Now You See Me

1 Thessalonians 5:4 “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that this day should overtake you as a thief“.

In Mathew 24:7 it says that there will be “pestilences” or pandemics before Jesus comes back. That’s what we are seeing today with the Corona Virus. In 1 Thessalonians 5:4 it’s talking about the rapture of the church before Jesus comes back in His second coming. Notice it says brethren. These are believers in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. It also tells us that for believers that day won’t be like a thief in the night, we won’t be in darkness. We live as children of the light.

The Bible says in the rapture we will disappear in an atomic second. Then the return of our Lord Jesus Christ can take place at any time. But to the world, the rapture is more like now you see me, now you don’t, gone without clear explanation. The devil has already set in motion an abundance of science fiction movies and themes that will try and explain away our disappearance. But there is only one explanation.

We are in the last days. The rapture of the church is drawing near. The second coming of our Lord is closer than before. We are not in darkness; we will receive a new glorified body and enjoy eternity with our Lord and Savior. Let’s purpose in our hearts to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet, with our words and our actions!

Position Before Provision

John 6:10-11 “And Jesus said, Make the men sit down, now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about 5,000”

I want to focus on a key phrase in this scripture, “Make the men sit down”. Before Jesus’ multiplied the loaves and the fish, why did Jesus tell them to sit down? Because He was positioning them to provide for them. Rest always precedes provision.

Where did Jesus tell them to sit down? Where there was “much grass”. The place of rest is the place of abundance. The Bible says that Mary sat down to hear Jesus. In Psalm 91:1 it says that “he that dwells (sits down) in the secret place of the Most High…”

If you’re worried about your future, stressed out, trying to figure things out, or fearful, Jesus is saying to you today, “sit down”. Rest in the finished work on the cross. Rest in the promises of God’s Word. Feed on God’s Word as a sheep feeds on grass, much grass. When you “sit down’ and rest in God’s Word, the provision comes. And not just a little…like the fishes and the loaves, He will multiply what’s in your hand, and there will be a surplus left over!

Faith Over Feelings

1 Kings 19:10 “I, even I only, am left;”

I want to ask you a couple of questions. Have you ever let your feelings take over? Have you ever said or done things totally based on your feelings and not on the facts? Have you ever let what someone else said take over your feelings? The reason I ask is because there’s a whole lot of exaggerations being circulated right now. Exaggerations and unfounded predictions that are being declared as facts.

In 1Kings 19:10 Elijah says something based totally and exclusively on how he felt. He said “I, even I only, am left”. The problem is, that wasn’t even close to being true, but he knew that already. The truth is, in 1 Kings 18:13 Obadiah told him there were at least 100 other prophets who he hid in a cave. In 1Kings 19:18 God told him “I have 7,000 in Israel who haven’t bowed their knee to Baal”.

Faith has a different voice than fear. Faith says what God’s Word says about any given situation. It really doesn’t matter how you feel about what goes on around you or tries to happen to you. Faith “calls things that be not as though they were”. Faith says “It is well”. Faith has a completely different sound than feeling. Elijah declared how he felt, then acted on it as if it were reality. In these times that we live in, don’t let how you feel dictate what you say and do. Let the truth of God’s Word dictate what you say and do. That’s faith over feelings.

You Can't Out-Sin God's Grace

Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased and abounded, Grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and super-abounded” AMPC.

Imagine taking a bottle of regular drinking water and pouring it into the saltwater ocean. Guess what happens? The salt water overwhelms and engulfs and completely consumes the regular water. It’s the same with sin. You could never “Out-Sin” God’s grace and unmerited favor for you. Your sin is like that bottle of regular water. God’s Grace is the ocean. Like the ocean, God’s grace and undeserved favor far surpasses your sin or failure. Too good to be true? Micah 7:19 says that He will “cast all their sins into the depths of the sea”.

It’s the same with a sickness, you can’t “Out-Sick” God’s grace. His divine health overwhelms and surpasses the symptoms in your body. You can’t “Out-Poor” God’s grace. 2 Corinthian 8:9 says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich”. In other words, you can’t “Out-____” God’s grace. Fill in the blank with anything that would try to deceive you into thinking that God’s grace falls short in any way. Simply not true!!

The Cat's Meow

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith”.

When we travel, my wife likes to see if she can find a “Cat’s Meow” to take home as a souvenir. They’re wooden figures of one of the landmarks in the town that we are visiting. And on each figure is a small black cat. We have them lined in the hallway of our home. Just looking at them brings back the best memories of places we’ve been as a family.

1 Peter 5 says that “as a roaring lion” Satan roams about seeking whom he MAY devour. It doesn’t say he IS a roaring lion, it says AS a roaring lion. To me, HE’S the cat’s meow! He’s like a little kitten meowing, trying to make you think he’s a lion. He’s NOT. He’s walking about seeking whom he MAY devour. He CAN’T. Because of the blood of Jesus, you’re undevourable. The only lion is the Lion of Judah, Jesus, and He lives on the inside of you. The next time Satan comes against you, “resist him and be steadfast in the faith”. Reduce that roar in your mind to a meow! Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world! Be blessed.

The Perfect Pillow

Mark 4:37-38 “And then arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, Carest thou not that we perish?”

Most of us have heard of “My Pillow” advertised in the media. It’s guaranteed not only to give you a “perfect night’s sleep” but also to help your body to “alleviate back pain, fibromyalgia, disk pain, seasonal allergies, headaches, excessive snoring”. I mean I never knew a pillow could do so much! It’ll even turn your coffee on in the morning…of course I’m joking! Anyway, I agree that a good pillow does make a difference.

But in Mark 4:37-38, it’s the person who’s sleeping ON the pillow that makes all the difference here. The Bible says that “there arose a great storm of wind”. In the same account in Mathew 8, it says that “there was a great tempest in the sea”. The word tempest here is earthquake. What’s Jesus doing during all this? He’s in a deep sleep. It wasn’t the earthquake that woke Him up; it was the cry of the disciples. Jesus was in such peace that when He woke up, the peace on the inside came out of His mouth. He spoke to the storm “peace be still”, and there was a great calm. The peace on the inside affected the circumstance on the outside. That’s awesome.

So, what is the “perfect pillow” that Jesus gave us? It’s His perfect peace. You have it already on the inside of you as a fruit of the Spirit. Release it today and every storm you’re facing will cease. Let the peace on the inside affect your circumstances on the outside. Go ahead and rest your head (mind) on this promise.

The Darkest Hour is Just before the Dawn

Mathew 14:25 “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them walking on the sea”.

In 1650, English Theologian, Thomas Fuller coined the phrase “the darkest hour is just before the dawn”. Or in other words, even in the worst of circumstances there is hope. Matthew 14 tells of one of those “worst circumstances” or one of the darkest hours of the disciples’ lives. Their boat was being tossed about in a violent storm on the sea. This took place in the fourth watch of the night, which is from 3:00-6:00am, just before dawn. It was at this dark hour, that Jesus came to them, walking on the water, and delivered them. He was walking on the very problem that was threatening to kill and destroy them. He came to them in their hour of need.

The same is true for us today. The Lord will never abandon us in our darkest hour. He is a very present help in the time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He has given us authority to “walk on our problems”, and to calm the raging waters around us by His Word. He has given us the victory over every threat and evil report. Contrary to popular opinion, He doesn’t bring the darkness, He’s the one that commanded light to shine out of the darkness. We must use our authority now, in Jesus’ name, over every area of darkness, and let the light of God’s Word illumine our hearts. Let is shine like the dawn! Amen.

Crabs in a Bucket

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice“.

Did you know that when crabs are in a bucket, if one tries to escape, the others will pull him back down? It’s known as the “crab mentality”, or “If I can’t have it, neither can you!” As humans, the crab mentality causes members of a group to attempt to reduce the self-confidence of any member who achieves success beyond the others to halt their progress. They allow envy, resentment, spite, conspiracy, or competitive feelings to get the best of them.

Not so in the kingdom of God. In Romans 12:15 Paul says “rejoice with those who rejoice”. What a powerful verse. When you rejoice with others at their success and progress, you act totally opposite of the crab mentality. When you rejoice with others and actually give them a “leg up”, you position yourself to go up as well. You both win. If there’s an area in your life that you are struggling with today, find someone who has succeeded in that area and rejoice with them. Send them a text or note or email and let them know how happy you are for them. Rejoice with others who rejoice!

Get Smarter

Colossians 2:3 “In Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge “

Do any of you remember the hit comedy in the 60’s called Get Smart about a secret agent named Maxwell Smart? I loved the opening with all those doors closing behind him as he made his way to headquarters. He was known as Secret Agent 86 and his lovely and witty assistant was Secret Agent 99. I thought the show was hilarious.

In the kingdom of God, all the wisdom we will ever need is available to us right now. We already have the answer to every situation, problem and endeavor. Where do we find it? Colossians 2:3 says that this wisdom is found in a person, and His name is Jesus. Jesus has been made unto us wisdom (1Cor. 1:30). As a born again believer, within you are all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. When you need direction or solutions, draw from the rivers of living water on the inside of you. It’s an inexhaustible well of wisdom for your every need. Expect the answers you need to come from the Word that’s been hidden in your heart. Tap into the supernatural wisdom that’s yours. Don’t just get smart, get smarter!

Stir it Up!

2 Timothy 1:6 “Wherefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God that is in you by the putting on of my hands”.

We used to have a coffee shop in our town called Stir it Up. I would order a big cup of hot cappuccino with a little cream on top, then give it a good stir. How awesome it tasted! In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul talks about “the gift of God”, which is in every Spirit filled believer. The Greek word for gift is charisma, or our word for grace. Like Paul, I’m reminding you today of something so key to living a powerful life: this gift or grace on the inside of you needs to be stirred up. You need to regularly add fresh fuel to the fire.

Stir up the gift of grace on the inside of you. Don’t let it stay inactive or dormant. When you’re facing issues in life, stir up the grace of God and His promises that are hidden in your heart and speak out loud, “yes and amen”. The next verse goes on to say, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. When stirred, grace reminds you of who you are. When stirred, grace reminds you what God has called you to do. When stirred, grace prompts you to action in agreement with His Word. So...stir it up!!

Sleepless in Heaven

Esther 6:1 “That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. “

It’s amazing how an event in your life can be turned around by one sleepless night! In the 1993 movie Sleepless in Seattle, after the death of his wife Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son Jonah. When Jonah calls a talk radio program to find a wife for his dad, Sam reluctantly gets on the phone to talk to the radio host. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) seeks out the dad and eventually they meet and fall in love. Can everyone say Awww!

In Esther 6:1, the king has a sleepless night and asks for the book of Chronicles to be read to him…interesting choice. By God’s design he hears about a man named Mordecai who saved his life. What he didn’t know at the time is that Mordecai’s life was in danger because of the evil Hamon. Also by God’s design, the king decided on that sleepless night that it was time to honor Mordecai for his valiant act. That’s the favor of God. That same favor is working behind the scenes for you right now. Someone is going to have a “sleepless night” and your face is going to come to their mind. You are going to get that job, that promotion is going to go into effect, rules are going to be changed on your behalf, policies are going to be amended, doors are going to open. Why? Because God never slumbers or sleeps, He’s always awake orchestrating ways to bless you and moving things into position on your behalf. While you’re sleeping, He’s working. He’s sleepless in heaven!

The Tooth Be Told

Isaiah 41:15 “Behold, I will make you a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: you shall thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shall make the hills as chaff.”

Mentioned 56 times, the Bible has some interesting things to say about teeth. Scripture often uses teeth symbolically, to refer to the power of individuals, or regarding human rage (as in the “gnashing of teeth”). Let’s take a look at the use of the word teeth in Isaiah 41:15...

God says that “I will make you”, meaning that He will release extreme power through you from the inside out. Make you what? “A new sharp threshing instrument”. Threshing instruments were ancient boards that had sharp protruding fragments built in that looked like teeth, and used to pass over large sheaves of wheat to separate the grain from the chaff. “Having teeth”. What for? How does this relate to us today?

The “teeth” is the Word of God in your mouth. It’s a double edged sword, to thresh every mountain and obstacle in your way and beat them small. By the power of God’s word problems, hindrances, limitations, lack, and delays will blow away like chaff in the wind. This year, let the “tooth be told”, the truth of God’s Word be told to every mountain that stands in your way. Don’t climb every mountain, thresh every mountain!

Breaking Through Resistance

Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God In Christ Jesus"

Even a dead fish can swim downstream. Know why? There's no resistance! How do you respond to resistance in your life? When you decide to live in the "high calling", you will face opposition and resistance. "…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" 2 Tim3:12.

So, if there's a "high calling", there must also be a "low calling". The high calling is a life lived on earth according to heaven's standards; it's seeing the kingdom of God manifested through an individual's life. People who live in the high calling control their surroundings. By staying in their authority, they change the spiritual climate around them.

Darkness cannot overpower light, light always expels darkness. The brighter the light, the more darkness is displaced. This is how it is when we walk in the authority of God's kingdom. We place our surroundings under its rule. Jesus could eat with sinners because HE controlled the atmosphere. If you are stronger in God then the unbeliever is in the devil, you will control the atmosphere. If the sinner is more dominant in evil than the believer is in righteousness, the unbeliever will control the atmosphere.

Again, when you decide to live the high calling, you will face opposition. But you've already overcome because of the finished work on the cross. Yet many settle and live for the low calling. Why? They don't want to face the resistance that accompanies pressing toward the high calling. They would rather conform to their surroundings than change them with godly confrontation. It's much easier to blend in than to stand out.

The word "press" signifies an aggressive mentality that refuses to give up, rather than a "passive" mentality that follows the path of least resistance. Keep pressing forward with the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Ghost. Greater is He that is in you than what you are facing in the world. Break through the resistance! Press toward the mark! Start today!

No More Tears

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away ALL tears from their eyes....for the former things have passed away”.

As I was texting someone a New Year’s greeting, I tapped the wrong key and accidentally wrote “New Tears” instead of New Years. New Tears? Definitely not. I prefer the Johnson’s baby shampoo slogan…NO MORE tears. In 2020, God is going to turn your tears into cheers. Revelation 21:4 says that the former things have passed away. God is wiping away all your tears of a painful past. Get ready for a year of cheer (optimism, encouragement and hope). By His grace, He has an unlimited supply of joy waiting for you. And by the way, I believe your years of fear are over too. You’ve entered a completely new year of love and freedom. So, Happy New Year…not New Tears or New Fears…NO! Happy New Year of Cheers!

Check's in the Mail

Daniel 10:12 "Then said he unto me, fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, Thy words were heard, and I come for thy words".

Years ago when I was in a windows and siding business, after I would make a huge sale, I would stop by the customer's house at scheduled intervals to pick up a check for the job. When they didn't have it ready, I would get a little (okay, a lot) impatient and I would call the customer to check on the check! Their response, these famous words, "the check's in the mail".

In Daniel chapter 10, it appears that it took three weeks for Daniel's prayer to manifest. However, in verse 12, the angel of the Lord, said something really powerful and revealing to Daniel. He said, "For from the first day…thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words". That tells us that every prayer that’s in agreement with God's word is answered instantly.

It was the prince of Persia that withstood Daniel's prayer (verse 13), for 21 days. The prayer was answered but the manifestation took time to get there! That's huge, but how come? Daniel was under the old covenant he didn’t have authority to speak "TO" the delay. Daniel had to wait because he didn’t have the authority on the earth that you and I have.

Do you have any "unanswered prayers"? Don't give up. If your prayer is in agreement with God's Word, it's on the way, "it's in the mail". Use your authority and command the answer that rightfully belongs to you, and expect to see it!

Can You Give Me an Amen?

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us”.

This is one of those verses you could chew on for a year and still get more from it. It’s that rich and that full. One thing I remember so vividly about Pastor Demola is that after he would share something from the Word, he would follow up with a quick, “Can you give me an Amen?” I loved it, especially when I found out what “Amen” means. It means so be it.

In 2 Corinthians 1:20 it says “for ALL the promises of God IN HIM are yes…” I could stop right there. Healing is a promise. Prosperity is a promise. Peace is a promise. The good life is a promise. There are literally thousands of promises in the Word of God, AND in Him they are all “yes”, and in Him they are all “amen”.

It’s one thing to know the promises of God, but it’s another thing to know they are a “yes” for you personally. Then after you know that they are a “yes” for you and receive it, You need to add your “amen”…so be it!. If you got that then you’re probably jumping and dancing wherever you are right now! Why? The promise of victory over that impossible situation is a yes for you. The promise of restoration for your family is a yes for you. The promise of being healed of that “incurable” disease is a yes for you. The promise of a hundredfold return of every financial seed you’ve sown is a yes for you. Now add your amen!

Take Your Daily Benefits

Psalm 68:19 – “Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits”

There is no daily multi-vitamin on earth that compares to the daily benefits that God loads us with. He doesn’t just give us a little bit; He LOADS us with benefits. He gives in abundance, an overwhelming supply, and even more than we need. Everyday!

What benefits does He load us with? Psalm 103 says He forgives our sin, heals all our disease, satisfies our mouth with good things, and renews our strength like the eagle. Isaiah 61 says that He binds the brokenhearted, proclaims liberty to the captives, and opens the prison to them that are bound. He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Shall I go on?

Now that’s a daily life that you can enjoy. Amen? That’s a daily diet that will allow you to live the good life here on earth. His mercies are new “every morning”. Your part? Just receive! Everyday!

As Rich as a Church Mouse

3 John 2 “I will above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers”

As poor as a church mouse…sadly, this phrase describes someone who is extremely poor. The original phrase was “as hungry as a church mouse” but somehow evolved to include being poor too. Most likely because poverty and a “vow of poverty” is associated with the “church”. Is it? NO! Not the church of Jesus Christ…

As God’s beloved, He says to us, “I will above all things that you may prosper and be in health…” He’s talking specifically about financial and physical prosperity. But here’s the key…” even as your soul prospers”. You prosper in proportion to your knowledge of what the Word has to say about prosperity. Not your grandma, not society, not your religious friends, not your past experiences, not your current circumstances, but what the Bible says about prosperity.

In the Old Testament, the temple treasury overflowed with gold and silver and precious gems, and was the primary target of enemy attack when a city was invaded. What a stark contrast in today’s world, where many churches and church members are struggling to pay their bills. That’s NOT God’s will for His people. “He wills above all things that you may prosper…”

When God’s people start appropriating what the Word says about their finances and health, the world will take notice. No longer will poverty be synonymous with the church. But instead, wealth and generosity and abundance. We are blessed to be a blessing. Jesus became poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Yes…As rich as a church mouse!

A Dead Man Comes Back to Life

2 Kings 13:21 “And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold , they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha; and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he came alive, and stood up on his feet”.

In 2 Kings 13:20-21, there is a story that could easily be a bestselling novel. But this ain’t no fiction, this is a true story that tells of the miraculous and supernatural power of God. In verse 20, Elisha dies and they bury him in a sepulcher. Then as the enemy is coming they bury another man and they let him down in the same place Elisha was. When the man’s dead body touches Elisha’s dead body, something amazing happens. The dead man comes back to life.

Wow, how do you explain that one? There was power still in Elisha’s body that’s how. And the Bible says that we “have the same Spirit in us that raised Jesus from the dead” (Romans 6:10-11). If the power in a dead man could raise the dead what could the power of God in you do? When something or someone touches you, something is released. When you touch someone, something is released. It’s the power of God already resident in you. There’s resurrection power inside you. You have something supernatural in you. Release today!

O-M-Goodness

Psalm 107:1 “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever”

Just about everyone knows what the acronym “OMG” stands for - Oh My God. It’s used to express shock, or excitement or disbelief. The way I look at it…OMG means that when God is your God, goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6). No shock, and definitely no disbelief, just pure excitement.

This Thanksgiving we all have so much to be thankful for. As in Psalm 107:1, first and foremost, we can be thankful that God is GOOD. I know that sounds simple but I’m so glad that it didn’t say that the Lord is mostly good, or sometimes good, or is good and bad. The Lord is GOOD! That’s who He is and that’s the heart essence of the Gospel.

Then Psalm 107:1 says His mercy endures (I love this) forever. The Hebrew word for mercy is the Hesed which means grace or favor. Give thanks because His grace and favor is forever, it never changes, it’s for now and eternity! Celebrate His personal goodness toward you and your family this Thanksgiving with a hearty O-M-Goodness! Have fun!