The Symbol of the Word

On September 28, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Deuteronomy 6: 6 – 8

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.

God places a high value on His words. God’s words are the difference between life and death both spiritually and physically. Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6: 63). We see from these verses that the words of God are to occupy a preeminent space in our life. 

The first thing that God tells us this valuable asset is to be installed in our hearts. I have been following the teaching of Dr. James B. Richards. He has a breakthrough teaching, program actually, which is called Heart Physics. I strongly recommend Dr. Richards’ teachings generally but the Heart Physics specifically. The bottom line is that we can, and should, connect with God in our hearts. Moreover, this “religion” which we call Christianity is in reality not a religion at all but rather a relationship with the creator of the universe and our beloved Father. In fact, the purpose of Jesus’ ministry in the earth was to restore us in fellowship with the Father. It takes place, though, in the heart and Jesus is the Word, so it is logical that The Word must be incorporated and integrated in the fabric of our hearts. 

Not only is the Word supposed to be close to our hearts but we are supposed to share God’s Word with our children. We are not called to teach religion. God says to teach and share His Word. We should fellowship over His Word. One of the reasons we do so is because there is always blessing in the Word. Even when you go out to dinner with friends, if your heart, conversation and fellowship are over the Word you will find that blessing always follows.

Lastly, if we representatively have the Word of God on our hands and our foreheads then we constantly represent the Word. If on our hands, then the Word is in everything we do; if on our foreheads, then the Word is what people see where ever we go. So, meditate on this passage today and determine how the Word can infiltrate every area of your life.

Look for Dr. Jim Richards’ programs at www.impactministries.com.

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Perfect Reliability

On September 14, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Isaiah 40: 8

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

There is one thing you can count on all of the time. No matter what comes and goes, no matter what changes we go through in the world, our God is never changing and his Word is unshakeable. If you feel that sometimes you are walking in quick sand know that our God has given you a firm foundation in his Word. Regardless of what you are going through or where you are in your life, the Word is solid and reliable. It means exactly what it says and you can depend on it and on our Father. If you find a promise in his Word, it is just as applicable to you now as it was when it was first written or spoken. He is the God who is more than enough and he has given you a book of inspiration and promises so that you will have everything that you need at all times.

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Divine Diet

On August 21, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Ezekiel 2: 7

But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are a rebellious people.

Every pastor faces the uncomfortable time when God has given her or him a message that he or she believes will not be received with gratitude by the congregation. None the less, as God told Ezekiel, that message must be delivered.

We can all be rebellious in our own right. There may be certain days when we are not as receptive or obedient as we should be. There are also certain topics to which we shut our hearts. However, we really need to make a pact with ourselves that we will soften our hearts and hear the message the minister has been given. In order for us to do that, we must first have confidence that our pastor is hearing from God. If you cannot say for certainty that your pastor is receiving his messages from God, then you must ask yourself why you are attending that church or listening to that particular minister.

The minister’s job, which I believe is clearly demonstrated in this passage, is to take from God and give whatever they receive to the people under her charge. Ministers must take the time to condition their hearts and the time necessary to hear from God. This is something we should all do but the minister spends more time in this pursuit than most people have to dedicate to the purpose. Ministers have an important role. Each person has a specific call on their lives for serving God and the body of Christ. The minister is supposed to help each person fulfill their personal destiny by delivering the Anointed Word of God to them.

If you are a pastor, teacher or other minister who has been called and anointed of God then I wish to encourage you today to deliver the words God has given you. It is not always easy as I appreciate. You may run into some resistance. However, there may be one person within the reach of your voice who is awaiting that very message. Further, we must agree together that the Holy Spirit will prepare the people’s hearts. You do your job and trust the Holy Spirit to do his. Also, do what you have to do to hear the voice of God. Your congregation does not need your wisdom. They need your anointing and your obedience to your anointing. They do not need cute anecdotes. Although they are good icebreakers, we cannot live on the cute stories. Pastor, feed on the word and the voice of God. Then deliver that food to those entrusted to you.

If your calling is not in full-time ministry there are two encouragements I wish to give you today. First, accept that you are, none the less, called into ministry. Everyone is. Secondly, do not let a tough message discourage you. You are made of sterner stuff than that. God is imparting life to you. Sometimes, though, we need a bit of jolt to awaken us. Trust your pastor or if you don’t then change churches. If you believe your pastor is hearing from God, then you would be a fool not to listen to him, right?

We all need the bread of life. To the extent we are deprived of it we are dying in some way. We need God’s Word and receiving it is a major reason for church services. You must be fed. Make it your determined purpose to feast at God’s divine table. Nourish yourself according to His nutritional plan. He is serving life.

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Got Milk?

On August 17, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

1 Peter 2: 2

Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.

First, the Bible is a book to be revered but not worshiped. It leads us into revelation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also know that Jesus is the incarnation of the spoken word of God. Therefore, the Bible is to be given a high place in our lives. It is not, however, the end all. Our Father is the beginning and the end. The Son is first and foremost and the Holy Spirit is our need and should be our pursuit. The triune God should be the subject of our search and our first and highest priority. It is they to whom our worship and thanksgiving should be directed. Having said that, I do not think anyone will attain the Father, Son and Spirit without a close appreciation of the Word.

I am amazed at how many Christians have little or no regard for the Bible. I have heard and read Christians elevate all sorts of institutions and ideas above the word. I have been to so many Christian services that celebrate a form of faithfulness but which in reality have so very little to do with God. I have sat in those services wondering if God was even welcome and asked myself what God, faith or Christianity have to do with the reason we were all sitting on those pews. I see on Facebook, posters and all sorts of media people who assert that they are offering a Christian message but who in truth worship their own minds and reasoning above God’s Word. Rubbish! This is foolishness and deception.

This ministry is marked by its openness to all denominations and to those who have no denomination at all. The Word of the Day is a call to all who profess Jesus as Lord. However, though I honor all denominations, I am not trying to train you to be a good Catholic or a good Baptist. I desire that you fall head over heels in love with Jesus and worship He and His Father with all your heart. Then choose whatever church helps you express you adoration for the Father and leads you into deeper revelations of Him The doctrines of man are not going to further our relationship with the Trinity. Notice that I did not say “our understanding” of the trinity or of Christianity. This isn’t a college degree program. Christianity is about falling in love. As a result we seek to know our Father, His Spirit and Jesus in a personal way. If, however, any of us thinks we can do that without a steady diet of the Word, then we deceive ourselves. 

Our minds will never lead us where we need to go. Our souls can be misled. It is the combination of connecting with God in our hearts and allowing the Bible to provide the structural framework that tears the veil and reveals the most intimate aspects and truths of God to our hearts. If you never crack open your Bible, you just are not going to have the milk you need in order to sustain your growth. If you think your intellect is going to get you into heaven, then you better buy a pair of asbestos coveralls. Jesus said, “I am the way”. He also is revealed multiple times as The Word. Get a revelation today. The Bible is the fire suit you need. The Word of God is the milk of salvation. Perhaps that gives a new revelation on the advertising slogan, “Got Milk?”

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Habitation of Jesus

On July 13, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

2 John 1: 9

Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

The Apostle John is, besides Jesus, the expert on abiding. In this passage he shows us that we should also abide in Jesus’ teaching. He makes a rather strong statement here. Anyone who does not abide (hangout, remain, live in persist,) in Jesus’ teaching does not have God. Okay, wow! Now that will shake up a person’s theology. There are “Christians” all over the world who do not pursue Jesus’ Word and thus, his teaching. John says clearly that unless we are living in Jesus’ teachings then we don’t have the Father. One would then have to ask whether or not we have salvation. How can you have salvation without the Father?

Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7: 21). That is a truly frightening verse, is it not? It means there are people running around thinking they have their ticket punched for eternal life with Christ in heaven but who are instead deceived. They are not truly members of the family. We must allow ourselves to be adopted by the Father. That must mean more than just repeating a prayer. Ultimately we must choose our life in this world or His life. Unless we submit to the Lordship of Christ what meaning is there in calling him Lord, Lord?

We are entering into the final days. God is calling His children to Him. This is a time for entering in to His presence. There will be a separation of people but the good news is that we each get to choose what group to be in. Today’s message isn’t meant to frighten you but rather to invite you into the deep. It is time for all of God’s children to enter into a fully committed relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. Hearken to Jesus. Abide in his teaching, abide in his word. 

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Sure-footed

On June 25, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Psalm 37: 31

The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Wouldn’t it be great to know that your steps will not slip; that your steps are sure? Of course it would. The way to accomplish that is to put God’s Word in your heart. The more you establish the Word of God in your heart, the more his wisdom is imparted to you. Then you are able to walk securely. God’s word has answers to all of life’s problems and it also has encouragement and strength. The more time you spend in the Word, the more you fortify yourself. Your steps will be sure because you will be well grounded. We cannot under-estimate how much good putting the Word of God in our hearts actually does us. It is a key to living a successful, peaceful life.

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Show Me You Love Me

On April 28, 2015   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

John 14: 23 – 24

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.”

Would you like a test for the maturity of your Christianity? Well, here it is, delivered by Jesus himself. He told his followers, “Hey look, if you are going to be a follower of mine then you must keep my word.” That is why generations upon generations of believers have honored the Bible. If we are true Christians, i.e. followers of Christ, then we evidence, not only a reverence for the Bible but more importantly we follow its precepts and teachings. We are not followers of law but rather we live the Word. The answer is not in feeding the poor and housing widows. That is all good but the unsaved do that also. Those works are from a human ethos and will not buy our way into heaven nor show our love and devotion to Jesus. He said if we love him, we will keep his word.

I would posit that the first step to keeping his word is reading his word. How many “believers” do you know who never pick up the Bible?  Frankly, there is a catastrophic epidemic of non-believing believers. How can we believe if we never read the book? In what do we believe?

The second step is to do what we see there. For example, the Bible teaches us to pray for those who persecute us and mistreat us. Do we do that? There are hundreds of places, literally, in the Bible which tell us not to be afraid. Do we ever battle the fear that attacks us? God said to lay hands on the sick and pray for them. Are we praying for the sick? This is not about perfection, nor about those times we fail. It is about intending to live what we learn from the Bible. Jesus is quite strong on this point. He says that if we do not keep his word then we don’t love him. It is just that simple.

Christian faith doesn’t have to be complicated. Jesus didn’t give us a laundry list of things to do. He gave us one commandment – love others as he himself loved us. Then he said, if you love me, you will keep my word. Honestly, that is pretty simple. If we love him, then we will find out what his word says and keep it in our hearts. If we do not do so then we may well have reason to question whether or not we really do love him. The prayer we prayed for salvation is not a ticket to get into heaven. It is a marriage proposal. And we engage our love through the Word. That’s it. Nothing else will do.

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