July 9 Thought for the day...what's following you

We can't help but influence people. As people see and talk with us, they are impacted and influenced by who we are, what we say, and what we do. Jesus has called us to have an even more significant impact than we can imagine.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17,18

What does this mean? A "sign" here means a signature, the way we live our lives and the things we do are to so God's signature on our lives. The power we flow in is to be the "stamp" of God's life on our lives. The things we are supposed to do so that God is with us in a world of unbelief. The specific "signs" in our lives are...

- They will cast out devils.
- They will speak with new tongues.
- They will take up serpents.
- If they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them.
- They will lay hands on the sick, and the sick will recover.

Wow, that is some powerful stuff! I will talk about what each of these means in the next few days of "thoughts."

I do want to talk about "follow," what does Jesus mean when he says, "follow?" The idea here is not of passivity but actively not just following but pursuing, being a true disciple of Jesus. It shows someone tirelessly accompanying someone, sticking by their side in every season and situation, it is a commitment to be in step with the message so as a direct result the signs follow the message we live.

These signs are the verification of the message we live so no matter where we are, we should be sharing the message through words, deeds, or words and deeds and these signs will verify the message.

By now you are asking why don't I see them? The answer is in the next word, "believe!" The tense used for this word means "constantly believing." We should always believe that every time we minister to someone, God will begin to put His signature on what we are doing by showing up with these signs. The number of signs and wonders that follow us is determined by the activation of our faith to believe for them. God wants them flowing through us; we need to believe and allow them to flow. So when you preach and share the Gospel, expect things to happen! When you pray for the sick, expect them to be healed. When you confront someone who is demonized, expect that person to be set free. When you are in a situation that requires the miraculous, expect the miraculous to occur. When you need protection, expect God’s hand of protection to be upon you.

If you haven't seen these things in your life, that's OK. However, having read this, you need to ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle that flame in you to expect God's signature on you as you begin to apply faith to the message you live and share!

July 8 Thought for the day....be the "Kerux"

Have you ever thought about what Jesus meant by "preach the Gospel?" Did you think that means you need a pulpit and a church? The word preach tells an interesting story. Let's look at the scripture.

"And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

The word Jesus uses to say, "preach" means to be God's spokesman. The title used for a spokesman of the king is called "kerux." This is what Jesus was talking about when he said: "preach." A kerux had an extremely important role. He was respected by all people because he was one of the few people who had direct access to the King.

When the King had a message to deliver, he would summon the kerux. The kerux would sit silent listening to every word of the King so he might deliver the message exactly as the King wanted it. Once the King was done speaking, he had the freedom to ask any and all questions he might have. The kerux was to deliver not only the words of the king but so understand the King's heart and emotions behind it that it came out of their mouth as it came out of the mouth of the King!

The words were not the only message conveyed by the kerux. They must be a person of grace, kindness, strength, and love. They had to deliver the heart of the King in every way. They would only deliver the King's words, not adding or subtracting anything from it. If he were not versed on what the King had to say about a particular subject, he would remain silent. He also was a man of character and integrity because he was representing the King.

So as those who are to "preach" the Gospel we must...

1) Spend time listening to and being with the King
2) We must not only know the Kings words but his heart as well
3) We must be an example of the King in words and action
4) When we are unsure what to do, we must remain at peace until we hear from the King. We must never respond out of our will
5) We must also always be people of character and integrity

You thought preaching meant only to share the Gospel with people...it does, but it is not merely in words but action and attitude as well. So preach the Gospel many times you will use words, but sometimes it will be your actions and attitude will speak more than your words!

July 5 Thought for the day...reaching your world

Each of us has a purpose for our lives. We are called to influence those around us for the good, to be salt and light but are we all called to pack up and leave everything and everyone to travel around the world? Let's look at how we are to change our world.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19

We will look at this verse then one other version of it today to see what Jesus meant. The word, "nations" here is the word "ethos" or ethnic groups, groups of differing cultures, customs, and civilizations. Jesus is challenging us to look beyond our heritage, skin color, culture, and custom to more than share the Gospel but to make disciples (help people become like Jesus). We used to have to travel around the world to do that, but now the various "ethos" is down the street from us, come into our places of work, play with our kids on their teams. We don't have to travel the world to reach every nation.

Mark's version is slightly different. Mark was the scribe for Peter, so it is really Peter's Gospel that we are reading when he says in 16:15 "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." The word used for "world" is the Greek word "kosmos" which has its root in systems as in political, a sphere of influence, circle of friends. Paul used this word when describing that Satan is the god of this world, not meaning this earth literally, but he has been given authority over various systems like our political, economic, or social arenas. Peter, under the same inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is challenging us to impact people by working in the systems of this world, our peer groups, social groups, the political world, business world. Any area that has influence in our culture we are to go into the system and impact it for the Kingdom.

Are we to go around the world to impact nations for God? Yes, is the answer! Almost more importantly, we are called to change our world right where God has us, where we work, our neighborhood, the sports teams our kids are on, and the places where we are not comfortable with different economic, racial, cultural groups as well as groups with different customs.

Look around you, there are both an "ethos" and "kosmos" everywhere you look. Where is your closest group you are called to impact? You are salt and light allow the Lord to use you to impact everywhere you are!

July 4 Thought for the day...encourage one another

To all my readers in the US, Happy Independence day! The United States is so named because it was not a nation divided but one united so I thought for today, it would be appropriate to encourage you about our need for each other.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

The word "exhort" gives the picture of someone who has come closely alongside another person for the sake of speaking to him, consoling him, comforting him, or assisting him with instruction, counsel, or advice. This word is meant to be so helpful; it is translated in many places as "encouragement." A form of this word is what Jesus calls the Holy Spirit as the Comforter (John 14:16)

The word also is in a tense that means to do so continually. We are to not just encourage one another once, but it should be something we always do, it keeps our hearts soft!

The writer is telling us to encourage, comfort, give advice, standing with them on a daily basis. We need to take the time to ask, "How people are doing?" Encourage everyone to know they are appreciated, not just on a one-time, basis but daily (while it is today).

The current condition of our nation is sad, rather than building one another up, we are tearing one another down. Rather than growing through encouragement and unity, we are increasing division. Generally, opinions are as a culture we have a hopeless outlook. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to change all of that. You need to be encouraged, and you need to encourage others, daily, continually, regularly. Let's rebuild our unity and let's start with our friends, neighbors, church, and family. From that core, we can rebuild our nation and change our world.

July 3 Thought for the day....feeling a tug

It is awesome to me the way the Lord leads. Even in the simplest things he can cause us to make wise purchases, make the correct turn on a highway, and give us great wisdom in everything we do, provided we choose to allow Him to lead.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14

The word "lead" is the idea of an animal being trained to walk properly. A rope is tied around its neck, and the master will tug or pull on the rope until the animal begins to simply follow. If we are willing, this is what the Holy Spirit will do for us.

I don't know about you, but there are times where I can be stubborn. I get comfortable doing things a certain way, being around certain people, even having certain theological understandings. I am glad the Lord loves me enough to allow me to get comfortable. He knows my heart and knows I want so much to be everything He wants me to be so sometimes He has to tug on me to get me to where I need to be! How about you?

It can be scary to follow His lead, but after I have learned to trust in some new area, He no longer needs to tug but gently leads me to the place I want to be!

We always must remember Jesus called the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. As He is leading us, we can rest assured that it is the best place, the place we were created to be, and a place of growth and maturity. Our Father will not lie to us, deceive us, nor will He play games with us. He leads us, always into truth, life, and power.

By allowing Him to lead, we reflect the Father's heart in all we say and do. This is the way we prove to the world we are the children of God. Let Him lead you every day. Choose to trust that He has an amazing plan for you, even for today! He loves you and created you for a destiny, if you allow Him to lead, you will get there and get there in His and your perfect timing!

July 2 Thought for the day....what we love to talk about but shouldn't

If there is a problem that is, blatant, out in the open, we will notice and deal with it. However, if it is hidden, chances are we will not see it unless it causes us trouble. Gossip does this to both the person who participates and the recipient. Most people do not realize the damage this "innocent" sin causes.

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" Ephesians 4:29

I better start by defining gossip, what is one of the primary meanings for the phrase, "corrupt word."

It describes a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or reports of an intimate nature that are none of his business. For instance, gossip would include: Talking about other people's business and things that do not concern you. Repeating what someone else said, even though you don't know whether or not it's true. Talking to others as if you were an authority on matters that are other people's business when, in reality, you don't know what you are talking about.

One of the problems with gossip is that the person who is the victim has no way to defend themselves either they never hear about the gossip or if they do and try to defend themselves, they can be perceived as guilty even in their defense because the gossiper has damaged their reputation. God hates gossip! Gossipers are among those who do not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. That doesn't mean if you gossip once your spirit is in jeopardy, but a habit of gossiping means your heart has been corrupted and that corruption, if not dealt with, will eventually lead to your spirit being corrupted and relationship with the Lord broken.

Paul continues in the next verse, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit," the implication being that corrupt communication causes the Holy Spirit to be grieved, youch! The word gossip in the Greek also means to whisper. As most gossip is based on hearsay and a lack of facts and/or understanding, it is most often whispered. A rule to help you eliminate gossip in your life is to ask yourself, "could I say this in public? Have I said this to the person, face to face?

If we are honest, most of us have gossiped, and whether we know it or not, most of us have been the victim of gossip. When you have a heart to gossip, your heart is generally hurting. Confess your heart to gossip and ask the Lord to heal your heart or wound so you can...Philippians 4:8 Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

July 1 Thought for the day....stand for your leaders

Today's thought may seem self-serving but believe me, it is very much for your blessing as well. Every spiritual leader in your life, your pastors, mentors, teachers all are in need of your prayers to effectively bless, strengthen, and encourage you. Paul challenges the church with this thought with 6 key needs in prayer.

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Romans 15:30-32

Paul was one of the most powerful and effective teachers, apostles, and pastors who ever lived, and he requested this support from the church in Rome. He begins by saying, "strive" with him. This word is a compound word meaning to stand with while agonizing in warfare or fighting an intense battle. He is asking that you recognize the battle your leader is in daily and support them in it, through prayer. Just as in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples to stand with him, we need you to stand with your leaders.

Second, he asked for prayer to be "delivered from those who do not believe." Paul had battled many both outside and inside the church who were seeking to hurt him or the ministry through lies, gossip, stirring trouble, rebellion, and other things. Leaders today battle this on a daily basis both inside and outside the church. If the devil can resist or frustrate a leader, he can defeat a move of God and hurt your growth and ministry.

Third, "service be acceptable" this word means ministry. The desire of every spiritual leader's heart is that everyone would be open to receive what the Holy Spirit has placed on his/her heart for the people. They have fought through by prayer, fasting, and intense study, to hear specifically what God would say but if the people are not open or are distracted they miss the "word of the Lord" for them!

Fourth, "come with joy," thousands of ministers leave the ministry yearly because of the frustration. They pour their lives into people only to have them disregard their counsel or leave the church or ministry. The heartbreak of watching people self-destruct by their own choosing or the short-sightedness that causes shipwreck in the long run. Part of the fruit of the Spirit is joy, and for leaders, it is a must, daily, to live in joy. Paul's heart and every leader's heart are to minister out of joy!

Fifth, Paul's challenge for prayer is "the will of God." Every leader's heart's cry is to always present God's plan, purpose, and design, which is what this word "will" means. It is a dangerous thing to preach or teach our own desires rather than God's. Pray for your leaders that they always have God's wisdom and heart for every situation.

Last, Paul asked for prayer for "refreshing." This is a compound word that Paul is stressing just like everyone else, your spiritual leaders need times of refreshing, specifically a time of calm, soothing, ministry to the body, mind, and spirit by others. Everyday all day long, most of your leaders are handling your problems, and other people's problems either personally or in prayer. Most people see the leader through their teaching/preaching ministry, but for most of us, that is a very small portion of what is done in ministry.

A true spiritual leader is generally on-call 24/7. They need your prayers, and if I can be selfish, the pastors, elders, and leaders of our church and I, all need this type of prayer. Thank you in advance for praying this way for all the spiritual leaders in our world! It is for your benefit to have healthy, refreshed spiritual leaders.