2 Corinthians 12 : 7 - 10, And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. NKJV
Have you ever gone through something as a Christian that you thought you would never be able to bear, much less overcome? Can I tell you, by the authority of God's Word, that there is something far more destructive to your soul than anything you have faced in the past or will ever face in this life while walking by faith? SELF is a far greater enemy to our own soul than Satan, suffering, and even death.
In order to keep us on guard as His children, God has given every person both a measure of faith and His Word (Romans 12). With this portion of faith, we can choose to resist the works of the Devil that cause us great horror, anguish, and pain. As we stand in defiance to Satan's attacks through our faith in Christ, the grace of God will come upon our hearts and will empower us to overcome our flesh nature (self) and trust the Lord. The end result of this type of battle against our faith will cause us to know Christ and will also cause us to become conformed into His image... as long as we stay the course.
In John 3, Jesus tells us that He wasn't sent into the world to condemn the world, but that THROUGH HIM the world might be saved. He goes on to say that many will reject Him, because their deeds are evil, and they hate the LIGHT. It is the will of man that will send people to hell to live eternally in the lake of fire... not God. In order to become a child of God, we had to submit our will to Him as our Lord. Now He is the Lord of our lives, and we are the earthen vessels that are to bring Him glory and honor through a holy life. Since self has been and will continue to be our worst enemy, God uses our faith in His Son to overcome the world.
Do you remember, in Daniel 3, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the three Hebrew men that were threatened with being burned alive in a fiery furnace if they didn't bow their knee to the King's idol? They told the king that their God was able to deliver them from the fire, but that, even if He didn't, they would still be delivered in the fire from the wicked king. You see, they didn't allow the threat of being tortured and killed by fire make them go back on their faith in God. Here's the clincher! Since they chose to suffer for their faith, God kept them with HIS resurrection power while they were in the furnace. When we choose to suffer for the sake of Christ instead of giving into the will of our flesh (self), then God will give us, in exchange for our trust, His mighty power to confront, endure, and conqueror our enemy. Then we will know our God and be strong.
As we are conformed unto the death of Christ, in order that the body of sin might be done away with, we are at the same time, through our faith, partaking of His resurrection power. As we partake of God's resurrection power during the furnaces of our life, we also know that death has no power over our souls either. You might be asking, "Why does God put us through all these trials and afflictions? Does He want to kill us?" NO! He wants us, through faith in Him, to crucify the flesh nature so that we might become partakers of His DIVINE nature and overcome the last enemy which is death.
Hebrews 2 : 14 - 15, Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. NKJV
Through our faith and God's amazing GRACE, He empowers us to live a life of spiritual freedom in spite of Satan's attacks against us. He sent Jesus to set us free from sin through His death and to liberate us through His life in us from the fear of death so that we can obey His Word. So the next time you're faced with an unthinkable horror, remember this: You're a child of the Most High God, and He is with you to empower you with resurrection power. His power will carry you through if you will submit to His will as Paul did.
Submitted to His GRACE,
Pastor Asa
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jesus Said
John 6: 60 - 64, Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe." NKJV
I can look back to when our three sons were attending primary school and elementary school and remember that, as young parents, Debbie and I were stretched many times to accomplish all that was required to see that their needs were provided for. Debbie was the president of the P.T. A. (Parent-Teacher Association), and I helped her fulfill the duties that her role carried as the president. We held many fund raisers and special events for the children; so I know how you must feel when raising your family and juggling a career makes life very demanding.
Even though we sometimes lead very busy lives, and we can find some fulfillment in that, there is far more to life than having a good time or watching our children grow up and become blessed young men and/or women. If we're not careful, as adults, we can live in the strength and knowledge of our soul... which includes the mind, will, and emotions, and we will bankrupt our lives, because we have forgotten the Source of life.
In today's scripture verses, Jesus tells us that His Words are spirit and they are life. In order to fully enjoy, and sometimes just endure life, we must tap into the life-giving power that is contained in the Word of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. There's only one small obstacle that humans must overcome in order to be able to receive life from what Jesus has said. Here is the obstacle: After Jesus told His disciples that His words were spirit, and they were truth, He went on to say that there were some people who were present that day that didn't believe. You see, without faith, we can't come into agreement with the Lord and access the power that is needed to live a spiritually victorious life in the natural, earthly, realm.
Let's take this discussion a step deeper. Before God created man, He made the statement, "Let us create man in our image and according to our likeness. We know that God is Spirit, because the Word tells us this many times. Here's the dilemma: Paul tells us, in Romans, that the law of God is spiritual, and we are carnal (Soulish). He also writes, in 1 Corinthians 15, that the first Adam was a living SOUL, but the Last Adam, Jesus is a life-giving SPIRIT. So you can see that, even though we were created in the image of God, we weren't created spirit beings. This simply means that humans have the breath of life, but not the Spirit of Life dwelling in us. So when we place faith in God's Word and in Jesus Christ as His Son, He gives us the Spirit of life so that we are able to live beyond this life (into eternal life).
So, while you're dropping off your children at school or practice, taking the family dog to the veterinarian or groomer, and delivering your clothes to be dry cleaned for the next work week don't forget to get into the Word and read what Jesus has to say about eternal life. You might be thinking, "Well I'm saved, and I already know all there is about eternal life." That's fair, but did you know that you also need the Word of God to live a victorious life while you still exist in the natural realm. It's time we look at the Bible as a "RIGHT NOW" Word instead of a "SOME DAY" Word. The Just are SAVED by faith, but we must also LIVE by FAITH.
Through modern technology, you can take the Word of God with you and read it while you're waiting on your children, the groomer, and the cleaners. You don't have to run off of battery (soul) power alone, you can live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Put some super on your natural today and spring into action against the enemy of your soul through God's inspired Word.
We Have an App for That,
Pastor Asa
I can look back to when our three sons were attending primary school and elementary school and remember that, as young parents, Debbie and I were stretched many times to accomplish all that was required to see that their needs were provided for. Debbie was the president of the P.T. A. (Parent-Teacher Association), and I helped her fulfill the duties that her role carried as the president. We held many fund raisers and special events for the children; so I know how you must feel when raising your family and juggling a career makes life very demanding.
Even though we sometimes lead very busy lives, and we can find some fulfillment in that, there is far more to life than having a good time or watching our children grow up and become blessed young men and/or women. If we're not careful, as adults, we can live in the strength and knowledge of our soul... which includes the mind, will, and emotions, and we will bankrupt our lives, because we have forgotten the Source of life.
In today's scripture verses, Jesus tells us that His Words are spirit and they are life. In order to fully enjoy, and sometimes just endure life, we must tap into the life-giving power that is contained in the Word of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. There's only one small obstacle that humans must overcome in order to be able to receive life from what Jesus has said. Here is the obstacle: After Jesus told His disciples that His words were spirit, and they were truth, He went on to say that there were some people who were present that day that didn't believe. You see, without faith, we can't come into agreement with the Lord and access the power that is needed to live a spiritually victorious life in the natural, earthly, realm.
Let's take this discussion a step deeper. Before God created man, He made the statement, "Let us create man in our image and according to our likeness. We know that God is Spirit, because the Word tells us this many times. Here's the dilemma: Paul tells us, in Romans, that the law of God is spiritual, and we are carnal (Soulish). He also writes, in 1 Corinthians 15, that the first Adam was a living SOUL, but the Last Adam, Jesus is a life-giving SPIRIT. So you can see that, even though we were created in the image of God, we weren't created spirit beings. This simply means that humans have the breath of life, but not the Spirit of Life dwelling in us. So when we place faith in God's Word and in Jesus Christ as His Son, He gives us the Spirit of life so that we are able to live beyond this life (into eternal life).
So, while you're dropping off your children at school or practice, taking the family dog to the veterinarian or groomer, and delivering your clothes to be dry cleaned for the next work week don't forget to get into the Word and read what Jesus has to say about eternal life. You might be thinking, "Well I'm saved, and I already know all there is about eternal life." That's fair, but did you know that you also need the Word of God to live a victorious life while you still exist in the natural realm. It's time we look at the Bible as a "RIGHT NOW" Word instead of a "SOME DAY" Word. The Just are SAVED by faith, but we must also LIVE by FAITH.
Through modern technology, you can take the Word of God with you and read it while you're waiting on your children, the groomer, and the cleaners. You don't have to run off of battery (soul) power alone, you can live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Put some super on your natural today and spring into action against the enemy of your soul through God's inspired Word.
We Have an App for That,
Pastor Asa
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Repentance
Romans 2: 1 - 4, You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? NIV
According to Paul, we can be harder both on ourselves and on others concerning the matter of sin than God is. As fallen humans, who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, it would appear that we would extend more mercy toward others' transgressions, but that isn't always the case. Since we have a tendency to be more critical toward others' sin than our own, it can cause us to begin to struggle in our own walk of faith and grace.
A guilty conscious can cause the recipients of grace to forget just how God has found us, and where He has brought us from. A guilty conscience can also cause us to judge people who are in sin and demand swifter justice, and yet turn right around and beg God to extend His mercy and grace to cover our own shortcomings and failures. There is a perfect example in John 8 of how a guilty conscience can cause people to be very judgmental and condemning of others... even after they have committed the same sin and/or received forgiveness themselves.
While Jesus was teaching early one Sabbath morning, some men brought a woman to Him that was caught in the act of adultery. These men were ready to try her case, convict her of sin, and condemn her to death until Jesus spoke up. He reminded them of something that they had not taken into account... they also had a sin issue in their own hearts. Once Jesus reminded them of their past, the men saw the error of their ways and dropped their rocks. Once they were gone, Jesus told the woman that He didn't condemn her either. Then He said to the woman, "Go and sin no more." Don't you find it interesting that the guilty men wanted to stone her, but the GUILTLESS Man forgave her and released her without punishment?
Through the teaching of Paul and the love that is demonstrated through Christ, we can begin to see that God is LONG SUFFERING when it comes to sin. He doesn't "fly off of the handle" like people do when they find out that others have sin in their lives. When you think about the difference between man's point-of-view toward sin verses God's point-of-view toward sin could it be that we also know, through experience, what it is like once we have tasted of God's goodness, and we want others to taste of it as well? When we mix God's goodness with our zeal and judgmental attitude, we will fall short of God's grace every time... as it pertains to reaching out to people in their faults, failures, and sin.
God is long suffering; it's not that He winks or permits sin. Instead, He is giving humans an opportunity to repent of the error of their ways before it's too late for them. It is the goodness of God that produces true Biblical repentance and not man's hellfire and brimstone judgments. If Jesus didn't condemn sin in people's lives, then how can we, as His ambassadors do so? I'm writing this to you because the Lord revealed a scripture to me today that ties in with Paul's writing in Romans. Now, hopefully, we can clearly see the heart of God and change the way we go about confronting sin in other people's lives.
Isaiah 6: 1 - 7, In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged." NKJV
In this setting, Isaiah is mourning over the death of King Uzziah. (We mourn over the sin in our life that produces death.) In the same year that the king died, Isaiah saw the beauty and power of the Lord. It was while he was mourning over a death that God revealed to him His beauty and majesty; this causes Isaiah to realize that he is a sinner, a man that is undone and who has unclean lips, and is living among a people of unclean lips. You see, it was the goodness of God coupled with the brokenness of loss that brought Isaiah to a place of repentance. The Angel touched the lips of Isaiah and purged him of his sins. As a result of this encounter with God's goodness, Isaiah answers the calling of God to become a prophet and to speak to the nation of Israel for the Lord. An amazing story isn't it? So let's allow the beauty and the power of the Lord to shine through our hearts to others and watch as the conviction power of God turns a hard heart into a heart of flesh.
Lord, I Want to See Your Glory,
Pastor Asa
According to Paul, we can be harder both on ourselves and on others concerning the matter of sin than God is. As fallen humans, who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, it would appear that we would extend more mercy toward others' transgressions, but that isn't always the case. Since we have a tendency to be more critical toward others' sin than our own, it can cause us to begin to struggle in our own walk of faith and grace.
A guilty conscious can cause the recipients of grace to forget just how God has found us, and where He has brought us from. A guilty conscience can also cause us to judge people who are in sin and demand swifter justice, and yet turn right around and beg God to extend His mercy and grace to cover our own shortcomings and failures. There is a perfect example in John 8 of how a guilty conscience can cause people to be very judgmental and condemning of others... even after they have committed the same sin and/or received forgiveness themselves.
While Jesus was teaching early one Sabbath morning, some men brought a woman to Him that was caught in the act of adultery. These men were ready to try her case, convict her of sin, and condemn her to death until Jesus spoke up. He reminded them of something that they had not taken into account... they also had a sin issue in their own hearts. Once Jesus reminded them of their past, the men saw the error of their ways and dropped their rocks. Once they were gone, Jesus told the woman that He didn't condemn her either. Then He said to the woman, "Go and sin no more." Don't you find it interesting that the guilty men wanted to stone her, but the GUILTLESS Man forgave her and released her without punishment?
Through the teaching of Paul and the love that is demonstrated through Christ, we can begin to see that God is LONG SUFFERING when it comes to sin. He doesn't "fly off of the handle" like people do when they find out that others have sin in their lives. When you think about the difference between man's point-of-view toward sin verses God's point-of-view toward sin could it be that we also know, through experience, what it is like once we have tasted of God's goodness, and we want others to taste of it as well? When we mix God's goodness with our zeal and judgmental attitude, we will fall short of God's grace every time... as it pertains to reaching out to people in their faults, failures, and sin.
God is long suffering; it's not that He winks or permits sin. Instead, He is giving humans an opportunity to repent of the error of their ways before it's too late for them. It is the goodness of God that produces true Biblical repentance and not man's hellfire and brimstone judgments. If Jesus didn't condemn sin in people's lives, then how can we, as His ambassadors do so? I'm writing this to you because the Lord revealed a scripture to me today that ties in with Paul's writing in Romans. Now, hopefully, we can clearly see the heart of God and change the way we go about confronting sin in other people's lives.
Isaiah 6: 1 - 7, In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged." NKJV
In this setting, Isaiah is mourning over the death of King Uzziah. (We mourn over the sin in our life that produces death.) In the same year that the king died, Isaiah saw the beauty and power of the Lord. It was while he was mourning over a death that God revealed to him His beauty and majesty; this causes Isaiah to realize that he is a sinner, a man that is undone and who has unclean lips, and is living among a people of unclean lips. You see, it was the goodness of God coupled with the brokenness of loss that brought Isaiah to a place of repentance. The Angel touched the lips of Isaiah and purged him of his sins. As a result of this encounter with God's goodness, Isaiah answers the calling of God to become a prophet and to speak to the nation of Israel for the Lord. An amazing story isn't it? So let's allow the beauty and the power of the Lord to shine through our hearts to others and watch as the conviction power of God turns a hard heart into a heart of flesh.
Lord, I Want to See Your Glory,
Pastor Asa
Monday, March 28, 2011
Is Hell A Real Place?
2 Peter 2:1-2, But there were false prophets, too, in those days, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly tell their lies about God, turning against even their Master who bought them; but theirs will be a swift and terrible end. Many will follow their evil teaching that there is nothing wrong with sexual sin. And because of them Christ and his way will be scoffed at. TLB
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets in the last days. He also tells us that many will be deceived through the lies of these false teachers. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4: 4 - 6, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. NKJV
Lately, we are hearing many voices on television and on the internet professing that there are many ways to heaven. But, according to the Word of God, there is only one God and only one way to God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Recently, I have heard of some "preachers" saying that hell wasn't real, or that there was no literal hell. They justified this on the premise that God is love, and a loving God would never subject a human being to an eternity of horrific suffering.
God didn't create evil, nor was He the originator of sin... as some would have you to believe. In chapter one, James tells us that God cannot be tempted with evil nor does He tempt anyone with sin, but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Therefore, sin exists because Satan came to Eve in the form of a serpent and seduced her to rebel against God's commandment, and she sinned. You see, we must know the truth if we're going to be able to overcome the deceptive ways of false teachers.
Now let's address the lie about "a loving God wouldn't send someone to hell." First of all, God won't send anyone to hell, but if we reject Jesus and refuse to confess our sins as sin, then our sin demands punishment. Here's the good news: when Adam and Eve chose to sin against God's will, and through that sin brought a curse upon all of mankind, God could have allowed us all to perish without a second chance, but He didn't. If you have sin in your life, then know that there is still hope. God is definitely the God of the Second Chance for those who call on His name, Jesus.
Is God a God of LOVE? Absolutely! Is God a God of justice? Absolutely! But, instead of demanding justice of fallen man, God sent His only begotten Son and poured His wrath upon Him for our sin. In John 3, he tells us that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not to condemn them. Now tell me, does that sound like a God that would send you to hell? He allowed Jesus, who was innocent, to pay the price; then He forgave us, for Christ sake, who were guilty and allowed us to go free.
So what will happen to those who choose to reject the GIFT of the God of the Second Chance? Their sin and not God will condemn them to eternal punishment. Could they have avoided that punishment? Yes. Jesus took the sin of the entire world and for all generations upon Himself; yet, He was sinless. The price for our sin has been paid, but we must accept that free gift. If someone should choose to reject Jesus, the writer of Hebrews warns us that there is no other sacrifice.
So why does a preacher who preaches from the Word of God contradict the Word? Peter tells us why in today's passage. They will cleverly tell their lies about God, turning against even their Master who bought them; but theirs will be a swift and terrible end. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching that there is nothing wrong with sexual sin. And because of them Christ and his way will be scoffed at.
They have allowed sin to fill their hearts, and instead of confessing their sin as sin and repenting of it, they seek to justify their sin by perverting the truth that they, themselves, once believed in as teachers of Christ. Beware of false teachers that would try to seduce you away from the truth and corrupt your soul with falsehood. There is indeed a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. If you have sin in your life, today is the day of salvation. Simply call on Jesus, confess your sins, and ask for His forgiveness. He will cleanse you with His blood and fill your heart with His Holy Spirit, and you will live with Him forever and ever.
Hell Is Not My Home,
Pastor Asa
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets in the last days. He also tells us that many will be deceived through the lies of these false teachers. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4: 4 - 6, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. NKJV
Lately, we are hearing many voices on television and on the internet professing that there are many ways to heaven. But, according to the Word of God, there is only one God and only one way to God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Recently, I have heard of some "preachers" saying that hell wasn't real, or that there was no literal hell. They justified this on the premise that God is love, and a loving God would never subject a human being to an eternity of horrific suffering.
God didn't create evil, nor was He the originator of sin... as some would have you to believe. In chapter one, James tells us that God cannot be tempted with evil nor does He tempt anyone with sin, but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Therefore, sin exists because Satan came to Eve in the form of a serpent and seduced her to rebel against God's commandment, and she sinned. You see, we must know the truth if we're going to be able to overcome the deceptive ways of false teachers.
Now let's address the lie about "a loving God wouldn't send someone to hell." First of all, God won't send anyone to hell, but if we reject Jesus and refuse to confess our sins as sin, then our sin demands punishment. Here's the good news: when Adam and Eve chose to sin against God's will, and through that sin brought a curse upon all of mankind, God could have allowed us all to perish without a second chance, but He didn't. If you have sin in your life, then know that there is still hope. God is definitely the God of the Second Chance for those who call on His name, Jesus.
Is God a God of LOVE? Absolutely! Is God a God of justice? Absolutely! But, instead of demanding justice of fallen man, God sent His only begotten Son and poured His wrath upon Him for our sin. In John 3, he tells us that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not to condemn them. Now tell me, does that sound like a God that would send you to hell? He allowed Jesus, who was innocent, to pay the price; then He forgave us, for Christ sake, who were guilty and allowed us to go free.
So what will happen to those who choose to reject the GIFT of the God of the Second Chance? Their sin and not God will condemn them to eternal punishment. Could they have avoided that punishment? Yes. Jesus took the sin of the entire world and for all generations upon Himself; yet, He was sinless. The price for our sin has been paid, but we must accept that free gift. If someone should choose to reject Jesus, the writer of Hebrews warns us that there is no other sacrifice.
So why does a preacher who preaches from the Word of God contradict the Word? Peter tells us why in today's passage. They will cleverly tell their lies about God, turning against even their Master who bought them; but theirs will be a swift and terrible end. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching that there is nothing wrong with sexual sin. And because of them Christ and his way will be scoffed at.
They have allowed sin to fill their hearts, and instead of confessing their sin as sin and repenting of it, they seek to justify their sin by perverting the truth that they, themselves, once believed in as teachers of Christ. Beware of false teachers that would try to seduce you away from the truth and corrupt your soul with falsehood. There is indeed a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. If you have sin in your life, today is the day of salvation. Simply call on Jesus, confess your sins, and ask for His forgiveness. He will cleanse you with His blood and fill your heart with His Holy Spirit, and you will live with Him forever and ever.
Hell Is Not My Home,
Pastor Asa
Friday, March 25, 2011
Keeping Your Focus on Jesus
Matt 24:9-14, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. NKJV
Since the creation of man, Satan has tried to be creative in the area of distraction. When I was in elementary school, a couple of boys made it their mission in life to bully and intimidate me. Though they made threats and occasionally inflicted pain upon me, I never allowed their intimidation to prevent me from doing my school work. Now that I'm a pastor, I can look back and see that those bullies were only helping me prepare for the "real" battle. Satan is constantly trying to bully me and God's people around with the hope that we will become so fearful that we will lose faith in God and stop obeying His will in the earth.
God has given me a scripture in Isaiah 54 that can help us to combat the spirit of fear when Satan rears his lying head against us. God has promised those who remain faithful to Him that no weapon that is formed shall be able to prosper against us. Wouldn't it be nice if it stated instead, "No weapon shall be able to be formed against us?" If that were the case, then where would our faith and trust in God come into the picture? Satan doesn't just use threats; he will also use pleasurable distractions to lead believers away from fulfilling the plan of God in our lives.
When we see the devastation that is going on in the world today, we must remember the words written in Hebrews 12 : 1 - 2, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV
If the devastation should cause us to do anything, it should draw us closer in fellowship with our heavenly Father through intercession. Yet, we see in the church that when calamity occurs, people will generally become distracted and fall away from the purpose of God for their lives. Let me write to you in this light; imagine that the news has been tracking a tornado that is scheduled to come through your neighborhood. Since there is emanate danger, you have someone keep watch while you keep your eyes on the news anchor. As they announce on the news that the tornado is just about to hit your neighborhood, you hear the person watching for the actual tornado yell, "It's across the way and headed for us." And instead of remaining inside of your home, fear drives you out into the fury of the storm where you have no protection.
This occurs whenever Christians focus on the report of the enemy's plots and plans and not on God's promises to protect and preserve us as in Psalms 91. Let me conclude with this thought. Jesus foretold us about these events transpiring over two-thousand years ago, and it was written down for our admonishment. "Seeing" warns us in Matthew and says, "See that I have told you before it happens, lest you become offended." (My version)
Read the passage from Matthew 24 again and look at what Jesus tells us while all of the deceit, hard heartedness and tribulation are taking place. ...And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
He commands us to remain focused and walking by faith and NOT BY SIGHT. He is very capable and willing to keep us in our hour of need as long as we don't break rank and run out from spiritual covering (Obedience). If fear has gripped your heart and your attention to the point that you're slipping in your walk, it means you're being seduced into Satan's deceptive web of fear. Ask the Lord to strengthen your heart with might through the Holy Spirit and repent. (Ephesians 3) Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. Why? Because God is with us; His rod and staff they comfort us, and we will DWELL in the house of the Lord forever. PROTECTION from the storm!
Abiding Under the Shadow,
Pastor Asa
Since the creation of man, Satan has tried to be creative in the area of distraction. When I was in elementary school, a couple of boys made it their mission in life to bully and intimidate me. Though they made threats and occasionally inflicted pain upon me, I never allowed their intimidation to prevent me from doing my school work. Now that I'm a pastor, I can look back and see that those bullies were only helping me prepare for the "real" battle. Satan is constantly trying to bully me and God's people around with the hope that we will become so fearful that we will lose faith in God and stop obeying His will in the earth.
God has given me a scripture in Isaiah 54 that can help us to combat the spirit of fear when Satan rears his lying head against us. God has promised those who remain faithful to Him that no weapon that is formed shall be able to prosper against us. Wouldn't it be nice if it stated instead, "No weapon shall be able to be formed against us?" If that were the case, then where would our faith and trust in God come into the picture? Satan doesn't just use threats; he will also use pleasurable distractions to lead believers away from fulfilling the plan of God in our lives.
When we see the devastation that is going on in the world today, we must remember the words written in Hebrews 12 : 1 - 2, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV
If the devastation should cause us to do anything, it should draw us closer in fellowship with our heavenly Father through intercession. Yet, we see in the church that when calamity occurs, people will generally become distracted and fall away from the purpose of God for their lives. Let me write to you in this light; imagine that the news has been tracking a tornado that is scheduled to come through your neighborhood. Since there is emanate danger, you have someone keep watch while you keep your eyes on the news anchor. As they announce on the news that the tornado is just about to hit your neighborhood, you hear the person watching for the actual tornado yell, "It's across the way and headed for us." And instead of remaining inside of your home, fear drives you out into the fury of the storm where you have no protection.
This occurs whenever Christians focus on the report of the enemy's plots and plans and not on God's promises to protect and preserve us as in Psalms 91. Let me conclude with this thought. Jesus foretold us about these events transpiring over two-thousand years ago, and it was written down for our admonishment. "Seeing" warns us in Matthew and says, "See that I have told you before it happens, lest you become offended." (My version)
Read the passage from Matthew 24 again and look at what Jesus tells us while all of the deceit, hard heartedness and tribulation are taking place. ...And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
He commands us to remain focused and walking by faith and NOT BY SIGHT. He is very capable and willing to keep us in our hour of need as long as we don't break rank and run out from spiritual covering (Obedience). If fear has gripped your heart and your attention to the point that you're slipping in your walk, it means you're being seduced into Satan's deceptive web of fear. Ask the Lord to strengthen your heart with might through the Holy Spirit and repent. (Ephesians 3) Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. Why? Because God is with us; His rod and staff they comfort us, and we will DWELL in the house of the Lord forever. PROTECTION from the storm!
Abiding Under the Shadow,
Pastor Asa
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I Want to Glorify Jesus
James 2: 14 - 17, What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. NKJV
How does a Christian bring glory to Jesus anyway? Do we do this through our words of praise and adoration? Partially, but it is a life that demonstrates the love of God that brings glory to Christ. James gives a great example that shows us what true and complete faith should look like. In the analogy, James addresses the issue of us telling people about Jesus, but not showing them Jesus through our love for Him. If we don't learn to effectively show them Jesus, then the need in their lives will never be supplied.
When Jesus came to earth, it was for the sole purpose of glorifying the Father among the Jews. He accomplished this by obeying the Father's will while He walked among His own people. It was toward the end of His ministry and life on earth that Jesus told the disciples of His soon coming death on the cross. As He discussed this event with them, Jesus said that He was not alone, because the Father was with Him. Catch this next statement from the mouth of our Savior: "He is with me BECAUSE I always DO THOSE THINGS that please the Father." In other words, Jesus pleased the Father by being willing to serve God's purpose in the earth and not His own desire. As a result of Jesus' obedience, the Father empowered Him in His greatest moment of anguish and suffering to glorify God in His body.
By the same token, we must show our faith ... not just talk about it to others. As we demonstrate our faith through obedience, then the life of Christ is released into our hearts; that Life will cause us to live a godly life in a sin filled world. In John 15, Jesus tells us, His disciples, that we are to abide in the Vine (Him) through active faith in accordance to the Word and the will of God. Then we will bear fruit and be His disciples indeed. As we bear fruit, our lives will glorify our heavenly Father and Christ, His Son. What is the Holy Spirit telling you to do in your life? Are you being obedient or has fear kept you from stepping out? In order for your faith or mine to be complete or save us, we must follow up His instructions with our obedient actions; then we will overcome self and glorify our Savior and Lord.
I Am Not Alone,
Pastor Asa
How does a Christian bring glory to Jesus anyway? Do we do this through our words of praise and adoration? Partially, but it is a life that demonstrates the love of God that brings glory to Christ. James gives a great example that shows us what true and complete faith should look like. In the analogy, James addresses the issue of us telling people about Jesus, but not showing them Jesus through our love for Him. If we don't learn to effectively show them Jesus, then the need in their lives will never be supplied.
When Jesus came to earth, it was for the sole purpose of glorifying the Father among the Jews. He accomplished this by obeying the Father's will while He walked among His own people. It was toward the end of His ministry and life on earth that Jesus told the disciples of His soon coming death on the cross. As He discussed this event with them, Jesus said that He was not alone, because the Father was with Him. Catch this next statement from the mouth of our Savior: "He is with me BECAUSE I always DO THOSE THINGS that please the Father." In other words, Jesus pleased the Father by being willing to serve God's purpose in the earth and not His own desire. As a result of Jesus' obedience, the Father empowered Him in His greatest moment of anguish and suffering to glorify God in His body.
By the same token, we must show our faith ... not just talk about it to others. As we demonstrate our faith through obedience, then the life of Christ is released into our hearts; that Life will cause us to live a godly life in a sin filled world. In John 15, Jesus tells us, His disciples, that we are to abide in the Vine (Him) through active faith in accordance to the Word and the will of God. Then we will bear fruit and be His disciples indeed. As we bear fruit, our lives will glorify our heavenly Father and Christ, His Son. What is the Holy Spirit telling you to do in your life? Are you being obedient or has fear kept you from stepping out? In order for your faith or mine to be complete or save us, we must follow up His instructions with our obedient actions; then we will overcome self and glorify our Savior and Lord.
I Am Not Alone,
Pastor Asa
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
When She Heard
Mark 5:27-28, When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." NKJV
You can see in the passage above that what we hear can, and will affect our lives. That's not only true in the world, but also in the church. When you hear negative comments about healing being in the past, and that miracles aren't for today, those words can affect your ability to believe. The Bible instructs us to guard our hearts, for out of it flow the issues of life. Fortunately, this woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years heard about all the wonderful things Jesus had been performing in other people's lives, and this caused faith to arise in her heart. She believed that if she could touch Him, what had happened to others would also come true for her. She heard, she said, and she acted on her belief in what she had heard. Doctors couldn't help her, and money had failed her, but faith in Jesus made her whole.
Mark 5:29-30, Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. NKJV
Immediately her problem of twelve years was over. Active faith caused her to overcome a long-term problem. Do you have an issue in your life that needs a touch from the Master's hand? Take a few moments and read about miracles that Jesus performed in the Word of God, and allow your faith to reach out and touch Him through prayer. Like this woman, you have no need that anyone pray for you; just believe that you receive, and Jesus said you shall have what you ask for.
Romans 10:17, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. NKJV
The moment you receive your miracle, or healing let us know; through your testimony others can have their faith increased and receive their breakthrough.
In His service,
Pastor Asa
You can see in the passage above that what we hear can, and will affect our lives. That's not only true in the world, but also in the church. When you hear negative comments about healing being in the past, and that miracles aren't for today, those words can affect your ability to believe. The Bible instructs us to guard our hearts, for out of it flow the issues of life. Fortunately, this woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years heard about all the wonderful things Jesus had been performing in other people's lives, and this caused faith to arise in her heart. She believed that if she could touch Him, what had happened to others would also come true for her. She heard, she said, and she acted on her belief in what she had heard. Doctors couldn't help her, and money had failed her, but faith in Jesus made her whole.
Mark 5:29-30, Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. NKJV
Immediately her problem of twelve years was over. Active faith caused her to overcome a long-term problem. Do you have an issue in your life that needs a touch from the Master's hand? Take a few moments and read about miracles that Jesus performed in the Word of God, and allow your faith to reach out and touch Him through prayer. Like this woman, you have no need that anyone pray for you; just believe that you receive, and Jesus said you shall have what you ask for.
Romans 10:17, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. NKJV
The moment you receive your miracle, or healing let us know; through your testimony others can have their faith increased and receive their breakthrough.
In His service,
Pastor Asa
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