Is it well with your soul?

The elder preacher was walking down the streets of London and thought he recognized a friend ahead of him. He rushed to catch up and shouted, "Friend, is it well with your soul?" The startled man turned around speechless at the question. The preacher realized it wasn't his friend and quickly apologized for shocking this stranger and the two parted ways. A few years later, the elder preacher was once again in London and a stranger came to him and said, "Reverend, I would like to answer the question you asked me four years ago; and the answer is, 'Yes, it is well with my soul.'" The man went on to explain that the question had haunted him day and night until he finally repented and gave his life to Jesus Christ.





As I pondered this story, I began to wonder if we shouldn't be asking this question more. Is it well with your soul? When was the last time we examined our souls? When was the last time we allowed God to turn the spotlight on our hearts and dissipate the darkness therein?



Laodicea was the seventh church Jesus addressed. It is troubling that He was on the outside knocking. Could this imply that He wasn't "in" the church of Laodicea? God will not be a part of lukewarmness. Another tragedy with Laodicea was that they didn't even know that they were spiritually blind, spiritually naked, and spiritually poor. They thought since they had secular affluence and worldly influence that everything was all right. BUT, they could not discern the condition of their own soul.


Filters are used to prevent foreign objects from getting inside a place they do not belong. Internet filters prevent the viewing of objectional material and web sites. When filters do their job, they keep our machines (and our minds) in good order.


So, here's the question: when was the last time you checked your filter? Has it become clogged to the point that it's not working properly? Do you need to change it?


If Jesus were to perform an inspection, what would He discover? Would He be pleased with your life? Does He have full control over your life? Is He Lord of all?


These are questions that need answers... now...


You cannot put this off. Procrastination will only prolong the problem. Examine your heart. Build an altar and recommit yourself to being a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. (see Romans 12:1-2).


Part of the problem is we're using the wrong filters. God's unchanging Word should be our only filter, but all too often we use public opinion, or worse, the television. Here's the problem with these other filters: Society calls sin an accident - God calls it an abomination! We must not allow society to dictate our decisions. Check the filter - make sure you're using the Word of God as your only filter.


The little boy was getting dressed and asked his mom, "Is this shirt dirty?" Although she was in another room and could not see the shirt, she replied, "Yes, son, it is. Please put on a clean one." The boy finished dressing and upon entering the room she was in, questioned her as to how she could have known it was dirty. The wise mother simply explained, "If it had been clean, you would have known and not asked me. Remember, son, if it's doubtful, it's dirty."


I wonder what would happen if we applied this mother's wisdom to our daily lives? Would we discover things that we need to abandon because they are doubtful. Are there games you're playing that you shouldn't be? Are there some magazines that need to be burned and never read again? Are there some web sites that have conjured thoughts that you shouldn't be thinking? Are there places you've visited that you shouldn't? Is it well with your soul?


Apply the filter of His Word today. A good place to start is Philippians 4:8. This is my filter. Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report - things of virtue and praiseworthy - this is my filter. Does the book, movie, magazine, website, event, etc. meet the criteria of this filter?


Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)
[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.


Is it well with your soul? Ask and honestly answer this question today. God has set before you blessing or curse - life or death. The choice is yours. Is it well with your soul?

Soar like an eagle.

As the sun came up this morning (January 16, 2008), I witnessed it from 30,000 feet in the air. It was surreal. It was intriguing. It was beautiful. I watched as the red-orange haze began to appear on the horizon and slowly became more brilliant as time continued to progress forward. As I looked down, through a cloudless sky, I noticed lights all over the landscape. Some were large clumps of lights indicating cities. Other lights were smaller indicating either small neighborhoods or small towns. What really was neat was that from my vantage point, they appeared just moments apart. In fact, I could measure the distance between fingers.

Now, I know enough to know that this is not possible, and that I was quite possibly viewing cities that were miles and hours apart from one another. The fact that it took me one hour in the air to travel what would take seven hours on the ground is enough to prove to me that my hands can not measure the distance.

However, I know the One whose palms measured the waters of the earth. I know the one whose words framed the world. From His vantage point things are not as big as they appear to us.

Prayer is like flying.

It lifts you above the world and gives you God’s perspective on it.

As we neared Boston this morning, I noticed ships in the sea. At first, I could only see their lights, but as we got closer, I noticed the outline of them, and then as we began our descent into Logan International Airport, my perspective began to change as we grew closer to the ground.

I couldn’t see as far anymore.

Skyscrapers looked normal size.

Highways, cars, and even people started coming into view.

When we descend from the realm of prayer, reality comes back into view, but just as I’m typing this blog, I am awaiting the possibility to board my connecting flight to Philadelphia. Once in the air, I will once again see things as God might see them.

Board the “plane of prayer” today and soar with God like the eagle.

Look at things the way He does.

You’ve been viewing your problem from your eyes, but You need to view things from God’s perspective and that happens through prayer. Make your reservation today, and soar like an eagle into the presence of God. He wants to show you how He sees your predicament. From heaven’s point of view, it’s a lot smaller than you think.

Now, prayer may not take the problem away. Again, when I landed, reality re-entered my focus. And even though when you’re done praying, the problem may still exist, you will at least have a different perspective on the problem.

Here’s something else to consider. Today’s flights were beautiful: very little clouds, lot’s of sunshine and no inclement weather at all. In the past, I’ve flown when it’s been raining and no sun breaking through the clouds. What’s amazing about those experiences are that once we achieved cruising altitude, above the clouds, the sun was shining radiantly and had been all along; I just couldn't see it for the clouds and the rain.

Here’s the point of my whole blog today: faith expressed in prayer causes you to rise above the problems you’re in and see them as God sees them.

Call today. The number is “C 4:2. – J 5:16” (Colossians 4:2 & James 5:16) Reserve your flight time, and soar like an eagle. God’s waiting to show you how small your problem really is.

Low Battery: Recharge Now!

Technology is great. We have many various ways to communicate and stay in touch with loved ones all over the world. From cell phones to PDA's to laptops with wireless internet, we chat, text, and converse regularly with friends and family.

However, I've noticed something about technology: the battery only lasts for a while.

Just before typing this blog, I returned to my office and noted the red indicator light flashing on my laptop warning me that it was about to shutdown because the battery power was waining. I quickly plugged it in to the power source and it is now recharging, while also allowing me to continue my work..."phew; I caught it just in time!"

While we are not equipped with red indicator lights and cords to plug into an outlet, we are equipped with something called conscience. God will convict us in an attempt to draw us closer to Himself. Conviction is our indicator that the battery needs recharging and we need to catch it just in time too!

We "plug in" through prayer! Prayer is the ultimate power source that recharges us. Without prayer we are powerless. It has been observed, "Much prayer; much power. Little prayer; little power." It's also been printed in bulletins and posted on signs, that, "Seven days without prayer makes one weak."

Do you pray everyday? Do you stay consistently "charged" in order to fulfill His purpose in His kingdom? Is your indicator light blinking?

Prayer is not to be memorized words or repetitive phrases. It is mean't to be a conversation between you and your Friend - the One who sticks closer than a brother. Prayer puts your flesh under subjection and free's your spirit to be consumed by, and connected with, His Spirit.

Begin your prayer with thanksgiving and praise. Then enter the realm of worship, bowing before the Lord your Maker. Communicate with Him like you would your spouse or a parent or your child. Let Him know how you feel. Express your heart's desire to Him. Listen to Him speak to you. Pray His Word and watch it come to pass in your life.

My laptop is charging fine now, thanks to a power cord and a power source. I'm going to sign off now and recharge my spirit through the power of prayer.

I'll meet you in the throne room of grace.......

Praying the Will of God!

1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Confidence

Boldness = “Come boldly before the throne!”

Confidence in Him, not in ourselves!

Speak the language of faith, not fear! Because God doesn’t respond to fear!

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Faith can never go past your question!

God’s Will

Our confidence comes from asking according to God’s Will…

His Will is His Word! The two flow and do not violate one another!

Learn to pray God’s Word and you will know His will!

Pray the sermons/messages you hear also…

Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Mix the Word with faith…

Hebrews 4:2 (NKJV) For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

If you know His Word, you will know His will…

Mark 1:40-41 (ESV) And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, "I will; be clean."

Once you know the will of God (which is the Word of God), you will pray confident prayers!

Too many people are praying in darkness; thus the Word of God “enlightens” you…

Psalms 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalms 119:130 (NKJV) The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

God hears us

God listens to faith-led prayers, prayed in accordance to His will…

1 John 5:14 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Get to know the Word of God and you will be praying the will of God…

Salvation of the lost…

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Healing…

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

And we KNOW He hears us!

How do we know He hears us? By praying according to His will (which is His Word)!

1 John 5:15 (NKJV) And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

NOTICE what happens to prayer warriors who pray the Will of God… WE HAVE (receive) THE PETITIONS THAT WE HAVE ASKED OF HIM!

Ask in faith believing…

Know His Word and you will know His will…

Pray by faith; not by sight!

Pray in the spiritual realm, not the natural realm!

You know the will of God, so quit expecting BAD things to happen!

DON’T NULLIFY YOUR PRAYERS WITH DOUBT!

Matthew 21:21-22 (NKJV) So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

James 1:6-7 (CEV) But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. 7 If you are that kind of person, you can't make up your mind, and you surely can't be trusted. So don't expect the Lord to give you anything at all.