Power Of The Greater Truth

Key Scripture:  "It is written..." Luke 4:8-12

Power Point:

      Anytime you're in a skirmish with the devil, you're going to have to listen to him tell you things that aren't true.  Actually his best ploy is to come as an "angel of light", speaking near truths.  Another great tactic that he has is that he will present you with absolute facts that may be true but they don't stand up under the power and provision of the Word of God.

     Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to respond when the devil shows up unannounced.  Because He WAS the living Word, He knew what it said. It was such an intimate part of who He was that He was very adept at using that "sword" against the enemy.

     It occurred to me recently that sometimes when we receive a "BAD report", the facts may be absolutely true, yet there is still a greater truth.

     Suppose you've received a bad report on your finances. The facts are there in black and white but those are the bare facts of that we can see and hear in our natural minds and bodies.

What is the greater Truth?

God promises that you will not lack any good thing.  (Psalm 84, Psalm 23)

He promises that as you give generously to others, you will come to a place where you will need no financial support regardless of your circumstances.  (2 Corinthians 9:8)

     Suppose the devil tells you that you'll never win this particular battle. It certainly looks there's no way out of that addiction or that stress, or that illness.

What is the greater Truth?

God says you are an overcomer.  He says all things are possible with Him.

He says that He will absolutely help you and rescue you and no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

      Are you aware that God considers His truths to be FACTS?  Isn't that an astounding thought?  You see God has this strange idea that what HE has said is the bottom line. You may add up your figures and come to a conclusion, but it's what God says about them that really add up to Truth. He always has a greater Truth than the devil.

     Beloved those giants are going DOWN.  Those "facts" that are robbing you of your peace and joy are about to be swallowed up in God's glorious promises to you.  There is a greater truth  than what you are experiencing right now. There is always a greater truth than the facts that the devil whispers in your ear or your circumstances are screaming at you!  The only weapon that Jesus used against him was the sword that shone with a Greater Truth.  Jesus never looked at the facts.  He was deeply aware of the Truth.

Power Thought:

Whose truth are you going to believe?

What is written on your heart?

Copyright © 2015,Suzanne Roberts, Unpublished Work

Power Of Risk

Key Scripture:  "By faith, Abraham went out...not knowing where he was going."  Hebrews 11:8

Power Point:

     I'm not big on taking risks.  It's just too risky!  Risk is defined as exposing yourself to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance. I can usually dream up a thousand excuses why I should NOT take risks.  It's just not logical!

     The thing is Beloved, faith is always a risk. Walking in faith always involves walking where you can't see the next step even if you know God promises you that it's there. You have to ignore the flashing red lights that say, "DANGER! Do NOT Enter!"  or the sign that alerts you to the fact that you are about to enter a Mine Field.  You have to shut your ears to all the negative words people will say to you about how you need to come back to a safe place or tell you are crazy to trust God in this place.  The walk of faith will always involve the risk of you allowing God to change what you really believe into the glorious Truth that will set you free. The challenge to your comfort zone is what allows your faith to grow.

     You've probably heard the old story of the acrobat crossing over Niagara Falls.  He makes the journey and then makes a second trip across pushing a wheelbarrow.  People were very impressed.  He tells a reporter that he is now going back over and asks him if he believes he can do it, and would he like to go along for the ride. The reporter replied, "Yes, I believe you can do it.  I just don't trust you enough to get in the wheelbarrow."

    "Believing that God CAN do something is different from trusting Him to do it.  Trust gets into the wheelbarrow; it is an action that commits us to risk.  And because its an

action, it can only be done in the present.  It's easy to think we're trusting God when we apply what He says only to the past or the future. But it's only in the present moment that we can truly trust God. And God, like the acrobat, keeps inviting us beyond the passive watching of what He can do and into joining Him in what He is doing.

"This persistent call exposes our lack of trust and brings us to the point of decision."

(Stephen De Silva, “Money And The Prosperous Soul”)

     God has made His move.  He's perfectly capable of walking across the tightrope of your life experiences right now.  He's done it before and He'll do it again. Today He's inviting you to jump in the wheelbarrow and He'll take you safely to the other side.  Are you willing to take the risk to take the action required to join Him?

It's your move Beloved.  And you have to make the next move before He can and will make His next move.

     The disciples had to get into the boat.  Abraham had to take his son to Mount Mariah.

David had to collect the stones.  Lazarus had to take that first step out of the grave.

Jesus had to make a total commitment in Gethsemane and then walk it out.

Now it's your turn.  Are you ready to take a risk on God?  Is it your move?   

“Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for.  It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen…Through faith’s power they conquered kingdoms and established true justice. Their faith fastened on to their promises and pulled them into reality.  It was faith that shut the mouths of lions, put out the power of raging fire, and caused many to escape certain death by sword.  In their weakness their faith imparted power to make them strong! Faith sparked courage within them and they became mighty warriors in battle, pulling armies from another realm into battle array.”  Hebrews 11, TPT

Power Thought:

"Forgotten destinies litter the landscape like carcasses.  We redefine ourselves according to our catastrophes. "I am the divorcee, the addict,the bankrupt businessperson, the kid with the disability, or the man with the scar.

 We settle for a small destiny...determine not to make that mistake."

  Max Lucado, "You'll Get Through This!"

Copyright © 2015, Suzanne Roberts, Unpublished Work

Power Of Knowing Who He Is

Key Scripture:  "Peter, who do you say that I am?"   Matthew 16:15

Power Point:

Jesus has a question that He always asks His "friends".  He needs them to realize who He really is to them.  I think He always does that immediately after He tells them who He is!  Then test of believing that quickly follows and Jesus looks us calmly in the eye and says, "Okay sweetheart, now who do you think that I am?  Who do you think I want to be for you in this situation?  What part of My character am I most longing to reveal to you here? What do you believe about who I have said that I am?"

     Almost always, as far as I can remember there is a pattern to my growing in faith.  I will find a promise from God about a certain situation and since I haven't really experienced the need for that promise yet, I take it as a "nice" word and tell my friends, who I am sure need it more than I do.  Then, following the promise, comes the Test of the Promise.  Whatever God has said, and Who I know Him to be will be tested, usually by the exact opposite thing happening in my life.  For example, I may have a promise that says "I will have NO lack. God provides all my needs."  I like that one. It sounds really good when you read it. Usually the next thing that happens is that I have a grand opportunity to experience LACK in some area.  Vaguely, I remember the promise from a few months ago, and begin to realize that it is exactly what I need to be thinking about and reminding God of right now.

     Usually the lack gets larger.  I copy my promise down and paste it on my bathroom mirror.  I listen to sermons on Lack.  They are lackluster.  I may be encouraged for the moment but when the lack continues, I tend to figure out my own solutions.  Ever been there?

     At some point the Holy Spirit will come alongside and begin to show me new things about Jesus-relating to the promise.  That's when Jesus Himself, shows up and asks that intriguing question:  "Who do You say that I am?" 

     When I began the journey TWO years ago to sell my house and buy a new one, I asked Jesus who He wanted to be for me in this situation?  He said, "PEACE!"  Lovely!  It sounded really good!  I had no idea how much I would need Him to be my peace during this process.  Today, another glitch popped up.  I heard Him say, "Suzanne, who do you say that I am?"  What?  Oh I remember now-PEACE!

     When I thank Him and think on His promises, His peace does come.  Usually it makes no sense because there is nothing that can bring me peace outwardly.  But when I abide in who He wants to be for me, it's simply there.  And when I am in His peace, I can hear Holy Spirit reveal to me secrets and plans and the hope that He has for me, if I know who He is.

     I've heard someone say, If Jesus is Lord, then HE is Lord over all your circumstances. That gives me peace. How about you?

Power Thought:

Who do YOU say that He is?

Copyright © 2015, Suzanne Roberts, Unpublished Work

Power Of Refusing To Give Up

Key Scripture:  "The confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God.  And my faith in Him convinces me that He is more than able to keep all that I've placed in His hands safe and secure until the fullness of His appearing."   2 Timothy 1:12

Power Point:

There are times when we just want to give up aren't there?  This is too hard. It's gone on too long. There's just no way out of this horrible mess!

     I love the ceremonies in the White House when the President honors valiant soldiers with the medal of honor. I often get a tear in my eye as I hear them recount the acts of bravery that have brought them to this point.

     I think God will have a ceremony for each of His valiant soldiers somewhere in the not so distant future. Can’t you just see Jesus putting His own medal of valor around your neck to honor your bravery and courage?  The recipients are the ones who refused to give up in their circumstances, and who refused to give up on God.

     When we have faith in someone we refuse to give up on them! That determination to not give up is the foundation for us to see the future in terms of their eventual success-because of God.  That's what allows us to trust them and love them in spite of what we see in the present.

      So, how does that frame our perception of God? The faith filled believer absolutely refuses to give up on Him.

Instead of doubting Him, they steadfastly refuse to believe the worst of Him.

Instead of talking about how He has failed them they set their minds on the fact that somehow, because of His goodness, their situation is a GOOD thing on the way.

Instead of separating themselves from Him by not believing what He has said, they commit themselves to the solid rock foundation of His nature, and His Spirit.

They know the One that they have believed in and they hold fast to Him. They surround themselves with His promises and dream with Him.

They know that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently, persistently, and consistently refuse to give up on Him.

Their reward is already theirs when they do that. Their medal ceremony is already on the schedule.  Their lives are filled with hope and consistent confidence that God has their back and will lead them through. They know that He has promised to be on their side and fight on their behalf.  They know that it doesn't matter how HUGE or IMPOSSIBLE their situation is, GOD HAS A SOLUTION!

    The believing Believer believes the best of God and refuses to give up on Him. They set their mind on the "WOW!" of God and eagerly, earnestly, rejoice in all that He is and all that He has promised to be for them.

And they receive the reward of that attitude of their heart. You may not have a bright shiny medal hanging around your neck but if you refuse to give up on God, there is a reward on its way to you right now. 

Imagine That Beloved of God!

Power Thought:

God rewards those who diligently, consistently and earnestly believe the best of Him and refuse to give up on Him.

Copyright ©, 2015, Suzanne Roberts, Unpublished Work

Power Of The Key

Key Scripture: "A WISE man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold." Proverbs 21; 22

Power Point:

     A wise man is one who is always on the offensive.  The word "scales" in this proverb means that he "stirs himself up mentally".  He refuses to allow himself to even think of defeat.  The word for "city" can also mean an enemy.  Your enemy could be your own fear or your own anger.

    God's wisdom makes us bold, confident.  He turns wimps into warriors.  He turns inadequate, insignificant nobodies into warriors who take back the land that the enemy has stolen and who won't take "NO!" for an answer.

     Wisdom is the skillful application of God's words to our lives.  His wisdom STIRS UP our spirits to fight wisely.  The knowledge of His thoughts toward us stirs us up to believe and have confidence in the ultimate outcome of our testing or trial. Fighting our battles without wisdom, without a Master plan, is foolishness isn't it?  Can you imagine a soldier engaging an enemy and even though the commander of his battalion has access to unlimited knowledge of the battlefield, the foolish soldier decides to go off on his own? Of course, he has no knowledge of where the enemy is hiding, or where the danger may lie, and so his battle will be short lived, and unwise.

     David had written the Truth on his heart.  I can't imagine that a day went by when he was not thinking about and imagining wonderful things about God. The truth that HE lived by is the Truth that WE still live by today. His truths are written on many of our hearts.

     Knowing God's Word is the means by which the seed of faith in us will grow, however, just knowing it won't help-it's just the first step.  Understanding what God has promised us and then applying it to our lives is the key to our success.  God's word is the key Jesus has given us that open the door to the kingdom of God. But, until you actually unlock the door by inserting the key and turning it-until you make His word "KEY" in your life you will never take possession of your possessions. Even though they are yours, you will never "own" them until you use your key.

    I talk with people all the time who are depressed or discouraged. They know God. Many of them even know His what His word says.  They can quote you chapter and verse, but they have never moved beyond memorizing it.  They have never taken it to heart. 

     What if, when you have a need, you begin to speak out what God says about that?  Not as a hopeful, pleading prayer but as a strong declaration of the promises you have from Him for that specific situation. 

For example:

You may be struggling with fear about your future. Instead of trying to figure it out with your limited understanding, what if you reminded yourself, and God, of what His promise is specifically for that?  What if you said, "Father I thank you that You have promised me a future that is filled with hope and good things.  I understand that that is the only future You have prepared for me, because YOU are full of hope and full of good things!"  (Jeremiah 29:11,12))

AND- say it like you mean it!

You may find yourself in a situation where there seems to be no way out. It appears to be hopeless. What if instead of "crying and moaning", you said, Father, I thank You that I can live in the Truth of Your promises to me today. I thank You that You have said, "Nothing is too hard for You!"  (Jeremiah 32:27).  I believe that nothing in my life is too hard for You to repair, rebuild and restore."

You may find yourself weary, tired of the battle and ready to give up. What if, instead of thinking about how tired you are, you said to Him, "Father You have promised that when I am weary, You will strengthen my heart?  I will run and NOT be weary; I will walk and NOT faint! (Isaiah 40:31).  You have promised me that Your people will be satisfied, (filled to the full), with Your Goodness. (Jeremiah 31:14).  I am going to be strengthened by those words and walk in the power of the hope that they give me."

     Beloved, life can be hard-but with God, you can DO hard!  Without Him, hard just stays hard. If You really allow His words to become the thoughts in your head that fill you with hope and expectancy, then life becomes easy. When You yoke yourself to Him, He makes peace reasonable in unreasonable situations.  He provides reasonable wisdom specifically tailored to lift you up and out. The absolute steadfastness of His care for your cares will make a way where there seems to be no way.

     You can trust Him.  He is a GENIUS at knowing exactly what to do in your situation. He has already set His heart on loving you. When you set your heart on living in response to that truth, everything changes-otherwise nothing changes. And it's not because God isn't ready, willing, and able. It's because you haven't turned the key and unlocked the kingdom.

Power Thought:

His promises are key to a vital abundant Christian life. Do you know where your "keys are?

Copyright © 2015, Suzanne Roberts, Unpublished Work