday, I will get a little bit better at living in peace.

Won't you join me in making a lifestyle change?  Make the choice to be a peacemaker and watch your life change for the better.  I challenge you to give up something that you feel is rightfully and justifiably yours in order to bring peace to the situation.  For example, have you been at odds with someone over a debt that is owed?  Forgive the debt and then apologize for any ill-feelings that may have come about because of the debt.  Are you angry with someone for hurting your feelings?  Go to them and apologize for being angry at them (chances are they aren't even aware you've been angry).  Do you have a family member that you haven't talked to in a long time because of something that happened years ago?  Call them today and tell them you love them.  Then watch as God moves in your life – and theirs.  Send me a note with your story . . . I'd love to hear how God has restored your relationships because you made the choice to be a peacemaker!

Prayer
Father I thank You for the revelation of my role in living in peace and rejoicing in my life.  For too long I was expecting You to bring peace in my life but I wasn't willing to do my part.  I see now that I must make the choice to live as a peacemaker in order for Your grace and peace to be active in my life.  I pray that as I continue living my life according to Your Word, others will be drawn to Your peace, which surpasses all earthly understanding.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

When Your World Goes BOOM! – Luke 24:17-21

17  He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 

18  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 

19  "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 

20  The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 

21  but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place."
– Luke 24:17-21

When Your World Goes BOOM!

Have you ever had your "world" pulled out from under you?  Everything is going great, things are looking up, the future looks bright and everything you are doing seems to be right in line with what you believe God wants for you and then Wham!  Like a bolt of lightning striking way too close, your "world" explodes around you and everything you thought you knew has been turned to dust.  And worst of all, God doesn't seem to be answering your questions why.

It could be any number of things. The loss of a loved one; the loss of a job; the infidelity of a spouse; the bad doctor's report; the natural disaster that took all of your possessions; the old habit or addiction that has retaken your sanity.  It could be any number of things that while we are in the midst of it all, seem to be the end of the "world."  I think it is safe to say that we have all experienced this a time or two in our lives.  And every time, it is a brand new level of anguish and despair.  Where is God? Why did He allow this to happen? Can't He see what it's doing to me? 

When my first wife left me I was lost.  I didn't even know how to breath.  All of the good intentions and advice from friends and family offered me no comfort.  All I know was that I was serving God faithfully and I didn't understand how my life could be destroyed and the world as I knew it, no longer existed.  I was a total mess for several years.

I couldn't see it at the time but God was right there with me.  Jesus was praying for me and all of the angels in heaven were fighting for me.  I had to learn some lessons and I had to go through those dark times in order to appreciate the blessings that were going to come my way.  I had to shed all those tears and experience the pain of rejection and fear and loneliness and betrayal.  And worst of all, I had to endure for way longer than I thought was necessary and I thought I would never make it.

It was only when I turned it all over to God that I started to see breakthrough.  I started forgiving and praying for other people and asking God to bless them.  I took my eyes off of me and my problems and asked God to have His way in my life, and I thanked Him for the love He showed me while I was hurting.  It was then that I started to live again.  God gave me a new "world" and I could see things in a new light as He healed my wounded heart and gave me a renewed love and a passion for Him.  He also brought me a beautiful and loving wife who fits me perfectly and makes me a better man.  Everything that was taken from me was restored in ways I could never have imagined.  I am who I am today because of the lessons learned from that trial, and I am able to thank God for His wisdom in allowing me to grow through that experience.

That's not to say that I won't be devastated when my current world implodes and is pulled out from under me . . . and I know that it will happen one day.  After all, we all live this crazy thing called life, but I have learned that God has my back – and Jesus is praying – and the angels in heaven are fighting, and even though I know I will surely have a huge pity party when the time comes, I have experienced His grace and goodness and most importantly His perfect timing, so I hope that when the time comes, I can lift my eyes towards heaven early on in the trial, and proclaim victory over whatever the enemy throws my way . . . and my faith will be strengthened (again), and my Hope, will once again be restored!

Prayer

Father, help me to trust in You when my "world" is torn apart.  Thank You for bringing me through those times in my life when I felt that all was lost.  Help me to stand firm in the hope that You can bring good - both now and eternally - out of even my most painful experiences.  I pray for the safety and continued blessings for all my friends and my family Lord . . . and I ask that Your guiding hand be on them today as they face this world head-on.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

It's All About His Purpose – Romans 8:28

28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
– Romans 8:28  

It's All About His Purpose

This scripture gets thrown around quite a bit but I think it's only the first part of the scripture that people tend to pay attention to.  It is comforting to know that God works ALL things for our good, because when we hear this scripture from someone, or it comes to our mind, it's usually because something not so good is happening.  It helps ease the circumstance a bit so that we can feel good that there is a light at the end of whatever darkness we are facing.

But there are two qualifiers at the end of the scripture:
   1.) those who love Him.
   2.) those who have been called according to His purpose.

Both of those are a result of the Holy Spirit actively living in us, and the 2nd can only be realized as a result of accepting the purpose for which He has called us to.  It is a choice we make to put off the sinful nature and the desires of our flesh and accept the life our Father has designed for us and called us to – a life of grace, and of love, and of peace.  It's a choice to get off the fence and stop living a double-minded life.  We have to choose to Love God, and to believe and have faith in His Word, and stop giving in to what we are feeling for the moment.

When we are being stressed out; when we are hurting; when we are lonely; when we are victimized; when we are sick; when someone has wronged us, etc.  God will only work any and all of those things for good IF you love Him, are devoted to Him and living your life according to His purpose for you (no matter what you think your life should be), AND if you are walking in the love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't take for granted the purpose God has called you to.  If you allow Him to, He will take the trials in your life and use them to further His kingdom.  That doesn't mean it will make things easier for you physically, but spiritually you will grow in love, and peace, and forgiveness, and those whose lives you touch will be blessed, and God will be magnified because of it.

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that it's all about Your purpose.  I have so many ideas and so many wants according to my own purpose that I forget that it's really all about You!  I am here because You called me forth. Please forgive me for my arrogance.  Allow me to walk in the grace and the love and the peace that Your purpose brings. Help me to reach someone today that You would be magnified through the purpose of my life.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

He Nailed It! – Colossians 2:13-14

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 

14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
– Colossians 2:13-14

He Nailed It!
I don't know about you but I was as dead as dead can be . . . and I was proud of it.  I was so wretched, and my sin was so repulsive, and disgusting and I was so blind, that I even welcomed the thought of going to hell!  I was THAT lost!  But God had other plans for me, and like the scripture says, He made me alive with Christ – Halleluiah!

I can really appreciate the concept of Christ nailing my sins (and those of everyone else) to the cross and the significance of His sacrifice for us.  What I have always had trouble wrapping my head around, is just how difficult it must have been for Him to become my sin.  That must have been more painful and revolting than any of the beatings He took, or even the crucifixion itself.  Have you ever tried to put on clothing that was soaking wet and muddy?  Not only would it be very difficult, but every inch of exposed skin would be able to feel the disgusting "ickiness" of the heavy material as it passes over.  Christ must have felt each sin of every person that ever existed as He transformed Himself into the very sin that He was about to destroy.  The weight of the cross must have been nothing compared to the weight of the sins of the entire world bearing down on Him.  I don't know that I will ever fully understand what He must have gone through, and it saddens me just to think about it.

What a joy however, to know that because of His sacrifice, I am alive, and ALL my sins have been forgiven!  Now here's the best part.  I get to put on Christ! Every day!  Think about the most favorite piece of clothing you have ever owned and how good it felt as you put it on for the very first time . . . that was like putting on rags compared to putting on Christ.  He fits in ALL the right places.  He accentuates who you are and He makes you look so very good.  He covers up all the flaws and He fits so well that wearing Him even puts a pep in your step so that you can breeze through your day!

Try putting on Christ today.  Try to imagine His brilliant and marvelous light covering you as you fasten each button of His Righteousness.  Visualize lacing His Peace to your feet . . . go ahead – wiggle your toes!  Run your finger across the brim of His awesome Salvation . . . feel how it fits your head just right!  Fasten His belt of Truth around your waist, and experience how He helps everything else stay perfectly in place . . . there's nothing like it.  How does He feel? Pretty awesome huh?  Now you are ready to face the world!  Now you can show everyone what a Christian should look like.  Now you can have victory – every – single – day!

Prayer
Father, I am so humbled knowing all that Christ had to do to save us from ourselves.  I am thankful however, that He did . . . and also for Your Love, and the wisdom of Your plan for bringing us all home.  I pray that as I put on Christ each day, I will be ever mindful that I am Your representative here on earth so that I never cause anyone to turn away from You because of my actions.  I want to draw others to You Lord and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will now be able to do so because You saved me from my sin and from certain death.  I love You!

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

Dude, That Outfit Is Humble! – 1 Peter 5: 5b

5b Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
– 1 Peter 5: 5b

Dude, That Outfit Is Humble!

I know, it's a strange title but what can I say?  
I'm a strange kind of guy  :) 
 
We never hear expressions like that because they don't sound right but in reality, as Christians, that is the kind of compliment we should be seeking.  When people look at us, they should notice our character first – they should notice the light of Christ that shines from a heart that knows its place in Christ –  a heart that does not deserve any of the grace that has been given it;  a heart that continually seeks forgiveness;  a heart that is destined for eternity despite its selfish tendencies.

You see, if we truly understood what has been given to us, we would never walk proudly on the earth, and we would never seek the accolades of man.  But this is a long life, and each day brings new challenges, and the enemy knows that even though we are saved, we are weak, and easily swayed by the love of things that make us feel good.  We are a fickle people and we tend to sway back and forth like tall grass in a stiff breeze.  It really is sad don't you think?

But!  We have a God that knows the interior of our heart.  The place that is covered up by all of the emotions and self-gratifying desires.  He knows the core of who we are – who He created us to be.  The center of our being that pumps strong with the blood of Christ.  He knows that despite all of our shortcomings in this world, we are His children and when He created us, He called us "Good!"  He is our Champion, and we are Redeemed because He loves us so much!  That is why we should be grateful!  That is why we should walk in forgiveness!  That is the reason we should be humble!

Our humility does not need to be seen as weak either.  We are a strong people – warriors and victorious conquerors, with the power to move mountains!  No . . . we should walk with our heads held high, but our humility should be evident in the way we carry ourselves.  Courtesy, friendliness, gentleness, manners, wholesome laughter, forgiveness, toothy smiles, availability, approachability, respectability, patience, kindness, and a work ethic that puts everyone else to shame.  We should be the cream of the crop – always the example of the best – not honoring the world, but honoring God in all that we do.  His grace is our reward!

So take a look at how the world sees you.  What do they see?  If you are like me, they see different things at different times and on different days (depending on the mood I'm in).  What they haven't seen too much of, is consistency and humility.  So why not start working with me on getting dressed each day by covering up all of our prideful and self-serving ways with humble clothing.  Lets freak the world out by putting on Christ each day.  Who knows, we might just cause a sensation!

Prayer
Father, I am so sorry for the inconsistent life that I've been living.  I know that the only reason I am alive today is because of the love and grace that You saved me with.  I pray that I can, from this day forward, be more consistent in my walk and that the life I now have because of You will shine forth in all humility for everyone to see.  Help me, I beg, to be always mindful that I am being watched, so that I can catch myself before I act foolishly and cause someone to blame You for not being real.   I thank You for continuing to help me grow in the love and knowledge of my Savior, Jesus.  You are changing me daily and I am so grateful.

have a blessed day everyone!

-Richard

Ask for Something - His thing! – John 16:24

24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
– John 16:24

Ask for Something - His thing!
Over the years, I have learned to listen to my Father during prayer time, and I have heard Him speak to me (no, not in a James Earl Jones, R-I-C-H-A-R-D . . . THIS IS GOD SPEAKING . . . way, but in a silent confidence kind of way), and I am slowly becoming more in tune with what and how He wants me to pray. After all, He already knows what I need in my life, so anything I can come up with is no surprise to Him.  My goal for prayer nowadays is to find His will in the everyday walking through of my life.  How does He want me to see His children?  How does He want me to act – in good and bad circumstances?  Where does He want me to position myself in my home, my church, and in my community? Who does He want me to be available to and to pray blessings over, etc.?

I believe that God wants to use our quiet time with HIm (if we let Him), to speak truth into our hearts – the truth of what He wants Us to do to create change in our world.  After all, we are His hands extended here on earth.  We are how He gets things done.  We have to be willing to step outside of our neat and controlled lives and be willing by faith, to be a miracle.  It needs to start somewhere right?  It might as well be here with you and with me.

Today's scripture says that until now, I/we have asked "nothing" in His name.  Oh, we all know that we have asked for plenty, and in my case, most of it has been selfish desires.  It's time for me to start asking for "something" – something that will bring glory and honor to our Father.  We need to stop thinking of what we want and focus on what He wants.

We can still ask for the kinds of things that we all want and need, but just do it from a different perspective:  

Do you need a new job? 

Ask for the position that our Father (who loves you) has all ready set aside for you – and then be prepared to rejoice when maybe it isn't the job you were looking for but it will be the job that will bring you the greatest joy and fulfillment in your life, if you accept it with gratitude and praise.  

Do you need a relationship restored? 

Pray that God would bless the other person and bring joy and abundance to their life that they might see Him in everything they do – their coming back to you will be a result of them realizing God's goodness and grace on their life, and restoration might not come about the way you thought it would – but it will come in a way that God is glorified.  

Do you a need financial miracle? 

Pray that God would bless those around you who are in greater need than you. Pray that your finances would be met according to His plan and then rejoice during your time of lack. Your miracle will come, but it will probably come in a way that you never could have dreamed.

Let us ask for things and pray according to what God wants!  THAT will bring us answered prayer.  THAT will bring us the fullness of joy that He wants so much to give us.  THAT will bring about  a glorious change to this crazy world.  THAT will honor our Father in heaven!

Prayer
Father You are so great and I offer praise to You right now.  For far too many years I have offered half-hearted and selfish prayers to You and I know and am so thankful that You have forgiven me for that.  This year and on this day, I seek Your will in my prayers.  I will no longer bring an offering of fools to You but I will wait on You and I will listen for the Holy Spirit to guide me in fervent and effectual prayer. Thank You for reminding me that in Your name I will find my joy and my life will be fulfilled.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

Jesus is praying for you! – Luke 22:31-32

31 "Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. 

32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers."
– Luke 22:31-32

Jesus is praying for you!
What comfort to know that our Lord prays for us.  He knows that we are going through many trials, both from the world, and also the trails that we put on ourselves – out of pride, or fear, or doubt, or anger, etc.  He cares that we overcome and that we get through it all so that we can stand strong in our faith.

The scripture also implies that we will surely be tested and that the enemy will even be given permission to try our faith.  And that's OK – because we have an intercessor (Jesus), who has a direct line with the Father.  Jesus' prayers for us are powerful, and if we are faithful to not turn away when things get tough, He will hold us up to the Father, and He will present us worthy.  As long as we hold on to Him, every day, He will pray for us, every day.  And every day – for that day – we will have victory over the enemy. Praise Jesus!

Now here's the important part . . . the scripture tells us (and this is so important), He (Jesus), expects us to encourage (strengthen), one another with our victories.  In fact it says we Must strengthen each other.  The victory that we receive shouldn't be hidden or hoarded like the "precious" in the Lord of the Rings movie.  It needs to be out there – shining brightly for all to see.  Your victory, or healing, or sobriety, or restored relationship, or new job, or paid bills, or whatever the situation might be, need to be told to everyone, so that they can receive encouragement, and so that they can know that we serve a God who cares – who loves us so very much that He takes the time to see to our every need!  No matter how small or insignificant we may think it is – Jesus covers it in prayer. People need to hear that so that they can have confidence when they face the same thing . . . or their own thing. They need to know that Jesus is there for them too!

I don't know about you, but I need His prayers every day, because when I open my eyes in the morning, I am waking up to a world that is out to destroy my faith.  I need Jesus to be speaking life to the Father . . . about me.  I need Him directing His angels before me (and after me), because I can leave a messy trail wherever I go.  I know that I need Him . . . believing in me . . . each and every day.  How about you?

PrayerLord Jesus, Thank You for being my Prayer Warrior.  Thank You for speaking to the Father on my behalf.  Thank You Lord for taking the time to see me through this day and for believing in me – so that I will persevere; so that I will overcome; so that I will stand victorious – this day – over anything and everything the enemy can devise to throw my way.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

The Key to Victorious Living – Galatians 2:20-21

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.   The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   

21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
– Galatians 2:20-21

The Key to Victorious Living
Can you remember back when you first became a Christian?  If you were like me, you were so enthusiastic about your new life that you would have laid claim to being willing to be right there with Jesus, taking every lash of the whip, enduring every thorn as it was being pressed down upon your head, and ultimately hanging on the cross . . . in fact, willing to hang with Christ on the opposite side of the same cross!  Yeah . . . Peter claimed the same thing – until the time came where it was actually a possibility.  How quickly we can change the tune we are singing when adversity smacks us right between the eyes.

It's easy to be a Christian when things are going great – especially in this country, where we have an abundance of luxuries and we can choose where and how we want to worship.  I've often fantasized that I was on the front lines of "life-and-death/in-the-jungles of evil" evangelism, standing firm in my faith and shielding the unfortunate peasants from the on-rushing rebels (oh the stories that would be written).  Then I remember that I am still anxiously afraid to go downtown and share my faith with a stranger!  Earth to Richard . . . time to come back to reality!

The good news is that God knows our weaknesses, and He knew that we would need a Savior, so . . . He sent Jesus, who willingly, and with much love, and forgiveness, accepted His role in the reconciliation of all God's children.  He knew what He was walking into, and He even had 32 years to try to get out of it, but His love for us was (and still is), so strong, that He took every taunt, and jeer, and slap, and spit, and lash, and thorn, and nail, until He died – but that's where the real story begins!

Because Jesus died, we, who are called by His name, are alive!  We have Christ IN us.  We have the secret of the power of the universe coursing through our veins!  We ARE victorious Conquerors because of the new life we have been given!  But here's the rub . . . we must CHOOSE to take advantage of everything that Christ is.  In order to be victorious we have to choose to live victoriously.  In order to conquer our demons, we must choose to put on the armor of Christ and to live as conquerors.  In order to realize the power of Christ that each of us has at the mere whisper of His name, we must choose to live by faith in Him.  We must have faith in the fact that by His choosing to go to the cross for us, we, who are called by His name, have the ability to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, move the unmovable, and speak life into those who would oppose us.

We have Christ IN us!  Let's think on that today!  Think about what that really means!  Ask God to show you how to tap into that power – that love – that life . . . in, through, and with, Christ.

Prayer
Father I thank You that You gave us Your Son in order that we might live.  I pray that as I draw closer to Him and to You, that I will be able to increase my faith and start living beyond my own understanding.  I need Your Spirit Lord, to grow beyond the limitations of my simple mind so that I can live in the fullness of the power of Your Son.  I thank You for the work that You are doing in my brothers and sisters and I pray blessing over each one of them as they also draw closer to You. I thank You in advance for the victory that is on the way for each one of them.

Have a blessed day everyone!

–Richard

Just Believe! – – John 1:12

12 But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God ...
– John 1:12

Just Believe!
We talk about faith and belief but we mix it with our own understanding of how things work so what ends up happening sometimes, is that our faith and belief end up being a by-product our own point of view.

Growing up in Catholic school, we used to say the Apostles Creed every morning (right after the Pledge of Allegiance).  For those not familiar, it starts out like this:    I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
    the Maker of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...

The problem was that I didn't even know who God really was.  I  sure didn't know who Jesus really was.  I recited the words of that prayer because the authority figures in my life told me to – not because I truly believed in them.

I see a lot of that still today.  I see well-intentioned Christians who talk of faith and belief but who, by their very words and actions, don't really buy into everything God says about who He is and who Jesus is.  I've even heard people who consider themselves to be Christians who say that the Bible is just a book of stories, and they only consider parts of it to be true.  I worked with one lady who told me that her pastor was teaching them that there were many ways to get to heaven and that Jesus was just one of the many ways.  How confused must that congregation be!

Sometimes, we don't have to look much further than our own beliefs to find incredible stories of half-hearted faith and we can end up wondering (doubting), if God can REALLY get us out of the trials we find ourselves in sometimes.  If we take an honest look back at the times when we were faced with something really big, we will most likely see that we finally turned to God AFTER trying to figure things out on our own.  But God knows how weak our faith can sometimes be, and He is ALWAYS faithful to get us through to the other side of the problem – despite our weak belief.  It might not always be the way we would have done it, but we always end up learning and growing as a result . . . that is, until the next time we're in trouble and we question God's abilities all over again.

What awesome victory we would have, if we just "got it" one day.  If we just woke up and realized that God is who He says He is; that Jesus is Lord, and He IS the risen Christ, and that through Him ALL things ARE possible for us because we BELIEVE IN HIM.  That Jesus IS our life source, and He IS our portion for every need and every desire . . . because He IS our every need and desire.  How beautiful would our lives be if we would just believe; believe that the Bible IS the very breath of God, given to us as a gift for survival in this crazy world; believe that every book, every chapter, every verse, and every word IS absolute and not open to our own understanding or interpretation.

Maybe one day we will learn to truly believe and when we do, we will see amazing power in our lives and we will see the world change . . . and our God, who loves us even in our unbelief, will be glorified!

Prayer
Father, I believe in You.  I believe every sentence of Your Word and I am so thankful that You have given me the way to find Your Heart through the pages of Your Word.  I have seen You change me as I explore it, and I am in awe of Your Holy Power that pours from every page.  Lord Jesus, I lift up those who are being deceived today.  I pray that their eyes can be opened to the lies that the enemy is feeding them, and that they can experience Your true Love through the Power of Your Word.  I thank You that You are a patient God and that You are putting fire in the hearts of Your true believers to reach out to those being led astray.  May we reach out in Love, and Joy, and Peace, without condemnation or accusation – just like You did for us.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

It's Already Yours – Ephesians 1:3

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
– Ephesians 1:3

It's Already Yours!
In the movie Trading Places, Eddy Murphy plays a down-and-out street hustler who because of a bet between two wealthy businessmen, is taken from the streets and thrust into the lap of luxury.  He is given a new, fully-furnished luxury town home (complete with butler, limousine,  and chauffer), a new job with a Wall Street investment firm, and enough wealth to sustain him for the rest of his life.  In the scene where he is taken to his new town home for the first time, "Valentine" (Eddie Murphy's character), starts taking the nick-knacks and valuable antiques from around the living room and hiding them in his overcoat – his face is all lit up like he just hit the jackpot or won the lottery.  The two businessmen just look on and chuckle in amusement, and they try to explain that he doesn't need to "steal" the valuables because they are all his to do with as he pleases.  In a classic comedic move, Valentine looks directly into the camera with a huge grin and a "Can you believe this?" look on his face.  It isn't long before we see Valentine fully integrated into his new life and living as a successful Wall Street executive.  He is even giving investment advice to seasoned stock brokers and market analysts.  He is no longer the down-and-out street hustler – he has become a new man – a new creation if you will.

I can picture God standing by with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, chuckling in amusement as we discover the blessings that have always been available to us, and are ours for the taking.  I think that too often we timidly approach God, and with feeble prayers, we ask for a small blessing when all the time there is a huge blessing in the waiting.  God is just waiting for us to get to a point in our lives when we have the faith to take it, and to be ready to handle the responsibility of receiving it.  Like a parent eagerly waiting for a child to open a marvelous gift, He delights when we discover the blessings He has already designed for us.

Scripture tells us that God has already blessed us in the heavenly realms with EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ.  It doesn't say that He WILL bless us – it says that we are ALREADY blessed.  We just have to have the faith to take and accept what is already ours.  And once taken, we have to be mature enough to live the blessing and take on the new life in that blessing.

Example?  You ask for and believe/have faith, that God will bless you with a boldness to preach the Gospel.  God sees that you are spiritually ready, high-fives Jesus, and sends the Holy Spirit to the "Heavenly Storehouse" with instructions to deliver your blessing.  Next thing you know, you receive an invitation to give your testimony in front of the congregation at church.  Afterward, someone who just happened to be visiting your church, comes up to you and says, "You know,  I am headed to India for a missions conference, and I want to pay your way to go with us and tell your story on the opening night of our conference – there will be thousands in attendance!"  You had a small street ministry in mind, but God already had a global outreach blessing ready for you . . before you were even born!

I know not everyone is called to be a speaker or a preacher, but I think you get the idea.  So how do I tap into these blessings that already mine you ask?  It's simple really – you ready for it?  Here it is:

Love the Lord with ALL your heart.
Love the Lord with ALL your soul.
Love the Lord with ALL your mind.
Love the Lord with ALL your strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.

The key is love – the love OF Christ and the love we find IN Christ.  If we can just figure out how to stop loving ourselves so much, and stop focusing on what it is that WE want, and how WE want our lives to unfold, then we can put our focus where it belongs.  The blessings which are already ours and have always been waiting for us, will be at our disposal and we can realize the abundance of life that God has designed for each one of us.

Prayer
Father, I thank You for the blessings that You have waiting for me.  I pray that I can take hold of the faith to handle the awesome magnitude of Your vision for my life.  Teach me to love with all that I am so that I can claim the  spiritual blessings in Christ that Your Word promises.  Grow me Lord, so that I can handle the blessings once I receive them.  I look forward to seeing the direction my life will take because of Your great love for me.  Help us all Lord, to catch Your vision for our lives and to have the faith to believe in them . . . like You believe in us.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard