JESUS IS OUR CHAMPION! WE ARE HIS TROPHIES!

HE IS OUR CHAMPION!  WE ARE HIS TROPHIES!



SCRIPTURE:  Romans 5:8

“But God shows and clearly proves His (own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ, the Messiah, died for us.”

Jesus was on a mission for mankind so we, as believers, are part of his mission fulfilled!  The purpose for Jesus coming to earth was to make His Father’s love known to man and now, as believers, the baton has been passed to us to share the true love of God with others.

Isn’t it exciting to know that we are laborers together with God according to1 Cor. 3:9?

Also, the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:19 “What we mean is that God was in Christ offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world.  And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.”

I can sure testify that finding out God was at peace with me through Jesus was like a breath of fresh air after a rainy day.  Growing up, I never felt a safe place and was often reprimanded whether I did right or wrong.  Consequently, when I did become a Christian, it took quite some time to get released from the mindset that God was just like what I had known growing up and not the One I know now that loves me and bought my innocence back for me!

I believe it is his heart’s desire for you to experience his love and peace in every area of life especially if you have been programmed, as I was, to see God as angry and sitting in Heaven with a sledge hammer ready to whack you if you get out of line!

My testimony now to others is just what the above Scripture says, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Doesn’t it make sense that If he was willing to suffer and die for us as sinners, how much more does he want to show his love as a caring Heavenly Father to us since we are now part of his family? 

One of my favorite Scriptures is: 1 Timothy 2: 1-4 I urge you first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for ALL people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good and pleases God our Savior WHO WANTS ALL PEOPLE TO BE SAVED AND TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.”

I believe this is saying you can accept Jesus as Savior and have eternal life knowing you will spend eternity in Heaven, but coming into the knowledge of who God is and wants to be in your life while you are on the earth requires knowledge of the truth and not the traditions of man and religion!  I believe when we truly come to learn how much God loves us and planned good things for us, which we  receive by faith, we will be able to live the life that the Scripture says is “good and pleases God our Savior!

For this to be accomplished, sometimes we have to unlearn some “stuff!” Jesus said to the religious rulers, “….you make the word of God invalid for the sake of the tradition you hold….” Mark 7:13

God’s plan, because of his great love, was to buy us back.  Jesus was willing to come to earth to be the sacrifice for all of man’s sins and our focus is to be on what He did for us.  My encouragement is to read the Bible as though it were a “Priority Letter” sent just to you!

Hebrews 12:2 says “Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame…”

We all probably know what it is like to be misunderstood, mocked and shamed at times, but as we look to Jesus it would be difficult, without God’s help, to fully understand what he must have gone through mentally, emotionally and physically as he was experiencing so much shame while being mocked, beaten, spat upon, persecuted, stripped of his clothing and ultimately being nailed to the cross for us!  But, the Scripture says,  “he looked to the joy ahead of him,” which was BUYING US BACK to a place of innocence before God that had been stolen because of Adam and Eve's sin!

Because of this, I heard someone put it like this:

He is our Champion!  We are his Trophies!

When you and I gave our hearts to Jesus, we became “part of the joy set before him.”  Not only did we make Jesus happy filling him with joy because we accepted his true love, but the Bible says in Luke 15:10 …”I tell you, [Jesus said] there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Sometimes either because of lack of knowledge of the Word of God or letting the fullness of the price Jesus paid for our salvation slip from our thoughts, we can miss out on so much. Even beyond that, our lives bring the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit much joy when we are cognizant of God’s goodness to us that was purchased by Jesus!  He certainly deserves to have his trophies shine brightly for his glory!

Have you ever heard the saying:  What you don’t know won’t hurt you?”

Well, as I state in my DETOX: SPIRITUAL CLEANSING FOR A FULFILLING LIFE book, that is one of the biggest lies ever told!

Psalms 119: 97-98 “Oh how I love and treasure the revelation of your word; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light! By considering your commands, I have an edge over my enemies, for I take seriously everything you say!”

You know what it is like to go into a dark room without a light.  You end up stumbling around trying to find your way.  Just by flipping a switch though, the light comes on and you can see everything in your path so you can navigate more efficiently and without stumbling!

Not only does his Word give us great insight and wisdom as we consider his promises, it says we have an edge over the enemy who tries to show up in so many areas of life.  One of the ways the enemy does this is with harassing condemning thoughts and insinuations that lead to bondage because of fear.  The ultimate goal of the enemy is to keep you from living the “free indeed” life Jesus paid for you to live. You can readily see from the above Scriptures that you are loved and accepted because of faith in what Jesus did and you are also an answer to his prayers.

Before going to the Cross, Jesus prayed this enlightening prayer for his followers and for all future believers that were to follow him!

John 17: 20-23

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me THROUGH THEIR WORD, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me.  And the glory which you gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have LOVED THEM AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.”

Isn’t it wonderful to know you are not only one of the answers to Jesus’ prayers, but also to think about the fact that Jesus wants us to know God loves us as He loves Jesus?

It is for sure, Jesus is our Champion!

Our prayer is that we will walk in a higher level of understanding so that we, as His trophies, will continue to bring Him joy and continue to be the answer to His prayers!

THE ANCHOR HOLDS (revised)

POWER THOUGHT:



THE ANCHOR HOLDS!



Scripture:  Hebrews 6:17-19



I remember quite a few years ago my son and I went out in our boat for an afternoon of skiing and later on decided to stop for a while, so we threw out the anchor to keep the boat from drifting.  A little later, we decided to go home and darted off when we felt a jolt and a pop!  We had forgotten about the anchor!



Hebrews 6:17-19 says: “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us, we have this as a sure and steadfast ANCHOR of the soul.”



The above Scripture says that God actually made an oath stating that it is impossible for Him to tell a lie and that He is so committed to what He has promised that we can anchor our souls to His Word!  It is important to note that we, as believers, are heirs of this promise!



It sounds like this was something very important to God that He wanted us to pay close attention to, especially considering He made an oath!



2 Corinthians: 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”



Isn’t that powerful?  His promises are not “Yes” and “No,” but “Yes” and “Amen!”  When we believe and speak His promises, they aren’t “yes” today and “no” tomorrow! 



Our Scripture says, God doesn’t change His mind.  In fact it says, we can have strong encouragement or as one translation says, “great encouragement” that His Word is given for your provision.



His Word is an anchor! 



Just like we forgot about our boat anchor, often we can find ourselves in situations and forget we have an anchor in God that remains steadfast and will not pull away from us.  



I like to think of God’s promises as gifts from Him that we open to receive the benefits.  If someone brought me a gift box and I just left it on a table without opening it to see the contents, I would have missed out on something special that was given to me from someone else’s heart, especially since they took the time to source it out, pay for it or make it for me to enjoy.



Often without realizing it, we do the same thing by not being conscious that the promises in the Bible are “gifts” because they are given to us to utilize.



2 Peter 1:4 “HE HAS GIVEN US EXCEEDINGLY PRECIOUS AND MAGNIFICENT PROMISES.…”



That sounds pretty significant!  Remember again, Peter went from being a rough and tough guy to a strong believer who came to realize that his source was not in himself, but God through his faith in Jesus.  The words, exceedingly, magnificent and precious so emphasize the intensity Peter, by the Holy Spirit, was placing on the promises!



For sure, one of the challenges each of us face each day is to not allow the concerns of the world to so dominate our thoughts that we neglect to focus on eternal things as well!



Again, the Apostle Peter, found himself in dire straits quite a few times but presents to us a message of hope in 2 Peter 1:4:  “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that has called us….”



Knowledge of God’s word and applying it to our lives is how we receive what He has on His heart for us.



Just like we nourish ourselves with healthy foods each day to keep our bodies strong, we should also nourish ourselves with His Word, which is also referred to as bread, so that we will become strong in spirit and our faith will be increased to be confident that He desires us to receive the blessings He has prepared for us.



Each one of us may be in a situation where we have a significant need we are believing God to meet.  Perhaps it is a physical need that is being worked through.  According to 1 Peter 2:24, we have a powerful promise from Him that says: “By His stripes you were healed.”



Jesus paid the price for our healing with His own body by going to the cross and being beaten and shedding His blood.  As we stand in faith for our healing, we can also ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom if there is anything we can do naturally.  



Philippians 4:19 is such a powerful precious promise because it is pertinent for any need that arises:  The Apostle Paul said:  “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given TO US in Christ Jesus.”



It would be good to stop and reflect on what the Apostle Paul said:  “HE WILL SUPPLY ALL OUR NEEDS! This comes through being anchored in His promises knowing the answers are on their way, not only for us but those we pray for!  



Hebrews 6:12 says: “It is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises.”



The faith part is often easier for us than the patience part!  Nevertheless, we can have confidence if we have faith, that He is working on the needs being met.









Hebrews 11:6 says:



 “Those that come to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”



God’s promises to us are as our Scripture says, unchangeable and, if there is an area where we may have “sped away” or “drifted away” from the power of God’s promises and confidence in his love for us,

He has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.  We just get back into faith in His promises!



John 6:21 says:



 “When Jesus got into the boat with them they were “suddenly” on the other side!” 



With all of this in mind, knowing that we have an anchor for the soul that is unchanging, let’s also pray that as we call on Jesus, the needs we are presenting through our prayers will be met SUDDENLY in Jesus Name!

God's Plan

God has a dream for you, a purpose and a plan.  He has a vision for every woman, child and man. Days to walk in, filled with delight, overcoming power, a life without strife.

He planned it even before you were in your Mother's womb. Jesus finished the work when He arose from the tomb!

Filled with frustrations? It is time for a new start!

Today He is reaching out saying to you, "Give Me all of your heart.”

His dreams for you are far better than any man's plans but you must ask for His wisdom and then write it down!

He is waiting and watching to see what you will do.

He has already set His face like flint in order to see you through.

Write down your vision for that is God’s plan, and keep looking for victory, it is there for every woman, child and man! 

KEEP LOOKING UP!

KEEP LOOKING UP!

Just like us, Jesus’ disciples were interested in what the future would be like before His return and what signs we should be aware of!

SCRIPTURE:  LUKE 24:28

Jesus said: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

He listed several events that would be signs before His return such as:

-Wars and rumors of wars

-Nations rising against nation

-Kingdom against kingdom

-Pestilences (plagues and epidemics)

-Famines and earthquakes in various places

-Persecutions

-Offenses, betrayal and hate

You might be thinking:  Wow, how can you look up and lift up your head in circumstances such as these when the normal stance would be to hang your head in dismay at all these things coming on the earth!

Jesus always has a plan!  That is why He said, “When you see these things begin happening, know that your redemption draws near.” 

Redemption designates deliverance through Christ from evil. 

Although these things are happening all around us, He wanted us to keep our focus on His Kingdom and purposes.

The Apostle Paul said it like this:  Colossians 3:2. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

This is not to put our heads in the sand but setting our mind on things above rather than earthly things puts us in tune with eternal reality.  Then, with the mind of Christ, we can understand more accurately what is going on around us. (Tozer Devotional)

Jesus furthermore said in Matthew 24:12-14, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold but he who endures to the end shall be saved, and this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached IN ALL THE WORLD as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come.”

Jesus linked the worldwide witness of the gospel to His coming.  He said, “THE GOSPEL WILL BE PREACHED IN ALL THE WORLD.”

With the worldwide web and satellites broadcasting events in real time throughout the world by way of computers, phones, TV’s etc., Jesus knew at this time in history, the entire world would have the opportunity to hear and see the Good News of His paying for their redemption so that they would have the opportunity to make the choice to follow Him by accepting Him into their lives as their  personal Savior. 

Isaiah 60: 1-2 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

In the midst of all the turbulence in the world right now and the horrific pictures around the world that we see constantly, God is desiring men’s hearts to turn to His light through the preaching of the gospel.   His promise is that He will cause His light to shine through those proclaiming the gospel.

Daniel 12:3 expresses God’s heart so beautifully: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament.  And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”

What a promise!  As we proclaim the Good News about Jesus and what He means to us and, as we assist those with our giving who are evangelizing, preaching, and teaching the Good News through churches and the Media in all of its forms, we are joining with them in “making people wise concerning Him and turning many to righteousness!”   

Not only that, but when God prompts us to give to those in need, the Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them.” 

In these times we are living in, the Bible says, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us….” 2 Cor. 5:20

Sure, is great to be on God’s team!

The word, gospel, in Greek means:  good news, to speak a message of gladness and of victory and to proclaim a message that brings joy!

The gospel we are to proclaim, and experience is the kingdom message of love, grace, forgiveness and provision through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We, as born-again believers, have been given the ministry of sharing what He has done and is doing in our lives and the blessed hope of our future in Heaven with God for eternity.

 As we do this, we pray and believe that those who hear the message will have “ears to hear” and will experience Christ as well!  It is important to be mindful that once the “seeds” are planted, God may send another laborer into their path to water the “seeds” and, of course, we know He brings in the harvest!

As the love in the world grows cold, as Jesus said it would, people will be looking for something, which we know is Someone, Jesus, that they can look to for help and comfort in these times.  Not only does God want people to experience His comfort, provision and health, He does not want His children just getting by and existing.  Ephesians 5:27 says “He is coming for a glorious church…!”

Do you know what glorious means in the Greek language it was written in?  It means brilliant, bright, radiant and renowned! 

As we grow in faith and knowledge of His Words and who we are in Christ, we can become that glorious church that represents Him on earth and that He is coming back for! 

The disciple, John, that was consistently declaring that he was the disciple that Jesus loved, also said to believers:

 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in ALL things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJ

You see, John knew how much Jesus loved him and gave himself for him and he expressed his desire in this Scripture for everyone to have that same experience.  Should we not have the same proclamation that “We are the ones that Jesus loves?”

When we know how much we are loved by the Lord, it prompts us to  reach out in love to those that are not always lovable to show the same grace that we have experienced so through this they would potentially turn to the Lord and be saved and enjoy the life Jesus paid for them to experience.

According to John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

It is important to notice the word “may” in this Scripture.  Jesus words are to be received so that His heart behind the words spoken become our reality!

This Scripture enlightens us as well to know that the chaos in the world does not come from Him although He is often blamed as the perpetrator.  Jesus’ own words brings this truth to light!

Also, the word prosper in 3 John 1:2 means “to have success on your journey.”  The more we understand the “gospel of the kingdom” and walk in the knowledge of the truth that the God of the universe came to live inside of us, this faith not only pleases Him but brings us soul prosperity so that we can experience “life abundant” in our daily lives as Jesus spoke about even in the midst of the turmoil that is all around us.

Even though there are situations that may seem for now as though we are not prospering, Romans 8:37 clearly tells us: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

I was always puzzled by what “more than conquerors” actually meant and after some in depth study I found it meant, “He causes us to PREVAIL through Him.…WHO LOVED US.”  As mentioned before, it is big on God’s heart and His servant, John, that we also realize how much He loves us!

One of my favorite Scriptures and what I call a Power Prayer is Ephesians 3:17-19.  Let’s look at what Paul is praying: “I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love.  And I pray you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is.  Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray you will be able to know that love.  Then you can be filled with the fullness of God!”

Can you imagine what “being filled with the fullness of God” would be like?  Yet, Paul was prompted by the Holy Spirit to focus on the fact that there is not one dimension of our lives that God doesn't want His love to be manifested in!

For many who have not been fortunate to have felt or experienced real love in the past, this is a revelation that has to be internalized by faith and by doing as John did, and as mentioned before, make it your daily testimony to yourself:  “I,……, am the one that Christ loves!” 

     

One of my favorite Bible teachers that use to work with the “Think Tank” and the Pentagon on artificial intelligence said that each morning she would get up and look into the mirror and point to herself and say:  “You have the fullness of God living in you.”  Her ministry over the years has been one of experiencing signs, wonders, and miracles!

I believe we would all like to experience that because that is exactly what Paul prayed, we would experience when we become aware of the fullness of His love!  It sure is something important to focus our faith on each day!

Taking all these things into consideration, it helps us to understand why Jesus said: “Look up and lift up your heads, your redemption draws near.” 

Staying aware of His great love for you in these times as well as  keeping His promises in 3 John 1:2 and John 10:10 in focus, is very important because they are as much alive TODAY and as real TODAY as they were when they were spoken!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

THROUGH CHRIST YOU ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS! 

KEEP LOOKING UP!

AMEN!