Power Moves

I first began seriously following Christ in May of 2004. It was then that I decided to surrender my life to Him and live by His ways. The following school year was my second year of law school. Sometimes after school I would come home and contact old friends to tell them about Jesus. Each week God would lay a few people on my heart and I would call or email them to witness.

I began reaching out to various friends and acquaintances, which got a bit strange in the natural, as you can imagine. But most of them had heard my life had radically changed. One afternoon I called this one guy. As the conversation began he said something I'll never forget. He said, "I heard you've been making power moves."

What a shocking thing for him to say. While maybe he didn't consciously think about all this, it seems He was acknowledging that I had made drastic changes in my life, that these changes had the potential to drastically improve my life, that these moves would increase my power in life, and that all this would come from my improved relationship with God. Sometimes people outside the church system say the most amazing things.

He was absolutely right, I was making power moves. I'm sure I mumbled something worthless and based in false humility in response, wanting to ensure the conversation focused on him and his salvation. But maybe now I would respond differently, in full agreement and inviting him to make the same moves. Now I fully understand that God forgave my sins (Colossians 1:14), gave birth to me Himself (1 John 5:1), made me His son (John 1:12), put His Spirit within me (Ephesians 1:13), and placed me in Christ seated at His right hand (Ephesians 2:6). Simply put, my accepting Christ was the single greatest power move I could ever make. I put myself in God's hands, and by His power He gave me a new life. "But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:12)

But there are other power moves we must make after accepting Christ, and these aren't one time moves. These other power moves must be made again and again for the rest of our lives. Every day we have the opportunity to make power moves. Do we take those opportunities? Are we making power moves? I know I don't make the right moves all the time, but by God's grace and direction, that's going to change.

Once you accept Christ you become perfectly accepted by God (Hebrews 10:14). Read that wonderful truth again. Jesus takes your sin, God forgives you, and you are given God's righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). You can come boldly before God (Hebrews 4:16), for God doesn't see you in your faults, He sees you in Jesus. He sees you in His Perfect Son and covered by Jesus' pure blood (Ephesians 2:13).

We can easily imagine what it would look like if God and Jesus approached each other in bodily form. God would tell Him, "Well done", God would embrace Him, and they would each shed a tear as they smiled. We can get that picture because we know Jesus is perfect and God loves Him completely and without reservation. But we must realize that, because we are in Christ, God feels the exact same way about us (John 17:23). We can run to God's presence, embrace Him, call His name, and speak with Him. God won't turn His face or yell at us to kneel. He will embrace us because in God's eyes we are now perfect because of what Jesus did.

The next power move we must make is daily running to God's presence to better know Him. We must speak with Him in prayer. We must worship Him. We must read His Word. As we are perfect in Christ, we are no longer trying to earn God's favor or blessing, we are already entitled. Rather, we are simply trying to know our wonderful God. And those who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32). The secret to power in this life is your relationship with God.

Philippians 2:13 says, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." That is the King James translation. Look at what the Amplified translation says, "For it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." The more God in your life, the more power, it's just that simple. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit brings God's power directly into our lives. Remember that Jesus said we would be filled with power from God (Luke 24:49). And 2 Timothy 1:7 says that we are given a Spirit of Power.

Jesus gives you the power to become God's child. Then God gives you the power to do His will.

I believe this last power move we will discuss is the key to seeing the full manifestation of the power that comes from the two moves already mentioned. This power move is surrendering ourselves to God and His will for our lives.

I hate to say it, but I really didn't want to call those people after school. Of course I wanted them saved, and I still do. I want all people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But I didn't want to look weird (and still don't, but too late). I didn't want them to think I'm crazy or end our friendships. But a major key to seeing the full manifestation of God's power in your life is doing what He wants you to do.

Is God going to fill you with His power so you can watch television? Is God going to fill you with His power so you can be a normal Sunday morning Christian who even tithes and goes to Bible study? No, God doesn't fill you with His power so you can go through the motions and just make it to Heaven. God doesn't give you His power so you can do what any human can do. God fills you with His power so you can use it just like Jesus did!

God says lay hands on the sick and see them recover (Mark 16:18). God says pray and whatever you ask for will be done for you (Mark 11:24). God says even whatever you say will come to pass (Mark 11:23). God says that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). God wants to fill you and use you. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father." (John 14:12)

Getting saved gets you God's righteousness and complete access into His presence. By spending time with God you will know Him and learn what He wants you to do. Now you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. We follow Jesus by continuing His ministry on the earth, and doing the works that He did. You must surrender yourself and do whatever God tells you to do. It may seem impossible, it may seem crazy, and you will almost certainly look weird to natural people, but God has given you His power.

I want to see all of God's power in my life. I want to see God's power to change me and improve my life. But I also want to see God's power touch the lives of others.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:6-7) We are dealing with God's power, not ours. And God will put this power in you, in an earthen vessel made of dust, so that you can do supernatural things of God's design.

God wants you to do things that seem completely impossible in the natural. He wants you to do things that people will absolutely know were done by God and not you. God wants you to lay hands on sick people and see them recover so that they will then turn and worship Him. I want to do things where people say, "That must have been God because it definitely wasn't Byron." This is another way God shows the world His power and love, supernatural actions by natural people. They will know it wasn't you, they will know it was God, and they will come to Him. This is God's design to show His love to the world through you.

So make these power moves today. If you aren't saved, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, repent of your sins, and run boldly to God's presence. Spend time with God to know Him and learn His will for your life. Do this continually and forever. Then act boldly and confidently when He says to do something, for He has put His power in you to do His will on earth. Glory to God.

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God Helps me Love Him

Recently the Lord sternly corrected me. It was in the morning as I struggled to stay awake with Him and His Word. Unfortunately, struggling to spend time with God in the morning has long been part of my relationship with Him. Of course God may spend time with you other times of the day, but this is when He wants to spend time with me. I believe this is very common with God, as I've heard many ministers discuss this. God says, in the person of Wisdom, "I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me." (Proverbs 8:17)

The Bible calls itself a mirror. When one reads it one sees himself clearly, and how his life compares with its words. That morning I saw that my feelings toward God were improper. I realized first that I would rather be asleep. Isn't that pathetic, I would rather sleep than spend time with the Creator of everything, who loves me more than I can imagine. Then I saw that the only reason I spend time with God is to obtain things from Him (direction, money, etc.) Now I love God, and I will never say otherwise, but this reality showed that I loved His benefits more than I really love Him.

This was a difficult time of surprising clarity. I felt as much conviction from the Holy Spirit as I ever have. It would be easy not to write about this, but I believe this will help some of you. Never forget the wonderful passage about God's correction:

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." (Hebrews 12:5-10)

Never forget that passage, so that you can always embrace His correction, repent, and run to His open arms. I knew that God was revealing my fault for my profit (verse 10 above). I knew that God wanted more for me and our relationship. I've heard Joyce Meyer wisely say that we must seek God's face and not His hand, I just never saw how badly I failed here. I prayed and meditated in God's presence and I heard Him. He showed me that Jesus didn't just come to restore our relationships to others; He also came to restore our relationship to God. It is natural that we don't love God properly. But, just as God, through the Holy Spirit, will help Christians obey all His instruction, He will help me love Him correctly. This was the revelation: that I needed God's supernatural assistance just to love Him correctly and that God was willing to provide this.

In the same way I can't truly change myself without God's power, I can't love God without God. And just as all of God's correction is for our good, God knows that our correct love for Him will always be best for us. What a wonderful God we serve! I know God wants our love because He loves us and wants a relationship with us, but God also wants our love simply because He knows this will be best for us. He is so loving and unselfish. He revealed my failure not to punish me, but to protect and profit me.

I can easily see all that God's done in my life. Maybe that isn't true for others, but it's sure true for me. I could easily be dead. I could easily be working a nothing job and going nowhere. In the natural I don't deserve anything I have. I can look at my entire life and see God's grace, protection and provision. I have as much reason to love God as anyone.

So I've fundamentally changed my reason for spending time with God. I previously spent time with God because everything about Him and true Christianity is wonderful, but mainly because I hoped the closer I got to Him the more I would get from Him. But, while that may be true, coming to God with that approach is not the way it works.

I now spend time with God simply because I love Him and He's wonderful. I make that declaration by faith, that this is my reason for spending time with God. God knows what I want and what I need. In prayer, by the Holy Spirit, He does lead me to pray for certain things. I know that this new position will be key to living the life God wants me to have. But this is not just a repositioning to get stuff. If I never get another thing from God, it's already enough.

Some time has passed now, and supernatural change has truly occurred. I have never woken up so easily, so refreshed and so excited for God. Every few days I must remind myself of this new position, as the cares of the world are always there. But each morning I feel God's loving presence with me as I open His Word or pray. I boldly declare that I'm going to love God properly, and I'm going to know Him as well as He can be known while in this flesh.

God is awesome. God is beautiful. God is wonderful. Those words don't begin to describe Him. There is nothing like having a relationship with Him and being in His presence. I'm done working to get stuff from Him. Now I'm going to spend time with Him just because I love Him and He loves me. His wonders will never cease to amaze, His beauty never dull, His presence never grow tiresome. No, not for eternity.

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Seize Your Days

Lately we've been discussing work and money, and I sense a greater need than ever to hear clearly from God about my work and do whatever He says to do. So I've been meditating a lot of verses about work and God's provision. I also haven't been exactly slammed with work lately, which can bring about certain fears.

But the question isn't whether God will provide, His Word promises He will. The question is how should I spend my time. Whether you are self employed or not, you have time management questions that must be resolved with God's assistance. Right this second, there are a variety of things I could do, but I know God wants me to diligently work on this blog, so here we are. What has God spoken to you about doing? Are you doing it?

I don't mind being open about my schedule with you. God says that I must wake up early and spend time with Him. God says that I must be loving and patient with my family, and make time for them. God says that I should exercise (o.k. haven't started yet). God says that I should work on this blog. And in the evenings I should read books about Him by anointed teachers. Now I have a variety of clients with legal issues, and I work very hard for them. God doesn't tell me to do that specifically, but I know that I should (God doesn't need to tell me). But other than specific actions from time to time, God hasn't told me to do anything else.

Think about all the other things I could be doing. Perhaps I should be going to more church services, feeding the poor, or doing a variety of other things that would seem Godly. But God hasn't said to do those, (even though I would feel so much better about myself if I was doing something for those in need, notice that doesn't mean it would be of God). God has said to do what I've listed above, now I must do those things. There are so many distractions. There are so many opportunities that seem good. But I must constantly remember, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

That's a great verse to remember, especially when considering your options in life. God will show you what to do with your time, all you have to do is ask. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) That verse has been the foundation of my life, or at least a major part of it. I seek God about everything, constantly looking for His direction.

Once we have his direction, it's time to take it. Spend time with God in meditation and prayer, and He will show you how to spend your time. I encourage you to list those things you know God wants you to do. Then list those things you do that aren't on the first list. Is there interference between the activities? Perhaps you need to remove some items from your second list. Television is on my second list. If I'm going to exercise and read spiritual books, television time must be reduced. That's how it works folks.

Soon your entire life will be comprised of actions on the first list, things you absolutely know God wants you to do, and there is nothing wrong with that! When you remove the excess you free up time. Or you can reallocate time. One way or another God will fill your time with Godly activities (just because it doesn't have a Christian label doesn't mean it's not Godly). When your time is filled with Godly action you awake each day with drive and purpose, knowing that you are living for God. You go to sleep each night with rest and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you did exactly what you were supposed to that day.

That is how we seize the day my friends. I'm as big a culprit of this as anyone, but we don't seize the day by watching mindless TV or sleeping in. We seize the day, and ultimately our lives, by allowing God to guide us and direct us in everything we do. This is a major key to fulfillment, rest and personal peace while you are walking with God in this life. "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."(Jeremiah 10:23)

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God Will Provide

If you've been reading this blog you know that almost two years ago my former employer said that he was closing the business and I should consider new jobs. That time was difficult for our family as my wife was pregnant with our first child and we weren't sure what to do. Since that time we have truly endeavored to follow God's leading in all of our actions, especially concerning business and finances. It hasn't always been easy, but we've seen God mightily move during this season.

I basically practice law out of my house. God has supernaturally provided clients and opportunities so that we have experienced no lack, no not for an instant. In fact, we have more money and have given more to the kingdom than in previous seasons. All the glory goes to God. But honestly I don't believe I will practice law as I do today forever. I'm not exactly sure what I will do, but I know God will provide, and that's the point I felt led to discuss today.

In prayer this morning I realized that God has truly blessed us during this time. But this morning's revelation was different. There are other things I would like to do, but I've always been worried about money. I would think about doing something or working somewhere, but would then be faced with thoughts like, "how can I make enough money doing that?" But today I realized that, although law is a profession where one can make a lot of money, I have seen God's hand bring the money we needed, not my hand.

If God can bring money to me as a lawyer, God can bring money to me doing anything! That seems like a simple sentence, but for me it represents a profound revelation. Consider your job right now, do you see it as exactly what God has for you long term? If not, has a fear of lack kept you from changing direction? Look, I would love to say that I never fear lack. I would love to say that I move forward boldly no matter what my circumstances look like. I truly believe that one day I will, but today this revelation blessed me, and I think it can bless you too.

Say it with me, using your profession, out loud right now. "If God has provided for me as a (salesman, driver, farmer, whatever), then God can surely provide for me doing whatever God wants me to do." Praise God!

Matthew 6:33 is an awesome verse to stand on for so many situations. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." God wants you to do certain things for His Kingdom. Your job is to seek Him, His righteousness, and His will for your life. His job is to provide for you. Why do we try to take His job? I know I've done it, sweating the bills, wondering how I can make money, but God never told me to do that. In fact, He says specifically that we shouldn't do that. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." (Matthew 6:31-32)

We have to let God be God! I can't be God. I can't be my provider. I don't care how much money you have, if you are your own provider then you are living in lack. You may not see it now, but one day you will. GOD IS MY PROVIDER! God is my financial advisor, my work psychologist, my motivational speaker, my lead generator, my insurance agent, my everything. Sure, He works through people in some of those capacities, but He is responsible for my finances, not me, not anyone else. Glory to God. He will never lose my money; He will never let me go broke.

"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalms 34:10) "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalms 37:25) HALLELUJAH!!!!

We have got to stop worrying about money. I used to listen to rap music and I can constantly hear Snoop Dogg saying, "with my mind on my money and my money on my mind." Well that's all wrong and I need to get over that. The truth is, and go ahead and get your throwing stones ready now, God has my money on His mind. Oh that felt good to say, especially because I know it's true. I don't have to ever worry about money again. God will order my steps (Psalm 37:23), bless me with riches (Proverbs 10:22), and let me eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19) IF AND ONLY IF I am willing to do His will and I'm obedient to it (again, Isaiah 1:19).

I know God's calling me to a new place. God has blessed me with clients and cases and I love them and often become quite close to them. God may have me continue doing this, or He may lead me to something totally different, but God will provide for and bless me no matter what I do, as long as I'm seeking Him and His righteousness first. I don't care if you are a lawyer or a shoe shiner, God can bless you without limit. Because you are not you're provider, you are not limited by what you can do. With God all things are possible, and with God as your provider your provision is limitless.

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Godly Business

Recently I finished my largest case as a lawyer. It was essentially a $9 million breach of contract case and I represented the defendant. I'm a sole practitioner and I was up against an attorney at an established firm who has been a partner about as long as I've been alive. Early in the litigation an issue arose that would largely determine the case's proceedings. I spent about three full days preparing for the hearing.

I was tempted to fear. In fact, I probably suffered a mini-panic attack the weekend before my preparations started. On the way to the courthouse I was praying in tongues and asking God for favor and wisdom, and God communicated to me. It wasn't words that I heard, more of an impression really, but the best way I can describe it would be that God told me, "you must call down the supernatural." I realized right then that God would help me, but I had to invite Him into the situation by prayer and faith (and walking in love and staying out of strife with the opposition, of course.)

I endeavored to pray as the Holy Spirit led. The atmosphere at the hearing was overwhelmingly congenial. We certainly argued our sides, but we remained in peace. While there was nothing physically miraculous or naturally noteworthy, the judge made a ruling that ultimately meant we would prevail on the issue. We never went back to court, and within a few weeks settled for 30% of the plaintiff's original demand.

Recently I have meditated that situation and received revelation. In short, I must invite God into all of my professional dealings, in the same way I do my personal life and ministry efforts. But this can be difficult. Remember we must acknowledge God in all our ways and then He will direct all our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). I want to now discuss this issue in a way that hopefully applies to all of us.

Most of us, if not all, are professionals. We work a job and receive a paycheck. We most likely work at our particular job because we have education or experience in that industry. As you encounter situations at that job you go to your education, experience, or general knowledge to help you manage. Perhaps it's a new client or a new product. Perhaps it's a supplier or customer problem. But do you go to God to help you work?

I encounter this almost every day. I have a virtually constant stream of new situations. Often, the first place I go is my knowledge of Florida law or legal procedure. Sadly, in business I often rely on what's in my head, what I can learn, or what I can perceive with my physical senses. But I see now that those sources aren't enough for a successful Christian business, one that's truly dedicated to God. I need God's direction, wisdom, intervention and power.

I know many of you live dedicated to God. You wake up and spend time with the Lord. You consider your ways and look for opportunities to witness. You even consult God in your personal and financial affairs. Let's just take witnessing as an example. Usually we will receive an unction from the Holy Spirit to witness to someone. We trust the Holy Spirit for the right words, and then hope God brings them to salvation. In fact (at least hopefully), your entire witnessing activity is bound up with your relationship with God. You didn't create the opportunity, you have no ability to develop it without God, and you certainly have no ability to create results apart from the Holy Spirit. Well what if you conducted your business the same way?

With every new client I must hear clearly whether God even wants me to represent them. While I must consider Florida law, procedure, and my general knowledge of the world, I must also consider Biblical principles. I must ask God for assistance and trust Him for direction. I must pray for divine revelation and empowerment to get the job done. And at all times I must expect His favor to be manifested. I must fully invite God into my business.

I want God to know that my entire working life belongs to Him. Whatever He tells me to do, that will I do. I simply can't do this on my own. I realize millions of people work without God every day. But that's not the type of business I will have. Even if I could succeed in my working life without God (something I sincerely doubt), I would never want to try. I've seen what God has done in my life, in my family, and in my heart. I know what He will do in my business. He will bless it and use it to bless others. That's just the way God is, and that's what I want.

So invite God into your business today. "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17) As God has shown up and improved every area of your life that you've given Him, your working life will be no different. Seek Him, trust Him, and never be afraid to perfectly obey Him. Your business will become God's business, and that's when it will truly be fulfilling and exciting. That's when there will be no limits and guaranteed success.

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Touch Jesus Today

Please read this story again, I'm sure you've read it many times, but read it again.

"And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." (Luke 8:43-48)

There were many people in the crowd that day, and many people came into contact with Jesus physically, but only one woman actually touched him. Don't you see? Many people around the world are making contact with Jesus. They have heard the Gospel, they have been to church, maybe they have even watched a preacher on TV. But how many people have reached with faith and purposefully made contact with Jesus Christ?

When you, in faith, purposefully reach out and touch Jesus, you're going to receive from Him. He doesn't even need to think about it, it's just who He is. And He's the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is still among us. He's in His churches, He's on TV, He is the Bible, and He's in people all around us. But we, even those of us who are Christians, must continually reach out and touch Him.

The fact that millions of people around the world have such contact with Jesus and yet never receive from Him is one of the great tragedies of reality. It's not His fault; He doesn't even have to think to bless people. Blessing and power are always in Him, ready to come to you. It's up to us to touch Him with faith.

How many times have you touched Jesus the way the woman did? Do you just read God's Word, or do you mix your faith with every letter that it is your reality? Do you just hear your preacher, or do you receive the sermon as God's Word directly for your life? Do you just pretend to pay attention to your Christian friends who exhort you, or do you accept them as God's appointed messengers to bless you? What are you doing to touch Jesus? What are you doing to place a demand on all that He is and all that He has available for you? Touch Jesus today!

If you are just going through the motions of Christianity, you are nothing more than the others in the crowd who only made contact with Jesus. There were many people in His presence that day, but very few of them felt His power. How many people will be in His presence in church today that don't receive anything from Him? What a tragedy.

This story shows two kinds of people who come into God's presence. There are those who just show up and sit there, but there are those who will not be denied an intimate experience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This woman, unclean because of her issue, fought through a crowd and risked certain punishment. She knew that only Jesus could heal her. The world had nothing to offer her. She was going to touch Jesus. She would not be denied.

This isn't just about how you go to church, this is about how you approach Jesus in every aspect of your existence. He is in you and you are in Him. You are united with Him, but you can still go through life without continually receiving from Him and His power. The choice is yours. You must have faith. You must approach Him with faith that He is ready, willing and able to bless you.

There is not one person in the Bible that Jesus denied. There is not one person that approached Jesus with faith who was turned away unfulfilled. This is such a powerful reality, every single person the Bible shows approaching Jesus with faith received exactly what they believed for. Even some people who were expecting nothing (like Peter in the fishing boat) still received. Some wanted healing, some wanted wisdom, and some even wanted wine. All touched Jesus with their faith, and according to their faith they all received.

So change your attitude today. Forever stop simply being in Jesus' presence physically. It's time that we press forward to make contact with Him in every way we can. It's time we approach Him with unyielding tenacity and touch Him with our faith, knowing that He doesn't change, that He will do what He's promised in His Word, and that He stands constantly ready and open to give to us of Himself.

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Change

I've been thinking about the idea of change for months now. I've essentially stumbled upon (by God's grace) one of the greatest realities of Christianity. Like most revelations, this is obvious and old news to many people, but it's essentially new and exciting to me. So I want to share it with you.

For her birthday I got my wife a card that basically said I'm a lucky man to have my life. This is true, and while she's wonderful, I have to give God all the glory for my life. However, there are numerous things I would change. I would change where we live, for example. My point is that when I think about change, my first thought goes to things outside myself, and things that I could change through my own efforts.

But there is another type of change, one that I've discovered and find far more exciting, and that's the change that's occurring in me. I'm sure I've touched on this before, but today let's discuss it in greater detail.

Let's start with some verses that clearly say God expects us to change.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

"For whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29)

God wants change and God wants a certain kind of change. God wants us to change according to a certain image, the image of Jesus Christ. Let's face it, that sounds a little crazy. A few months ago I passed a guy walking down the sidewalk obviously dressed and adorned to look like Jesus. But I don't believe that's what God's talking about when He tells us to change. We change on the inside. We change by renewing our minds to God's Word and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us.

But let's just talk about this on a very simple level, and hopefully you'll catch some of my excitement.

I've wanted to change certain aspects of myself for years. Some people don't care how they feel or how they act, but I do. I want to be pleasing to God. David said, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight o Lord." (Psalm 19:4) I don't just want to act right, but I want to feel right and think right. Philippians 2:13 says God will empower us both to do and to want to do those things that please Him. That's what I want.

Men, I hope you know what I'm talking about. We don't want to lose our temper. We don't want to look at women. We don't want to say ugly things. Therefore we begin fighting against our minds and our bodies. We seek to control them and deny them. We still want to say certain things or look at certain things, but we know we shouldn't so we work to avoid such behavior. But then when we inevitably fail we feel terrible.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, I believe God appreciates all our efforts to live according to His Word. But what if we could change? I mean what if we could completely and fundamentally change so that we didn't feel that way or want those things? What if it wasn't a struggle to act correctly or speak correctly? What if our natural (first, instinctive) response to anything was the one God approved and desired.

My friends, this is why I'm so excited, we can change. Or to put it more exactly, God can change us.

Let me first discuss the far-reaching implications of this reality. Maybe you don't like church, but that can change. You can come to love it. Maybe you regularly lose your temper, but that can change. You can come to be patient and peaceful. Maybe you still want sinful things or don't want certain Godly things, that can change too. Jesus said that His meat was to do His Father's will. What drove, sustained and excited Jesus was doing God's will. It can become that way for us too, if we allow God, by the Holy Spirit, to conform us to the image of Christ.

Now don't give into the devil's deception here, especially you young people. Don't picture yourself boring, wearing a white sheet and sandals. Don't picture yourself locked in church 12 hours a day while all your friends are having fun. The devil wants you to believe that being conformed to the image of Christ will ruin your life and end your good times. But he is a liar and the father of all lies. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I am so glad to know that the greatest peace and joy available in this life comes when one is conformed to the image of Christ and following Him. There are no limits, no boundaries, and no natural rules that can stop the person walking in the power of God. There is no end to the wisdom and revelation that will bless you. There is no chill to the warmth of God's love that will invigorate you. In short, it is a new type of life that maybe you haven't felt, but it's there, available and wonderful.

I'm not saying I walk in this full measure. I'm just praising God that I see these truths. Now the trick, or the requirement, is that I be willing to lay down my life so that I can take up His kind of life. Glory to God. That can be difficult, but for the joy that was set before Jesus He endured the cross. We must do likewise, as this process of change conforms us to His image and radically changes us.

Spend time in prayer, especially praying in tongues. Spend time in God's Word. You've probably read it already, it's time to actually meditate and seek revelation. Draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you. Pray that God would change you and make you like Jesus, as His Word says He desires. God will never fail you. If you press in and let go then you will find this change, and you will never want to go back.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

That's a powerful verse, but it won't just happen. If it did then the entire world would be different. Meditate that verse, study it, ask God to make it a reality in your life. It's time for change. And once you've changed on the inside, there are truly no limits to the changes God will help you make on the outside.

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Death To The Old Man

My dad used to talk about listening to a particular Christian tape series so many times the tapes broke. He knew the material on those tapes would change his life. Sometimes you have to do that. I listen to a lot of preaching on CD. I'll get a new set, and my mind wants to get through them all for some feeling of accomplishment. But often I don't fully digest what's said. It's like when you walk out of church and can't remember the sermon. But you must listen to some sermons until you get it.

I've found the first set of such sermons for me. Years ago a friend gave me lessons 6 through 12 of Dr. Christian Harfouche's International Miracle Institute teaching on New Creation Realities. I listened to Lesson 6 several times, but only recently have I listened to the others. Essentially, these sermons describe our new life in Christ, how we must disassociate from the old, flesh-ruled person we used to be, and how we must embrace the grace, power and new reality available to us through our union with Christ.

After having these sermons all these years, the preaching of the Word of God in them is changing my life. Over the past few months, God has show me in my personal study time that being conformed to the image of Christ must become my primary goal. Now that I have that revelation, I am ready to digest everything contained in these sermons.

God gave us an imagination for many good reasons I'm sure. One reason is so we can see things in realms beyond the physical. For example, I can imagine an animal right now that I've never seen. I don't really know how that works, but I can. Similarly, I can imagine a version of me that I've never seen. I can see myself completely conformed to the image of Christ.

Now imagine that version of you. What would be different? Personally, I would be more patient. I would be kinder and gentler. I would be stronger to endure personal difficulties and irritations without letting them affect my Christian love walk. Then going to the next level, I would allow the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to operate through me. I would take more time with people and listen better. I would witness quicker. I would generally sacrifice myself to bless others as God would have me. I imagine that's how I would be if I were completely conformed to the image of Christ.

In fact, the other day something happened that should have bothered me. I can't even remember what it was now. But it didn't. I didn't care. Then someone tried to offend me, but I just laughed and immediately recognized it was the devil trying to get me into unforgiveness. Being conformed to the image of Christ is much more than simply becoming a nicer person. Your entire framework of self will radically change.

I saw all this before I re-engaged that sermon series. I was continually praying for the Holy Spirit to change me. But, I suppose, I was unsure of some specific actions I must take to further the change.

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6:4-6)

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24)

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." (Colossians 3:9-10)

Three times Paul specifically discusses the "old man." In Romans Paul says that this old man is crucified with Christ, but in Ephesians and Colossians Paul says that we have to put him off. And this concept I began grasping only recently, after listening to those sermons several times.

The old man is the person I used to be before I began allowing God to change me. Let's call him the old Byron. The old Byron was only interested in pleasing himself. He didn't care about other people. He was prideful, rude and generally ugly. Sure, he could be nice and funny, but he only acted that way to serve his interests. He was also very disrespectful. Unfortunately, I knew him very well, and he thrived.

Fortunately, I have put on the new man to a large extent. I'm don't act perfectly as God would have me all the time. But I certainly do better than the old Byron. However, I know that I'm not done. This process of change isn't over. I'm the new Byron now, and I hate the traces of the old Byron that still appear. I have to put them off.

Now Paul clearly tells us that the old man was crucified. The old man is dead. The old Byron is dead. And I have put him off. But I must constantly reinforce that one-time act of putting him off by constantly remembering to keep off all his characteristics. He tries to come back. He tries to return to my mind and my actions. But he's dead. I have to remember he's dead and eradicate any trace of him.

He only exists in my mind. I remember him and how he was pleasing to the flesh. I remember his ways. Sometimes I'm with people who wish he still lived. I miss them, I remember what they liked about him, and I let him come back a little. Unfortunately, even though he's dead, I know him better than I know the new Byron. The old Byron actually existed and I feel his memory. But the new Byron that people will see, at least the more complete physical expression of him, only exists in my imagination, like a place I'm looking forward to visiting.

This is a transitional stage. I declare by faith that I have put on the new man which is created in righteousness and true holiness. I walk in newness of life. And I must cast down every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ, especially against the knowledge of Christ that is in me. I must remember that the old Byron is dead. He can't come back for anyone or for any reason. He's gone forever.

As for these aspects of my life that I don't like, I must recognize that they are all aspects of an old man who is dead. That is the key. Since that person is dead, I must disassociate from his ways. I must so embrace the new man, the God man, the Christ that is in me, that I forget the old man, and he fades away together with his deceitful lusts.

Remember, renovation of the mind is key. As you study Christ and God's Word you will get to know the new you, that you were always meant to be. But more than that, God will change you by His Spirit. You are not alone. God made the way for the death of your old man and your transformation into the new man.

Praise God, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) This change that will take place in you is one of God's best and most amazing works. This is one way that God's manifold wisdom is shown by the church to all the spiritual beings (Ephesians 3:10). In Christ, we are spiritually washed perfectly clean. Then, in Christ, through Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, we are changed into beings that actually resemble God. The new man is created in the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24 and Colossians 3:10).

So death to the old man. Life to the new man. In your mind and in your flesh, those statements must help define you. May God bless you and always bring you closer to Him, allowing you to see more of Him, so that you will be continually changed.

For more reading on the subject of putting off the old man and putting on the new man, read our earlier post Embrace Your New Reality.

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An Introduction to Spiritual Gifts

You have probably all heard the term "Spiritual Gifts." Some Christians believe in spiritual gifts and try to walk in them daily. Other Christians believe the spiritual gifts have passed away and don't apply to Christianity today. There are also many variations on the above positions. This can be a very controversial topic.

You also probably know that at Exploits for God we take the Word of God at face value. I've recently been studying spiritual gifts and I offer here a very basic teaching that I believe will bless you. I don't see anything in God's Word to suggest they have passed away. I believe God has spiritual gifts for all of us, and I believe walking in our spiritual gifts is a key to living the life God has for us.

The New Testament Greek word for these spiritual gifts, used in the Bible, is "charisma." By studying that Word we see that one such gift is our salvation. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift (charisma) of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I don't know how you feel, but I'm positive that's the best gift I will ever receive.

But God doesn't stop there. Salvation is not the culmination of your human existence, it's the beginning of the human existence you were supposed to have. Now you can live in fellowship with God. Now you are God's child. Now you have the Holy Spirit within you. Your true life began at salvation, and your Heavenly Father has many other gifts.

1 Corinthians 12 gives us the clearest list of other spiritual gift or "gifts of the Spirit." Such gifts include the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says that "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." I believe that means God has such spiritual gifts for every man, not just for people in the traditional ministry. God wants the Holy Spirit in you to be manifested outside of you, and these gifts are a major way that can happen.

All of us should be walking in spiritual gifts. The question is which ones. Let's first remember that these are "spiritual" gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4 says that there are different gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:11 then says something really helpful, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will." First let's notice again that every person should be walking in their certain spiritual gifts. The word "worketh" is also interesting in the Greek, as it is "energeo." This verse says that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He wills and then He energizes those gifts. Glory to God.

I believe the key to operating in spiritual gifts rests with our relationship to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts and the Holy Spirit will energize them in our lives. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can know what God gives us and wants us to do (1 Corinthians 2). A close relationship with the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to successful Christian living.

As you spend time in God's Word, spend time in Worship, spend time praying in tongues, and generally spend time in God's presence, your relationship with the Holy Spirit will improve. You will sense His presence and discern His leadings. Remember James 4:8 says that if we draw near to God He will draw near to us. The same is true of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives you these gifts from God. They are given you for your "profit." I believe the Greek words translated "profit withal" really indicate that these manifestations of the Spirit are for the common good. They aren't just for your profit, and they aren't just for others. These gifts are given so that everyone can benefit by them. You will "profit with all." Isn't that just like God?

But I have some more good news. "The gifts (charisma) and calling of God are without repentance." (Romans 11:29) God will never regret the gifts He's given you or the calling He's placed on your life. It doesn't matter what you are doing right now, God won't change His mind about your gifts or your calling. When I was first committing my life to Christ that verse really blessed me, because any man would have given up on me long ago. But God doesn't repent of His plans for us just because we make mistakes. God has great gifts that He wants you to walk in, for your benefit and the benefit of all mankind. God has a calling on your life. No matter what you're doing now, it's true.

The question is whether you will walk in those gifts and that calling. For the first 23 years of my life I sure didn't. I'll never know what opportunities I missed because I lived in sin. But that doesn't matter now. I'm in God's grace and doing my part to see God's will revealed in my life. The same can be true for you. Just because God never changes his mind about your gifts doesn't mean you will ever see them. You probably won't lay hands on people and see any miracles if you are living in sin. You may say some strange things while intoxicated, but it won't be inspired prophetic speech.

God gives the gifts. But you have the responsibility to draw close to the Holy Spirit to draw them from Him and begin walking in them. We must remember that Paul told Timothy not to neglect his gifts (1 Timothy 4:14). Paul was reminding Timothy that He can't be careless about these spiritual gifts, but He must be purposeful and active about them. Then again in 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gifts which are in Him. Those words translated "stir up" indicate "fanning the flame" or reigniting the fire. We have a roll to play with our spiritual gifts. We can't neglect them. We must stir them up. We must draw close to the Holy Spirit, pray, and then act boldly when we believe the Holy Spirit is leading us to operate in one of those gifts.

I'll admit, I don't have a very clear picture of what gifts God has given me. I have an idea, but I can't say I know for sure. Maybe you also feel that way. There's nothing wrong with that. Your Loving Father, by His Spirit, has given you these gifts, and He will help you walk in them. God doesn't want them hidden from you. But you must be spiritually mature enough to use them. Just like I wouldn't let my baby girl drive my car, God won't let me operate in His powerful gifts if I'm still a spiritual baby.

So praise God for His spiritual gifts, and pray that you would walk in those given you. Stir up the gifts, never neglect them. Earnestly desire the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Trust God and begin walking in your gifts so that you and everyone around you can be blessed.

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See Jesus in Your Life

Recently I've been studying the teachings of Jesus, and I've been so struck again by His amazing clarity. I was just telling a friend yesterday that one of the greatest revelations I've received is that the Bible means what it says. I don't know how I got that revelation, honestly, but I've always know that to be true. It has also helped that God has put me under teachers who preach absolute trust in God's Word.

When I read Jesus' teachings I constantly see how simple He makes it. Sometimes I think most Christians specialize in making the Bible confusing. It's not confusing, it's clear. It's only hard to understand if you start thinking it means something other than what it specifically says. So don't do that. Open your Bible today with the unwavering belief that it means what it says, that the very throne of God is behind the truth of its Words, and that you're going to live in line with its actual text. Now that we've got that settled, let's turn to some very clear Scriptures and see the results they will produce if we apply them to our lives.

"If you love me, keep my commandments . . . He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him . . . If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:15,21,23)

Let's be honest, can it get any clearer than that? Jesus says that if you love Him you will keep His commandments. If you ask God whether I love Jesus, He looks at one thing alone, the extent to which I keep Jesus' commandments. It's just that simple. If I'm not keeping Jesus' commandments then God could easily say that I don't love Jesus. And how could I argue? My beloved friends, the extent of your obedience to the commandments of Jesus, in your heart as well as in your flesh, shows the measure of your love for Him. AND, for those who do love Jesus, who do keep His commandments, such a wonderful reality awaits - God will love them, and Jesus will love them, and Jesus will manifest Himself to them. WOW!

The word "manifest" in the original Greek means to exhibit, to disclose, to appear, to show. The origin of that word is a compound that basically means "to lighten, or shine light on, one's position." Isn't that awesome? When you demonstrate your love to Jesus by obeying His commandments, Jesus is going to shine light on His position in your life. He is going to reveal Himself to you.

Are you constantly asking where is God in your situation? Are you constantly waiting for God to make Himself real to you? Well this is how it's done. This didn't take any difficult theological study or intense debate. Here it is, plain and simple, how to see God in your life. Did you see that movie Kingdom of Heaven? At one point the main character is in Israel and wants God to show up. Well it doesn't matter if you're in Jerusalem or Jersey, this is how you get God to appear in your life.

If you love Jesus you will keep His words, and God and Jesus will come to you and make their abode with you. "Abode" means dwelling place. Can it get any simpler? I know God and Jesus are with us in our hearts if we are saved. I know that Jesus will never leave us even when we stumble. But don't get so deep that you miss the reality of these teachings. Obey the commandments of Jesus and He and God will come to you and abide with you. Yes, they are in my heart. BUT I NEED THEM IN EVERY ASPECT OF MY EARTHLY LIFE! Don't you?

We are going after the closest possible relationship with all Three Parts of the Trinity. If Jesus says this is how to see Him manifest Himself, then that's good enough for me. If Jesus says this is how to get Him and God to make their abode with me, then that's good enough for me.

Now people could start making it difficult. So what are the commandments of Jesus? Are they the Ten Commandments? Is it the Whole Bible? Is it simply to love your neighbor? Well people could make arguments for all those, but I'm not getting into that. I'm keeping it simple. In my Bible every Word of Jesus is in red. So I'm going to start there. Yes, I do believe they are all founded upon the two commandments of loving God correctly and loving others as Jesus loves you. But I believe all of Jesus' other commandments in red are further explanation and direction for those. I'm going through all the red, and I'm going to study and apply them to my life. You can't keep the commandments if you don't have them first. Yes, Jesus also speaks through prophets (like Paul) and His Spirit. We'll get to those too. But we must start somewhere, and the red seems good to me.

So receive this Word today and keep it simple when you read the Bible. You don't need to get too deep with it to realize its amazing realities. Just take it easy. Believe the Bible and do what it says. Get Jesus' commandments into your heart and mind, then obey them. Jesus will manifest Himself in your life and God and Jesus will dwell with you.

And don't forget, "with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38) If you receive Jesus' teachings and apply them, the more you do so the more you will see Jesus' promised results. So don't just put small measure to this, incorporate it into the very foundation and composition of your life. You will never again wonder where Jesus is. You will never find yourself asking where is God. They will be with you, and you will clearly see them in your life.

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