The Cleansing Fire

Here in Dallas we reached 40 consecutive days of plus 100 degree heat. We fell two days shy of the record set in 1980 of 42 days. If you drive down any of the highways or look at lawns the grass is burnt and dieing. With the extreme temperatures also comes extreme draught conditions. Therefore the likely hood of seeing fires is very high. I noticed the other day there were small patches of black grass on the highway. Obviously there was a fire and it burned a small patch of the grass. Thankfully it did not spread. You may be asking why am I talking about this? Each day I drive by this same section of highway, I see the same dead burnt grass. When I get to the section that was burned by fire amazingly enough there is green grass growing back quickly. Each day it shows that it can survive and thrive because of the positive effects of the fire.

I begin to reflect on what may have occurred that day the fire broke out. I imagine it burned for a short time, fireman came and used water to contain the fire and extinguish it. Shortly after we begin to see new life begin to grow. Is this not the same thing that happens to us when we allow our heavenly father to burn off all of our old ways of living. If we are willing to let him, he begins to burn off all of the chaff, he thoroughly cleanses us from all of our sin and shame. During the fire it may not be exactly what we expect or want. I imagine it is not comfortable by any means. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." However, as soon as the father puts out the flames he floods us with his Holy Spirit to fill us with his presence. Ephesians 5:25-27 says Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

As I studied the effects of forest fires and there positive effects it is truly amazing that some tree buds do not even open until they are exposed to extreme temperatures that can only happen during a forest fire. We see the visible effects immediately after the fire is extinguished. God is always working this out to bring about new life. Remember that intense heat truly brings to life who you are in Christ. I leave you with this thought, next time you feel like your in the fire, rejoice, knowing that this is temporary. You will be able to stop and look back at how our awesome father in heaven was willing to make you more like him.

God's Voice

Ever since the beginning of time, the serpent has been creating doubt in believers minds about the voice of God. If we start in the beginning with Eve in the book of Genesis 3:1 it says, Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, You must not eat from any tree in the garden?" If we stop to reflect on our own lives it's easy to question whether we are hearing from the father or not. The devil would like nothing more than to bring confusion to us in regards to God's will for our lives. The Lord is constantly speaking, directing and guiding our lives. We must choose whom we are going to follow. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. It's imperative as believers that we focus on the truth. God's word will always direct our paths. If we know that the devil will come after our thoughts to try and bring confusion we need to use the sword in our defence. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. That scripture says two things, we must protect our thoughts and we must learn to attack versus being on the defense. See Christ gives us the most powerful tool on earth, his written word! When we speak out the written word of God, mountains tremble and the earth shakes. When our father created the heavens and the earth he SPOKE the world into existence. Therefore, we have been given tremendous power to use the sword, the word of God. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, his response to each of his commands were, IT IS WRITTEN!!! If Jesus spoke the word to the devil, why do we not stand on the word of God with faith? Hebrews 4:12 says For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. God's word is alive, it is powerful and everlasting! When we question in our heart if we are hearing God's voice, open his word. John 1:1 says In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When we speak the word into our situation, we actually speak God into the situation. We literally speak life when we speak the word of God!
So the next time you question are you hearing God's voice, stop and open his word!

Matthew 4

Matthew 4 gives us the ultimate story of Jesus being the conqueror over all temptation. Jesus our Lord shows the exact way to fight against temptation. After being in the wilderness 40 days he was hungry. At this time of vulnerability Satan came to tempt the Lord in the wilderness.

Much like us after we have been called there is usually going to be a season of manifold temptations. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Jesus gives us the greatest example about how to overcome these temptations. He combated the devil with the Word, It is written! This is a great example as to why it’s so important to have the Word ready and hidden in our hearts for that day of trial.
We are never given more than we can handle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The difference here is fighting with the Word or trying to fight the devil in our flesh. When we fight with our own power we are not using all that Christ has given us. Too many Christians live lives defeated because they are always on the defense and not on the offense.
Often times when we are tempted about something, we have two choices, fight or give in. First you have to know that you are being tempted. We may live in sin for so long that it is no longer a temptation as much as it is second nature. It becomes part of our sin nature. Nevertheless, if you are a follower of Jesus you will not be without temptation. Once you recognize this, the devil will often try and enter through the way of your thoughts. Paul gave a great description of the spiritual battle that goes on constantly. Paul also gave us a strategy to fight. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Jesus does not allow us to be tempted so that we can fail and live a defeated life. He allows this so that we may be purified and tried by the fire.
How can we play on the offense in the Christian life and battle over our souls? Read with me Ephesians 6:10-17. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Does that not encourage you to live your life with confidence in Christ Jesus that he is able to deliver you from all manors of temptation? Not only does Christ want to deliver you, he wants you to be an over comer in the faith. Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

To Know

to become acquainted with, to know; get a knowledge of perceive, feel
What does it really mean to KNOW someone? If we stop to reflect for a second on our social networking pages and life in general, we may have a lot of people we call friends. Maybe a better word would be acquaintance. See the definition of acquaintance is someone recognized by sight or someone known, though not intimately. All along the pathway of life we encounter people, some who stick with us for the rest of our lives, others who stop for a season along the way. Its not necessarily that we want to part ways it just happens. For one reason or another we both stop putting in the effort to really stay connected and know one another. So then they fall into the category of acquaintance. See if we are honest to have friends requires effort. It requires both parties to be committed to staying in touch and building that friendship intimacy. If one person is unwilling then the relationship can never truly blossom into a great friendship. We all have people that it's just easy to be friends with them. They have inviting personalities, outgoing fun enthusiastic, full of life. So we are drawn to being near them. We want to have an intimate friendship with them. This is much like our spouses. To have a fulfilled lasting relationship, we have to be intimate with one another. Have meaningful conversation and talk about life. Each one needs to be transparent, not afraid to open up and peel back the layers of their heart. That is true intimacy, when you feel that you can let your guard down and be fully known. You know they are not going to pass judgement, they are just going to love you the way you are.
Christ said in John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they KNOW you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. So often Christ is the one who fully knows us, he sees all of our failures all the layers we try and hide from one another. The sad thing is we don't take the time to fully KNOW him. So Jesus becomes an acquaintance to us, someone we see or are familiar with but don't fully know him. You may at this time be asking the question how do I KNOW the father as he knows me? That's a great question, one that I have asked myself. In John 1:1-4 it says clearly In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Verse 10 says He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Verse 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. So you see here, Christ is the Word. If you want to truly KNOW the Father, you have to get into his word. Through this he will reveal himself to you so that you can fully KNOW him as he fully KNOWS you. Much like any good relationship, intimacy does not happen over night. It will take time to get to know him. Time is more valuable than money, the things we own or possess, it's the one thing we can never get back. So I encourage you to take time every day or when ever you can to take the Father out of the acquaintance status and make him a friend.

Experience Chasers

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:30

We live in a day where we whole-heartedly chase after the next great experience. We can even relate this to seeking after the next God experience depending on what side of the fence you stand on. For example, we run so quickly to the next football or baseball game to cheer on our favorite sports teams. We run to the next movie theater to discover the next hidden mystery in a movie. We seek out new places to eat. It could be we run to the next bar to have that next needed drink. All of these are examples of ways we chase after the next experience.

We may travel to the ends of the earth trying to explore the lost Mayan ruins. To Alaska to see the hidden mysteries of that great place or the Grand Canyon to explore it’s great depths. On the other side we may run to the next Christian meeting to fill our self with the Lord’s presence. The next concert or new church that gives us exactly what we want. We do all these things to fill our own selfish desires and ambitions. When will we stop chasing after the next great experience and start searching whole-heartedly after the one who provides these great experiences?

I am not ensuing that we stop living our lives and enjoying all of God’s great creation. What I am saying is that the depths of all that has been created can be an even greater joy once your hearts desires line up with the will of the Lord.

Why did Jesus tell his followers to first seek the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness? Well for one because they were concerned about what they would eat, and what clothes they would have. But more importantly Jesus said unto these same people in John 6:35 I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.

Matthew 26:26-29 says As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” What a wonderful reminder that Jesus is all that we really need. When we fix our eyes on the father he changes our direction. He gives us purpose. We no longer run to the things that were fulfilling to our flesh before. We run into his arms and rest at his feet.

I say all of this because I was once a worldly experience chaser. I would run to the next bar with my friends or travel through out the country running from my problems. I chased after women trying to find my place, trying to find comfort in the arms of someone other than my Lord. After I got saved I chased after the next church event. Whether it was a concert or a prayer meeting I was chasing after the presence of God. I thought that this was exactly what the father wanted me to do. Chase after him and his presence. I realized that I was not as much chasing after the father, as I was an experience of the father.

The Lord corrected me and said stop chasing after an experience. Just sit still and rest in my presence. You don’t have to run to the ends of the world to find me. He said to me, “Here am I, my beloved rest in me” Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-7 says “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk it’s all free. Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “ Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. Verse 6; Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Wow, what a wonderful scripture of what God has to offer us who will seek after him.

There is a wonderful story of Mary and Martha that talks about finding this very truth that was spoken about thousands of years earlier. This takes place in the book of Luke 10:38-41. As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This life and all that it is can so easily take us from the presence of our Lord if we allow it to. As the story says, Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. Allow yourself time to sit at the feet of Jesus. He will be the greatest experience you ever have. He is the Everlasting God. The experience he provides will not only change you, but it will also change the world around you. Will you rest from chasing after experiences that only lead to death and start resting in the presence of the Lord? The Lord will strip away all the evil desires that distract you from his rest.

I will end with this: May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Running your race

I wanted to share a recent experience that I think helps put into perspective the way we so often live our lives. The other day I went on a bike ride and while I was riding my bike the Lord was speaking to me about the way I journey through life. So often I find myself questioning why I am where I am in my life, and also my journey with Christ. I quickly get distracted from what I am trying to accomplish because I take my focus off of Christ and fix my eyes on other people and there journey. When I focus on other people and what they are doing or accomplishing I lose reality that their calling and purpose is different than mine. Although we may be going in the same direction, there speed will never be the same as mine throughout the whole race. While I was on my bike I often looked up to give a friendly nod to those that were also riding there bikes. Sometimes I would get a quick glance, sometimes a smile but most often I found those that were dedicated to bike riding were completely fixated on finishing their race or ride. Those people were not distracted by what others were doing or the pace they were riding at. There primary goal was to keep focused on the race that was set before them and the pace they were maintaining. The finish was there primary focus. When we get distracted in our own personal lives, it's so often because we are comparing ourselves to other people and we take our eyes off of the final destination. Christ is the prize that we all strive for, he is the finish line of the race called life. In Hebrews chapter 12:1 it says Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. What does it mean to run with endurance, well the dictionary says endurance is the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. Throughout this life there will be setbacks that keep us from moving forward at the speed we want. The race of life isn't so much as to how fast we run but that we finish the race. If we look again at Hebrews 12:1 it says Jesus is the champion of the race. He has already shown us as an example that if we keep focused on the prize that completing the race is indeed possible. The end of the race for him was entering back into Glory in the presence of his father.If you think of a marathon runner, they endure cramps fatigue and other mental blocks throughout the race. Most of them will tell you no matter what don't stop. It's always harder to start again once you have stopped for rest. Your body shuts down and it's virtually impossible to get your mind behind starting again. So if you take nothing else from this, run your race. Help others when you can by encouraging them and motivating them but no matter what, fix your eyes upon Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one and only one who will help you run your race and finish the course set before you. The apostle Paul wrote often throughout the new testament about how symbolic life was to a race. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace ( Acts 20:24.) In the book of 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul also wrote, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. Paul said If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. Jesus didn't give Pauls specific task to anyone else, therefore no one else could have ran Paul's race for him. Just like only you can run your God specific race! My questions to you are, how are you running your race that has been set before you? Are you allowing other people to dictate the speed you run at or are your eyes fixed on Jesus? What sin may be distracting you from running your race with endurance? Lastly, who can you surround yourself with to help you with encouragement so you finish the race of life and stay the course set before you?

Draw near

There is an earnest cry going out amongst the nations crying out for the Lord. The people are crying out for truth and righteousness. God's people are seeking for him and his face and beginning to align themselves with the truth. They feel the drawing of the Spirit deep within them to move closer to him and closer in communion. The Lord is saying so clearly this hour Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6. To seek the Lord means to lay aside everything that so easily distracts us, turning off our cell phones, the tv even the radio to hear him speak. To quiet ourselves in his presence and feel him moving around. Let go of the burdens and the sin that holds you back from truly knowing the father. The father also said "It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Our father promised to not only listen to our drawing near to him but he promised to answer. How wonderful it is to think that we have a heavenly father that is waiting just for us to open our mouth and speak to him. He knows the very thoughts we are thinking he just wants us to trust him. To rely solely on him and no one else. There is a freedom that waits for those who will draw near to the Lord. Not just in word but in deed as well. In taking those steps into the Lord's presence there is nothing else that will ever satisfy. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him Psalm 34:8. No one compares to your love oh Lord, you alone are good. Your mercy endures for ever and your grace oh God is sufficient enough for me.

Reach Out And Touch The Lord

I.
If your heart is sad and lonely, there's no joy anywhere.
If there's no one left to comfort, and there's no one left to care.
Just cast your cares on Jesus and upon His arms rely,
And reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by.

II.
Though a stranger to the Master and His wonderful grace.
If you've never had the pleasure in beholding His face.
Would you lay aside earth's treasures for a home in the sky,
Then, reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by.

Chorus:
Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.
You will find He's not too busy to hear your heart's cry.
He's passing by this moment, your needs He'll supply,
Just reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by.

III.
All along a dusty roadside, on His way to raise the dead.
Mighty was the crowd that followed, hungry for that Living Bread.
"I must touch Him", cried a woman, "I must touch Him or I'll die."
So, she reached and touched His garment as he passed by.

Chorus:
Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.
You will find He's not too busy to hear your heart's cry.
He's passing by this moment, your needs He'll supply,
So, reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.

Tag: Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.

Words and Music by
Bill Harmon