Voices

If you were to visit a psychiatric clinic, invariably you'd find some individuals who psychiatrists say hear "voices." They may have been diagnosed as schizophrenic or having multiple personality disorder (MPD) or whatever, but usually a pill is prescribed that supposedly will silence the "voices." A popular movie a few years back called "A Beautiful Mind" was centered around this phenomenon in the life of a brilliant mathematician and Nobel Prize winner. Even a few murderers have claimed to have heard "voices" before performing their life taking deeds.

Voices. If you have ears that function as God designed them, then you will hear voices. We all hear voices in some manner. Generally, those voices belong to human beings -- macaws and parrots being some physical / material exceptions.

But what about spiritual voices? Are there even spiritual voices? Jesus had some interesting encounters with demons. They are spiritual entities, and they spoke. They had a "voice." Mark 1:23-26 is just one example. When the evil spirit came out of the man in this passage, it cried out with a loud "voice" in verse 26.

In Mark 9:14-26 and Luke 8:26-39, Jesus encountered other individuals who were heavily influenced by demons. These spirits had "voices" and exercised great destructive influence over their victims. After their encounter with Jesus, these individuals were set free. The man in the Luke passage was even found to be once again in his "right mind" in verse 35 of Luke 8.

What happened? All of the individuals mentioned in the above passages heard the "voice" of truth. They had found the way and that way was life giving. The way, the truth and the life. That's what Jesus said with His "voice" in John 14:6.

So what "voices" are we as humans prone to hear?

* The Voice of Self -- This voice plays on our fleshly, selfish and sometimes lustful desires. It will profit nothing and promotes selfishness even moving it farther into the realm of pride.

* The Voice of Sight -- This may sound strange since we see with our eyes and speak with our mouths. But what we see "speaks" with its own "voice." And we listen, because we can hear it. This voice often nourishes fear and is meant to diminish one's faith. This "voice" also delights in speaking with the "voice" of self and the "voice" of the world. Some good reasons we are to "walk by faith and not by sight."

* The Voice of Religion -- This "voice" works with the "voice" of the self and the "voice" of the world. Why? Because it promotes doing instead of relating through what has already been done by the Creator for us. It can be found anywhere in the world. It is the voice of religion. Though Christianity is not another of the world's religions as many would like to think, this voice can even be heard in Christendom, for if one is not careful, being a Christian can become mere religious activity.

* The Voice of the Devil -- This "voice" overrules all of the previously mentioned "voices." Why? Because it is the voice behind those other voices. It promotes pride, self indulgence, self righteousness, religious charade, rules & ritual. He is the "god of this world" and the leader of fallen angels / demons. He is the "voice" behind the "voices" schizophrenics hear. And he has no trouble whispering quietly -- even to believers in Christ. What he desires is our worship, our obedience, our enslavement and our destruction.

His is the voice behind every temptation. The voice of every lie. And he thrives in the environment of decision making where he tends to increase his volume. He is very subtle and often cloaks his voice with truth. But there is one voice he cannot usurp... unless we let him. What is it or better whose is it?

* The Voice of Truth This voice is the voice of the Lord. The voice of the Almighty. And it is the voice of truth. You may be asking: "Does this voice exist?" "Can I hear this voice?" Listen to His words:

"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27-28
"Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
This voice is available to all of us -- particularly while in the valley of decisions.

Maybe you are in the valley of decision right now. Do you hear Him? I believe every person on this earth has heard His voice at least once in their lifetime. The question is: "How will you respond?"

"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." Hebrews 4:7

Will you soften your heart and receive Him, or will you harden your heart and reject Him. Your eternal destiny may depend on how you respond to His voice when you hear it. He is speaking. And He speaks every day.

Prophetic Reminders

This week has been an interesting one from a newsworthy standpoint in many ways. News reports spoke of UFO sightings in China and Norway recently. I learned of a contemporary false Christ, the murder of a believer's family in Pakistan, the passing of a national referendum in Argentina approving gay marriages and I awoke this morning to news of a 3.6 temblor in the Washington D.C. area. So what do these things have in common? Just this: they serve as prophetic reminders to us as believers.

Let's take each event one at a time and make a few comments:

1. UFO sightings in China and Norway

An airport closed temporarily on July 9, 2010 in China due to some strange light in the skies over the airfield. In Dec. 2009, some erie lights were seen in Norway, and they were not of the aurora borealis kind as often seen during winter months. What were they? I have not seen explanations for the Norway episode, but already some have told us that the phenomena in China was some type of mirage due to the refraction of light. Sounds plausible. But ... whether it is true or it was some hoax or a government coverup, this much is true. Jesus spoke of events that would take place in the heavenlies -- and they would be signs for the people on earth. Here are His words:

"There will be fearful events and great signs from heaven." Luke 21:11b

Was Jesus speaking of UFOs? Not enough room for discussion on that question, but Jesus plainly was speaking of something different that would serve as a sign pointing to His coming again. That is the context of His words.

2. Contemporary False Christ

Whereas, there are many antichrists that have come into the world (I John 2:18), the Bible also makes it clear that there will be many false Christs. They are deceivers. Consider Jesus' words in Matthew 24:4-5 & 24-25

"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My Name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many... For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -- if that were possible. See I have told you ahead of time."

There is a man by the name of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda who presently resides in Florida and ministers throughout the Caribbean in Puerto Rico and has expanded to Central and South America. He not only claims to be Christ, he claims to be the Antichrist. And he has a "666" (see Revelation 13:18) tattooed on his arm. He is a false Christ who teaches a false Christ and a false gospel. Jesus said these type of deceivers will be found on the earth before He returns.

3. A believer's family murdered in Pakistan

Jamshed Masih, a Christian policeman in Pakistan, after having been threatened by the leader of a Muslim mosque in his hometown, came home recently to find his wife and 4 children dead. They had been murdered by a mob led by the leader who had threatened Jamshed earlier. Why were they murdered? Because they were Christians. Jamshed left for work that morning listening to his family singing hymns of praise. He returned to find them slaughtered.

Jesus had these words:

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me." Matthew 24:9

4. Argentina legalizes gay marriages

This week Argentina made the news by making gay marriages legal. This means that same sex marriages will be recognized as legitimate marriages in the same way that heterosexual marriages have always been. Same sex marriage partners now will have all of the rights of legitimate heterosexual marriages in this Latin country.

So what did Jesus have to say about this kind of thing?

"It was the same in the days of Lot... but the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed." Luke 17:28-30

Lot's day displayed a perverse society dominated by sex and perversion that was condemned by God. Jesus said it would be like that again before He comes the 2nd time around.

5. A 3.6 quake strikes D.C

Annually, we hear warnings about the coming "big one" in California. But Washington D.C.? Whereas there was no reported damage from the small earthquake, it was felt by many in the wee hours of July 16, 2010. Virtually no harm done, but again I ask: "Washington, DC?" It's not the first time that DC has felt one, but it is an extremely rare incident.

What is interesting is this came on the heels of our nation's leaders becoming lukewarm, if not cold, in their relations with Israel. There are even reports that Obama has made a promise to Saudi Arabia to get the Jews out of Jerusalem in order to give it back to the Palestinians. If that be true, trouble is on the way. And it will be God we are facing.

The Lord made it clear that He will curse those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:3). We are stepping dangerously close to that warning. Did the Lord send a warning to Washington that He still watches over Israel as its Holy One? Only the Lord knows the answer to that one, but Jesus did say:

"There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." Matthew 24:7b

What is significant about the events of this past week that I read, is that all of them have reference to things that Jesus prophesied as characteristics of the age prior to His return.

It's gettin' late and it's gettin' serious. How are we all doing getting the gospel out? I know that I can do better.

Prayer and Blessing

On May 27, 2010, the dean of White House correspondents and employee of Hearst Newspapers, Ms. Helen Thomas made the following statement: “The Jews should get the hell out of Palestine and go back home.” When asked, “Where was their home?” she replied: “Poland, Germany and America and everywhere else.” Amazingly, she made this comment to a Jewish rabbi by the name of David Nesenoff who interviewed her at the White House Jewish Heritage Conference that day. Thankfully, on June 7, she abruptly resigned amid terse reactions from the White House’s Press Secretary and some fellow journalists.

Unfortunately, Ms. Thomas’ comments only reflect a growing sentiment being heard in our nation’s capital – and even from the White House! That sentiment is anti-Semitic in nature. It represents a complete disdain for Israel and a reversal of our nation’s previous stance since 1948. The recent events regarding the alleged humanitarian aid flotilla and the Israeli Gaza blockade have only exacerbated things around the world. As prophesied, Israel has become a stench in the world’s nostrils!

At this moment, the USA is teetering very close to relinquishing its role as Israel’s biggest supporter and strongest ally. Our nation’s leaders have begun snubbing Israel and now have promised $400 million in aid to the Palestinian’s president. And the erecting of a mosque almost adjacent to "ground zero" in New York is being pursued with a desired grand opening date of Sept. 11 of 2011 belive it or not! Wow! All at once many things are changing -- and drastically!

But (don't you just love that word) the Word of God still says regarding Israel and Abraham’s descendants: “I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Our blessing of Israel is not contingent upon whether or not we agree with Israel’s policies or not. Our job is to be obedient and bless them in some manner, even though the Bible makes it clear that there is coming a day that every nation will come against Israel (Zechariah 12:2-3). Should we curse Israel it will surely bring trouble upon America.

So what should we as believers do? Before I answer that, let me ask these questions. “Do you need a blessing? Could your family use a blessing? Do our churches need a blessing?” Obviously, we all need God’s blessings! We should therefore seek to bless Israel and honor God’s word in some manner. It may not sound too politically correct. But it is certainly biblically correct One of the best ways to bless Israel is to pray in their behalf. Here are some ways to pray.

1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9)
2. Pray that America’s leaders would continue to support Israel even if we as a nation have to do it alone
3. Pray for the Lord to show us tangible ways to bless Israel
4. Pray for the Lord to open a door to bless a Jew in America. One quarter of the world’s population of Jews reside in America! Choose to bless them with Messiah Jesus.
5. Stand upon God’s promise of blessing for your self, our families and our churches. I don’t necessarily think we need to ask for a specific blessing. Let’s just allow the Lord to bless us in a way that would honor Him most. Then let him bless us as He chooses!

So pray and be blessed! Should our nation turn its back on Israel, stand by kneeling. Long ago, even in the midst of His impending judgment on Israel, God gave this encouraging word to His righteous ones:

“Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.”
Isaiah 3:10 (please read the context of this passage, as it important to understanding)

Walk by faith and be encouraged brothers. And enjoy the Messianic music!

What if ...?

In recent weeks, I have learned the following:

1. A great awakening has taken place in Haiti in the aftermath of January's earthquake. The president called for a national time of prayer and fasting and cancelled his country's annual Mardi Gras celebration. The result was that over 3000 people gave their lives to Christ including over 100 Voodoo priests. It was reported that over 1 million Haitians hit the streets and began praying and weeping for their country and asking God for His mercy upon them.

2. I spoke with a man who is 87 years old who for years has had a prayer ministry of teaching the Lord's saints to pray around the world. This man still awakens at 4 AM each day to spend time with the Lord and seek His face.

3. I received a copy of a letter from a missionary in Zimbabwe who ministers to a little reached people group there who wrote of a lost man who died and stayed dead for 24 hours and then God raised him from the dead to serve and testify to the Lord Jesus Christ. He also told of a miracle salvation of a man who had a vision the night before and was ready to receive Christ without a gospel presentation when the missionary arrived at his home.

The man being raised from the dead in Zimbabwe was actually the second one I have known about in the last year, as my wife met a worship leader in Egypt last year who had just been raised from the dead weeks before she arrived.

These events have caused me to ask myself some questions and have pushed me to seek more personal time with the Lord in prayer. For the first time in my life, when I learn of someone who has died or is on the verge of death, I am asking the Lord if He wants this person to be raised from the dead. I have never prayed that though I believed the Lord could do it. But as He has said in His word --- you have not because you ask not.

Here are a few "what ifs" to consider. I hope you will ponder them. May they affect you in the way they have begun to affect me:

* What if we waited for a mega disaster to strike before we determined to pray as they've done in Haiti?

* What if we averted disaster like what Haiti experienced in January by praying as they are doing there now?

* What if we prayed for our president as they've done in Haiti?

* What if we had a president who asked for personal prayer and willingly led the nation to shut down for a few days to pray and fast for our country?

* What if we humbled ourselves and prayed and sought His face and turned from our wicked ways as the Body of Christ and as individuals?

* What if our streets were filled with praying people who cried out for our nation and lost souls?

* What if God just "suddenly" showed up and changed numbers of people's lives in a flash of time?

* What if God had to "shake" His church in America as He shook the earth in Haiti in January?

* What if the church fervently cried out like Moses did for the Lord to "show us His glory?" (Exodus 33:18)

* What if the church in America would dare to be still long enough to "know that He is God?" (Psalm 46:10)

* What if we learned what it means to "wait upon the Lord?" (Psalm 27:14 & Isaiah 30:18)

* What if ... (you fill in the blank)?

You Mean ...God Loves Terrorists Too?

"And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood, You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" Revelation 5:9

Since the terrible days of Sept. 11, 2001, the term "terrorist" has taken on important meaning since that act of violence took place on American soil. Terrorism now makes the headlines almost daily, and it has been doing so for some time.

So, let us define a "terrorist." From Wikpedia, we get a formal definition derived from the United Nations general assembly. They describe acts of terrorism as such:

"Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them."

Synonyms for terrorism include -- random acts of violence, intimidation, kidnapping & perhaps unjustifiable and unreasonable imprisonment

Terrorism deliberately sows the seeds of confusion and fears among those targeted for terror. It is prejudicial at its root and motivated by selfish pride through domination and intimidation.

But terrorism has been around for eons. It is not something new. Let's consider the following individual and what you would consider him to be:

This man was highly educated. In fact, he sat under the most renowned religious teachers of his day. He not only knew and understood the tiniest of details of his religion, but he practiced them flawlessly. Virtually no one was more religious than he. His pedigree was close to perfection. And to those who no longer believed what he truly believed about religion he sought to destroy through random acts of violence, intimidation and kidnapping. He even travelled from home to home to drag off the prisoners of his choice. He moved with stealth and authority to terrorize. His goal was destruction and elimination, and he performed his duties with a zeal seldom seen in others. He successfully wrought fear among those he targeted. And he fully believed that he was doing all of this for God. Underneath it all, was a self righteous pride cloaked in the garbs of religious practice.

Who was this man? His name was Saul of Tarsus. By any definition, he was a terrorist! Before he met Christ on the road to Damascus, that is what he was! In the same way that Muslim zealots seek to destroy Jews, Chrisians, Americans and any others they deem to be infidels, Paul, the Jewish zealot sought to annhilate the early Christian church (see Acts 7:59 - 8:3; Acts 9:1-2 & 13-4; Acts 22:1-5; Acts 26:4-11; Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:4-6). Paul even sought to get believers in Christ to blaspheme in the same way that some radical Muslims continue to do with former Islamic practioners who have come to Christ for salvation (Acts 26:11). Prior to becoming the Apostle Paul, Saul was a terrorist!

We know for certain that God loves people. That is the primary motivating principle behind Jesus' coming in to this world. In love, He came to save people from their sins and to deliver them from certain separation from God and His wrath by granting forgiveness through His shed blood. We could find other reasons for the Lord's saving of souls, but one reason I believe we sometimes forget is this: the redeeming qualities of a given person. What do I mean by that? Take the pre-Christian Paul for instance. He was highly educated and probably spoke more than one language. Though his zeal was misguided, he was very zealous for what he believed in and who he believed God to be. In short, there was great potential for his being a world wide missionary, church planter, evangelist and staunch defender of the cause of Christ. That sounds like an ideal apostle! And that is what he became! The vast majority of New Testament writings and the founding of many first century churches could be directly attributable to the heavenly Father using the Apostle from Tarsus as His chosen instrument. God saw Saul's amazing potential -- and He saved Him!

In Texas, it is obvious that the Muslim religion has arrived. You can travel through various metro areas and see mosques, shop and dine with Muslim men and women and notice a few billboards advertising Islam to the masses. Many local gas stations and convenience stores are owned and/or operated by Muslims. There is even a proposal for a Muslim slaughterhouse to be built in Texas that would come complete with an Islamic prayer room for the employees slaughtering animals who handle the process according to the stringent Sharia laws of Islam.

As I have pondered all of these things, I have developed a major burden -- for both Muslims and professing Christians. I pray for Muslims, because they follow a false god, are slaves to religious practice and need salvation. And I am very concerned for professing believers too. Why? Because some professing believers seem to harbor much anger, bitterness and animosity toward Muslims and the prospect of living amongst Islamic people. Other professing believers seem to be oblivious to what is beginning to happen all around them. They are blind. A number wrongly feel that every Muslim is a terrorist, so they are bound by unwholesome fears. Some even present an attitude that God either could not or would not save a Muslim man or woman.

Do we believe the verse at the beginning of this paper in Revelation 5:9? Clearly, there will be people from all over the world -- every tribe, every language, etc. in heaven who came to Christ for salvation. And yes, surely there are former Muslims among that throng in heaven!

Read the following:

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1

"God ... Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:4

Do we believe these verses? Are we willing to love all people on this earth -- even a terrorist -- no matter his cause? Can we, as genuine Christians, love them enough to pray for their salvation and open our mouths to tell them about our beloved Jesus? Can we look beyond the "present" in someone's life and see the "future" they can have in Jesus --those redemptive qualities that can glorify the Kingdom as God did with Paul?

God has saved at least one terrorist already! He did it through a divine vision, and He is doing it again today all over the Muslim world! Why can't it happen even here in the good old USA? The question is: Do we believe it, and do we have enough love in our hearts to speak up in order to see it happen?

The religious landscape is changing before our eyes right now in our nation. The truth is: It's coming to America! In fact, it's already here!

It's time to heed Paul's words in Ephesians 5:14 -- "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you."

It is getting late, and it is getting serious!

Earthquakes? Let's talk

In recent weeks, earthquakes have dominated the news with their size as well as their devastation. They have certainly made their impact upon our world! They have aroused our sense of compassion to those in need, touched our hearts and emotions, caused us to stand in awe, etc., but they have also caused many of us to ask questions. Among the most frequently asked questions are: "What is happening?" & "What does this mean, if anything?" & "Is this from God?" or "Is this the result of man's failures to act as proper stewards with the earth and our environment?"

On March 2, scientists astounded us by stating their belief that the earth moved slightly on its axis and the lengths of daytime changed a little because of the February 27 Chilean temblors. They have even surmised that an island off Chile was raised approximately 6 feet due to the enormous upheaval caused by the tectonic plates shifting! And ocean waves were energized to move at the speed of a commercial jetliner across the Pacific! What a display of incredible power!

The recent quakes have even caused some numerologists to search for answers through the numbers involved. For instance, Haiti's earthquake measured 7.0, and it was very close to 7 weeks before the 8.8 temblor shook Chile. Therefore, the questions revolve around the numbers 7 & 8 both separately and joined together. Then there is the name of one of the major cities near the epicenter of Chile's tremor -- Concepcion (translated into English as "Conception" or the beginning of a new life).

Let us look at the numbers first. First of all, this is not meant to be a dissertation on numbers per se, so we will just bring out some pertinent facts about the numbers 7 & 8. Seven is the number of perfection or completeness. Our Creator rested on the 7th day signifying that His creation was complete and perfect as created. Seven is one of the more significant and most often used numbers in the Bible with numerous examples given throughout. Eight is the number of superabundance or the beginning of something new. For instance, the eighth day marks the beginning of a new week. In addition, it is the number of salvation -- the beginning of a new life in Jesus Christ. Turned on its side, the number 8 is a symbol for an infinite number.

Regarding the recent earthquakes, some theories have developed primarily around these numbers. For instance, the sevens came in twos. A 7 point tremor leveled Haiti followed by 7 weeks until Chile's huge quake. Until now, never have 2 quakes of that size come that close together. The earliest that 2 quakes of that size came after one another had been about 3 months. Chile's temblor measured 8.8, so the eights came in twos also. And the most notable town nearest to the epicenter of Chile's earthquake was Concepcion. Putting it altogether, so goes the theory, the Haitian tremor marked the end of a completed period of time. The Chilean tremor therefore marked the beginning of something new, and it was birthed in Concepcion. The sobering reality of all of these theories would be the birthing of a period of an even greater number of earthquakes that are super abundant and seem to almost be infinite in number. Perhaps the theory is just telling us that something new is beginning. The fact that these numbers, 7 & 8, appear to have come in pairs seems noteworthy too. Why? Because in the Bible when things are mentioned twice, it is to emphasize its importance and seriousness (i.e. Jesus using "verily" in pairs often --John 1:51 and others). Pardon the pun, but the theories are pregnant with interest and intrigue!

Contrary to what you may be thinking, I am not a person who is putting a great deal of stock in the theory outlined above. In other words, I am not at all saying that this is a "thus saith the Lord" kind of thing. I am just stating the theory. But let us consider: is this theory true? Only time will tell us. There are those who seem to want to spiritualize everything that they see in the natural realm. I think sometimes things in the natural do tell us something about the spiritual, but this kind of thinking can be taken too far also. So what is the point to all of this? It is this. The Bible has some things to say to us about earthquakes. For instance, Jesus said that among the signs that will appear before He comes again (see Matthew 24:1-8) will be the occurrence of earthquakes in diverse places (v.7) -- or all over our world. In verse 8, he says earthquakes, along with the other listed signs, will be viewed as the beginning of birth pains (conception?). I have never birthed a baby thank goodness, but from hearing women talk, the birth pains gradually get more frequent and more pronounced near the end of pregnancy. These verses in Matthew, however, do represent a "thus saith the Lord" statement.

But regardless of whether or not the recent earthquake facts and numbers discussed earlier prove to be meaningful and prophetic, some other facts remain. For instance, throughout the entire 20th century until now, and particularly since Israel's re-birth as a nation in 1948, the regularity of "killer" sized earthquakes all over the world has greatly increased. Official geological data bears this out. If you want figures, I'll get them for you.

But the biggest facts are found in God's word. Here is what Revelation 16 tells us about an earthquake coming on earth one day:

"The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'It is done!' Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of His wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about 100 pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible." Revelation 16:17-21

Californians like to talk about the "big one" that they fear will dump part of their state into the Pacific Ocean. The "big one" they are imagining does not compare to the "big one" that the Lord will bring upon a sinful and dying world that has rejected His Son one day. This really "big one" comes from God, as it is clearly part of His wrath according to God's word. Does His wrath take place because of man's failures? Yes, but it is not due to our failure to treat the so called "earth mother" properly. It is simply due to sin -- rebellion against a Holy God who sent His Son in love to die for the sins of the world and then was raised from the dead after 3 days. There are plenty of facts to back these truths up.

Should we take God's word concerning earthquakes and judgment seriously? After all, these words were penned long ago. You may be asking yourself: "Doesn't the Bible just represent the words of some men? Is is really God's word?" Consider that God was absolutely perfect in His over 100 prophecies concerning the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son. Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. There are hundreds of other prophecies that have proven beyond doubt that God is correct and the revealer of truth. And incidentally, there are twice as many prophecies concerning Jesus' second coming as His first.

Please read the following:

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Romans 5:8-10

"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whome He raised from the dead -- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Where are you, dear reader? Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you put complete trust -- that is your very life in His hands to save you from your sins and the wrath to come? His love is amazing! He awaits you to respond to His loving call. He has already done all that is needed to provide the way of salvation. It's done! Will you give your life to Him today? Ask yourself, if He came today: "Would I experience His wrath or His salvation?" As you consider the answer to that question, you should also ask: "Why would I experience His wrath or His salvation?" Your answer to "why" is extremely important too.

It is getting late, and it is getting serious.

My Colors Will Be Clear

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3:15-16

A long time ago, I heard "My Colors Will Be Clear" on a Christian radio program. It hit me hard at the time, as its message was very challenging and timely in my life. I have strived to live up to its challenge for quite some time. Too often I have failed in my noble endeavor. To be honest, I come woefully short. I came across it again today in my office, and I thought I would post it on this blog. Perhaps it will challenge you too. I am uncertain as to the identity of the author, but whomever it was, they were truly committed to Him. We should all be this committed. Amen. Read on and be challenged beloved.

"My Colors Will Be Clear"

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chincy" giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by His presence, lean by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me --- you see, MY COLORS WILL BE CLEAR.

How Do We Live?

"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal... Persia, Ethiopia and Libya are with them... Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops..." Ezekiel 38:2-3,5-6

"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake." Matthew 24:9

Today I learned of some news on two different but somewhat related fronts. On one front, though it was not a complete surprise, it was reported that Iran finally had the uranium enrichment they had desired. Though Iran's leaders deny it, nuclear capabilities are a logical pursuit for them as a result. Mahmoud Ahmadenijad even told his nation that Iran was now a nuclear state. On the second front, and about 2 weeks later than it should have, it was revealed that 2 street preachers in Florida were gunned down by an 18 year old young man. They were both shot in the head, and one of them in an execution style fashion.(Go to www.mnnonline.org for the story)

So what do these 2 seemingly unrelated news events have in common? Each of these news items remind us of this --- It is getting late, and it is getting serious.

Why so you may ask? Let's look at the first news item -- Iran's potential nuclear buildup. The prophecy in Ezekiel involves a confederacy of nations that one day will seek to come against the nation of Israel in order to virtually wipe it off of the map. Instead, this confederacy itself will be violently destroyed due to the wrath of God, as the Holy One of Israel defends His promised land. In fact, in the aftermath, Gog's confederation of dead troops will become food for the birds of prey and carnivorous beasts as these animals feast on the troops' dead flesh(see Ezekiel chapter 38 through chapter 39:16 for the rest of the story).

This blog has not been written to debate the timing of this event. But we do know a few things about this prophecy. It has not yet taken place, and it was prophesied as sometime in the distant future from Ezekiel's day. We know that Gog's confederation of troops consist of several nations. Real quick now and without going into depth and also knowing that the Bible uses some different names, these nations represent Russia, several former USSR republics, Libya, Turkey, Ethiopia, Persia and perhaps Egypt. The Bible names Persia as a member of the confederation, but at present that nation is known as Iran. Under their present leadership, Iran has made their hatred for Israel and the Jews (and the USA) well known as perhaps the most militant Muslim nation in the world. Though the date cannot be predicted of this confederation of Gog's demise, it will take place in the latter days. Some feel it is prior to Jesus' return, and some believe it is during the Millenium. But here is the point: That time is drawing nearer day by day. And with Iran's intentional proliferation of weapons and its venomous hatred of Jews, the type of scenario as played out in Ezekiel is coming on the world scene.

The second news item stated above was a cold blooded murder. There is no other way to explain it. It actually sounds more like a scene played out in a Middle Eastern Muslim nation where Christians are routinely mistreated and sometimes killed. But this happened on American soil! Why were these street preachers murdered as they were? They were guilty of sharing the gospel with a teenager when this 18 year old abruptly turned on them and started shooting. They were killed for "His Name's sake." When Jesus spoke the above words in Matthew 24:9, He was pointing to a time prior to His return, as He responded to His disciples' questions: "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). Many Christians have been lulled into thinking this kind of persecution cannot happen in America. They wrongly believe that it only takes place abroad in pagan, militant and Christian hating nations. Well, we have just been given a news flash. It can happen in America, and it just did!

The title of this blog is: "How Do We Live?" In other words, in light of these contemporary truths, how should we live? Here are a few tips for all of us to pursue with diligence as believers in Christ.

1. Pursue holiness and godliness --- II Peter 3:11 makes it clear that in light of the prophesied "end time" events, holiness and godliness should be our target. It is what we should strive for. Prayer, God's word and the Holy Spirit's work are essential keys for us.

2. Walk by faith and not by sight --- II Corinthians 5:7 exhorts and challenges us to do so. As the day begins to look darker and darker and evil doers succeed in doing worse and worse, we will likely see many more wicked and horrible things before Jesus' approaching day. Our eyesight will cause us to waver and falter if we let it, but faith sees beyond the present into a hopeful future that is guaranteed on God's promises. Amen.

3. Trust God --- Psalm 47:7 & 8 declare that God is King of the earth, reigns over the nations and is seated on His holy throne. His word promises that one day the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9). In His Kingdom, Jesus will reign forever and righteousness and justice will be upheld by Him (Isaiah 9:6-7). Hallelujah! We must trust Him!

4. Be about discipleship --- Matthew 28:18-20 tells us to go and make disciples -- and that includes all nations. The tense of the verbs in these verses suggests that we should be all about making disciples as we are going -- wherever we go. How many of us are doing that? How many of us are either being discipled or spending time discipling someone else? This truly is our "great" commission. Commitment to this command should be one of our greatest pursuits. We should pray for harvesters to be sent into God's harvest in lands all over the world, but particularly those in Gog's future confederacy. Few in those nations mentioned know the Lord.

In reality, we don't need dramatic news stories like the ones I have mentioned to prompt us all to be doing what we are supposed to be doing as believers anyway. The 4"How Do We Live" items listed above are how we are to live and breathe for Christ no matter the kind of days in which we find ourselves living. Amen.

But it is getting late, and it is getting serious!

Enjoy the song below and listen to the words. May His Kingdom come!

To Pray or Not To Pray

And as He taught them, He said, "Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers.'" Mark 11:17

In its context, this is a pretty eye opening passage of scripture. Jesus taught these words in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem amidst an atmosphere of righteous anger -- His righteous anger! Just the day before He entered the temple area, He had pronounced a curse upon a fig tree. It quickly withered from the roots and died. That fig tree represented the nation of Israel and its outright rejection of its long awaited Messiah - Yeshua -- the incarnation of God's own Word. So when Jesus reached the temple the day afterward (which was when He made the statement above in Mark's gospel), His mood was certainly not pleasant as He had discovered how the Lord's house was being used. Irate at what He witnessed, He flipped over the tables of the money changers, the benches of those selling doves and would not let the merchants pass thru as they made a shortcut through the temple to get more quickly to their appointed destinations.

This is amazing, because these are the actions of the Son of God -- the most humble, loving, compassionate, meek and merciful man to ever walk the earth! What the scriptures reveal is Jesus giving us a brief a glimpse of the Almighty's wrath -- a Holy God in righteous anger making His judgment upon sin. So what was the sin of the people? The temple -- the symbolic place of God's manifest presence -- was being used in a way contrary to His will. And God's will was to have His people use it as a house of prayer -- for all nations.

As we break down our passage in Mark 11:17, we see that it is broken down in to two distinct parts. The first part of the verse is actually a quote from Isaiah 56:7 and in the second part Jesus references Jeremiah 7:11. These are significant passages that Jesus quotes from the O.T.

First, let's look at Isaiah 56:7. God's word in this passage (including verses 4-8) indicates that not only the Israelites themselves, but faithful eunuchs and foreigners as well as additional people to the Jewish exiles mentioned in the surrounding verses will come and find joy in the Lord's "house of prayer." That house of prayer, God's temple, was meant for all nations. It was a place of prayer - on God's holy mountain - where all nations could come to pray and find the joy of the Lord. In a sense, it was revealing to us what Jesus said we should pray about in the Lord's prayer -- "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is God's will for people from all nations to pray and discover God's joy!So, in a sense, Jesus is saying: "Pray and see the people come!"

Secondly, in order to get the context, Jeremiah 7:11 requires us to include verses 9-10 also. In these verses, we see the Israelites violating God's law in at least 5 different ways. To top it off and in this condition, the Israelites are coming to the place bearing God's holy name and falsely believe they have found safety, comfort and solace. There is no recognition of sin on the part of God's people. There is no blushing or confrontation of their sinfulness. The Jews of this day have reached a point where they believed that YHWH, the Holy One of Israel, just winked at their sin. And they had the audacity to try to stand before their holy God in this condition -- in His house -- the temple. If only they had experienced the kind of encounter with a holy God that Isaiah did in Isaiah chapter 6 --- they would have been undone and cried in agony and woe over their sinfulness.

But God was watching it all! And His judgment was that the Jews had made God's house a den of robbers and thieves. So what exactly had been stolen by these thieves and robbers?

1. God's glory was robbed of its holy and righteous image!
2. God's Kingdom was robbed of new converts -- from all over the earth!
3. His people, even His choicest servants, were robbed of answered prayer! In fact, the Lord told Jeremiah in verse 16 of Chapter 7: "So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you."
4. God's people were robbed of God's protection and loving presence. Instead they received the Lord's disciplinary judgment, as they would be overrun by their enemies and taken into captivity.

So let's look at today's church. Honestly, how much prayer is going on in many churches. Praise God there are some great praying churches, but they are beginning to be hard to find. There have been numerous times that as a pastor I found it extremely difficult to find people who were willing to take the time and make the sacrifice necessary for prayer in behalf of God's Kingdom. Unfortunately, there were too many prayer meetings called where no one would show up. And God's people and the Kingdom were robbed!

How many churches have you been to today that you know spend time praying for other countries -- particularly oppressed nations with little gospel witness? Countries where the few believers found place their lives on the line daily. Countries where torture, imprisonment and separation from family and yes perhaps even death can come at any time -- while we live in the extravagant Laodicean comforts of America.

How many churches blush at sin and seek to lovingly confront it as Jesus and Paul did -- to keep from making His house a den of robbers?

I am saddened that many today refer to prayer as one of the ministries of the Lord's church. In reality, it is the ministry of the church. All other ministries should come into existence through prayer and continue to operate and exist through prayer. To do otherwise, is to invite ministering "in the flesh" and the inept power of the soul.

But there is another element to consider -- the "house" that Jesus is talking about -- God's temple, the place of God's dwelling -- is within every true believer of His today. We have looked at the church on a corporate level, but what about on the personal level. How many times, like the merchandisers in the temple of Jesus' day, do we take shortcuts as individuals -- either in our daily living or perhaps in church settings -- that allow us to become as big a robbers as the money changers that Jesus saw. How are we robbing God and His kingdom as outlined above? Do we really take the time and make the sacrifice to pray? We must remember that He sees us all, and nothing is hidden from His sight.

Maybe it is time for us to allow the Lord to flip over the tables in our lives in order to make us -- as churches and individuals -- houses of prayer for all nations. If we don't, we may not see the revival and advance of God's kingdom that we would prefer. If we do though, how fast might God's word spread? I can only imagine. How many people from around the world would come to know Him? Lord, start with me. Make me a house of prayer. That should be our cry. Amen.

A Blessed Reminder From Haiti

"... having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:5-6

The recent earthquake in Haiti has certaintly exacted a great toll upon the people there. Among those who have suffered greatly are the large number of orphans found on this island nation. In addition to the ever present pain they feel in having no parents and now from the injuries some sustained from the earthquake, they also have been subject to human trafficking and child slavery. Unfortunately, this situation has aptly illustrated their desperate plight.

The Apostle Paul had this kind of thing in mind when he penned, under the Spirit's guidance, the words in our text found in Ephesians 1:5-6. In those days of Roman dominion, it was not unusual for children to be discarded. More often than not this action was taken by the father of the child since the society in which they lived was patriarchal. The father did not have to have a good reason for his heinous action. This would obviously leave the abandoned child in a very vulnerable position! Unless someone determined to take the child in to care for either him or her, that child would very much be in danger of dying. Such was their plight!

Fortunately, there were some people who were filled with mercy and compassion who would seek to adopt a discarded child. In love, they could go to court to adopt. In those days, the law stated that if someone were to legally adopt the child they entered into a permanent relationship with the child as his or her parent. The agreement was an irrevocable binding agreement which bound the child and the new parents. This agreement guaranteed a new father as part of the deal for the child!

Nowadays, I have heard, children in some parts of Africa are discarded for many reasons too. The most prevalent reasons are related to deformities or the child being born with diseases like A.I.D.S. Many African parents often regard these children as "cursed" as declared by the local witch doctor, so the children are abandoned and given up to die.

The point is this, the recipients of Paul's epistle to the Ephesian church would definitely grasp the picture that the Lord through Paul was painting for them.

Imagine the scene in heaven. The Almighty and righteous judge of the universe holds court within the triune Godhead. In love, mercy, compassion and grace, He determines to adopt the "orphan like" children who repent and come to Him by faith in Jesus Christ's works upon the cross and subsequent resurrection. He then makes a covenant through Jesus' blood and seals it with the Holy Spirit to place Himself in a permanent, binding and irrevocable agreement to be the new Father of the adopted child. Up to this point, the adopted child was guaranteed death, was cursed, diseased and deformed by sin as well as being subject to slavery. Before this agreement was made, the child was hopeless and helpless just as orphans were in Paul's day and as many are even today.

And to top it off, this newly adopted child of God can climb up into His lap at anytime and cry: "Abba or Daddy" to his loving Father who is most eager to hold this child and wipe away every tear as the child's comforting defender! And all of this is according to the good pleasure of God's will and glorious grace!

Knowing these things makes verses like the following take new meaning and further endears me to Him because in a sense all of us were orphans before we meet Him:

"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18

"For in You the fatherless finds mercy." Hosea 14:3

"You are the helper of the fatherless." Psalm 10:14

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Romans 8:15-16

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!" I John 3:1

Oh how joyous to be accepted in the Beloved! What a Savior! Does anyone feel like dancing? I do! How 'bout you?

Demonstration of Faith

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Off and on for months now, the Lord has been dealing with me about faith. During these times He has shown me how pitiful and pathetic my faith has sometimes been. There have been many times when my faith has been quite strong, but unfortunately there have been too many times that my faith has fallen woefully short. I hate thinking about those times. I am reminded about those times though when I hear of some of the contemporary stories of faith -- particularly in foreign countries where to be a Christian is to hated and even hunted by those who oppose Christ and His cross.

The faith defined in Hebrews 11:1 is the faith that pleases God in Hebrews 11:6. Now, as we look at the Hebrews 11:1 verse, it is helpful to break it down into various important components. In order to do so, we must look at "substance", "hoped" and "evidence." The Greek text is most helpful. First, let's look at "substance." Our Greek word is hupostasis which combines 2 words: "hupo" meaning under and "stasis" meaning to stand. When we put it together, it is a "standing or remaining under." It carries with it the idea of perseverance and endurance in the face of hardship. This Greek word is also used in Hebrews 3:14 to illustrate the point.

But this word "hupostasis" carried with it another important meaning. The Greeks used it in conjunction with having the title deed to a piece of property. There was a woman long ago that archaeologists learned of who had a piece of property that she lost in a court case. The judge wrongfully gave the property to someone else. However, the lady discovered later that she had the title deed to the property. She then took the case to a higher court. In the higher court, she won, because she produced the title deed or "hupostasis." In other words, her victory came by faith, because it was connected to the title deed she had in her possession. The title deed guaranteed that she indeed had ownership to the property!

Our next word is "hoped." The Greek word for "hoped" is much different than our corresponding word in the English language. In the English, "hope" carries the idea of a question mark with it. We hope something may happen, but we don't necessarily have the guarantee that it will happen. Not so in the Greek! "Hope" in the Greek is a guarantee, it is total assurance! There is no question mark attached to it! For instance, Hebrews 6:17-20a illustrates it well:

"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where, Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."

Our next word in Hebrews 11:1 is "evidence." The Greek word here is "elegkos." It was a legal term used in the courtroom for the kind of irrefutable evidence that promised to bring a trial to a just conclusion -- like gaining a conviction in a criminal trial. The evidence was so overwhelming that it was referred to as "elegkos." It could not be refuted!

So when we give an expanded translation of Hebrews 11:1, this is what we get:

"Faith is the confident assurance (the kind of confidence that allows one to stand under and endure hardships) of things expected with absolute certainty, the irrefutable proof as evidence of things not seen."

A couple of months ago, one of my sons enlightened me to a contemporary worship song called "The Desert Song." It was written by a young woman at the height of despair after she experienced the death of her son who had been born prematurely. Though she did not "feel" like praising the Lord, she did anyway. Why? Because the scriptures told her to do so. By faith, she did it. And in the song she did what we all should do -- that is, she claimed the title deed by faith and took it to the higher court in heaven through praise!

And you may ask, what is the title deed? The title deed is found in the promises of God!

I have taken the liberty to take this song verse by verse with applicable scriptures beside the lines of the song. You will quickly see how the young woman demonstrated her faith by clinging to God's word.

Desert Song

This is my prayer in the desert when all that's within me feels dry (Psalm 42:1-2)
This is my prayer in my hunger and need (Psalm 42:5-6 & Psalm 107:8-9)
My God is the God Who provides (Genesis 22:14 & Philippians 4:19)

This is my prayer in the fire in weakness or trial or pain (Daniel 3:16-29)
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold (I Peter 1:6-7)
So refine me, Lord, through the flame. (Malachi 3:3-4)

This is my prayer in the battle (II Corinthians 4:8-9)
When triumph is still on its way (Ephesians 6:18 & Nehemiah 6:9)
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17 & 37)
So firm on His promise I'll stand (Hebrews 11:1 & II Corinthians 1:20)

This is my prayer in the harvest when favor and providence flow (Luke 10:2)
I know I'm filled to be emptied again (II Timothy 4:6)
The seed I've received I will sow (I Peter 1:23-25 & Romans 10:14-15)

Chorus: I will bring praise I will bring praise (Psalm 42:5)
No weapon formed against me shall remain (Isaiah 54:17)
I will rejoice (Philippians 4:4)
I will declare God is my victory and He is here (I Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 13:5 & Matthew 28:20)

Refrain: All of my life in every season You are still God (Deuteronomy 33:27 & Romans 8:28)
I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship (Psalm 13:5-6)

So let us all ask of the Lord: "Help us in our unbelief and teach us to take up our title deed in faith through prayer!" Amen.

The Power of a Name

When I was a boy, I watched several cartoon shows. One of them was Felix the Cat. I know, I am dating myself, but it was big in the TV world at the time. And yes, it was sometime after the Ice Age! But Felix was not my favorite character on the show. It was a little guy named Vavoom. Though Vavoom was small in stature, he had a deep and powerful voice. Not only was Vavoom his name, but it also represented a word of incredibly great power when he spoke it. When Vavoom bellowed out "vavoom", it would shatter rocks and could create cavernous holes in the mountains! It was both awesome and often hilarious to see what happened when little Vavoom shouted "vavoom"!

Though it was just a cartoon, a great point was made. There was great power in the person of Vavoom and also in the spoken name of Vavoom. Just recently in Frisco, Texas, the owner of a boutiqe demonstrated the power of the mighty name of Jesus. In closing her store one day, a robber abruptly stepped into her store wielding a gun. He promptly pointed it at her and demanded her money. Rather than doing as most people would do in a similar situation, she boldly told him "no" and turned the tables on him by demanding that he leave "in the name of Jesus." The man then turned to one of the owner's customers who had remained in the store and told her to lie down. Again, the lady owner said: "no, I bind you in the power of the Holy Spirit and command you to leave in Jesus' name." Well, the man was thrown into such confusion that he suddenly rushed out of the store -- without the cash he wanted and without harming a soul! Wow! What an act of faith! And a reminder was given to us as Christians -- the name of Jesus has power!

I fear that too many of us as Christians, and I am guilty of this myself, tend to limit Jesus' name to just a name or word to tack on to the end of a prayer. Whereas, it certainly is biblical to pray and ask "in Jesus' name," we sometimes say it as some dutiful religious rhetoric with little faith and virtually no conviction behind it. We certainly don't say it with the expectation of power behind it that Vavoom did when he blared out: "Vavoom!" You see, Vavoom expected the rocks to split when he spoke "Vavoom" with authority. What do we expect, if anything, when we speak the name of Jesus - in prayer, in witnessing, etc.? Do we really think the power of Jesus' name is only the power we experienced at the beginning of our relationship with Him when we "received Him and believed in His name?" (John 1:12)

Here are a few powerful things we should both remember and expect in faith in God / Jesus' name:

1. Power of Protection -- Proverbs 18:10 says:

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."

How often do we really find ourselves running to His name expecting to find safety, shelter and protection from and through the storms of life when we need it?

2. Power of Provision -- John 16:23-24 says:

"... truly, truly I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

When we pray, do we really believe in the power of Jesus' name to open the bountiful vaults of heaven which the Lord is so graciously ready to do for His children? How frequent is our praying in Jesus' name with deep and firm conviction, faith and expectation or has it become just the final meaningless words of a faithless prayer?

3. Power in Battle -- Luke 10: 17 says:

... and the seventy returned with joy saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."

The disciples had just returned after a time of when Jesus commissioned them to minister in behalf of the kingdom of God. They healed the sick and labored for the harvest in Jesus' name. Apparently, they invoked the name of Jesus in ministering, and the demonic hosts of Satan had to submit to them in Jesus' name.

Let us ask ourselves: "How often do we forfeit the power available to us in Jesus' name as believers by failing to inject the name of Jesus into our times of ministry?" Have we really forgotten that ministry is a time of spiritual battle that can only be won in Jesus' name? Somehow I believe the power may be missing in these times, because we have forgotten the power of His name in warfare. Maybe we have just forgotten that we are in a battle constantly against the forces of darkness.

4. Power of Sovereignty -- Philippians 29-11: says:

"Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I am reminded of the story of the ungodly king, Nebuchadnezzar, of Babylon who erected a golden image on the plain of Dura and demanded all in his kingdom to bow and worshipthe golden image at the sound of various musical instruments (Daniel 3:1-7). In other words, the sound of these musical instruments had the ability to inspire worship, because they carried the authority of Nebuchadnezzar the king. But Philippians reminds us that the King and Sovereign of the entire universe, God Himself, has granted authority and power to the name of Jesus! There will come a day that the name of Jesus will be proclaimed, and every person ever born on earth -- whether in heaven, earth, or under the earth -- whether saint of sinner will bow, worship and recognize that Jesus is Lord! Wow! That is power of the highest degree! Hallelujah!

5. The power to save -- Acts 4:12 states:

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

That puts the exclamation point on things. The name of Jesus is the only name that can make the distinction between sinner and saint, as it's the only name that can convert a person from sinner to saint. What a Savior! What a mighty name!

Maybe it is time for us to remember exactly how powerful the name of Jesus really is! Maybe it is time for us to think "VAVOOM!" when we invoke the name of Jesus in prayer, ministry, etc. What power might we begin to see if we were to do so?