The Power of Hope

1 John 3:2-3

“2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

By definition, hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

What are you expecting?

The Bible says in John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

To quicken is to give or restore life to something.

When your hope lies is God, his Spirit breathes life into that thing you are hoping for. God inspires you to do all that you can to reach for, and work towards your goal. He will cause you to triumph. Because your hope is rooted in the words that God has spoken. Those words that are full of life.

Romans 5:1-5

“1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Hope is anchored in peace – the peace of God. We can celebrate in this great expectation we have of God. We don’t fear or dread facing the challenges we will meet on the way because we know that these challenges will only sharpen us. They will develop patience and experience in us. And we will need these important elements because they strengthen our hope. Our strong hope prepares us to boldly stand before all.

1 Corinthians 15:19

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

We must understand that our hope should expand beyond this life. Yes we want to have a blessed and successful life, but our ultimate hope or expectation is beyond this life. The believer’s goal is to please God, and then see his face in peace. Heaven is the ultimate expectation. As Titus 2:13 says, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

For this reason, as it says in 1 John 3:3, Everyman that has this hope IN HIM purifieth himself, because the God we serve is pure.

This requires action on our part. But it is God inspired action. There are some things we know to do, and to be (and stay) clean from. The rest – ask God to help you to clean. Because we need him to. There are somethings that only God can deliver us from.

The power of hope in God is that our expectations are rooted and grounded in Him. God breaths life into (fuels) our hope. He inspires use to reach for greatness. The unction of the Holy Ghost makes the things hoped for seem tangible even before we have it.

Hope is not a thing that people can steal or crush, because they have nothing to do with it. They cannot see it or handle it. It is something deep on the inside that drives the believer. It is a God-given tool. Use it skillfully!

What are you expecting?

Are you preparing yourself for it?

Are you excited about what God is doing?

Purify yourself and rejoice in hope. For there IS power in hope!

By definition, Potential is having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.

The danger of potential is (1) Not recognizing it, and (2) Not knowing what to do with it.

The first hurdle is simple – understand your passion. If God gave you a passion for a thing or things, then you have the potential to be great in them. The second hurdle- once you embrace your passion, then educate yourself. Learn all you can about them, watch people who are you excelling in them. Surround yourself with positive people.

People with potential have no limits on what they can achieve. Except for their own drive or motivation to take that first step, and keep it moving.

By definition, Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

For the believer, our faith is in God, completely!

The Bible has much to say about faith. It tells us that faith can move mountains, The just shall live by faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God, etc. There are hundreds of scriptures on faith.

The Bible also provides a multitude of examples of believers, and how their success was achieved through faith. See Moses, Joshua, Esther, Daniel, etc. The list is very long.

The common denominator of all these people of faith – action. They put their faith in action.

The bridge between potential and faith is Works. This Bible says that faith without works is dead.

There is a formula that is unbeatable: potential + faith * works = accomplishment.

Potential alone is kind of sad. Picture the person who recognizes all they he or she could be or do, but lacks the wherewithal to make a move towards it. Instead, they find excuse after excuse as to why they didn’t or couldn’t, and settle for a lesser life,

Faith alone is sad too. Picture the person who say they believe God for this or that, but they sit and wait for something to happen. This person does not have enough faith (or sense) to move toward the very thing they need from God.

Now picture works. This is all about action. Works are activated by passion (potential), but is fueled (and directed) by faith.

When the formula is properly applied, the sky is the limit. Why? Because now God has something to work with. Something he can put his hand on and bless. Something he can steer in the direction he needs it to go. Something he can increase and strengthen.

Don’t worry if your work is a wrong move. It is still something. God can prune and correct, sending it in the right direction.

Your wrong move is still faith in action. Man may look on the outside to judge, but God knows the intentions of your heart (Hebrews 4:12). If your intentions were pure, your wrong move is not the end.

As the formula states, your potential added to your faith, multiplied by works, will guarantee you accomplish what you are called to do.

Galatians 1:4-5

“who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.“

We live in the “self help” era. There are all kinds of tools and assistance companies out there which offer help and/or advice about most situations. However, we know that every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).

If we are not careful we will give the glory that should go to God, to someone or something else.

The Bible tells use that God is a Jealous God and he will not share his glory with another. The Bible also tells us that we overcome by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). When we ask God for help/deliverance we are to give our testimony so that someone else can hear and be strengthened.

In this day of self help we feel so empowered that we can fool ourselves to believe that whatever progress we have made was done on our own. When the fact of the matter is our great God directed us to the place/person/thing that was instrumental in bringing about our liberty.

Yes, tell your story. People need to know that you overcame adversity. And if you overcame, then so can they. But don’t forget God. Tell how God was the catalyst in your victory.

To God be the glory for the things he has done.

In all of your boasting, don’t forget to give God his due praise.

Judges 16: 16,17, 20

“16. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

17.. That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

20. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”

Most people long for someone to talk to. Every one wants a real true friend. But there are times when we need to keep quiet and do our own business.

Samson chose to play with fire. He had to know that Delilah was not true to him in any way. Instead of keeping his own secret, he chose to tell her, and put himself in Jeopardy.

Nothing is worth risking our salvation over.

Samson deluded himself to believe that no matter what, he would always be stronger than his enemy. That he would always be victorious. In the end, in his death we was victorious. However, because he could not keep his own secrets, he put himself in the fire, so to speak.

God has designed us to be victorious, to always triumph. But when our flesh gets involved, we tend to make poor or bad decisions. Just like Samson.

We don’t have to wait for the enemy to figure things out. We just open our mouth and tell him wants going on in our lives. When the fire comes, we wonder what happened. The truth is we trusted the wrong person with our hearts secrets. Now they are no longer secrets. Just as Samson became entertainment for the Philistines, are secrets are entertaining others.

Who is to blame? We are. If we cannot keep our own secret, why do we expect others to?

Jesus is a true friend and I can tell him anything. There are things that I can only tell him. God has blessed me with a couple great friends. I know that if I tell them something, that information is secure. Even still, there are somethings that God wants you to hold on to yourself.

God desires to have true relationship with us – true fellowship and communion. He wants to be our friend. He wants us to recognize and accept him as such. And believe me, there is not a friend like Jesus!

God wants your trust. Trust him enough confide your secrets. Then watch him work on your behalf. When he blesses you, he will do so in front of everyone- especially our enemies. That is the time to open our mouths and tell of the goodness of the Lord.

Instead of trying to find another person, trust God. Cast your care on him for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Give it a try. I guarantee you will not regret it.

Judges 14:17

“And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people “

Maya Angelou gave us a very important life lesson, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. ”

I believe she took this very sound advice from the Bible. Looking at the story of Samson, it is an example of this very thing.

We all know that Samson’s life unfolded as it did because God’s will needed to be done to deliver Israel from the Philistines. However, there is also important information we can use to govern our daily lives.

One such lesson is interpersonal relationship dynamics.

In Judges, it tells the story of the woman that Samson wanted for his wife. We see that Samson saw her and asked his parents to get her for his wife. We see everything from Samson’s point of view. We do not know if the woman cared for or even wanted Samson as her husband. All we know is that Samson’s parents got her for him.

When Samson put forth a riddle to the children of Philistine, the wife is the one they came to for assistance when they could not figure it out.

She showed Samson just who she was. She got his secret from him, then shared it with her people.

When Samson saw Delilah, his experience was the same.

We all have had situations where we were hurt, wounded, or betrayed by people who were close to us. Instead of learning from this lesson, we continually open ourselves for repeat behaviors.

That is not to say that we should close ourselves off from people and never be willing to trust again. In fact, it is just the opposite. We need people, just as people need us. Any relationship requires us to be open, honest, and show a certain level of vulnerability.

However, life experience should teach us lessons. Lessons that provide knowledge that we can apply to future interpersonal relationships.

After being stung by a bee before, the next time I see a bee flying in my direction I know to keep out of its way. This does not mean that I hate bees. It does mean that I have had an encounter with one before, and walked away from that encounter with some important information. Now, whenever I encounter another bee I put that learned information into practice.

We should learn from the past, and use that knowledge to govern our present. When you encounter another such person, guard yourself WITHOUT casting the new person in the same role as the other. Just recognize the behavior that seems the same (or similar), and prepare yourself.

Matthew 10:16, tells us “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Even though the waters are treacherous, we are still out in them to be fishers of men. Love is the key! Everything we do should be motivated by love. It is impossible to show love without opening ourselves up to people. With this comes the possibility of being hurt. However, if you use the lessons you have learned correctly, you will be willing to put yourself out there, AND protect yourself (to a certain degree) as well.

Do not let anything (big or small) keep you from doing what God has called you to. Learn your lesson, apply it to your life, and keep it moving!

Definitions:

Desire: a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.

Lust: a passionate desire for something.

Psalms 37:4

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

In Judges 14:1-4, Samson sees a daughter of the Philistines, and asked his parents to get her for his wife. In verse 4 we see that even though the relationship was not pleasing to his parents, it was the will of God. God needed an occasion to usher in the deliverance of Israel.

Where does desire come from?

According to Psychology Today, “Psychology in general leans towards the former possibility: It’s all been somehow pre-implanted, and only activation is needed.” (Shorter, Ph D, Edward, Where Does Desire Come From?, 7/15/15).

I would expand on this belief…

In a nutshell, man is born with a desire toward God. This desire is cultivated through life experiences. At some point we come into contact with God (by attending church, or a testimony from a believer, by hearing the word preached/taught on internet or radio, by reading an article, etc.). We then have a choice to make, either acceptance or rejection. With acceptance (or activation) should come relationship. With relationship we are to be (or should be) lead by God.

From this point, even our desires should be in line with the will of God.

This is why we must also deal with lust.

The Bible says that we face temptation because of lust. James 1:14, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Notice how the scripture says “his own lust.” This is not something from God. This is your own hang ups that pulls you away from God. This is not something from God or even of God. This lust is all about you.

Even so, God is faithful, because with every temptation he makes a way of escape. This let’s us know that God understands us. He does not approve of or support our sinful desires. However, he does love us enough to provide us a way to escape the sinful desire.

What a great God we serve!

Understanding Desire

Now, when we are in God’s will, even the things we desire should be God given or inspired. This is where that psychology “pre-implanted” thought comes into play. God has a plan for our lives. Everyone has a purpose, a calling, a specialized gift or talent. We are to use these to bring glory to God. So when you have a strong feeling of wanting to have something (desire), that is God inspired as well.

So move forward, understand that your desire is not lust. God has your back, stay in his will. Because you delight your self in God, he will continue to give you the desires of your heart. How? Because Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. You may know know or even understand everything that is in your heart, but God does. That is why he is able to give us what we need. Because he knows (even before we do) what is in our heart. You may not know why you lean towards certain things or ideas, but God does.

For you, The Ordinary Just Won’t Do

There is a purpose behind you wanting the things you do. Continue to seek God for those things. Take the necessary steps to achieve your goals, giving glory to God along the way.

Understand that,

-There is purpose in your pain.

-There is strength in stretching your faith.

-There is victory in striving for excellence.

-There is nothing wrong with ordinary. But understand that there are times when the ordinary just won’t do.

-Do not settle for ordinary if God is pushing you to greater. Focus on achieving greater.

He knows how to bless us just right!

Acts 12:6-7

“6. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”

It’s called trust. Trust in God. When you trust God, you can be in the middle of trouble, and yet be in peace.

Peter was in jail. Not the easiest place to rest. But Peter was sleep, and not just any type of sleep. He was in such a deep rest that the angel of the Lord had hit him to wake him up so he can be set free from the jail.

When we are in the place where we struggle with trust in God, it disturbs our peace.

Every body is a believer and has faith in God. Or at least that is the story we tell. But the true test of this is when we have to step out on faith. Where it seems there is no visible support or foundation. It’s just you and your faith in God.

Do you have the peace that comes with knowing that God is in control?

Or are you still struggling with “if” or “will” God? Or are you still formatting your Plan B? The plan that details how you will work things out on your own…

This type of thinking steels your peace. The Bible says the peace that God gives passes all understanding. People who are on the outside looking in are unable to understand how you can be so calm when everything around you seems to be in chaos.

Daniel had this peace while he was in the lion’s den.

When you understand there is no other option but to trust God. It provides a level of freedom that you have never known.

It is not a matter of (as the song says), “you’ve tried everything, and everything has failed. Try Jesus.”

It is a matter of, there is no other choice. I simply choose to take Jesus at his word, period.

God has a proven track record. He has proven himself to be faithful, always. We have to be willing to give up our control to him. Giving God our trust is a form of worship.

Trust God, and walk in the peace that he gives.

Today’s Message, “What are you Positioning Yourself For…”

II Kings 2:9-15

By definition. To Position is to put, place, locate, situate, set, site, stand, or station.

It is also to put or arrange someone or something in a particular place or way.

The story of Elijah and Elisha.

Elijah’s name means the Lord is my God.

Elijah was a prophet and a miracle worker who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of king Ahab. Elijah was a man who heard God, he walked in obedience, prayer warrior, and he expected miracles, always.

The scripture text is during the time when the Lord would take Elijah into heaven by a world wind. Elijah was aware that God was soon to take him away. Elisha was a faithful servant, but nevertheless he needed to be worth of the mantle that Elijah carried. He needed to be tested. 3 times Elijah encouraged Elisha to remain while Elijah went on to do the work that needed to be done. And 3 times Elisha refused to leave Elijah’s side. Elisha said, “said as the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth I will not leave thee.”

Then after the 3rd test Elijah asked Elisha what do you want before I’m taken away? Elisha asked for a double portion of the anointing. Elijah said if you see me taken up then you will receive it, if not then you won’t receive it. While they were talking there appears a chariot of fire, horses of fire and Elijah went up. And Elisha saw it.

Elisha positioned himself to receive the very thing we wanted.

There is an important lesson to learn from Elisha. We all need (and want) things from God. The question is, are you (or have you) positioned yourself to receive?

Elisha was obedient and faithful. On top of that he was honest with himself and with Elisha.

He did the following:

1. Elisha knew what he wanted. You need to know what you want too.

2. He asked for it. You need to be direct with what you too.

3. He waited on it. Wait on the Lord- don’t get discouraged, don’t give up.

4. He was tested by Elijah 3 times. Understand you will be tested too.

5. He was in position, Elisha was where he needed to be to receive what he wanted. Get in position. Some of us are in the wrong place. That’s why we haven’t received from the Lord.

6. He did not leave the sight of Elijah. Don’t you leave God’s side.

People are going to witness what God is doing for you. They will say I was there when she received her promotion, I was there when he received his blessing. God will bless you openly.

What are you positioning yourself for?

If you are unable to answer this question, examine yourself. What do you need from the Lord? Have you been obedient and faithful to God?

The first step in positioning your self to receive is repentance. Ask God to forgive you, then walk in obedience. From here, know what you want or need from God. Then put yourself in the place to receive.

The choice is up to you. Just as Elisha had the option to leave Elijah several times, but chose rather to stay and serve. We have the same choice.

What are you positioning yourself for?

God does things because he is God. He knows how to orchestrate circumstances to bring us to the place where we need to be. He will bring his will to pass.

He knows how to take a barren woman, give her a child, and deliver his children all at the same time. He does it in a way where only he can get the glory. Judges 13:2-5.

Have you ever said, “God, if you don’t do it than it cannot be done?” Before you know it, God has made a way. He is the God of miracles.

Our job is to walk in obedience and not to forget to tell of his goodness.

Judges 13:15-20.

Manoah wanted to detain the angel of the lord so he could dress a kid. Manoah did not know it was an angel of the Lord. The angel warned him he would not eat and told him if he made a burnt offering to off it to the Lord only.

All honor goes to God – period.

Why is it hard for us to believe that God is in control?

Why is it hard to accept the things that he speaks to us? Especially when it is something we have repeatedly asked God for…

Trust God.

Trust his word.

Take him at his word.

The Bible says every good and every perfect gift comes from God. The good that we experience, the blessings, the promotions, etc. come from God. He alone is worthy of the praise.

It is appropriate to thank people for their kindness and assistance. But understand the driving force behind their good deeds is God.

He is worthy!!

Psalms 118;24

“This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. ”

You have a choice to make. You can have a great day, or not. It is totally up to you. It is all in your perspective. It is in how to choose to react to people and situations.

Regardless of the circumstances today is a blessing. You are awake, alive, and in your right mind. It is the day that the Lord has made and given to you to conquer.

People will try you, come against you, lie on you, or hurt you in any other manner. That is something you cannot control.

However, you can totally control how you react. Instead of being defensive, go on the offense and score a winning point for your team.

How do we do this?

We view it as God does. We pray for those that would come against us, and love them in-spite of their actions. It is an opportunity for God to get the glory. We don’t react immediately. Instead, we Look at the situation objectively, and ask, “what would Jesus do?” Or “what does the Bible say about this?” Then we act accordingly.

By doing this, our day is still great, God has received the glory, the enemy has suffered another devastating blow, and we have helped the other people involved see God. To me, that is a great day.

Your attitude does determine your altitude (or how high you can go spiritually speaking). Soar with eagles.

Choose to have a blessed day, then go forth and conquer!