Prepare for Tomorrow – Part Three

Don’t expect success tomorrow if you don’t prepare for it today.

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Mark 11:22-24 – And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them

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Today we continue to examine the flow and operation of faith as it applies to preparing for tomorrow.  In the simplest terms, preparing for tomorrow begins with having faith today.  That means the application of the Word of God daily because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Then we come to the need for speaking; speaking by faith based soundly upon God’s Word to the obstacle(s) that are before you, obstacles that it falls your responsibility to remove.  Look closely at our Text for Today.  You will not find a command to call on God to remove the obstacle in your life, but rather the instruction to speak to the mountain (obstacle) in faith, believing what you say, and not doubting in your heart, and the obstruction will be removed to a place that will not obstruct you. 

While it has not been widely taught or explained, the function of faith as it is set forth in our Text for Today is a combination of three elements.  First, have the God kind of faith.  That requires sowing the Word of God that produces faith in your spirit man.  Without it, you cannot please Father.  Second, it is your responsibility to use your faith, speak to the mountain, and remove it as an obstruction from your love walk.  A close look at Jesus’ dealing with the fig tree will reveal these first two steps clearly.  Jesus had faith; of that there can be no doubt.  Jesus spoke to the fig tree; that is plainly recorded.  He did NOT ask Father to deal with the fig tree.  Jesus did that Himself. 

Keep in mind that in this scenario, Jesus approached the fig tree because He was hungry.  But after He spoke to the fig tree, He did not create His Own food.  That was still the work of Father.  It was Jesus’ function to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, believing all things necessary for life would be provided to Him.  That is the final element of the function of faith as it is set forth in our Text for Today.  And it is the same for us.  It is the believer’s responsibility to have the God kind of faith.  It is the believer’s responsibility to deal with the mountain (the obstruction in one’s path).  But in the third element, is the believer’s responsibility to ask of Father that which is needed, and then believe Him to provide it.  It is Father’s responsibility to put before the believer that which is desired, or needed.  It is Father Who will provide all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Manna for Today – Mark 11:12-24; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-6; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 4:17; Philippians 4:19

Prepare for Tomorrow – Part Two

Preparing for tomorrow gives clear indication of expectancy.  Preparation is based on expectancy.

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Mark 11:22-24 – And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

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Our Text for Today is taken from an event in Jesus’ life set forth in Mark 11:12-24.  Jesus had endured a busy day and was hungry.  Seeing a fig tree, He came to it hoping to find figs to eat, but there were none.  Jesus cursed the tree, saying it would never bear fruit again.  The Scriptures do not indicate any immediate change.  Jesus simply walked on to His evening destination, expecting His faith to carry out what He had said.  In essence, His words were His preparation for the next day.  The next day as they passed the tree, Peter called it to remembrance, for the tree was dried up from the roots.  What Jesus spoke today was His preparation for a life that honored Father tomorrow.  Nothing has changed.  We should live the same kind of life today using the same kind of faith in the same way.  Our faith in God should be such that what we speak today is our preparation for living tomorrow in a manner that honors Father at the highest possible level.

In our Text for Today, we see the operation of faith in preparation for tomorrow, making tomorrow a day of blessing, success, and honor to the Lord.  There is a divine process set forth in these verses to which we must give earnest heed.  Look at the words of Jesus.  The first step in preparing for tomorrow is to have faith today.  Remember, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  We must give ourselves daily to the reading, study, meditation, and hearing of the Word of God.

Secondly, we must deal with the obstacles that are before us.  In our Text for Today, the obstacle was a mountain.  Recognizing the obstacle is important.  If you don’t recognize the obstacle, how will you know what it is to which you are to speak?  In this process, Jesus did not ask Father to remove the obstacle.  He exercised His faith and spoke to the obstacle Himself.  We are to follow that example, imitating the process Jesus demonstrated.  What obstacle is in your life?  Use your faith to move that obstacle.  You should not ask Father to move it.  You move it!  Use your faith; the God kind of faith and speak TODAY to the mountain before you!  Prepare for tomorrow!

Manna for Today – Mark 11:12-24; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-6; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 4:17

Prepare for Tomorrow

The better prepared you are for tomorrow, the more effective you can be.

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Mark 11:22 – And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

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Jesus said that we should take no thought for tomorrow, what we should eat, or drink, or wear.  He did NOT say we should not think about tomorrow, and prepare for tomorrow to be successful and to be greater blessings than we were yesterday and today.  Our Text for Today is one of the great foundational texts for preaching and teaching on the subject of faith.  It is a message that needs to be declared far more often than it is, for without faith we cannot please God.  While I cannot speak for anyone but myself, I will declare that faith is of paramount importance in one’s walk with the Lord, for it is ONLY by faith that one can please the Lord.  If faith is the only means by which God can be pleased, then surely it is of the greatest important.

Some translations of our Text for Today state it this way; “Have the God kind of faith.”  That is, in reality,  what Jesus was saying.  There is a natural faith.  It is the faith that comes from natural belief that is built upon natural experience.  When I walk into my office, I don’t examine my office chair to see if it will hold me and not collapse under my weight.  I have a natural faith in the brand name of the chair, in the reputation of the company that manufactures it, in the store that sells it, and in the assembly prowess of my older son who assembled it for me after I purchased it.  Because of that natural faith, I walk into my office and simply sit down, fully expecting the chair to function precisely as it was designed.  But that kind of faith, natural faith, is NOT the God kind of faith. 

The God kind of faith is not based upon what has been proven to the natural senses.  The God kind of faith is based purely and completely upon what God says.  Where the God kind of faith is concerned, IF GOD SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT!  It is not about what one perceives with the physical senses, but what one believes in, trusts in, clings to, and relies on that which God has said.  You see, God and His Word are One.  Jesus is the Word made flesh.  Heaven and earth (that which is natural) shall pass away, but God’s Word shall never pass away.  The God kind of faith reads God’s Word, hears God’s Word proclaimed, meditates upon God’s Word, and holds fast to God’s Word as though it has already taken place.  The God kind of faith obeys God’s Word to imitate the faith walk just as Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit demonstrate the faith walk.  The God kind of faith calls things that be not as though they were.  Have the God kind of faith!

Manna for Today – Mark 11:22-24; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-6; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 4:17

Power to Unleash

Here are some additional thoughts on thoughts.

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2 Corinthians 10:5 – . . . and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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The power of words is only closely approached by the thought from which they are formed.  One thought may produce a stampeding herd of words, but without the spoken words, the power of the thought is not released.  But be assured of this fact; thoughts released WILL produce words.  I often use the following progression regarding thoughts and words. 

Guard your thoughts, they produce your words.

Guard your words, they produce your actions.

Guard your actions, they produce your habits.

Guard your habits, the produce your character.

Guard your character, it produces your legacy.

Regard my words closely, for this is the pattern of life.  A legacy that lacks character is produced by habits built upon actions arising from words of less than admirable thoughts.  A legacy based on upright character is produced by habits build upon actions arising from thoughts of creative, noble, and honorable thoughts.

In this writing I want to share with one of the great revelations spoken by our Lord Jesus.  In His Sermon on the Mount, He was addressing the issue of overcoming thoughts of worry, anxiety, fear, and doubt.  In that specific moment, He was speaking of worrying about what one needs for basic survival; food, drink, clothing.  However, the principle He was addressing is applicable in every situation of life.  Look closely at His opening words of Matthew 6:31.  There Jesus said, “Therefore take no thought saying…”  Do you see it?  Keeping in mind that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the will of Father, that He would have brought “every thought” into captivity, He tells us in the Matthew passage how one takes a thought to release its potential power.  YOU SAY IT! 

Now look back at the progression on thoughts and words I shared with you earlier.  In order to “guard” thoughts, they need to be taken captive.  In order to release the potential power of a thought, it needs to be spoken.  But if the thought is captive to the anointing, it will only be spoken, thus releasing its power, if it is pleasing to and works with the anointing.  When that happens, true faith is released and shows the power of God through His Word in measures and ways that truly bring honor to the Lord.  Bring EVERY THOUGHT into obedience to Christ (the Anointed One), and ONLY release that thought if it pleases the Lord.  When we learn to speak in that manner, mounts move, seas and rivers part, and that which faith declares, Father establishes.  Anything Father establishes built from faith, for without faith you cannot please Father, and Father will not establish that which is not pleasing to Him.  Thoughts carry eternal potential.  When we speak, we select thoughts for that purpose.

Manna for Today – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 6:31; Philippians 2:1-11;    Philippians 4:4-9

Captured: NOT Killed

Here are some thoughts about thoughts.

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Captured; NOT Killed

2 Corinthians 10:5 – . . . and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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Have you ever walked into a room, or around the corner, and seen something you really wish you had not seen?  Many people have.  I certainly have.  I have walked into a place of business to make a purchase, and there saw someone I knew engaged in some activity or behavior that stunned me to the depths of my being.  Oh, how I wish I could unsee what I had seen.  I did not see it because I was looking for it.  It just happened.  It impacted relationship with that person; my trust was deeply shaken, as was my respect for their character.  While this is an example of being shocked by what we see, the basis for what I am sharing is about thoughts. 

Thoughts can fly into your consciousness faster than machine gun fire.  You can perceive something with any of your five senses that will trigger memories you thought long-gone, provoking thoughts you believed were forever gone.  They can be good or bad.  The point I want you to grasp here is that once an idea exists, it cannot be killed.  If it is a great thing, you may not desire to lose it.  If it is something that is painful, ugly, unrighteous, or grieving, you must know that the enemy of your soul can use it as a tool to bring you to discouragement or defeat.

because an idea once existing cannot be killed, the Lord has given us in His Word a faith method for dealing with the thoughts out of which ideas arise.  Take a moment to read the passages in our Manna for Today.  The human mind is a seedbed for thoughts of every kind.  If you have good soil, regardless of what you plant in it, the soil will attempt to grow it and produce fruit.  For that reason, one needs to be truly guarded about the thoughts and ideas he allows to be planted in both the spirit and soul (mind, will, intellect, emotions).

Now take a moment to read and allow our Text for Today to become settled in your spirit and soul.  “Every thought” is to be taken captive and subjected to obedience of the Anointing.  Not “some thoughts,” or even “bad thoughts,” but “every thought.”  You see, it is from thoughts that are given liberty to exist freely in our life that ideas, images, and the like arise.  The mind (soul) is a magnificent gift given us by the Lord.  You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.  We are to allow the mind of Christ to dwell in us.  We need to know the Scriptures intimately.  Then every thought we have will be examined in light of the anointing.  If the alignment is accurate, we can use that thought in a creative manner.  If the alignment is inaccurate, then that thought is held in abeyance to the Word of God and the anointing, and not allowed to influence our lives.

Manna for Today – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 6:31; Philippians 2:1-11;    Philippians 4:4-9

Sufficient for Recognized Insufficiency

When you read something as important as God’s Word, be sure you read it completely.

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2 Corinthians 12:9 – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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Our Text for Today is one of the sweetest, most powerful promises found in the Holy Writ of God’s Word.  Take a moment and read it again, several times if you have opportunity.  Oh, the sweetness of the words of our Lord, “My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Let’s break it down bite by bite.

• My grace – we are writing about God’s grace, and His grace alone; the highest form of the manifestation of agape that exists, surpassing both mercy and compassion 
• is sufficient – it is greater in performing power than any opposing force 
• for thee – this grace does not come simply because there is a need; rather, we know from the Scriptures that the grace of God comes ONLY through faith  
• for My strength – once again, we are referring to a power that can come ONLY from the Most High God
• is made perfect – this is completeness that does not come from the process of maturing, for it is the perfection of God; yet in man it comes to completion as he yields himself to Father God  
• in weakness – wherever man perceives himself as having sufficient strength, grace will not be seen; only as man diminishes does the grace of God replace man’s weakness; as John said, “He (Christ) must increase; I must decrease.”

There are, in this passage, two elements that have frequently misstated, misrepresented, and misapplied.  First, Jesus did NOT say, “My grace is sufficient.”  When stated in that manner, it implies that our position in faith is not important.  But “without faith, it is impossible to please Him.”  We read clearly in Ephesians that we are saved “BY grace THROUGH faith.”  Where faith does not exist, grace does not flow.  Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for YOU.”  When YOU apply YOUR faith, YOU receive of His grace.

Secondly, Jesus said, “for My strength is made perfect.”  God IS perfect.  He has not been, nor will He ever be “made perfect.”  That would imply that our God has changed for time, and we know that is absolutely untrue.  He said, “For I am the Lord, I change not.”  And we know, too, that Jesus is the “same yesterday, and today, and forever.”  However, the perfection of God does not happen in man suddenly.  Beginning at the new birth, it is a continual process of growth in His child until the believer “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”  The great power of God’s grace is that it always operates perfectly at the level faith is applied.  Remember, grace is God’s gift, and every gift of comes is perfect when it is given.

Manna for Today – 2 Corinthians 12:1-9; Philippians 4:19; Acts 3:16; Galatians 3:8; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 6:12; 1 Peter 1:5; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

To Obey Is Better

Never diminish the awesome power of obedience to the Word and will of God.  NEVER!

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1 Samuel 15:22 – And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

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Take a moment to read our Text for Today again, especially the last two phrases.  “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”  Realizing that the Old Testament was one of regular, if not consistent, blood sacrifice of animals, and accompanying offerings, including but not limited to, grain, herbs, spices, and the like, the phrases I have referenced are staggeringly poignant. 

Though commanded by the Lord for so many actions and functions of life in the Old Testament, perhaps the greatest being the sacrifices commanded for Passover and Atonement, we observe the very New Testament concept set forth through Samuel that obedience is “better than sacrifice.”  We see in the New Testament that Jesus was made the final sacrifice for sin.  There is no more day of atonement, but we have now come to redemption by the blood of Jesus who became the ultimate sacrifice “once and for all.”  Yet the walk of love, which is the overriding commandment of the New Testament is synonymous with obedience, for “this is the love of God, that you keep His commandments.”

Our salvation is not of works, for we have received it by grace through faith.  If our salvation were of works, we could boast in it, but we can boast in nothing but the works of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  We still have sacrifices we are commanded to offer, but in the New Covenant, it falls into the category of the sacrifice of praise, or service to others.  As great as sacrifice may appear to those who are observing us, still the Word of God is true.  “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”  If our sacrifice is not preceded by obedience to the Word, our sacrifice becomes little more than a “sounding brass or tinkling cymbal.” 

Obedience to the Word of God is love lived and wisdom in operation.  It is the spiritual force by which our faith is empowered to achieve all the Word says it can do.  It is when the believer is both willing and obedient that they eat the “good of the land.”  It cannot be stressed too much.  Your greatest act as a believer will always be obedience to the Word of God, willfully and joyfully carrying out the will, plan, and purpose of our great Lord God Jehovah.  OBEY!

Manna for Today – 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; John 15:7; John 14:15-17;          1 John 5:3; Matthew 7:24-27; Matthew 25:1-13; 1 Corinthians 13:1; Isaiah 1:19

In the Tent

Where are you standing at this moment in history?

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Genesis 18:9 – And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

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Our Text for Today may seem a bit strange, but it really isn’t.  I believe it is a clear picture of where different elements of the church world is at this moment in relationship to what is happening.  Please take time to read our Manna for Today passages, and allow them to speak clarity to you.  And then consider what I write to you.

God, accompanied by angels, had come for a personal visit with Abraham.  He was welcomed by Abraham, and Sarah was busied with the work of preparing a meal for the honoring of their guests.  Abraham was face-to-face with the Lord, but Sarah, though busy in the tent preparing the meal, was overhearing the conversation.  She was in her appropriate place (in the tent) for that culture, doing what she was supposed to be doing (in the tent), but when the Lord said she would bear a child, she, being somewhat concealed in the tent, laughed.  Then when confronted about it, she denied that she had laughed, was rebuked, and ultimately accepted the word of the Lord, even though she was still in the tent.

Now, let’s bring that scenario into today’s church.  We are expecting our men and women of God who lead our churches to be in communion with the Lord in what He wants the church to experience, and to ultimately bring that to the church.  At the same time, many faithful saints who are working in the church (in the tent), busy about their churchly duties (in the tent), are in a position (in the tent) to hear the conversation, to hear what is being said, but not deliberately receiving what is said personally, and embracing it for tomorrow. 

My writing today is not intended as any kind of rebuke, but to be an alarm bell for those in the tent.  God is speaking to and about us in the tent.  Open your ears from whatever position you hold in the body of Christ and hear what the Lord is saying.  He may be speaking face-to-face with one person, but what He is saying to the church is for the whole church, and that includes you.  As He spoke to Abraham in the door of the tent, His words were for Sarah in the tent.  Hear the Lord speak, and when you do, don’t laugh in doubt in the tent, but rejoice in faith as though you were standing in the door of the tent.  God had a great plan for the father of our faith, Abraham, and He needed Sarah in that plan.  God has a great plan for the seed of Abraham, and as His seed, He needs you in that plan (in the tent).  Listen closely.

Manna for Today – Genesis 18:1-16

Right Attitude

Attitude is a choice.  You choose your own.  No one else can do it for you.

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Psalm 95:6 – O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

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Attitude determines altitude.  That is a well-used, and rightly used leadership adage.  We can see its application very clearly in airplane flight.  The attitude of a plane has to do with the elevation of either the nose or tail of the airplane.  If the nose is elevated above the tail, having a positive attitude, and the speed and thrust are sufficient, the plane will gain altitude.  If the tail of the plane is elevated above its nose, holding a negative attitude, the plane will lose altitude, regardless of speed and thrust.  In essence, attitude determines altitude.

Today I write to you about your attitude in your relationship with the Lord.  If your relationship to the Lord is one of honoring Him looking up to Him, bowing yourself before Him, your altitude will rise.  If your relationship to the Lord is one of arrogance, pride, or rebellion, that is to think of yourself as higher than Him, your altitude will descend. 

Always remember that your attitude is your own personal choice.  Some might think it can be imposed upon you, but that is not so.  If that were the case, then all the people who face the same set of circum-stances would all have the same attitude.  But we know from history and case studies that this is not the case.  From the same set of circumstances, such as the concentration camps of World War II in which more than six million Jews were killed, those who were released at the war’s end demonstrated marked differences in attitude.  Some came out broken, some bitter, some who would never escape the terrors their minds and bodies endured.  Yet others came out to great successes in their lives; success in law, art, education, music, writing, and even ministry.  What could cause such a variation of outcomes.  It was the choice of each individual who faced the same circumstances. 

I don’t know what you have faced, are facing, or will face.  But whatever that may be, the decision of the attitude you will carry forth into, through, and out what you face of belongs to you.  Of all that I have read, studied, observed, and carried in my own life, I can assure you that there is one attitude that can bring you to victory, regardless of what you face.  It is one of humility before your Creator God.  A worshipful attitude is absolutely necessary for consistent victory.  When one’s attitude toward Jehovah God is always one of worship, one of bowing to His authority, Word, way, and will, one can be assured of victory.  When one’s attitude is bowing before the Lord, He makes Himself responsible for that person, and will ALWAYS exalt him/her in due season/time.  It’s your choice.  Choose well!

Manna for Today – Psalm 95; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Ecclesiastes 10:17; Galatians 6:9; 1 Peter 5:6

Heavenly Protocols

God has established standards recorded in His Word.  Should we follow them?  Hm.m.m.m.

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Psalm 100:1-2 – A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

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I am so thankful for grace, compassion, and mercy that is given to us from the Lord.  However, I am extremely mindful of the standards, or what some might call qualifications, that I find in the Word of God.  God has set in order certain procedures of which the believer should be mindful.  I believe this holds especially true regarding our approach to Him.  Let’s take a look at some of them, beginning with our Text for Today. 

This passage is speaking of our approach in coming before the Lord.  I realize that God is omnipresent, that is, everywhere present at all times, so I’m not writing about being in His presence.  I am writing about our approach to Him when we come into His presence to personally commune with Him, to bring intercessions, petitions, supplications, or to simply be there out of a faith decision.  Look at our Text for Today once again.  What do you see?  Remember, you are reading the Word of God, and these words are not written as an opportunity, though they present a marvelous one.  They are not written as a suggestion, or as a plea for compliance.  These words are written as a command from the Lord.  And if a command, then they require compliance on our part before the Lord.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.”  Do not come before Him complaining, griping, or groaning because of miserable conditions.  What Father wants to hear should be joyful.  We are to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.

“Serve the Lord with gladness.”  One’s attitude of service to the Lord is to be with gladness of heart, complete willingness and desire to please.

“Come before His presence with singing.”  Do NOT come before Him griping, groaning, complaining, grumbling, laying blame.  Come in faith, and if you come in faith, you come expectantly, and that should provoke a song.

Have you ever wondered why it seems the Lord does not always hear when you call on Him?  I know, we have been told that God always hears; that he always answers prayers, sometimes “yes,” sometimes “no,” and sometimes “wait a while.”  That is false teaching.  He hears when we come in faith.  Anything less does not please Him.   He hears when we come in righteousness.  He does not hear sinners, and sin in your life will block your prayers.  He confirms His Word.  He does not confirm your doubts, your assumptions, or your presumptions.  To gain the kind of audience with the Lord of which I write, there are protocols set forth by the Lord Himself.  Comply?

Manna for Today – Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Matthew 6:9-15; Hebrews 13:15