Home Blog Page 30

When Life Seems Impossible

Jason Moore
-
0
When Life Seems Impossible

There are impossible things in our lives. Weighty things that have been part of our landscape for a long time. Relationships, sickness, generational curses, strongholds…etc. Our initial reaction is to throw our hands up and say, “This will never change, he / she will never change! It will always be like this!” It doesn’t have to be…

How are things moved?

There are so many ideas on how to handle impossibilities; the formulas and strategies are endless, many resulting in empty promises. The one way that things change is through brokenness; this is the way to move through impossible scenarios. It is not the way we would naturally choose, but this broken road can move mountains. Jesus teaches us how to think and handle ourselves when things are stronger than us. This is demonstrated in Luke 20:18: “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” We choose which scenario we will enter into: Jesus, you must move, or move me.

Solomon addresses this in Ecclesiastes 9:11: “I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.”

Where is this right place? In Exodus 33:22, the LORD said, “I will put you in the cleft of the rock…” Jesus will move you into the place of advantage.

I was hiking in Nevada and we came to a place called Red Rock. There were huge rocks that were awesome to climb but impossible to move in our own strength. As we climbed to the top of one boulder, there was a great view of the valley, and the other rocks appeared in proportion to the one we were standing on. Knowing our place creates perspective and context.

How do things move?

Often our first instinct is to run at the boulder and crash into it thinking we can push our way through. Frequently, we are the ones getting hurt, not the rock. The rock may move slightly or not at all. We can be like a bull in a china closet! There will always be collateral damage this way.

In a recent lesson with my son, I was sharing there are winners and losers in every game but, ultimately, we play with all of our heart and enjoy it, no matter the outcome. There will always be someone greater and stronger in our lives. It is healthy to know one’s limitations. This lesson is often learned through seasons of frustration and bouts of anger. No one likes obstructions and immovable things. We want to have smooth sailing!

Often things may not move, moving us toward God out of necessity rather than our convenience. To the rock-climber, the rock is not an enemy but an object to conqueror. The right equipment is crucial to the climb. There is respect for the challenge but the reward of the view and the journey moves him.

  • Rocks can move when there is a terrain change. Turbulence in our lives forces us to address foundational flaws. This exposure and instability can show the hidden insecurities and flaws that we want to surrender to the LORD. Until this happens, there is little that changes.
  • Rocks can be moved by how we speak and believe. This is demonstrated in Matthew 11:23: “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.”
  • Rocks can be moved by dynamite; something greater can destroy them. Just as roads were carved out of mountains, God will “make a way” through. God may bring in other people to remove your boulders or show you how to exercise the faith to wait while others move them for you.

Impossible, Difficult, Done

No matter where you are today—whether looking at the impossibility, fearing the impossible, or overwhelmed by the unknown outcome—give heed to what a wise Chinese missionary, Hudson Taylor, said, “There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”

Whatever is before you, choose to look at it as something that will make you, as it breaks you. Rest assured your DONE is coming!

The Wilderness Between Calling and Commissioning

Jason Moore
-
0
The Wilderness Between Calling and Commissioning

You know this place; the calm before a storm, a moment before an action, an interruption of routine before the response—I want to call this the “in-between.”

This can be a difficult place to navigate and it can be much longer than a moment. It can be a season before the next season. How we think and respond will be a game-changer.

Many people of influence in the Bible went through their “in-between” season and it was characterized as a desert or wilderness experience. A few words to describe these times could be obscurity, darkness or when God is silent. Some got lost and wasted years and hardened their hearts. Others were broken and humbled and remade for the Master’s use.

The Call

As Christians, we are always on a journey where Jesus is increasing and we are decreasing. We may take a detour, but God is our faithful guide.

Our way is messy at times. There is no faultless track; we are learning Christ every day. Through our imperfections, we are learning unconditional love. The progressive way of the Call includes times in the wilderness and eventually what we learn in the valley is used in our ministry to others. What is happening now in your life is preparing you for the next season you will walk in. You are being equipped for victory and effectiveness.

Three aspects of the call:

    • High (Transcends us) – Phil 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
    • Holy (Pure and with perfect oneness) – 2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”
    • Heavenly (Beyond our understanding) – Hebrews 3:1 “therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus”

Each believer has an eternal purpose. We are “called out ones” unto Jesus first and then His mission to know Him and make Him known. Often, we can be so focused on figuring out what God wants us to do that we get lost in a wilderness experience.

The Wilderness

The “in-between” place of the Calling and the commissioning is the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years in the backside of the desert and then he saw the burning bush. The confrontation of God’s glory was the next step of his training was beginning. Abraham spent 13 years of silence and the Lord spoke to him in Genesis 17:1-3 “walk before me blamelessly!” Elisha received his anointing as the mantle was given from Elijah; his great loss brought great promotion. God may remove things that are precious to add something we never imagined. He is bringing you deeper and closer to Himself.

The wilderness can be confusing and is often a place where God can be elusive. Our feelings can try to guide us and be our filter to what is God doing. At times, our feelings may be messengers of something deeper going on in our hearts. God wants our heart. This is the place of activity where we learn to feel and experience God. Job asked in 23:16 not to have his heart hardened because he didn’t want to miss the visitation of the Spirit. He wanted to remain soft and pliable and be stretched to receive more of God’s fullness.

Jesus submitted Himself in the reality of truth. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness in Matthew 4 but He walked in truth rather than feelings.

Here are a few things Jesus operated in

  • Received grace and truth
  • Quieted Himself
  • Humbled Himself before His Father
  • Focused on Father’s plan
  • Spoke the same things as the Father

It is easy to talk and complain about the environment in the wilderness, but be aware: our season in the wilderness will be extended until we learn the lessons that will equip us for the next season. Jesus was prepared for the garden of Gethsemane because He had gone through the wilderness and learned His Father’s heart (Hebrews 5:8.)

Through the wilderness the apostle Paul learned this confession and mindset. Per Philippians 3:8 “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”

The Commissioning

Moses asked the Lord to “show him His glory” in Exodus 33:18-22. He was put in the cleft of the rock and given a personal revelation of His glory. This was the catalyst for his ministry for the rest of his life.

God will bring us close to Him then lead us out in his power. The measure we grow deeper in intimacy is the measure we are sent out. Let God do the deep work in you and equip you so that, when the time comes to use you, all that is seen by others is Him. The psalmist didn’t want any glory for himself. In Psalms 115:1, he said: “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”

Are you in the “in-between” season? This wilderness, desert or valley experience can produce so much fruit in our spiritual lives. God is always working and His plan is always unfolding. Jesus will lead you through to His desired haven (Psalms 107:30.)

Find His cloud by day and God’s fire by night. His presence will lead you through!

Understanding How Faith Works

Desemond Mbantoh
-
8
Understanding How Faith Works

“I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason, I tell you: when you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.” (Mark 11:23-24, Good News Bible)

Faith is the Christian weapon or tool that makes the impossible possible. It changes situations and restores the joy and happiness of God’s children. Faith and belief are one in the kingdom of God. They are inseparable. They are all we need in order to walk in higher spiritual dimensions with Jesus Christ.

With faith in God, nothing is impossible, just as Jesus Christ mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus Christ conquered fear, doubt, death, and all satanic principalities on the cross. Through the message of the cross, we are given victory in Christ. And for sure, victory in Christ is victory indeed. God has given men and women tremendous power through the name of Jesus Christ. This power lays in the words that come out of our mouths. All we need in order to release this power is faith or belief in our hearts.

However, it is not only about faith but a strong and mature faith that works. A man or woman of strong faith can displace mountains and dry oceans with the words from his/her mouth. Perhaps you were not aware, but words when spoken in the name of Jesus Christ have power to change every situation for the best. You can verify this saying by reading from Genesis 1. It was with words that God created Heaven and Earth together with all we have today. We can also read this from John 1 which says that in the beginning, God spoke everything into existence through Jesus Christ.

Hence, all we need today is faith in order to speak things into existence through the Holy Name of Jesus Christ. Having said this, many people are asking themselves what is faith? Others desire to understand how faith works. We’ll start by saying that there is nothing magical about faith. As Christians, the Bible stands as our main guide and standard for life. Thus, it is through the Biblical light that we’ll handle the aspect of faith. Faith is simply the act of having complete confidence in God’s yet-unfulfilled promises. In other words, it is the certainty that God is who he says he is and he will certainly do all what he says he will do.

With faith, you can open all closed doors in your life. You can as well get things moving despite the attacks from the enemy. However, many of us hardly make it because we lack the necessary faith. We are unable to believe enough. But if we struggle to grow our faith to as big as a small mustard seed, we’ll receive whatever we ask from God. The main way to grow your faith is to obey and act on God’s word. That’s why you should start by studying God’s word and mastering it. Learn about the promises he has entitled for you. The scriptures say that God’s people perish because they lack knowledge. You can’t claim from God what you are ignorant of. Get to know who God says you are and stand on his words that never fail.

Worth noting is that men of faith do not walk by physical sight. Such men make use of their spiritual sight. You can be sure that your physical eyes will give you many reasons not to believe in God. Satan is out to use your physical situation to create doubt and fear within you. But remember that Christ has already worn the victory for us. That’s why you should refuse to live by physical sight and instead live on what God says you are.

The gap that separates you from your miracle can only be closed through faith. This applies for all sectors of life. Do not let your heart be troubled; God knows your needs. Just believe in him and he will make a way where there seems to be none. The world is full of people with great testimonies about the goodness of God in their lives. And for sure, you won’t be an exception. God will certainly give you so many reasons to honor and glorify his holy name on Earth as it is done in Heaven.

God is aware of your poverty, sickness, and sadness. You can be sure that he will not leave without blessing you. All that you need to do is to remain in his light while trusting his words. Do this while trusting God and you’ll live to testify His goodness in your life.

How to Evangelize: One Beggar to Another

Jason Moore
-
0
How to Evangelize: One Beggar to Another

Sharing our faith can be frightening at times. Maybe we don’t think we have all the answers. Maybe we don’t want to be rejected. Whatever the reason that opposes us reaching out, think about what D.T. Niles shares: “Evangelism is like one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is.”

The reality is that we are all beggars with great needs that can only be met in Jesus. As we go in faith, we lead others to Jesus, the bread of life.

In 1 Samuel 2:8, we read, “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.”

We were rescued from the curse of the dust and the unregenerate life and we are called to “lift” beggars from the dunghill and the trash heap! To lift someone off the heap gives the impression they can’t lift up themselves, either because they are too weak or they are ignorant about where they are!

To come close, under or alongside another is a personal ministry of love.

Here are some ways to lift up people:

  • Listen to their story. Seek to understand before trying to be understood.
  • Learn their story. Understanding context to what people are saying and feeling.
  • Love them with God’s story. Share clear messages from God’s heart.
  • Lead them beyond themselves. Encourage and empower them to walk in faith.

God’s love lifts them and puts them on a throne! We were meant to rule; not to be victims and subjects of the world.

Our Royal Position

We are no longer beggars, but sons and daughters. We have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13.) We see our need for God and this is a place of transformation.

Unfortunately, many don’t know they are beggars. They fill their lives with things; possessions that try to fill the void that only eternal things were made for. As we herald the good news, people hear an eternal reality.

The busyness of life crowds our minds from this simple reality: we are pilgrims and sojourners in this land. Our home is heavenward and the only thing we can take with us there is people.

Approaches to Evangelism

In our post-Christian world, the responses to hearing about Jesus vary. Some are glad to hear while others resist. It is not our responsibility to persuade the listener about what we are sharing but to present a clear picture of who Jesus is as the bread of life. He is the one that fills the hunger and quenches the thirst.

How we approach the person may be more remembered than what you say to them. Often, God pursues the person multiple ways and for long periods of times.

So, we are simply part of that marathon.

Three approaches to evangelism are:

  • Intellectual approach – Answering questions and debating.
  • Moral approach – Personal sharing and testimonies.
  • Spiritual approach – Explaining the Bible in a relevant way.

Each approach has their strengths, but before embracing one, it is wise to ask questions to see where the person is coming from and get a feeling for their receptivity. The tendency with any push-back is to go on the defensive and, in some cases, we shut the person down with our words. Remembering we may be one in a long line of pre-salvation ministry to the person, our mission is to present a clear picture of who Jesus is rather than try to persuade the person to believe.

As we lift up Jesus, He will draw all men unto Himself (John 12:32.)

What is your view of Jesus? Your personal understanding of Jesus will be a powerful and credible witness of Jesus to an unbeliever. Our story and history of how we came to Christ is a great tool for people to relate to you and your journey. We are presenting the heart of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the one who persuades.

A personal revelation of who God is to you is a powerful witness to others.

Share the Good News

D.L. Moody once said, “Every Bible should be wrapped in shoe leather.” Many are sitting in darkness and the light of the Gospel is not there. Satan wants to shut our mouths so that we don’t share; he knows the Good News is the power unto salvation! People need to hear what God has put in your heart. There is a “Go” in Gospel!

There are many beggars today seeking for bread. Lead them to the table of grace!

Fighting Temptation

Jason Moore
-
0
Fighting Temptation

Life can be like a jungle; unexpected things lurk in unknown places. Temptation can be described like this. It can catch us by surprise and hold us hostage.

The struggle is real.

How we are made is so intricate. The psalmist says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Just like nature, so is our anatomy; it points to a designer. God made us, so He knows us best and loves us the most.

After Adam and Eve sinned, our flesh is drawn to depravity (Psalms 119:25.) Our “humanness” gravitates towards self-centered desires. The need to be loved, heard and cared for can be very powerful and a guiding force in our lives. The devil studies and knows our strengthens and weaknesses. He is not creative but works in patterns. In studying our actions and reactions, he manipulates accordingly.

Temptation is a suggestion to think and act in a way that doesn’t glorify God. The capture of our attention and a plea to our lust patterns (lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life) can capture the heart. Lust can be defined as reaching for something God hasn’t given. Feelings stir up the emotions and focus in on the present need rather than the long-term consequences. The lack of the fear of the Lord develops habits that produce inordinate desires that lead to a wandering eye and heart.

We see the anatomy of temptation in James 1:14-16:

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So, don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.”

Pornography is a mistress and reduces man to a piece of bread and a life to destruction. The privacy and anonymity of selfishness consume the man. The alcoholic feels invisible and invincible but collateral damage is in their wake. The addict thinks he can manage his sin and hide it from everyone else. He lies to himself saying, “I am not hurting anyone. I deserve it. God understands and will forgive me. I am only human!”  These justifications seem logical, but allow the flesh to war against the spirit and destroy the soul’s ability to receive. The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 5:6, “He who lives in pleasure is dead while they still live.“

Sometimes we minimize sin and pacify the potential consequences. A good reality check is to ask ourselves, “Where will this decision take us?”

The Way Back

Willpower—even remorse—won’t give what is needed to overcome. We need a steady intake of truth to carry us out of the pit. The apostle Paul shares in Galatians 5:16, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

The emphasis on victory is walking in the Spirit.

Exposing the lie is the first step to turning things around. The apostle Paul knew who he was and who he was not. He states in Romans 6:20 he was not his sin.

The most powerful lie is the one that is closest to the truth. Here are a few to “take captive in the truth”:

  • “God doesn’t know what I need.”
  • “My need is never going to be met.”
  • “If people knew me, they would want nothing to do with me.”
  • “I must change to fit in and be accepted.”

In 1 Peter 1:4, Peter points to the promises of God and God’s divine nature as being the way of escape from corruption through lust. What is God’s truth promising you? Our faith is based upon what God has done for us. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He has His best prepared.

Victory Over Temptation

According to 2 Corinthians 2:14, “We are called to always triumph.” Failure often screams a very different message. The same snare may trip us up, but God is able to bring you through (Jude 1:24.)

Here are a few ways to experience His power:

  • Find a fellowship based on agape love. This agopic relationship means you are accepted and loved no matter what. Agape love does the healing.
  • Identify triggers. Consider hunger, stress, anger, boredom and genetical family history. Be honest and chart patterns.
  • Premeditate an escape plan. Have a plan to execute. No plan means no change.
  • Raise accountability. Identify someone to call to derail any downward spirals.

The devil is defeated! He connives to usurp authority in any way he can. Don’t give away your purity, peace and strength to the highest bidder! Wait and believe God has His best prepared for you! Hold fast and the temptation will pass!

Looking Up: Right Christian Perspective

Jason Moore
-
0
Looking Up: Right Christian Perspective

Life can weigh us down at times; so much so, that all we can see is our shoes.

Our world gets small when we look down. It is easy to analyze and focus on our stuff or the faults of others. This can result in negativity that can stunt growth and narrow our viewpoint. Our UP-look gives us perspective.

Some things in life are beyond us, and when we try to wrap our minds around those difficult things, we can get confused and lose the mystery. People can be a mystery. Bad things happening to godly people can be a mystery. The uniqueness in a relationship that once drew us together can be lost the moment we try to change or control one another.

Looking up in prayer can help bring wisdom and understanding to what we are experiencing.

In the Gospels, Jesus often came across burdened people. In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus touched a woman crippled and bent over. He spoke a word of healing and she was straightened. She had a personal encounter and was loosed from her burdens.

Weighing Down

What is not in the Lord’s care can weigh us down. The landscape of life can include some unwelcome guests like depression, a pressure that resists our upward view. Oppression can be an added weight, like a wet blanket that pushes us down inside and out. There may be compression too, a sense of claustrophobia where everything feels like all is closing in on every side.

Maybe you’re familiar with one (or all) of these destructive agents.

Looking up and away from the familiar is the beginning. This is not ignoring weakness, but it is bringing other things into focus – life-giving things. Jesus promised to be a shield about us and the lifter of our hearts (Psalms 3:3.) This is our provision.

Where Do You Look?

Where you look determines your relief or heaviness. Looking at ourselves in a negative way can compound our heaviness. The psalmist tells us in Psalms 121:1-3, “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keeps thee will not slumber.”

Jesus promises to be your strength and life support (Psalms 55:18.) Look away and look unto Him.

Positive thinking or denial of the obvious doesn’t deliver the full answer. The answer is to look into the eyes of Jesus and trade our shame for Grace. We may feel too weak to do this, but as we look to Jesus, He will bridge the gap and do the rest.

What we behold is what we become, the Psalmist says in Psalms 17:15 “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Our healing comes by intentionally looking at the cross. We see this illustrated in Numbers 21. As the Israelites looked away from their snakebites, healing came. Looking away from the crisis and the hurt and receiving love leads us out of our pit (Psalms 40:1-2.)

Kingdom Balance

Solomon writes, “A false balance is an abomination, but a just weight is his delight….” (Proverbs 11:1.)  God’s Word brings balance. We may think all balance is determined by the proper weight distribution on either side of the scales but in the spiritual realm, it is different. It is the content that determines the power of influence. What we focus on builds momentum. Our focus empowers and releases authority which can overcome destructive thought patterns. No matter how small the promise or truth appears to be, it is far greater than anything coming against us.

No matter how small a look may seem—or a step in the right direction—this potential can release all the power of heaven.

Falling Forward

We are all familiar with the term “backsliding”. Failure often can bring us backward and we lose ground. When we fall, grace is there every time to move us forward! Just like an escalator, His love moves us closer to Him. The consequences are there but there is also capacity and comfort to grow.

No one likes to fall. Falling hurts. Watching my son learn to ride a bike was exciting but also painful. He had all the gear to lessen the blow of his fall but falling, scraping and blood was inevitable. Getting back up and trying again taught him that some lessons of growth have failure in them.

Look into the eyes of Jesus today and receive words from above. Look away from the things that steal your joy and energy and choose to worship. We may tell ourselves we can’t or that we don’t have the desire or strength, but the truth is the desire and strength come from the Lord. Jesus will free you like a bird from a cage and release your soul from prison to praise him (Psalms 142:7.)

Wherever you are now—whether you’re standing, laying down or falling—look up into Jesus’ wonderful face. He will give you a new song.

1...293031...58Page 30 of 58

CATEGORIES

EDITOR PICKS

An Anatomy of Salvation

A Guide to True Peace (Free PDF)

Live in the Now

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORIES

ABOUT US

Christian apologetics, Bible prophecy, kingdom identity and teaching.

FOLLOW US

© 2014-2025 Levaire. | 233 N Walnut St, Lansing MI 48933