"The Lord is Looking
for Excellence in Us"

"THE LORD HAS GIVEN THEM SPECIAL SKILLS as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. THEY EXCEL IN ALL THE CRAFTS NEEDED FOR THE WORK". Exodus 35:35 NLT (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

"SINCE YOU EXCEL IN SO MANY WAYS--you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us--NOW I WANT YOU TO EXCEL ALSO IN THIS GRACIOUS MINISTRY OF GIVING". 2 Corinthians 8:7 NLT (Capitals are mine for emphasis) HE WILL ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN OUR BEST. THE REASON? HE KNOWS WHAT IS IN US, AS "HE IS THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT", AND HE WAS THERE WHEN THE IMPARTATION TOOK PLACE God is a God of excellence. Because of this, He expects us to excel in "the specialty gifts" which are part of the endowment from our Creator . He will accept nothing less than our best. The reason? He knows what is in us, as "He is the giver of every good and perfect gift", and He was there when the impartation took place. The craftsmen of the world should so admire our creativity, that they model themselves after what we do, instead of the other way around. The anointing of the Holy Spirit makes the difference. A TREND IN THE LAST DECADE TO "DUMB DOWN THE GOSPEL" There has been a trend in the last decade to "dumb down the gospel" in order to reach everyone, not making it too complicated. Not only is this true in the realm of the church, but also in secular society. Very few movies today have an intelligent plot which carries through from beginning to end. Instead, the storyline and acting are predictably second-rate, so that the film has to depend on "special effects" to make it a box-office hit. MORE PEOPLE ARE BEING "SAVED", BUT UNFORTUNATELY, FEWER ARE "STICKING WITH IT" With few notable exceptions, lyrics in songs do not carry the weight of a life-changing message, but have become repetitious, with a more dominant beat than powerful words written by song writers of the past which found a lodging-place in our spirits. Even sermons--not all, but many--have taken on a pop-theology presentation and a feel-good psychology which offends no one. More people are being "saved", but unfortunately, fewer are "sticking with it". "OUR GOD DESERVES THE VERY BEST" WAS THE THEME OF THEIR MODE OF OPERATION In the divine architecture of the Tabernacle, the most talented craftsmen who excelled in special skills were chosen to perform the work for the house of God. No one who had a reputation of slipshod work was allowed on the project. The mentality of "cutting corners" found no place here. "Our God deserves the very best" was the theme of their mode of operation. The Holy Spirit does not only anoint ministers of the gospel, but He can give one-of-a-kind ideas to jewelers, designers, weavers and embroiderers, and cause their creations to be of such a higher quality than what the rest of society has to offer, they will bring glory to the Creator, God Himself. The world should bid high for our services which are replete with excellence. This includes all professions and jobs in the marketplace. MAY OUR VERY DECORUM, AND THE WAY WE PRESENT OURSELVES SHOW THAT WE ARE FROM ROYAL LINEAGE The Apostle Paul congratulated and commended the Corinthian church for her excellence. They excelled in faith, gifted speakers, knowledge, enthusiasm, and showing love for his apostolic team. Now, he challenged them to go a step further, and to "excel in the gracious ministry of giving". God wants us to become gracious givers, and to do it with finesse. God will be magnified as we learn to give things away with joy--only by His direction, and not emotional or coerced giving--excelling in love and grace. And, when it comes back to us--plus more--may we have a ministry of being a gracious receiver. The harvests from seeds we have previously planted are on the way. We are not beggars, but sons and daughters of the King of all kings. May our very decorum, and the way we present ourselves show that we are from royal lineage.

"Live Your Life Now
in the Light of Eternity"


"(God) WHO WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS (works)". Romans 2:6 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

AFTER WE ARE BORN AGAIN, GOD GIVES US ASSIGNMENTS

We do not work to be saved, but we work because we are saved. Receiving salvation, the gift of God's grace by faith, is the only requirement for entrance into Heaven. After we are born again, God gives us assignments. We must be obedient and responsible with these entrustments, as this is how we will be judged for our eternal rewards and position in His emerging and future kingdom here on Earth.

THEY WILL BE GRANTED ADMITTANCE THROUGH THE GATES OF PEARL OF THE HEAVENLY CITY, BUT WITH NO REWARD. WHAT A TRAGEDY

This has nothing to do with our salvation, but is known in the Scripture as "the judgment seat of Christ". Some who are saved, but have no teaching, believe that they have been born again only to escape the flames of Hell, and enter through the gates of Heaven. They will be granted admittance through the gates of pearl of the heavenly city, but will have no reward. What a tragedy. Thank God they made it in, but with no position or authority. Because of a lack of knowledge their eternity has been minimized. They could have had so much more. This is why teaching, such as this one, is so important.

TIME IS A GIFT. THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED "THE PRESENT"

What measure should we use to determine the success or failure of our daily lives? Here is the simple, yet profound answer: We must live our lives now in the light of eternity. What is important, and will make a significant difference not only for today, but in 10 years, and more seriously, in eternity? If something does not matter that much, why "make a big deal out of it"? Time is a gift. That is why it is called "the present". We must schedule our days, keeping in mind those things which make a difference and are profitable, while still allowing our schedule to be flexible and spontaneous.

THE EMPHASIS IS NOT ON ONLY BEING "A GOOD SERVANT", BUT BEING "A FAITHFUL ONE"

At the end of the journey, "in winner's circle", we want to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou in to the joys of thy Lord". The emphasis is not on only being "a good servant", but being "a faithful one". Keeping our word, and fulfilling our promises is vital. If we cannot be counted on for what we say, then it is a serious flaw in our character. It is better not to make a promise, instead of trying to make someone feel good, giving them the impression that we care, and then doing nothing, letting everyone down because of "our empty words".

AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY, LET US "HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS", ASKING HIM TO DIRECT OUR PATH, OUR WORDS, OUR DEEDS--AND WHAT WE SHOULD NOT SAY OR DO--WHICH WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEBODY'S LIFE

May we not disappoint our Lord, but believing that everything we do--whether it be great or small--will have an eternal impact. At the beginning of each day, let us "have a little talk with Jesus", asking Him to direct our path, our words, our deeds--and what we should not say or do--which will make a difference in somebody's life. Then, at the end of the day, let us "take a personal inventory", and review the day's activities, "living our lives now in the light of eternity". How could it be better tomorrow, learning from our mistakes?

ONE OF MY AXIOMS FOR A PRACTICAL AND SATISFYING LIFE IS, "WHEN I DO MY BEST, HE WILL DO THE REST"

We do not live under condemnation, always rehearsing our failures of the past. Asking the Lord to forgive us, and help us do better in the future, "we commit our ways to the Lord". We can only do our best. One of my axioms for a practical and satisfying life is, "When I do my best, He will do the rest". Surrendering our limited abilities to the Holy Spirit with His unlimited ability to make things work for good, is one of the secrets of living now with an eye toward eternal benefits. This kind of life will "pay off with great dividends" at the end, which in reality will only be the beginning.

"Live Your Life Now
in the Light of Eternity"


"(God) WHO WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS (works)". Romans 2:6 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

AFTER WE ARE BORN AGAIN, GOD GIVES US ASSIGNMENTS

We do not work to be saved, but we work because we are saved. Receiving salvation, the gift of God's grace by faith, is the only requirement for entrance into Heaven. After we are born again, God gives us assignments. We must be obedient and responsible with these entrustments, as this is how we will be judged for our eternal rewards and position in His emerging and future kingdom here on Earth.

THEY WILL BE GRANTED ADMITTANCE THROUGH THE GATES OF PEARL OF THE HEAVENLY CITY, BUT WITH NO REWARD. WHAT A TRAGEDY

This has nothing to do with our salvation, but is known in the Scripture as "the judgment seat of Christ". Some who are saved, but have no teaching, believe that they have been born again only to escape the flames of Hell, and enter through the gates of Heaven. They will be granted admittance through the gates of pearl of the heavenly city, but will have no reward. What a tragedy. Thank God they made it in, but with no position or authority. Because of a lack of knowledge their eternity has been minimized. They could have had so much more. This is why teaching, such as this one, is so important.

TIME IS A GIFT. THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED "THE PRESENT"

What measure should we use to determine the success or failure of our daily lives? Here is the simple, yet profound answer: We must live our lives now in the light of eternity. What is important, and will make a significant difference not only for today, but in 10 years, and more seriously, in eternity? If something does not matter that much, why "make a big deal out of it"? Time is a gift. That is why it is called "the present". We must schedule our days, keeping in mind those things which make a difference and are profitable, while still allowing our schedule to be flexible and spontaneous.

THE EMPHASIS IS NOT ON ONLY BEING "A GOOD SERVANT", BUT BEING "A FAITHFUL ONE"

At the end of the journey, "in winner's circle", we want to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou in to the joys of thy Lord". The emphasis is not on only being "a good servant", but being "a faithful one". Keeping our word, and fulfilling our promises is vital. If we cannot be counted on for what we say, then it is a serious flaw in our character. It is better not to make a promise, instead of trying to make someone feel good, giving them the impression that we care, and then doing nothing, letting everyone down because of "our empty words".

AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY, LET US "HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS", ASKING HIM TO DIRECT OUR PATH, OUR WORDS, OUR DEEDS--AND WHAT WE SHOULD NOT SAY OR DO--WHICH WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEBODY'S LIFE

May we not disappoint our Lord, but believing that everything we do--whether it be great or small--will have an eternal impact. At the beginning of each day, let us "have a little talk with Jesus", asking Him to direct our path, our words, our deeds--and what we should not say or do--which will make a difference in somebody's life. Then, at the end of the day, let us "take a personal inventory", and review the day's activities, "living our lives now in the light of eternity". How could it be better tomorrow, learning from our mistakes?

ONE OF MY AXIOMS FOR A PRACTICAL AND SATISFYING LIFE IS, "WHEN I DO MY BEST, HE WILL DO THE REST"

We do not live under condemnation, always rehearsing our failures of the past. Asking the Lord to forgive us, and help us do better in the future, "we commit our ways to the Lord". We can only do our best. One of my axioms for a practical and satisfying life is, "When I do my best, He will do the rest". Surrendering our limited abilities to the Holy Spirit with His unlimited ability to make things work for good, is one of the secrets of living now with an eye toward eternal benefits. This kind of life will "pay off with great dividends" at the end, which in reality will only be the beginning.

"Live Your Life Now
in the Light of Eternity"


"(God) WHO WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS (works)". Romans 2:6 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

AFTER WE ARE BORN AGAIN, GOD GIVES US ASSIGNMENTS

We do not work to be saved, but we work because we are saved. Receiving salvation, the gift of God's grace by faith, is the only requirement for entrance into Heaven. After we are born again, God gives us assignments. We must be obedient and responsible with these entrustments, as this is how we will be judged for our eternal rewards and position in His emerging and future kingdom here on Earth.

THEY WILL BE GRANTED ADMITTANCE THROUGH THE GATES OF PEARL OF THE HEAVENLY CITY, BUT WITH NO REWARD. WHAT A TRAGEDY

This has nothing to do with our salvation, but is known in the Scripture as "the judgment seat of Christ". Some who are saved, but have no teaching, believe that they have been born again only to escape the flames of Hell, and enter through the gates of Heaven. They will be granted admittance through the gates of pearl of the heavenly city, but will have no reward. What a tragedy. Thank God they made it in, but with no position or authority. Because of a lack of knowledge their eternity has been minimized. They could have had so much more. This is why teaching, such as this one, is so important.

TIME IS A GIFT. THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED "THE PRESENT"

What measure should we use to determine the success or failure of our daily lives? Here is the simple, yet profound answer: We must live our lives now in the light of eternity. What is important, and will make a significant difference not only for today, but in 10 years, and more seriously, in eternity? If something does not matter that much, why "make a big deal out of it"? Time is a gift. That is why it is called "the present". We must schedule our days, keeping in mind those things which make a difference and are profitable, while still allowing our schedule to be flexible and spontaneous.

THE EMPHASIS IS NOT ON ONLY BEING "A GOOD SERVANT", BUT BEING "A FAITHFUL ONE"

At the end of the journey, "in winner's circle", we want to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou in to the joys of thy Lord". The emphasis is not on only being "a good servant", but being "a faithful one". Keeping our word, and fulfilling our promises is vital. If we cannot be counted on for what we say, then it is a serious flaw in our character. It is better not to make a promise, instead of trying to make someone feel good, giving them the impression that we care, and then doing nothing, letting everyone down because of "our empty words".

AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY, LET US "HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS", ASKING HIM TO DIRECT OUR PATH, OUR WORDS, OUR DEEDS--AND WHAT WE SHOULD NOT SAY OR DO--WHICH WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEBODY'S LIFE

May we not disappoint our Lord, but believing that everything we do--whether it be great or small--will have an eternal impact. At the beginning of each day, let us "have a little talk with Jesus", asking Him to direct our path, our words, our deeds--and what we should not say or do--which will make a difference in somebody's life. Then, at the end of the day, let us "take a personal inventory", and review the day's activities, "living our lives now in the light of eternity". How could it be better tomorrow, learning from our mistakes?

ONE OF MY AXIOMS FOR A PRACTICAL AND SATISFYING LIFE IS, "WHEN I DO MY BEST, HE WILL DO THE REST"

We do not live under condemnation, always rehearsing our failures of the past. Asking the Lord to forgive us, and help us do better in the future, "we commit our ways to the Lord". We can only do our best. One of my axioms for a practical and satisfying life is, "When I do my best, He will do the rest". Surrendering our limited abilities to the Holy Spirit with His unlimited ability to make things work for good, is one of the secrets of living now with an eye toward eternal benefits. This kind of life will "pay off with great dividends" at the end, which in reality will only be the beginning.

"God is Speaking . . .
Is Anybody Listening?"

"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, IF HE CALL THEE, THAT THOU SHALT SAY, SPEAK, LORD; FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH. So Samuel went and lay down in his place". 1 Samuel 3:9 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis) ONE ERA IS ENDING, WHILE THE STAGE IS BEING SET TO USHER IN THE NEXT ONE, THE KINGDOM OF GOD In spite of however it may seem, God is far from being silent in the Earth today. In one way or another, He is endeavoring to get His message across. The problem is not that He isn't talking. The truth is that most people are just not listening. On a regular basis, He is sending out His alerts and warnings, known as "signs of the times". Earthquakes in places where they do not usually occur. Tsunamis which rearrange the landscape. Killer storms. Dramatic changes in the weather. The whole planet is groaning, and in birth pangs signaling the fact that one era is ending, while the stage is being set to usher in the next one, the kingdom of God. FREEDOMS WE ONCE TOOK FOR GRANTED ARE BEING BRAZENLY SNATCHED AWAY WITH NO REGARD FOR THE FOUNDATIONS UPON WHICH OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED These are turbulent times. Political upheaval is the order of the day. Politicians promise one thing, and without blinking an eye, do exactly the opposite. Trust in our leaders has been seriously eroded. Freedoms we once took for granted are brazenly being snatched away with no regard for the foundations upon which our Christian faith has been established. Our way of life is being threatened, and if we dare speak up in defense of right principles we are threatened with consequences. WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF ANOTHER EARTH-SHAKING "GREAT AWAKENING" What is God saying? God is still in control, and He is using the forces of Hell and darkness to send out the latest news flash that the manipulations of unredeemed human flesh at its best only produces chaos and confusion. The Almighty is in the process of turning it around at His own pleasure, and for the honor of His name. We are on the verge of another Earth-shaking "Great Awakening". The deeds done in darkness and the ploys hatched in smoked-filled back rooms are being exposed. Explosive revival and the great last day harvest of souls is being birthed. WE CALL IT "ESCAPIST THEOLOGY", AS THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THE CESSPOOL OF WICKEDNESS BEING UNLEASHED UPON THE EARTH Those who wear the label of "prophecy teachers" only research and proclaim the present evil "to prove their point" that we are living in the last days, and Jesus may come at any moment. They perform a service, but tend to believe that things are getting so bad, that the only answer is the rapture. We call it "escapist theology", as they do not know how to deal with the cesspool of wickedness being unleashed upon the Earth. They produce weak Christians. If Jesus does not come soon, their converts will fall by the wayside, as they have not been taught how to be overcomers, and live in victory. This is what the Scripture describes as "the great falling away". REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE DEVIL THROWS AT US, WE DO NOT BECOME WEAKER, BUT STRONGER On the other hand, we teach how to live the overcoming life. Yes, we believe that Jesus is coming again, but we do not hold it out as an escape to get out of the troubles this world is experiencing. We teach change in one's life, and responsible character which emerges victorious no matter what the challenge is. Regardless of what the devil throws at us, we do not become weaker, but stronger. We are learning that stress can build strength, and frustration does not have to cause fear and failure, but can create a foundation of faith and fortitude. GOD DID NOT CAUSE THE DISASTER, BUT HE REMOVED HIS HAND OF PROTECTION On the 19th April, the U.S. President announced that he and his administration would no longer side with Israel in the dispute with the Palestinians, but would support the United Nations in condemning Israel. The next day, the U.S. experienced its worst natural disaster in history with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. God did not cause the disaster, but He removed His hand of protection. In 2005, then President Bush and Secretary of State Rice urged Israel to give away land to Palestine which God had promised them in the Abrahamic Covenant. Right after that, the U.S. was hit with Hurricane Katrina, which all but destroyed the city of New Orleans. From the book of Genesis on God has said that He would bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. Is God speaking? You decide. The timing of these incidents did not occur by accident. ARE WE GETTING THE RIGHT MESSAGE? NOT JUST BITS AND PIECES, JUMPING TO OUR OWN CONCLUSIONS As God spoke to the lad Samuel, may we develop a sensitivity to hear His voice, and discern what He is saying. Jesus encouraged us to become as a little child in our faith and purity. God is speaking. Are we listening? And, over and above that, are we getting the right message? Not just bits and pieces, jumping to our own conclusions, but are we really hearing what God is saying in these perilous times?

Are You Caught in the Trap of
PERFORMANCE-BASED CHRISTIANITY?"

"FOR BY GRACE (the gift of divine favor) ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast". Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THE PRICE FOR OUR SALVATION HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR IN FULL

The love of God is unconditional. There is nothing we can do to earn God's favor. The price for our salvation has already been paid for in full. What Jesus did for us on the cross is complete. There is nothing we can do to add to it. That is why He cried out before committing His soul to the Father, "It is finished".

THEY ARGUED THAT IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY FOR ALL MALE GENTILE CONVERTS TO CHRIST TO BE CIRCUMCISED IN THE FLESH

In the first century church there were religious people who claimed that in order to be saved, confessing one's sins to Jesus, asking Him for forgiveness, and receiving Him as personal Savior was not enough. They argued that it was also necessary for all male Gentile converts to Christ to be circumcised in the flesh. Others insisted that everyone come under the bondage of legalism, obeying Levitical laws, and worshiping God on certain days.

NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRY IN THE FLESH, OUR SELF-EFFORTS FALL FAR SHORT OF REACHING THE STANDARD OF GOD'S PERFECTION AND HOLINESS

Trying to be "good enough" by constantly striving and straining to please God only produces frustration, and a miserable existence. No matter how hard we try in the flesh, our self-efforts fall far short of reaching the standard of God's perfection and holiness. Without putting it into specific words, we have been subconsciously taught that in order for God to be pleased with us, and love us, we have to work, doing certain things to gain His favor. It is "performance-based Christianity".

IT IS A GIFT. TO TRY TO EARN IT IS AN INSULT TO GOD

We must come to the place in our personal relationship with the Lord where we accept His unconditional love. It is a gift. To try to earn it is an insult to God. Why would we want to pay for it, when He offers to give it to us. Jesus gave His life to purchase our redemption. To act as though there is something we could do to improve on the purchase of our eternal life is to imply that we think the value of the blood of Jesus shed on our behalf is inadequate.

IT IS "THROUGH HIS SINLESS BLOOD ALONE" THAT WE ARE MADE WORTHY TO APPROACH THE THRONE OF GOD, AND TO BE GRANTED AN AUDIENCE WITH THE LORD

The acceptance of the gift of salvation is completely through faith. If we could work for it, we could boast about how we deserve to inherit eternal life. Feeding the poor, or sleeping on a bed of nails will not make us worthy of this gift. We come to Jesus "just as we are", with no goodness of our own, as the Scripture says, "our righteousness is as filthy rags". We cannot pay for anything which has already been paid for. It is "through His sinless blood alone" that we are made worthy to approach the throne of God, and to be granted an audience by the Lord.

"Experiencing Your Expectations"

"And be not conformed (another pattern than the intended one) to this world: but BE YE TRANSFORMED (transfigured from one form to another) BY THE RENEWING (total changing for the better) OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE (by experience) what is that good, and acceptable, and PERFECT (intended fulfillment of expectations), WILL OF GOD" Romans 12:2 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

HOPEFULLY, TRANSITION WILL LEAD TO TRANSFORMATION

All of us are going through some kind of upheaval and change. It is during these times of uncertainty that we pray for something better than we have known previously. Hopefully, transition will lead to transformation. Most people resist change, as it is "their security blanket". It is the fear of the unknown which hinders progress and spiritual growth. Without the daily exercise of our faith we cannot plunge into the future with confidence and assurance of a positive result.

IF THERE IS NO RESISTANCE, WE ARE HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

All of Hell will contest our moving ahead in life's race toward our goals. Salmon swim upstream. The ones flowing with the current of that same river are those who are floating on top of the water--dead. If there is no resistance, we are headed in the wrong direction, being conformed to the pattern of the world's godless social system. The Phillips translation says, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold".

OUR RESPONSE TO LIFE'S UNEXPECTED UPSETS WILL CAUSE US TO EMERGE EITHER BITTER OR BETTER

If we resist and refuse change, life will pass us by. We disqualify ourselves from being world changers if we do not place ourselves in a position for personal change. When "the earthquake of change" knocks out the props from underneath us, we have a choice. Our response to life's unexpected upsets will cause us to emerge either bitter or better.

THE "BATTLEGROUND IS THE MIND". MOVING IN "THE FLESH" IS "A NEGATIVE WAY OF THINKING"

When we do not surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit when we are being assaulted by the fears and frustrations of a changing world, we will regress and go backwards. The "battleground is the mind". Moving in "the flesh" is "a negative way of thinking". It is only when we move in the Spirit--surrendering our human spirit to God's Spirit--that our mind can be transformed and renewed.

WE EXPERIENCE OUR EXPECTATIONS

The Holy Spirit's prescription to "prove the will of God" for our lives is by having a transformed mind. When we think new thoughts--"God thoughts"--we begin to develop our expectations of stepping up into a higher level of living. Then, and only then can we experience our expectations. We do not live in a fantasy world filled with illusive dreams, but come into a reality of all we can be in Christ.