The Unknown God!

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:16-25 NIV

Worshiping gods was nothing new to people when Paul preached the Good News. For centuries–man made idols–with their own hands–of stone, bronze, gold, wood, whatever they used at any given time–shaped into images to represent events that they didn’t understand. They had fertility gods, sun gods, moon gods, season gods, agricultural gods, –all these gods they created to explain what they didn’t understand because they didn’t have access to science (as we know it today) to discover the “whys” of what occurred.

And then there was the representation of the “unknown god” (science still cannot explain) who had a place in their worship venues. This altar bore this inscription because the men of that day and even now, could not explain certain events, but they attributed it a god.

Mankind is still worshiping idols–gods made by their own hands. They think the “things” have dominion of events that occur in our lives. Most of us understand superstitious nonsense and know that there are no “things” that have any power–no images created by mortals can do anything of their own accord. But then there are those whose faith is in statues, and beads, and images and their faith in the things cannot be shaken.Some worship all they develop and to keep what they make in the forefront of their minds–they emblazon their name on everything–and expect others to worship them, too.

However, since they do not know God or understand God, their faith in Him is tenuous at best because they are ignorant of His ways and purposes. The God of Heaven, the Creator of all things and without whom, nothing was ever created, is still the unknown God to many–who think they are the masters of their destiny. These did not read about Jeremiah and the conversation God had with him, “before you were formed in your mother’s womb, I knew you,” and later He said, “I know the plans I have for you.”

Now while it is true that we all have choices to make, when we follow God’s plans we are going to be successful as He defines success. God does not define success as man does–especially when man’s success is contingent upon a lack of integrity, intimidation, and bullying. When success is obtained by questionable means (leaving others holding the bag of their debts) that is not godly success. Godly success is only achieved by doing things the way God directs us. That success may not mean being a billionaire–but it will mean we are pleasing God.

So while many are still serving and worshiping gods created by human hands or machines, out of a religious spirit, there are some of us who are led by the Spirit of God and will only serve Him–the unknown God for those who don’t know Him.

 

 

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No Matter What, He’s Still Lord!

O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 NKJV

“O Lord, how excellent, how excellent, how excellent, is thy name!” A line from the lyrics of a worship song, aligned with The Word, is ringing in my heart today. When all of the depressing news–we need to remind ourselves of the excellence of our Lord, especially when the events that unfold around us, don’t make sense.

I have prayed, seeking understanding, and none has come forth. The Lord has reminded me that we don’t have to understand all that happens, but we must trust Him. Though my heart tends to sag, just a little, I can and I will allow Him to minister to me through His Word and the melodic tunes of worship that cause my lips to utter praises unto Him.

This then is how we handle the atrocious acts of hatred and bigotry and just dire tragedy. We don’t always understand why a loving God would allow some things to happen, but we must remember that He is the same God–from centuries ago–the God who allowed His chosen to be enslaved, but freed them according to His time-table. The God who allowed children to be massacred, in order for His plans to unfold.

I must reiterate this one point–God allows some things to happen, He does not cause them. Acts of hatred and bigotry are caused by the people who commit the acts; especially when they have no fear of God. They have the same “free will” as the rest of us and God doesn’t force anyone do anything.  Tragedies occur for a myriad of reasons, most of which I do not understand, but have learned that God knows best.

No, we don’t always understand why God allows things to happen, but we must remember–He has a plan and His plan will be fulfilled.

So perhaps, part of His plan for us right now is to remember–just how excellent He is and to know, we can find comfort in His Word when we allow Him to minister to our hearts.

Now, we can sing songs of worship acknowledging Him for who He is and songs of praise acknowledging all His mighty acts and goodness shown to us. Though it may be difficult to understand His goodness and mercy at the point of grief and despair, we will overcome and be stronger for it. Our God is truly amazing and He will never abandon us–whose hope is in Him, no matter how things look.

I’m gonna praise Him! I’m just gonna praise Him! He is still Lord of my life!

What Proper Worship Entails!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 NLT

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 NKJV

According to the dictionary’s definition of worship–worship is reverence and adoration of a person or object.

Stacked against the three versions of the same passage of scripture and reviewing what some of us do in church, is what we do in church services–proper worship?

Unfortunately, for many of us, we have been brain-washed as to what true worship is within our religious services. This is what happens when people do not exercise care in their study of The Word or even “a word” and how it should be interpreted versus how we choose to promote things.

First of all–we confuse the terms and acts of praise and worship. In many churches, praise is loud and fast-moving, excites people and drives the momentum in a service. In its place, that’s all well and good. However, worship should never be confused with praise since worship should not be “an act to excite” but a lifestyle that honors God.

Now I know there will many who disagree with what I’ve said and that’s their prerogative. I don’t have a problem with people disagreeing with me, but I refuse to sit idly by and allow people to believe untruths–whether perpetuated intentionally or unintentionally.

How do I conclude my position? By understanding The Word–knowing that presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable–our reasonable service–choosing to live in a way that honors God–that is what true worship entails–promoting a lifestyle that honors God, even if it means we’re unpopular with people. This is a view of public worship–living according to The Word. Private worship would entail spending time with God–reverencing Him and adoring Him for all He does.

So, the next time you’re in service and someone says, “Let’s worship The Lord,” stand or sit quietly, reflecting upon His goodness and mercy, without the shouting or the dancing that is truly reserved for praise. True worship in public venues such as a church, should usher in the praises when people are allowed the time to truly reflect, reverence and adore God. If we ever get past traditional “orders of service” and allow Holy Spirit to guide us, there would not be enough room in a building to contain all Holy Spirit touches when true worship is practiced.

Enjoy the day and all The Lord has made possible in your life!

The Reality of Religion!

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither is circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” (Galatians 6:14,15 NIV)

In response to questions raised by the church in Galatia, Paul attempts to convince those who are manipulating others into being circumcised as a means of keeping the law to stop. He reminds them that those who are circumcised don’t keep the law and therefore the law is pointless if it is simply a ritual.

There are many people today who try to impress others with their “religiosity” by one means or another. For some, it’s who their pastor is, for others it’s how often they take communion, and still others who think we are impressed by the denominational banner under which they worship.

If we could ever get beyond the rituals and get into the Relationship, the world would view Believers differently. Unfortunately, we’re too busy trying to make sure we keep up with the rituals and because the rituals are divisive, we lose opportunities to witness to others about the work on the cross and God’s love for all mankind.

It doesn’t what position a person is in when they pray as long as they pray–sincere communication with God, not just murmuring scripted words led by others. I’ve never understood why anyone thinks a scripted prayer, written by another mortal would be more effective than sincere communication with God.

It doesn’t matter what day we use to observe our relationship with God–there are seven days in a week and Jesus said He was Lord of the Sabbath–which means any day we choose to worship, is all right with Him. The reality is–everyday should be a day of worship.

It doesn’t matter when we participate in communion or who serves it. Smith Wigglesworth served himself communion on a daily basis and he’s considered one of the most revered men of faith. Whether we use wine or grape juice or water or any other liquid–the symbolism is important–not the elements used.

The reality of religion is that most leave out relationship in favor of rituals--that won’t change a thing in our lives. Rituals don’t deliver, heal, comfort, or guide. They are simply outward expressions devised by mortals to control others and to ridicule those who won’t or don’t participate.

There are no superior religions or religious groups of people. We are all in need of a Savior and unless we see Jesus as our Savior and accept the work on the cross, the rituals are a waste of time and effort.

So, whether we pray once a day or ten times a day–if we have no relationship with God–we have wasted our time. It is being in relationship with God that motivates our behavior and ignites our promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of our religiosity–we are simply being religious and are ineffective witnesses of His Goodness.

It’s time for a change–let’s shed the rituals for right relationship with God and see the world come to know Him, through us!

I Will Sing!

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” (Psalm 108:1-5 NIV)

This psalm is a reflection of my thoughts and my emotions are running high! But I have to remember that no matter what happens in any given day, no matter how many challenges rise to deter me from my course, that I can and will sing–to The Lord, thanking Him for being who He is, praising Him for the victories won on a daily basis, and for His faithfulness towards us. I can and will sing at any given opportunity, whether I sound like a choir of angels or a pond of croaking frogs; whether I can sing loud enough to be heard a block away or whisper a melody that only God can hear–I will sing!

When our hearts are heavy with the burdens we carry, an uplifting song will ease those burdens away. If we can’t remember all the lyrics of a published songs, we can change the words to suit our heart’s desire and sing anyway. At the craziest moments–a song has risen in my heart that no one else has ever heard before, but the Lord provides me the melody and the lyrics and when the moment is over–I seldom remember the words or the melody, but God knows.

One of my favorite songs is–“I’ve got the victory, Hallelujah; I’ve got victory, Hallelujah, I’ve got the victory, Hallelujah. Every knee shall bow and every heart confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, Every knee shall bow and every heart confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 2) The devil is liar–Hallelujah!  3) Enemies are defeated, Hallelujah!

Another includes the words; “Can’t stop praising His Name, I just can’t stop praising His Name, I just can’t stop praising His Name, Jesus–Hallelujah Jesus!

I could go on and on as I’m sure many could, but the point of this is encourage all to sing a song of praise, of worship, with joy overflowing, remembering that nothing–no weapon–shall ever deter us from accomplishing our goals as long as we have a song in our hearts to keep us focused on God’s goodness. I feel a song coming on.

No matter what I do this day,

No matter how I feel,

I close my eyes and feel His presence,

His love overflowing, wiping away my tears,

I feel Him holding me close, making me whole and healed,

And I listen to His voice, “Within My arms, there’s no fear.”

I open my eyes, looking towards heaven, waiting for that day,

When all pain is washed away, and with Him, I’ll always stay.

I see the bright blue sky, the sun’s light brightly shining over all He’s made,

And I know, I can make it because of who He is,

And I know, I can make it because of who He is.

And I know, I can make it because of who He is,

My everything, all I’ll ever need–is Him in my life!  (choose a melody for yourself)

Glory Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus for speaking to my heart and reminding me all is well with my soul and there’s nothing I cannot accomplish with You going before me–preparing hearts to receive all You have to tell them, clearing out obstacles so that You alone get all the glory. Oh Yes, I will sing and tell all who listen–How great The Lord Is–mighty Savior is He. I will sing–through the tears and pain, the heartache and the rain, I will sing!

What The Entrance Should Be!

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs, Know that the Lord is God, It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100 NIV)

When we come into His presence (and not just the church building), we should be shouting for joy, worshipping Him with gladness, coming before Him with joyful (not sad) songs, knowing the Lord is God.  Hallelujah!

It is He who made us (we didn’t make ourselves no matter what we think) and we are His–His people, the sheep of His pasture and He is our great Shepherd.

Getting into the presence of God is a matter of re-thinking who we are and acknowledging who He is. We enter into His presence with thanksgiving. Now, since He is God and He is omnipresent, His presence is everywhere–not just where we relegate Him. I’m inclined to think that many of the church’s ills that exist today, exist because we have relegated God to a specific location and a specific time and we don’t acknowledge Him outside of that. This is an attitude and perception that must be laid to rest.

If Holy Spirit resides in me, then I am always in God’s presence and should always be mindful that I am. If I am mindful of this one thing–He is with me–always–I would pay more attention to the things I do. So, would we all. If we all reached the same conclusion, then we could eradicate sin–especially in the church–and become a model for others so they too would be able to Enter Into His presence–daily.

When we first open our eyes–we should give thanks–because He didn’t have to allow us to wake up. Some may say their alarm clock wakes them, but many alarm clocks have sounded the alarm, but the bodies who set–never rose again. It is He who wakes us and gives us the strength of our limbs and a reason to praise. Enter In!

If we stop and think about all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will do on our behalf, we should break into a song of gladness–full of life and a beat so intense we can’t keep our feet still. Enter In!

No matter how short we fall of being perfect and faithful, He is always perfect and faithful to us–no matter what we do–we will never stop His faithfulness. Even when we cause Him to be sad over our behavior, He loves us enough to wait for us to get it right, never leaving or forsaking us. We’ll never be abandoned by God! Enter In!

Songs of worship–letting Him know we know–just how much He loves us and how much He cares for us–are more like a melodic love song–songs filled with so much love that tears fall with the revelation of that love.

Songs of praise–are like a testimony in rhythmic beat–livelier than worship, igniting movement–stomping our feet or dancing, clapping our hands, shouting the victory in praise of Him.

Sometimes our prayer life–especially when we pray in the spirit–using the prayer language He’s given us that no man can understand–becomes a chant–a song all by itself and that’s okay. We know we’ve entered in when we allow Holy Spirit to take over and when He’s finished, hearts are lighter, visions clearer, and for most of us–that can do anything but fail mode comes upon us and we are ready for the world. Enter In!

All of this–worship, praise, dancing in the spirit on the altars of our hearts–is how we should enter into His presence on a daily basis.

Why Jesus said, “God’s Worshippers Must Worship In Spirit And in Truth!”

“God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 NIV)

It is probably because of this passage and some others that reference God as a “spirit” that many naysayers casually belittle Believers by calling God a ghost. Ghosts are spirits of the dead, therefore God is The Spirit of life since He was neither born nor died, He simply is. For those of us who know God, not just believe “in God” we know Truth.

What was going on when Jesus had to make this distinction? Jesus had sent His disciples to purchase food and He waited for them by a well and had a conversation with a Samaritan woman–a no-no for a Jewish people to interact with the Samaritans (then). At any rate, Jesus told the woman all about herself and a conversation rose about where a person should worship. And the following is Jesus’ response to her:

John 4:19-23

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

What were the Samaritans worshipping? Idols (images) with altars set up in the mountain who served no purpose other than pagan worship. Unfortunately, the debate about where a person should worship is still going on between some factions of Christians and what Jesus said, then, is true now. God, the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in the spirit (allowing His spirit to interact with our own) and in truth (with knowledge of who He is and how He wants us to live). 

There are many people who go to church buildings out of tradition, but for no real purpose or knowledge. They go through the motions of singing songs, praying empty prayers, and listening to sermons with half an ear. I know people who attend a church service on a regular basis, but then they claim they don’t know if they believe the Bible or not. If they don’t know if the Bible is true or not, why are they wasting their time going into a building? These are those who believe “in God” but do not Believe God.

This is the point Jesus was trying to make to the Samaritan woman and those who Believe God, not just believe in Him. We cannot believe God if we don’t know His Word. His Word reveals who He is and for those who understand this, we know we do not have to be in a specific place to worship Him–acknowledging all He has done for us and giving Him praise for who He is.

For this reason, many church services are devoid of the Spirit of God, because His spirit is not welcomed due to the traditions of man, taking precedence over the leadership of Holy Spirit. None who are led by Holy Spirit would encourage anyone to live in opposition to God’s Word. None who are led by Holy Spirit would call God said was wrong, right nor what He said is right, wrong. None who are led by Holy Spirit would deliberately entice anyone to live a life apart from the knowledge of God and His purpose for our lives.

When we become so complacent as leaders in the church that we choose not to stir people with Truth and allow God’s Word to convict of sin, we are merely going through the motions of a bland, flavorless service. We are told to preach the Word–whether it is convenient or not, whether people want to hear it or not and we are to say what God says, not just teaching a “feel-good, sugarcoated messages” because we don’t want to offend sinners. If we are afraid to offend those in sin and choose to offend God instead, we place ourselves in a position to know His wrath.

Satan isn’t concerned about the leaders in some churches; he has already recruited them as commanders in his army. What they have forgotten is this–the payment for sin is death. And this is why there are so many spiritually, dead churches–devoid of life–because Satan’s job is to kill, still, and destroy. Can we not see that is exactly what is happening around us today?

Be filled with the Spirit of God and know Holy Spirit will not dwell in an unclean temple, but meditate on The Word, knowing there is life in The Word of God, leading us to closer relationship with Him and giving us power–to stay bold and courageous–to say what God says. Worship Him in Spirit and in the Truth of His Word. 

More of what Jesus said and why, next time!

This Unseen God is The Only One Worthy of Praise!

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” (Psalms 48:14 NIV)

Throughout the history of mankind, because we were created with a spirit of worship within, man has found something to worship–something they could attribute events they did not understand. This desire to worship was really the basis of the downfall of many civilizations and why God made it clear that He would not tolerate His people–His chosen, worshipping false gods who had no power.

We have to understand that myths are created out of the minds of people who witness events, but cannot explain why they happen. For the most part, it is this desperation to explain things that many do not understand the God of Heaven who created all things and so they insist that He is a myth, powerless, like the other pagan gods and goddesses.

Throughout the Bible–a summarized record of some historical events–we see the reference to pagan gods and goddesses. Asherah, Astarte, and Ashtaroth are three of the chief goddesses mentioned in the bible and many a statue or image was made of them for people to worship. El (chief high god) and Baal were the chief pagan gods. And then there was Diana–who was worshipped by those in Ephesus. A study of the gods and the “powers” attributed to them is interesting, but what is even more interesting is the fact that all of these “gods and goddesses” had stone or metal images made by the hands of man and people then worshipped the works of their hands.

In the 21st Century, with all of the knowledge we have access to and all the technological advances made in creating “things,” we are still worshipping the works of our hands more than the Creator who made all things and without Him, nothing–including us–was ever made.

But in this Psalm, the sons of Korah understood that in spite of the many gods that people worshipped and no matter what powers they attributed to them, they were no match for “This God.” The Lord God Almighty, Jehovah Jireh, El Shaddai, no matter what name we call Him, He is still God and without Him, nothing would ever be. And they knew and understood, “this God” and His power could not be contained in an object and therefore, there was no need to create pillars, temples, idols of any kind in order to worship Him–they understood that there was a power greater than anything they could imagine that keeps the water flowing, the sun shining, the earth rotating and by His Spirit–they saw miracles and won battles because others feared and revered –“the unseen God.”

This unseen God led armies into battle and the weaker armies won. This God, promised to never leave us and is always by our side. This God, by His spirit, communicates with us and leads us out of danger and loves us–in spite of us. This God–our great and awesome God, will always guide us–to the ends of our lives when we are willing to listen to Him and obey. This God holds the power of life and death and is watching over the universe and never misses anything that happens. He sees and hears all. What a mighty God we serve. He and He alone is worthy of our praise and with all of the things we could make–nothing will ever hold the power He has in His little finger–and therefore, we should not worship anything we create with our hands or machines or anything else, but in the spirit.

Hallelujah to our Awesome God!

True Witnesses!

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”(Isaiah 43:10 NIV)

How is it that people make things–either themselves or buy what others have made–and worship them? If the things are made by man’s hand, how do we give them more power and honor than the one who made them? If then, we are worshipping things, can we be a true witness for what God does?

A true witness does not prevaricate, does not manipulate truth, does not quibble truth (nitpicking it selectively)–they will only speak about those events they actually see or participate in with others. If we Believe The Word, then we can be true witnesses for all God has said when we have hidden the Word in our hearts and have participated in the works of spreading the Gospel.

Do we understand that The God who has no form or origin, no beginning or end is truly The God of Heaven, all Creation and without Him, nothing was ever created; He is not “a god” as others say? Have we fine-tuned our relationship with Him so we know when we hear Him and will not listen to the lies of who speak against Him or oppose Him? Do we know that everything He did for His chosen, He will continue to do until He returns to take us to be with Him?

If we are going to be true witnesses of who He is, we must learn to model our behavior after Him. We should do what He does, according to what He has said. We love, we teach, we admonish and correct, and we forgive and move on. We know not everyone will hear us and that’s their choice; our job is to share the Gospel, not make people believe since we have no authority or ability to make anyone do anything.

We are told by Jesus if others will not hear us to shake the dust off our feet and keep going. In other words–keep it moving–we don’t have time to waste on those who are determined to allow Satan to rule their lives. We pray for them that they will see a need to turn to God, but we cannot make them. We allow them their choice and leave them to their consequences!

God has always allowed people to make choices–and what we actively and consciously do is a choice. He allowed Adam and Eve to make choices and left them to their consequences. He allowed Herod, and all the leaders of Egypt to make their choices and live with their consequences. He is the same God, using the same strategy to get us to Believe Him. He used the prophets and miracles and He’s yet using prophets and miracles and most of us are–miracles--we survived situations that should have killed us, but we are yet here–to testify of His goodness–as true witnesses!

True witnesses understand and believe everything The Word has said because they hear God speaking through Holy Spirit, confirming His Word and directing us in all things. All who believe Him (not man or men), and can act on His behalf are His true witnesses that will bring others into knowledge of Him.

How We Do It!

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”(Psalm 37:3-5, 7,9 NIV)

There are a number of people who have many questions about a Believer’s faith and why or how we do what we do. The answer for those who truly have a relationship with God is in The Word. This particular Psalm is one of my favorites and I recite and meditate on it to remind me how I know my Father determines when I please Him.

First of all, I must trust Him to do all He says He will do. God is not a man that He should lie, so I can place my total confidence in Him, even when I don’t understand everything He asks me to do. I just do it. Writing this blog every day is in part out of obedience to Him. I don’t know why He wants me to do it, I just do.

Making a conscious decision to allow God to direct our paths is only possible when we trust Him. He created the universe and set all things in motion so I know He has a plan to get me where He wants me to be–I just have to follow Him.

With everything I do, I think about whether or not God will be pleased. Not that I’m perfect, but when I do things that line up with the Word, I can’t go wrong. When He is pleased with what I do–by faith, I know He’ll give me the desires of my heart because His Word is true. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

As impatient as some of us are, we must learn to rest in Him, knowing He never tires or sleeps, but is always keeping watch over us and His plans for us. We must learn to expect the fulfilled promises in His timing, not ours. We simply praise and worship Him, while patiently waiting and when we least expect it--He’ll show up and show out! That’s how my Daddy does it! Hallelujah!

We acknowledge the evil in the land, know how to identify the spirit behind it, and know how not to be influenced by it, by submitting to God and watching the devil flee. We should never be concerned about the success of those who are duped by Satan, for their success will not last and we’ll be standing by watching their fall. We can pray for God’s mercy to embrace them and for them to repent, but what they get out of life–is completely up to them. We can either do things God’s Way or our way–influenced by an enemy who hates us and God.

I’ve learned that there is nothing like pleasing God and reaping the rewards for being obedient. That’s how we do it–by learning to trust and please Him!