I love adding pictures to my posts but I struggled to find one that wasn’t so gross my readers wouldn’t take the time to read today’s message.  Most of the pictures I found relating to “Flesh and Blood” were grotesque-many showing disease and decay.   While those images are very tough to view, reality is they are probably more close to accurate at what’s happening not just in physical bodies but in families, work relationships, friendships, and other very important associations we have with people.

The majority response when talking to people about why they no longer attend church, serve in ministry, affiliate with groups they’ve joined, work at certain places of employment, etc., will involve a people/relationship failure.  I woke this morning with a burning question-not just for my readers but for myself as well-How is this so, when the bible clearly states to the contrary that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12), that our fight is not against one another?

As more and more decay occurs, we’ve got to really get this fact engrained in our hearts, minds and spirit.  I am convinced that once we do this, we will look at situations more closely and structure and direct our prayers to more effectively combat the wars raging against us.  Let me ask you, how do you currently pray for those you seem to struggle with?  Do you pray for those individuals?  We should be doing this (see Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28).

We are more powerful than we could ever imagine.  We are more victorious than we will ever embrace.  The only blood that matters is that of our savior, Jesus who shed His blood and died because we, at our very best, were simply not able to redeem ourselves.  God allowed Jesus to endure so much for us-but we don’t want to endure anything.  What God did not do was leave Jesus with us, but in His awesome way of loving us better than we could ever love ourselves, He left the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, to guide us to direct us-but I wonder today, who is really allowing the Holy Spirit to have full control? It is through the Holy Spirit, we are able to shake off every “high” thing that tries to gain access to our hearts, minds and spirits that doesn’t line up with the word of God.  Further, it is through the Holy Spirit that true revelation comes concerning every facet of our lives.

When Jesus, before going to the cross, asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?”, only one of them who had spent all that time with Him-Simon Peter-was able to answer correctly, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God”.  Jesus replied, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in Heaven.”  So what am I trying to say-even with all of our education, credentials and know-how, we are nowhere near as effective as we could be if we are not allowing God to work in us, through us, and around us to overcome all that tries to overtake us.

Flesh and blood, it’s not our struggle, it’s not our power and it’s not what matters.  It’s the blood of Jesus, all He’s done for us, all He’s left with us, and all of Him we allow to work through us.  His blood and our acceptance, adherence, and application-no matter the cost, no matter the loss-this is what truly matters!

How much effort are you putting forth to be good enough? Are you trying your best to live morally right, working hard and being good to those around you? Have you convinced yourself that you can do enough good to be noticed and accepted by God?  If so, then my post today may leave you disappointed and discouraged, but it is my prayer that it will relieve you of the unnecessary stress you have placed on yourself.  NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!  YOU’LL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)- “God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Truth be told God formed us and knew us long ago and he actually planned even then the good things we would do (see v. 10)

So take a deep breath, relax, relate and release.  You don’t have to measure up, you never will.  That’s the reason Christ died for us and continues to make intercession for us. This does not excuse us to wrong doing but should rather push us toward living like Christ out of a gratitude and humility for all He’s done for us and will do for us. Isaac Caree sums up our present responsibility along with our promised future this way:

“So why not give your life to Him

Accept His love and then begin

To stand together hand in hand

And truly God will heal our land

Then we will wear our chains no more

As the walls come crashing to the floor

And then someday, He’ll come again

And we will find our rest in Him

This will be perfect

We will be perfect

We will be perfect

We’ll be simply redeemed!”

When Jesus returns, then and only then, will we not only be good enough-WE WILL BE PERFECT, not because of what we’ve done but because of His redemptive power!

How much effort are you putting forth to be good enough? Are you trying your best to live morally right, working hard and being good to those around you? Have you convinced yourself that you can do enough good to be noticed and accepted by God?  If so, then my post today may leave you disappointed and discouraged, but it is my prayer that it will relieve you of the unnecessary stress you have placed on yourself.  NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!  YOU’LL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)- “God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Truth be told God formed us and knew us long ago and he actually planned even then the good things we would do (see v. 10)

So take a deep breath, relax, relate and release.  You don’t have to measure up, you never will.  That’s the reason Christ died for us and continues to make intercession for us. This does not excuse us to wrong doing but should rather push us toward living like Christ out of a gratitude and humility for all He’s done for us and will do for us. Isaac Caree sums up our present responsibility along with our promised future this way:

“So why not give your life to Him

Accept His love and then begin

To stand together hand in hand

And truly God will heal our land

Then we will wear our chains no more

As the walls come crashing to the floor

And then someday, He’ll come again

And we will find our rest in Him

This will be perfect

We will be perfect

We will be perfect

We’ll be simply redeemed!”

When Jesus returns, then and only then, will we not only be good enough-WE WILL BE PERFECT, not because of what we’ve done but because of His redemptive power!

It really amazes me how much we continue to keep the “plank in our own eyes” which keeps us from really seeing clearly and being able to “remove the speck from our brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

I recently had a conversation concerning someone caught in adultery and found the conversation to be quite hilarious.  The subject of conversation was said to have “burned with anger” at the fact that the woman he was involved with had called the gym he was working out at “pretending to be his wife”. His issue was that she had committed an “illegal” act by doing so.

I found it very interesting that there seemed to be no conviction in the fact that he led her to believe he was rushing to the hospital to pray for an extremely ill church member when she invited him to join her for an early morning event. From what I gathered from the conversation, he never “saw” how “immoral” lying to avoid interacting with this woman was when it wasn’t convenient for him to do so after he had initiated many “illicit” encounters with her previously.

I ask you to consider is one “ill” greater than the other?  What about you?  Perhaps you’ve not done anything “illegal” to land you in court, jail or to have any encounters with the police or law.  Is the same true of “illicit” and “immoral” actions?  Is your only concern getting caught by the “authorities” who lock you up or do you remember that Satan goes before God to accuse us and bring forth our wrongdoings every chance he gets.

The good news is that the same God who justifies us will be the judge of us and not anyone else.  I pray that you will care enough about all God has, is and will do for you as you acknowledge the plain and simple truth that “Ill” is “Ill”.

At first glance, how harsh that may sound but if you know me and my writings of inspiration then you’ve already determined that I am referencing a positive H.I.V. condition.

Good habits, integrity and virtue. Do you have them? I sure hope so.

Habits-“Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” 1 John 3:9 NLT

Integrity-“People with integrity walk safely,but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” Proverbs 10:9

Virtue-“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence(virtue) and moral excellence (virtue) with knowledge,” 2 Peter 1:4-5

I could have offered a dose of Webster or perhaps even my own insight about good habits, integrity and virtue but today as so many are looking for a cure for the many addictions, diseases and troubles that plague them, I am led to offer the only true source of healing, which when properly digested results in complete healing and transformation from the inside out!

H.I.V.-Again I ask do you have it and again I say-I sure hope so!

There is nothing that brings about any more apprehension than a waiting room. Whether it’s an emergency, return visit for test result or even a routine checkup in the middle of a work day, each waiting room experience brings its own level of anxiety and fear.

If you ever have had the waiting room experience, I ask you-what did you do while you waited?  Did you read, did you pray? Did you take your mind off of your own situation by helping to console someone else?  Did you fuss (and maybe curse) about the wait time? Did you threaten to not return? Did you leave without an answer for the reason you were there in the first place?

I think it’s interesting to note that the more severe your reason for being in the waiting room, the more likely you will stay until your answer is given or the situation improves.

The same is true for our waiting room experiences that we have with God. He does not always answer us right away or provide immediate solutions to our problems. We often times must wait through turbulent situations which try our patience.  I ask you what do you do while you wait?

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31 KJV

It is my prayer that you don’t give up and leave the waiting room before you get your answer, your solution. Pray, read, help someone else while you wait! But most of all believe God’s promises for those who wait it out no matter how long it takes!

There is a lot going on today in churches.  A lot of activities, often called “ministries” and a lot of moving and shaking.  I still can’t seem to rest with what I witness.  I must ask you when you decided on a church home, what was the deciding factor?  Was it the connections you’d make to help build your business, was it the prestigious people you’d be able to say you “worshipped” with?  Was it the famous people who stopped by from time to time?  Was it the fact that the church only lasted one hour from start to finish?  What was it?

I have to ask you-where in the world was the word when you made your decision?  Yes, the word of God!

“All Scripture has been inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16

So how are we doing so much without it?  We are singing and shouting but we only pick up our bibles when the Pastor delivers the message.  We are leading ministries and never attending bible study or setting aside time to be poured into or replenished as we pour out to others.  We are busy, committed to the task, but somehow we operate in it without the word.  I am convinced this is why we continue to see so much more of the world in the church and so little word in the world.

I recently heard and believe this to be true that no matter what the critics say, “the church will always be a powerful force in representing Christ and illuminating light in a dark world”.  What role do you play in being that light?  How in the world are you doing it without the word?  How much of the word is in you?  When faced with opposition, what words come out of you?  In times of trouble, what word are you holding on to? When you are in a blessed position and the favor of the Lord is upon you, what words do you use to express your gratitude? Do you express your gratitude because you know that the word says “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17

I pray today that those you encounter each day will not have to ask, “Where in the world is the word” because they will be able to see it living, breathing and illuminating on the inside and outside of you!”

Sunblock is a substance that provides a high degree of protection against sunburn, often preventing most tanning as well as burning, as by obstructing the penetration of ultraviolet rays. As seen in the picture it can be a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.

While this type of blocking has been very effective for both children and adults during the summer months, there is a type of blocking that continues to render itself ineffective.  It is the “son” block.  Often times as you try to walk in your God-given calling or assignment, you experience rejection, sadly enough and often times from the most unexpected people and places.

Be encouraged today.  Since the word of God is there to always remind us that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12 NLT), we must remember that it’s not us that’s being rejected but the light representing the “son” of God in us that’s being rejected.

“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15 NLT).

You stand out because you have the light and love of Jesus in you.  It illuminates the dark places that surround you.  Unfortunately everyone is not ready to come out of darkness.  Some continue to prefer total darkness while many others light up in church and around other believers but still attempt to keep areas of their lives in the darkness, hoping no one will notice and rejecting any attempt of the light to shine on those areas.

Do not be dismayed.  Any attempts of the enemy to block the “son” light in you are ineffective.  As with sunblock there will be constant attempts to obstruct the penetration of the light of God in you into areas darkness is still the desirable state.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10 NLT).  And shine, shine, shine-for you cannot be hidden!

Have you ever had a disappointing or hurting situation that you decided you would stay in? Leaving a situation is not always the best option so I ask you-how did you stay?

Did you stay with animosity? Did you stay playing the revenge game? Did you stay with no interest, no motivation, no determination to be your very best? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, I ask you poignantly-why did you stay?

The challenge today if you choose to stay is to get up and get over it!  Yes-in order to  be the very best and have God’s very best we must be willing to get up and get over it- whether we stay in or get out of it!  A runner in a race doesn’t quit because the baton is dropped. He gets the baton and gives it his very best!  He realizes that as long as the race isn’t over, anything can happen!

Paul said it this way, ” I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me….I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Phil 3:12-14

if you’ve decided to stay in the race, whether someone else drops the baton or you fall down, don’t get up or continue lackadaisically. You’ll never know the outcome until the very end!

I charge you-get up and get over it!

I’ve been pondering the thought of what people will do for “security” reasons.  Many people will stay in hopeless, endless jobs, relationships and even churches because it feels secure because it’s all they’ve known.  Many people will cover for others-cover up a crime, cover up an affair, cover up a bruise on their face-because the money, title, and prestige that comes from being “connected” to that individual feels like “security”.

I must ask the questions.  Is this security?  Who or what is really being protected?  Is this really “keeping the peace”? Perhaps you will answer yes. Like many other “sayings” the word of God addresses peacemaking, not peacekeeping.

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 KJV)  The definition of “make” is to cause something to exist or come about.  to bring about.  This implies that peace must be created in times and situations when it does not exist.  The NLT versions says Matthew 5:9 this way, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Today’s blog is a “call to action”, a call to an honest assessment of situations we find ourselves in where peace really does not exist.  It is a call to prayerfully consider what actions you should take to make peace. No matter how tough, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the temporary loss, I pray that you will recognize that the blessings you desire from God may be directly tied to your willingness to do so.

The security of our homelands is in making peace and not pretending to keep peace in situations where no peace really exists.