Finding Strength to Stand!

Strength To Stand!

Today, I read again:

Ps 138: 3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
Very interesting how this psalm reads!

It begins:

Ps 138 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

² I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Here in verse two, we see God establishing the integrity of His Word, and then the psalmist shows us his response to God’s Word.

God gives us promises, that must be walked out in the earth, in sometimes very, difficult circumstances. God gives the promise, and when we are having difficulty holding on to what He said, we can call unto Him, and He strengthens us when we cry out to Him.

So, my dear friend, remember what God has spoken to you! Do not give up! When it looks impossible, and you are so weary in well doing that you think you have enough, you can cry out to Him, and He will answer and strengthen you with strength in your soul!

Let’s do that today, together!
“Father God, I cry out to You, right now! Father, strengthen me in what you have said! Give me courage, boldness, tenacity, endurance, and joy in the journey, I pray, in your name Lord Jesus!”

Running Before the Gale…

The Storm at Sea

^{Acts 27:13} When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. ¹⁴ But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. ¹⁵ The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

Running before the gale!

When I was young, full of fire and adventure, I spent nine months becoming trained as an underwater welder, and I decided to join a company out of Key West named Treasure Salvors, headed up by a flamboyant man named Mel Fisher who was hunting Spanish treasure ships off the Florida Keys: it was a great adventure.

Then, as God would have it, I had the opportunity to jump ship and join ‘The Illusion’ expedition, headed up by a man from Brazil. Tony Kopp had worked in the oil fields as a diver, and had built a 65 schooner, fully equipped as a dive vessal. He had been searching archives for many years, to unearth the plight of the many treasure ships that had sunk crossing the Atlantic. He had his eyes on a Dutch Schooner said to be sunk in the Madiera Island group off Portugal, and several other wrecks along the journey. So, not yet 21, I hired aboard this wild expedition, with two Swiss, a German, a French man from Gabon, Africa, a captain from Brazil, with his wife and two year old daughter, and two Doberman pinchers!

We had many adventures, and some once in a lifetime experiences finding wrecks, spearfishing, and crossing the Atlantic under sail.

We got caught in a force 10 storm, with 50-70mph winds. All we could see was blowing foam, and seas mounted to 40-50’ waves, with the tops being torn off of them by the high winds. We had to keep the boat running before the wind, carefully slicing the waves, or we would breach, overturn, and I might not be writing this story.

For three days and nights, we could do nothing but hang-on!

No food, no sleep as the waves were too violent, and would throw you out of your bunk. Dark, starless night, blowing rain, foam, mist, with one thought on all of our minds, survive.

On the third day, the winds let up, and I ate a dry cracker, crawled into my bunk, and slept for a couple of hours. I was awakened to the sound of the baby laughing, with sun streaming through my porthole!

I stumbled out of my bunk, being flung side to side, the entire boat creaking and groaning, crashing through the waves.

I came above decks to behold a sight!

The wind had stopped in the night, but because it was no longer tearing the tops off of the waves, seas were now 65-80’ tall! Our little schooner would surf up one side of a mountain of water, and launch into the air, to come crashing down the other side of these monstrous waves. We would hit the bottom of the trough, and the bow would turn submarine, plunging the front third of the ship underwater, with hatches groaning, like a cork we would bob up again, and head for the sky again.

The baby was in her safety strap hugging one of the dogs, laughing hysterically!

One of the Swiss had a camcorder, and he filmed that day: how I wish I had a copy of that video!

We all began to laugh! A celebration of life! We were alive to face another day, the sun was shining, and it was going to be alright!

Now, back to the Word of God:

You know the story, Paul the mighty apostle with a burning zeal and a passionate fire to see his people saved, and right with God. He has met Jesus, and he is going to Jerusalem, capital of the world, to tell them the good news of who Yeshua really is!

FAITH is Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him.

Let’s read:

Acts 20:22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Bound in the spirit,

Some question whether Paul heard the voice of God to make this particular trip to Jerusalem.

Romans 8: ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Surely Paul is a son of God, and He heard God to go to Jerusalem.

Yet we see an interesting interplay here between the office of the apostle, and the office of the prophet.

Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

v 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

v13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

The prophetic word delivered to Paul was accurate, and for those around him that loved him, was interpreted that Paul should refrain from going up to Jerusalem. Yet, to Paul the apostle, ready to endure any hardship for the sake of the gospel, he was strengthened by the word!

He hardened himself, recognizing imprisonment and a beating were in his future, but he did not flinch in the face of danger. Perhaps he read:

Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

So, as Paul Harvey would say, ‘and now for the rest of the story’.

He made it to Jerusalem, underwent imprisonment, and the foretold beating. Yet, though his path was hard, their was an audience of One that he sought to obey and please.

In His prison cell, that One, King Jesus showed up to personally comfort His servant:

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome

How is that for an encouraging word?

You obeyed me, now I am sending you to Rome – (in the belly of a slave ship) – running before the gale!

So leader, the storms of life will come. You are either in one, finishing one, or headed into another one. It is the cost of the call, the price tag of leadership, the race run, before our audience of One.

The lonely times leave a mark upon your soul. Perhaps it was this time in Jerusalem that caused Paul to pen these words:

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Leadership can be lonely, perhaps you have read my article on it…

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/leadership-lonliness/

When we enter into the perfect, sovereign assignment of heaven for our lives, all hell may well break loose to prevent us getting to our goal.

Jesus faced the storm on the sea of Galilee, Paul, Joseph in the pit, Moses in the desert…

Jesus suffered alone upon the cross…We who represent Him, will find ourselves alone with Him too.

While no earthly help may seem to appear, there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. One who knows, who cares, and who will never leave nor forsake you.

We did make it to Portugal, and discover the 1611 Dutch trader with 54 silver bars on its manifest. Another story, for another day…

You will make it too, if you are willing to abandon all for the sake of the call.

Like Mary told her servants so many years ago, at the wedding feast:

John 2: (KJV)

⁵ His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

In your hour of trial, HE WILL APPEAR, AND HE WILL SPEAK!

Do not settle for the mere words of men, obey Him, and walk upon the water of His Word.

Make headlines in heaven so that this question in the heart of Jesus be answered:

Luke 18:8 Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Let your answer to this question be a resounding YES! You won’t have to look any further Lord Jesus, for I believe!

Let’s pray:

‘Father, let me not shrink back for Your clear mandate for me. While the storms may rage, may I navigate them and run before the wind of Your Holy Spirit, running before the gale. In Your name and for Your glory I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

PS: If you would like to read another adventure story type devotion from my treasure hunting days: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/a-shark-story/

Just in case you think this kind of stuff only happens historically, here’s one from the week when our jeep was stolen: http://www.fox23.com/videos/news/video-teens-commit-tulsa-crime-spree/vDW5k2/

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

If you would like to help us in our missionary adventures, please make a donation on Paypal: http://chrisaomministries.com/2016/02/27/newsletter-aomministries-feb-march/

http://chrisaomministries.com/2016/03/17/faith-sets-the-sail/

The Spirit of Faith! USE IT!

The Spirit of Faith!

Read with me: 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

This is the heart of any true minister. You need faith for your marriage, faith for protection, faith to receive wisdom and revelation from God. Faith to eat your meals, faith to raise your family, faith to provide for your family. Faith to be a good steward over your money.

The Bible says: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

I want God’s church to grow, so I must continue to preach the Word to you, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Some of you need faith just to get to church every Sunday. Well,

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Or if you want a teaching on it: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/04/15/eagles-still-go-to-church/

You now see that regular church attendance is actually in the Word of God, so now, you simply have to agree with the Word, for faith came when you heard it, now do what you believe!

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Once you recognize that your very world is framed by the Word of God, you will have no problem getting to church to hear the good word of God.

Why?

Well, I’m commanded by God to 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind

;

Now, if you understand that your life is going to be adversely or positively affected according to your hearing of the Word of God, you will reprioritize some things. ‘Seek ye first’is still in the book, not in a legalistic sense but so that God can add all things unto you.

2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Corinthians 4:13 (BBE) But having the same spirit of faith, as it is said in the Writings, The words of my mouth came from the faith in my heart; in the same way, our words are the outcome of our faith;

Romans 4:17 ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Throughout the week, I spend countless hours praying out mysteries in other tongues, for you.

1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Why, because faith comes by hearing.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

692 argov argos ar-gos’

from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2041; TDNT-1:452,76; adj

AV-idle 6, slow 1, barren 1; 8

1) free from labour, at leisure

2) lazy, shunning the labour which one ought to perform

For Synonyms see entry 5814

My question to you today is what do you believe about your life? Like that old comedy:”Doom misery and despair, if I didn’t have bad luck I’d have no luck at all?”

Like Eeyor in Winnie the Poor, are you down at the mouth, just barely getting by?

Well, you’re carnal then. The children of Israel died in the desert by grumbling and complaining. What are you doing day to day? Calling those things that are not as though they were? Standing boldly on the promises of God, more than a conquerer in Him? Or like the ten spies, do you have grasshopper mentality, all your problems are giants in the land? Where are the Joshua’s and Calebs of this generation who will stand up and boldly declare the victory Jesus bought and paid for in His own blood?

I like the statement I read of the Moravian Christians that went as missionaries to the Virgin Islands to bring the gospel to the slaves there, knowing that it may cost them their lives, that they might need to become slaves themselves, in order to reach the slaves there.

They prayed, “Dear Lord, that we might grant you a reward worthy of Your sufferings..”

They had such a deep revelation of the depths to which Jesus went for us, when He died upon the cross for all mankind, in light of eternity, no sacrifice was too great, in comparison of what He did, to redeem people back to Himself.

Faith, established upon the promises of God despises obstacles. He is the resurrection and the life. He is Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and earth, He lives, and He reigns.

Lets see this spirit of faith in action in the Word of God

David

Did David say to Goliath, “You big mighty man of war. You fearsome giant, and undefeated warrior?”

Not!

He was so in tune with His walk with the Lord, and the promises of God, He saw the problem from God’s perspective. ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine to raise up against the army of Almighty God?’

He saw himself from God’s perspective, with a covenant with God.

He saw Goliath from God’s perspective, without protection, and without a covenant.

Can’t you see, this man is without protection, and He dares to raise His hand against God? This should be fun, what’s in it for the man who chops off his head?

Did he run from the giant? No! He ran to him! Faith is not waiting for Jesus to come and deliver them but enforcing Jesus victory in every arena of life.

What about Jonathon?

1 Samuel 14:1 ¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

16 ¶ And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

One man, with God, walking by faith got victory over an entire enemy nation. Why, because when he did in the natural, God did in the supernatural,

and:

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

God backed up Jonathon, and the earth quaked.

Where are the giant killers today?

The David’s that will look enemies in the eye and tell these mountains to move?

The Jonathon’s that will take the battle to the enemy, not run from it or pretend it doesn’t need to be fought!

He went to the enemy, and he won.

How about the three Hebrew children? Let’s pick up their story in the midst of their challenge.

Danial 3:10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Notice the attack is against the glory of God, we must keep our attackers focused on Him, not us.

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Spirit of Faith – They knew God, and knew He would deliver them!

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

17 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

If you throw us in the furnace O king, God will deliver us and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

That kind of stand of faith will really tick a controlling person off. They think they are in charge.

19 ¶ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Enemies were destroyed in their own flames.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

In your trial of faith, in the firey furnace of your affliction, the object of your faith will appear!

Jesus, your Lord and your king, shows up, for He will never leave you or forsake you. When He does, you get delivered for God acts!

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

26 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ. Kings come to the light of God’s glory.

Isaiah 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (God shows up, you get delivered, and yes, you get really grateful and glad!)

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

27 ¶ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

God gets the glory, you get the promotion, and the real purpose of your trial is revealed – the harvest! God has eternity on His mind, and we are the only hope this generation has. Sometimes we go through things at the hands of satan and wicked people, that God allows for a season to perfect us, glorify Him, and most importantly, allow others to come into the kingdom of God.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Notice the gospel was preached by the government as a result of the stand of faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They did not bow, they did not burn, and the entire nation came back to God through their stand of faith, and they were promoted!

Ps 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 ¶ For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

So who are you anyway? A grumbler, destined to spend forty years in the desert in despair, or more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus?

You can choose what you are going to do right now, COMPLAIN AND REMAIN (In your present trial), or PRAISE AND BE RAISED (seeing the power of God make your mess a miracle!) Praise Him in the midst of your madness, and He will deliver you!

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Jesus made it plain,

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So your bills look like they have you whipped? Are they a mountain of bills yet? God said something about mountains in Mark 11:24. Are you down so low you have to look up to see bottom? Not! Never! You are the head and not the tail, a child of the king, made to sit with Him in heavenly places. There is no circumstance that can lord over you, unless you let it. Whatever your circumstance is, get over it with the Word of God.

Jesus is your Lord, and He has the final say.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If it is in the world, your faith in God is well able to whip it. Are you a grasshopper? Or are you well able to take the land?

Stand in the presence of our king, and let’s reaffirm our faith in Him again.

I don’t care what your bankbook says:

God says:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

You are a giver aren’t you?

Let’s believe the Word together!

The Bible says now 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Now how are we to be strong, when we feel so weak?

In the Lord, using our faith-filled words!

Mark 11:22-25New King James Version (NKJV)

²² So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

I am a whosoever, and so are you! (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/mountain-moving-faith/)

We are mountain-moving, history making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joel 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

You say it, and God will back you up, and you will be strong.

Is 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Thank you Father, we were healed. We believe it and receive it, now, by faith.

Now normally, I end these exhortations with a prayer, but not today. The Word of the Lord given to me by the Holy Spirit is PRAISE!

Ps 67:5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Praise is the weapon of the day, the key to unlock our victory, today.

Hurting, discouraged, feeling beat? Been there, done that…

Sing!

I don’t care if you are choking on every word join me:

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of thanksgiving’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of joy!’

Praise paralyses devils, it is the shout of victory that overcomes the world, for God inhabits the praises of His people!

I remember hearing a testimony of a women doctor, dying of cancer and a heroin addiction named Dr. Lillian Yeoman. She had been asking God to heal her, and bringing His promises of healing before Him in prayer, yet was still dying. One night, lying on her pain-wracked bed, she had a vision, that changed her life. She saw a balance, with one side that was labeled PRAYER, and the other side PRAISE. The side that was labeled PRAYER was weighted down completely, while there was nothing on the praise side to counter-balance the load. She claimed she heard the voice of God speak to her, to PRAISE, and that when the weight of her praise, equaled the weight of her prayer, she would be miraculously healed. So, she began to sing praises to God, like a croak at first, but as she gave herself to it, she began to get stronger, and her voice clearer. She stayed with it, until she literally sang herself off of that deathbed, totally healed of cancer, and totally delivered of her heroin addiction.

He is worthy!

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Running Before the Gale…

The Storm at Sea

^{Acts 27:13} When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. ¹⁴ But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. ¹⁵ The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

Running before the gale!

When I was young, full of fire and adventure, I spent nine months becoming trained as an underwater welder, and I decided to join a company out of Key West named Treasure Salvors, headed up by a flamboyant man named Mel Fisher who was hunting Spanish treasure ships off the Florida Keys: it was a great adventure.

Then, as God would have it, I had the opportunity to jump ship and join ‘The Illusion’ expedition, headed up by a man from Brazil. Tony Kopp had worked in the oil fields as a diver, and had built a 65 schooner, fully equipped as a dive vessal. He had been searching archives for many years, to unearth the plight of the many treasure ships that had sunk crossing the Atlantic. He had his eyes on a Dutch Schooner said to be sunk in the Madiera Island group off Portugal, and several other wrecks along the journey. So, not yet 21, I hired aboard this wild expedition, with two Swiss, a German, a French man from Gabon, Africa, a captain from Brazil, with his wife and two year old daughter, and two Doberman pinchers!

We had many adventures, and some once in a lifetime experiences finding wrecks, spearfishing, and crossing the Atlantic under sail.

We got caught in a force 10 storm, with 50-70mph winds. All we could see was blowing foam, and seas mounted to 40-50’ waves, with the tops being torn off of them by the high winds. We had to keep the boat running before the wind, carefully slicing the waves, or we would breach, overturn, and I might not be writing this story.

For three days and nights, we could do nothing but hang-on!

No food, no sleep as the waves were too violent, and would throw you out of your bunk. Dark, starless night, blowing rain, foam, mist, with one thought on all of our minds, survive.

On the third day, the winds let up, and I ate a dry cracker, crawled into my bunk, and slept for a couple of hours. I was awakened to the sound of the baby laughing, with sun streaming through my porthole!

I stumbled out of my bunk, being flung side to side, the entire boat creaking and groaning, crashing through the waves.

I came above decks to behold a sight!

The wind had stopped in the night, but because it was no longer tearing the tops off of the waves, seas were now 65-80’ tall! Our little schooner would surf up one side of a mountain of water, and launch into the air, to come crashing down the other side of these monstrous waves. We would hit the bottom of the trough, and the bow would turn submarine, plunging the front third of the ship underwater, with hatches groaning, like a cork we would bob up again, and head for the sky again.

The baby was in her safety strap hugging one of the dogs, laughing hysterically!

One of the Swiss had a camcorder, and he filmed that day: how I wish I had a copy of that video!

We all began to laugh! A celebration of life! We were alive to face another day, the sun was shining, and it was going to be alright!

Now, back to the Word of God:

You know the story, Paul the mighty apostle with a burning zeal and a passionate fire to see his people saved, and right with God. He has met Jesus, and he is going to Jerusalem, capital of the world, to tell them the good news of who Yeshua really is!

FAITH is Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him.

Let’s read:

Acts 20:22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Bound in the spirit,

Some question whether Paul heard the voice of God to make this particular trip to Jerusalem.

Romans 8: ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Surely Paul is a son of God, and He heard God to go to Jerusalem.

Yet we see an interesting interplay here between the office of the apostle, and the office of the prophet.

Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

v 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

v13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

The prophetic word delivered to Paul was accurate, and for those around him that loved him, was interpreted that Paul should refrain from going up to Jerusalem. Yet, to Paul the apostle, ready to endure any hardship for the sake of the gospel, he was strengthened by the word!

He hardened himself, recognizing imprisonment and a beating were in his future, but he did not flinch in the face of danger. Perhaps he read:

Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

So, as Paul Harvey would say, ‘and now for the rest of the story’.

He made it to Jerusalem, underwent imprisonment, and the foretold beating. Yet, though his path was hard, their was an audience of One that he sought to obey and please.

In His prison cell, that One, King Jesus showed up to personally comfort His servant:

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome

How is that for an encouraging word?

You obeyed me, now I am sending you to Rome – (in the belly of a slave ship) – running before the gale!

So leader, the storms of life will come. You are either in one, finishing one, or headed into another one. It is the cost of the call, the price tag of leadership, the race run, before our audience of One.

The lonely times leave a mark upon your soul. Perhaps it was this time in Jerusalem that caused Paul to pen these words:

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Leadership can be lonely, perhaps you have read my article on it…

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/leadership-lonliness/

When we enter into the perfect, sovereign assignment of heaven for our lives, all hell may well break loose to prevent us getting to our goal.

Jesus faced the storm on the sea of Galilee, Paul, Joseph in the pit, Moses in the desert…

Jesus suffered alone upon the cross…We who represent Him, will find ourselves alone with Him too.

While no earthly help may seem to appear, there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. One who knows, who cares, and who will never leave nor forsake you.

We did make it to Portugal, and discover the 1611 Dutch trader with 54 silver bars on its manifest. Another story, for another day…

You will make it too, if you are willing to abandon all for the sake of the call.

Like Mary told her servants so many years ago, at the wedding feast:

John 2: (KJV)

⁵ His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

In your hour of trial, HE WILL APPEAR, AND HE WILL SPEAK!

Do not settle for the mere words of men, obey Him, and walk upon the water of His Word.

Make headlines in heaven so that this question in the heart of Jesus be answered:

Luke 18:8 Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Let your answer to this question be a resounding YES! You won’t have to look any further Lord Jesus, for I believe!

Let’s pray:

‘Father, let me not shrink back for Your clear mandate for me. While the storms may rage, may I navigate them and run before the wind of Your Holy Spirit, running before the gale. In Your name and for Your glory I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

PS: If you would like to read another adventure story type devotion from my treasure hunting days: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/a-shark-story/

Just in case you think this kind of stuff only happens historically, here’s one from this week when our jeep was stolen: http://www.fox23.com/videos/news/video-teens-commit-tulsa-crime-spree/vDW5k2/

If you would like to help us in our missionary adventures, please make a donation on Paypal: http://chrisaomministries.com/2016/02/27/newsletter-aomministries-feb-march/

http://chrisaomministries.com/2016/03/17/faith-sets-the-sail/

Tested and Tried!

Trial or Test?

Ps 105:17 He sent a man, Joseph, before them who was sold as a servant. 18 They hurt his feet with chains. He was put in irons, 19 until what he had said would happen came to pass. The Word of the Lord tested him.

Satan will bring persecution and afflictions to our lives, for the Words sake.

Mark 4: 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

Hebrews 10:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Yet, what satan brings as a trial, can become a test of God, if we refuse to waver in what we believe.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

You know God has spoken to you!

James 1:2

[ Trials and Temptations ] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Refuse to bow to the pressure, until the appointed time of our Father, and you will see exactly what you have believed, come to pass.

You want power with God?

He will reveal His power in your fiery stand of faith.

Stand!

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

God did not say it was easy, but it is possible!

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:14

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Not popular preaching anymore, but truth nonetheless…

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I believe that you have made a way for me, where there appears to be no way today. I refuse to bow to the pressure, persecution, or false accusation, until that which You have spoken to me, comes to pass. I thank you for it Lord Jesus, Amen’

Glorify God in YOUR Body!

Glorify God in YOUR Body!

As I read one of my textbooks for graduate theology I came across this quote:

1 Corinthians 6:20

NKJV “therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
TNIV “Therefore honor God with your bodies”

This example was chosen to illustrate that, on occasion, changes to the original text were made by copyists for theological reasons.  The words “and in your spirit, which are God’s,” though found in most of the late medieval Greek manuscripts, do not appear in any early Greek evidence or in the Latin-speaking church in the West.  Had they been in Paul’s original letter, it is nearly impossible to explain how/why they would have been left out so early and so often.  But their late appearance in Greek manuscripts can be easily explained.  All such manuscripts were copied in monasteries at a time when Greek philosophy, with its low view of the body, had made inroads into the Christian theology.  So some monks added “in your spirit” and then concluded that both body and spirit “are God’s.”  While this is true, these additional words deflect Paul’s obvious concern with the body in this passage and are thus no part of the Spirit’s inspiration of the apostle.

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas K. Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2003

As most of you know, I swam on the varsity team during my undergraduate years, but after graduation, I became born-again, and left competitive sports right after. Problem was, I completely left off all exercise, and instead of staying in shape, I did not enter into another fitness program really, for almost ten years. Not healthy! Poured myself into work, prayer and ministry, and eventually, in 2009 had a mini-stroke, blacking out at the wheel while driving down a local highway here in Oklahoma. Fortunately doctors, meds, and discipline had its way with me, and I lost a pile of fat, began to watch my diet, and hit the gym again.

I know these verses:

1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
So I began the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, weekly church attendance, financial stewardship, and carefully watching my words, my attitudes, and managing my time.

Yet what about bodily exercise?

I mean, I want to be all that I can be in Jesus, 1 Tim 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little..

So, I will take a little profit!

So, over the past twenty five years of life and ministry I have watched great Christian leaders, and watched their walks with the Lord, and noticed a couple of things.

Seems many Christian leaders, both in ministry, or whatever field of endeavor they find themselves involved in have often let themselves go physically.

I have wondered if a regular exercise program is a waste of time, or could actually help one in our pursuit of the press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Well, amazing thing about common sense, is that it is not always very common.

Clearly, there are tons of benefits from regular exercise, from stress release, to hundreds of clear health benefits. Think about Jesus for a minute, he walked everywhere, and ate non-processed natural foods, and clearly He was not only healthy, but not only not sick, but so full of the life and power of God, that He healed the sick.

We are created in the image of God, and we need to honor God in our bodies, the temples of the Holy Spirit.

That means getting in shape, cutting the fat, and becoming strong in the Lord, and the power of His might.

I was speaking this week with a friend of mine that does missions trips like I have, to native American reservations, and takes a team of people to build something for them while there. His lament, and I agree, is that often local pastors cannot help with the actual work, because they are so out of shape physically, obese, or struggling with diabetes, or some other diability, that prevents them from hard manual labor that is a joy, to those of us that are in shape.

Come on leaders,

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Not sure how to say this really clearly, but it is true nonetheless: When you are strong, people respect you. When you are strong, you are able to lift others up…

So much more can be said here, and perhaps I will edit this at a later date, but let’s pray:

‘Father, help me to add a fitness program to my life, that will glorify You. Strengthen me, and give me the courage and discipline to lose extra weight, and to get into shape physically, that I might be strong in Your Lord, and in the power of Your might. I ask this Father, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

Lion Food?

‘You Christians are so limp wristed!’ I heard a soldier tell me while in Rwanda.

He went on to say: “Like the ostrich that sticks her head in the sand, the lion like it that way!”

This 6’8″ warrior laughingly told me this while in Africa, after we had exchanged bear hugs after I preached, and he exclaimed: ‘I thought all preachers were limp-wristed, you are STRONG!’

Now, I am no power team member, but I still hit 315 on bench and run 4x per week – strong body, strong mind!

As I was reading

Job 39:13 “The ostrich flaps her wings grandly,
but they are no match for the feathers of the stork.
14 She lays her eggs on top of the earth,
letting them be warmed in the dust.
15 She doesn’t worry that a foot might crush them
or a wild animal might destroy them.
16 She is harsh toward her young,
as if they were not her own.
She doesn’t care if they die.
17 For God has deprived her of wisdom.
He has given her no understanding.
18 But whenever she jumps up to run,
she passes the swiftest horse with its rider

Here, God Himself calls the ostrich a stupid bird.

Quite frankly, I don’t want to be like her!

The Bible says that the wisdom of God is available to us, that we have the mind of Christ.

When there is clear and actual danger, whether spiritual, financial, or through violent people, we need to have enough sense to act!

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Yes, the devil hunts, AS a roaring lion, but Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. When we rise up in His power and authority, devilish plots are dismantled, and we are delivered – IF we are aware.

Lets Pray:

‘Father, keep up alert, awake, and aware spiritually of what we need to be doing, in prayer, or naturally, to see Your kingdom advance, and to protect and steward that which You have entrusted to us. Open our eyes Holy Spirit, that we might fully obey today. I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, AMEN!

 

Be a Bug Zapper for Jesus!

Bug zapper for Jesus

1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and when sickness and injury comes to your life. Be like a big bug zapper, when a bug hits that light, zap, he’s dead. Lets say a big old June bug hits that thing, what happens? ZZZZZZZZZAP! Kills him just the same, just a louder zap!

When virus hits your life, Christ in you, the hope of glory, goes zap! Cancer? ZZZZZZZZZZZAP! You are His, and you are to be healed!

God is fighting for His temple to be the place of worship it was created to be. Get in shape, lose the extra pounds, be strong, and above all, be healed, in this way, 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/be-healed-jesus-wants-you-strong/
Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I need you to help me to become strong in You! Help me to trust you fully for my healing, my health, and to receive Your strength. Give me grace to discipline my diet, to lose extra weight, and to get into shape as You intend. Send people into my life to help me with this, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus!’

Who is Watching You?

They watched Him, who is watching You?

Luke 14: 1 ¶ And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

So, as usual, in the earthly ministry of Jesus, people were watching his every move. Would He break with tradition, or worse yet, their limited understanding of the Word of God?

Sure enough, often on purpose, Jesus loved to mess with their mess, and live outside of their mental boxes, of what they thought God in the flesh could look like.

Well, I have some good news for you. People, especially religious people, would love to keep you in check through the tyranny of tradition and unspoken rules, that, if you get in touch with the living God; you, like Jesus, will have to break. Often on purpose!

Why? To be obnoxious, and to rebel against the status quo? No, to be effective disciple.

Reminds me of a custom liscence plate, I saw on a beautiful Hummer in front of me at a red light, that caused me to break out laughing. It read: ‘BOW UP!’. Now, for those of you in other countries, that do not understand red neck righteousness, or colloquial American terminology, the term ‘BOW UP’ means to rebel, to reject the status quo, to break out of the box.

Now, real rebellion and hardness of heart tends to anarchy, and this was not the message I received from that liscence plate. Nope, that person had a beautiful ride, on a bright sunny day, perhaps they were a combat veteran, and the message I received from that plate was: Be strong, be honorable, be honest, but do not bow down to complacency, compromise, or the mere status quo. Chickens travel in flocks, eagles can soar alone, while their lifelong mates tend the nest.

The person in that Hummer was a leader, and I hope, an honorable one.

Mt 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

My definition of meek, is ‘strength under pressure’ Like my picture of an egg in a vice? That bench vise is made of case hardened steel, and can easily crush the egg in its jaws, but because its character is meek, not weak, it carefully holds the egg without crushing it.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

We should be as strong as that vise, yet gentle. Holding delicate things like the hearts of our wives and children with tenderness and tears, but strong enough to crush rocks or hold on a God given vision, with unbreakable force.

The man of God gives his anger, frustration and tears to God, and can say, like king David:

2Sa 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Then, by the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and the love of God:

Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Wives are loved and confident around him. Children run into his safe strong arms for hugs, because deep in their hearts, they know he will never hurt them, secure that his great strength is given by God to work, and to protect them.

Strong leaders, continually grow in strength, both physically, mentally, and spiritually, not so that they can merely strut their stuff, but to be an example to those they are called to lead. When we serve, it is not because we have no power or authority, in fact it takes more strength to serve, than to dominate or control a situation.

2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Luke 22: 24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

One of the things we need to forsake, is concern about what other people might think.

There are clearly times, when we need to assault their stinkin thinking, control tactics, and limited understanding of what God may be saying to us. They are watching, and God is moving and though people may not understand fully why we are doing things the way we are at present, as Holy Spirit is teaching us obedience.

Yet, when we fully obey God, walking in love in truth, though we offend them today in moving outside of their mental box, God is faithful, and we may well be of some use to them in years to come.

Let’s pray:
‘Father, speak to me, grow me, strengthen me, and make me strong in you Lord, and the power of your might. Gentle, tender, wise, with rock crushing strength, viselike in my ability to clearly grasp, maintain, and stand upon your specific vision and mandate for my life and family. Give me courage to think, speak,and act outside of societies box, in accordance with your Word and you Holy Spirit, that I might be the example of red hot, radical obedience, this generation desperately needs. In your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!

From Faith to faith, Strength to Strength

From Faith to Faith!

No man is fit to command another who cannot command himself.
Wm. Penn

Job 9:19

If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong:

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Psalm 84:7

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Psalm 144:1

Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

I am in an interesting season of my life, pressing towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and God is teaching much through physical fitness.I have set two goals for this year: 1. To break 25 mins in a 5km run 2: To bench press 360lbs.

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/05/09/set-yearly-goals-and-work-them/

In each sport, running and weight lifting, I need to organize and discipline my life around my work outs, correcting my diet, my training, and my rest, to be able to consistently improve in each sport.

Initially, it was easy, because I had no concrete goals that I was working towards, so I could go to the gym whenever it fit into the schedule, and do whatever I felt like in terms of a workout, and for awhile, I was still making some improvement in overall fitness, but after a couple of years, I had reached a plateau, where I was not running any faster, nor getting any stronger in the weight room.

The definition of insanity is to keep doing what you always do, and expecting a different result.

I needed instruction and discipline, and as I began to ask questions at the gym and while jogging, I began to get answers, not all of which I particularly liked.

If I wanted to improve, I needed to change some things, and it has been hard. Had to watch my diet, deliberatly get more sleep, add vitamins and supplements, and then I sought out training partners who were my age, and who were currently achieving what I wanted to be able to do. They did not only instruct me in what I needed to do, but actually worked out with me, at a level that I did have the ability to perform at yet.

Result: I became stronger, healthier, faster, and more flexible than I have been in 20 years!

Yet, getting off the discipline cost me six months on my goals. I came into the gym late one day, and skipped warm up and stretch, and jumped into a heavy set on bench. I hit my max weight of 315 easily, then decided to add little tiny 2.5lb weights on either side, so I could break it. The weight came down, and SNAP, something broke deep inside my left shoulder. Been 8 months of stretching, prayer, and light weights trying to get my strength back. I benched 275 last week, but with some pain. Now, fear and caution are my friends. I have to listen intimately to Holy Spirit in each work-out, to know when I can push, and when it is time to back off to avoid injury.
Now, let’s take this to our walk with God:

In order to get stronger, fitter, faster, to excel I had to:

Had to learn to stay rested in life and ministry:
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

In order to achieve a result I had never achieved, I had to hear and instruction I had never heard before.
Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I had to do what I learned to do, even though it was difficult.
Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

As I began to do what I needed to do, I was not alone in doing it, I had coaches that help me, who had already gone before me. While I learned much from these mentors, they did not get me where I want to be. Why? I had to learn what worked for them, and then process it in prayer, and then apply what I learned, that was working for me.

http://chrisaomministries.com/2015/08/13/run-the-race/

Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Yep, I had to lose 45 pounds just to start!

Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

I had to change my diet and learn to eat new foods

Mt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

When people are right with God, they are apt to be hard on themselves and easy on other people. But when they are not right with God, they are easy on themselves and hard on others.
John Newton

I again seem to fight for rest and prayer time, but am back on track with my fitness goals again. It is good to work-out, it is good to be strong. It is better, to be right with Jesus, passionately pursuing Him!

Let’s Pray:
‘Father God, please show me how to excel in every area of life. Bring to me words that will build my faith, and bring me to the next level of victory in my life. Show me how to stay rested in you, and bring coaches, mentors, trainers, that are stronger than me, that can both show me, and train me to walk in a new level of anointing, power, and obedience to you, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’