Friday, June 24, 2011

"What's Your Story, Morning Glory?"

What's your story this morning?

Are you a morning glory?

How'd you wake up today?

Alive (hopefully)? Happy? Sad? Depressed? Tired? Angry? Apprehensive? Concerned? Disappointed?

Generally for me, anything less than happy is unacceptable.

Listen to this:

2 Peter 1:19 (Amplified Bible) - "And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises (comes into being) in your hearts."

Maybe your life today is not a squalid dark place. Maybe it's just gloomy.

I think far too many people in the world wake up this way and spend the majority of their day in that funk. More disturbing is the fact that many of those are followers of Christ.

Unacceptable.

This is why Peter says that we would do well to spend time in the Word of God. It is the light that breaks through the gloom! Don't forget that Jesus IS the Word (John 1:1).

It allows the Morning Star (Christ) to rise in our hearts.

Trust me, you WANT the Morning Star to rise in your heart. It's the difference between you being a "Morning Glory" or being a morning grouch. Or worse.

Go to bed with the Word and rise with the Word.

Grab the Bible instead of a bottle.

Take a Gos-pill, instead of a (insert drug of choice here).

Are you SUPERCALLOUSEDFRAZZLEDVICIOUSEXPERTONADOSAGE today?

A spoonful of Jesus becomes the medicine for your life! Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine."

Conversely, a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Yikes.

Prophetic advice if you will receive it.

My prayer for YOU today is that you will have a joyful and obnoxiously happy day! And you will have it IN SPITE of peripheral and external circumstances! I hope the story you write today is a happy one!

REMEMBER! It all has to get past Jesus first!

Keepin' it real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, June 23, 2011

"PGA!"

So you may not own a fig tree.

It isn't just about fig trees.

It's about your life.

The prophet Habakkuk in his OT chapter 3:17-19 nails it.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP) - "17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! 19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] andmake [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments.

He's basically saying when life doesn't blossom and bloom like we might expect sometimes, what should we do?

This is not a "right" or "wrong" thing.

Sometimes there just ain't no fruit on the vines, or oil from the olive, or sheeples in church, or mules kickin' in the stalls. Translation: small paycheck, no paycheck, empty fridge, low church attendance, etc.

Sometimes. Stuff happens. Sometimes.

I know what the bible says to do in such situations, but often it's not what I see happening in reality.

What I see is whining, panic, anxiety, depression, malaise, turning from God, blaming God, cursing God, loss of faith, and sheesh, I have to stop here before I get depressed!

Ya know what? I hate to barge in with a very large burst of reality, but here's the deal.

Sometimes your fig tree just isn't going to bear fruit. Or... your business is going to hit a speed bump. Or... your church is going to take a financial dive. Or... you may have a choice of keeping the car running, getting a prescription filled, or putting food in the fridge.

Tough spot. Habakkuk was living it.

So, what I am about to offer as a solution may sound incredibly inadequate for you particularly if you're living it right now. If you're on a good streak, and maybe even feeling a bit proud of how God is blessing you, remember first what comes before a fall. Either way, here is the pearl of wisdom from the ages, filtered through me, and down to you.

Ready?

Here it is:

Praise God Anyway. Call it "PGA".

Hmm... got quiet in here all of a sudden. LOL!

It usually does when the simplicity of God confounds the confusion and noise of our troubles.

Really, really simple. Praise God anyway.

In the actual words of the prophet, when faced with catastrophe, he said, "Yet (which means "in spite of" ) I will rejoice in the Lord. I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God the Lord is my strength."

If I preached three point sermons (which I don't), there's a good one in there.

However, the Word from God today, is that when faced with adversity, catastrophe, dire circumstances, minor annoyances... Praise God anyway! Be joyful in Him! Rely on His strength, not yours!

Easier said than done, right? Wrong! It's actually very easy to do it, when you believe that it will work. That's what we call "having faith". If you choose not to... well... I'll still pray for you.

My best advice is to try it. Try it in the worst of circumstances. Take it out for a test drive today and see how it rolls.

I can only tell you that it works for me. And a whole bunch of other people I know who believe it.

If it works for us, it WILL work for you.

My prayer for you all is that everything goes well for you in Christ Jesus today!

So...whatever (and I do mean WHATEVER) comes rollin' at you (or OVER you), remember...

PGA! PGA! PGA!

... it all has to get past Jesus BEFORE it can screw your life up!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Are You Afflicted With Chronic Disappointment Syndrome?"

I really don't care about my seemingly overwhelming difficulties when they occur...really...I don't.

Because...

God is bigger than my problem.

He is for me, never against me.

If He is for me, who (or what) can stand against me?

Romans 8:31 (AMP) - "What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]"

C'mon people, let me get an amen on that one...WHO or WHAT can even dare stand against us today?

Your scary doctor's report can't stand in the face of a healing God!

Your overdue mortgage payment can't stand in the face of a benevolent God!

The threat of layoff from your job can't stand in the face of a miracle performing God!

The very devil himself, and all of his legions and minions cannot stand in the face of our God!

Imagine that if all of the above is not enough to shake God loose from you, than do you think that when a button falls off the shirt you were going to wear to work today five minutes before you were going to leave is really a big enough problem to melt down over? Or a flat tire? Or a bad hair day? Or a lazy child? Or...yadda, yadda, yadda?

Are you suffering from spiritual separation anxiety? It's a phenomenon that occurs when a person sees their problems as bigger than God and then commences to whine and complain about how they feel God has abandoned them. There is absolutely no basis for a person to feel this way, other than the fact that they have chosen to believe a lie. It's a lie if it conflicts with scripture.

The Word of God says:

Hebrews 13:5 - "Let your conversation (manner of life, behavior) be without covetousness (without love of money); and be content (to be satisfied) with such things as ye have (the things which are at present around one, namely, ones circumstances): for he hath said, I will never leave thee (never leave you helpless, never let you sink, never neglect you) nor forsake thee (desert, or abandon you in the midst of a hostile circumstance)."

Note: When we complain about our problems to the point of making a mountain out of them, and forgetting that Jesus says we can move that mountain (Matthew 21:21-22), we are guilty of charging God with abandoning us.

If you cannot find contentment in God in the midst of whatever your present circumstance is, then you are in trouble. You have to reattach and reconnect to Christ and His love for you. You are suffering from what I call "Chronic Disappointment Syndrome".

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Yes, I realize that things can get bad, and that these words may fall flat for you today. However, the truth is the truth. I cannot apologize for the truth. It is what it is because Jesus is Who He is.

Shrink your problem down to size by elevating Jesus to His proper place in your life, which is number one. Start "casting your anxieties upon Him" as Peter instructs (1 Peter 5:7), and you will see the cares of your life start to diminish simply because the truth will set you free.

Remember friends, endeavor to have a great day today in spite of circumstances simply because Jesus can make it happen.

Before "they" or "it" wrecks your day, it all has to get past Jesus first!

Keepin' it real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

"Slam The Door On The Destroyer"

I think chronic disappointment is a true malady. It should be listed as an official illness (if it's not already). The problem with that is, once it's identified and classified, the pharmaceutical companies will invent a pill to try to fix it.

Chronic disappointment is not easy to fix. It's the result of us looking at others, and situations, as the cause and effect of our sad and lackluster lives.

I think it is within the realm of normalcy to suffer from acute disappointment at times. Whether we are set up, or we set ourselves up, it happens on occasion.

I refuse to accept or live by the old adage that "life is filled with disappointments". No, life is filled with our refusal to accept responsibility for our own lives and respective actions. Life is filled with carnal fleshly opportunities that carry huge repercussions when we give in to them. That's when life turns to one huge disappointment.

John 10:10 (AMP) - "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

To those who find themselves squarely in the maelstrom of chronic disappointment today, I can only say I'm sorry that you think your life stinks. God hasn't planned it that way for you. His plan is that you would have life, and have it abundantly. Jesus wants you to have a life overflowing in abundant joy and happiness. Jesus wants you to love life and savor it, so much so, that your love of life will not only transform you, but all you come into contact with.

Be the best you can today. Realize the shortcomings of people and know that they will fail you at times. Expect the best from God each and every day. Jesus never fails. Live by this simple rule and you will not suffer from chronic disappointment. Remember as well, that you have an angelic host running interference for you.

My prayer for all who read this today is that you will truly have a great day and take hold of what is good and wonderful, and give the rest to Jesus.

Remember, BEFORE you become disappointed, it has to all get past Jesus first!

Keepin' it real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, June 20, 2011

"This Works. Try it"

Not all of our enemies come in the form of people intentionally trying to harm us. They usually won't be wielding guns or knives. They generally won't pound on you with fists. Some will be difficult to love and pray for, but suprisingly, some will be easy to love. In fact, you might love them already. Hmmm...

Matthew 5:44 (AMP) - "But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Jesus would have us treat our enemies as good as we treat our friends. Perhaps even better.

There's a reason for it, and it really isn't about us. It's about the Father.

We are different. We are God's people. His children. We represent Him. We are supposed to be acting like He does.

He acted first on our behalf, His enemies, by sending Jesus to the cross.

He expects us to do no less for our enemies. We as the recipients of the cross bring that to those who even hate us. It shows the love of God and expands the Kingdom.

It's really the bottom line, is it not? Expanding the Kingdom? Instead of knocking our brains or making publishers rich by purchasing elaborate programs which don't work so well in the long run, why not just practice the love of God?

It was the love that won me. It was the love that won you.

It is the Love that will win even the hardest and toughest enemy.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, June 17, 2011

"Are You A "You" Or A "Them"?"

A mystery is a secret previously hidden but now made clear so that no mystery remains for anyone who will accept the truth as revealed.

Matthew 13:11 (AMP) - "And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given."

Are you a YOU or a THEM?

People resigned to a topical, casual, or generic understanding of everything never rise to the level of expertise in anything.

How many believers have you met in your life who purposely decided to remain ignorant of the mysteries and secrets of God? That's not God's purpose. That's man's lack of desire.

I knew pretty much early in my relationship with Jesus that I did not want to be one of "THEM". I wanted to be on the inside. I wanted to know all there is to know about Jesus and everything that concerns Him.

It would be normal growing up in a family that you would want to know everything about your parents, yes?

Why not then about the Family of God?

You see, only the family has access to the secrets and mysteries.

This is why there is such lack in the Church today. A great number know nothing of the secrets and mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. This means it is within reach. If it's within reach then we can touch it, experience it, live in it, enjoy it...NOW!

Why then for so many is it a far off place? A destination that so many only hope they will reach someday?

It's because they haven't had that revelation. They haven't had it because they can't get past a superficial understanding of God's Word. They are content "just being saved". If "just being saved" was the sole purpose of Jesus Christ for us on the cross then the Bible would be a much shorter book. God doesn't just want us to ENDURE this life until the better one comes along, He wants us to ENJOY this life now because the better one is already here!

It's also not just soley for our enjoyment. If we are the salt and the light of the world, we are supposed to be enriching others with the Kingdom lifestyle.

Enjoy your Kingdom family and life! Live the practical and effectual life that Jesus has won for you by His victory on the cross. Open your eyes and see the mystery! Then go and tell as many people about how great it is to be a part of it.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, June 16, 2011

"In The Fury"

Few of us will ever find ourselves in a storm at sea like we will read in the verse below. Translate that sea squall into life's difficulties and what might erupt in the midst of our everday living and the chances increase exponentially. If it hasn't happened to you yet it will. How you react is critical to your faith.

Mark 4:37 (AMP) - "And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled."

Daily living can be smooth as glass or of hurricane proportions.

Mark 4:38 (AMP) - "But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing?"

What do you say? Do you accuse Jesus of not caring?

Mark 4:39 (AMP)
39 And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).

Bear with me here as we measure the epic failure of faith on the part of the disciples against the perfect peacefulness of Jesus as they shared the same boat in the same storm.

Make no mistake about this. Jesus calmed the storm for THEM, not for Himself. Isn't that curious? It is reasonable to believe that had not the disiples awakened Him Jesus would have slept all the way through it.

How is that possible? Thirteen men in that boat, and all suffering the same fate. Twelve panic and become distraught. One sleeps peacefully through it like a baby.

Here's why Jesus could do that:

John 3:13 (AMP) - "And yet no one has ever gone up to heaven, but there is One Who has come down from heaven—the Son of Man [Himself], Who is (dwells, has His home) in heaven."

He was in the boat, but He had heaven on earth (on earth as it is in heaven). He was in the boat, in the storm, in the turmoil, but He had the peacefulness of heaven!

The Word is clear. He was "from heaven", but even while here He was also in heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven had come. Not just for Himself, but for all who would understand that with Him. Why do you think He was so tough on them about their failure? Heaven surrounded them but they chose to remain earthbound in the flesh.

Mark 4:40 (AMP) - "He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)?"

Faith in what? Faith in Him and what He had been teaching them! He had brought the secrets and mysteries of heaven down to earth and revealed it to His most trusted inner circle and they failed to appropriate it.

They should have all been sleeping like babies, but instead they were panicked and besides themselves with fear.

They couldn't see the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. They couldn't grasp "His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven".

Many today still don't. Even in spite of the recording of the failures so that we would not repeat them.

To grasp what it means to be "in Christ" is crucial for our relationship with Jesus. If we are truly "in Christ" and He in us, then we are where He is, we share what He experiences. The relative peace, joy, security, and calm we have is now more instinctive than our carnal human character. Panic is replaced by calm. Sadness is replaced by joy. Anger and anxiety is replaced by peace. Can you see with me today how this is the answer to all of life's difficulties?

The modern storms such as addictions melt away replaced by deliverance. Sickness is remanded to it's proper place replaced by healing. Sins are washed away by the Perfection from Heaven.

Life in Heaven is ruled and governed by the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. As children of the King we have to remind ourselves where our home is. Jesus has brought it here and it is heaven on earth we need to live.

Step away from that deep mystery that has been revealed by Jesus and we should not be surprised by the turmoil and destructive forces that will prevail.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

"Are You Envied?"

Envy is not generally considered a good character trait. We shouldn't envy people because of their talents, physical appearance, wealth, position, status, etc. God has designed us as who we are, and we should strive to live up to God's expectations for ourselves and not who we'd like to be as someone else.

However, should someone envy us, and without encouragement on our part, but simply because of the fact they see as something special because of God, then that's good. It reveals God and it blesses us.

Matthew 5:8 (AMP) - "Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!

We are not just better off with God as our Father, but we are way better off. We are "enviably" better off. We don't flaunt that aspect of it, but we simply are that. We will "be" because of who we are. We are who we are because of Jesus. Period. It's Jesus in us. That makes many envious, or desiring of what we have, even if they don't know what it is. The pureheartedness of it all prevents us from pridefully displaying it, but at the same time we are a walking billboard of His grace. We are the revelation of God. Folks just can't help but take notice when a blood-washed, Spirit-filled, devil-stomping child of the King is in their midst. Yes, that should be the presence of the believer normally. Always revealing God, always bringing God into every situation and scenario. It just is because that's who you are. You cannot turn it on and off anymore than you can only breathe once in awhile.

Now before you get puffed up in that, realize there is a potential downside. Folks will not always be kindly envious of you. They could harbor a destructive outward hatred type envy. In other words, instead of them wanting to have what you have they prefer to kill you. That's how the Pharisee acted toward Jesus. They deeply envied Him to the point of jealous hatred. Sometimes people who see something in you that they instinctively know they don't have, will lash out at you in jealous envious rage. It is usually more self-destructive for them then it is harmful for us. Their own angry and jealous hatred will eventually spiral into an open door for demonic activity which will either take them down completely or bring them so low they will begin to finally see Jesus. You do realize of course that the modern counterpart of the Pharisee is alive and flourishing in the local church today?

In any event, we are who we are in Christ. Fortunate. Happy. Blessed. Prosperous. Purified.

You may be the only Jesus someone sees today.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"The Insatiable Appetite For God"

Are you hungry? I mean so hungry for God, that if there is such a thing as a spiritual tapeworm you have it.

Insatiable. The more you have of God, the more you want.

Ain't that just like Him? Always leaves us wanting more.

That's normal for a believer.

True disciples of Jesus Christ always follow Him around waiting for the next morsel or tidbit He will fill us with.

Matthew 5:6 (AMP) - "Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!"

Let's be honest here. How many COMPLETELY satisfied believers do you know? How many have you actually even met?

There will be various answers to those questions. I have been fortunate to have met quite a few along the way, but I wish I knew more right now.

I am hungry for more of everything God has all the time. I want to be surrounded with people with that same hunger. I have difficulty with people who think they have arrived and are so stuffed with their own self righteous view of the Word that they just sit there and spew out their "pearls" all the while bloviating years worth of stored up and stale revelation. That's a sure sign of spiritual malnourishment. They are fat with a lot of empty calories. It makes for lazy praise, lazy worship, and a lazy church in general. No wonder the glory doesn't fall in so many places. No wonder the revival so many claim they crave cannot rise.

It's like going to a restaurant. I have always had the greatest times when dining out with as many good friends as possible. The conversation is lively, the fellowship is precious. The loves flows around the table. I leave that environment wanting more as soon as it's ended.

I want an environment with the rest of the hungry where we savor the moments we have together and craving the next time it will happen again. I love a spiritual envrionment where people leave their watches home.

God has promised me hearts. Today He says He will send me the spiritual hungry.

I KNOW they are out there. The religious will never receive this, but the broken and hungry will.

Know this...that God has a freshness upon the wind. It's blowing your way. It will catch you up if you can abandon anything and everything that you are disatisfied with and holding you back from what you know is within your reach.

Freedom and free expression of your uniqueness in Christ, operating in the fullness of the all hunger satisfying power and presence of the Holy Spirit resulting in the dynamic change of every single person that walks into it.

That's church.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, June 13, 2011

"Place Yourself In Position To Receive"

Pentecost has come and gone. Some celebrate it religiously as some sort of "holy day", while others see it more biblically and celebrate in spirit. Pentecost was an event in history that launched the Church. You don't have to wait until it rolls around next year to receive what the 120 did in the upper room.

Acts 8:17 (AMP) - "Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit."

Peter and John traveled to Samaria to make sure the believers there received the Holy Spirit. They imparted the Spirit through the laying on of hands. We celebrated Pentecost yesterday in my church by doing the same. What better way to honor the event?

It doesn't have to always be by laying on of hands. Peter was preaching to the family of Cornelius, and the Holy Spirit interrupted Peter midway and fell on them right then and there!

It's not a one time shot either. There are fillings and refillings. You can be blessed and filled in your living room, at your desk, in your bed, while out shopping. You can have your hallelujah moments when He takes you by surprise, or when you purposely seek Him.

The point is...He's available. No appointment necessary!

Have you been waiting for revival? Some of you have been waiting years.

Why?

Revival is only a spirit quickened by the Holy Spirit to enjoy what has already been dropped into our midst. It's not God's responsibility to provide revival. It's our responsibility to appropriate it and enjoy it! Stop waiting for the magic message or the anointed preacher to bring it. Decide for yourself you will live in it and go for it. Do that with enough likeminded people and you will see a breakout. Don't gather and wait for it, gather and do it!

If we believe Peter's proclamation in Acts 2 that the prophecy of Joel has been fulfilled ("I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind") then what are we petitioning and waiting for God to do exactly?

I know, I'm making this all sound tremendously easy. Well, it is easy...speaking for myself that is. It's finding 100 others to join me that's the hard part. The flame has to burn hot in someone to crave more fire.

It's sad and tragic when a fire dies down to an ember or never gets started in the first place. It's sad when the Holy Spirit is squelched and gifted people are discouraged from practicing their gifts.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, June 10, 2011

"Listen To The Spirit Of Truth"

Here is good and sound advice this morning. I really can't improve on it. I can't add more power to it.

I can't do anything but suggest that you open your eyes and ears to Him.

John 16:13 (AMP) - "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]."

If you look you will see. If you listen you will hear. If you yield and submit to Him He will come to you.

I want the Spirit of Truth in every aspect of my life. I want to know everything about anything I need to. Not necessarily everything I want, but what God sees as me needing.

His promises in the above verse are startling and amazing. I want it. I receive it.

His will be done in my life, on earth as it is in heaven.

If you jump on the back of that Truth your journey through eternity will be much smoother.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, June 9, 2011

"Have You Believed This Vital Promise?"

It doesn't matter what it is. Healing is healing. A need is a need. Emotional, physical, spiritual. Body, soul, spirit.

The Bible is packed with promises of God to heal you.

Here is one that gets overlooked sometimes.

2 Kings 20:5 (AMP) - "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you."

He hears. He sees. He will act.

I'm weary of all of the excuses I hear for why God "won't", "hasn't", or "can't."

God will. If there's anything He cannot do it's not heal you! It's His very nature to heal you.

The only difficulty He faces is when people openly oppose Him and contradict Him. I believe He cannot work through obstinancy. Ignorance, yes. Obstinate disobedience? No. Grace cannot penetrate that stronghold.

I have seen as many people healed of all sorts of things who weren't even believers in Jesus, yet they weren't opposed to Him. They were just ignorant. Many of them became believers after they were healed. Read the gospels. It's completely biblical.

Habitual opposition to the truth of anything in God's Word will breed a poor attitude, sullenness, angry spirit, and contrary nature. You can see that in people who's first response to biblical authority is disagreement. This particularly relates to healing.

It's a promise, why not appropriate it?

I will heal you. I have healed you. I am healing you. No matter how you break it down, His nature is one of continuance. His blood continually cleanses us. It also continually heals us.

It is vital to believe this because it affects so many parts and aspects of our lives. If something is not right than it needs to be healed. God says He will.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

"All Things Are In Place For You To Live Right"

I understand the nature of difficulty. Being an EX-drug addict, I am intimately familiar with addiction and its processes. I KNOW what works and what doesn't work. I know the difference in being delivered and just being sober. While I appreciate all the efforts of various organizations that strive to help those trapped in deadly addictions, mental health issues, physical sickness etc., I unequivocally believe that the best way is not just to acknowledge some "higher power", but to plug into THE HIGHER POWER.

2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) - "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue)."

"ALL" means all. He has bestowed upon us all things. This is not a statement that applies only to those who have accepted Jesus Christ, but to the entire world. It is the will of God that all the world would respond positively to what His Son Jesus Christ has accomplished on the Cross.

Most of the world hasn't responded and won't. Those of us who have found a wellspring of love directed toward us that brings with it all of the power, wisdom, knowledge, joy, peace, and serenity needed to revive us to a life of glory and excellence, which is the goal of biblical (not religious) Christianity.

If you think you need to be resigned to a life of struggles and ups and downs to eke out an existence here on earth you are sorely mistaken and living under a lying curse from hell. Blunt enough?

Hear me out. I do believe it's better for you to get help to deal with your difficulties than to live on the brink of dying. But it's FAR better to live the life God has planned for you without the specter of sickness, illness, disease, or addiction lurking around every corner.

The fact is, you CAN be delivered.

I haven't mentioned "SOZO" in awhile, but it is really a perfect Word from The Word Himself. SOZO means "saved, healed, and delivered". Three separate words in English, but one word meaning all three in the Bible.

The entire package of salvation, healing, and deliverence of the Body, Soul, and Spirit. All accomplished for you by Christ on the Cross. Remember, all things means all things.

That's Revival, baby! That IS the Revived life!

If you're going to pray for anything cut right to the chase. Go to Jesus directly, if not show up where it's being preached and taught and get an impartation. In any event, get this into you!

His Divine Power has bestowed! Get yours today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"Heavenmindedness"

The Kingdom of Heaven is a present active force and reality. Imagine the possibilities for the Church and each living stone of its foundation if everyone would grasp this truth.

I scratch my head sometimes and wonder "how can we miss this?"

Ephesians 2:6 (AMP) - "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

Note this is not some far off promise that gets activated upon our physical death. Paul says in verse 7 that it will be demonstrated "through the ages".

It is something that has already been accomplished. How? (I love this)...BY VIRTUE OF OUR BEING IN CHRIST!

If we could get that vision from above looking down, instead of the gutter looking up...wow.

There used to be a an old Christianese type saying that said, "Don't be so heavenly minded that you become no earthly good."

I suppose there could be some truth to that if one has a false impression of what it means to be "heavenly minded". If it means your spiritual "head is in the clouds" than I suppose that applies.

But if you are absorbing the biblical truth that we are already seated with Jesus in the heavenly sphere, then the old adage is tragically incorrect and has probably led to more ineffectiveness than joyful intervention and intercession for the earthly realm.

Understanding that we are already considered a part of the heavenly realm drastically changes how we view ourselves and our purpose. "On earth as it is in Heaven" takes on a completely different meaning, transforming it from a mechanically repeated "mantra" into a battering ram against the gates of hell, with sickness, disease, sin, poverty, being uprooted in those who have been captive to the lie.

It's time to take your seat at the Table of Heaven where you are seated with Jesus. I am completely sold out to this. I want you with me at the table. There is no concession to allow yourself to keep getting up and leaving while you go and exercise your "other life" on occasion. You are either sold out to this or you are on the fringe. I know this makes it tough for some folks to deal with me, but I'm not dumbing down to anything less than what God has prepared for me.

The fringe is not good enough. It's fakery. Playacting. Posing. Impersonation. It might fool others. It might fool me. It might even fool yourself. It does not fool Jesus.

He looks around His table each day finds many empty seats. I had a vision recently where I was sitting with Him and He turned to me and said "Look at the emptiness. Unacceptable. Have you told them about the alternative?"

The alternative. If there is any incentive to tell "them" about that it is having to see it where they don't see it themselves.

Reverse transformations are not pretty.

O Lord, open hearts, souls, eyes, ears. Even now, right now, break in Lord, break in.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, June 6, 2011

"God Will Show You There Is More Work To Do In You"

Think you've arrived? Fancy yourself a spiritual dynamo? Jesus has done so much for you and in you?

Trust me. I don't care how far you've come, there is more to do in you. You have the rest of your life.

Philippians 2:13 (AMP) - "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight."

You can't do it. You really can't "work on it". I know it's popular to believe that, and it sells a lot of books, but really...you don't have the capacity to fix what's wrong, nor to know when you have peaked.

The truth is: 1). You never "peak". There is always another level, another plane to ascend to. 2). You can't get there on your own strength and determination. It's great to read your bible every day, it's great to attend church, it's great to pray "without ceasing". These are all things that are good and beneficial to the believer. However, not one of those things will create or sustain the work Jesus needs to do in you. 3). It is the Father. It is Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit. The effectual work (work that actually has an effect upon you) is done by them completely. 4). Your role is to recognize number one, resign yourself to number two, submit to number three.

Paul follows with Philippians 2:14 (AMP) - "Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]."

There's the "God will show you" part. You don't have to do a thing. You just being you in need of a further Jesus work in you is enough.

Just back off a little and see how fast you start to go backward. Take your eyes off Jesus for a moment. Lay your cross down for a rest for a New York minute and see the result. Funny thing. You don't just stagnate or go static. You start to freefall into the downward spiral.

Watch a blazing bonfire as it dies down and begins to cool. Brightness and Heat become darkness and cold. As long as there is one sparkling ember it can be brought back to a roaring blaze. But even that one lonely ember will eventually turn completely cold. The cold dark place is a frightening prospect.

God will show you there is more work to do in you.

You can continuously have to paddle back upstream just to get where you were with Him last week, or you can get in His boat and ride with Him. It's always a chore to have to hitch a ride to catch up with Him. There's that nasty little personal embarrassment you have to get past. The eating of some crow. The nagging sheepishness of knowing you have lost ground. It's having to look Jesus square in the eye as He pats the seat next to Him and says "Well...c'mon, get back in."

Blame it on a blind hit by the devil, obstinately hold onto you thinking you were right, or simply back off the spiritual carnage a moment and acknowledge, "Methinks God has more work to do here."

No shame in that, but don't use that as an excuse.

Get on your face for your sake. This is not optional. There's more work and God's the only One who can do it. It's all about His pleasure, satisfaction, and delight in you.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, June 3, 2011

"What Do You Need To Be Freed From Today?"

Just name it. The Lord has led me here today just for you. What are your shackles today? What is your bondage today? What has you by your throat and is choking the life and spirit out of you?

Today is you emancipation day! Can you believe that today? Will you?

2 Corinthians 3:17 (AMP) - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)."

He is here for you right this moment. His supernatural quality is of such magnitude that regardless of when you read this it will be as if it is the moment it was declared.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is...".

It's freedom and liberty for addictions, sins of all nature, pornography, homosexuality, adultery...you know, the "biggies".

But also for your unteachable spirit, your obstinate refusal to yield, your refusal to forgive...or to be forgiven. Your know-it-all attutude, your conceitedness...you know, the "lesser" but no less destructive chains that are not letting you be what God has called you into.

Your walls. Your prison. Your bars. Your chains. YOU know exactly who you are and what has got you hogtied like a roped calf.

Are you going to do something about it?

Now is the time. Jesus awaits. The end of your suffering is right in front of you.

Where He is, is where your freedom lies.

Say yes Lord.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, June 2, 2011

"Stay Hungry"

You see it happen all of the time. Athletes on their way up and being recongized as superstars. They continuously put up big statistics for two or three years trying to work their way into the big money of superstardom. Finally, when they "arrive" at the multi-year, multi-million dollar contract they were striving for, their numbers start to decline. The reason? Sometimes it's injury related, but often it is just a loss of "the hunger". In boxing a fighter is said to sometimes lose the hunger once he wins a championship. When the goal is reached a driving force is reduced.

I see an analogy in Christianity. Complacency. Laziness. Loss of drive and fervor. People who once were fired up for Jesus and moving and shaking the Church suddenly run out of gas. Their joy wanes. They become, for lack of a better term, "blah" in their faith. Someone looking at them would never associate them with being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:6 (AMP) - "Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!"

The "hunger and thirst" for righteousness. It feeds the soul and spirit. It satisfies. It brings joy and blessedness. It prospers our soul. Vibrant living. The picture of believers truly enjoying the salvation God has provided.

How's the state of your soul today? Have you peaked? Are you on the downside of your mountaintop experience? Is your vibrant and joyful life with Jesus only a memory you reflect upon from time to time? Is church boring? Prayer life and bible study sporadic?

Or are you one of the ones that need to be settled down? I mean are you so exhuberant that you have to try to tone it down a bit? Do you find yourself excited about every opportunity that presents itself for the sharing of the gospel? Do you enjoy telling everyone you see about Jesus? Do you sleep through the night because your mind is peaceful and settled? Do you awaken refreshed and eager to begin a new day with Him? Are you doing things you know you shouldn't be involved with? Is your life one of disobedience? Have you left your first love?

Stark differences, huh? It's literally night and day.

If you are in the former group it doesn't have to be that way. You can join the ranks of the excited and joyful once again.

Keep up your spiritual appetite. Don't let the world fill you with empty calories and make you "fat" with useless and meaningless endeavors. Run lean and stay a little hungry for the righteous life in Christ. Stay hungry and know where to get fed and what to "eat".

There is no joy like the joy of Jesus! I am praying for your ecstacy in Him today! How desperate the Church is today for people to fall in love with Him all over again.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

"How Do I Really Know What God's Will For My Life Is?"

Seems to me that there is a a lot of confusion as to what the "will of God" is for an individual. There can even be an unhealthy obsession to find out. If that obsession is not satisfied, it can lead to a person driving themselves from the presence of God and ending up disappointed and shipwrecked in their faith.

Just chill out a little. Loosen up. It's a lot simpler if you take a less manic and stressed out approach.

Here is my definition of what it means for a believer to be in the "will of God".

The will of God for you is that you would advance the Kingdom of Heaven.

Do what a believer does. Proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, advance forcefully against the gates of hell. This is what Jesus said we should be doing (Mark 16:17-18).

When you do this Jesus will confirm it.

Mark 16:20 (AMP) - "And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it)."

Do you know what the most important part of that verse is? "And they went out...".

Understand that these are the signs "following" the believer. These are not signs that make one a believer. Or signs that qualify a believer. They are signs that naturally reflect the believer being in the will of God.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not a perfomance based endeavor. You are never who you are because you do. You do because of who you are (O Lord, allow the Church to see this clearly).

Too many of us get hung up on micro-managing our own faith life. Some worry where God wants them to work, live, buy, vote, etc. He doesn't legislate these things to our lives. That would be like living under the Law and not the freedom of the gospel.

Let's simplify this and let off some stress about it.

The truly born-again, Spirit-filled believer will do the will of God. Whether you decide to work for McDonald's or Burger King, if you are doing so as a disciple of Jesus and operating in the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you, and you are manifesting the signs which reflect who you are, then you my friend are doing the will of God.

If you live in New York and are spreading the gospel, healing the sick, casting out demons, God is happy with that. He would also be happy if you did that in Minnesota.

The parameters of joyful and freedom filled living in Christ are much wider than the more religious of our family of God might be comfortable with. We are always going to find those in our midst who are uncomfortable with "cutting loose" in total abandon to the joy and happiness some of us might enjoy.

It is a stretch for some to just "enter in" unfettered and turned loose by the Holy Spirit. Some need a more structured agenda. I'm not sure that is the path to find the "will of God" to your complete satisfaction.

Don't forget that it's HIS will your looking for. This might mean you have to impose less of your own will to find it.

Mull that one over a bit and see how clear it becomes.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><