Abundant or Oppressed

 

    God is generous.  He wants to give to His people.  He wants good things for you, but He is not a push over.  You cannot take Him for granted and expect abundance.  You ignore Him and abuse the relationship, then He will put you in a place of oppression.  It is punishment, but it is the kind of punishment that is meant to benefit you.  A little hurt today is better than an eternity of hurt.

    A core principle is that you get an abundant life through your relationship with God.  Obedience leads to good things.  However, you live in the world where Satan has great influence.  You can be obedient and bad things still happen.  This is when you look inward and pray for any hidden sin.  If none is found, then ask God to reveal the truth.  Sometimes bad things happen for your benefit, slow you down, or for the benefit of someone else.  It is not always because you have sinned.  In these times hold onto the truth and keep your focus on the eternal instead of the current situation.

    If you feel like you are experiencing oppression, then turn to the Bible.  Pray over your feelings and truth to be revealed.  Not every feeling is accurate.  Feelings are indicators, but not truth tellers.  Get the true description of oppression from the Bible.  If you are truly being oppressed, then ask God to reveal the reason.  If it is due to personal sin, then repent and work toward making things better in life.  If not due to your personal sin, then ask God to show you how you can be used in this season.

    God is faithful.  He provides what you need in life.  He gives abundantly.  He is your defender.  He is your true refuge.  He is your liberator from suffering, evil, and hate that happen when you are oppressed.  God is loyal even when you are not.  His loyalty does not mean approval.  You have to repent your sin and return to God to get in good standing.  God has already gone up and beyond.  Everything else is up to you.

    Rebellion will lead to oppression, but that does not mean that God has abandoned you.  You can still find Him.  When you repent you can find the blessings in the small things.  You can see Him in the unexpected.  Gideon was blessed while hiding from his oppressors in a wine press threshing wheat.  You can expect blessings, but you can't expect how they will appear.  Blessing happen because He loves you.  Oppression happens to redirect you.

Deuteronomy 9:7-10, 28:45-48, 1 Chronicles 21:13-21, Psalms 9:7-10, 72:12-14, 130, Isaiah 54:11-15, Luke 4:18-19, John 10:6-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, & Ephesians 3:20-21

Service for God

 

    Christians are called to serve God, but there are different ways to follow your calling.  You may be a leader in the church, community, or government.  Your service could be providing for physical or financial needs of people in the church.  You could help the poor.  You could go out into the world as a missionary.  You may be a prayer warrior, encouraging other Christians, provide wisdom and guidance, teach, be a protector, fight legally for God's way, or serve in some other area.  The part that matters is that you follow God obediently in your calling.

    Serving God is surrendering every aspect of yourself to Him and following Jesus' lead.  This may include always having to be in the spotlight, getting attention, or living a constantly stimulated life.  You may have to embrace a slower lifestyle and learn the value of the mundane life.  

    There is a lot of value in the careers that are over looked that provide for the family and bring service to people's lives.  These people have the opportunity to share Jesus to all types of people.  Some of these are plumbers, electricians, farmers, mechanics, and more.  It doesn't matter so much what you do in life as long as it is in service to God first, then your family.  God would not ask you to do anything that would leave your family worse off.  

    Serving God also means that you have to be willing to change course.  God may not keep you doing the same thing for your entire life.  He may place you somewhere else to serve.  He presents opportunity to understand Him better and serve well.  It normally starts off slow and boring.  There is purpose in that.  He is giving you the opportunity to prepare for what will come.  He tries to grow your faith and make you strong to face anything.  There is a lot of preparation before a big event.  People only notice the reveal, never all the work that got to that point.

    There is peace to be had in living an ordinary life of service.  It can keep your perspectives clear.  It can help you see more of what God is doing in the back ground.  It is an opportunity to seek God in the normalcy and not just when thing are chaotic or bad.  Walk with Jesus, so that you do not get used to life without him.  

    Do not allow life to become a routine without God or you will miss out on a lot of blessings and possibly really hurt the church along the way.  You were born to have an abundant life with Jesus, but that also means taking the time to invest in the relationship without getting bored and walking away.  Be thankful for the mundane and preparation that God places in your life.  It is a gift and will serve a purpose one day.

Leviticus 26:3-5, Judges 6:11-26, Psalms 1, 83:9-18, 100, Isaiah 33:10-13, Joel 2:18-24, Matthew 25:40, Mark 10:41-45, Luke 3:15-18, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:13-15, Colossians 3:22-25, & 1 Peter 4:10-11

Being Commissioned

 

    If you are a Christian, then you have been commissioned by God to serve in His church.  Your commissioning will be personalized, but it will come down to living a life that brings glory to God, make disciples, and be brave enough to get out of your comfort zone.  God will protect you and give you the strength to do what He called you to do.  His commissioning for you will call you to be someone more than you are today.

    God uses ordinary people to do amazing things in life.  He will give you a clear calling, so if you are confused lean in closer for clarification or understand that it is not your calling.  He has given you the authority in Jesus' name to do your calling.  Your commissioning gives you purpose and joy in life even when it is hard.  You get joy because you are experiencing His love and able to share it.

    Being commissioned is a call to service.  You are not the hero of the story.  You are getting in the dirt to meet people where they are.  You are living out to the best of your ability what Jesus did for you.  God met you where your were and He showed you a better way.  You are the vessel for God's love in life and message.  You will have to speak truth when it is hard.  Being commissioned by God typically doesn't make you popular.  Your job is to call people to repentance and return to God.

    When you are serving God most days are mundane, routine, and appear boring.  You are doing small things, but God is using them to build something strong.  The big moments are few and far between for the average person.  You spend years preparing for the moments and they are typically over before you even realized that they were big moments.  You have to start appreciating the small moments and noticing the little things that God does everyday like a rainbow, smile, or something personal that you needed in the moment.

    To obey your commissioning you have to spend time with God and talk with Him.  This is how you get in tune with Him.  It makes it easier for you to know the right thing at the right moment.  You don't need to over think it.  You just need to be in the moment with Him.  You have to be aware of His presence.  The best thing you can do for yourself in life is to discover your calling and accept God's commissioning.  It is an honor to serve Him.  

Genesis 16:7-16, Exodus 3:1-3, Numbers 22:21-27, Deuteronomy 32:19-27, Judges 6:11-12, Isaiah 6:8-10, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 1:18-19, 26:15-18, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, & Ephesians 1:15-23

Commander in Chief

 

    God is the Commander in Chief of all nations.  He rules the entire world.  He controls the world you see and the supernatural world.  He commands His armies.  He is the Lord of Host.  He deserves respect and devotion.

    Serving God is a personal choice.  If you choose to serve Him, then you are all in.  There is no half way doing things when it comes to His service.  Doing things grudgingly, for appearances, or to earn points will not be acknowledged by God.  He cares about your purpose along with your dedication.

    He calls you to work united with His people.  You work toward peace within His church.  The world acts as your enemy because it first hated Jesus.  You are to be united, bold, and work in strength to try to get the people of the world to come to Jesus.  If they do not, then you are not called to bow down to them.  You stand firm in God's commandments, especially love.  Do all things motivated in Christlike love, never hate.

    Serve God in love and faith and you will be blessed.  Stay in His Word, prayer, meditating on what the Holy Spirit enlightens you with, and focus on the eternal future.  This will keep your perspectives holy.  They will help you fight against temptation that causes moral decline, hate, fear, and other things that will destroy what you have or are building with God.  If you discover you are not being obedient, then repent and do what you have to to get back on track.

    To serve God you have to prepare the next generation to serve God.  Do not drop the ball.  Do not become apathetic.  Do not think that it is someone else's responsibility, calling, or job.  If God puts it in your path, then it is your responsibility.  The Holy Spirit will equip you with what you need to do the job.  Do not over think it.  Keep it simple.  It is all about building relationships and allowing them to grow.

    Serving God will call you to give up your personal comfort, preference about life, and sometimes happiness to serve a greater good.  It may not benefit you directly, but in the long run you have to trust that it will benefit everyone impacted.  

    Serving God requires you to call sin sin.  You have to be bold and strong to confront the evils of the world.  You need to learn kindness that declares God's truth in a way that will help people in the long run.  You don't have to be a confrontational person to speak truth in love.  You are not trying to hurt or humiliate people, but a little hurt today is better than a big hurt down the road.  

    Serving God will bring conviction into your life about what you put above God at times.  Sometimes you compromise small standards to serve a momentary desire.  Allow the Holy Spirit to convict and reveal the truth, so you can repent and draw closer to God.  When you put it behind you, then God can use it in your service.  Ask yourself this: Do I want to be remembered for my faith or some other reason?  The answer will reveal where you are today.  It also indicates the impact you have on other people's lives and the impact that you leave in God's name.

Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Joshua 5:13-15, 24:14-24, Judges 2:10-15, 21:24-25, Psalms 24:7-10, 145:1-7, Proverbs 11:14, 14:12, Ephesians 6:10-12, & Revelations 19:11-16

Unity or War

 

    The Bible commands His people to live in unity and work for peace.  However, sometimes you have to fight for peace.  Throughout the old testament God commands His people into battle and provides victory.  If you go into battle without God being your commander and chief, then you will be defeated horribly.  You have to know God's voice to know when it is time to fight or let things go.

    Your battles are not of things of this world.  Your battles ultimately come down to the spiritual.  You need to know what you are fighting and why or it is all meaningless.  Sometimes war may be necessary, but it should never be the goal.  The goal to live with and for Jesus is to have harmony, turn away from strife, and stand firm in your faith.

    There is scripture that talks about a time for war and a time for peace.  It is important to understand that they are both motivated by love for God and fighting for His purpose and standards.  To have freedom you have to give everything over to God and fight for what He tells you to fight for.  Do not fight for victory alone or to be the hero.  That belongs to God always.

    Weakness comes when you feel isolated.  You can be weak physically when you feel like you are fighting life's battles alone.  You need to give the battle to God and embrace His presence so you do not feel alone.  You may be weak spiritually.  You need to turn to God to lead you to a Christian fellowship and discipleship Group or church.  You may feel weak as a military.  You need to trust God and the people in the battle with you.  You will never thrive or do well in this world if you isolate.  It only makes you weak.

    Troops have to unit and work as one to be victorious.  Churches have to do the same.  God is the Commander of all military and spiritual groups.  If you do not accept that, then you are working against the best interest of yourself and the people you claim to be fighting for.  If you only fight for yourself, then it is pointless.  It will never go anywhere and you will end up hurting yourself.

    When it comes to God's people you are His warriors.  There is no room for division between denominations, race, or worship preferences.  If you are a true Christian, then you are all a part of His church.  He is your commander and chief.  He wants you to let go of everything that divides you to work together and be strong in His name.  If the church is not united, then you have no power in this world.  The world will tear apart your families, communities, and your nation.

    Spiritual warfare is real.  You may never go into a physical battle, bur you live in a war zone.  God and Satan are both fighting over you.  God is fighting for you to have freedom and free will.  Satan is fighting for control over you and to demolish your testimony.  You face this battle every day.  This is why starting your day off in God's Word and prayer is your strongest asset.  You have the ability to choose how your day will go to a certain extent.  Pray over what you will face before you ever leave your house.

    If you want to be empowered by God, then you have to do things His way.  You fight as He commands you and you work toward unity with your people.  If you are a Christian, then you are supernaturally equipped to do your part through the Holy Spirit.  You have to fight with other believers to be victorious and bring about unity in Jesus' name.  Pray for what is good and right in the world to prevail.  

Deuteronomy 20:1-4, Psalm 133, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Romans 13:1-5, 15:1-6, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Ephesian 1:12-14, 4:1-4, 6:10-12, Colossians 3:12-15, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, & 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Christian Empowerment

 

    When you become a true Christian you are empowered by the Holy Spirit that lives within you to do God's work.  He provides you with strength, courage, and endurance to face and withstand more than you ever thought you could.  He gives you the patience you need to be able to serve Him in a Christlike manner.  

    When you become a Christian you are a part of God's family.  That makes you a leader and a missionary, but that does not look the same for everyone.  God empowers you to be a leader representing Him in this world.  He provides you with peace to lead without looking back or questioning your choices.  He enables you to work through your grief and still feel it.

    If you are a Christian, then you are empowered by God.  However, you cannot access that power unless you are in God's Word, pray over His Word, meditation over His Word, and have people in your life that will speak His truth into your life.  You will never access His power in your life if you are not willing to live out your faith.  Faith is an action word.  You were never called to stay comfortable in this world or be complacent.

    God's Word empowers, but it also corrects, sets boundaries, and judges.  If you allow it to do it's job, then you will not be fragile.  You will be strong and bold for God.  You will show the world the love that God has for each person.  You will fight for justice, but understand that you do not live in a fair world.  

    God will use your weaknesses and flaws to become a strength for Him.  Where you feel like you can't do it, God will make you triumphant.  Where there is despair and discouragement He will use you to help people see the hope He is offering.  Jesus is the light of the world, but God uses you to reflect his light in the world.  Obedience and self-discipline is how you are empowered by God.

Joshua 1:6-9, Judges 2:18-19, 3:9-11, 6:33-35, 11:29-31, 13:24-25, Psalms 27:1-6, 133, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 40:26-31, 41:8-10, Micah 3:8-12, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 10:6-8, Ephesians 3:14-19, 6:10-12, Philippians 4:10-14, Colossians 1:11-11, & 2 Timothy 1:5-7

God's Story is Your Story

 

    God's Story is your story when it comes to redemption.  From the the first sin God has been trying to have a relationship with people.  He cannot change because He is all that is good, pure, and powerful.  If He changed, then He would not be God.  You are the one that changes to be able to be redeemed and have a relationship with your creator.  

    You know God is the source of all power because He created this world and everything in it.  He has power over the weather and nature.  Satan has power over that too, but God can over rule him and he cannot over rule God.  He has the power to grant you salvation.  He sent Jesus to give you the opportunity of redemption.  Jesus rose from the dead without assistance.  That is power.  Jesus' story also confirms that you will not live this life completely separate from the world.  You will still experience suffering, but you will also have triumph over it.

    God is the author of life.  His whole message is redemption.  He explains why you need it, how to get it, and how to maintain it.  He doesn't dangle it in front of you where you can never grasp.  He gives you hope.  Once you accept redemption, your story becomes like His.  He uses every aspect of your life for the good of others.  

    You need redemption because you have rejected God and His instructions.  Redemption comes when you accept that Jesus is the only way and God's way is better than your own.  You repent and accept any human consequences because you know you are free from the sin with God.  You live and walk with Jesus because you love Him and value the relationship.  Your life becomes a walking testimony.  When you mess up, you own it, repent, and do better in Jesus' name.

    To go through life ignoring or rejecting God is to fall away from Him.  He is patient.  He has given you your entire life to come to Him.  The only catch is you don't know what day will be your last.  Don't turn to God because you feel rushed.  Be real with yourself.  Look at who God is and who you are in comparison.  

    Allow fear of what He is capable of into your heart and allow Him to enter in love.  It is His love that will heal all your spiritual and emotional wounds.  Once He is in your heart, you are able to start see who you are by His perspective.  It changes everything.  He empowers you to live a life for Him.

    You may feel feeble, pathetic, or unworthy.  He is the one that makes you worthy, strong, and bold.  Ignore the feeling so you can become who God created you to be.  You may feel like you don't need Him or powerful on your own.  You are wrong.  Repent before He does something to humble you.  

    One way or another God will be acknowledged.  It is always better for you to come to Him willingly.  It doesn't benefit anyone to die without a relationship with God and have to face Him to explain your life and still be thrown into the pit with Satan.  At the end of the day your life story has God in it in every way.

Genesis 1:26-30, Judges 2:11-19,  6:1-6, Psalm 66:16-20, 139:13-16, Romans 8:26-30, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, Galatians 2:17-21, Ephesians 2:8-10, & 1 Peter 3:13-17