This is the message given to Prevailing Truth Ministries on 05/20/2012. It speaks to the importance of realizing that, as followers of Christ we will go through trials and experience persecution. The important thing to remember is to stay in TRUTH and keep our eyes fixed in Christ, never trading TRUTH for worldly treasure.

Hebrews 5:7

“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death.”

When was the last time you cried?  I don’t mean shedding a tear or two at a sad movie; I mean really crying… pouring it all out… snotty nosed,  uncontrollable crying!

Tears are truly prayer without words… they flow from your heart straight to the Father, who knows your heart… (Psalm 44:21 “God would surely have known it, for he knows the secrets of every heart.“)  

Get alone and have a good cry, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel, how much lighter your load becomes…

“Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart.”  Ecclesiastes 7:3

Put your God ears on…

This is the message given to Prevailing Truth on 05/13/2012. It speaks to the importance of recognizing the we are blessed when things are not going our way according to the world. It draws deep truths from Matthew 5, unfolding the mysteries of the love of God in our darkest moments, when we are at the end of our rope. Sometimes, when we feel we are under attack, we are actually being drawn closer to the well of truth that is Jesus Christ and the love of our father, almighty God.

Romans 8:35-39

 ”Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: 
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”

Oh my, what a glorious picture!  Held in His arms of love as the fiery arrows of the world fly by…

That’s where he wants us to remain… in good times and not so good times…  At peace… Knowing… Trusting… Loving…♥

 ”We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.”  1John 4:16

Matthew 7:13-14

 ”Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.”

No one ever said this journey would be easy; however, we already have the victory… the kingdom already belongs to us… So what do we do in the meantime?

* Love ~ laying down hurts, offenses, and unforgiveness.

* Speak the truth ~ in love.

* Stand firm on our faith.

* Keeping peace and joy in our hearts.

“People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.”               2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Psalm 121 – The Message

1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moon-stroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

I just love Psalm 121. So much truth. So few words. That is the way we should be – true, quiet, and confident that God is protecting us. It is so easy to fall into the lies of the world. Thank you father for your truth and discernment.

Colossians 4:5-6

 ”Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”

Back to the grindstone… weekends over, Sunday’s done… now what?  Do you leave God at home and become self reliant? Is your countenance different when your in the “world” ? Does your heart become hardened as the day progresses?

It’s a hostile world no doubt; but your not alone ~ God’s not on a shelf in your bedroom ~ He’s right there by your side; He knows exactly what your facing today; and He’s whispering to you…”Don’t say that, be kind instead.” ; “Forgive her, she didn’t mean it. She’s hurting” ; “Take the side road today, you’ll avoid the crash.”

It’s vital that you.. we.. keep our hearts right. That we are the same God fearing, God loving, Jesus freak no matter where we are and what we’re doing.

“Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health. 
Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust”  Proverbs 4:20-27

Psalm 117

“Praise God, everybody! Applaud God, all people! His love has taken over our lives; God’s faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah!”

Be a Canon, Be a Nikon…. take a snap shot of your life… right now!  This very second!

How’s it look?  Can you see clearly how good your life is?  I mean your alive ~ I’m guessing because your reading this =}…  You have shelter… Your clothed… Your loved!

What more could you ask for; do you really need it?

The Lord has given you a glorious gift… this moment right now!!

Don’t relive the woes of yesterday ~ Don’t fret over tomorrow ~ focus on right here… right now…

“Thank God because he’s good, because his love never quits. Tell the world, …. “His love never quits.” Psalm 118:1-2