Send the spirit of fear packin!

One of Satan's favorite weapons against us is the spirit of fear. He uses it every chance he gets. He knows the power it contains. You know what I mean right? The fear of the economy, job security, illness, loss of a loved one, violence, divorce, you name it. Satan and his minion want nothing more than for us to live in a paralyzed state. He realizes the more we focus on fear the less we focus on Christ. I have lived this way before and I am sure you have to. I realize we try hard to not let fear in but it creeps in despite. Fear is something we should not afraid of. We are children of the MOST HIGH, and as Christians we should be living a life of victory but instead we live in fear. God did not give us a fearful spirit. In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love, and self discipline. I believe we do more damage to ourselves than we do good. by listening to the lies. We can see, and hear God's promises for us yet we don't live like we are capable. A couple of days ago I wrote about renewing our strength in Christ. I know the more I take time everyday and renew my strength the better I feel and my outlook improves. We live in a fast paced world where it's all about the now. But it's up to us to slow down and take the time to renew our minds. Its not hard and doesn't take very long. There is a way to send this evil packin. I know a power that's way more powerful than fear. This power is sitting right under our noses. Do you know what power I am referring to? This complete power is the power of God's inerrant word. The most powerful weapon we have second only to prayer is the power of the scripture. If you want to defeat fear or whatever is thrown at you, use the WORD or as I like to call it the "TRUTH". Take a few minutes everyday and study the word let it resonate in your mind and settle in your heart. I didn't think I could learn the scripture let alone recall it when I needed it. But over time and with a little effort I have learned to memorize it. I have used it and it definitely works. I have used it to speak out boldly against Satan's lies towards me. I am referring to speaking out in my subconscious mind. This is where the real war is waging. Isaiah 41:10 is a perfect example of God's word that when used at the right time will send the enemy runnin for the hills. The Lord says "Do not fear for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My Righteous right hand". God always will give us the way of escape when we find ourselves in moments of fearfulness. Will you take it? I want to encourage you to take 5 minutes everyday and memorize a piece of scripture. The more you put in to learning the truth, the more God will reveal to you. I heard this so many times and always wondered if it worked. IT DOES!!!!!! You may be able to help a friend in need or a loved one. It's totally worth it. I hope you have been encouraged by this posting. If you have please forward it someone else. I appreciate all of you very much. If you want to learn God's word, ask Him to teach you. Its my pray today that we would all take time to learn the Word and hold firmly onto its power.

Until next time......
God Bless you all!!!!!!

Alan

When the attack comes?

Well, yesterday was a pretty good day. However, last night was a different story. I came under enemy fire. You know what I mean, right? Here's how it rolled out. I went to a men's dinner at my uncle's church and heard a great message. We had great fellowship and awesome food. BUT, on the way home I came under fire. I should have seen it coming but it was to late. Derek Discouragement and "Skinny"Franky Fear were waiting for me like bullies after school. They were going to beat on me like I was the new kid. I fought them off as long as I could. I mounted a counter offensive. We swapped licks for quite awhile. In the midst of the onslaught, I started praying like crazy. Lord, take this away from me. Please deliver me from these circumstances. Please Lord, keep these enemies at bay. Get me out of here I screamed! It all happened so fast. I wrote yesterday about not looking at your circumstances. I wrote about keeping your eyes on Christ despite the circumstances. I was doing the very thing I hoped not to do. I wrote about trusting God and I was letting their "dark talk" over come me. My mind was their playground and it was family day. All I could see was my failure, the hurt I caused my family, and the hurt I caused myself. Everything was wearing me out. My wife knew something was wrong. She asked me what was wrong. I gave her the stock answer Nothing. She was persistent though and kept after me. I eventually cracked. I shared the strain I was feeling and the pressure of this attack. She told me she loved me and gave me some much needed encouragement. Her words and love were like a soothing ointment on a burn. After we finished talking I felt better. I went on to bed and began praying. I was getting quiet before the Lord. Then I remembered what to do. Paul tells us to take our thoughts captive. So, I had to take their lies, and evil talk captive to the obedience of Christ. God would not do me that way. God would not say those things to me. I know God loves me and He has a great, perfect, and complete plan for me. I remembered my favorite verse Jeremiah 29:11. God tells us "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." If we look to God, and will renew our strength in Him we can face those Ol' Boys and others like them. Praise the Lord, for His abundant mercy, loving kindness, endless forgiveness and limitless strength. I know attacks will come and go. The question is will you believe what they say? I hope you won't. I hope you will stand firm. I hope you will remember what Paul did. I hope you will align yourself with a prayer partner. If you don't have one then send me a message and I will pray for you. I will stand with you. I hope your are encouraged by this posting. If you know of someone who could benefit from it, please send it to them. I appreciate all of you very much and thank you for your encouragement.

Until Next time....
God Bless You!!!!!

Alan

Do you trust Me?

When you face a crisis or a unpleasant situation what do you do? Do you look at it from many angles and analyze it? Do you seek wisdom from friends, family, or coworkers? Do you get paralyzed into non action? Do you seek the Lord? What do you do? If you're like me you see yourself in several of this descriptions. I have found the more I trust in the Lord the easier things become. Now, that does not mean there is no pain, no frustration, no hurt, and no sorrow. But what it does mean is that there is hope in our circumstances. Yes, hope in our circumstances! Alan, are you crazy? What do you mean hope in our circumstances? Proverbs 3:5 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding." The key here is trust. Do you trust the Lord? I mean real trust not the sugar coated answer you give when cornered. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength."God is asking DO YOU TRUST ME? I struggle with that alot and have to remind myself that trust is a key to life. Do you think God won't or can't handle that crisis in your life? I have felt that way. Jesus tells us in Luke 18:27 "He replied what is impossible with men is possible with God." In Luke 1:37 the angel tells Mary "For nothing will be impossible for God". Did you see it? Nothing on heaven or earth will be impossible for God. This means there is nothing we will ever face that is impossible for God. However, we have to let Him take control of the situation. Ask Him to take over and trust He will. We can't do it alone. If you think you can handle it alone you are mistaken. The enemy wants you to think you can do it all on your own. I am here to tell you all you have to do is trust the Lord. The enemy wants to tell you that your situation will not change. He wants you to constantly look at the your circumstances. God wants us to look at Him and not the circumstances. Let me encourage you today to stop looking at your circumstances. Look at Christ instead. Let Him take over and renew your strength in Him. Its my prayer today to remember who is in charge, to seek His face in all things and trust Him with your whole being. Life is a journey and the first step in successful living is trusting Him. I am glad I serve a Sovereign King who is in charge ALL the time and always has my best interest at heart. He is never early nor never late. He is always right on time. Trust Me! He says. Will you?

I hope you are encouraged by this message. If you like it or know someone who would receive encouragement from it please forward it to them. I appreciate all you very much.

Until Next Time....
God Bless You!!!!

Alan

Spiritual Gifts! What's Your's

Did you know God gives each one of us a unique gift? Until 3 years ago, I did not know that at all. Frankly, there was so much about God I did not know and still so much more to discern. The things I knew were merely people, places and things. I did not know God let alone realize He has given each of us a unique gift. I learned about spiritual gifts through a mentor, and friend. I sought his council because I did not understand the things happening in my heart. God was calling me into His service but I had no idea where and why. I have felt that tugging at my heart strings for about 18 years now. I ran from it as fast as you could run from something. I felt inadequate, fearful, and selfish. I thought I can't do this. I thought serving God meant not having fun. Boy, was I wrong. I realize now I have been wrong about more things than I have been right. The bottom line was I did not want to give up my carnal lifestyle. I wanted to do what I want when I want. I was very selfish when it came to the needs of others. I always received satisfaction from helping others but I seemed to have ulterior motives. I mean to say that my motives were not pure. It wasn't about them as much as it was about look at what I am doing. The enemy had me convinced this was the right attitude. My subconscious mind would agree that I needed and loved to help people but, I would gripe, complain, and be critical of their needs. I have lived 30 plus years doing things my way. I realized it wasn't about me but it is about HIM. I knew something had to give. I repaired my relationship with God first. I prayed for forgiveness for the way I lived my life, and repented of my sins. I then started the journey of learning everything I can about Christ, and what He has given me. Once I discovered my gift of encouragement I wanted to use it right away. But those Ol' familiar feelings of fear, and doubt prohibited me from getting started. I did not know how to get started. All I knew was it was time for me to use my gift in the King's service. Time for me to use my gift of encouragement regardless if anyone ever said thanks Alan or read this blog. So, I started this blog as means of being faithful and obedient. Paul tells us in First Corinthians 12:4-7 "Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial" Holman Translation. Let me encourage each one of you to take a few minutes and discover what your unique gift is. You will be surprised. I took two different tests to validate my findings. You can google spiritual gifts and several sites will come up with links to taking the assessment. You could also go to www.bellevue.org and take that assessment. Regardless where you go, please take it. Change your life now by uncovering and using what God has blessed you with. Remember, Its all about Him and not about us.

Until Next Time....

God Bless You!!

Alan

Are you All In?

Are you all in? This seems like quite an interesting question. What does it mean? In Ray Pritchard's book Stealth Attack, he asks the following question? "When you stand at the gate of heaven and God says, "Why should I let you in?" what answer will you give?

"I was a member of Wesley Methodist Church." Not good enough.

"I was an elder at Wayside Chapel." You'll be in big trouble.

"My father built our church." That's good, but it's not the right answer.

"I lived a good life." We're happy for you, but you weren't good enough.

"I gave to feed the orphans in Namibia." That's truly wonderful, but that won't open the doors of heaven.

"I was baptized by Father O'Reilly." I'm sure he was a good man, but that's not enough.

"I read The Purpose-Driven Life five times." That won't get you to heaven.

"I listen to christian radio every day." That's admirable, but it's not the right answer.

There is only way into heaven. Do you know what it is? There is only one answer to that question now and forever. Please don't let yourself get duped into believing anything else but the following statements. Paul tells us in Romans 4:12, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved". Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved". Did you see it? There is nothing else you can do. We are saved by grace, and we stand by faith. I believe in Jesus to the point that if He can't get me into Heaven I am not going. Are you "all in" on the Son of God who loved you and died for you? Let me encourage all of you to stand by faith, live by faith, and walk by faith. It is my eternal hope that you will run to the cross and grab hold of Jesus and never let go. An old hymn says it this way:"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand." I hope today's post reminds you of what exactly Jesus did for you. It certainly reminds me. Praise the Lord, that He reigns sovereignly for all eternity. If you know someone who could benefit from this message please forward it to them. My prayer for us today is we remember what Jesus has done for us, to share what He did for you to someone else, be bold for Him, and never let go. I appreciate all of you very much and hope everyone has a great day.

Until next time...
God Bless you all!!!!!!!!!

Alan

Is it your battle?

There are times when we need to realize we cannot fight every battle or every situation that seems to challenge us. In 2nd Chronicles chapter 20, we find the Israelites in trouble. There is a multitude of enemies coming against them. King Jehoshaphat is scared and very concerned. He does have a few options at his disposal though. He could have gathered his troops and mounted a counter offensive. He could have gathered all the people and run for the hills. Or he could have done what he did, which was to lay his need at the feet of God. He cried out in prayer. He sought God's instruction, council, and help. He did not panic. He waited for God's answer to his problem. God answered his prayer. In verse 15, Zechariah the priest is telling the king what God said. He said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. (NLT) I love this part of the story. God tells the king the battle is not yours it's MINE!!!! Wow, how about that people. When I heard this story is was overwhelmed with joy. I needed a word from God and this is what HE gave me. The bottom line is I've been doing it all by myself. I was trying to climb out this Grand Canyon myself. I was trying to get out of the desert with no guide. I was doing it wrong, to borrow a line from Mr. Mom. I thought I needed to be in control. I though I could make it happen. Well let me tell all I need to do is let God be in control, seek His council on my life's decisions and sit still. Had I realized early on that I needed God to be in control of my life I would not be where I am now. BUT I thank God for the lesson's He has and continues to teach me. I thank God for the revival in my spirit, my family, and my friends. I thank God for loving me enough to teach me. You know sometimes we need to let the Creator be the Creator and remember we are the creation. I am glad I am learning to give my battles to Him. One thing is true, there is not a enemy to big, an amount of debt to large, or an addiction that He cannot overcome. If we will put our lives wholly in His hands God will give us victory. Did you know the most common command in the Bible is "Do not be afraid!" Praise God for His sovereignty and loving kindness. I hope this blesses you hearts today. My prayer for us today is that we will trust Him enough to let Him fight for our battles.

Until next time....
God Bless You!!!

Alan

Weeding your Garden

Spring is just around the corner and it occurred to me today that sometimes our internal garden like the ones outside need some up cleaning out. People including myself don't like to do yard work or work on ourselves. But how else are we supposed to grow ? I was reflecting on some of my past efforts to improve like getting in shape, spending more quality time with the Lord, being a better listener, or insert something here that you have attempted to work on. We all have things that we can improve on. My point is we let fears, doubts, pain, or whatever the barrier creep in and start choking out the growth we are experiencing or are about to experience. So I am making a decision right here before you all at 11:50 pm that I am going to pay more attention to my garden. My God, My family, My friends, and My professional contacts all deserve my best. I thank the good Lord in heaven that each new day is a fresh start. I am realizing the more I turn over to Him the more peace I have. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:26-27 "Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." I believe we can weed our gardens by asking God to carry our load, trusting that He will (this is half the battle.), resting in our trust of His capabilities, seeking encouragement from Him and those that we trust, and not looking back. Yesterday is gone forever and there is nothing any of us can do about it. Tomorrow is not yet written and we have no guarantees of a tomorrow. But today is now. Today is the day the Lord has made, we should rejoice and be glad in it. We need to make the best of the 24 hours in front of us and learn from yesterday's failures and success's. I believe if we will just remember this our lives will improve. When we started walking as babies we fell down a lot. We had to learn how to walk, well we have to learn how to live. This has made me feel better. I hope this makes you feel better. Each one of you who reads this, forwards this, or tells someone about this is a encouragement to me. I appreciate you all. My pray for today and for you is that we would all trust Him more. That we would let go of things that don't really matter and focus our efforts on the things that do matter HIM...

Until next time.

God Bless You!!!

Alan