HOW TO HANDLE GIANTS

The other morning while I was enjoying my coffee and looking over the news headlines, I couldn't help but think how similar we are today to the Israelite's thousands of years ago. The slaves at that time were miraculously delivered from bondage to Egypt, led through parted waters by Moses and wandered through the desert for forty years until  God brought them to a land that was filled with milk and honey. A remarkable journey to freedom but their story doesn't end there. 

The people arrived at their destination and Moses assigned leaders from every tribe to go spy and scope out the lay of the land. Although they encountered plentiful crops, water and grazing fields for livestock their focus was on the giants. Mighty men who were decedents of Nephilim, savage warriors known for their ferocity. Instead of confidently taking over the land God himself promised them, they pulled back and cowered in fear. Were these giants real? Yes. Was fear a rational response? Yes, but something else was the underlying issue. A greater giant seized their minds. UNBELIEF. The leaders who were sent to scope out the land and bring back a report caved to doubt, putting mistrust into the minds of the people they were supposed to lead.  Only two men, Joshua an 85 years old warrior and Caleb, brought back a good report because they believed God's promise of provision in spite of the danger that was ahead.

I can look at our headlines and clearly see GIANTS. Chaos fills the news cycle and attacks our minds like arrows shot from the enemy's bows. Some days I'm tempted to despair. But then I remember the words God spoke to Joshua. " Be strong and courageous for you will bring the Israelite's into the land I promised." Moses, Joshua and Caleb saw the same obstacles the other leaders saw but they saw these so called giants through the eyes of faith in the power of God.

The take away I get from Numbers 13  in the Old Testament is how important strong leadership is to a nation. A minority with faith always outweighs the majority who fears. We need bold, God fearing leadership or we are doomed to failure. Thankfully, we have that kind of leadership in the White House now. 

So what can we do to handle the giants we are facing in the world today? I believe "We the People" have a monumental role to play as our 250 year journey continues. We need to back up our leaders with prayer every day and have faith that 'where two or more are gathered He is with us."  Show up and vote for responsible, intelligent men and women who serve with common sense. Be bold enough to stand against evil so the culture does not change the fabric of our country but that Jesus will change the culture.

  

 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS '2026'

 What if we began our New Years Resolution from a different perspective. What if we begin the year in an attitude of surrender instead of my way or the highway. What if we surrendered our plans, dreams, desires and expectations to God's will for our lives. What might that look like?

First of all, let's examine what it means to hand over control to the Creator of the Universe. When we choose to surrender our future into God's hands we are not giving up or giving in to someone who doesn't have our best interest at heart. On the contrary, we willingly turn over our small expectations for His greater plan for our future. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and to give you a (great) future." Jeremiah 29:11

When we hold onto our wish list too tightly we are actually asking for second best. God's plan is far greater than anything we could ask for, hope for, or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)  Surrendering to God is a leap of faith. It demonstrates to our Heavenly Father how much we trust Him to keep his word and to take care of everything that causes us anxiety. Your finances are not as big as God's provision. "And God will supply all my needs...(Philippians 4:19) Your health is in the hands of the great physician. "And the prayers offered in faith will make the sick person well,,, (James 5:15)  Relationships? Love God with your whole heart and love others as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31)

The bottom line is...when we surrender our plans in exchange for God's will, we choose to partner with the King of Kings and invest in His kingdom and mission here on earth. All the success in Wall Street can't compare to what God offers now and eternally. "Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

 

IF THE MOUNTAINS BE REMOVED

It's amazing to me how quickly we have moved through the autumn season this year. I blinked my eyes and , poof...like magic, the orange, red and golden leaves had all blown off the trees leaving a stark grey reminder of the cold winter months ahead. It made me realize that like the changing seasons, our lives are in a constant state of transition. However, God's word assures us that no matter what is changing around us we are safe in His care. "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed but God's steadfast love shall never depart from us." (Isaiah 54:10)

This verse in the Bible really spoke to my heart about letting go of the past and fearlessly embracing what lies ahead. As we move from season to season in our lives we will experience good and bad times but God assures us that He is with us through it all. His love is constant and never changes.  "Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Our good news take away is God's character is steadfast. His love for fallen humanity is unchanging. Our feelings and thoughts fluctuate but His stay firm.  No matter what we face going forward in life always remember God loves us, and cares about us, like a loving father. His thoughts for us are for good. He remains patient with us, always calling us back to faith. Look to Him for all your needs. His love is the one and only constant in our lives. 

SPIRITS OF DARKNESS

Occult.?  Innocent fun?  Or Something More?

REVIVAL

The Apostle Peter wrote to us during a very dangerous time for Christians a few years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He said "The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that YOU MAY PRAY. "  Prayer is often overlooked, even by believers, but in reality it is a mighty weapon given to us to use against the attacks of the enemy. An interesting chapter in 2 Chronicles 20 in the Old Testament tells us about the importance of our battle formation when we pray.  King Jehoshaphat was preparing for war and appointed singers to pray as they walked in front of the army of warriors. Before the army engaged in warfare the prayer warriors thanked God for the victory- in faith- before anything happened and miraculously God's people won the battle. We need prayer warriors today who are not intimidated by the the jeering crowd of unbelievers who preach prayer is useless.

It is evident we are in the final days that Peter was talking about. As predicted thousands of years ago in the pages of the Bible, suffering, persecution and sometimes death has become the norm for Christians seeking a true, born-again relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A few weeks ago we witnessed the assassination of a young leader fighting a battle for our conservative values; highlighting faith, family and freedom. Young and old alike were listening to him tell the gospel story of love and forgiveness from a loving God who gave his only son to redeem us. A hater in the crowd, shot and killed him for his words. The following week, after this modern martyr's death, churches were filled with people coming back to repent and pray after years of hiding in the shadows afraid to speak up. Others rushed to the alter for the first time to ask Jesus into their hearts. Fear turned into courage and our squeaky voices became the roar of a mighty army. 

Unfortunately, the enemy of our souls has other plans. He wants to wreak havoc and cripple us with fear by using people filled with hatred to kill innocent believers while they gather to pray in churches across the country. If they can scare us away from prayer and worship their reign of terror will continue. But... if we cling to faith and pray they will be defeated. You might wonder why there is so much hatred of the gospel message? Over two thousand years ago, Jesus gave us the answer.  He said "If the world hates you, understand that they hated me first." (John 15:18) Thankfully, Jesus left us with instructions on how we need to live in these days that are increasingly evil. He told us to live intentionally.  Each one of us has a part to play as we commit ourselves to prayer and studying God's word...the Bible. Like other brave men and women who went before us we must be ready to tell our friends, family and co-workers why we have the hope that is burning inside us. While there is still time, God wants us to make the most of every opportunity so unbelievers hear the good news of salvation. Maybe you have not made a decision yet to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Maybe you have been holding back for fear of losing friends or your job. Don't let the negative mindset of fear stop you. Jesus is calling you right now to be part of his family of believers.  "If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heat God raised him from the dead you will be saved ( Romans 10:9 ) 

PRAYER   Father God, I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior, I ask forgiveness for my sins and I choose to walk with you forever. I am yours now and always.  Amen
 

PERSCRIPTION FOR HEALING

 

Last summer began like most other years. I was healthy, happy and absolutely sure I had all the pieces to my health puzzle together. My blood work was up to date. I was exercising regularly and feeling good. I had no issues to write home about...until...my left leg swelled to twice its normal size. No pain. No warning. Just swollen.  I knew immediately it was a blood clot. After rushing to the ER and having an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, I was informed that I was fortunate this clot did not travel to my heart lungs or brain and cause a major stroke or in many cases death. The doctor handed me a prescription for a tiny pill to thin my blood and keep the clot stationary. Seriously!! This little pill against a clog that could break loose and cause catastrophic damage or even death !!! Crazy thing was, I took the pills without question, expecting them to work their magic on this silent killer.  

In spite of what the doctor said I didn't think luck had anything to do with the outcome of this blood clot. As a Christian I knew it was God's hand upon my life that had kept me alive. Having a near death experience got me thinking about what the Bible says about our health and healing.

PROVERBS 4:20-21  "Attend to God's word, incline your ear to them, don't let them depart from before your eyes, and keep them in the midst of your heart. FOR THEY ARE LIFE TO THOSE WHO FIND THEM, AND HEALTH TO ALL THEIR FLESH."  In other words, read the word, particularly healing scriptures. Think about them. Meditate on them. Commit them to memory. Eventually, His word will work it's way deep into your spirit and you will not be shaken by the fear of illness. 

• First off, God's word is a healing agent. It has power and is active to produce whatever it promises. Like natural medicine, the word of God when applied to the situation is the catalyst to healing of our bodies. His word and a pharmacists pill both have the capacity to produce healing when taken according to the prescription.
  
• Second. Medicine is no respecter of persons.  It works for anyone who takes it. God is willing to heal anyone who asks and applies the "medicine" of his word to their spirit. 
• Third.  Most importantly, medicine must be taken according to the directions to be effective. We can't take our meds once a day when the prescriptions clearly says take the medicine with three meals. So it is with God's medicine. Become a daily reader of healing scriptures and watch your mind and body respond with positive energy and health.
• Fourth. It takes time for medicine to work. Most people give natural medicine time, patience, and money as they wait for physical improvement. They go back to the pharmacy for refills as prescribed, being diligent to do as the doctor instructs. God is our great physician who created us and knows us inside and out. Keep reading, and digesting God's word and believe it will work the healing God intends.

 Listed are some healing scripture to get you started.

PSALM 107:20       ISAIAH 4:12    HEBREWS 4:12   EXODUS 23:25   DEUTERONOMY 7:15

PSALM 30:2    MARK 11:24    PSALM 42:11     PSALM 91    PSALM 103:2-3  

There are many more verses  in the Bible concerning physical healing. Look them up on Google and check out John Hagee healing scriptures and Joyce Meyers healing scripture print outs.

SHARK BAIT

 Its summer and swimming in the murky ocean water is a past time most of us enjoy. I like to hit the freezing water and ride the waves just like I did as a kid. It's all fun and games until I begin to hear those few musical notes, playing over and over in my mind, from the 1970's movie JAWS. All of a sudden panic strikes and I find myself struggling to sprint out of the water as fast as possible, imagining I'm being followed by a great white. Crazy how our thoughts affect our emotions even when we know our terror is ill-founded.

Fear sells movies but when it comes to our lives, fear has the power to cripple our faith. In the Bible, God tells us to "Fear Not" 365 times; a daily reminder. Whether its fear of failure, rejection, the unknown, or of not measuring up to expectations, this emotion can render us helpless when we fall for its intimidation tactics. Fear is used by the enemy (Satan) to trick us into doubting God's good plan for our lives. "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE and  a SOUND MIND." (2Timothy 1:7)

The feeling of fear is universal, an inescapable emotion built into our DNA to keep us alert when we perceive danger. However, God has already equipped us with his strength, love, and mental clarity to face whatever situation has us terrified. No doubt, fear is a formidable foe and runs the gamete from stomach flutters to full blown panic attacks. So...how do we counter balance the inevitable dread of bad news.   

FAITH always trumps fear.  "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6)  We need to believe God cares about us and He is in control, no matter how bad our situation looks. I'm not suggesting blind optimism, wishful thinking or a naive denial of our misfortunes. I'm saying, we have to anchor our belief to God's promises, not our circumstance. Faith is our choice to rely on God's faithfulness even before we get the good report we are hoping for. 

We all face difficulties during our lifetime and fear will always be lurking under the surface of our thoughts but anxiety, dread and terror can't drag us under and drown us in despair when we believe God is in control and bigger than our worst nightmares. "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)