Ambassador for Christ

Proverbs 13:17 “But a faithful ambassador is health”.

Did you know that as a Christian, you are an ambassador for Christ? An ambassador is a person who represents someone or something else. For instance, there are US Ambassadors living in foreign countries all over the world representing the US in that country, and other US citizens also living in that country. Their role is to be an exact representation of the country they come from.

As believers we are called to represent Jesus on this earth and to act and speak exactly as He would if He were here. Proverbs 13:17 says that a faithful ambassador is health. I love that because it’s saying that as an ambassador for Christ you are bringing health wherever you go, you make things better than they were. As a faithful ambassador you represent Jesus just as if He were physically present. You release health and wholeness and restoration.

As an ambassador of Christ, He is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). It may be your physical body that’s walking on this earth, but Christ is in your born again, recreated, perfect, and righteous spirit! Christ means “anointed one and His anointing “. That’s what qualifies you as His ambassador. This earth is not your home, you’re only passing through. But while you are here, you’re His ambassador. A faithful ambassador, releasing health, wholeness and restoration. Enjoy!

A Rich House

Psalm 112:3 “Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever”

Two days ago I was looking for someone’s home, and I got a little lost. As I continued to drive I saw this huge, and I mean huge, house. Like I said, huge. It really got my attention, that’s how extraordinary it was.

In Psalm 112 it speaks about the man who is so blessed that it rubs off on his children. It says his seed or his offspring is blessed upon the earth. In verse 3, it goes on to say that “wealth and riches are in his house”. Now is that something you might be interested in? Would you like to have this promise fulfilled? I think you would. Here’s how.

In the same verse it says that “his righteousness endures forever “. That’s right standing with God. That’s the gift that you received at salvation in 2 Corinthians 5:21. You’re already righteous if you’re born again. And it “endures forever”, that means it never changes and never diminishes.

That, my friend, is one of the keys to wealth and riches in your house, knowing who you are and what belongs to you. You’re already wealthy and rich. Today, no matter what things might look like in your house financially, decree and declare what Psalm 112 says about you, I am righteous, therefore I have a rich house, me and my children, forever amen.

Seven Mile Fun Run

Luke 24:33 “And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem “

Ever heard of a “fun run”? A fun run is a friendly race that involves either road running or cross country, and for runners that simply want to have fun, rather than compete. Have you ever heard of a seven mile fun run? Let me explain.

In Luke 24:29, it says that several of Jesus’ followers had just walked seven miles, were tired, and ready to find a place to spend the night. “Someone” had joined them on the road, so they asked Him to stay and have dinner with them. During the meal, Jesus took bread, and broke it, and blessed it, and gave it to the others. Suddenly their eyes were opened as to who He was, their risen Savior.

After hearing the Word on their walk, and receiving communion, they were invigorated and strengthened. Verse 33 says they rose up that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. That’s pretty amazing. Just by celebrating communion and opening up the scriptures, they suddenly had the strength to walk another seven miles, late at night. That’s what grace does, it energizes you, it gives you passion to move forward with supernatural strength. So, receive communion, open your Bible, and get ready for a fun run!

HEART Burn

Luke 24:32 “And they said one to another, did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures”?

Eating spicy foods, such as pizza, may cause a person to feel heartburn. Although the name may imply the heart, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart itself. Heartburn is pain felt in the chest by a burning sensation in the esophagus, which is located close to where the heart is.

In Luke 34:32 it talks about a different kind of HEART burn. This type of burning is from a revelation of who Jesus really is. When the Holy Ghost opens up your spiritual eyes to a particular verse of scripture, a spiritual type of burning in your heart will take place. Unlike acid reflux, when your spiritual heart burns within you, it’s pain free.

I love this verse because it says, “…while He talked with us by the way”. The same is true today. Jesus walks with us, and talks with us about our lives, our situations, as we go about our lives. He enjoys being with us as we walk in the park, or gaze at the stars in the sky. He wants to “do life” with us. How? By opening up the scriptures to us. That’s the way He talks to us, through His Word. You’ll know He’s speaking to you because your heart will burn within you with fresh revelation of who He really is. That’s the real HEART burn.

When We Rest, He Works

Psalm 121:1-5 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord…He who watches over you will not slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you”

One night as I was getting ready for bed, I had something pressing on my mind. Then I heard the Lord say to me, “Why don’t you go to sleep, I’ll handle it”. I had been pondering something that I had to do, and how it was going to be done, and… You know how it is, you’ve been there I’m sure. What was the Lord’s advice for me? “The best thing you can do right now is go to sleep”. That’s awesome. When we rest, He works. But here’s the twist, the opposite is true too. When we work, He rests. We get to choose.

It says in Psalm 121:1-5 that He watches over us in our sleep. He’s active and working on our behalf while we sleep. He’s taking care of things and ordering things in our favor. And when we wake up, we’re refreshed. By His goodness and grace, we have the supernatural wisdom we need, and the answers to our questions, and solutions to our problems. That’s amazing. All because we chose to rest and let Him work. Imagine that, God working things out to get the job done while we rest. I am totally okay with that. How about you?

No Vacancy

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise your youth”.

I remember our first vacation with my wife and family. For some reason, we decided that we would just drive to the beach, on July 4th weekend, and find a hotel when we got there. All we saw at each hotel was “No Vacancy”. We ended up going from one town to another and finally found a room.

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul the Apostle is writing to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus. Timothy was one of the youngest ministers in a whole city of pastors. Apparently there seemed to be an issue with their respect for Timothy as a fellow pastor due to his age.

I love the way Paul addressed him. Instead of writing to all the other pastors and saying, “I want you to respect my son in the faith, Timothy!”, he said, “Hey Timothy, don’t you allow them to get into your head”. He said, “You’re in control of how you respond to their actions”. He said, “LET no man despise your youth”. This signifies that Timothy had control over what he allowed to take up space in his thought life. He refused to LET them rent space in his mind.

Are there negative words that others have spoken trying to take up space in your mind? That’s your opportunity to allow God’s grace, his unmerited favor, to empower you. Don’t LET anyone or anything rent a room in your thoughts! Think about it, no one or nothing should have that kind of power in your thought life. Simply declare, no vacancy, all rooms are occupied by grace! Amen!

Do vs. Done

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine He said, It is finished, and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

There’s a big difference between something that you need to do and something that is already done. At dinnertime the other day, I looked in our pantry and I saw a jar of spaghetti sauce, a box of pasta, and I saw the sausage in the refrigerator. And I said to myself, “should I make the pasta or order from a local restaurant”? Well, you guessed it, I ordered out…the food was already cooked…done. It’s so much easier when something is done, completed, finished.

That’s the difference the cross made. It took us from do, do, do to done, done, done. The promises of God are yes, and amen. You don’t have to DO anything, it’s already done. Your healing is already done. Your forgiveness is already done. Your victory is already DONE!

If you could just see life through DONE rather than DO, it would make a huge difference. It takes all the pressure off, it takes all the self-effort out, it gives you a confidence because you already know the outcome. Today, see whatever you’re dealing with as Done not Do. It’ll change everything. Stay blessed. You know why? It’s DONE!

Is Anybody There?

Acts 9:10 “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord”

Last week, I was on the phone with someone and suddenly there was silence, and I said, “Is anybody there?” I said it more than once, and finally the person said, “I’m here”.

This verse is a verse that most people don’t have underlined in their Bible. But there was a time when the Lord spoke to me through this verse, asking me, “How many times have I called your name and you weren’t there because you were doing something else”. What would have happened if when God called Ananias, he was in such a state that the” cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” were choking the Word? What if he was so preoccupied that he wasn’t listening to God? Maybe God would’ve raised up someone else to minister to Saul.

How many times has God spoken to you and tried to keep you from making a mistake and you “weren’t there”? How many times did He try to move on your behalf, but you were too busy to hear, or listen, or obey? If we are going to experience His best in our lives, we are going to have to start unplugging from this world and give God an opportunity to speak to us in that still, small voice.

There are some of you who are so talented that you depend only upon that talent. You believe you can get things done on your own because you’re so good at what you do. God wants you to be dependent upon Him. God is always speaking, but are you always listening? Do everything you can to make sure that He doesn’t have to say, “Is anybody there”? Be an Ananias today, don’t let him pass you by. God created you to make a difference. I believe you will. I believe you will be one of the ones to say “Behold, I am here Lord”.

Your Vital Necessity

1 Chronicles 22:19 – “Now set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God…”

One day I woke up with these two words “vital necessity“, and I asked myself what does this mean? To some people, me included, my morning cup of coffee is vital. Maybe you can’t do anything until you eat breakfast in the morning. For others, their morning walk is vital to get their day started.

In 1 Chronicles 22:19 it says, “Now set your mind and heart to seek (inquire and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God”. The word vital means essential, indispensable, crucial, critical, high priority. The word necessity means fundamental, basic, necessary. This is truly relevant to the next part of the verse which says, “arise and build…”.

If you want to build your life, make seeking Jesus your vital necessity. How? Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord as the most vital and necessary part of your life. Set your thoughts and desires on Jesus. Not just occasionally, but set your mind and keep it set on Jesus. As you do, His grace will over supply every area of your life, and every demand, and every situation. Make HIM your vital necessity and watch as things in life become effortless. With or without your morning coffee!

Home Sick

Hebrews 11:15 " If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it".

Indeed, nearly all people miss something about home when they are away, making homesickness a nearly universal experience. However, an intense desire to go "back" to a familiar place and time can be very debilitating. A longing for the "good ol' days" and what "used to be" makes it impossible to look with hope to the future.

According to Hebrews 11:15, you follow the direction of your most dominant thought. You don't go anywhere in the natural that you haven't first gone in your imagination. This can be good or bad, depending on where your mind is taking you. If you spend your time meditating on God's promises in His Word, by faith you'll move forward and fulfill God's plan and purpose for your life. If you follow thoughts that want to take you backwards, you will find "constant opportunity to return to it". You'll be home "sick", instead of enjoying and being content and trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness in the place He has for you today and every day to come.

Cross Check

Mathew 28:20 "……I am with you always, even unto the end of the world"

The enemy is thrilled when we worship under the old covenant. People all over the world are begging God to, "please come down", as if He is out there somewhere. The Holy Spirit came down in Acts 2 and has never left!

Why on earth would we sing "one thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life", when we are the house of the Lord (1Cor. 6:19-20). In fact, it's going to be quite impossible for us to dwell anywhere else.

Worship leaders everywhere are going through hoops every week trying to get people into the presence of God when Jesus already did that. They use the "Psalm 100 method", to enter His gates with thanksgiving, courts with praise, then finally into the Holy of Holies and worship. They forget that our born again spirit man is the Holy of Holies, our soul is the Holy Place, and our bodies are the outer court.

We have been way too concerned about God showing up instead of God filling up and flowing out of us. We think our songs are somehow going to move God, when God's not stuck. Faith receives what grace has already provided.

Folks, we need to "cross-check" our worship. Check if the lyrics are about trying to get to God, or bring Him down, or get closer to Him. If yes, then find new songs that celebrate our lives after the cross. From the place of victory because of the finished work of the cross. From a place of intimacy because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. From the inside out.

So Much More

I have to say, Romans, chapter 5 has some of the most amazing truths in one portion of scripture. Four times Paul uses the term much more in reference to a believer’s life after the cross…

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him - Verse 9

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many - Verse 15

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ) - Verse 17

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: - Verse 20

God has called you to so much more. You serve a much more God. Much more opportunity in life, much more forgiveness toward others, much more favor on your job, much more restoration in your family. Much more than you ever had before. Much more than you will ever need. So much more.

Beware - Hazardous to Your Health

Galatians 1:9 “As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received (from us), let him be accursed”.

This particular verse is an eye opener. It’s a warning. It’s like a label on a container or product that warns the user of significant and sometimes potentially fatal health risks. It’s so important that the Apostle Paul mentioned it two times in his letter to the Galatians. What could be so hazardous and this important? Mixing the gospel of grace with the law. Hearing a message mixed with self-effort and God’s unmerited favor. Oh, you can mix the two if you want to, but there are significant risks or consequences to your health, relationships, finances, peace of mind, emotions…shall I go on?

“If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received (from us), let him be accursed”. Accursed is a strong word. It means to be doomed, condemned, wretched. We need to be careful that we’re not receiving a “works” gospel, which is a gospel that depends on us and not on Jesus. That’s what happened here. The Galatians received the grace of Christ but then the Jews tried to get them to do mix it with some law. It doesn’t work. Take heed to Paul’s warning. “Read the label” on the messages you are hearing. Are they mixed with law and grace? If yes, they might be hazardous to your health and well-being.

A Know It OWL

Ephesians 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of your calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”

Have you ever heard of the saying “wise as an owl”? Since ancient times, owls have been depicted in literature and folklore as synonymous with wisdom. Mostly because of their huge eyes that give them the ability to hunt at night. They are very interesting birds.

I have discovered a different kind of owl…a “Know it OWL”. This is a person that seeks what I believe is the most important thing anyone could have, wisdom. Wisdom is not just knowing what to do but wisdom is knowing how to do it. In Ephesians 1:16, Paul said that he never stops praying “that the God of our Lord Jesus may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him [Jesus].”

Then in verse 18 he goes on to pray “that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened that you may know…” Praying for wisdom allows you to see things with your understanding. It allows you to know what to do in every situation. Wisdom to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Go ahead, be a “Know it OWL”! It’s awesome!

Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal

Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”

In live theater, a dress rehearsal is the final rehearsal in which everything is done as it would be in a real performance. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately… depending on your viewpoint…our lives are not a dress rehearsal for the real thing. We are living the real thing right now. Guess what? You’re not getting this day back. There are no “do-overs” in real life. It’s the live show for us. There won’t be another. That’s why God wants us to make every day count. Every conversation count. Every moment with our family. Every vacation. Every open door. I could go on and on. Moses prays to the Lord in Psalm 90:12, “teach us to number our days”. That means to make the most out of every opportunity to add value to someone’s life or your own.

Here’s a thought, if you knew that Jesus was coming back in one week (I’m not saying He is, so don’t start any rumors!), what would your week look like? Think about it, who would you meet with? What would you say to some people? Who would you share the gift of salvation with? This is not a dress rehearsal, it’s the real thing. Let’s make each moment of each day count.

What Are You Doing Here?

1 Kings 19:9 “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

I don’t really like caves. This past May, my daughter and I went to the Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs, CO. We took a tour inside tunnels that had been excavated over a hundred years ago. It was interesting and insightful, I learned so much, but…I was really looking forward to seeing the light of day outside!

In 1 Kings 19:9, God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?” How many of you know that God knew Elijah was there in the cave? So He was really saying “you’re in the wrong place, Elijah.” In 1 Kings 19:1-3, Elijah made a very important decision but for the wrong reasons. Have you ever made a decision for the wrong reason? I know I have. Why did Elijah “run for his life”? Because of a fearful imagination.

In verse 2, Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life. In verse 3 it says something interesting, “When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life”. He began to envision what it would be like to die from a sword. Our negative imagination can cause us to make a wrong decision in a moment of panic, fear, or intimidation. The Holy Spirit always leads us, but the enemy always forces or drives us. Today, let the peace of God be the umpire of your heart and mind. Don’t stay where you shouldn’t be and don’t go where you shouldn’t go. Be lead by God’s peace and prompting, even when you’re a little nervous. Bottom line, let us never find ourselves in a place where God has to ask us, “What are you doing here?”

Our Alarm System

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 ESV

I'm so glad God blessed us with built in "alarms". We have negative emotions that tell us that something is wrong with our thinking. We have symptoms when there is something wrong with our body. We even have godly spouses, friends and parents to show us things we are too stubborn to receive from God on our own!

But there's one more thing that may not be so obvious. It's a "condemnation meter". It looks like a fuel gauge on your dashboard, but it works in reverse. When the needle is on "Empty", that's good. According to Romans 8:1, God says there is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If you're born again, you have received the gift of NO condemnation.

When you give place to condemnation, the needle begins to move away from "E" and guilt and fear set in. If you give place to guilt and fear, the needle moves again and destructive habits set in. Condemnation is now at dangerous levels! The answer, resist all condemning thoughts, accusations and lies with the truth of God's Word. Warning! Resist ALL condemnation.

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Luke 2:7, 11 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes...for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”.

Most of us would have never heard of Bethlehem, a tiny village south of Jerusalem, had it not been for the little Lamb that was born there. For centuries a very special breed of lambs were raised in Bethlehem and brought to Jerusalem at Passover to be sold and sacrificed for sin. How fitting is it that Mary’s Lamb, God’s perfect Lamb, the Lord Jesus, would be born there. This perfect Lamb became the final Passover Lamb, the one sacrificed for sin forever. Think about it…your destiny my destiny, the destiny of the world was wrapped in swaddling clothes in Mary’s arms. Amazing.

In Exodus 12:4 it says “And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls...” This tells me that any problem, any illness that your facing, any impossible situation, is not too little for THIS Lamb. Jesus is so much bigger. The situations in your house are never bigger than the Lamb.

Someone once wrote…

Mary had a little Lamb. His fleece was white as snow.

That spotless Lamb was crucified to pay the debt I owe.

Oh, spotless Lamb, with wool so white, Thy crimson blood, I know,

Can take away my crimson sin, and wash me white as snow.

Praise God today for that little Lamb. The Lamb of God who has taken my sin, along with every curse, sickness, lack, and eternal death. Mary’s little Lamb.

All In

Hebrews 11:15 “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned“

The year was 1517, and Hernando Cortez and his three ships of soldiers sailed from Spain to conquer and claim Mexico for his country. When they finally arrived in the Mexican bay, small boats took all the soldiers to the shore to prepare for an inland march to the capital city of the Aztec Indian empire to defeat King Montezuma and his forces. Once all the soldiers were on shore, Cortez then motioned for a few men to row back out to the ships. As the soldiers watched, their curiosity turned to horror as the men lit torches and threw them onto the decks of the three ships. The soldiers stood speechless with eyes and mouths open as they realized they would never again see their home country or families.

They had no choice now but to turn, follow Cortez into battle, and crush the enemy and win the war. There was no turning back. They either had to go ALL IN or not at all! That’s exactly what Hebrews 11:15 is talking to us about. “All in” does not mean most of the way in, or partially in. It’s ALL in. If Abraham had been pining away at where he was and where he came from, he would have had an opportunity to go back! There’s nothing worse than being someplace physically, but someplace else mentally. Especially a place from the past.

God wants us to be all in with what He has called us to do. It starts with being “mindful” of where God is leading you, not from where you came. No looking back. No halfway in. Make a decision now and declare…I’m all in!

It's Time to Clean House

Genesis 21:10 “Wherefore she said unto Abraham, cast out this bond woman and her son: for the son of this bond woman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac”.

To this day, during Passover, Jewish people eat unleavened bread called Matzah in remembrance of the rapid escape from Egypt. In fact, Jews must clean their homes of even the smallest remnants of chametz (leavened food) for the length of the holiday. They do this by "spring cleaning" the home.

Similarly, in Genesis 21:10, Sarah said to her husband, cast out this bond woman and her son Ishmael. She didn’t want the son of his own self-effort in the same house with their promised son. As much as he loved Ishmael, he cast them both out. As soon as Hagar and her son were gone, amazing things started to happen.

In verse 22 it says, “And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do’.” That’s extreme favor. This was a great man of authority in Egypt. As soon as “the law” left the house, favor manifested. The law couldn’t live in the same house as grace.

Do you still have the law, self-effort, trying to earn God’s favor in your house? If yes, it’s time to clean house. On April 1st of this year, I heard this word from the Lord in my spirit, “April showers are bringing May flowers”. We are in a season of great and abundant harvests. There is so much waiting for us. In our house, every day is Spring cleaning day, we want every trace of the law OUT, and the grace of God in. How about you?