“Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”2 Corinthians 5:17

As Believers, we can find ourselves stuck in old patterns…haunted by our habits…unable to make spiritual progress or experience the fullness of God’s promises…and failing to realize the depth of His blessings. What is the answer? We need a new revelation, a new way of thinking, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Paul, we need to realize that, through Christ, everything has changed. We are a new creation! We don’t have to be trapped in the past, for everything old is gone. And the process of making things new continues. The Bible tells us that God spoke from His throne and declared, “I am making everything new” (Revelation 21:5). Brothers & Sisters, how easily we can remain conformed to the old patterns. We may need to think new thoughts and get rid of our old ways of looking at things. This will happen as we stand on God’s Word, allow Him to empower us by His Spirit, and believe that all things are possible.

“When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions…She spoke with him about all that was on her heart.” 2 Chronicles 9:1

The Queen of Sheba had doubts. Although she had heard of Solomon’s reputation for great wisdom, the reports seemed so improbable that she decided to investigate for herself. Rather than coming for a polite social visit, the queen came to “test” Solomon. The Hebrew word here indicates that her goal was to try Solomon, examine his response to her questions, and force him to prove the accuracy of his reputation. How did she do this? In part with “difficult questions.” The Hebrew word here indicates that these questions could have been riddles or puzzles that would trick him or stretch his mind. They also could have been deep philosophical questions with no clear answers. Or she may have challenged him by asking questions that could have been considered “too hard”. We also know that the Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem with a caravan loaded with riches, ready to impress Solomon. She gave him gifts or offerings to show him honor. Solomon was ready for her questions, and he passed every test. After hearing his answers and seeing the splendor of Jerusalem, she was “breathless” and “overwhelmed”. She initially had doubted the reports, but what she witnessed far surpassed what she had heard. Solomon demonstrated the importance of a good reputation that can be backed up. In our lives, too, we must realize that we will be tested. Other people will observe how we live and want to know if we can answer their questions. Brothers & Sisters, ask God to help you to be ready for the tests that come your way. Faithfully walk with Jesus, every day. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom (James 1:5), and fill your mind and heart with His Word. Be ready to defend your faith. Seek to put the principles of the Bible into practice, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."Colossians 3:23-24

Brothers & Sisters, to be a freed SLAVE of our God is to be a devoted SERVANT whose WORK is WORSHIP. So, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." [Colossians 3:23-24] YOU HAVE BEEN FREED TO WORSHIP!

"Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."Matthew 24:46

We are called to be servants, are we not? Well, what does a servant do? He (or she) carries out the will of his master. A servant doesn't tell his master what to do -- he performs whatever tasks the master requests of him. A servant doesn't choose what days or times it's most convenient to serve his master. A servant's function is simply to follow and obey his master’s instructions. A servant does not develop a vision for the master either. The master is the one with the vision -- and he wants his servants to be ready and available to carry out that vision and bring it to fruition. How can we experience fulfillment in our lives? Simply by serving our Master -- our Heavenly Father. The world encourages us to seek counterfeit fulfillment -- power success -- prosperity. The more of these things we gain, the more our flesh wants more. It is our sinful human nature. We will never find true fulfillment when we seek these things. We must become servants if we want to experience true fulfillment. We need to become lowly, meek and humble. As God's servants we should have no other agenda, except to do His will. When we become faithful to do His will, then He will fulfill the aspirations He desires for us in our lives… and even those things we desire! Brothers & Sisters, as God's faithful servant -- we share in His success, we have direct access to His power and wealth and are able to walk in His authority! Let’s get our hearts in servant mode and watch how God brings about all the things we need and want. HAVE A SERVANT'S HEART!

“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.”Mark 11:23

What blocks God’s power in our lives? What prevents us from experiencing answers to prayer? One of the primary problems is doubt. The Bible repeatedly points to faith as a central ingredient in receiving answers to our prayers and experiencing God’s healing power. Faith means trusting in God completely, regardless of the circumstances and no matter what other people might say. The Bible says we must “walk by faith,” no matter how things appear (2 Corinthians 5:7). And we must trust God even if the obstacle before us seems as big as a “mountain.” But doubt often stands in our way and sabotages our faith. When it enters our minds, our faith is undercut, and we focus on reasons why our prayers won’t be answered. To understand how doubt operates, it can help to realize that the Greek word translated here as “doubt” has a legal basis. This compound word involves making a judgment and judging the conditions we face. Like a judge, we are deciding the outcome in advance. In effect, we’re telling God why we don’t trust Him or redefining what we think He meant. However, this process inevitably means separating ourselves from Him, placing a barrier between what He has said and what we believe. In contrast, faith means trusting in God and His Word, simply believing that He means what He says. It means not resisting Him or denying His Word. Jesus said that if we want to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be like little children (Luke 18:17). This means having absolute faith and trust in God. It means believing and not doubting. Brothers & Sisters, what are the mountains you face? Sickness? Finances? Relationships? Remember that God has given you His Word, and His promises are true. Be on guard against the poisoning influence of doubt. Be a person of faith, not doubting God, but believing His promises are true.

"But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, and on my coming I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away."Matthew 25:26-29

Reading this parable, we are struck by the serious consequences of failing to produce Kingdom fruit. But there's something I want to particularly point out. Many of the great heroes of the faith -- people like Moses and David, were not given great responsibilities immediately. Each of these men first served as a lowly shepherd, tending sheep. Having tested them first in this humble vocation, God then felt confident to elevate them to positions of greatness -- but it all started with a small step! God is testing his saints in the little things -- as we pass our early tests, the Lord will promote us to greater things. Don't despise the day of small things -- a single talent invested wisely can produce a bountiful harvest! And remember that it begins with faithful stewardship of whatever gift or talent that God has allocated to you. Brothers & Sisters, let's be wise stewards in these last days, using our divinely given abilities for His glory and purposes so that we can produce an abundant return on the Lord's investment in our lives. Let's heed the warning and the encouragement that Jesus gives us in this parable, multiplying, rather than hiding our talent. Amen! MULTIPLY YOUR TALENTS!

"And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the first fruits unto the LORD."Leviticus 23:15-17

In the Old Testament, the Lord commanded Israel to count the the Barley Harvest beginning the day after the sabbath during Passover, 50 days to the Biblical Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost). A remarkable fact is that for nearly 2000 years the Jewish people had no homeland, and no harvest to count – yet they continued to count the Barley Harvest, counting a harvest that did not exist. Then, about 130 years ago a historical miracle began as the Lord drew the Jewish people back to their ancient homeland, the land of Israel. The land was revived from dusty desert, and the barley harvest was restored, (as well a multitude of other crops), so that now, the Barley Harvest is counted as it was in ancient times, with an actual harvest! Now, if the Jews in diaspora could count the days of a non-existent harvest, in expectation of a divine blessing which they earnestly hoped for, then they set an excellent example for us who trust in the Messiah they gave to the world. Since faith is the conviction of things NOT seen, we, also, can begin to give thanks for blessings we're praying for, but have yet to receive. Our unsaved loved-one, chronic illness, broken relationship, financial disaster, loss of vision.....all these are trials which are testing and maturing our faith. We can rejoice in them, even as we give thanks in the expectation of victory, restoration, and a harvest of righteousness which is on the way. And may these come to many of us by Shavuot, this year (June 3rd). Brothers & Sisters, thank the Lord for the blessings you're about to receive -- they're on the way! COUNTING THE BARLEY HARVEST -- AND YOUR BLESSINGS!

“David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.”1 Chronicles 11:9

David’s father thought so little of him that he never even considered him when Samuel came to Bethlehem, looking for the next king (1 Samuel 16). David’s brother, Eliab, thought so little of David that he accused him of “insolence” and “wickedness” when he approached others about the challenge presented by Goliath. Eliab thought that David was being irresponsible, leaving behind the family flocks (1 Samuel 17:28). Yet, within a few short years, David went from a mere shepherd boy to becoming the king of Israel. Even though he had no military training, overnight he became Israel’s champion. What caused this radical transition? The Bible says the key was that God was with him. And because of His blessings, “David became greater and greater.” When Samuel first saw Eliab, he thought Eliab surely must be God’s choice as the next king. But God said He had rejected Eliab, because He looks at people not according to their appearance but their heart (1 Samuel 16:6-7). God saw something in David that everyone else had missed. He saw a man with the right attitude…who was humble and yet fearless…who trusted in Him…and who was spiritually mature and sensitive to His presence. David demonstrated the right path to receive God’s blessings and favor—the path that leads to promotion. It can be easy to focus on the honors and rewards of the world, but God directs us to walk in a completely different way. Brothers & Sisters, in your life, remember that God’s path to success starts with acknowledging that He is with you! You must recognize that He is sovereign over everything, whether individuals or nations, businesses or governments. Like David, you need to focus on pleasing the Lord and seeking first His Kingdom. And don’t forget to Sow the Seeds you have been given, faithful to be a good steward of your resources.

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us,through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."Hebrews 10:19-23

The New Testament records that when Jesus died; there was a great earthquake and the veil of the Temple was torn in two. The size of this gigantic veil is not recorded in the NT...but we read from other sources that it was roughly 60 feet long and 30 feet wide with multiple woven layers the thickness of a man's hand! It was hung on a crossbeam stone – a lintel – which was over 30 feet long and weighed more than 30 tons! It was not an easy cloth to tear... That not only was the veil torn, but the great earthquake had also caused the lintel of the Temple to be broken in two. In fact, it seems that the breaking of the lintel was what caused the veil to be torn in half from top to bottom, since the veil hung down from the lintel. In the culture of the Jewish people, a father will commonly mourn the loss of his son by rending or tearing his garment... Can we suggest that the rending of the Temple's veil likewise, dramatically expressed our Heavenly Father's agony over the death of Jesus, His only begotten Son? The way was prepared through the death of the Son of God for us to have access to the Holy of Holies, that place on earth which was prepared for the abiding Presence of God's Spirit, and, in earlier Temple times, actually contained His Glory. In the death of the Messiah, every barrier and obstacle, even a 30 ton stone that needed to be broken – was removed, to make a way for us to have an intimate relationship with the Father! Brothers & Sisters, the sound of ripping cloth, the rending of a massive veil, echoes throughout history to this very day. The agony of that sound of mourning opened for us "a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" [Hebrews 10:20]...so that now, at any time, we can approach our Heavenly Father with boldness and confidence in His love and acceptance. As we embrace the sacrifice of Jesus, come with a clean heart in His righteousness, we may fully expect His constant intervention and blessing in our everyday lives--- because the way has been permanently opened to us! THE VEIL WAS TORN!

“Reuben…was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.”1 Chronicles 5:1-2

In ancient societies, the firstborn son had enormous privileges. The process even has been given a name: “primogeniture.” This simply meant that the oldest son inherited the primary percentage of the inheritance, as well as the power, authority, and position. We see this throughout the Bible, for example, as the oldest son of kings usually became the next king. As the firstborn son of Israel, Reuben stood to inherit the family birthright. But he slept with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22) and “defiled his father’s couch.” Although that action may have brought momentary pleasure, Reuben discovered that, as a consequence, he forfeited his birthright. What a price! That privilege (along with all that it conveyed) was given to Joseph instead. Like Reuben, all of us need to remember that we Reap what we Sow (Galatians 6:7). This applies in every area of our lives: our relationships and work, our spiritual lives and finances. God is merciful and forgiving, but we still Reap the consequences of our actions. This is something Reuben learned the hard way. Brothers & Sisters,Today, think about his example in your life. Remember that you, too, will Reap what you Sow. Like Reuben, you will Reap negative consequences when you Sow negative Seeds. But you also can expect positive results when you Sow positive Seeds. You are Sowing positive Seeds when you are kind and loving…when you obey God’s Word and follow the leading of His Spirit…when you invest the Seeds He has given you into His Kingdom…and when you are faithful with the resources you have been given.

“Momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

To an infinitely greater degree, God knows how to shape our lives into vessels that reflect His glory and fulfill His purposes. But we must cooperate with Him. The Lord promises a life of blessing and “an eternal weight of glory.” Although these sound like wonderful results, along the way He sometimes has to bring us through what Paul called “momentary, light affliction.” These may be struggles or problems of various kinds. We may face situations that stretch us or force us to confront our weaknesses. At times, we even may wonder if God has forgotten us. At times like these, we must realize that God is perfecting us. He wants to bring us to new dimensions and teach us more about Himself and His Word. He is helping us experience an “eternal glory” that will make every difficulty worthwhile. Brothers & Sisters, In your life, remember that God is at work to bring you to perfection (Philippians 1:6). Commit the challenges of your life to Him. Trust Him and cooperate with Him. Have faith that He will bring you through every trial, meet every need, and help you emerge as more victorious than ever before.

“He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 25:8

Paul wrote that, because of sin, death has reigned in all our lives (Romans 5:17). We feel this cruel reign as we experience the impact of sin in the world. Yet, even in the Old Testament, the Bible promises that one day God would swallow up death in victory. There would be no more loss, no more pain. Through the Resurrection of Jesus, everything changes for us. We still experience the consequences of sin and sometimes face strained relationships and financial, emotional, or physical needs. We still endure pain and may shed tears because of problems or troubles in the world. But we can be victorious because of the finished work of Jesus on the Cross for us. We need to remember the words of Paul that “if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). God has promised His Resurrection life and power to all who believe in Jesus! He has promised to quicken our mortal bodies! Brothers & Sisters today, no matter what struggles you face, remember that Jesus died for your sins. You can be forgiven of every sin you’ve committed. You can be healed, because by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). You can know the power of His Resurrection to change your life—right now! Declare victory, and dedicate your life to Him! He has swallowed up death for all time! And He will wipe away every tear from your eyes!

"The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."Ecc. 1:5-6;9

Brothers & Sisters, anniversaries can be positive, and awaken joyful memories, or...they can recall difficult moments which cause us to brace inwardly and wonder if some kind of trouble will arrive once again. God is the Lord of history and His purposes stand for our good in any case, so we needn't fear the future under His care. During this season when much trouble has been seen in history, let us be watching and ready to stand in the gap and to unleash prayers as the need arises. STAND ON THE WALL!

"At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time." 8 So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. 9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal,and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho."Joshua 5:2, 8-10 ; "but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart,in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God."Romans 2:29

Passover celebrates Israel's final departure from Egypt – that's why we read about it in "Exodus!" Leaving their former lives of slavery, the Jewish people now pressed forward looking toward the "Promised Land" and a new way of life. Their purpose was not only departure – it was also arrival to a new destination. Now there was a significant 40 year delay in the wilderness.... .....but Israel finally crossed over the Jordan river into the 'Promised land'. And as they entered the land, Joshua was commanded to circumcise Israel a “second time”. This circumcision of the flesh was required for their passage into the Promised Land, and I believe it is a picture for us. The flesh must be sacrificed for us to enter our inheritance. While the Passover event is a picture of our deliverance from sin and death through the sacrificed Lamb, this "circumcision" of the flesh is required for a fruitful life in the spirit which produces an inheritance. One might also see it as a circumcision of the heart, a removing of flesh which makes our heart alive and sensitive to the Lord and to others producing a life of love and good fruit. Brothers & Sister, deliverance from sin and death is a free gift through the sacrifice of Messiah our perfect Lamb. Our response should be to offer our bodies, our flesh, as living sacrifices that we may enter the destiny of love and fruitfulness which is our own personal Promised Land. A life of holiness is the fruit of a circumcised heart which will yield a rich inheritance in the world to come. CIRCUMCISED A SECOND TIME?

"Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."Matthew 11:28-30

Many people take vacations because they're exhausted from working, and need an extended rest to be restored and revitalized. Yet, ironically, more often than not, when they return home, they feel the need for another break to recover from the vacation they just took! Something is missing ... and I think it has to do with the essence of Jesus invitation, "Come unto me..." Our relationship with Jesus contains a promise of rest. His yoke is not a heavy yoke of "religious" performance, but an invitation to an intimate relationship which is restful and truly empowering. His joy will be our strength, and serving Him in that relationship will not make us weary or worn out, but actually invigorate, revitalize and re-energize us IF we are doing it with His help, His power. When Jesus was here on earth He was surrounded by those who were constantly in need. He faced harsh opposition, and rarely found any privacy. And even in those private times, when he secluded himself for rest -- we read that He didn't sleep, but rather He prayed through the night. Jesus found His deepest rest in the presence of His Father. Brothers & Sisters, now, there's nothing wrong with vacations, and we all really do need to disconnect from our work routine from time to time, but are you feeling worn out or weary, or even close to "burn-out"? Then it's time to renew and refresh your relationship and allow Jesus to give you His rest. Wait on the Lord, He will renew your strength, and His rest will restore your weary soul, revitalize your body, and empower you to continue in the vision and calling He gave to you. Find your rest in Him this weekend! ARE YOU FEELING WORN OUT AND WEARY?

"My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust."Isaiah 51:5

A group of scientists and botanists were exploring remote regions of the Alps in search of new species of flowers. One day they noticed through binoculars a flower of such rarity and beauty that its value to science was incalculable. But it lay deep in a ravine with cliffs on both sides. To get the flower someone had to be lowered over the cliff on a rope. A curious young boy was watching nearby, and the scientists told him they would pay him well if he would agree to be lowered over the cliff to retrieve the flower below. The boy took one long look down the steep, dizzy depths and said, "I'll be back in a minute." A short time later he returned, followed by a gray-haired man. Approaching the botanist, the boy said, "I'll go over that cliff and get that flower for you if this man holds the rope. He's my dad." His whole assurance was based in the fact that his father was trustworthy. Brothers & Sisters, our Heavenly Father wants us to place our entire trust in Him and is pleased to show His faithfulness, we can trust Him to hold us even when it seems we are on the very edge! TRUST HIM!

"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."Matthew 14:23

There were times that Jesus separated himself from the multitudes -- and there are times when we need to separate ourselves from our lives and ministry, and spend some time with our Lord. I love how Jesus climbed a mountain when He went to pray. It made me think of an interesting analogy. Picture the shape of a mountain. It starts out wide at the bottom -- the higher we climb, the narrower it becomes -- and the more we must stay close to the center. As we climb even higher still, there's less room to move to the left or the right -- and there's less and less ground that can be compromised -- the more focused we need to be and the less we can afford to be distracted. The higher we go, the less room we have to fool around! Whatever you may be dealing with, you may just need to separate yourself and climb up to spend time with the Lord -- get centered on Him and focused on what He's calling you to. You'll please Him expressing your love and dependance, and be thankful for the power and blessing you receive from spending time in His presence ... especially when you come back down. Brothers & Sisters, God wants us to learn to climb to the top and focus all of our lives on His will! Let's take some time out this week to do it! LET US GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD!

"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having analabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."Mark 14:3

This touching story of how Jesus was anointed before His crucifixion carries a beautiful illustration that has ministered to me time and again. I have wondered why the alabaster box needed to be broken when Mary could have simply opened it and poured out the nard; (extremely expensive and precious perfume which might have been Mary's dowry). One commentator said that she refused to use that box for any other purpose after anointing Him. That would make sense if it was Mary's dowry because it would be an expression of a bridal vow to Jesus and no one else. But whatever the motive in her heart, Mary's example speaks powerfully of the total devotion and commitment her soul had for Jesus, her will to give the best of everything she had; and it speaks of brokenness followed by anointing and its beautiful fragrance. So I believe this act is an illustration meant to encourage every devoted soul whose offering of herself brings circumstances which "break" her. The fragrance of perfume following the breaking "fills the room". Broken people "smell" different. Their humility and love are an ambiance that is unmistakable. Being broken before the Lord affects everyone around...as the Apostle Paul said, "... we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;" [2 Corinthians 2:15]. And Paul was a broken man. We should never be ashamed to be broken, even if we are criticized by those around us, as Mary was. The Lord's commendation of her has traveled around the world for 2,000 years and inspired millions of believers in circumstances which break them. God will not deny a broken heart and a contrite spirit. When we offer ourselves and our most precious things, whether they be material, personal, dreams, longings, loved ones, or our very destinies, on the altar of sacrifice, it is then that God’s anointing will be greatest upon us. It will pour out of us like the ointment from that broken alabaster box -- and His pleasure in us will "fill the room". Brothers & Sisters, know that when you offer your best to the Lord your hard beautiful stone box will be broken, and after that, the fragrance of your life will be beautiful wherever you go. ARE YOU A BROKEN VESSEL?

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters."Psalms 23:2

Long ago, the shepherds of Israel learned to find grass where most people wouldn't think to look. Here, green pastures are created as the breeze from the Mediterranean Sea brings moisture into arid climate. It is from this moisture that a kind of dew settles upon the sides of certain hills creating little tufts of grass -- just enough for one day's feeding for a flock of sheep. The shepherds would lead their flocks through the hot parched desert in search of these. It's no wonder those sheep would obey the shepherd's voice. They would easily die in the desert trying to survive on their own. The sheep learned to depend on the shepherd to daily lead them to their sustenance. How many times does it feel like we're walking aimlessly through the desert and there doesn't seem any refreshment near? When our lives our bombarded with trial after trial it can feel this way. But we must keep in mind that though we are walking through the desert, our Shepherd is leading us to green pastures to be refreshed. And it's these times in the desert that God causes us to depend more upon on him. These thirsty times are special times -- times to be embraced! Brothers & Sisters, don't despise those desert walks with the Shepherd and don't be afraid. God has something special for us there -- and there are green pastures near. EMBRACE THE DESERT!

"And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water."Genesis 26:18-19

There are times in our lives that we are going through a spiritual valley and we want to get victory -- we want to have answers -- we want God's power to flow through us again. In this passage, Isaac found springing water after digging up the wells of his father Abraham again. In Hebrew, the phrase springing water is "mayim chayeem". It literally means "living waters". Jesus made us a promise, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." - John 7:38 The Lord promises us rivers of living water -- not a puddle, not a pond, not a lake -- He said rivers! These waters are not meant to be stagnant and not meant to be dammed up! They need to be flowing -- unrestricted! We, who are believers in Messiah, have those living waters within us -- but we must clear out the obstacles in our lives that prevent them from flowing! Sins of unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, and clinging onto pet sins are just a few of the barriers which can damn up the "rivers" of living water! Let's seek the Lord and ask him to search us deeply and throughly that we know how to destroy those obstacles that clog the free movement of His Spirit in our lives! Brothers & Sisters, let's seek the Lord this weekend -- and purpose to re-dig our wells again! And I expect the Lord has a great blessing for us if we do! LET THE RIVERS FLOW!

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."John 15:9

An ancient story in Church history tells of the apostle John. He would constantly repeat the words, "Little children, love one another." And his disciples became weary of the phrase. Finally, in his old age, as John was being carried to their assembly, the disciples asked him, "Why do you always repeat these same words?" "Because friends," John replied, "it is the Lord's commandment -- and if only this one were fulfilled, it would be enough." What is the greatest witness we Christians have to the world around us? I can tell you it's not only our words of wisdom, though they may be wonderful. It's not only our knowledge of the Scripture, though it may be vast. It's not only our material giving, though it may be great. The greatest witness we have is the kind of love that the Bible defines above. Have we been patient and kind with others? Perhaps instead, we've been envious, boastful, proud, rude, self seeking or easily angered. I know I have. Have we kept a record of wrongs? Have we we delighted in evil? When we express the true love of God, we always rejoice in the truth, protect, trust, hope and persevere. Love never fails. Love can turn evil to good, darkness into light and enemies to friends. True love can totally transform the world around us. Brothers & Sisters, I am humbled, are you? Let's strive to start loving the way the Lord would have us love. Yeah -- you know why. 'Cause there's just so much work to be done!!' DO YOU LOVE ME?

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Picture this -- you come home from a long day of work -- you walk into your living room -- plop down on your couch in exhaustion -- and there in the corner of the room -- your eyes are drawn to something moving -- it's a rattlesnake! Do you say to yourself, "Oh, I'm too tired to worry about that now, I'll deal with it later?" Of course not! You jump up right away, find a bat or something, alert your family, call the neighbors, the fire department, the national guard, and start praying with all your might! It's a life-threatening situation! Though it may sound extreme, negative thoughts, which are lies, opposed to God's truth and character, should be treated the same way when they enter our minds. We ought to immediately sense their danger and rise to action; take that thought captive and bring it under submission to the truth of God's word. These thoughts are as poisonous to our minds and souls as rattlesnake bites are to our bodies. If we realize that danger, we'll be extremely vigilant to watch what we allow to sneak into our minds and remain there. Thoughts cannot be taken captive until they appear and are recognized. So we need to watch them carefully and consider whether they're good and true or not. Bad thinking comes in many forms. Dangerous thoughts can be obvious and easily recognized as sinful and evil or destructive, lustful, vengeful, spiteful, and vain; or they can be subtle as snakes, quietly lying in the background like clever rationalizations or spiritual pride. Whatever form they take is dangerous to our spiritual well being, and this word from Paul exhorts us to deal with them on the spot, just as if a snake had entered the house. Brothers & Sisters, your mind is active and thinking during every waking hour, (and also of course in your dreams). Developing a habit of watchfulness over your thinking is a challenging discipline that will change your life and protect your spiritual house. Knowing the word of God is a tremendous help since the word contains God's thoughts which are the corrective for our bad and wrong thinking. So pay attention! What was that my mind just told me? Is that true and good, blessed and holy...or is it a snake? Respond accordingly...and fast! BEWARE YOUR THOUGHTS!