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A Story of Czar Nicolas – Such a Debt, Who Can Pay

Czar Nicolas the king of Russia would from time to time travel to outposts in Russia disguised as someone else so he could see for himself what was going on in his country.

As he was making his tour late one night in this one particular outpost he was walking down the halls of this town hall kind of building and he noticed that the lights were still on in the office of the town treasurer.

Let me go back and explain what was going on in this office. The treasurer for this out post was misusing funds, He was losing money gambling and thinking his luck would turn back he kept digging a bigger hole that would eventually bury him.

Then one day it was the day of reckoning. He received a notice that in a couple of days the bank examiners were coming to check the books an do an audit.

He knew he was in big trouble so on this same night that the Czar would be walking the halls of his office, he was up late counting money and figuring out how much trouble he was in. When he finished adding up the debt that he owed, he knew he was in to deep and there was no way out.

His solution was he would take his life. He had his pistol on the table and when he finished adding up the debt he owed he wrote these words at the bottom of the balance sheet. “Such a debt, who can pay?”

He was overwhelmed with fatigue so he laid his head down on the desk and fell fast to sleep.  While he was sleeping, this is when the Czar of Russia spotted the light on so late in the office of the Treasurer. The Czar saw the door was unlocked and he walked in. He sees the man sleeping, he sees the gun lying by his hand and he looks at the record book and realized this man had been stealing from his kingdom, a crime that would mean the death penalty and disgrace. Then at the bottom of the balance sheet the Czar spotted these words. “Such a debt, who can pay?” This is when the Czar picked up a pen and under the words, “Such a debt, who can pay?” the Czar signed his name and walked out the door.

Just before morning the treasurer woke up and realizing how long he had been asleep, he reached for his pistol to take his life and just before ending his life he looked down at the bottom of the balance sheet and saw the signature of Czar Nicolas.

Finding this hard to believe he looked into his files for a document with the Czar’s signature and sure enough the Czar had been there that night and paid his debt. The next day men from the Treasury of Russia arrived with bags containing the missing money and his debt was paid in full.

The Bible says that we will all stand before God and be judged from what has been written about us in the record books of our lives. We all have been assigned guardian angels to watch over us and record every word, thought, good deeds and bad.

Just like that man in charge of the cash of his town in the story above, God has access of the record books of your life. We owe a debt that is “Such a debt, who can pay?” If you will call out to Jesus the one who died to pay for your debts.

If you will ask Jesus to forgive your sins, Jesus will take his eraser and wipe out the sins that have been recorded in the record book of your life. Then at the bottom of the blank pages of your record book, Jesus will sign His name with these words. “Paid in full by Jesus Christ.”

Casting Your Cares Upon Jesus: Why Are You Still Carrying Them?

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Most all Christians are familiar with this Bible verse. I find the words contained within it to be so simplistic that most tend to just read right through it without giving it much thought. Truth is, I also discern it has not been given the power behind the words that is so deserves. How many have taken the time to perform a quick study of the key words contained in this verse written by the apostle Peter? To candidly read right through it with no farther examination, our minds tend to go only as far as our English vocabulary takes us, therefore applying our own watered down meaning behind it. Perhaps this is one big reason why so many Christians are not doing what it says to do.

Too many believers are living day to day with the heaviness of all their problems weighing down on them. Our problems have, in essence, become a part of our being as we drag them around with us everywhere we go. Are you allowing the sheer volume and weight of all this excess baggage to make it virtually impossible to live in the fullness of joy the Lord instructs is a marking of His own people? Suffice to say, if the fruit of joy is non-existent in your life, this does not only affect you, but it affects every lost soul that comes in contact with you through the day. To fully understand 1 Peter 5:7, let’s look deeper into three key words contained within the passage:

The Greek word epiripto, [is] a compound of the words epi and ripto. The word epi means upon, as on top of something. The word ripto means to hurl, to throw  or to cast, and it often means to violently throw or to fling something with great force. The only other place this word epiripto is used in the New Testament is in Luke 19:35, where the Bible says, “And they brought him to Jesus: And they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus there on.” It is important to note this passage, for it correctly coveys the idea of the word epiripto, which in secular literature often pictured the flinging of a garment, bag, or excess weight off the shoulders of a traveler and onto the back of some other beast, such as a donkey, camel, or horse. (Source: Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner 325)

In the blueprint of the human body, God did not create it to withstand long term stress caused by our problems. Stress wears the body down and will cause you to be sick, both physically and mentally. The meaning of “casting” is far stronger than just a “giving” of. Jesus is not a fragile kitten, rather He is the mighty LION of the Tribe of Judah, able to bare what we cannot. Instead of approaching Him timidly in defeat, He wants you to approach Him in the authority given you by the Holy Spirit and lift off of your shoulders every burden and care you are holding onto, and with ALL your strength, forcefully and violently throwing it all upon His back.

The word “cares” is the Greek word merimna, which means anxiety. However, in principle it described any affliction, difficulty, hardship, misfortune, trouble, or complicated circumstance that arises as a result of problems that develop in our lives. (Source: Sparking Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner 325)

What “cares” did he apostle Peter say to cast upon Jesus? ALL of them. Your cares may include family issues, such as with your children, spouse, and in-laws, or financial difficulties, trouble in the workplace, school, or even church. Mental and emotional turmoil such as depression, anxiety, panic disorders, fear, worry, and self- esteem issues are also all examples of the list of cares being toted around daily by Christians. Notice that Peter does not tell us to “try” and cast them, rather he charges us to do it. You cannot afford not to.

The word “careth” is taken from the Greek word melei, which means to be concerned; to be thoughtful; to be interested; to be aware; to notice; or to give painful and meticulous attention. (Source: Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner 325)

Peter gives us irrefutable evidence that our Lord not only FEELS what you are feeling but His FULL attention is upon you in every circumstance in your life. He is waiting for you to fling it upon His back because He is constructed to take it on whereas you are not. You may not be able to change the present situations, trials, and circumstances you are facing, but you are commanded to shift the weight from yourself unto Him by faith.

One of the greatest ongoing battles facing the Believer is separating faith from feeling. We are moved by what we feel rather than by blind faith. Faith is an action, not a feeling. Have you been plagued with the same struggles and same unanswered prayer for months or even years?

You may have days of joy and what seems to be breakthrough, where you feel empowered to go forth and weather the storm no matter what comes your way. You may have several days or weeks where things seem to be looking up and just when you think your strength is renewed, it all comes crashing down upon you again. All the negative emotions, thinking, and speaking suddenly begin again. This empowerment then defeat is a continuous never-ending cycle. Have you recognized it to be a cycle, or are you so caught up in your feelings and defeat that you accept it as part of your life?

You then begin to doubt God or even blame God, wondering if He even hears you any longer. You expect HIM to change your situation without putting in the time and commitment it usually takes to get free. Have others made multiple attempts to give you Godly counsel on what to do and yet you still refuse to heed their words? People of like mind may give you good advice in line with scripture, but at the end of the day the answer lies within you and God alone. If you continue to refuse to take action, or only keep taking short-term action, this is considered disobedience. The answer does not lie in God’s willingness to act, but lies in you not doing what He instructs in His Word.

Granted, the Lord at times will allow these trials to promote growth, but my focus is on those who are living with their burdens indefinitely, allowing them to control every aspect of life, and not being diligent in obeying the Word until deliverance manifests.

My hope is that today will be the day you make a conscious decision to examine the words of the apostle Peter and run to Jesus with the full revelation that He has not abandoned you. That He loves you so much that His full attention is set on you and He is desperately wanting to carry the load for you. He wants to fulfill the greatest desires of your heart and longs to see you victorious in every aspect of your life. May you once and for all settle it with yourself that you will no longer rely on your own strength but the great strength of the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, I come before You today to repent of all areas of pride in my life. Forgive me for allowing pride to cause me to carry my cares and burdens in my own strength. I recognize that You have been waiting for me to permanently give them to You. Right now I violently fling unto Your shoulders all the cares that have caused me to not only think but speak negatively.

These cares include (confess all cares as defined in Greek-anxiety, worry, fear, etc.). Take them Lord. I can no longer do this on my own and I do not want to. Today I break to cycle I have allowed to keep returning, and I make a conscious decision that I will resist taking them back upon myself at the moment they try to come back into my life.1 Peter 5:7 ensures me that You give painful and meticulous attention to every area of my life. I will not be moved by what I feel any longer but I will be moved only by faith.

I believe You love me and died that I may be free from all my burdens, for Your Word says, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” (John 8:36). Restore to me again the joy of Your salvation as stated in Psalms 51:12. I choose to walk in this joy each and every day from this day on. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now begin to thank Him for answering your prayer. Thanking Him is your surest expression of faith. You need not beg Him every day to take your cares. Just thank Him by faith that it is done and believe for the manifestation to come.     Written by Brook A.   https://aminutetomidnite.com/the-christian-life/casting-your-cares-upon-jesus-why-are-you-still-carrying-them/

My Son Came Back From the Dead

On July 22nd I was in route to Washington , DC , for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead locker, an announcement was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately.

I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk.

When I got off the plane, a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, “Mr.Glenn, there is an emergency at your home. I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital.”

My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over.
Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital. My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital.

By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness.

The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage.

Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before.

Finally at two o’clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken.. He said, “Daddy hold me” and he reached for me with his little arms.

By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, when we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely.

In the days that followed, there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family. Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound.

The story is not over (smile)!

Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, “Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you.” At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story.

“Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you but you couldn’t hear me. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the ‘ birdies ‘ came.”

“The birdies?” my wife asked puzzled.
“Yes,” he replied. “The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me.”

“They did?”

“Yes,” he said. “One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you “I got stuck under the door.” A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as “birdies” because they were up in the air like birds that fly. “What did the birdies look like?” she asked.

Brian answered, “They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white.”

“Did they say anything?”

“Yes,” he answered. “They told me the baby would be all right.”

“The baby?” my wife asked confused.

Brian answered. “The baby laying on the garage floor.” He went on, “You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave.”

My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian’s body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, “Don’t leave us Brian, please stay if you can.” As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left his body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form. “Then what happened?” she asked.

“We went on a trip,” he said, “far, far away.” He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn’t seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult.

“We flew so fast up in the air. They’re so pretty Mommy,” he added. “And there are lots and lots of birdies.” My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the “birdies” had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the “birdies.” He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour.

He taught us that “birdies” were always with us, but we don’t see them because we look with our eyes and we don’t hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, “I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much.”

In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies.

Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the “birdies.” Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be.

You have just been sent an Angel to watch over you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay a while…leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present! Live and savor every moment…this is not a dress rehearsal!

Encouragement From the Word of God

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.     Isaiah 55:6-7

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.     Deuteronomy 4:29

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asks shall receive; and he that seeks shall find; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.     Matthew 7:7-8

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust…  Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.     Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-11

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”     Isaiah 43:2-3

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.  Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.  Because you have made the Lord, who  is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.     Psalm 91:7-11

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.  Behold, I come quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.  And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My god.  And I will write on him My new name.     Revelation 3:10-12

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.  Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.  Because you have made the Lord, who  is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.     Psalm 91:7-11

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.  Behold, I come quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.  And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My god.  And I will write on him My new name.     Revelation 3:10-12

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.     II Chronicles 7:14

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust…  Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.     Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-11

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.     Isaiah 43:2-3

What Would You Do – Danny Wuerffel

Daniel Carl Wuerffel (born May 27, 1974) is a former college and professional American football quarterback who won the 1996 Heisman Trophy and the 1996 national football championship while playing college football for the University of Florida. Wuerffel was a prolific passer in coach Steve Spurrier‘s offense. He led the nation in touchdown passes in 1995 and 1996, and set numerous school and conference records. Wuerffel was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

After graduating from Florida, Wuerffel was drafted by the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He spent six years in the league with four teams, and also played a season in NFL Europe, where he led the Rhein Fire to a league championship and was named MVP of World Bowl 2000.

In the 1996 national collegiate championship against Florida State, in the last minutes of the fourth quarter, Wuerffel threw an incredible pass that won the game and the championship.  Immediately after the game, the news media thrust a mike in his face and asked him what it was like to throw that pass and win the national championship game. 

Without missing a beat, Wuerffel replied that he gives all the glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all that he is able to do.  The news media immediately switched to another announcer, but it was too late.  Danny Wuerffel’s witness to the Lord was broadcast on national television.

While few people have Danny Wuerffel’s talents with the football, all of us have God-given gifts and talents.  You may never have an opportunity to speak before a nation-wide television audience.  But there will be other critical moments when all eyes are on you, and you have a brief opportunity to tell what is most important in your life – who is on the throne of your life. 

Will you be a Danny Wuerffel and witness to the sovereign, living God of the universe, or will you give credit to your colleagues or to yourself?  You will have an opportunity to proclaim on whose team you serve.

When Storms Come Into Our Lives

  • Storms come even when we are in God’s will.
  • Matthew 14:22-33 tells us that Jesus placed His disciples out in the boat, and He knew it would be stormy.
  • God sometimes sends us into situations that are out of our control.
  • In every storm, God has a particular reason.  Some storms He sends, some he allows, and some we create.
  • There are correctional storms and perfectional storms.  These storms and our reactions to them can also do His work in other peoples’ lives as well.
  • In the midst of storms, we often forget how the Lord has blessed us.
  • See Matthew 9:18,27.
  • This is why it is very important to record what God is doing in your life!
  • Christ is aware of our storms.
  • Mark 6 – Jesus saw them through the storm.
  • Because He knows, He is in absolute control.
  • Christ meets us in every storm.
  • Every place is in His presence.
  • He doesn’t always come when we want Him to.
  • We are most valuable to God when we come to Him in utter obedience and humility.
  • He comes when He can accomplish His purpose, when His time is right.
  • Sometimes He is right beside us in storms and we don’t see Him because we don’t expect Him to come in that way.
  • There is always some word of encouragement through the Scripture or other Christians.
  • He always gives us a sense of direction.
  • To shorten the storm, we should do exactly what he wants us to do.
  • Are we totally committed to Him, without exception?
  • If something came to your mind, then you are not being obedient.  This prolongs your storms.
  • In the presence of Christ, you can do things that you cannot otherwise do.
  • The key is being aware that Christ is in us, and trusting Him to guide us.
  • In the storms, keep your focus on Christ.
  • Jesus didn’t stop the storm.
  • He will bring you through the storm.

Dr. Charles Stanley

Hearing God

Augusto Perez

http://www.theappearance.com/

Revelation 2:7: “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; to him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Mankind has for ages wanted to be able to hear and communicate with the Creator. When Adam and Eve were created, they were able to hear and see God in the Garden of Eden with perfect clarity. Their spirits were connected to the Spirit of the Creator, the One who created all things by the Spoken Word, and thus were able to hear him and see Him.

After they sinned they died spiritually, as their spiritual DNA was messed up (their physical DNA was corrupted as well, however we will not address that topic on this series of lessons). They lost their ability to hear the voice of God and see Him because of their fallen state. When the Church was born at Pentecost, they received the ability to hear the voice of the Father.

When the Holy Spirit indwells a human spirit through the born again experience, not only is the born again believer able to hear the voice of God once again, but he is endued with certain spiritual abilities that the Bible refers to as gifts of the Spirit (John 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 12). 

God made man with three parts to his being. Man has a spirit, a soul and a body. As a human being you have a part of you that came from God and which has the same nature as God. That part is your spirit and it has access to the realm of the Spirit.  Your spirit has the capability to make contact with heaven, but yet it is living in a physical body that dwells on the earth.  That is basically what Jesus Christ referred to when He said:

John 1:18: “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.”

Yahushua was physically on the earth but His spirit was in perfect union with the Father at the same time. Whenever you are born again of the spirit, you are already walking in the heavenly realm without realizing it. The moment that you accepted Jesus as your LORD and Savior and were born again, you gained access into the spiritual realm where He dwells.

This means that your spirit is in touch with His Spirit at all times:

Colossians 1:27: “To whom God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”.

Whenever you are born again, the Spirit of the Lord comes to dwell within you spirit. Your spirit is in touch with the Holy Spirit and is in touch with the heavenly realm twenty-four hours per day. God is communing and communicating with your spirit twenty-four hours a day through the Holy Spirit.

What a great honor.  We have to lay this important foundation so that we may be able to go on to the things that we want to cover in the next few lessons where we will get into how to actually hear His voice.

How to Hear God’s Voice

                                     By Andrew Wommack

http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/gods_voice

One of the greatest benefits of our salvation has to be that of hearing God speak to us personally. There can be no intimate relationship with our heavenly Father without it. But, as easy as it is for us to speak to Him, the average Christian has a hard time hearing His voice. This is not the way the Lord intended it to be.

Learning to clearly distinguish God’s voice is invaluable. Instead of going through life blindly, we can have the wisdom of God guide and protect us. There isn’t a single person receiving this letter who couldn’t have their life radically transformed by hearing the voice of the Lord better. The worst marital problem is one word from the Lord away from a total turnaround. If you have sickness or disease, one living word from the Lord will instantly heal you. If you are in financial crisis, the Lord knows exactly how to turn your situation around. It’s just a matter of hearing His voice.

The Lord constantly speaks to us and gives us His direction. It’s never the Lord who is not speaking, but it’s us who are not hearing. Jesus made some radical statements about hearing His voice in John 10:3-5. He was speaking about Himself as the Shepherd of the sheep and the only way to enter the sheepfold.

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

Notice that He said in verse 3, His sheep hear His voice. He didn’t say His sheep CAN hear His voice or SHOULD hear His voice. He made the emphatic statement that His sheep DO hear His voice. Most Christians would question the accuracy of that statement since their experiences don’t line up. But it’s not what Jesus said that is wrong; all true believers can and do hear the voice of God; they just don’t recognize what they are hearing as being God’s voice.

Radio and television stations transmit twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; but we only hear them when we turn the receiver on and tune it in. Failure to hear the signal doesn’t mean the station isn’t transmitting. Likewise, God is constantly transmitting His voice to His sheep, but few are turned on and tuned in. Most Christians are busy pleading with God in prayer to transmit when the problem is with their receivers.

The first thing we need to do is fix our receivers — believe that God is already speaking and start listening. However, that takes time, effort, and focus. The average Christian’s lifestyle is so busy, it isn’t conducive to hearing God’s voice. For instance, what is your typical answer to the question, “How are you?” Many of you probably answer something about being very busy. I often say, “I’m busier than a one-arm paper hanger.” All of us seem to be busier than ever, and that’s one of the BIG reasons we don’t hear the voice of the Lord better. We’re just too busy.

Psalm 46:10 says,

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

It’s in stillness, not busyness, that we tune our spiritual ears to hear the voice of God. The Lord always speaks to us in that “STILL, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, emphasis mine), but often it’s drowned out amid all the turmoil of our daily lives.

Second, and this is very important, most often we mistake the voice of the Lord for our own thoughts. That’s right. I said the voice of the Lord comes to us in our own thoughts.

John 4:24 says,

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

This is saying that communication with God is Spirit to spirit, not brain to brain or mouth to ear, the way we communicate in the physical realm. The Lord speaks to our spirits, not in words, but in thoughts and impressions. Then our spirits speak to us in words like, “I think the Lord wants me to do this or that.” The Lord doesn’t typically say “You do this or that,” but He will impress your spirit to do something, and then your spirit says, “I think I should do . . .” Therefore, we often miss the leading of the Lord, thinking it’s our own thoughts.

Every one of us has done something stupid and afterwards said, “I knew that was the wrong thing to do.” We didn’t feel right about our decision, but we followed logic or pressure only to find that our impression was actually the Lord speaking to us. I learned this the hard way while pastoring in Pritchet, Colorado.

All the elders of the church were custom combiners. Six months of the year, they were gone following the wheat harvest. They insisted that we ordain another elder who would always be there. Their choice for eldership, I had nothing against, but as I prayed about this man and his wife, I didn’t feel right ordaining him as an elder. However, being a man, I went with logic instead of my heart.

Within two weeks of the others leaving for wheat harvest, this new elder turned into the devil himself. In his reports to the elders, he accused me of stealing money from the church, committing adultery, drinking, smoking, and everything else you can imagine. It was a terrible experience. As soon as this man showed his true colors, I knew in my heart that the feelings and thoughts I had were the Lord speaking to me, and I had dismissed them as my own. I made a decision right then and there that I would never ignore my heart again.

Psalm 37:4 says,

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

This verse has often been interpreted to mean that the Lord will give you whatever you want and has been used to justify selfishness, greed, and even adultery. But it doesn’t mean that the Lord will give you whatever you want; it means that when you are seeking the Lord, He will put His wants or desires into your heart. He will make His desires become your desires. The Lord changes your “want to.”

I once was planning a trip to Costa Rica, a place I had been before, and was excited to be returning to. Yet, as I prayed about it, I lost my desire to go. Instead, I actually felt dread about going. The first thing I did when that happened was make sure I was really seeking the Lord with my whole heart. While on a road trip, I spent seventeen hours praying in tongues, and the more I got my mind stayed on the Lord, the less I wanted to go back to Costa Rica. On the strength of that alone, I canceled the trip.

When the people of Costa Rica asked why, all I could tell them was I didn’t want to go. That was hard to do, and I’m not sure they understood. The plane I had booked my flight on crashed on take-off from Mexico City, killing all 169 persons onboard. The Lord warned me of that and saved my life, not by saying, “Don’t go to Costa Rica,” but, by communicating to my spirit and taking away my desire to go. That is the dominate way the Lord speaks to us, and we often miss that kind of communication.

One of the most important decisions of my life came in 1968. I was in college when the Lord radically touched my life, and all my desires changed. I didn’t want to be in college anymore, and following those new desires, I made the decision to quit school. Then all hell broke loose. My mother didn’t understand, and she quit talking to me for a time. Leaders in my church told me I was hearing from the devil. I stood to lose $350 per month in government support from my father’s social security, and I would lose my student deferment from the draft. Without the deferment, I stood a good chance of ending up in Vietnam.

Because of these adverse reactions to my decision, I backed off for a while and was absolutely miserable. This continued for two months until I couldn’t take it anymore, and one night the Lord finally spoke to me through Romans 14:23, which says,

“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

I realized I was in sin because of indecision. I determined to make a faith decision that night and stick with it. As I prayed and studied the Word for guidance, I found Colossians 3:15, which says,

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”

The Lord spoke to me that I was to head in the direction that gave me the most peace. To be truthful, I didn’t have total peace in any direction, but just as an umpire has to make a decision and stick with it, I needed to make the call. I had the most peace about quitting school, so I made the call and stepped out of indecision into faith, to the best of my understanding. Within twenty-four hours the Lord gave me such confirmation and joy that I have never doubted the wisdom of that decision since. That one decision, possibly more than any other, set my life on a course that has brought me to where I am today.

I am convinced that our gracious heavenly Father speaks to every one of His children constantly, giving us all the information and guidance we need to be total overcomers. There isn’t a problem with His transmitter; it’s our receiver that needs help.

I have a three-part teaching album called How to: Hear God’s Voice that expounds on this in greater detail. I teach this every year to our second-year CBC students and see powerful results. Most people are imploring God to speak, when it’s our hearing that needs to be adjusted. Taking this faith-stance that God is speaking and then learning to listen and obey will transform your relationship with the Lord. It could save your life just as it did mine.

Nine Powerful Principles to Endure Suffering

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

No one enjoys suffering, but suffering is a necessary, normal part of the Christian life. In fact, the Scripture says we can expect hardships and suffering to increase (2 Tim. 2:3; 3:1-4, 13), so we must be prepared.

We learn from the book of 2 Timothy that we may experience suffering when we are rejected or left alone (2 Tim. 1:15; 4:9-11; 4:16), or as a natural consequence to our fleshly, worldly desires (2 Tim. 2:22).

Suffering will indeed come, but God can give us grace and power to overcome every trial and to fulfill our purpose and mission in His kingdom. In his second epistle to Timothy, the Apostle Paul shares some important truths about how we can endure suffering.

Nine Principles for Enduring Suffering

1. Remember that you are a prisoner of Christ, not of your circumstances or other people. (2 Tim. 1:8)

2. Keep going back to the things you know to be true from God’s Word. Don’t doubt in the dark what you have seen in the light. Remember what you received as a result of your salvation in Christ (2 Tim. 1:5). Remember your calling and the grace of God (2 Tim. 1:1, 9-13).

3. Keep doing whatever God has called you to do. Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

4. Remember times in the past when the Lord delivered or rescued you. Be quick to praise Him and testify to others (2 Tim. 3:11; 4:16-17).

5. Rely on the resources God has given you:

  • The grace of God (2 Tim. 1:2, 9; 2:1; 4:22).
  • The gift of God—your God-given ability to serve Him (2 Tim. 1:6-7).

6. Remember that you are not alone in your suffering.

You already have:

7. Cultivate these to help you endure:

  • Godly helpers – Find and cultivate a group of like-minded believers whose faithfulness and prayers can inspire and strengthen you (2 Tim. 1:2, 4-5; 4:9-13, 19-21).
  • Godly heroes – Read the biographies of missionaries and other faithful believers so God can cultivate faith and wisdom in your heart (Heb. 13:7; 2 Tim. 3:10, 14).
  • Godly heritage – As you learn about those who’ve gone before, you will be able to instill faith and courage in the next generation. Pass the baton to others. (2 Tim. 2:2)

8. No matter how difficult things are today, you can face the future with hope. Trust the truth of Scripture.

The Truth is:

  • All wrongs will one day be righted (2 Tim. 3:8-9; 4:14).
  • The Lord will deliver you from all evil—in His time and way (2 Tim. 4:17-18). In the meantime, counsel your heart according to the truth and promises of God (Psalm 27).
  • All your suffering, efforts, labors, and faithfulness will be rewarded in “that Day” when believers stand before the Lord (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 2:12; 4:8; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; James 1:12).
  • You will give an account, so guard the “deposit” entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20).

9. In all your suffering, remember Jesus Christ.

Remember:

Expect suffering—it is inevitable—but don’t forget the powerful resource that you have in Christ. Entrust your life to His ever-present care and control. He loves you, and He will help you endure.

Source:  Excerpts from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-to-endure-suffering.html

The Story of the Ugly Brown Stain

A true story that took place years ago in the Highlands of Scotland.  A group of fisherman sat around a table in a small pub, telling their “fish stories.”  As one of the men flung out his arms to more vividly describe the fish that go away, he accidentally hit the tray of drinks that the young barmaid was bringing to the table.

The tray and the drinks sailed through the air, crash-landing against the newly white-washed wall.  As the sound of smashed glass and splashing beer permeated the room, the pub became silent as all eyes turned to the ugly brown stain that was forming on the wall.

Before anyone could recover from the startling interruption, a guest who had been sitting quietly by himself in the corner jumped up, pulled a piece of charcoal from his pocket, and began to quickly sketch around the ugly brown stain.  To the amazement of everyone present, right before their eyes the stain was transformed in a magnificent stag with antlers outstretched, racing across a highland meadow.  Then the guest signed his impromptu work of art.  His name was Sir Edwin Landseer, Great Britain’s foremost wildlife artist.

God transforms lives as Sir Landseer transformed the ugly mess on that pub wall.  What ugly brown stain does your life bear?  Were you abused as a child?  Have you abused someone else’s child?  Or your own?  Have you been raped?  Have you been the victim of a violent crime?  Have you had an abortion? Or performed one?  Have you committed adultery?  Or seduced someone else to do so?  Is there a nasty addiction in your life to drugs?  Alcohol?  Pornography? 

Regardless of what the stain is, submit it to God you must be willing to turn away from any and all sin.  Period.  God excels in transforming ugly brown stains into beauty marks when we surrender them to Him.  He will bring peace and freedom to you and glory to Himself.  And when we get to heaven there will be no more scars and no more suffering of any kind, including the kind that inflicted the wound that has scarred your life.

Anne Graham Lotz, “Heaven, My Father’s House”