What you permit is what you become. When you permit yourself to indulge in any amount of alcohol you will eventually become hooked on it.
There is a popular saying. The man took the drink, the drink took the drink, and then the drink took the man. Drinking casually leads to a lifestyle of drinking.
There are certain things we do not allow in our house. Ice Cream is one of those things. If it comes in our house refrigerator, then we will most likely eat it. Eating eat causes habits to be established. So it is with wine or beer. Bringing it into our house is something we don't do. We don't go down the isle of it at the grocery store and we don't look at it when they try and set it on our table at the restaurant. You may say, "Why?" First off the Bible is clear about some things regarding strong drink. Don't even look into the red of the wine. Woe to the man who puts strong drink to another man's lips.
But you may say, "I just drink a little for my stomach's sake." Have you heard of those small round pills called TUMS or Rolaids? They will do the job.
When you bring any alcohol into your life you support an industry that promotes loss.
Proverbs 23:29-32 says some pretty pointed things regarding Alcoholism.
"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder."
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" Ephesians 5:18
There is hope however, "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from
their destructions." Psalms 107:20
Friday, January 30, 2009
Agreement
The power of Agreement is a powerful force in the life of each believer.
Isolation keeps the power of Agreement from operating correctly. When Agreement is not present neither is Jesus. "...if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 18:19
People who can't understand the pain you have been through will never understand your determination in your newest goal setting.
Amos 3:3 two walk together only when they are in agreement. The power of prayer is not just wrapped up in a cry to God. Of course He will always hear your cry, however, one of the seven types of prayer is the prayer of agreement. When we agree together, we can have full assurance that Jesus hears our prayer and that things will happen.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
Do you have a prayer partner? Do you have another person who can agree with you? Often I will make a call to someone that we trust and ask them, "would you please agree in prayer with me about such and such?"
That person who agrees with me must be in faith but when we are in faith together we move the mountain just like Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24.
I want to agree with you for your miracle.
Isolation keeps the power of Agreement from operating correctly. When Agreement is not present neither is Jesus. "...if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 18:19
People who can't understand the pain you have been through will never understand your determination in your newest goal setting.
Amos 3:3 two walk together only when they are in agreement. The power of prayer is not just wrapped up in a cry to God. Of course He will always hear your cry, however, one of the seven types of prayer is the prayer of agreement. When we agree together, we can have full assurance that Jesus hears our prayer and that things will happen.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
Do you have a prayer partner? Do you have another person who can agree with you? Often I will make a call to someone that we trust and ask them, "would you please agree in prayer with me about such and such?"
That person who agrees with me must be in faith but when we are in faith together we move the mountain just like Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24.
I want to agree with you for your miracle.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Aging
IT'S WHAT YOU DO--NOT WHEN YOU DO IT
Ted Williams, at age 42, slammed a home run in his last official time at bat.
Mickey Mantle, age 20, hit 23 home runs his first full year in the major leagues.
Golda Meir was 71 when she became Prime Minister of Israel.
William Pitt II was 24 when he became Prime minister of Great Britain.
George Bernard Shaw was 94 when one of his plays was first produced.
Mozart was just seven when his first composition was published.
Now how about this? Benjamin Franklin was a newspaper columnist at 16
and a framer of the United States Constitution when he was 81.
You're never too young or too old if you've got talent.
Let's recognize that age has little to do with ability.
United Technologies Corporation, in Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of mediocrity p104
Psalms 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; hyet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, norHis seed out begging bread."
No matter your age, you must learn to use it for your advantage. If you are young. Don't wish you were older, instead, use your young age in the advantage points that the older can't. If you are older, don't wish you were younger, there are things that you can shine in that the younger cannot. It's time to shine.
O God, thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wounderous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come." Psalms 71:17,18
I read something pretty funny the other day it goes like this:
Seven Ages of Man
6 weeks--all systems go
6 years--all systems "No!"
16 years--all systems know
26 years--all systems glow
36 years--all systems owe
56 years--all systems status quo
76 years--all systems slow
R.M. Cornelius in The Rotarian.
You really don't have to slow down at 76. "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Psalm 91:16
"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Ps 92:14,15
From the age of 0-30 the season to learn has been in play.
From the age of 30-60, the season to "DO" is in full swing.
From the age of 60 until the Lord takes you home, is the season in where you give back all that you learn and did.
Celebrate your age no matter what age you are.
Ted Williams, at age 42, slammed a home run in his last official time at bat.
Mickey Mantle, age 20, hit 23 home runs his first full year in the major leagues.
Golda Meir was 71 when she became Prime Minister of Israel.
William Pitt II was 24 when he became Prime minister of Great Britain.
George Bernard Shaw was 94 when one of his plays was first produced.
Mozart was just seven when his first composition was published.
Now how about this? Benjamin Franklin was a newspaper columnist at 16
and a framer of the United States Constitution when he was 81.
You're never too young or too old if you've got talent.
Let's recognize that age has little to do with ability.
United Technologies Corporation, in Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of mediocrity p104
Psalms 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; hyet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, norHis seed out begging bread."
No matter your age, you must learn to use it for your advantage. If you are young. Don't wish you were older, instead, use your young age in the advantage points that the older can't. If you are older, don't wish you were younger, there are things that you can shine in that the younger cannot. It's time to shine.
O God, thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wounderous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come." Psalms 71:17,18
I read something pretty funny the other day it goes like this:
Seven Ages of Man
6 weeks--all systems go
6 years--all systems "No!"
16 years--all systems know
26 years--all systems glow
36 years--all systems owe
56 years--all systems status quo
76 years--all systems slow
R.M. Cornelius in The Rotarian.
You really don't have to slow down at 76. "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Psalm 91:16
"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Ps 92:14,15
From the age of 0-30 the season to learn has been in play.
From the age of 30-60, the season to "DO" is in full swing.
From the age of 60 until the Lord takes you home, is the season in where you give back all that you learn and did.
Celebrate your age no matter what age you are.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Adversity
The thief cometh not but for to Steal, Kill and destroy; but I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10
The devil is the thief and he is to blame for Cancer, disease, poverty and all that falls under the curse of the Law. Never blame the Holy Ghost of your adversity. God never needs the devil to teach you anything. God uses His word and the Holy Spirit is the great teacher.
Now it is true:
1. Adversity often provide us with greater opportunities
2. Adversity can promote our spiritual maturity but is not the source of our
spiritual maturity (Ps 105:16ff)
3. Adversity does not prove our integrity, but what we do in the
midst of it does. (1 Pt 3:15)
4. Adversity produces a false sense of dependency. What is it, or who is it,
that the latest crisis in your life caused you to depend upon. That may
make you feel spiritual but it is the exact opposite. Until you show your
dependency is upon Jesus and not someone else, adversity or not, you
will still not have breakthrough.
5. Adversity can certainly prepare our hearts for ministry but it is not the BEST
way to prepare for ministry. What? You have never heard talk like that?
The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. I would rather submit and yield to the person of the Holy Spirit to teach me rather than adversity. Which would you choose? Those who refuse the pentecostal experience will surely go through many many advertises. Why? Without the baptism within and not just the baptism upon, you will not be able to hear clearly the voice of the Holy Spirit, therefore, the only way you can learn is through adversity.
Adversity isn't something you HAVE to go through. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will show you things to come. He will teach you all things. He will put you in comfort. Now I know this rattles some people's religion and tradition but Jesus clearly said in Mark 7 that the traditions of men make the Word of God of non effect.
The devil is the thief and he is to blame for Cancer, disease, poverty and all that falls under the curse of the Law. Never blame the Holy Ghost of your adversity. God never needs the devil to teach you anything. God uses His word and the Holy Spirit is the great teacher.
Now it is true:
1. Adversity often provide us with greater opportunities
2. Adversity can promote our spiritual maturity but is not the source of our
spiritual maturity (Ps 105:16ff)
3. Adversity does not prove our integrity, but what we do in the
midst of it does. (1 Pt 3:15)
4. Adversity produces a false sense of dependency. What is it, or who is it,
that the latest crisis in your life caused you to depend upon. That may
make you feel spiritual but it is the exact opposite. Until you show your
dependency is upon Jesus and not someone else, adversity or not, you
will still not have breakthrough.
5. Adversity can certainly prepare our hearts for ministry but it is not the BEST
way to prepare for ministry. What? You have never heard talk like that?
The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. I would rather submit and yield to the person of the Holy Spirit to teach me rather than adversity. Which would you choose? Those who refuse the pentecostal experience will surely go through many many advertises. Why? Without the baptism within and not just the baptism upon, you will not be able to hear clearly the voice of the Holy Spirit, therefore, the only way you can learn is through adversity.
Adversity isn't something you HAVE to go through. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will show you things to come. He will teach you all things. He will put you in comfort. Now I know this rattles some people's religion and tradition but Jesus clearly said in Mark 7 that the traditions of men make the Word of God of non effect.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Adultery
All men fail but the great ones have learned to get back up. Failure is not something that may happen in ones life but is something that will happen. The real question is, "can you recover it all after life's failure?"
Adultery is a hard thing to address in a blog during a day when so many have fallen into it's trap. What most people don't understand is that whatever you decide not to overcome will ultimately overcome you.
What is it? Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband. God commands in Exodus 20:14 "Thou shall not commit adultery." Furthermore the scriptures tell us what will happen in the event of adultery.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul." Proverbs 6:32
The word soul means "the seat of one's emotions." To engage in adultery, the end results is to ruin your emotional life not to mention the emotional life of others who are hurt in the process.
Marriage is hourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulters God will judge. If you have comitted adultery, the goodnews is that God will forgive the truly repentant person. Godly sorrow leads to repentance but Guilt and shame lead to destruction. Truly being sorry for your wrong actions gets you back on track with God.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
The secret is found in this verse in disowning yourself. Making sure that you do not own yourself. Finding the true master in your life will cause you to be faithful. Those who do not know who owns them think they own themselves. But the truth is that you are not your own. You were bought and the true meaning of happiness in life is to know how to daily glorify God in your body.
The lifestyle of adultery is shrouded in secrecy. Secrecy covers truth and brings down trust. Although men and women might be unfaithful, God is faithful and sets us a wonderful example for us.
Adultery is a hard thing to address in a blog during a day when so many have fallen into it's trap. What most people don't understand is that whatever you decide not to overcome will ultimately overcome you.
What is it? Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband. God commands in Exodus 20:14 "Thou shall not commit adultery." Furthermore the scriptures tell us what will happen in the event of adultery.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul." Proverbs 6:32
The word soul means "the seat of one's emotions." To engage in adultery, the end results is to ruin your emotional life not to mention the emotional life of others who are hurt in the process.
Marriage is hourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulters God will judge. If you have comitted adultery, the goodnews is that God will forgive the truly repentant person. Godly sorrow leads to repentance but Guilt and shame lead to destruction. Truly being sorry for your wrong actions gets you back on track with God.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
The secret is found in this verse in disowning yourself. Making sure that you do not own yourself. Finding the true master in your life will cause you to be faithful. Those who do not know who owns them think they own themselves. But the truth is that you are not your own. You were bought and the true meaning of happiness in life is to know how to daily glorify God in your body.
I am steadfastly for monogamy. Adultery is almost certainly going to make a dent in trust and intimacy, and in many cases, it has destroyed them altogether. A woman who is conducting a secret affair has to become deliberately deceitful...like a CIA agent or spy. She can't just come home and spill forth the events of her day. She's got to think, What can I safely talk about, and what have I got to keep to myself? So even when the infidelity isn't discovered, it changes who you are. A person goes from being a candid, open human being to a secretive, hidden one. Bernie Zilbergeld, Homemade, November, 1989
The lifestyle of adultery is shrouded in secrecy. Secrecy covers truth and brings down trust. Although men and women might be unfaithful, God is faithful and sets us a wonderful example for us.
Addictions
You will only overcome what you learn to detest.
In a recent church service I had all those who had been praying for a friend, family member or loved one who was addicted to something to stand. Nearly the entire congregation stood to their feet. What was even more shocking was this was a very distinguished congregation.
I have used several times the analogy that mold only grows in the dark. You can only quit what you are willing to admit. Addictions can only be broken when we depend upon God's help. "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:20
The greatest thing a person can do when seeking to be delivered from any addiction is to pour the word of God into their eyes, ears and their heart. Only when we are truly desperate for change will we see change.
Sometimes fasting is required and seeking God's face for an extended period of time will be a helpful solution. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 The addiction in your life right now is a yoke. It is a bondage that yokes up to your neck.
During a time of addiction it may seem like God is so far away. Remember Bet Midler's secular song, "from a distance, God is watching us?" It is a great tune but from a Bible perspective, it is scripturally incorrect. God is watching us but it is NOT from a distance. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1
Having the truth in your life does not necessarily set a person free. But rather, "knowing the truth" will set you free and keep you free. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32. Did you notice that? Knowledge of the truth gets you free.
Your body is a house. A house for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used to live in a box called the Arc of the Covenant. Now that we are under a different dispensation of time, we now see that the Holy Spirit will not live in a house made with man's hands but rather, the Holy Spirit will live in this human temple. Your Body is the temple. The temple of the Holy Spirit.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own?" I Corinthians 6:19
Today whatever addictive behavior you have in your life not only hurts you but hurts those around you. Learn to detest the addiction in your life and watch how you overcome.
In a recent church service I had all those who had been praying for a friend, family member or loved one who was addicted to something to stand. Nearly the entire congregation stood to their feet. What was even more shocking was this was a very distinguished congregation.
I have used several times the analogy that mold only grows in the dark. You can only quit what you are willing to admit. Addictions can only be broken when we depend upon God's help. "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:20
The greatest thing a person can do when seeking to be delivered from any addiction is to pour the word of God into their eyes, ears and their heart. Only when we are truly desperate for change will we see change.
Sometimes fasting is required and seeking God's face for an extended period of time will be a helpful solution. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 The addiction in your life right now is a yoke. It is a bondage that yokes up to your neck.
During a time of addiction it may seem like God is so far away. Remember Bet Midler's secular song, "from a distance, God is watching us?" It is a great tune but from a Bible perspective, it is scripturally incorrect. God is watching us but it is NOT from a distance. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1
Having the truth in your life does not necessarily set a person free. But rather, "knowing the truth" will set you free and keep you free. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32. Did you notice that? Knowledge of the truth gets you free.
Your body is a house. A house for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used to live in a box called the Arc of the Covenant. Now that we are under a different dispensation of time, we now see that the Holy Spirit will not live in a house made with man's hands but rather, the Holy Spirit will live in this human temple. Your Body is the temple. The temple of the Holy Spirit.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own?" I Corinthians 6:19
Today whatever addictive behavior you have in your life not only hurts you but hurts those around you. Learn to detest the addiction in your life and watch how you overcome.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Accountability
My friend, Chuck Colson, once wrote from his book, the body: "John Wesley was so concerned with building a righteous fellowship that he devised a series of questions for his followers to ask each other every week. Some found this rigorous system of inquiry too demanding and left. Today, the very idea of such a procedure would horrify many churchgoers. Yet some wisely follow just such a practice. Chuck Swindoll for example, has seven questions that he and a group of fellow pastors challenge each other with periodically:
1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?
Some people feel that they have to be held accountable to everyone. This is just not the case. You should only feel obligated to be accountable to those who you sincerely trust. Those that really love you. Those who you feel and believe will love you no matter how far or hard you fall from grace.
Being accountable means you share your weaknesses with someone. Don't advertise your sins but rather share your weakness with someone. Not everyone, just someone. Why Someone? You need someone to ask you some hard questions. Questions like the ones that Church Colson presents above.
It is true that "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." However, wouldn't be better if someone you know in the now hold your feet to the fire and keep you honest before you have to meet God regarding the sins that so easily beset you.
There are three areas in which ministers have been tried and tested from the devil. Over the years we have learned much and know how to set boundaries and to place our self under accountability.
For instance, the three areas in which we set accountability are:
1. Purity where the Word of God is concerned
2. Purity where money issues are concerned
3. Purity where sexual relationships are concerned.
For accountability for being pure with the Word, I have several ministers who are well seasoned in the Word who will make sure that I stay focused on Jesus and not get of course in teaching the word.
For accountability regarding money issues we have an outside firm that watches our spending habits and keep us in check if we spend to much on certain issues.
For Purity where sexual relationships are concerned, this is where my wife comes in. My wife does not have to travel with me 35 weeks out the year but I stay accountable to her and she stays accountable me. In other words, most preachers would have kept themselves from sexual sins or the divorce court if they had just kept in each others presence al the time. All the time you say? Well, that's what you got married for isn't it?
Keep in mind that if you are anointed, the devil has just as well put a target on your forehead make sure you fail.
Yes, it is true all men fail, the great ones get back up. However, the best way to keep from failing again is to keep accountable to someone. When keeping accountable tell them, "I am struggling with a certain issue and I need you to ask me and keep me in check." Something like this is so important to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord Jesus in a wicked and evil day.
1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?
Some people feel that they have to be held accountable to everyone. This is just not the case. You should only feel obligated to be accountable to those who you sincerely trust. Those that really love you. Those who you feel and believe will love you no matter how far or hard you fall from grace.
Being accountable means you share your weaknesses with someone. Don't advertise your sins but rather share your weakness with someone. Not everyone, just someone. Why Someone? You need someone to ask you some hard questions. Questions like the ones that Church Colson presents above.
It is true that "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." However, wouldn't be better if someone you know in the now hold your feet to the fire and keep you honest before you have to meet God regarding the sins that so easily beset you.
There are three areas in which ministers have been tried and tested from the devil. Over the years we have learned much and know how to set boundaries and to place our self under accountability.
For instance, the three areas in which we set accountability are:
1. Purity where the Word of God is concerned
2. Purity where money issues are concerned
3. Purity where sexual relationships are concerned.
For accountability for being pure with the Word, I have several ministers who are well seasoned in the Word who will make sure that I stay focused on Jesus and not get of course in teaching the word.
For accountability regarding money issues we have an outside firm that watches our spending habits and keep us in check if we spend to much on certain issues.
For Purity where sexual relationships are concerned, this is where my wife comes in. My wife does not have to travel with me 35 weeks out the year but I stay accountable to her and she stays accountable me. In other words, most preachers would have kept themselves from sexual sins or the divorce court if they had just kept in each others presence al the time. All the time you say? Well, that's what you got married for isn't it?
Keep in mind that if you are anointed, the devil has just as well put a target on your forehead make sure you fail.
Yes, it is true all men fail, the great ones get back up. However, the best way to keep from failing again is to keep accountable to someone. When keeping accountable tell them, "I am struggling with a certain issue and I need you to ask me and keep me in check." Something like this is so important to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord Jesus in a wicked and evil day.
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