Better Vs. Bitter

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
                                                                                                                               Hebrews 12:14-15




Once upon a time there was a married couple who were abundantly blessed: spiritually, in their family, and financially. They knew God's hand was upon their lives and their loved ones and they found great comfort in this knowledge. That is, until the bottom fell out of their world.

In one single day, their lives careened out of control. The result was the funeral of all ten of their children, dramatic financial loss, and a painful illness that was so extreme that the husband cried out to God to take his life. The name of this husband was Job, and his wife's name didn't even get mentioned in God's Word.

Now, I am not one that would throw any stones at Job's wife, even though this is the stuff that causes many a bad wife joke.  However, there are many theologians who have. Augustine labeled her as "the devil's accomplice". And, Calvin identified her as "a diabolical fury".

The quote that she is famous for is not an enviable one. After seeing her husband in excruciating pain and wiping his sores with broken pottery, she cried out in raw emotion. She exclaimed, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9). This was not her finest moment.

Yet, per usual, there may have been more to her story. Just try to imagine the shock and grief of a mother who witnessed the death of all ten of her children in a moments time. Then, imagine transitioning from being the wealthiest family in the world to becoming a bankrupt, homeless beggar? All the while, she is trying to take care of a gravely ill spouse in such indescribable pain that he despaired even for his life. This was one day in the life of Job's wife.

At this point, it had to have been easier in the short-term to withdraw and become bitter. It would have been much more costly to engage in the shock and terror of their present circumstances and to refrain from blame. No blame to God or to each other.

This passage in the book of Hebrews contrasts our two possible choices when life throws us a harsh curve ball. The positive response is to: pursue peace and reconcile all relationships, seek after holiness by removing sin from our relationships, and to extend God's grace, love, mercy, and tenderness to all people involved since we recognize just how much God has forgiven for us. We also realize that how we sin against one another is actually against jesus, Himself. In this we become conduits of God's goodness, even in the midst of the most difficult of situations. This is what Job chose to do.

His wife, however, did not. (Oh, how I wish this situation was reversed!). Even though both people had experienced the same tragedies, she fell short of the grace of God and allowed a bitter root to spring up. This created a bitter infection of her heart and soul that inevitably affected those around her.

They were the same circumstances and yet vastly different responses. There are two scenarios that typically result in bitterness. The first one is that we believe that something we deserve has been taken from us. The second one is that we believe that something we don't deserve is given to us. Both of these beliefs create an environment for bitterness to grow.

To put it more succinctly, either we will respond in obedience or we will sin in our pain. This is where it gets complicated, though, because it would never be truthful to say that a victim is the guilty person. They are not. Yet, there is clearly a path of obedience that will allow God's grace to cover the wrong incurred. This path prevents victims from seeking compensation for their pain. Choosing grace will prevent a root of bitterness from growing.

Bitterness is deceptive and seductive. Before we can even blink, we become enslaved when we allow bitterness, anger, resentment, and a critical spirit to begin to permeate everything and everyone. The book of Deuteronomy admonishes us to "make sure there is no root among you that produces bitter poison" (Deuteronomy 29:18).

According to Dr. Crawford Loritts, there are recognizable signs of bitterness. They are as follows:
          *recruiting others to take up your offense
          *anger (excessive; always under the surface)
          *unhealthy, unbalanced confrontation (shooting a canary with a cannon)
          *obsessed with a hurt or issue (looking for opportunities to vent)
          *fear and flight (passive-aggressive)
          *Can't face the person who hurt you

Ultimately, bitterness gets ingrained into our personalities. This results in sudden, unpredictable manifestations that are destructive. This infection is highly contagious and requires a quarantine if the person refuses to repent.

This poison steals, kills, and destroys. It steals our joy, our health, and eventually gives way to delusional thinking. If left unchecked, it will undoubtedly take our lives. The destruction is incalculable because it can prevent Christians from knowing fullness and freedom in Christ and might even indicate that we are not saved.

If there is a root of bitterness, the answer is always repentance. We can dig it out and confess our sins, knowing that God is just and faithful to forgive them (1 John 1:5-10). This will give us eyes to see God's hand at work, even in the midst of pain. It also enables us to receive His comfort and guidance when we need it the most.

We don't get to always choose what happens (or doesn't happen) to us, but we do get to choose whether we will then become a judge or a forgiver (Ephesians 4:31-32). Forgiving forges the way to take the opportunities God places before us.

We experience peace by resolving conflicts as they occur and pursuing peace in all our relationships. We never pay back evil (Romans 12:17-21), but, instead choose to bless those who have hurt us. Replacing good in the stead of evil propels a trajectory that glorifies God and extends His Kingdom on earth.

It is God's desire for us to be clean and pure vessels with clear consciences. We can choose true reconciliation even if the other person refuses to accept it. We can forgive and refuse to be defined by our hurt or our pain. We can refuse to become bitter.

Our lives and our destinies are too important to squander for momentary indulgences the way that Esau did. His one decision prompted a lifetime of regret that he never conquered. He never allowed God's grace to cover the consequences of his action.

It is much better and more fruitful to accept our challenges, receive God's grace, and witness God moving in mighty ways. In the end, God will redeem, renew, and restore all that concerns us. In the interim, we choose to be better and not to be bitter. And.... live happily ever after!


"Love alone makes heavy burdens light and bears in equal balance things pleasing and displeasing. Love bears a heavy burden and does not feel it, and love makes bitter things tasteful and sweet."
                                                                                                                               Thomas a Kempis

Sure-Footed

         "You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip."
                                                              Psalm 18:36




Faith can falter in the event of a major crisis and when the trials that abound seem relentless. At times, it can feel as if the world around us is closing in like a never-ending vise grip. This tight squeeze can continue its pursuit until it feels like your lungs are compressed and even the breath we take seems inadequate. Ironically, while human nature may tend to pull back from God, it is only faith and trust that will lead us to victory.

In this world, it is highly probable that at some point we will experience an earth-shattering, heart-breaking, soul-testing life event. These are the moments that we wonder if we can survive such our circumstances? And, if we do, we wonder if life can ever be the same?

These are the emotions that David felt when he penned the eighteenth Psalm. Thankfully, he is recalling how he felt right after God had given him victory over all that had risen up against him. He remembered God's divine protection as He hid David in the rocky cliffs when he fled from Saul and then from his very own son, Absalom.

There had to have been moments when David felt unsteady or unsure. Maybe there were even moments when he thought his foot was slipping. Yet, because of the tender intimacy he shared with his Heavenly Father, he tethered himself to the Rock, which became the sure foundation for his soul.

David learned that the Rock must be greater than the trial he was facing. Even when his life was in grave danger, he was confident when he cried out to God. He knew that divine intervention would sufficiently protect him and deliver him from all that would seek to destroy his life. He was compelled by the Word of God, not by his circumstances.

God taught David how to be sure-footed. According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of sure-footed is "unlikely to stumble, slip, or fall; confident and competent". Throughout the course of David's life, he would learn that even in the darkest of times that he could be confident that "he would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13).

God's purposes prevailed. It was God's plan to train David's hands for war because he had been created to be a warrior.  Progressively, David would fully realize the impact this would have upon his life.

Throughout this Psalm, David identified seven military metaphors to paint a picture of God's love. He referred to God as his Rock (foundation of stability and protection), his fortress (high place of refuge and defense when under attack), his deliverer (Savior in the day of evil), his Rock (different word that means strong defense), his shield (deflects the enemies arrows and swords), the horn of his salvation (power in battle), and his stronghold (God's care for his servant).

All of David's life had been preparing him to be a valiant warrior. Even as a young boy, he fought off predators of his sheep and learned how to be vigilant both day and night. God developed wisdom and patience in him, as well as teaching him where to focus his efforts and prayers. David would later utilize every one of these skills when he became king of Israel. He was uniquely qualified for the job because he had been uniquely trained.

Ultimately, God brought David out of his tight squeeze and into a spacious place. He rewarded him because he refrained from evil, kept God's laws, and allowed God to fully shape his character. David was faithful and humble which enabled God to exalt him.

Rejoicing inevitably ensues when God rescues and rewards us. God subdues our enemies and saves us from all that would seek to ensnare us. Additionally, He causes us to succeed.

But, with God, there is even so much more than that! Psalm 18 tells us that God: renewed David, energized him, encouraged him, empowered him, equipped him, and enabled him. He also completely restored him and all aspects of his life.

Even while David waited for God to move on his behalf, God kept the light inside of David burning bright and caused his life to flourish. He gave him divine strength and strategies day by day. God sustained him, even during his most difficult moments.

Step by step, God was his light and his salvation. He was his sustainer and his hope. He was his very present help in times of danger. He led and guided him through treacherous times and He never left him or turned His back on him.

Consequently, David did not slip or fall backwards even though his circumstances may have enticed him to do so. Instead, he continued to march forward to the destiny that God had for him, despite any obstacles or distractions. As David continued to rely on his Heavenly Father, God made David's foot sure on the path to victory.


       "He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights."
                                                         Psalm 18:33

The Glorious Bride

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest and as a bride adorns herself with jewels."
                                                                                                                               Isaiah 61:10




Few things on this earth rival the joy and excitement of a wedding. It is a promise of love and hope, accompanied by the jubilation of finally discovering your forever partner. Exhilaration is tangibly palpable, both by the wedding party and the family and friends that attend. All of this is culminated by pivoting necks just waiting to catch the first glimpse of the glorious bride. Emotions run deep even as the groom tries to swallow past the lump in his throat when he sees his most heavenly vision ascending towards his arms. Tears of joy trickle down cheeks...

This is how it was for our family on Saturday as we welcomed our second daughter-in-love to our family. Sam and Austin had returned home from serving in the Pentagon to pledge their vows to one another. Austin kept trying to convince us that he was not nervous but we occasionally caught facial expressions that would dispute his claims. If Sam was nervous, she did a better job at disguising that fact.

Since they had their wedding at our home, we literally got to be a part of every single plan and detail. As many weddings as we have been a part of or witnessed, it was enlightening to really see all that is entailed in this process. Too often, I was caught up in the logistics, only to stop and be reminded of the most important thing. This happened when I glanced up to see the bride or groom catch a glimpse of their beloved's face. Both beamed brighter than a full moon and sparkled like the brightest star. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.

The love they share served as a reminder to those around them of what is really important in this life. Both of them walked in unity and forgiveness and were inclusive to even those who had wounded them in the past. Their greatest desire was to share their most important day with everyone who had ever had been important to them and they did not let offense stand in their way.

God honored them both for these selfless decisions. There were so many miracles that happened on their wedding day. The first miracle was that it did not rain during the ceremony, even though it was supposed to. The second miracle was that prayers and scriptures were shared with some people who had never before heard them. We literally saw hearts being healed, forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as relationships being restored. Mostly, we saw God move in powerful ways!

Seeing God move in this way at their wedding made me really stop and think about our future as the bride of Christ. This heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb will supersede any earthly rendition we find here. And, when we consider the fact that God is the wedding planner, we know that it will be more glorious than any of us could even imagine!

Every detail was planned long ago, and God has customized this event to be spectacular. Matthew tells us that, "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son" (Matthew 22:2). Even now, the linens are pressed and the table is set.

God takes it one step further by using the imagery and symbolism of the church being His bride. Isaiah tells us that, "thy Maker is thy husband; the Lord of Hosts [is] His name; and the Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called" (Isaiah 54:5). In this, God paints a portrait that is even more intimate, emphasizing the covenant aspect of our bond.

We become His bride at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. In the interim, we are His betrothed. He has clothed us in robes of righteousness and called us to be faithful. He wants us to look with anticipation to this day and overflow with His presence and glory while we wait. All the while, we look for those moments here when we can catch a glimpse of our Beloved's face.

He does not want our loyalties to be divided. God would say to us, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). Like the anticipation the week before a wedding, we are to think about, pray about, and dream about the blessed event that awaits us.

Preparation is also required. When I think about the thousands of details it takes for a small home wedding, it occurs to me that no less should occur for this once in an all eternity event. Over and over again, our decisions will either be towards holiness or momentary happiness.  Over time, it will be obvious what our choices really were.

Paul tells us that Jesus is going to return for a bride that is holy and pure. He said, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain, or wrinkle, or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:25-27). He's the One who makes us holy but the pursuit of holiness requires diligence and obedience on our part.

It also requires valuing holiness above worldly desires. Spending time in His presence gives us the courage to step out, even into unknown territory. When we put God first, it naturally follows that we will then put the needs of others before our own. Especially the spiritual needs of others.

God clothed us in garments of salvation, extended through His love, mercy, and grace. In turn, He wants us to share with others all that He has done for us. Because He has done so much, we should be eager to tell others. Daily, we renew our hope in Him so that we can share with those people in which we have given up hope. This is when we really see God's power being released.

On the day of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, there will be unspeakable joy, a blessed union that is eternal, a redeemed church, and God will be glorified. It is so important that we bring with us as many people as possible. When we witness the culmination of each persons giftedness and diligence and obedience to honor our King, we will be amazed.

There will be so many testimonies of the goodness and greatness of our God that it will take all of eternity to take it all in. Right now, we see God putting out all the finishing touches for this Blessed Event. The table is set, the bride is getting ready, and the music is about to begin... Suddenly, we see that the bride is glorious! Better yet, the Bridegroom is majestic and regal and, oh so, mesmerizing!


                            (Dedicated to Sam and Austin-- we love you!!!!)


"Then a voice came from the throne, saying: 'Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, both great and small!' Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready."
                                             Revelation 19:5-9

The Key

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."
                                                                                                                                    Isaiah 33:6




There are times in our spiritual journey in which we reach an impasse in the natural. It would seem that there are no easy solutions or answers for the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Human nature compels us at these times to dig deeper and try to come up with solutions in our own strength. Yet, the Spirit of God compels us to draw from the pool of wisdom that can only come from Jesus.

He is the One who holds the keys to our future and to every circumstance that has a need. At times, He even orchestrates the events in our lives to be such that human reasoning and rationale will not suffice. These are the enigmas that can only be unlocked by the supernatural keys of Jesus.

In the natural, it doesn't feel like a blessing to be in such a position. And yet, it truly is. God appears when all other help fails. With Him comes wisdom, knowledge, and strength. This is how we learn firsthand that God can do all things. Experientially, this is how we become stedfast in our walk with Christ.

There are times when we need doors opened for us and there are times when we need them to be closed. Jesus holds the keys that both lock and unlock. The book of Revelation says, "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open" (Revelation 3:7).

Keys represent power and authority. Jesus is the Only One qualified to receive the title deed to the kingdom and that is exactly what God gave to Him. He bought back ownership of the earth, which Adam had forfeited to Satan at the fall. Jesus' keys hold redemption and restoration of all things.

In the Old Testament, when God's presence travelled in the Tabernacle of Moses, there were two doors: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Later, in the book of Revelation, the Holy Place that John sees is a throne room. He writes, "And I beheld in the midst of the throne...I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] who have been sent [on duty far and wide] into all the earth... and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (Revelation 5:6;11).

The second door is the Most Holy Place. Again, John writes, "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power" (Revelation 15:8). The second door  enters into a place where God illuminates the space around Himself, filled with displays of His glory and power.

There are times in our lives when we need a fresh vision of Jesus and access to His Holy Place. This comes through thanksgiving, praise, and worship. Almighty God is seeking people who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth. This communion with God is intimate fellowship and a direct union.

There are other times when we need access to God's Most Holy Place. Entrance into the Most Holy Place only comes after we have totally submitted to the righteous law of God that never changes. True worship emanates through complete reverence. It is our attitude that truly enters into a worship that is pure.

This is the place where only God dwells. It is not the place where we seek blessings or power or healing. It is where we come to God for God's sake. We approach Him; we worship Him; we bow before Him; and we enjoy Him. Then comes revelation.

All the wisdom and knowledge we will ever need can be found in the revelation God gives to us. The book of Colossians tells us that in Jesus "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The combination of faith and knowledge will make our souls rich.

Knowing God means loving God. Loving God means worshipping Him. Worshipping Him means moving beyond our thoughts and emotions to connect our spirit with His. There is nothing more thrilling or liberating or empowering than this.

Jesus holds the answers for every one of life's issues or problems. Actually, He is the answer. He is the One who brings peace and joy and comfort. In Him are wisdom and knowledge and insight. He has the power and authority to do all things. If your circumstances linger it is because God will do whatever is necessary to bring you to a place where His fullness of life dwells.

He loves us with abandon and always views our lives through the prism of mercy. If you have a need today, run to Him! Dwell in His presence. Truly, Jesus is the Key!


"Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
                                                                                                                                   Matthew 7:7-8

The King's Heart

"Then Mordecai sent back word to Esther: 'Just because you live in the king's palace, don't think that out of all the Jewish people you alone will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, someone else will help and save the Jewish people, but you and your father's family will all die. And who knows, you may have been chosen queen for just such a time as this.'

Then Esther sent this answer to Mordecai: 'Go and get all the Jewish people in Susa together. For m,y sake, fast; do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my servant girls will also fast. Then I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, and if I die, I die.'

The king asked Esther again, 'What are you asking for? I will give it to you. What is it you want? I will give you as much as half my kingdom.'

Then Queen Esther answered, 'My king, if you are pleased with me, and if it pleases you, let me live. This is what I ask. And let my people live, too. This is what I want.'"
                                                                                                              (Esther 4:13-16; 7:2-3)




The story of Esther is a dramatic and passionate one that occurred in the fifth century B.C. This drama, however, was a spiritual one that included: the evil Haman, the courageous Mordecai, the powerful King Xerxes, and a determined young girl who happened to be the queen. The outcome of Queen Esther's perseverance was that millions of Jews from 127 countries were saved. This happened all because Esther understood how to move the heart of the king.

There are so many aspects of Esther's story that parallels our lives today. Even though we don't live in Persia or don a royal regalia, we still have a direct access to our King, who also happens to be our Father. Not just any king, mind you, but our communion is with the King of Kings.

This relationship gives us special privileges that suppressed the privileges of those who are not His children. We have the distinct honor of inviting our King to occupy and reign over every facet of our lives. When we are confident in our position, we do not shrink back. Instead, we "come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive His mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

God grants the desires of our hearts when they are for our good and in alignment with His will for our lives. John explains it this way, "And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.  And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have  [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).

God also responds to prayers that are sincere and heartfelt. Sincerity moves Him. James tells us that the "earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power" (James 5:16).

While we know that God has given us the victory, we also see through the story of Esther that there will also be a battle. Haman is the diabolical antagonist that opposes Esther and all the Jews. If you were to peruse all the pages of Scripture, you would not be able to find one good thing that is written about him.

Haman had a position of authority as he was the king's right-hand man. He possessed an insatiable ego that craved the worship of every living thing.  He also had an inexhaustible hatred for God's chosen people and he purposely devised a date for their genocide.

The person of Haman depicts the image of Satan. Both long to be worshipped and existed to persecute the promised people of God. Satan hates the presence of Jesus in the world and will do all he can to "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).  Especially now "He is filled with anger because he knows his time is short" (Revelation 12:12).

The laws in Esther's days prohibited her from entering into the inner courtyard of the king without being invited to do so.  But, Mordecai encouraged her to take the risk and do the right thing. This was her response, "Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king's palace, facing the king's hall" (Esther 5:1).

The king was pleased when he looked up and saw Esther. His heart was touched when he saw his beloved. He responded and, "held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand, so Esther went forward and touched the end of it" (Esther 5:2).

When the king's heart was moved, what followed was the collapse of Satan's house of cards. All the diabolical planning and scheming came to nought. Not only that, but then Esther's enemy was destroyed!

Her story reminds us just how important our lives really are. Even though we are ordinary people, we have an extraordinary God. He has pulled us from obscurity and given us a position of royalty. He has clothed us in royal robes and given us the privilege of making our requests known to Him.

God is faithful and He is good. The story of our lives extend far beyond all that we can see or know. God always has a good purpose and a good plan and He is forever "working things together for our good" (Romans 8:28). Run after God and pursue Him with all your heart. This is what moves the King's heart!


                                               "He's after your heart."
                                                          Hosea 6:6
                                                                                                                

Look Again!

"And Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain'. So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, 'Go up now, look toward the sea'. And he went up and looked and said, 'There is nothing'.

Elijah said, 'Go again seven times'.

And, at the seventh time, the servant said, 'A cloud as small as a man's hand is arising out of the sea'.

And Elijah said, 'Go up, say to Ahab, "Hitch your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you".

In a little while, the heavens were black with wind-swept clouds, and there was a great rain."

                                                                                                                            (1 Kings 18:41-45)

Three years prior to this event, Elijah announced that his word would stop the rain and it would only be his word that would start it again (1 Kings 17:1). In this, he was not declaring that he was all-powerful; instead, he was declaring the power of God exhibited through prayers. His posture in prayer reflected great humility, and it was obvious that his relationship with God was very intimate. His primary concerns were for the people of Israel and that God would be glorified in the midst of their circumstances.

This particular day for Elijah had been long and intense. God had spoken to him and told him that He was going to send rain. Before He did, however, came a divine confrontation. The purpose of this confrontation was to expose idols, as well as to show the people of Israel the places of their spiritual compromise.

Elijah's prayers were going to be delayed this time. Despite the fact that he had seen God answer prayers instantaneously before, this time would prove to be different. So, he sent his servant seven times to the Mediterranean Sea to report any changes in the weather. The first report was negative, as were the five that followed. Literally, the servant saw nothing. That is, until he looked again.

Because Elijah was a prophet, the words he spoke were very important. The servant's reaction, however, was of equal importance. Elijah's servant took his responsibility very seriously. When he was told to look for rain, he immediately responded by going to look (1 Kings 18:43).

Both of them had to be engaged in what God was doing in order to see their miracle. This is because miracles come as a result of our obedience to God's Word. And, typically, this does not occur without some sort of testing or divine confrontation in our lives.

Most of us assume that our hearts are pure and that our thoughts are in alignment with God's Word. The prophet, Jeremiah, paints us a completely different picture. He says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? I, the Lord, search the mind and try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings" (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

God searches our minds and He tries our hearts so that He knows exactly how to reward us. God gives to us according to our actions. For us to truly know ourselves requires much effort. We have to read the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us.

The prophet, Hosea, instructs us as well. He says, "Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you" (Hosea 10:12).

The uncultivated ground refers to the places in our hearts that are idle and have become hardened, or even full of weeds. The plow of conviction must break up these places so that the seed of God's Word can be planted. Only then can God send His gentle and merciful ran down upon the soil of our hearts.

Action is always required with faith. How we respond to God's Word and His ways will determine our results. When Naaman needed to be healed, Elisha gave him a simple and humbling act to obey (2 Kings 5:10). There were probably a million excuses Naaman could have named not to obey. Had he chosen not to obey, however, he never would have received his healing.

Faith that doesn't lead to obedience is not faith at all. A divine confrontation requires adjustments on our part. For example, we cannot live with bitterness or hatred in our hearts and expect to receive a miracle. The same is true with unforgiveness. If we are genuinely engaged in what God is doing and applying His Word to our lives, our hearts will undoubtedly change.

Revelation will be sustained by our reaction. While it is important what we believe, it is even more important what we do. James tells us that, "Faith apart from [its] works of obedience is dead" (James 2:26).

According to Smith Wigglesworth, "Faith is an act". He says that not only are we saved by faith, but we are also kept by faith. It is a substance, a deposit of God, that is an almighty flame that moves us to act so that we see miracles occur as a result. Faith takes us to the place where God reigns.

It is God's desire to move in our lives in a mighty way. It is our responsibility to believe and to obey all His precepts (not just the ones we choose). When we do, we can't just stop when we see nothing, we need to follow the example of Elijah's servant and go and look again!

"For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

                                                                                                                               (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Bold As A Lion

                              "The [uncompromisingly] righteous are as bold as a lion."
                                                              Proverbs 28:1




Lions are commonly depicted as "king of the jungle" or "king of beasts" throughout cultures around the world. They often depict royalty, power, kingship, and bravery. In Africa, it is one of the greatest compliments you can ever receive to be compared to a lion. In fact, many of their most powerful rulers incorporated the word "lion" into their nicknames.

Both beauty and strength are the attributes of a lion. Grace and power are intertwined and embodied within this exquisite animal that God created. Never do lions doubt what or who they were created to be; neither do they concern themselves with what the other animals think of them.

When God created us, He created us to be as bold as a lion. He created us to know with certainty who He is and who we are in relation to Him. It is our relationship with Him that allows us to walk in boldness and confidence, knowing that our lives are created to be a part of His master plan.

Boldness is behavior born out of belief. When we really understand that God's Word dominates all else and that He has given us authority and dominion in the earth, it will change everything. Our doubts will be conquered and we will see a God within us that is infinitely bolder than we are.

Hiding God's Word in our heart and building our most holy faith is our number one priority if we want to effect change in our world.  If we are really going to make a difference, we must possess total confidence of who God is and what His Word counsels us to do in each circumstance. This requires courage and confidence to rely on God's power and to speak His Word with conviction and compassion.

We possess the hope for which this world is searching. And if we have it, we are definitely called to share it. We are told that, "since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (2 Corinthians 3:12). We need God to strengthen our hearts and minds so that we can boldly share His truths. When God's boldness pours through us that "He crowns the humble with victory " (Psalm 149:4).

Godly boldness is all about God. It is not a personality trait that only some were given- it is an attribute of the Holy Spirit. Granted, our styles and techniques will undoubtedly differ but the end result will not. We will bear a harvest in our lives when God leads and we care more about serving God than pleasing people.

If, however, we misconstrue boldness for rudeness, we have missed the mark. In our own strength, boldness will appear demanding and controlling. It will insist upon its own way, implementing a steamroller approach. It is always our job to lift others up, not to crush their spirits or flatten them.

When things are difficult in our lives and trouble comes knocking, we often begin our prayer strategy by praying for deliverance. However, often God is wanting us to pray for boldness to walk through our difficulties in faithfulness. This is how Christ's power is displayed through our lives so that others can see Him more clearly. This is how we are old in our brokenness!

When God showed Ezekiel the vision of the valley of dry bones, all Ezekiel could see was death, destruction, and decay (Ezekiel, 37). God told Ezekiel to  prophesy to those dead bones and say, "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: 'Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live; And I will lay sinews upon you and bring up flesh upon you and cover you with skin, and I will put breath and spirit in you, and you [dry bones] shall live; and you shall know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, who calls forth loyalty and obedient service]'" (Ezekiel 37:5-6).

Ezekiel spoke what God said as though he were the voice of God. Similarly, we have been given the Bible to show us what God says about our circumstances so that we can prophesy too. We need to call the Spirit of God down into our circumstances by declaring His Word. This is how we are bold in our speech!

Our declarations of faith have to be bolder than we are. David was one of the least likely candidates to take down Goliath, but he overflowed in confidence of who God is and what God would do through him. He said, "Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the Living God!" (1 Samuel 17:36). This is how we are bold in our faith!

The apostle, Peter, was bold in his prayers. When the disciples saw that one of their women, named Tabitha, had died, they sent two men to get Peter to pray. When Peter got there, the widows were crying and grieving her death. Peter sent them out of the room and "knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body, he said, 'Tabitha, get up!' And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she raised herself and sat upright" (Acts 9:40). This is how we are bold in our prayers!

Peter was also bold in his witnessing. After he and John had been arrested and put in jail for their boldness in witnessing, they prayed to God for more boldness. Despite additional threats, they prayed, "And now, Lord, observe their threats and grant to your bondservants [full freedom] to declare Your message fearlessly, while You stretch out Your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of the name of Your holy child and Servant, Jesus" (Acts 4:29-30). Peter understood that it is the boldness of the Holy Spirit that does signs and wonders. This is how we are bold in our witnessing!

It is time for the Church to walk in the full power and authority that have been given to us by Jesus. There are soo many people who need to see God and experience His love and mercy in a personal way. Allowing God to be bold through us is the only way the world will catch a glimpse of the majesty and power of our Savior. Like so many who have journeyed the walk of faith with Jesus before us, we can be a people who are bold and strong and do not waver in the face of adversity!


"Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart- so you will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."
                                                                                                                              Andrew Murray