Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Time Test



 

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
 
 
Cross references:
 
You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:
“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”
I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.
Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?
Jesus!
He is probably the only one.
It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.
We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.
Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.
Abraham and Sarah did.
They took matters into their own hands.
When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.
But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.
Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.
God is true to His word.
Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.
I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’
He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.
He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.
The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.
Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?
Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.
God is never early.
God is never late.
God is always right on time!

Cross reference
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
 
 
Cross references:
 
You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:
“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”
I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.
Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?
Jesus!
He is probably the only one.
It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.
We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.
Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.
Abraham and Sarah did.
They took matters into their own hands.
When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.
But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.
Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.
God is true to His word.
Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.
I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’
He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.
He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.
The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.
Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?
Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.
God is never early.
God is never late.
God is always right on time!

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
 
 
Cross references:
 
You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:
“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”
I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.
Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?
Jesus!
He is probably the only one.
It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.
We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.
Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.
Abraham and Sarah did.
They took matters into their own hands.
When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.
But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.
Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.
God is true to His word.
Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.
I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’
He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.
He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.
The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.
Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?
Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.
God is never early.
God is never late.
God is always right on time!

Psalm 27:14

 

 

Cross references:


 

You’ve probably seen the plaque or read the bumper sticker:

“Lord I need patience; and I need it NOW!”

I can actually hear the resounding “Been there, done that” response over the internet.

Who hasn’t occasionally failed Gods’ time test?

Jesus!

He is probably the only one.

It seems to be a universal problem we all are tested on and we all fail from time to time.

We grow impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promises.

Even when we have great confidence and faith to believe the word He speaks to us, we still often struggle with the timing of its’ fulfillment.

Abraham and Sarah did.

They took matters into their own hands.

When it seemed like the promised child was not conceived in the time frame they determined it should be, Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar became their solution.

But their solution created a problem the world is still dealing with today.

Isaac was born on Gods’ timetable.

God is true to His word.

Even when it seems like our circumstances demand an immediate answer.

I love how often Jesus was delivered out of the hands of men intent on His destruction because ‘His hour had not yet come…’

He was in intimate fellowship with His Father at all times.

He knew, not only His purpose in coming to earth, but He also knew that purpose would be completed on the Fathers timetable and not His own.

The words “It is finished” were true not only for the mission that was completed but for the timing of that mission as well.

Has God spoken to you concerning some things that seem to be delayed?

Hold fast to His word and persevere in faith trusting Him with, not only the fulfillment of what was said but, the timing of its’ fulfillment as well.

God is never early.

God is never late.

God is always right on time!
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

The Wilderness Test


“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”

Matthew 4:1
 
 
Have you experienced the wilderness test?
It is a test that God brings into your life to teach you that your resources cannot sustain you.
If you are to be used by God in great things, you must settle the fact that He is your source and you are not.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
The temptations the devil brought to Jesus were meant to test who Jesus chose as his source.
Who would He choose when the devil offered Him bread?
He had fasted for forty days and was hungry.
Would he partner with the devil and satisfy His physical hunger?
He partnered with His heavenly Father declaring:
“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Who would He choose when the devil tempted Him to throw himself off the highest point of the temple?
He would not foolishly cast himself down but declared:
“…do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Finally, he was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship the devil.
Again, He partnered with God and declared:
“Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”
Three times Jesus faced the wilderness test.
Whose resources would He choose to sustain Him?
Three times He chose to partner with His heavenly Father.
If you have not yet faced the wilderness test; you will.
When you do – choose to partner with God.
You must learn that God’s resources are needed to do God’s work.
Your resources can’t sustain heaven’s agenda on earth!

Have you experienced the wilderness test?
It is a test that God brings into your life to teach you that your resources cannot sustain you.
If you are to be used by God in great things, you must settle the fact that He is your source and you are not.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
The temptations the devil brought to Jesus were meant to test who Jesus chose as his source.
Who would He choose when the devil offered Him bread?
He had fasted for forty days and was hungry.
Would he partner with the devil and satisfy His physical hunger?
He partnered with His heavenly Father declaring:
“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Who would He choose when the devil tempted Him to throw himself off the highest point of the temple?
He would not foolishly cast himself down but declared:
“…do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Finally, he was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship the devil.
Again, He partnered with God and declared:
“Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”
Three times Jesus faced the wilderness test.
Whose resources would He choose to sustain Him?
Three times He chose to partner with His heavenly Father.
If you have not yet faced the wilderness test; you will.
When you do – choose to partner with God.
You must learn that God’s resources are needed to do God’s work.
Your resources can’t sustain heaven’s agenda on earth!


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Monday, December 31, 2012

Who Will You Partner With?


“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Genesis 1:28

“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’?”

Genesis 3:1

Cross references:


Suppose you had never read any scriptures before and knew nothing of

God or the devil until you read the two verses above.

Now further suppose that you were told you could partner with God or the devil to accomplish things in the earth.

Who would you choose to partner with?

Well, your distant (in the past) relative made just such a choice.

Adam and Eve were blessed by God and given dominion over the earth.

God desired to partner with them but when they were faced with a test Adam and Eve made their choice and the rest – as they say – is history!

Imagine surrendering what was theirs in the Garden.

Imagine surrendering fellowship with God – face to face in Eden.

Imagine surrendering the plans God had for them.

God is prepared to do great things in your life.

He desires to partner with you to accomplish His purposes in the earth.

But just as Adam and Eve did, you too will face a test.

The plans of God always bring the testings of God before the manifestation.

You will always have to make a choice.

Just as Adam and Eve had that choice to make in the Garden; just as Abraham did on the mountain; just as Jesus did – yes even Jesus – in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Shortcuts may work on a computer or they may work on a road trip but they will not work with Gods’ established purposes in the earth.

He desires to partner with you but His power is released in those who have been tested and have passed the test.

Do you want to partner with God?

Be prepared for the testings that will come!  :6 : Ps 1:4; Jer 4:12
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Friday, December 28, 2012

May God Alone Be Lifted Up

“My soul glorifies the Lord
     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”
Luke 1:47




Consider some people God has greatly used.
I think of Corrie Ten Boom, Mother Teresa or perhaps even Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani just rearrested and imprisoned in Iran on Christmas day.
Each of them was, or is, being used greatly by God.
I doubt any of them would have thought of themselves being used in the way they were when they were still teen-agers.
Yet, if you want God to use your life for something great then expect that you will find yourself in circumstances and situations you cannot handle.
However, you will never find yourself in circumstances and situations that God cannot handle.
Knowing this, you can be confident in Him!
God is glorified when what is accomplished through us is not possible without Him.
Anything else is just kudos for us and if there is one thing we do not need it is one more swelled head in ministry.
Here is a resolution challenge for you as we move close to the New Year.
In 2013 look for ways to secretly and anonymously bless others and honor God.
Don’t whine, don’t complain and don’t look to have the “…seat of honor…”
Instead, go out of your way to give God credit for anything that brings honor and accolades.
We looked this week at the life of Mary the mother of Jesus.
She endured much in her life and yet we do not hear a word recorded of her where she seeks to exalt herself or bemoan her circumstances.
Imagine the impact on the world of a life, a family or a church who only sought honor for God and not for themselves!
In 2013 will you let God use you in such a way?

Father:
Make us willing to be used for your honor and glory each day of our life.
May we be changed in such a way that our desire is to see you lifted up. 
We pray this in the matchless name of your Son Jesus Christ
Amen

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

“R” and “R”

“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
Luke 1:36-37




Life will have difficulties.
We have built the case for this fact over the last couple of days.
So how do you deal with the overwhelming situations inevitably faced by all of us?
Let me offer a couple of helps today and tomorrow.
When you are overwhelmed, reach out to others and rely on God.
Mary received the news of the birth of Jesus from an angel but she was also ‘given’ her cousin Elizabeth as someone she could reach out to.
She was not all alone.
Sometimes, when we find ourselves in difficult and overwhelming situations we can go into ‘hiding’.
 This is not healthy.
We can draw strength and encouragement from others and we can also learn that others want to help and bless you as you reach out to them.
Stop trying to make it on your own.
God never meant for you to do that.
It is no accident that we are called a ‘body’ of believers and the ‘family’ of God.
But understand that as wonderful as others will and can be, your reliance must be on God and not on man.
He can and will bring others into your life when you need them but of God alone can we say: “Nothing is impossible.”
Isn’t that talking out of both sides of my mouth?
Not at all.
Mary could, and did, rejoice with her cousin Elizabeth but her through it all she needed to rely on God.
So, some twofold counsel if you are struggling with what seems to be an impossible situation.
Reach out to others and Rely on God     
“R” and “R”
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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Before the Birth is Something Called ‘Labor’!

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,”
Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:30-31; 33-38



What do Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Jesus all have in common?
Some might say that all of them are make believe, there to grant you all of your wishes.
Of course, if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ you ought to know better.
I am not just talking about the fact that Jesus is not ‘make believe’ – certainly we believe in Him and understand He is real – but what about the second part?
Is Jesus in your life just to smooth out all the rough spots?
Is it His job to simply make all your dreams come true?
When you make Him Lord, do all your problems vanish just by uttering a prayer heavenward?
In some ways, not only will Jesus not solve all your problems, He will even bring you a few!
Mary was pregnant – and not by Joseph her betrothed either!
You see Jesus had not even come in the flesh yet and He was already a ‘problem’ for Mary!
 Sure, she was carrying the Son of God but try to tell that to her friends and relatives.
She saw the fingers pointing at her and knew the whispers were about her ‘condition’!
She responded to the angel’s news by saying: “May it be to me as you have said.”
But the very next words were: “Then the angel left her.”
The angelic visitation was over but Mary’s troubles were just beginning!
The angel left without posting his message on the internet.
Sure, Joseph had a dream but what of the rest of Mary’s family and friends.
Maybe God has spoken to you of what He wants to do in you and through you.
But then, like Mary the visit is over and you feel like you are left to deal with the aftermath all by yourself.
I wonder how many times during those nine months she wondered where her ‘super-hero’ was?
I wonder how many times she questioned why she ever said yes and whether or not it was all a bad dream.
After all, God is there to make everything easy and to grant all my wishes; right?
Maybe not.
Yes, His plans for you and I are good.
The ‘working out’ of them is not always pleasant!
Before the birth, there is something called ‘labor’!
Are you prepared to say “May it be to me as you have said”?
It may not always be easy but it will be worth it.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas and Thank You!

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14 


I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all who regularly read this blog.
Our highest page views come from the United States where the blog is published.
The next highest number of page views (in order) are from Russia,
Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brazil.
Currently there are page views from a total of 54 different countries around the globe.
Our prayer continues to be that this blog strengthens you in your walk with God as we share what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us here at "His Place" in western New York State. 


Merry Christmas!
(United States)

 Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
(Russia)

Fröhliche Weihnachten
(Germany)

Selamat Hari Krismas 
(Malaysia)

Maligayang Pasko!
(Philippines)

Feliz Natal
 (Brazil)




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