You Talking to Me? – Part 32

If you can’t handle a “You talking to me?” moment from Father, they may be rare for you.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Not all “You talking to me?” moments come from the Lord.  Most folks I know have had those moments come from a cruel and insulting world.  But here, I’m writing about those moments that come from the Father.  In the final analysis, it should be an honor for any believer to hear a “You talking to me?” evoking word from Father, either from Him (His Spirit) directly, or through the mouth of one of Father’s chosen vessels.  But be warned.  There are times when that “You talking to me?” moment from the Lord may not be very comforting. 

Think about this for a moment.  When Jesus was 12-years old, He was already confounding the religious leaders of the temple.  He already knew He was the only begotten Son of God.  He already knew why He had been sent to the earth.  Now consider how that knowledge could play on the mind of a child, and later a young man as He entered into His earthly ministry.  Though He was a man acquainted with sorrows, He was also a man of peace, wisdom, joy, and life.  Children loved Him, and children don’t enjoy being around grumpy people, or people laden with cares. 

Now think of the Apostle Paul.  Here is the man who wrote more than half of the New Testament.  Here is the man who wrote of the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.  Here is the man who wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say to you, rejoice.  How could a man who lived his full time in ministry knowing what he would suffer remain faithful through it all.  In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, we see the Paul’s litany of things he suffered.  Take time to read it.  He knew all this was coming before it came, yet he pressed forward, faithful, diligent, and unswerving.  Don’t you know that when Ananias spoke these things to him, when the Lord revealed them to him, that for Paul (Saul), that was a “You talking to me?” moment?

Make up your mind today that you will be as Paul was; ever pressing forward, faithful, diligent, and unswerving.  If Father has called you, He has equipped you, He has made promises to you, and I can assure you, He that called you is faithful.  Be faithful to Him.  He will not subject you to surprises.  As I look back on my own life and ministry, I can honestly say that my God has never allowed me to be blind-sided.  He has always been faithful to warn me when needful, always strengthening me, never leaving me, ever upholding me in His strong arm.  Oh, how He loves you and me.  Though fore-knowledge of difficult times may be a “You talking to me?” moment, stay faithful.  He is faithful.  And, yes, I’m talking to you.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 31

Being told to walk away from a great move of God can be a profound, “You talking to me?” moment.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Again today, before going into today’s Second Miler, take a few moments to read Acts 8:4-40 and the account of Philip’s ministry in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch.  Here is a truly amazing event in the life of an evangelist.  Allow me to set the stage.  While Paul wrote to Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist,” only one New Testament character is actually called an evangelist.  That was Philip (Acts 21”8-9).  Gifts of healings and working of miracles flowed like water through his ministry as he preached in Samaria.  The power of the Lord was being manifest mightily and daily.  So many were being born again that Philip called for Peter and John to come and administer the baptism of Holy Ghost.  Upon their coming, they encountered Simon the sorcerer who tried to buy their anointing.

Now imagine yourself being in such an outbreak of Holy Spirit and the power of God, especially when you are one of the key ministers, being told to leave that meeting and go into the desert.  Having been in the five-fold ministry for more than 50-years, I can tell you that many, if not most, of the ministers I know, being told to leave a great revival in process, especially one they were leading, to go into a desert place, would have a major “You talking to me?” moment.  It would be so hard for them to believe that the Lord would give such a command.  Part of that may have to do with a heightened sense of self-importance that seems to be in so many ministers today.  And part of it may simply be true doubt that the Lord would pull them from such a dynamic move of God where souls were being saved constantly, and miracles, healings, and signs and wonders were coming forth so regularly would be just the place where they were needed.  Still, that is what confronted Philip.  I can assure you that when that command came to him, it was a “You talking to me?” moment for him.

With the need for true men (and women) of God to go forth in the earth today, I am convinced in my heart that such things will happen again in the days to come.  The coming of Jesus is closer than ever.  I believe the end of this age is rapidly approaching, and Father has much to accomplish before Jesus can come for His Church.  Will you be such a person as Philip?  You may not be an evangelist, but you can be a might man of God, walking in the power of the Lord, in His might, with signs and wonders following you.  You may be in the middle of a mighty move of God when He tells you to move.  You may indeed have a “You talking to me?” moment, but regardless of that, choose to obey.  This world desperately needs obedient sons of God.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 30

Sometimes our traditions can be the cause of certain “You talking to me?” moments.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Before taking on today’s Second Miler, take a few moments to read Acts 10:9-33. I’m asking you to read these daily passages to establish the basis for our discussion.  This is the account of God sending Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who was of good report among the Jews.  God had told Cornelius to send for Peter and to listen to what he said.  What intrigues me in this account is the fact that God seems to deliberately bring Peter to a “You talking to me?” moment in order to get his attention, and to guide him in the plan God had set in place.

Here’s the picture of the event.  Peter went up on the housetop of Simon the tanner’s house at about noon to pray.  While he was there, he fell into a trance, and the Lord gave him a vision of a large sheet, bound at the corners, let down from heaven.  In the sheet was all kinds of animals (both clean and unclean to the Jews), and the Lord told Peter to kill and eat the animals in the sheet.  Peter, being a Jew by birth, was shocked at the command.  Up until this point in time, Peter had never eaten the meat of any unclean animal.  But at this moment, God commanded him to “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”  There is no doubt in my mind that for Peter, this was a powerful “You talking to me?” moment.

Allow me to paint an even clearer picture for you.  What do you think would be the response of someone who had devoutly adhered to the Jewish faith all his life regarding his lifestyle, especially food, bring told to enjoy a juicy porkchop, or some bacon or sausage with his morning eggs?  Such a suggestion would be totally rejected by any good Jew.  Yet here is Jehovah, God of the Hebrews, commanding Peter to do precisely that.  Make no mistake about it.  for Peter this was a major “You talking to me?” moment. 

But that is what the Lord needed to do to bring Peter more effectively into the life of the New Covenant.  And even with that, Peter was still in a place of questioning what had happened.  Still, the Lord’s plan was working.  For while Peter pondered his vision, men sent from the house of Cornelius to get Peter from Joppa were at Simon’s door, waiting to unknowingly confirm God’s plan to Peter.  Here, the “You talking to me?” moment was a wake-up call for things that were about to change Peter’s life and thinking drastically.  In this age, as we near the coming of Jesus for His Church, I am fully convinced that believers who truly desire to move with God should expect more “You talking to me?” moments as wake-up calls for the ministry at hand.  Yes, I’m talking to you.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 29

I am grateful when “You talking to me?” moments provoke great joy.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Take a few moments to read Luke 19:1-10 before reading further.  Jesus was passing through Jericho, and a man named Zacchaeus, a man quite small in stature, wanted to see Jesus.  Just a brief observation here.  There is something about Jesus that always lifts people higher.  Just a thought.

In order to get his best possible look at Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree so he could see over the heads of the crowd.  Jesus took note of this, realizing that Zacchaeus was powerfully intent on seeing Him.  I can tell you for a certainty.  If you seek Jesus, He will be found.  Anyone intent on seeing Jesus will not be disappointed.  Realizing the great effort of Zacchaeus to see Him, Jesus called him down from the tree and invited Himself to lunch at his house.  (A note here – do you remember the thief on the cross who recognized Jesus as Lord?  Jesus’s response to his recognition was immediate.  Jesus hasn’t changed.  When you will strive to see reach Him, He will reach out to you.)

Men like Zacchaeus, a chief publican, something like a tax collector, were not generally popular among the people.  He had no idea how Jesus would relate to him, but he still wanted to see Jesus.  So, here is Zacchaeus, hated by the community, longing to see Jesus who was so loved by so many of the community.  Can you imagine the powerfully impactful “You talking to me?” moment when Jesus told him to come down, and that He was going to have dinner at his house? 

I can remember the first time I was ever picked among the first three by the best baseball player in our school to play on his team.  I was thrilled beyond reason.  He called my name, “Moorefield.”  For a moment, I almost couldn’t believe I heard it.  But I had.  In my mind, thoughts were flying like machine gun bullets.  “Did he just call my name?  Is this really happening?  Then I took hold of my emotions, grabbed my glove, and took my place in line behind him.  In my youthful thinking, I felt like I was on my way to the major leagues.

Can you hear it?  Jesus is calling you today.  He wants to come to your house, dine with you, and share His life with you.  Yes, He’s talking to you.  Don’t wait any longer.  Come down from your perch, from wherever it is you think you need to be, and go with Him.  Perhaps there are some things that can prevent you from seeing Him, but when He calls your name, come to the front of the line.  It’s dinner time at your house with Jesus.  The meal will be delicious, the fellowship awesome, and the follow-up beyond your imagination.  It’s not about the tree you climb to see Him, but the tree you become when He calls your name.  Yes, He’s talking to you!

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 28

When you hear what you don’t like, the response is often, “You talking to me?”

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Take a few moments and read Mark 10:17-31 before going on with today’s Second Miler.  In reading this passage, perhaps it will be easier to understand that Jesus did not live and minister from a poverty platform.  Think of this.  Rich men don’t come to poor men for the secrets of success.  In this passage, we see a rich young man coming to Jesus for the secrets of success.  He saw the success of Jesus, and it was obviously more than he had encountered on his own personal path to riches.  Think on that.

He came to Jesus.  He had all he wanted except eternal life.  Note closely the first two things that came from the mouth of Jesus.  This is not a quote, but a sound restatement.  Jesus said, (1) put God first, above all other; He is the pattern for life, and (2) go to the Word.  Do you see it?  God and His Word are the two most powerful elements one can use to walk in divine prosperity.    The rich young man’s response to Jesus was without hesitation. “All these have I observed from my youth.  At this point, there is another powerful truth to be seen here.  Having read the passage, you should see this clearly.  It was through the keeping of the commands of the Lord that the young man had already become rich.  But Jesus was not about to bankrupt him.  On the contrary, Jesus was about to make him 100 times richer than he had ever been.  Do you see what the young man was about to gain had he simply taken the step to receive eternal life?  It was a matter of fully yielded obedience to Jesus, or in simpler terms, it was a matter of Lordship.  Had he bowed his will to the will of the Lord, eternal life was waiting, along with the greatest life he had ever known.

When Jesus told him he lacked “one thing,” and then told him what that “one thing” was, the young man went away saddened by what he heard and grieved over the value of his earthly possessions.  We can see at that moment one of the most impactful “You talking to me?” moments anyone has ever faced.  It is only when the “deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of other things, and the cares of life” enter into us that we can be drawn down to a level of allowing a You talking to me?” moment to rule our lives over the commands of our loving God.  The “one thing” the young man lacked was not so much the failing to obey the Lord’s specific command, but a far greater issue.  Who was Lord in his life?  His riches, or Jesus.  What about you?  God is speaking to you.  Will you obey?  And, yes, I’m talking to you.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 27

Learn to treasure the moment you realize “You talking to me?” is followed by Father’s “Yes.”

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Yesterday we began a walk-through John 4, and a series of “You talking to me? moments that seemed to develop very quickly.  Jesus, a Jew, being sent to the Samaritans where He spent three days in total.  An action for a rabbi that was unheard of at that time.  Then, as He sat by the well in Samaria, a wanton woman comes to the well at a time when respectable women would not, and He asks her to draw water for him.  Upon that request from Jesus, it became the Samaritan woman’s turn to wonder, “You talking to me?”  Then we read in verse nine, that is precisely what she did.  Look at her words.  “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.”  So, in verses 10-14, they discuss what Jesus means when He tells her if she knew who He was, she would ask water from Him so she would never thirst again.  That discussion ends, for a moment, her “You talking to me?” moment.

But then, Jesus stirs another “You talking to me?” moment by telling her to go call her husband.  She tries to cover it up by saying she has no husband.  But by Holy Spirit, through a word of knowledge, Jesus knew the full story.  She was right; she had no husband, but she had been married five times previously, and was now living in adultery with a man.  And still again there rises a “You talking to me?” moment for the woman.  Once again she tries to cover it by recognizing Jesus as a prophet, and diverting the conversation to the differences in religious thinking (you could call this denominationalism).  But God’s Word will not be deterred.  When it goes forth, it will not return void, but will accomplish that which pleases Him, and prosper in the thing He sent it to do.  The Word, Jesus, had been sent to Samaria, and Jesus stood in His faith in that Word.  He would not accept “no” for an answer.  The Samaritan woman acquiesced, accepting the truth.  The victory was won, her life was changed, and so were the lives of a great many people of Samaria who believed on Jesus.

My friend, when Jesus sends you with His Word, what is asked of you may be more than your mind can conceive, but NEVER more than the Word can do.  Go with the Word, hold fast to the Word, speak the Word, NEVER retreat from the Word.  There are 21^st century Samarias with people out of step with eternity who are waiting on you to feast on the meat of doing Father’s will.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 26

“You talking to me?” often comes in fleeting moments, even in bunches.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Before delving into today’s Second Miler, take a few moments to read John 4.  It is the story of Jesus ministering to the Samaritan woman at the well.  I’m sure you know the story, but are you aware of the multiple “You talking to me?” moments?  Let’s consider some of them today.  The first one comes in verse 4.  There we read that Jesus realized He “must” go through Samaria.  Here is a “You talking to me?” moment for Jesus and His disciples.  Jews and Samaritans had nothing to do with one another, yet Jesus is obviously directed by Holy Spirit.  While we can be certain that Jesus never entertained the thought of disobeying His Father, knowing that He was sent only to the house of Israel, yet He “must” go through Samaria would raise questions as to why.  It is in the 4^th chapter of John that we see why.  It was for the encounter with the Samaritan woman.

You see, when we read the events of John 4, the events of John 3 had already occurred.  And it was there, in John 3, that we read the words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  There is the reason for this trip through and stop in Samaria.  God “so loved the world,” not just the Jews.  Still, try to imagine the thoughts that rushed through the mind of Jesus and His disciples when a group of men who were devout Jews, and Jesus Himself being perfect, never violating any law, find themselves being directed by the Lord to go through Samaria. 

This is just the first of several instances of “You talking to me?” moments in John 4.  We will pursue some of them in the days ahead.  But today, we look at this one.  Imagine a love so great, so deep , so profound, that Almighty God, Jehovah Himself, would send His Only Son into a place and situation that would, without a doubt, be highly questionable to the people of His Own nation.  This would be especially true for the religious leaders of the day, not only those of the Jews, but those of the Samaritans, too.  In their minds, neither side wanted to have anything to do with the other side.  But “God so loved the world.”  There it is again; that indominable reason for anything God does.  GOD IS LOVE.  It’s Who He is, what He does, how He works, and who He expects us to be as His genetic children.  OH, and yes, I’m talking to you.

You Talking to Me? – Part 24

You talking to me?” can cause excited anticipation.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Take a few moments to read Matthew 14:22-33.  In this accounting, Jesus had just fed a great multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish.  At that point, He sent His disciples away to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He went to a secluded place to pray.  As He was alone and praying, coming to about 3 AM, in the Spirit He saw His disciples struggling against a storm with high winds and powerful waves in the midst of the sea.  It was at that time that Jesus went to them walking on the water. 

I encourage you to also read this account in Mark 6 and John 6.  When the entire picture is made clear, this was an astounding series of events.  One of the powerful moments came when we read that if the disciples had not cried out when they saw Jesus, thinking Him to be a spirit, He would have passed by them.  Is it possible that this could happen today?  My friend, when you’re in trouble, call out, for though you may not see Him, or even recognize Him when you do, He is there for you.

But when Jesus told them to not fear, Peter asked Jesus to call him to come walking on the water.  And Jesus did just that.  Now imagine this.  Peter knew Jesus was Messiah.  He knew Jesus walked in the full and present power of God.  He knew Jesus could perform supernatural works.  He had seen enough of that to fully convince him.  When Jesus called him forth from the ship, Peter’s anticipation was already high.  He was watching as someone who identified Himself as Jesus was walking on the water in the midst of a raging storm.  While Jesus was still too far away to recognize by sight, still Peter carried a great anticipation. 

Jesus answered Peter’s request with only one word, “Come.”  With that, Peter knew that Jesus was talking to Him.  His was not a question in his mind of “You talking to me?”, but rather a statement of command that carried God-power.  In Peter’s mind, it was “You talking to me!”  Had he made an audible utterance, it would have been one of excitement and great anticipation.  That is why he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  Yes, his gaze strayed, and he began to sink.  But when he cried out, Jesus acted again and did not pass him by.  He saved him, and then walked back to the ship, Peter walking by His side.  Let me encourage you today.  Regardless of the storm you face, or the battle that engages you, know that Jesus is near.  Whether you recognize Him or not, He is near.  Call on Him.  He will identify Himself.  And when He calls on you to move, to serve, to get out of the ship, to “Come,” let there be no question of “You talking to me?”, but rather a joyous shout, “You talking to me!”

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 25

Trust and obedience allows “You talking to me?” moments.

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You Talking to Me? – Part 25

Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Again today, take a few moments and read John 2:1-12.  I’m sure you know the story.  Jesus is attending a wedding in Cana.  It appears that His mother, Mary, has some level of authority at the event (perhaps she could have been the wedding planner).  Nevertheless, when they ran short of wine, Mary knew something no one else knew.  Her son, the Son of God that is, present as a guest.  She told Jesus of the shortage.  His response was simple.  It wasn’t His hour.  This wasn’t His wedding.  It wasn’t His time.  And yet, despite all that, when faith was released, Jesus acted.  That should speak volumes to every believer.

Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said.  Jesus commanded water pots to be filled with water and that water from the pots be carried to the governor of the feast.  Upon its arrival to the governor, the water had become wine, and not just any wine, but the best wine yet to be served.  While the servants were only obeying orders, can you hear the thoughts running through their minds?  “You’re telling me to carry water to the governor of the feast?”  Or in other words, “You talking to me?” 

There are many lessons to be taken from this, the first miracle of Jesus, but I want you to focus with me on two.  First is the matter of what many call “God’s timing.”  I’m not sure it’s what many think it is.  It’s not the church, or any member of it, who is waiting on God.  It is God Who is waiting on us.  In this instance, we see Jesus, Who knew what He had come to do, though not yet at that point in the process, moved at the request of another when faith was released.  So often, we think it is the timing of God that brings healing or deliverance or provision.  I frequently hear people say God will do such-and-such a thing in His time.  It’s not a matter of time.  It is a matter of aggressive faith, the violent taking it by force.

Secondly, take not of the response of the servants.  They had no clue what was about to happen.  You don’t need a clue either.  Their responsibility was to obey; to trust and obey.  They trusted Mary, and they obeyed Jesus.  They did not know what was about to happen, how it would happen, or why it would happen.  They simply trusted and obeyed.  You and I don’t always need to know what is about to happen, how it will happen, or why it will happen.  But if we will simply “trust and obey,” our God will demonstrate His power for His glory, for the edifying of the body of Christ, and for the blessing of all who will receive.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 23

“You talking to me?” can cause excited anticipation.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Yesterday I shared with you how failing to rightly divide the Word of Truth can lead to misunderstanding of Biblical commands to the church, and by so doing, open the church to deception and disappointment.  I’ve seen both all to frequently in my half century of ministry.  In Mark 6:7-13 and Matthew 10:5-42, the commission given to Jesus’ disciples is NOT for us today (Read yesterday’s Second Miler closely). 

Imagine the ecstasy you might experience if Jesus appeared to you and gave you the same commission He gave His disciples to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils”  Yes, even in the New Testament church age, we are commissioned to cast our devils, and told that when we lay hands on the sick, they shall recover.  But we are NOT told to raise the dead any time we choose.  That would require the operation of gifts of the Spirit that are under the complete control of Holy Ghost.

Still, imagine being able to do all those things any time you chose, any place you chose, for whomever you chose.  Wow!  How exciting that would be!  Don’t misunderstand, we should be even more excited to be a part of the New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus.  But to be able to minister under such a command as this would be something to behold.  My friend, if Jesus Himself were to appear to you and give you such a command, your excitement level would be beyond measuring.  You would, without a doubt, experience a “You talking to me?” moment. 

Only your moment would NOT be one of any doubt or incredulity.  Rather it would be one of spiritual exuberance beyond imagination.  I have had such moments on a few occasions in my life.  Three were directly connected.  In 1976 in my hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a man of God was given a word of knowledge and a word of wisdom by Holy Ghost.  The things he said to me were beyond my greatest imagination.  But in my heart, I knew they were from the Lord, so I held tightly to them over the years.  In Sydney, Australia, 39-years later in February, 2015, after seeing much of what was said in 1976 come to pass over time, a woman of God confirmed that word, and I saw a major step in the Lord’s plan happen in only three months.  Then in Jerusalem, Israel, in February 2020, another giant step of what was told me in 1976 came to pass when honored to be presented my Doctor of Divinity that came on April 30, 2020.  I can tell you for a surety that on each of those occasions, I had a very deep “You talking to me?” experience.  All I can tell you is, “Only God.”

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4