LOVE ME TENDER

 "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley. Performed on Twitch Sings platform by me and Joliet4. Enjoy.

HERO

The following is a video I want to share of the song "Hero" by Mariah Carey. This was done on the Twitch Sings platform where one person (usually on the left) records their half of the song and the other person comes to that person's presence on Twitch Sings and completes the other half (usually on the right).

This is me and BatSam. Hope you enjoy.

SET YOUR HOPE UPON CHRIST JESUS

In the movie "Shawshank Redemption" Red says to Andy - "Hope is a dangerous thing my friend, it can kill a man." Andy replies, "Hope is a good thing, maybe even the best of things. And good things never die."

God gave the world Hope thousands of years before Christ arrived. Many Christians who study the Scripture know of Old Testament passages that reveal the prophetic word of Jesus' miraculous birth, His life, suffering and death for the redemption of all. 

However, how many of us know or research the Old Testament passages that foretell Christ's resurrection? Paul mentions this prophetic support  of Christ's resurrection in the O.T. in his letter to the believers in Corinth.

• “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, . . . that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve” (1 Cor. 15:2, 3-5).

Without the resurrection of Jesus, we just have another man claiming to be The Messiah. However, Jesus did rise from death, Hades and the grave, plus He fulfilled Old Testament passages that said He would. Isaiah 53:10 said "he will see his offspring and prolong his days..." after He sacrificially gave His life for ours - "though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin".

• "Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand."

One cannot "see" and live on after being "an offering for sin" if their was not a bodily resurrection.

In a second Old Testament passage, David utilizes his prophetic anointing and states - 

• "...my body also will rest secure,
  because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. (Psalm 16:8-10)

Notice that David is at peace for when death comes knocking. He says, "my body also will rest secure" creating an image that his body is a deposit or loan to the grave, meant to be taken back "because you [Christ] will not abandon me to the realm of the dead". However, David goes a step further and proclaims that as for the "Faithful One", not even "decay" will be seen on Christ's body before He rises - "nor will you let your faithful one see decay".

As a final example of Old Testament prophecies foretelling Christ's resurrection, part of The Lord's response in Matthew 12 to the Pharisees demand for a sign was that of an analogy to Jonah's predicament in the belly of the great fish for three days. 

• "'For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth' (Matt. 12:40). As Jesus explains, Jonah and the big fish is an analogy of the death and resurrection of Jesus, though Christ is a much greater prophet than Jonah. Craig Blomberg is insightful: 'Just as Jonah’s time in the fish would have proved meaningless had he not been spit up onto the shore to continue his appointed ministry of preaching repentance to Nineveh, so also the crucifixion is not the decisive sign of who Jesus was, for his subsequent rescue from death is what vindicated his ministry and enabled his mission to go forward'” (https://credomag.com/2013/03/the-resurrection-of-christ-in-the-old-testament/)

Isaiah saw the major highlights of Christ's coming including His resurrection. David foretold Jesus would not be in the grave long enough to acquire decay. Jesus brought back to remembrance the story of Jonah and used Jonah's time in the belly of the great fish as an analogy and/or sign for His great mission - victory for us all through Him.

All of these Old Testament words are fulfilled events of Hope in Christ's first coming. In addition, not only did He fulfill the Hope of Salvation for everyone, but He also established another Hope - the resurrection and/or glorification of the body. Paul explains this to the Romans like this - 

• "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved." (Romans 8:22-24)

We have always had Hope since Genesis. Right after we messed up with God, The Lord declared His Word of Hope as He spoke to the serpent of old, He said, "he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Gen. 3:15)

Now that Christ has come, lived, died, risen and ascended - He continues to give us Hope.

Christ has told the Disciples and all believers - 

• "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-4)

Later, Paul elaborated on this Return in 1 Thess. 4:13-18 - 

"...so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope - 

Let me pause here and insert the fact - when our last breath escapes our lungs and we no longer are part of this world, The Gavel falls in judgment on - What have you done with Jesus in your life? For those who have rejected the free gift of Salvation by Christ for their lives there is no hope, only damnation to eternal separation from God. Isaiah describes the finality of the lost like this - "...those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your [God's] faithfulness." Isaiah 38:18

For those that will have chosen Christ and His lifestyle - eternity blesses them with ruling and reigning with Christ, being married to Christ, having a new name, living in a new body, in a new city, on a new Earth, in a new Heaven without any sin, curse or pain. The decision for either of these locations and experiences is now - "I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)

Now, Paul continues the 1 Thessalonian 4 passage by injecting the reader with The Hope that will help believers endure and persevere from Christ's ascension forward. 

• "For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thess. 4:13-18)

Christ sealed the deal for everyone's spiritual, physical and mental salvation, empowerment and glorification after He rose from the dead and sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within believers. Peter said it nicely when he stated -

• "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1:3)

Our hope is not just some wish or whim on the haphazard expectation that we might see what was promised. Instead, we have a track record of faithfulness by God to the great witnesses of our faith and all other believers willing to die for their testimony. The Christian's Hope is based on a solid foundation in the past, "an ever-present help in time of trouble" (Psalm 46:1) as we live now and the guarantor of all our future promises, for everything is "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Everything depended upon The Head Crusher (Gen. 3:15), The Savior, The Firstfuit of those who have died (1 Cor. 15:20) and still does. 

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (1 Peter 1:13)

Set your hope upon His promises, set your great expectation upon Him, The Hope - Christ Jesus.

THE DIFFERENCE IN LIFE

Jesus was different. He taught peacefully, most of the time, about many good things. However, all His words and miracles depended on having some kind of relationship with Him. 

Sometimes the relationships were established before He spoke or performed His miracles. Sometimes the relationships were established after and due to His words and/or miracles. 

The Savior had come to save and that was a shock that sent ripples throughout the world, but the way He saved was different. How can a Savior King save while hanging from a cross instead of ruling from a throne in Jerusalem over the Romans and all the Earth? He was received at first, criticized, shunned and eventually rejected or crucified. 

The Holy Spirit is God, but He too was received at first, criticized later and found so different to many that He has been shunned or ignored. The creation has the audacity to say to The Creator, the Holy Spirit is weird, if anybody is weird - we are weird. 

I heard it said recently that for many The Holy Sprit is like the crazy uncle in the back room we dare not bring out to socialize. Christians are confident with Father God and Christ Jesus in the room but get quite nervous when the Holy Spirit is on display.

The outward manifestations of the Holy Spirit, for example speaking in tongues and miracles and supernatural signs can be daunting to some. The individuals who have a relationship with the Holy Spirit know Him and how He works, so this should not take them off guard. Just like knowing anybody, the more time you spend with The Holy Spirit, the more you know Him. The proximity you have to the Holy Spirit will dispel any difference you have with Him. 

There is a habit that believers have engaged in for a while that can help rid our uneasiness, our preconceived notions, our differences with the Holy Spirit. We need to stop placing the cart in front of the horse. This is a  misalignment of order habit or behavioral issue that is displayed through teaching of The Gifts of the Spirit first instead of a relationship with The Giver as priority. We need to have a relationship with The Holy Spirit first so that we may appreciate and capitalize on the Gifts given.

I realized something recently that has shed new light on my relationship with the Holy Spirit. In Isaiah 9:6, I had been placing a comma between the words "Wonderful" and "Counselor" when there is not. Even though God is Wonderful, even though He is a Counselor, this passage has two-word descriptions of God - "Wonderful Counselor", "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father". And the Holy Spirit has been that to me for some time now - Wonderful Counselor.

Scripture says that The Holy Spirit is the third person of The Holy Trinity - Father, Son and  Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, helper, friend and reflection of Father God and Christ. He is all definitions of love spelled out for us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. He is an interceder for us - He is someone who communicates with Christ and Father God when we don't know how to pray, what to pray or when to pray.

Back in the old days you had to get permission to come before a king's presence. But now, you and I have The Presence of The King of all kings wherever we go, whatever we do and whatever we say. His Majesty spends all His time with me, even when I spend some of my time with Him. I feel a relationship with a friend we have in Jesus, The Holy Spirit, is way past due. So, let us seek out daily our King, our Wonderful Counselor - The Difference In Life!

THE ROCK OF GRACE

There are two mountaintops that people, Christians in particular, have their feet on the summit of and cannot make a decision which peak to live on - Mt. Fear or Mt. Hope.

Hebrews 12:18-24 states it like this - 

"You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.' The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear.'"

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

Now with Fear there must be a two-pronged understanding. Fear can be paralyzing OR fear can be praiseworthy. The kind many people are familiar with is the terrifying or threatening experiences. Usually, in scenarios like this, fear attacks or tries to seize control of all functions of the individual. Fear has many helpers, perhaps you have heard of a few of them - anxiety, depression, confusion and the like. 

This kind of fear is devoid of hope, belief and love. This kind of fear the enemy of our souls strategizes and uses against believers from his kingdom of darkness. The devil would have you so scared that you do not share The Good News anymore, but Philippians 1:14 says, "...dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

There is another name for one of the mountains people stand on in their lives - Mt. Law. The Law, with all it's many rules and regulations for living a perfect/holy life, was meant to point out that none can live the perfect life except the prophesied Savior or Messiah to come. Why give it? To provide structure and boundaries until The Christ comes and leads us further. The Law dealt with rules and punishment. Then Christ Jesus came to provide us a better mountain we could choose to stand on; a life that "speaks better" than if we had both feet or even one foot on Mt. Law.

Many instances in Scripture refer to fear as respect, specifically honoring God. In the book of Acts you can find terms like - "God-fearing women", "God-fearing Greeks" and "a God-fearing man" - describing people with the highest regard for God. Hebrews 11:7 portrays Noah building the ark - "in holy fear" - a feat and attitude that was rewarded with the salvation of his family and the animals. In the Christian journey 1 Peter 1:17 instructs the believer to "live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear." In addition, Paul in his letter to the church in Phillipi encouraged the contingent - "continue to work out your salvation with fear [or great respect and awe] and trembling."

The Good News is that God so Loved the world that He sent Love in the form of His Son Jesus. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." Christ took our punishment on The Cross. We do not have to be ruled or controlled by the terrifying fear of the world and the enemy. There is no terror, no horror in love.  This is why all are drawn to love. Love never fails and He will not fail us now. This is why we must respect and honor God, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

Yes, Love in the form of Christ Jesus has showed its awesome purpose and power - to redeem human kind and create a perfect future with God, which at the moment of Christ's resurrection became our Hope.

Paul says it nicely when he addresses the believers in Rome - "...we boast in the hope of the glory of God." After the salvation of an individual - what becomes the believer's focus? Hope. Hope of a transformed, glorified body like Christ's one day. Hope of Christ's promises being fulfilled personally and corporately. Hope of seeing "our righteousness" in person (Galatians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:1).

Paul tells us in Romans that the whole of Scripture was written for the sake of Hope.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." - Romans 15:4

Scripture has proclaimed that believers are the Ambassadors of Hope - "Christ in us, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). 1 Timothy 6:17 even singles out what we should and should not place our hope in. And the author of Hebrews does a beautiful, word-smith job of describing Christ Jesus, His promises and our Hope - "as an anchor for the soul".

There is a proper fear to have toward God. Our relationship with God should contain a healthy dose of respect and honor for Him to keep the proper perspective. I see shirts and bumper stickers all around with the slogan - "No Fear". Some fear is healthy, it keeps us cautious and aware or alert. But if you allow this mantra of No Fear to control every aspect of your life, even your relationship with God, at the moment of death you will be filled with nothing but fear of a horrible kind. 

Luke 12:5 declares Hell is real but you do not have to spend eternity there. Christ Jesus has the authority to place you there should it warrant. 

"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." 

This same one with authority to send one to hell can also grant entry into Heaven because He paid the price. This same one who made an impossible Law to follow, also made The Way to escape from living under perfect performance. 

C.S. Lewis once said, "Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you will get neither." Using the same formula, aim at Mount Grace and you will get the structure and guidelines that pointed to the fulfillment of all of them in Christ. Aim at Mount Law and you get neither Grace nor a perfect, holy life you can live - only impossible rules with punishments. 

This does not mean we should not honor instructions like The Ten Commandments. However, Christ has fulfilled all commandments, granted us forgiveness when we fail and granted believers common sense to live under the Spirit of Grace.

I encourage everyone, but especially my brothers and sisters in Christ, stand solely on His Grace. If you find that you are living in a straddling position with one foot on Mount Sinai, Mt. Law, Mt. Fear and the other on Mount Zion, Mt. Hope, Mt. Grace, then place both feet upon Zion, upon Hope, upon The Rock Of Grace. 

AN EXAMPLE OF INTEGRITY

I want, seek and pray to be a man of integrity. In Paul's second letter to Timothy the charge is made -

• "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)

Paul advises Timothy and all Christians striving for integrity that to be of sound moral character -

1. We should be accountable to God
2. We should work as employed by God
3. We should correctly handle God's Word.

Not all of us surrender these on a daily basis, therefore we deal with our own consequences when we respond to issues in a day from a non-Godly guided manner. If we are Christians who are presenting ourselves to God as approved, then that means we are seeking what God's Word says meets His approval and doing it.

Paul challenges the believer to act in the faith as a worker who is not ashamed to be employed in the service of The King. The words - He died for me, I'll live for Him - are easy to type but they are far from simple or painless to live out. Christ made some clear-cut statements about our relationship with Him and life that support the unashamed worker concept.

• "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
• "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
• "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." (Matt. 24:45-47)

Next is a very weighty responsibility. Paul  mentions correctly handling the word of truth. How does a man come to the decision that he will be an example of integrity? Men who choose to study and correctly handle the word of truth with God's direction usually find themselves in some kind of front-and-center profession. These men who have a "spotlight", a regular platform to speak from and the influence of counseling people on a personal level - must know they have a high standard to meet as An Example of integrity or right standing with God.

I have seen men who have abused this position. They have acquired the spotlight, the platform or the counseling stance in life but leave God and the consideration of others out of the equation. Knowing I have been in the public's eye, but more importantly God's Eye, I would love to run after qualities I see in men like Abraham, Joseph of the Old Testament and Joseph of the New Testament.

In Genesis 12:1 and 4 you can read how God called then named Abram to pack his bags and move to a land that He would show Abram. Verse four says, "So Abram went, as the Lord had told him." Wow! I desire that kind of immediate obedient response to God in my life. I don't want to supply excuses, I just want the faith level and gumption to - as the advertisement says - Just Do It.

Mary's Joseph of the New Testament was also a Yes Man for God. Reading about the marriage of Mary and Joseph and birth of Christ we find that Joseph obeyed the Law of God regularly, so he sought to divorce Mary because she was pregnant before they were wed. However, we also observe Joseph had a tender heart, so he looked to perform the proceedings quietly and privately. 

This wonderful match made in Heaven by God joins two individuals whose character has an obedient heart toward God. The marriage and caretaking of the Christ-child was especially noted and obeyed with an angelic visitation to both of them. That would do the trick for me too. 

Isaiah got a bonus - he saw the Lord in His temple and angels all around. Isaiah's sinfulness brought him to a place of brokenness and usefulness as he answered the Lord, "Here am I, Lord, send me."

The Joseph of the Old Testament never complained. In all the situations he was placed in and the challenges that came his way I did not see him bickering one bit. I believe because of this, God placed Joseph in such a way where he could be a blessing to those around him in every circumstance.

Integrity, it is not perfection, but it is the eternal pursuit of honoring God's plan, His principles for my life. If I will...

1. be accountable to God
2. be an unashamed worker for God
3. handle His Word correctly with care
4. and take on other holy characteristics from other great Biblical examples,

by God's grace and help, I will be An Example Of Integrity.

Know My Anxious Thoughts

Psalm 139:23-24

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (NIV)

Recently I discovered that the word "anxious" in the phrase "know my anxious thoughts" from Psalm 139:23-24 was missing in other translations like the King James Version, New Living Version and perhaps others. This is a big deal to me because I want God to know my anxieties. I know God knows all my thoughts for earlier in the same Psalm, David declares "you perceive my thoughts from afar" (v.2). However, if David was praying for this and Christ prayed three times for His anxieties to pass in The Garden of Gethsemane then I deem it an important word to keep.

The actual word, Sarappiym, is found only in two places in The Bible - Psalm 94:19 and Psalm 139:23-24 and only in the plural form, therefore meaning not just one troubled thought, but many.

The Psalm 94:19 passage reads - "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." (NIV)

Another way to translate this verse is - When I was troubled in my mind about a great many things, your loving kindnesses brought me joy and relief. [Pritchard Paraphrase]

The word fear is used in Scripture as a beneficial keep from danger. A better word or phrase for this fear is reverent respect and/or deep appreciation. The word that we are dealing with here today in the Psalm passages deals with worry or fret. These are issues, problems and concerning thoughts that range from manageable to the point of obsession and loss of control.

Paul, in his letter to the believers in Philippi, gave what seemed to be an impossible charge concerning anxious thoughts, anything to do with unhealthy fear or anxiety.

• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

The first time I ever read this verse, my knee-jerk reaction was - that is impossible; we cannot, not have an anxious thought about anything! However, the more you read the second part to that verse and walk in The Victory Christ has accomplished for us in everything - we do not have to have any anxiety about anything.

This is not a promise you will not have troubled or anxious thoughts, but Christ and His Victory is the answer every time we have them. The burdensome thoughts are like little flames that pop up and can cause havoc by turning into a wildfire in your mind. But if you consult with Jesus, He will snuff those fires out before they have a chance to do any harm. 

The key lies in the time we consult with Christ. We must name our fears, our worries, our anxieties then hand them over to The Lord who has the victory over all of them and like The Great Shepherd and awesome Father that He is - will gladly answer your prayer of "Know My Anxious Thoughts".

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES

 None of us want to be at fault and for this fact we are masters at excuses. The world views shame and embarrassment as awaiting those who take responsibility for mistakes and correction. However, responsible people are the individuals who will mature and develop more as a person. 

We are influenced by many factors in this life - mental, physical, spiritual and social - however we still pull-the-trigger on our thoughts, actions and words. I am not saying control is easy, but the first step toward a more responsible, healthy life is to make the decision you will take ownership of all of what you do, say and think before you assign blame where it does not belong. Remember the saying - when you point your finger at someone, you have four other fingers pointing back at you.

We eat improper stuff in abundance and then blame someone else for a failed diet program. We make excuses.

We stay up late hours watching a television program knowing we need to be up early the next morning and functioning at a high level for our jobs. Then the next morning rolls around and we have rolled out of bed with the wrong attitude, have skipped our shower and are late for work - excuses abound. 

We are under a huge delusion that not taking responsibility and blaming something or someone else will save us from the consequences of the situation. If you want to see this in full display, turn in your Bibles to Genesis 3. Right from the beginning we have had plenty of finger-pointing, but consequences still fall on all parties.

But wait there's more! This tendency runs throughout the Scripture and still haunts us today. Many times our shuck of responsibility comes in the form of anywhere from outright denial to a list of rationalizations. In the following cases, excuses means getting out of some kind of service. 

God had a clear and precise mission for a man named Jonah - "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." (Jonah 1:2) Jonah not only said, "No" to God's instructions to go preach in the city of Nineveh, but he physically tried to run away from God. Moses, when in the presence of God, had a list of inadequacies ready to deflect his call for service.

Don't we do this today? We receive a clear message from The Lord that is supported by Scripture and confirmed by a brother/sister in Christ. Then we promptly say, "Here I am Lord, but I think you got the wrong person - use somebody else."

Craig Groeschel in his book Dangerous Prayers elaborates on this by stating - 

"We still do this today. When God challenges us to give, we say, 'But God, I don't have much for myself. Someone else can give more.' When God calls us to serve, we might rationalize, 'I don't have enough time. Surely there are better candidates for this role than me.' When God prompts us to do something, we're tempted to tell Him all the reasons we aren't His best person. We don't know enough. We aren't talented enough. We aren't good enough. There are so many others better qualified for this than us. Here I am, God, but send someone else." (p.115-116)

In one moment we have broken God's heart, believed a lie over God's power in our lives and forsaken the rewards or blessings that come from trusting and obeying God. 

The correct and mature response to God and others, in spite of the list of excuses you have, should be a responsible, positive faith-based reply. Ask God to Search you, Break you and Send you. Having God search you means that you are doing the major Spiritual Spring Cleaning with God that has been needed for quite some time. Having God break you means that the Lord brings you to a place where you confess you cannot do this life on your own - you need Him and other Christians. Having God send you means God has developed you to the point where He desires you to - "Go!" - and we should obey.

"Isaiah prayed such a prayer of unreserved availability in the presence of God. The Old Testament prophet retells of his encounter with the Holy One when God asked, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' (Isa. 6:8a) And without knowing the details, without knowing when or where, Isaiah prayed this stunning, life-altering prayer:  'Here I am, Send me.' (Isa. 6:8b)" [p.116, Dangerous Prayers, Groeschel]

Isaiah exemplified a great leap of faith in his walk with God. Although many of us have not had the dramatic experience of God's presence that Isaiah encountered, we will know when our "Isaiah Moment" has arrived. It is up to us to respond appropriately and not with Excuses, Excuses, Excuses. 

PREPARE TO GIVE AN ANSWER

 

Lately the Earth has experienced the nearest asteroid fly-by on August 15th at 1,830 miles above the Indian Ocean. In the past we have also experienced Super Moons and Blood Moons, both of which are signs of things to come. We have years where the Sun has been abundant with its flares and sunspots. These are heavenly signs that I believe will continue as God tries to get humanity's attention here at the end of The Last Days.

Back on earth, the abundance of active storms in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico should not be a surprise for those who read the Bible and/or study Biblical Prophecy. There are five tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean for only the second time in history plus named storms all the way to letter "V" (for Vicky) and a possible "W" coming off the west coast of Africa at this writing.

For the future of this planet I have a mixed delivery for you. First, the conditions of this world are going to get worse exponentially very soon. However, the second point is those that choose Christ as their Savior now can escape the turmoil that is currently only heating up. 

For those Christians who have read their Bible, Jesus predicted in the last of the End Days - 

• "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)

Notice Christ mentions well-known objects in the heavens will show forth unmistakable signals of forthcoming events. Next Jesus turns His gaze to Earth and sets the scene of not just a few, but "nations" will be in "anguish" and "perplexity" at the tropical storms, hurricanes, cyclones or "roaring and tossing of the sea".

Other words for "anguish" are misery, agony and torment. But there is another word that is synonymous with "anguish" that the Scripture uses later in Revelation - the word "Woe".  Both words depict a sense of inescapable dread and doom.

The word "perplexity" has at its core the condition of being perplexed. This means someone is confused about something and questions or tries to solve the puzzle before them. 

Then Christ's attention turns skyward once again as He describes the human reaction of what is seen - "People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken."

Christ Jesus is coming again soon! The signs that Jesus, Paul, John, Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and more have foretold are being fulfilled in earnest in the Generation since the re-birth of Israel in 1948. These signs of the catching away or Rapture of The Bride of Christ are coming with such great frequency and intensity, like that of childbirth, that something has to give. 

Christians know of this Hope we have in Christ Jesus. We know in the middle of the upheaval in society, nature, nations, religion and personal battles that Jesus Christ is our Hope - the one we are looking forward to seeing, meeting and fellow-shipping with for eternity. Scriptures encourage us to have that reason for our hope ever ready on the front of our minds and tips of our tongues to share.

• "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Christians, as you eagerly wait with great anticipation the arrival of The Groom, our Savior - be found working for Him when He comes for us mid-air. And to all those wondering about all these events and wondering about Christ, believers in Christ need to Prepare To Give An Answer.

God Embarrassing The Wise

How does a stick divide the Red Sea? It doesn't. How does a massive amount of people simply marching around a city, blowing trumpets and finally shouting - collapse the city walls? In and of itself, it does nothing. How does placing those who worship God with singing and the playing of instruments at the front of an army make sense? To the enemy attacking and observer of the battle it looks absurd, delusional and certainly suicidal. The difference in all these events was the obedience within their relationship to Yahweh.

Has God ever challenged your faith to believe and act in obedience toward His miraculous provision? Paul stated God's mode of operation, especially as the Believer obeys to Christ in manners we would question. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says -

• "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

Remember David before the giant, Goliath? Is it any wonder that Goliath and all his men thought Israel stupid, their God had abandoned them and it was a sad day when armies resorted to sending out kids to fight for nations?

David appeared on the battlefield in his normal, everyday shepherd attire. King Saul tried to dress David according to how they dressed and trained for combat, but that armor prohibited and/or constricted David's God-given combat abilities as a Shepherd.

1 Samuel 17:38-40 says,

• "Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
  
  'I cannot go in these,' he said to Saul, 'because I am not used to them.' So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."

Many of us know the rest of the story. David killed the giant with a sling, stone and sword by teaching us the lesson of wearing the armor that was perfectly suited for us in spite of the "foolish" appearance.

I believe Trusting is a type of obedience as well as faith. David obeyed, leaned on and trusted wholly in God's training. God took David's shepherd-like qualities and militaristic skills as a boy, developed them in the pasture, then promoted him and his next set of lessons to that of a higher level - Shepherd of Israel, General, and King of Israel.

God does the same for us, especially if we surrender our hopes, dreams and expertise to Him. Willing minds and hearts before The Creator yields God taking what He has already blessed us with and developing us into the man or woman His Plan had for us all along. Just don't be surprised if you see God Embarrassing The Wise.

ASSOCIATIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS

Have you ever had someone you featured in your life to others? Did you ever have anybody you bragged about and took pride in on a regular basis? Grandparents do this a lot and many times the grand-kids don't even do anything but just grow up being family. Others have a friend who saved their life or did them a great service so they praise them at every opportunity. Still others live through athletes doing amazing feats of physical skill and talent by following their career and speaking of them regularly. 

These are types of Associations that turn into Introductions. There is a powerful dynamic within these relationships that urges that person to recommend his or her Association for your benefit or enjoyment.

Growing up and to this day, if I find somebody or group of people enjoyable to be associated with, I feel comfortable and almost compelled to share the treasure with others. 

An example of this relationship treasure(s) that I cherish and have always desired to share is the relationship I have with my parents and my wife. Every day makes me appreciate them even more and the feeling of wanting people to meet them and get to know them is strong. I know their character. I know their values. I know their faith. I know their love and care. Because of the time and attention spent in our relationship I know we are both proud to have the other in our lives.

Any relationship that you want to flourish, develop and keep will take time, care and forgiveness. If you associate yourself with Christ, you will see that He has provided all of these and more as a means of one of the most grand Introductions of all time. 

All throughout my childhood, I was introduced or exposed to Jesus. In 1979 the introductions had been made and now the proposal was laid before me - would I accept Christ as my personal Lord and Savior? Yes! Since then I have known Him as healer, rescuer, provider, guider, inspiration and so much more. And now that I know Him as such, I want to Introduce Him to you and others. I want to brag on my Savior. I want to boast about my King. I want to share my relationship with everyone, so that the same Association, the same relationship, the same Introduction can be made to you and others.

The world and fellow Christians should see this Association with Christ, this wholesomeness because of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. With my parents and my wife, I am not only associated with them but deeply involved in their daily living. With Christ it is the same - I pray that I am noticed as being associated with Him because of my dedicated Christ-like life. The time and energy you spend with certain individuals gets noticed and reaps its own rewards. Paul admonishes us - "Do not be deceived, 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" (1 Corinthians 15:33) So, be mindful of the company you keep for they navigate the introductions you give.

RESTORER OF MY SOUL

All of who I was, all of who I am and all of who I am to be - Christ Jesus has orchestrated. God saw my unformed body and my unmade days beforehand (Psalm 139:16). Then the Lord took great care in creating all of who I am in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). 

He made me - a human saturated with rebellious tendencies but with the potential for a radically changed lifestyle. He placed me in an environment that fostered Christian growth and development. At age nine, I decided to follow Jesus. I am now 50 and cannot imagine life without Christ Jesus my Savior. He has been, is and will always be The Lover of my Soul.

With nothing short in supply to worry about these days, having not only someone but the Lord of all creation as the lover of your soul is extraordinary. Anxiety about anything and everything is easy and commonplace for many people now-a-days. North Carolina experienced a tropical storm and an earthquake within a week on top of dealing with a world-wide virus. I even have my own fretful moments, especially when those moments come in waves or droves.

However, I know the Peace Maker or The Prince of Peace and rely on His counsel and fortified safety. Yes, the Lord has supplied me with friends and family to receive comforting words and loving support when needed, but God restores my soul.

My will, personality, thoughts and emotions are what make-up my soul. My soul gets weary at times. During these exhausted moments or tiring seasons, there is no better person to entrust my body and soul to than the Lover of my Soul - Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior!

Psalm 23 really comes alive during these challenging times, especially the beginning part - "He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul". Some translations say "refreshes" instead of "restores".

I do not think it coincidence that the soul is refreshed and/or restored beside "still waters". Christ stilled the waters for the Disciples twice not only to prove His mastery over creation, but over any circumstance, especially the turbulent ones. This display of His Sovereignty in Scripture and in my own life re-aligns me with Jesus. His control over all refreshes my whole being and assures me of His title Restorer of My Soul. 

MY PERSONAL RECITAL

I'm so glad that worship is not pigeon-holed into one category of our lives such as singing. Worship is a Christ-like lifestyle. That being said, I am also grateful for the specialization or Calling that God places upon the believer's lives, including that of music. Some worship and serve Christ through teaching, others through the children's ministry, some through the janitorial needs of the church and still others through the administration, but I fall into the music Calling and ministry. 

I feel blessed to have been gifted by God a voice to sing. I have sung non-Christian songs that bring joy into the lives of others as well as myself. However, the ability to sing is an honor and privilege as I sing for, to and about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

I have sung in choirs, I have sung in teams or smaller groups and I have performed solos. I am thankful for all these different types of scenarios but any song I sing does not bring full meaning unless I can share it with someone. Secular artists have their concerts with audiences in various sized arenas. Churches with their bands, choirs and soloists have a congregation to help lead in song. But what about when we are one-on-one with The Lord?

I know right now I cannot see the physical embodiment of my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus - but I know His Holy Spirit never leaves my side. He comes with me through my mess. He is with me in the blissful moments and everywhere in between. There is nowhere He is not. With that comfort I can speak to Him, I can praise Him, I can SING to Him, for Him and about Him.

However, singing appreciation about visible results from my invisible Savior is one thing, there will come a day when the thin curtain of the unseen will vaporize with the command of Christ, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. From that point forward, I believe I will supernaturally have a one-on-one with Christ any moment I desire. Can you imagine singing or playing your instrument, as the "Little Drummer Boy" song depicts, before The Lord - eyeball to eyeball? I would need some supernatural strength to keep me on my feet and on key.

I ponder on this scene quite a lot. Music is such a powerful tool and great therapy when needed. Music is also a wonderful gift that I totally enjoy laying back at the feet of Jesus by singing to Him now and imaging one day My Personal Recital. 

THOUGHTS

Our brain is an awesome creation of God. Our mind is a terrible thing to waste. David knew all too well the struggle of keeping a mind in right standing with The Lord. In my favorite Psalm, David penned about having and surrendering "anxious thoughts" (Ps. 139:23). David also admitted to an enemy who influences our thought life, he said, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:2)

However, David also wrote about a God so personal that The Lord's thoughts were precious toward him and us and knows all about our dealings. Psalm 139:2 says, "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." And Psalm 139:17 says, "How precious to me are your thoughts God! How vast is the sum of them!"

This personal interest in my thoughts and own precious thoughts toward me by God strongly encourages me to get my mind right and try to keep it right before Him. Matthew says, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." (Matt. 15:19) However, the original word used here for "heart" is kardia, meaning mind or center of one's thoughts, feelings or desire. Solomon gives the remedy in Proverbs 1:23 - "Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings."

This call to a higher thought life is not easy, but it is rewarding. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." (1 Cor. 13:11) We must mature in our Faith Thought Life so that we may be a better Christ follower.

The war on any decision or challenge in our lives begins on the battleground of our mind. Every skirmish, no matter what the size in our head or lives, must be filtered through The Word of God and His Holy Spirit. Paul encourages the believers in Corinth and Christians down through the ages - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)

Taking every thought captive demands action on our part. A major help taking every thought captive is praying for and wearing The Helmet of Salvation daily. This piece of God's Armor not only aides in keeping His Salvation for us in the forefront of our mind, but also protects our mind by keeping His thoughts as our thoughts. I believe this goes a long way in fulfilling what Paul mentions in Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Notice what the reward for having a renewed mind is? The reward is being able to try out and know God's plan or will. Ever wanted to know what God was thinking about your life or something - keep renewing your mind and taking every thought captive to make it obey Christ. The battle, God's plan and the rewards all start with our Thoughts.

I AM CONVINCED

Jesus was gracious enough to appear to Paul. Christ knocked him off his donkey, onto the ground, introduced Himself and blinded him until he met Ananias in Damascus. Then Paul understood who he just encountered and how his life must change. 

For many Christians, not only is our personal salvation or conversion story a mighty convincing proof of Christ's love for us, but in many life challenges afterward as well. The accounts I have heard from the testimonies of others meant the provision of protection, deliverance and resources came only from God. The same can be said for Paul. 

One of Paul's well known phrases that proclaims this and that I love is "I am convinced...". It is one thing to hear a silver-tongue orator who is excellent at the word-smith skill to persuade his/her audience. It is another to hear a well educated speaker present his/her findings on a topic for our information or enlightened purposes. There is a totally different and convincing power behind a speaker, singer or author who has experienced what they are convincing you about. 

Knowing Paul's challenging life, this "I am convinced" carries the weight of a powerful testimony you and I cannot damage, slander or refute. I give my full attention to the words that follow Paul's declaration of "I am convinced" because of his track record with the risen Lord. 

Paul says in Romans 8:38-39 - 
"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I have been convinced many times on the assurance of God's love and care in my life. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Are you convinced or being convinced also? Like Paul's strong witness down through the ages through his life and words, the rest of believers in Christ can join Him and say, even in the middle of a crisis, "I Am Convinced".

BECOMING A DOG OR PIG

Is it better to have never loved at all than loved and lost? I know that saying is switched, but the following is the same mentality. Is it better to stay a sinner, in disobedience to God, than to accept His salvation gift - Christ Jesus - and His lifestyle only to return to your old nature through a powerful, sinful enticement?

Peter says, yes, these individuals should never have known, tasted or experienced right standing with God. In Peter's second letter, he defended and explained the role of prophecy in Scripture while revealing there were past false prophets who did harm and there are still future, harmful false teachers to come - "there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you."

The deceiving, manipulative and enticing power these false teachers within the faith will have is staggering. This second chapter of Second Peter lines up with the lukewarm church that is depicted to be present at the end in Revelation 3:14-22. Peter has a hard word for those who give-in and succumb in finality, but also in habitual behavior to the lifestyle taught by false teachers.

"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them."

In fact, Peter likens these backsliders to dogs and pigs that would rather keep company with their own puke and muck. Peter says, "Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.'" 

We all go through cycles in life. The nation of Israel went through vomit cycles if you will. We all have challenging seasons in our lives like this, but God's plan for our lives and the working out of our faith showcase Christ's continued grace and mercy. 

No doubt, I would rather my behavior fall in line with a child, warrior, or struggling sheep than a dog or pig. So, my warning and encouragement to all believers today is be discerning in your mind and spirit for false teachers are here among us. Keep rooted in The Word of God, using it as a check or sounding board on our lifestyle SO THAT we will not be so easily entangled and swayed to return to our vomit or mud, therefore Becoming A Dog Or Pig.

GOD'S PASSIONATELY, PURSUING NATURE

God's love reaches side-by-side with His justice as He gives us the choice to live this life and the next with or without His presence in our lives. Because of the belief in a lie, humanity disobeyed God and ever since, our relationship with Father God has been torn asunder. Then Christ Jesus was sent and has restored ALL of humanity's relationship with Father God. No matter the degree - past, present and future sins have been forgiven through our faith in His sacrifice. 

Yes, from birth we are the walking condemned. However, since Christ's sacrifice the same walking condemned are walking saved individuals. These people just have to accept His free gift of love. What will you activate and live out of - a disobedient, rebellious nature OR acceptance of a Christlike lifestyle.

The degree of God's love is unfathomable, but I still set my mind, heart and imagination on it. The degree He gave up, the degree He suffered and the degree He will still go to love on us is mind and heart blowing! Christ's sacrifice satisfied every human's sin in history - past, present and future. There is no word, thought or deed that Jesus did not miraculously pay for on The Cross. The phrase "It is finished" that Christ declared on The Cross means Paid In Full.

God woos or courts our hearts, minds and lives. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them," (John 6:44). If Hitler would have truthfully and sincerely repented, God would have restored Adolf's relationship with Himself through Christ's blood and victorious resurrection. But Hitler chose to hate God and His people, the Jews, so he receives the hand with Justice in it. There are no constraints on God's compassion and saving grace, but there is an equal scale of justice awaiting those who refuse this ultimate gift.

Yes, God woo's or courts the hearts of those that do not know Him but once the decision is made to have a relationship with Him, Paul is convinced that nothing can separate us from His love again.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

In the parable of The Lost Sheep in Luke 15:3-7, the lost sheep is not an individual animal outside the fold needing to be added to the family of sheep. The sheep spoken of in this parable is one that was already part of the fold - "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them." The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine he has, goes, finds, tends to the sheep's needs and brings it back into the fold - rejoicing! 

Notice the Lord did not mention another sheep going after the lost one, nor a servant of the shepherd, but The Shepherd himself went after the lost sheep. What a passionate love, a compassionate heart, a personal Master and Savior that Jesus has pictured for His own. 

There is a song called Reckless Love by Cory Asbury whose lyrics are perfect at this point. The chorus goes -

"And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine.
And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away.
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah.

Bridge goes - 

There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me

There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me"

_____________________

God's Passionately, Pursuing Nature

CHRIST THROUGH US (My Faith During Covid-19)

Ever since the virus of 2020 hit the globe in March, I have been questioning God - 

1. Where are you Lord?
2. What are you doing?

I have listened out for His voice in my spirit for the answer. I have listened in the sermons and teachings of others for His answer. I have asked others on a one-on-one level and listened for His voice in that setting. 

Many of the answers I receive are appropriate due to the omnipresent, all-powerful, all-knowing God that Christians put their faith, trust and hope in. Answers like God is on His Throne, everywhere and inside of us. Answers on the line of God is orchestrating history and this virus is just a step toward the chaos of The Tribulation Period. 

However, just like a two-year old in the faith, I always come around to the "why" question. I ask God, "But why Lord, knowing you are all that we need, you are All-in-All, and we have been crying out to you, will you not respond favorably and rescue the world from this virus and not let any more lives pass through the doorway of death?"

I have come to believe and receive from the Lord that trust in God's powerful prophetic plan shown in its due course is necessary. God's power and promises will be fulfilled, if not through His children then by whatever means He sees fitting. During this challenging time of suffering due to the virus, Christians need to pay homage to their Following of Christ by finding creative ways to execute the Great Commission and fulfill the prophetic Call on their lives.

"Moses and the children of Israel were in the wilderness and the Lord was about to punish them for their constant murmuring and unbelief. Moses, thinking in the natural, questioned God's ability to carry out His judgment (Numbers 11:21-22)

Moses's doubt challenged the power of the Divine (vv. 1-15). Had Moses forgotten that he had been not only a witness but also an instrument of the Almighty's work? God's matchless power had not waned from the time He had inflicted the plagues on Egypt, parted the Red Sea and rained manna from heaven. The Great I AM had not become weak or weary--He remained the same and His power was undiminished." [p.250, Earth's Last Empire, The Final Game of Thrones by John Hagee]

For some strange reason, I get like Moses a lot. The next mountain or great challenge in front of me looms greater than the one behind me and the climb to conqueror it even more daunting. I have prayed that The Lord remove this virus mountain, but He has not answered that prayer. Some mountains the Lord climbs with you instead of removing. This is the wonderment of it all - after travailing through the issue, He still seems to be silent. But in the silence God asks all believers - "Have you forgotten the power of your witness and my power in you as my instrument?"

In this Covid-19 Virus attack on the world, the Christian must keep his/her eye on Christ and His power and promises He has for us. Both of these, His power and promises, are released through studying, receiving, getting excited and sharing God's prophecy and its fulfillment.

"The study of prophecy and its fulfillment reveals that God's powerful hand will stretch as far as needed to achieve His divine plan. This is the same power that measures the depth of the seas and the heights of the heavens (Isaiah 40:12).

The greatest proof of God's power lies within His Word and its fulfillment, which includes our personal redemption from sin and conformity to Christ's resurrection. It is through the fulfillment of His Word that God responded to Moses's doubt. Remember this truth:  God is power. His Word is power; therefore, when God speaks--it comes to pass!" [p.250-251, Earth's Last Empire, The Final Game of Thrones by John Hagee]

There is no better person to speak to the condition we are facing and God's presence in it than Christ Himself. Just as we have many questions swirling around our heads and faith, the disciples did also and The Lord responds to us all - 

"Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 14:1)

However, Jesus did not stop with don't worry, everything is going to be o.k., just keep your eyes on me. In the very next verses, The Lord gave all those who believe in Him prophetic hope by saying,

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3)

Because Christ's prophetic track record was perfect, revealed to the disciples in person and explained to two in particular on the Road to Emmaus - the promise to return was believed by them and believers down through the ages.

God's prophetic call on our lives will be seen to completion. Sound familiar? Paul encourages the believers in Philippi by the Holy Spirit - 

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

God told Abraham he would be the father of all who would believe and so it was (Hebrews 11:8-12). The Virgin Mary was told she would give birth to the Son of God and she accepted this great responsibility (Luke 1:38). Paul's conversion came with a price - many sufferings and this was revealed to Ananias (Acts 9:13-15). 

All these people, with or without difficulties at first, came to believe in Christ and place their trust of their future in His hands. When Jesus confronted Thomas after The Resurrection, Christ was also confronting me. He said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Although at the time this was referring to Christ's bodily victory over death, Hell and the grave - I also believe we are blessed in believing in the Power and Promises we have not yet seen. The prophetic that is yet history, in many cases through us, has to be in us first - 

"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

I have been allowing challenging situations define me, like this virus, instead of who Christ says I am, whether in or out of trials. If all Christians would believe and operate in the power of God's prophetic plan over their lives then perhaps the world, especially during this time, would see more of Christ Through Us.