Powering UP America!

Our First Congress

Key Scripture:  “Therefore, please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me.  Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you cursed is cursed.”  Numbers 22:6

Power Point:

     Allow me to set the scene for you.  In this chapter, Balaak, a Moabite leader is “exceedingly afraid” of the nation of Israel. They have moved in and camped on the plains of Moab.  In fact, scripture says he was “sick with dread”. They were too numerous, and too blessed, and, oh yes, they had God on their side. He sends for the prophet Balaam, and tells him to curse this nation. He believes that if a prophet curses them, he will be able to defeat them. 

     God has another plan.  He has a chat with Balaam and says, “You shall NOT curse the people for they are blessed.” Even though Balaak offers him great honor, and promises to do whatever Balaam asks of him. Balaam replies, “If you gave me all your silver and gold, I would not go beyond the word of the Lord, my God to do less or more.”

But then, oddly, he decides to go with the men to see Balaak. God sends His own Angel to stop him. The donkey can see the Angel and he moves aside to avoid him. This happens three times until finally the Lord opens the donkey’s mouth and allows him to speak to Balaam and tell him to stop! 

     Eventually the Lord opens Balaam’s eyes and he too can see the Angel of the Lord, standing, with His sword drawn. He reminds Balaam that he is only to speak what the Lord tells Him. Balaam gets it right this time. He blesses the nation.

This is what Balaam said:

“God is not a man that He should lie…Has He not said, and will He not do?

Has He not spoken and will He not make it good?

Behold I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it…

The Lord his God is with (this nation), and the shout of a King is among them. God brings them out…”

My friend, the shout of the King of Kings is among us! He will bring us out. I recently read a statement by Joel Osteen, in his book, “It’s Your Time.”  He said, “Before anyone cursed you, God blessed you.”

This story of Balaam is a perfect illustration of that. God does not want us to curse what He has blessed.  Allow me to be Balaam’s donkey today.

     We must be very careful to not become like those who come against us. Our mouths are to speak only what God speaks. When He looks at our nation, He sees a land He has blessed and not cursed.

This is what God says, “Do not be afraid because of this mighty army for the battle is not yours but God's."  (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Power Prayer For America:

The Fight For Freedom

Father, I have been guilty of speaking curses instead of blessing over this nation. Thank You for forgiving me and setting me back on the right path. I will not listen to the voice of the Enemy anymore. I am definitely thinking higher.

     I thank You Father for blessing this land and not cursing it. I thank You that you have made us the head and not the tail. And I thank You for Your Spirit that rests here and Who is able to bring life to the dead and hope to the hopeless. Show us YOUR ways Lord and we will follow. Let Your Spirit of Wisdom rule and reign in us and over us again. Let us hear Your voice. The voice of a stranger we will not follow. You will lead us to overcome evil with good. Is that a shout I hear? Thank YOU!

Let Your Truth keep marching on!

In Jesus Name.  Amen!

  

Power Of Being Right

Key Scripture:  “And do not let us grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season, we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”  Galatians 6:9

Power Point:

     Having recently spent some time in Phoenix with my “grands”, I’ve observed something. Children are very targeted on who is “right”.  I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but adults do that too.

     Sometimes I think we’re missing God’s point. In Proverbs 16:7, He tells us that, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  Who does that?  God does.  Why?  Because you are responding to your enemy in a way that pleases and honors Him.  From what I glean from scripture that means you are blessing and not cursing; you are making peace, as far as it depends on you, and you are filled with hope, faith and confidence in the eventual outcome. In other words, you do the right thing, even when its hard. That's what Jesus would do. He would forgive, refuse to be bitter, act with compassion and trust God that even His enemies would come to a place of peace with Him. He might even lay down His life for them so that they can see how real compassion and unconditional love work.

     You see Beloved, God knows how dangerous unforgiveness, bitterness, and being offended and angry can be to our soul. It crushes the Holy Spirit in us. It dams up the channels so that the River of Life can’t flow-to us or through us.  During an argument between my three oldest this week, JD was obviously right. Reagan was obviously wrong. Ben was on JD’s side. When I went in to talk to them, I said, “You know, sometimes we have to give up our right to be right. After we've made our point, then it may be time to take a breath and refuse to continue the battle which will only lead to more strife. When being right is more important to us than walking in love, and showing honor and respect, we're missing God's point. When we choose to stay in peace, we are pleasing God’s heart.  Isn't it more important to God that we trust Him to give us His wisdom? Isn't it more important to Him that we refuse to doubt that He is working this situation out for our good? If we choose to operate in our flesh, where what we want is the only thing we’ll accept, we move out of the flow of blessing." That caught JD’s attention.  He immediately did what was “right” in the “right” way. It was a sacrifice and God blessed him. He's got the "right stuff".

      Whatever the “enemy” is in your life today, I hope you’ll take some time to ask Holy Spirit, “What’s the right thing?” What would please YOU today in this situation Holy Spirit? Who do you want me to be right here, right now?” "What is important to YOU here?" "Do I yield this battle to win the war?" " Am I honoring YOU?" The answer may surprise you but it will also bless you.

    The Truth lies in that fact that we have this glorious promise that if we continue to do what pleases God, if we continue to trust that He is working things out for our good, we will reap at the right time.You can always do the right thing, because you've got the "right stuff" in you too. Just like JD.

Power Thought:

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790);

Powering UP America!

Key Scripture: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”  John 8:32

Power Point:

Sometimes we are like that frog in the kettle of water aren’t we?  We don’t realize the heat has been turned up and we just allow the water to boil and “cook our goose”, or frog as the case may be.  I think its time to examine some of the lies we’ve allowed to heat up in our minds about our beloved country, and to replace them with declarations of Truth that will set us free.

Here are just a few:

Lie:

This nation is on its last legs.

Truth:

I will be with you.  I will help you.

Lie:

The economy will never recover.

Truth:

I will provide all your needs. I will bless you. I will bless you. I will bless you.

Lie:

We’re so bad that God will never help us now.

Truth:

I will never leave you or forsake you. When you call I will answer.

Lie:

The enemy is too strong for us.

Truth:

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus-and through us diffuses the fragrance of the knowledge of God in every place.

Lie:

God has taken His hand off America.

Truth:

The favor of God lasts for a lifetime.

My friends, our destiny does not depend on the power of our own strength, but in the strength of the power of our God.

And that's the Truth we can march on.

Powering UP Prayer:

Father we thank You for truth that sets us free. Help us to believe it, receive it, and speak it out today. Let Your words be on the tips of our tongues and let them be combined with faith in order that they may be powerful, effective and not return void.

Let Your Truth keep marching on.

In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Power Of Good Taste

Power Of Good Taste

Key Scripture:  “Taste and see that that the Lord is good!” Psalm 34:8

Power Point:

     My friend Donna is an excellent baker. Excellent.  She enjoys baking and sharing her goodies with her friends. We are happy to share.  No one ever says “no” to her offerings. Recently, she attended a luncheon and, as usual, she had whipped up a batch of her world famous chocolate brownies. They are scrumptious, topped off with a thick layer of rich chocolate icing.  (Anyone hungry?) The odd thing is that not one person took a brownie that day. Needless to say, Donna was a bit miffed. Not one person had “tasted and seen that they were good”! So she left them there. I’m quite sure that someone took them and ate them eventually.  

     Isn’t that a great illustration of the table that God has prepared for us? It’s full of wonderful things that are rich, and tasty and oh so good! But we never “take them”, or “taste them”, or even sample them. His table is always filled with fresh wine, and fresh bread, in the form of love, and kindness and grace and mercy. Every morning He sets it for us with large cups of grace and forgiveness, healing and peace. Each new day there is a fresh and full measure of Love that keeps regenerating itself.  Isn’t it awesome to see that God never runs out, or runs down in any area of His character?

     I get up quite early.  I get my daily supply of heavenly manna and off I go; but I have to be honest. By afternoon, my supply has dwindled!  My body is running out of energy for love, grace and mercy.  And don’t even think of handing me hard decisions after 8 o’clock.  I’m done. But God isn’t. His love and kindness never diminish. When I get up the next morning to get my fresh supply of all that’s offered me, I find a new table prepared with all the things I’ll need for that day. Maybe I won’t need forgiveness and He’s placed an abundance of patience there.  Maybe one day I’ll need more peace than joy. I don’t know. I just know that He knows and He’s prepared it ahead of time for me. 

     The Greek word for “receive” is “take it”.  If I never sample the  “goodies”, if I never “taste and see” the goodness of God for my own life, then I’ll miss the sweetness of who He wants to be for me.  Just like those ladies at the luncheon who never even tasted those brownies, I will have missed the best He has to offer.  And I’ll miss the power of God for my day. When we don’t “take” what God offers us, it’s not His fault. Like Donna, don’t you think God feels a little sad, when we refuse what He offers us? I do. But then, knowing Him, I also know that He just keeps recreating those things we need so that they are always a fresh offering; New every morning, and ready to bring heaven to earth in our lives.  Won’t you “taste and see” something fresh about His goodness today?

Power Thought:

You have a fresh supply of whatever you need, every single day. Today might include some brownies. Yum!

Powers Of Heavenly Daze

Key Scripture:  “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.”  Matthew 16:19,The Message.

Power Point:

     I’m thinking about heaven this morning. I heard some stories this week about people who had died or nearly died and gone there for a brief visit.   When you think about it, wouldn’t it be nice if we all could do that? Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could each have a scheduled trip at some point early in our lives that took us to heavenly places? We could meet Jesus and Holy Spirit and our Father face to face. We could see all the people we loved who had died, and the health flowing from them, and the youth, and the happiness.  They are blessed aren’t they? We could sense the perfect peace, and the perfection of perfect love, and we would never fear death again. That would be a great way to live life wouldn’t it?

     People who have been to heaven and returned to tell about it say a lot of the same things.  They say everyone is young. (I’m all for that!) No one looks older than their thirties. And they say the colors are so much more beautiful than we have here on earth.  They usually see Jesus and are so blessed by the experience that they don’t want to leave and come back to earth.  They are dazed by the whole experience.

The really good news for the Christian is that we can have heaven on earth.

     God knows how hard “life” can be for us. And He’s intent on “helping” us live through it with peace that passes understanding. The strength of His love and His character and His power are there for us every moment of every day. There is no “bad” in heaven to work out for our good but He promises that every situation we are in on earth, has the opportunity to be touched by His goodness. 

     If you could bring heaven to earth in your life today what would that look like? Would Hope bring you more “color”?  Would Perfect Love cast out all fear?  Would the goodness of God be the foundation of every thought in your head? And wouldn’t you know that you know that you know that He will work out even that problem for your good?

You can, you know. Jesus has already given you the keys to His kingdom. The keys of faith, hope, and love, and forgiveness will open every door for you to bring heaven to your life. Why don’t you find where you put those keys?

Power Thought:

Jesus gave us the keys that open every door in heaven for us. There are no closed doors to His blessings. You already have the keys to unlock them.

Powering UP America!

Key Scripture:  “Now to Him who by His power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine—to Him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever, amen!”  Ephesians 3:20,21 Phillips

Power Point:

Jesus’ life was a perfect example of God’s will. Everything He did was in perfect harmony with the mind, will and heart of God. Everything He did, glorified the goodness of God. Following the cursing of the fig tree, Jesus turns to His disciples and tells them that no matter how big a mountain or an obstacle may look to you, you simply tell it to get out of your way. The next sentence is the key. “IF you do not doubt in your heart, but believe the things that you say, You’ll receive them-whatever you ask.  And then He makes an incredible promise to His children; “Therefore, I am telling you this, whatever things you ask, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.”

        Jesus never leaves us without options does He?  He tells us to speak to the mountains that are obstructing His power in this nation. Don’t let yourself be talked out of faith. Be absolutely sure that what God has promised, He is also able to do. And you will receive the reward of your faith. You will have what you ask. Whatever means whatever!

    What Jesus has given us to battle the enemy is the Name that is above all other names, and it works best when you walk in faith. It works best when you believe that He is Who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do. Remember that what you say has power for either life or death. If you’ve spent too much time listening to too many people and not enough time listening to God, you’re probably wavering and hesitating and doubting.  If that’s happening to you, turn off the TV. Do NOT read negative emails about our dire situations. And, for heaven’s sake, say only what God says.  He promises us that He is with us, that He will deliver us, and that He will show up on our behalf. He promises to give us the nations, and make us an example of His goodness. He’s looking for a strong heart to support. Is it yours?

     I’ve heard people say that we are in the “last days”, that things are going to be so bad we might as well just give up; that it must be God’s will. But there is a little thought that keeps popping up at the back of my mind that says the Church is a triumphant church. Isn’t it possible that in the last days or before the last days, God’s Spirit will be gushing out of us and that people will see the power of God on our lives, and how perfectly good His will is for us?  Isn’t it just remotely possible that we’re supposed to be living, breathing proof of the goodness of God to deliver and care for His people? He calls us more than conquerors doesn’t He?  I think that means that we win, above and beyond all that we could ask or think.

     Suit up Beloved. Put on your armor and start marching. This battle is not over until God says its over. And He says this:

“And thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ, an aroma of life.”   

2 Corinthians 2:14,15

Power Prayer For America:

Father, I haven’t been able to smell the fragrance of the knowledge of You in this place for awhile, but I think that the winds of change are blowing a fresh breath over this land again.  I believe that what the enemy has meant for harm You are turning to good. It’s what You do.

Thank You for the refreshing of the breath of Your presence that is breathing new life into dead bones, and tired soldiers. Thank You for raising up Joshua’s all over this country to stand in the battle for Truth, no matter what the odds look like. Help me to keep their arms lifted in strength. Dear God, bless America.

Let Your Truth keep marching on!

In Jesus Name.  Amen!

Power Of Being Led

Key Scripture:  “God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!”  Romans 8:14, The Message

Power Point:

     I took my car in this week to be serviced. It works perfectly. The brakes are good, the tires are good and the engine runs like a top.

I could drive this car across the country and it would run beautifully.

I’ve seen new cars that will park themselves for you and I’ve seen test cars that will drive without a driver. That would be great if you had to commute every day wouldn’t it?  Wouldn’t it be fun to get in the passenger seat and say, “I want to go the store, or to work, or to my friend’s house”?  I would definitely love that!

     Did you know that your spiritual life is just as easy as that?  Really!

If you’d get in the passenger seat, or even the back seat and let God drive the car, it would be a much easier trip wouldn’t it?  I remember when I was learning to drive. My mother had hired this poor man to teach me.  I drove while he sat in the passenger seat with his own steering wheel and his own brakes.  He needed them. I didn’t know someone could sweat that much.

     I can also remember when I was teaching my children to drive. I would have been very grateful for my own set of controls.  I didn’t know I could sweat that much.

     The thing is, Beloved, sometimes we exercise too much control over where and how fast God is trying to take us into the glorious plans He has for us. He wants to go fast. We put on the brakes. He wants to turn left. We want to turn right. When we choose our own way it’s just not good is it? God’s divine GPS knows exactly the route to take and He isn’t sidetracked by bumps in the road. 

     When I’m driving with my grandchildren in the car, I take special precautions to drive carefully. I want to be sure that they arrive at their destination safe and sound. God wants that same thing for us doesn’t He?  He is the “Savior” after all. His plans for our lives are full of kindness, wisdom, and extraordinary opportunities. He knows where the “potholes” are and how to avoid them.  He knows where there are beautiful places to stop and rest and just look at the scenery and be refreshed.  Although He is involved in every detail, He always sees the big picture, the final outcome, and He plans accordingly.

     Will you give Him more control as you drive together through your life today?  Will you stop putting on the brakes and turning the wheel?

It will really throw you off course and you don’t want that do you?

Power Thought:

 Don’t you want a really good driver in the driver’s seat of your life? Your choice.