Wash the Dust Off Your Feet!

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. John 13:10

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: Genesis 3:14.

When Satan was cursed by God in the garden, he was ordered to eat dust all the days of his life. For a long time, I didn't really understand what that meant. Now, we all know that snakes crawl on their belly and do eat things from the ground, but there is a spiritual meaning to this curse God placed on the serpent as well. Jesus gave us a clue when He washed His disciples' feet before the Last Supper. He pronounced all of them clean (except Judas) but directed them to follow His example and wash each other's feet. What does this really mean?

Well, as we born-again/new creations IN Christ Jesus go about our lives on this earth, we will pick up some of the devil's "food" on our feet -- meaning this dust will attach itself to us, because we are still dwelling in these fleshly bodies which have not been regenerated. This spiritual dust has to be washed off spiritually by staying in God's Word and believing in His promises. God's Word is the spiritual bread that we are to live by--the spiritual food of grace and truth in Christ Jesus. 

The devil's dust or food is sin-focused, curse-focused, guilt-conscious, condemning, death-glorifying, and basically man-worshipping. It quickly adheres to us and will cling there until we wash it off spiritually through the Word, prayer, and worship. This washing is a daily discipline that is called the good fight of faith. 

What does this "washing" look like, exacting? It isn't doing good deeds for others (which isn't a bad thing!), but rather staying focused on who Christ is in our lives and what He has done for us. We are to meditate on our new position IN HIM and all the blessings that are associated with being born again. We are to feed on this manna from heaven.

Remember when Satan tempted Jesus and wanted Him to turn stones into bread and eat from that? Matthew 4:4. Jesus refused. He quoted God's Word from Deuteronomy, stating that "Man shall not live by bread alone BUT by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God!" Deut 8:3.  I believe those stones represented the law (10 commandments) and their reminder of sin, curse, death, and damnation--basically, the devil's food. Jesus warned us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees--beware of those religious folks who pressure you to eat stony dust (where sin and the curse are the main ingredients) and not the fresh manna from heaven, which is the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. Whether these modern-day Pharisees realize it or not, they are doing the devil's work by turning your sights away from grace toward your short-comings, inadequacies and failures! Remember, Satan is the accuser!

Truth:  If you are born again, you now live under God's love and His perfect liberty IN Christ Jesus! James 1:25, 2:8. Anyone who walks in these two laws, knows he or she is clean, righteous and made pure by the precious blood of Jesus. He or she doesn't need a lot of "thou shall nots" to follow God's will. His or her newly reborn spirit will cry out "yes" and "Amen" to the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance. 

Don't let anyone rob you of the revelation of this wonderful truth! Wash Satan's dust off your feet every day by immersing yourself in God's Word--it doesn't take much. Even one little scripture will do the trick! Some of my favorites: Ps 23, Ps 91, Ps 112, John 3:16, all of John 17, Eph 1-2. And there are more! 

Dig into God's Word and wash your feet--every day!

Sin in the Flesh has been Condemned!

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4
Have you ever wondered why people who are born again still sin? If Jesus took all the sins of the world on Himself while He hung on the cross 2000 years ago, thereby achieving forgiveness for us once and for all, AND we have become new creations IN HIM, why are we still struggling with sin?

Well, one reason is because we are taught by well-meaning pastors and teachers that we are still sinners (although saved by grace) and that sinners sin. Actually this is not true. Being a sinner is a spiritual condition, not the result of a specific behavior. If you are born again In Christ, then your spiritual condition is one of a new creation and not a sinner. Yes, you were once a sinner and you have been saved by grace, but you are now new! This is your new and current/eternal spiritual condition - remember that!  To believe anything less than this leaves us with a guilt-ridden conscience causing us to wonder if we truly are forgiven and whether Jesus' work on the cross really is finished. Well, of course it is, because He has said so!

Now to the issue of sinful behavior: basically new creations in Christ still sin. God did not remove the sin nature in our flesh, instead, He condemned it in the body of Jesus. If the sin nature had been removed, there would be no reason to walk in faith, and faith is what pleases God. Hebrews 11:6.

So what does this mean that sin in the flesh was condemned by God? It means that sin in the flesh has been deprived of its power to condemn us and make us feel guilty. God condemned sin in the flesh, thereby depriving it of its power to keep us in bondage to guilt. When we do sin and that sin in the flesh attempts to accuse us, we have an advocate (Jesus) with the Father who intercedes for us and reminds us through the Holy Spirit that we are forgiven! We are convicted that we are righteous in Christ and no longer condemned. We are urged to hold on to a clear, clean conscience because of the work done on the cross. 

This is a novel idea - to walk around this earth constantly knowing we are forgiven and maintaining a clear, clean conscience before God and man! That is a miracle from Jesus! Can you imagine how wonderful our lives would be if we manifested this high and lofty revelation every day of our lives? The church would be much more powerful and would operate in a glorious, supernatural state that the world needs to see. Paul says in Romans that all of creation groans for the manifestation of the sons of God! Romans 8:19. 

So the next time you slip up and fall into sin, keep your eyes on Jesus and remember that the sin in your flesh has been condemned in the body of Jesus and now has no more power over you! Mediatate on that truth until it becomes a reality in your life !

Anointed Music from Darlene Zschech

Go to Darlene Zschech's website to hear anointed music that ministers to the soul. This is a wonderful gift the Heavenly Father has given the church! There are several songs you can listen to for free--all wonderful! My favorite is Victor's Crown. Absolutely from the throne of heaven! Be blessed! 

http://www.darlenezschech.com

A Beautiful Gift

Yesterday I received the most beautiful gift in the mail: a leather bound New Testament from Kenneth Copeland, KJV version. It was a gift given to his partners and is very unique because it includes over a hundred pages of bible study outlines and ALL of his margin notes, highlights, and biblical references! What a treasure!

I have learned so much from him over the years and feel like I've been able to snatch a book off his private book shelf. He is a bold man of God who believes for monumental things. I still find it hard to believe so many nasty things are said about him on the Internet, particularly by other professing Christians. But he doesn't let any of that stop him. He keeps on believing and preaching.

Thank you, Brother Copeland! I will cherish this always!

Soar with The Lord

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV.

Here is a word from the Lord I received today while praying and praising along with Hillsong this morning: "Lay down your own plans, flow with My Spirit, and you will soar with Me!"

As I thought about this word and reflected on it, I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31, one of my favorite Old Testament verses. I love imagining soaring in the air like a bald eagle, floating high above the cares and worries of this world and the fear tactics the enemy uses against us to lure us into doubting God's promises. At that high altitude, it is so much easier to bask in the Father's love and experience the shalom Peace of our Savior. 

As a bit of background, I will tell you how this word came to me. Several weeks ago, I had a very vivid dream where I was standing on a sandy beach with other people, wading in ankle deep water. The ocean was vast and calm, and I had plans to venture out further for a swim. But then suddenly, a very large, black horse emerged out of the waves, followed by a entire army of riders and warriors on dark horses that extended down the beach for as far as the eye could see--creating a barricade! We were all frightened out of our wits! But after a moment, I saw that these riders were really a dark, stony edifice of warring soldiers that one might see in a frieze on an old Greek temple or building. The point was, it was just a facade meant to scare me--and it worked! But only for a moment, because when I realized there was no real life in these riders, I said, "I'm not afraid of this!" As soon as these words left my lips, I woke up. 

Yes, it was a very strange dream but comforting as well. Here's what I received from it: Fear tactics from the enemy cannot master or rule over a believer who knows the Father's promises and the power and authority he has been given in the Name of Jesus! Later that day, I received more revelation as I thought more about the dream--in my mind's eye I saw the entire facade of riders melt down into the sea like wax! Psalms 112:10 says The wicked shall see [it], and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. 

Basically, I believe what the Lord is saying is that these temptations to fear are simply roars by a toothless lion that are merely temporary. Therefore, don't give in to the lies and believe in these idle threats when they come! Keep your focus on Jesus and His Word and then the enemy will melt away.

So today as I prayed, I saw the Lord holding my hand as we soared high above the beach where those riders had stood. By laying down my own plans and desires and flowing with His spirit, I can then soar up high with Him, where I can see things from His perspective and not that of this fallen world. Praise God! Isn't that a wonderful gift He has given the church?  I have such peace knowing His Word is true and His promises are sure! He has all of His children firmly by the hand and will never let us go. 

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. John 10:29

God's Protection in Troubled Times

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalms 91:14-16.

All of Psalms 91 has been a comfort to me and my family over the years. There are many verses in this Psalms that I love, but lately, I have been drawn to the last two, especially during this day and times when wars and rumors of wars abound. As we remember 9/11 and the tragedies from the past, we are reminded by our president and the nations that future tragedies await the world. We even know this truth from reading Bible prophecy. And why is this part of the earth's future? Because the millennial/Messianic age is fast approaching, and the Lord is getting "His house in order," so to speak. Basically, a determination of who really believes and who doesn't is about to take place. Many of us don't truly know our own hearts or our strengths and weaknesses until they've been put to the test. When heat and the pressure of fear, pain, and worry come, we will either fall away and be consumed or we will bear up and believe God's promises in His Word, speaking them out of our mouths until we see manifestation. In these situations, our faith is growing and becoming strong. The Lord knows our heart, but sometimes it is good for us to see it for ourselves.

America, this time has come upon all of us. Church, now is the time to believe - truly believe and have no doubts - regarding the Holy Scriptures and what the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Abba has promised us in His Word. Claim the promises - they are yours! Lottery winners claim their prizes, employees claim their salaries, bonuses, and stock options, heirs and widows claim their inheritance. If all that is true (and it is), then Christian, claim what the Lord has given you through His death and resurrection! Don't let the enemy talk you out of what is yours! God has given you the blessing of Abraham which includes His Holy Spirit! Galatians 3:14. And what is the blessing of Abraham? It is God Himself. He is our shield, our exceeding great reward! Genesis 15:1. Selah! Think upon that!

If God be for us, then who can be against us? Romans 8:31.  Many of us believers will see great things done by the Lord in these last days, and it will be exciting! We will be a part of it all, and that will be a thrill! But some will not. Some will shrink back in fear and will not have the joy and pleasure of fulfilling their assignments and taking part in this last great ingathering of souls! If you are reading this, then don't shrink back in fear. Meditate on how much you are loved and fear will dissipate, for perfect love casts out fear! 1 John 4:18.

We have protection in the name of Jesus, deliverance, favor, blessings, and a long, satisfactory life in this Church Age. And then when He returns, the best that God has to offer will be waiting for us! What a glorious day that will be!

Ask Him! Even For the Small Things!

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

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Psalms 37:4-5.

Recently, I have been reminded that my Heavenly Father desires for me to come to Him in prayer and ask for certain things that I know He has put on my heart, things like restored relationships, success and favor in business dealings (and in school and sports for my kids), and an increase in wisdom and creative ability to complete the projects He has inspired me to create. 

For some reason we forget to go to Him initially and ask for these simple things. If you are like me, there may be times we might worry or wrestle over particular matters and circumstances and then we suddenly realize, "Wait a minute! Why don't I just pray?" 

That's a very good question. The answer is very simple. Our focus has moved away from Jesus and is now on self. These reminders to pray are great opportunities to refocus and put our sights back on Him. Just yesterday, my daughter and I were discussing one of her friends, scratching our heads and trying to figure out what was going on in this person's life. Our first reaction was to worry and ponder and provide a man-made solution. Then we realized, let's pray for him! And we did. Very simple but very powerful.

Contrary to what some religious people espouse, the Lord is never too busy to hear our prayers, regardless of the magnitude of our request. Small things to us are important to Him, because He loves us and we are His children! Think about your own children--the small details to them are important to us as parents! Our Heavenly Father is the same--He wants us to come to Him, even for the small things in life that have become the desires of our heart. Success, favor, joy, peace, and happiness are what we all desire--and most importantly, love. 

Thankfully, all of these things were given to us at the cross 2000 years ago in His beloved son, Jesus!