Lean on Me

Lean on Me

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Lean on Me when you are hurting and alone,

Lean on Me in the darkness, I’m your way home.

Lean on Me when you are troubled and afraid,

Lean on Me, My peace and rest I gave.

Lean on Me when you are weary and so tired,

Lean on Me, when sin has left you mired,

Lean on Me, for I have never forsaken you.

Lean on Me, your faith will bring you through.

Lean on Me, when there is affliction all around

Lean on Me, for My promises to you are sound.

Lean on Me, everytime you start to walk away.

Lean on Me, for I have committed to you, I’ll stay.

Lean on Me, when hell is pressing at your door,

Lean on Me, I’ve been there and conquered it before.

Lean on Me, I am the life that dwells in you.

Lean on Me, whatever your need I can see you through.

Jesus

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Faith or Law?

 

Faith or Law?

Galatians 3:1-5

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? 

What we believe and have conviction for in our lives can come at a high price.  In many times and various places it could cost you your livelihood, your possessions and even your life.  With that kind of a price tag you want to be pretty sure that what you believe is right on and that it is worth the price you pay.  The Galatians were such a people.  They began their faith as they heard the gospel and embraced it by faith, but now the apostle Paul finds them mixing the law and faith.  They are getting caught up in the doctrine that the liberty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not sufficient in itself, but must be supplemented with works and the keeping of ordinances.  This was a battle that Paul had to war with on many fronts throughout his life.  If Paul ever had a thorn in his flesh, this was a major one. If anyone would have thought that faith alone in Jesus Christ was not sufficient for our salvation you would think it would have been Paul.  Having been raised and trained in the rigors of the Mosaic Law as a Pharisee, his whole life had been built upon this premise.  It is obvious by Paul’s passionate apologetic of the gospel that he no longer sees the law as a necessary component of our faith and salvation.  He in fact, strongly views the legalism brought in by the Judaizers as an undermining of the faith that stands in Christ alone.  

Some might argue will if you have faith and the law isn’t that even better?  Don’t we have the best of both and isn’t that more pleasing to God?  

The reason that Paul is so passionate on this point is that the law is based in man’s righteousness.  The whole reason that God gave us the tutor of the law was to teach us that man’s righteousness would always miss the mark of God’s righteousness and holiness.  If the law had been sufficient we would not have needed Christ.  Our faith in Christ bases our righteousness in Christ and not in ourselves.  The Law leads us to believe that by our goodness and observances of the law we obtain favor with God.  Yet the Bible teaches us without faith it is impossible to please God.  Our faith cannot be in us; it must be in Him.  Roman 10:1-4 bears out this truth, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

When Paul speaks of the two laws in Romans 8:1-4 he says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” The Law doesn’t work because it is dependent upon our goodness.  Faith in Christ works because it is dependent upon His goodness which is imputed to us by faith and not by works.  When we mix the law with faith we put ourselves again under the law of sin and death.  The only way that we abide in the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus is through faith in His finished work upon the cross.  When we say we still need the law, observances and ordinances to supplement that faith, then we are in affect saying, “Jesus, you are not sufficient for our salvation.”  Any of us who are still putting ourselves under the law need to strongly consider that.  We will never enter into the fullness of God’s Holiest while we are still clinging to the former things.  Hebrews 9:8 says, “The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”  The new wine was never meant to be put into old wineskins.  Luke 5:37 says, “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.”  The Old and the New Testaments are two different covenants; they were not made to be mixed.  

Through the Old Testament we gain many wonderful insights into examples of man’s interaction with God, God’s nature and revelations of the principles and purposes of God, but we see them consummated and fulfilled in Christ.  In Christ, we live out of His righteousness by faith.  When the Word tells us that we are the righteousness of Christ, it is telling us that when the Father looks upon us, He sees us in His Son who is without spot or wrinkle.  How do you stand before God today, in your righteousness or in His?

Blessings,

#kentt

A Sobering Word for this Hour

 

Jeremiah 14: 2-7

“Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. 3 The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads. 4 The ground is cracked because there is no rain in the land; the farmers are dismayed and cover their heads. 5 Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn 

because there is no grass. 6 Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights and pant like jackals; their eyesight fails for lack of pasture.” 7 Although our sins testify against us, O LORD, do something for the sake of your name. For our backsliding is great; we have sinned against you.”

A Sobering Word for this Hour

Our morals and our center for godliness have been sliding for some time.  Now we find ourselves in the mire and the quicksand of our past deeds and ways.  Our sin cries out against us and yet we do not turn from our wicked ways.  The Spirit of the Lord is moving across this land searching for those whose hearts are perfect toward Him.  Famine and judgement have entered the land, but His eye searches for the people who have not forsaken His ways and who cleave to Him with all of their heart.  

Natural resources are drying up.  The days of plenty are passing away.  God alone is your resource and your provision.  Indeed it is the day of the warning that was given through Solomon to Israel, ““When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. 

17 “As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, 18 I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.’

“But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 21 And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 22 People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.’ “

It is a solemn time to be on our face before the Lord.   The trumpet is sounding in Zion and the judgements of the Lord are going forth.  Ready yourselves oh His people, for you will feel the impact of what is coming, but hold fast to the anchor of your soul, for it is He that will sustain you in this hour.  What you have known and grown accustomed to will be shaken.  Humble yourselves, repent in your hearts of your evil ways and stand in the gap.  You are all that stands between judgement and salvation.  You are the intercessors of the Lord.  You alone can stand in the gap.  Purify your hearts you double-minded and become single in your heart this day.  Grace is giving place to judgement and the will of the Lord will come to pass.  

Are your hearts right before the Father?  Have you readied yourselves for this hour?  This is a critical and pivotal time.  Humble yourselves and listen to what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking into your heart, as well as what He is speaking into the heart of the church.  Fill you vessel with oil and buy the gold tried in the fire.  

Meditate on this scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, “Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Let us get before the Lord and ready ourselves in Him.

Blessings,

#kent

Prosperity

 

Philippians 4:10-20

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Prosperity

We, in this country, we have become a prosperity oriented people. In some cases we almost equate our outward wealth with our spirituality.  Is that what we glean from this passage that Paul is sharing here?  

We love to quote the word that he gives to the Philippians, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus,” but what prompted that statement.  It was because the Philippians were all about giving.  They appear to be one of Paul’s primary supporters and as such he speaks this blessing over them.  It was the giving that brought the blessing.  

Now Paul is not a prosperity preacher in the since of worldly goods.  The prosperity that he preaches is the riches of God’s grace and glory in Christ Jesus.   He speaks to the rich things God has for us and that isn’t always gained through the riches of this world.  The truth is when the soul is pampered in comfort, it often doesn’t grow much in substance.  We read about Paul’s training in this principle in the first of this passage.   The training we see God taking Paul through and what He wants to bring us through is that of “being content whatever the circumstances”.  God’s life and purpose are not really found in the pampering of our flesh, but more in the crucifixion of it.  We are actually dying to the outward man and what we perceive its needs and desires to be.  Our Christianity isn’t about living out of the benefits and provisions of the outward man, it is about living out of Christ who gives us strength to endure all trials and find contentment whatever our circumstances.  

I know this kind of flies in the face of the prosperity teaching many of us have sat under.  Indeed God is a God of blessings and most of us can attest to the enormous blessing over our physical lives as well as our spiritual ones.  The thing that we need to understand in this hour is that there are going to be tougher days ahead and it is important for us to know and realize that our life and spirituality does not rest on these outward things.  There is now a depth and treasure of riches we need to search out in knowing Christ.  He alone is the riches that never fail.  He is still that God that will meet our need, but it may not conform to the Christian-American mindset that many of us have developed.  What’s more, is that we are to learn a key principle, the key to having our needs met, is in our willingness to see and meet the needs in others.  This blessing that Paul spoke over the Philippians was birthed out of this key principle.  Our natural inclination when things get tough is to fear and react by hoarding to ourselves.  The spiritual principle is that we see and meet the needs in the body of Christ, as well as blessing those who are in the world.  

If we want to really prosper in this hour, it is to be found in the depth and intimacy of your relationship with Christ.  It is out of Him that you can do all things.  As Paul says here in verse 13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  It is only as we lose our supply that we begin to truly experience His supply.  Let’s get a revelation of what true prosperity is.  It is not in the things that you possess, but in the person that you possess. 

Blessings, 

#kent

A Heart of Vigilance

 

1 John 5:18-21

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

21Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

A Heart of Vigilance

I love this scripture, because it tells us the truth about who we are and where we are.  It lets me know that “in Christ”  I have been delivered and set free from that state of sin that I used to live in.  That it is not my residence or state anymore as a believer in Christ.  We all really need to know and acknowledge that in our hearts.  We are not sinners any longer we are saints.  We don’t continue, as we used too, in sin.  We are in the safety of Christ, and in Him there is no sin.  We now abide in the life and the vine of Christ.  He is the tree of Life.  Sin, which has its fruit in death, cannot abide there.  We are still surrounded and living in the midst of a world that is enveloped and living in the evil one.  Sin and temptation do surround us, but that is not where we live and that is no longer who we are.  

Romans 8 tells us, that in Christ we have been delivered from the lower law of sin and death, which resulted in condemnation and fear of judgement and have come into the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.  What that tells us is that His Spirit has come to indwell our beings.  In the light of that truth we are no longer subject to the lower law of sin and death if we abide in the law of life in Christ Jesus.  When we said “yes” to Jesus coming into our hearts, we said “yes” to his Lordship and His control of our life, but understand that His Lordship and Life working within us, He has still made subject to our will and choice.  We understand that we were saved that day in our spirit, but the process of salvation is an ongoing work of grace that is transforming us spirit, soul and body into His will and likeness.  Our residence, as believers, is now living out of His Spirit within us, but every day we make choices to yield to His spirit when our soul may still experience that drawing of the darkness and world that surrounds us.  Every day we need to be solidified in our identity “in Christ”, because the devices of the enemy is to pervert and rob that identity from us to bring us again under that former identity of the flesh.  

Let’s refresh ourselves again on who we are as spiritual beings in Christ and no longer that former person of the flesh.  Romans 8:5-17 draws a contrast of this picture for us. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

You may notice that a lot of what is being said here deals with the state of mind, what spirit controls it and where we set it.  What we all, as believers,  need to be mindful that the Spirit of God is there with us to help us abide in Him, but we still have the choices and the will to open our hearts to other influences.  

It is like when someone comes to your home and it is secure and locked, but someone rings the bell and through a compelling plea, you unlock the door and let them in.  That is temptation.  They seem nice and friendly enough, but once they gain access they begin to steal from you and take your mind and heart from Christ.  They begin to refocus you on to their agenda, which, secretly and deceptively, is to rob you of the peace and security of your home.  They steal your identity in Christ as they give you there’s.  Oh, did I mention the friends they brought in with them.   When we open a door to the enemy he wants to come in like a flood.  He is always looking for the those avenues of access to distract and appeal to our former affections.  

This is why we walk daily in the Spirit, maintaining vigilance as we keep our eyes on Christ who now is our life and identity.  We are the instruments of His glory and righteousness and each day we submit ourselves afresh, not being conformed to the world, but transformed through the renewing of our minds.  Our minds are the gateways of life and death.  It is where our hearts are.  

“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)  Those things and affections that would turn hearts from Christ.  

True repentance and the blood of Jesus allows us the access to return if and when we stumble in sin.  Father is never there to condemn you, that is the doing of the accuser, He is always there to restore you to wholeness and right relationship.  

Guard your hearts. 

Blessings,

#kent

The Privilege of Honoring Him

The Privilege of Honoring Him

Ephesians 1:3-14

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 

11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

How blessed and privileged we are when we comprehend that our great and awesome God has chosen you and I out of all humanity.  He gave us spiritual eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to receive such a great and glorious salvation that He has chosen to reveal to us.  Far to often we take way too much for granted that God has honored us to know Him, comprehend and receive the great calling He has for our lives.  We treat as ordinary and common this special gift of eternal life and the great privileges and honor that go with it.  We often see our faith as despised by the world and so sometimes we feel embarrassed by it.  You have what the world will covet in the ages to come.  We don’t yet see all of the glory and honor that is ours in Christ if we hold fast to our faith.  You hold a position with the King of Kings.  You are personally known and called out by the Father.  Regardless of how you feel about it, you are exceptionally special, a priceless stone and gem of great price.  

We must not be dulled and dumbed down to the great and awesome calling we each have in Christ.  He has even given us the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that we are His.  We are a blessed people who need to be so constantly appreciative, thankful and aware of our Father who has so loved us and His Son who gave His very life for us.  We must refocus our hearts, our goals, our desire and plans to be made conformable to His divine will and purpose in us, for it is glorious beyond measure and we don’t want to miss it.  We all get caught up so much in the vanity of this world, but that is a distraction and mask concealing our true identity and purpose.  Embrace and comprehend who you are in Christ.  When the revelation of this truth fully dawns on us we are so broken and humbled by a God that could love and care so much just about us.  Let us not take for granted our salvation and the high calling that we have in Christ Jesus.  Let us present ourselves as living sacrifices wholly acceptable and pleasing to the Father; that is our destiny and calling that Christ can have a manifested expression through us.  Only we can give ourselves over to His will and purpose in us.  Let us not neglect so great a salvation and calling in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

#kent

Discretion

 

Discretion

Proverbs 5:1-2

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion 

and your lips may preserve knowledge. 

What is discretion and how do we use it?  

Proverbs 2:11-17 tells us, “10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; 13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15Whose ways are crooked, and they are froward in their paths: 16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.”  The reason we want to gain the wisdom and knowledge of God is so that we can exercise discretion.  Discretion has to do with our judgements based on integrity, prudence and discernment.  As we go through life we are constantly faced with situations where we must use our discretion to make a judgement concerning rather it is the right thing to do or not.  Proverbs is a book based largely on teaching us the value of wisdom and it is the wisdom of God that gives us discretion to make right choices and decisions concerning our lives.  We are constantly assaulted with all forms of divisiveness, subtle temptations and influences that draw our focus and attention away from our commitment to righteousness and godly character.  Just like the flirtations and the flattering attention of a beautiful woman toward a man, so are the ways of darkness that seek to lure us away from our husband, Christ.  Our flesh loves attention, recognition, appreciation and adoration.   Most all of us love the things that stroke our ego and make us feel good about ourselves.  This is a primary device of satan to lure us to him.  Look at how he spoke to Jesus in the wilderness when he came to Him and tempted Him.  Satan’s intent is to get our eyes on ourselves rather than upon Christ and the Word.  When we are walking in the flesh we are much more prone to have indiscretions, poor judgements and decisions that negatively impact our lives and the lives of others.  Indiscretion will lead us down the pathway to hell and destruction.  

Proverbs 3:21-26 tells us, “21My son, let not them (wisdom and knowledge) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”  Sound discretion is gained by seeking out the riches of God’s wisdom and His knowledge.  He has given it to us in His Word and He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern and understand its meaning.  As we are faithful to continually read and study God’s word it will give us the ability to have discrection and exercise sound judgement throughout our lives.  Since God in His sovereignty and wisdom has chosen to give man a will and a choice to make his own decisions then it becomes obvious that we are accountable for the decisions and the choices we make.  We must live with the consequences of those decisions rather they be good or bad.  We want to make our decisions responsibly, with integrity and uprightness.  In order to do this we need God’s wisdom and the mind of Christ.  Discretion aligns itself with God’s mind and His will based on the wisdom we receive and exercise from Him.  It is the power to make decisions responsibly and prudently. Are we exercising discretion in all of the choices and the decisions that we make?

Blessings,

#kent

Morning Prayer Blog

 

Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 

28″And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Morning Prayer Blog

Hi Lord, I got such a busy morning,

I thought I should give you fair warning, 

I won’t have a lot of time to spend with You.

You know Lord, what I am saying is true.

 Fact is Lord I can’t think what I’d say,

So many thoughts I couldn’t think what to pray.

Besides Lord , You already know about them anyway.

Just please bless and help me with my day.

Thanks Lord, we’ll talk again when things aren’t so crazy,

If I am too tired tonight I hope you won’t think I’m lazy.

We’ll get together soon Lord and we’ll have a good time then.

Meanwhile please bless the works of my hands and forgive me of my sins.

Amen

?

 

Blessings,

#kent

Washing His Feet with Tears

 

Washing His Feet with Tears

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

There are many that have carried and shared the gospel of good news, but there is none to compare with the author and giver of salvation itself, Jesus.  His feet are the most beautiful and wonderful of all.  He stepped down out of heaven as the Son of God and Lord of all and walked the dusty roads of earth to fully reveal God to us and to turn our feet into the way of salvation and life.  It was His feet that walked the walk of the cross; that carried that bruised and wounded and horribly afflicted body to the ultimate sacrifice.  It was His feet that stumbled and struggled under the weight of that cross that He bore for us.  Never were there more beautiful feet than the feet that bear the hole from the spike that was driven through them.  

There was a woman named Mary who had a revelation of how precious these feet were.  They had walked into her life when she was nothing more than a shame and usable commodity of men, despised and looked down upon by most.  When she had been cast down at His feet, He did not judge and condemn her, though He had every right to do so.  He loved her and forgave her when she was the most unlovely and undesirable.  He gave her back a life of dignity, respect and purpose.   I don’t think there is another example in the Word of God that demonstrates the love, the submission, the feelings of appreciation and gratitude like the act of Mary.  While she couldn’t love Jesus with physical intimacy, she so expressed the intimacy for Him and the love for Him she felt in herself through an act of worship that natural men couldn’t understand and even despised.  

John 12:1-7 tells us, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5″Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”   6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 

7″Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. ” It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 

In this story we see the scene taking place in Bethany where Lazarus lived and where Martha was serving.  Mary was their sister.  In Luke 7 we see the same event happening only it is described as taking place in the house of Simon the Pharisee.  Perhaps Simon was the father of Lazarus, Martha and Mary and that would explain why Mary had access into the house in the first place.  I’m sure not any woman of the street was allowed to come in.  This account in Luke 7:36-50 reads like this,” 36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 

39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 

40Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” 

“Tell me, teacher,” he said. 

41″Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 

43Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” 

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 

49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 

50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.””

This woman could have been, and I believe is, what exemplifies the love of the bride for the bridegroom.  She loves much, because she was forgiven much.  Her tears flow from a heart of tremendous gratitude and worship.  She uses her hair, which is her glory, to glorify the Savior and to wipe the feet of Jesus.  She kisses His feet expressing her deepest affection and her unreserved submission.  She breaks and pours out upon the feet of Jesus her most precious material possession as she anoints Him from her body, her soul and her spirit.  Truly if there were an act of spiritual worship and expression, she demonstrated it that day.  She didn’t care what anyone else thought or how they were going to view her or think of her.  She only had eyes and a heart for Jesus.  She demonstrated for all of us what it is to sit and bow at the feet of Jesus and not just be ministered too, but how to serve, love and appreciate Him.  Most only knew how take from the love and virtue of Jesus, but here is the least of women, the outcast of society that demonstrates how to minister, serve and give back love to the One who first loved her.  How much we can all learn about ministering at the feet of Jesus through this woman, Mary.  Jesus used this moment to show us the difference between the religious protocol and outward service compared to the unabashed expression of a heart that loved and yearned for Him.   A heart that was willing to give the best of all she was or had to glorify and love Jesus.  What kind of heart do we have for the Lord?  How do we minister and worship at the feet of Jesus?

Blessings,

#kent

A Psalm and a Prayer

 

A Psalm and a Prayer

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto You, oh God.

Psalms 19:14

You, oh Lord, are the wonder of our hearts, the richness and the meaning of life.

You uphold us by Your right hand.  You are our confidence, protector and defender.

You lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your namesake and you have imputed upon us the greatness of Your very name.  

We are as the dumb sheep who are often so prone to stray and act foolishly.  Yet, You are so full of grace to pardon our iniquities and correct us as Your children.  You watch over us with Your Shepherd heart and impart Your Spirit to counsel and lead us.  

Your lovingkindness is not only new every morning, it is as a sweet fragrance that lingers throughout the day and anoints us with Your favor.  Your ways are awesome, mighty and past finding out.  Your ways are so much higher than our ways and your thoughts higher than our thoughts.  Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding in the knowledge of You, that we may comprehend Your ways, oh Lord.  Give unto us a heart that is bent upon obedience and walking in the paths of righteousness.  

You have brought us out of the realm of death and into the realm of Life.  Teach us to walk by the Spirit in the Law of liberty and life in Christ Jesus.  Teach us how to appropriate that life and power to live a life of victory and overcoming in this present mortal body.  Teach us to live out of the dimension of Your divine nature that you have so richly made us partakers of.  

Worthy in the heavens is your majestic glory!  Worthy is Your name of the praise of all creatures, both small and great.  Worthy upon Your throne are You oh great God of justice and love.  May You be enthroned upon our hearts each day that we have breath.  May we be Your faithful children that would honor You both in life and in death; for you have made us heirs together with Christ, Your only Begotten.  You are becoming unto us the fullness of salvation.   You are redeeming us spirit, soul and body as You are transforming us into your likeness from glory to glory.  

Help us; oh Lord, as You consider our frame.  May Your grace remain rich toward us to help us in our weakness and frailties.  Yet empower us with faith to see that in our weakness we are made strong as we become more reliant and trusting for Your divine strength and life to become manifest in us.  Raise us up as Kings and Priests to offer unto You spiritual sacrifices offered from hearts of thanksgiving, contriteness and humility.  Let our boast be in You alone and help us that we never think more highly of ourselves than we ought, for our life is hid in You.  Our reason for living, being and having life is to express You, praise You and glorify Your name in the earth.  Establish our ways mighty Father.  Secure our feet that they would not slip from the high way of holiness and the paths of righteousness.  Place your salve upon our eyes that they may see through the eyes of spiritual understanding and comprehend Your intent.  Place Your hands upon our ears and anoint them to hear clearly and distinctly Your Holy Spirit.  Most of all make our hearts so tender and passionate toward you that we would grieve to do anything to offend or disobey You.  Write your laws upon the tablets of our hearts and make us an open book of Your gospel, read and known of all men.  

Oh great and mighty Lord of compassion and love, restore in us a right spirit, a burning passion and fervent faith.  Raise us up for this hour in time and history to be the instruments of Your glory and expression.  Grant that we would have hearts that would remain steadfast toward You in a world where so many things are screaming for our attention and would distract us from our purpose and calling in You.  Humbly, we put our faith and trust in You.  We are able to do all things through Christ, which strengthens us.  Help us that we may press on and prevail in a world filled with sin and darkness.  May we be Your lights, Your ministers of grace and Your flaming fire that would spread the gospel throughout the earth to every nation, tribe and tongue.  

You are Everything, oh Father, to Your people.  Bring forth Your Bride, Your Church and Your redeemed.  Let us be without spot or wrinkle before You.  Wash us and establish us in the blood of Jesus and allow the word of our testimony to overcome the evil one.  

Amen

Blessings,

#kent