Pastor Bob’s Blog

This is a word from the Lord I received in parts over the last two weeks:

2009 will be a year of rebirth, renewal, and redemption. People you’ve prayed for to receive Me but have rejected Me will be born again in 2009. This is your opportunity. Don’t give up. Pray for the reapers. Be a reaper.

Things in your life that have held you back from My best will be shed in 2009, and you will be renewed in My glory. But you have to make the first step. You have to make the decision. Forget the past. Press. Press for My best. Don’t accept less. Press. Press!

Things the devil has stolen from you will be given back 100 times over in 2009. Look for it. Put in the sickle. Redeem it with My blood and your words.

Don’t accept defeat. Abide in Me and you will bear fruit. And like My word says, I will come live with you, and we’ll have wonderful fellowship.

Don’t let the world steal your joy in 2009. Even when it’s hard, be joyful by faith. Don’t let the news creep in. Stay in My word. Meditate on My word. See yourself as I see you in My word. Don’t accept the way the world sees things. Accept My word and rejoice!

Last Sunday a wonderful family visited Abundant Life Church.  What struck me was how straight they had their priorities.

They’re weighing several job offers in different towns, including Athens.  Instead of jumping on the highest paying offer, or the one with the best benefits, or the one with the most impressive title, they’re looking for the  church God has called them to, and will take the job that’s in that town.

If they’re called to our church family, great!  If not, we’ve still been blessed with the opportunity to see how a job search is supposed to be conducted.  As Kenneth Copeland has taught for years, find the church God’s called you to, go there and roll your sleeves up, and the job of your dreams will follow.

My prayer for this family is that they be led by the wisdom of God to the church they’re called to.  Once they’re involved there, they can’t help but prosper!

Years before Jesus was born, the Lord spoke through Isaiah the prophet about Jesus.  Here’s one of the things He said:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV).

Jesus is our Prince of Peace.  “Peace” is more than just the absence of conflict or torment.  The Hebrew word translated “peace” is “shalom.”  That word is packed full of meaning.  Here’s what Strong’s and Thayer’s concordances say about “shalom”:

Completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

a.  completeness (in number)

b.  safety, soundness (in body)

c.  welfare, health, prosperity

d.  peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment

e.  peace, friendship (of human relationships and with God, especially in covenant relationship)

f.  peace (from war)

g.  peace (as an adjective)

Jesus is everything!  In a time when the world’s economic system is plunging and whipsawing, in the kingdom of God (where we should be living), Jesus is our Prince of Prosperity.  As the world participates in the “flu season,”  and fears “drug-resistant bacteria,” Jesus is our Prince of Health.  In the midst of danger, He is our Prince of Safety.  While millions are tormented in their minds, Jesus is our Prince of Quiet, Tranquility and Contentment.

In this Christmas season, let’s remind ourselves who our Jesus is.  Let’s lay hold on all He is for us.  And let’s share Him with a scared, tormented, and struggling world, person by person.

Let’s share Jesus, our Prince of Peace!!

To anyone who follows my blog, I pray you’ll have a very happy Thanksgiving.

We had a powerful Holy Spirit moment at church on Sunday.  A member of our worship team had gotten revelation as she was preparing to come to church that each time she takes a breath, the Lord is breathing life into her.  Isn’t that awesome?

So as you take a breath, say, “Thank you Lord for giving me breath.”  Feel your heartbeat, and say, “Thank you Lord for my heartbeat.”  Think of the hand that’s covering your heart, and say, “Thank you Lord for my hands.”  Remember the ears that are hearing what you say, and say, “Thank you Lord for my ears.”  Then be aware your mouth is speaking the words you hear, and say, “Thank you Lord for my mouth.”  Your brain is helping you form the words, so say, “Thank you Lord for my brain.”  Your eyes are taking in all around you, so say, “Thank you Lord for my eyes.”  You’re standing on your two feet, so say, “Thank you Lord for my feet.”  If you’re a born-again Spirit-filled believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, say, “Thank you Lord for saving me and for filling me with your Spirit.”

And remember that your breath, your heart, your hands, your ears, your eyes, your mouth, y our brain, and your feet are instruments of worship and of ministry.  So say, “Thank you Lord for letting me minister in Your Name.”

So rejoice - and be thankful!!

Yesterday we witnessed one of the marvels of the American republic.  Although they differ on almost every issue of importance, President Bush and President-Elect Obama met to discuss the orderly, peaceful transfer of power on January 20.  It is one of the blessings the Lord has given us, to hand off authority without bloodshed.

Many evangelical Christians are wary of the president-elect.  Some of his vocal supporters pushed an agenda of unrighteousness, and the positions Mr. Obama took during the campaign seemed to mirror that agenda.

I don’t want to minimize the apparent differences we have with his stated opinions on issues of life and righteousness.  We need to be vigilant.  Yet we must also be mindful that God is still on the throne, and His Word says that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and that He turns it (the king’s heart) wherever He wills.  (Proverbs 21:1).

We also must be mindful of this admonition:  “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”  (Acts 23:5 NKJV).  In that passage, the Apostle Paul had just spoken some strong words to Ananias, not knowing he was the high priest.  The words of Exodus 22:28 leapt to Paul’s lips, just as they should to ours.

Let’s also remember this.  During the years of his ministry, the Apostle Paul was living under the ungodly pagan authority of the Roman empire.  Wickedness in Roman society and among Roman leaders was no less prevalent than it is today.  Yet the Apostle Paul wrote this to the church at Rome, the seat of the empire’s authority:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  (Romans 13:1 NKJV).

We have marching orders straight from the Word of God:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV).

Let us pray that the Lord turn the president-elect’s heart to rule righteously in the fear of the Lord.  Let us pray that he selects godly counselors.  Let us pray that the Lord give the president-elect and his advisors the wisdom of God.  Let us pray that the Lord give this nation and the church peace, quiet, and prosperity, and that we may live godly and honestly without interference from our government.  Let us pray that in the next four years a revival of the gospel sweep this nation, and that many people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

At all times - first of all - let us pray!  And when we pray, let’s pray in faith, not doubting, but believing we receive.  Pray!

“Pay Attention to Me…My system is stronger than ever.”
Don’t pay attention to or make any plans based on what the media says
or what the politicians say. Stand on My Word in John 16. Pay attention to Me.
I [the Holy Spirit] will obey verses 13-15. I will show you things to come. I will
lead you through troubled times. I already have THE plan for you, and it’s very
good. Follow it. It will not only get you through, it will place you in a very high
place—a rich place—a strong place of victory.
You will have to discipline yourself and be diligent to listen to Me. All the
other voices will have a plan, a word, an idea for your future and security.
Don’t listen to Babylon’s system. It has fallen apart. My system is stronger than
ever. My kingdom is flourishing, and THE BLESSING is the place to be.
Keep your eyes on My Word. Listen to it. It will guide you and I will
perform it. Love Me. Love My people as I have loved you. Walk in it. Love never
fails, and neither does My plan.
Be very cautious to stay completely clean from covetousness. First
Timothy 6:10 must live in the forefront of your thinking. If you will do these
things and continue therein, you will come into your wealthy place. A place
lifted up. A place in Me already planned and prepared for you now. Here. Not
heaven—not yet. But it will seem like heaven right in the midst of all the
trouble, and you’ll be able to reach out to untold numbers of suffering people
with the Good News of the gospel.
I’m coming very soon. Sooner than you think. Keep your eyes on Me and
you’ll get the job done.
—Prophecy delivered by Kenneth Copeland
Oct. 19, 2008

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4 NKJV)

Satan tried to tempt Jesus to turn stones into steaming hot loaves of bread to fill Jesus’s hungry stomach.  Jesus denied what his flesh wanted and resisted Satan’s lure by declaring Deuteronomy 8:3.  As we read it today, we need to be reminded that we are to live by God’s Word, and what God finds important, not by “bread alone.”

In the current election, candidates for offices from President to commissioner are emphasizing the economy.  Even Christians have been swept up in making their voting decision based on what they think will benefit their pocketbooks.  That’s bread alone!!  We’re not supposed to be living by bread alone, but by what God values.

If we ignore the candidates’ positions on the sanctity of life, we’re living by bread alone.  If we ignore the candidates’ positions on sin (by other labels), we’re living by bread alone.  If we ignore the candidates’ positions on issues pertaining to the poor, widows, and orphans, we’re living by bread alone.

As those who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to shake off temptation, crucify our flesh,stop living by bread alone - and start living by God’s Word!

The last couple of weeks, the Lord has directed me to preach about the Blessing.  Through Kenneth Copeland, the Lord declared that this is the Year of the Fullness of the Blessing, or the Blessing Without Measure.

We know that Christ has borne the curse of the law for us, that the Blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles.  (Galatians 3:14-14).  The Blessing is an empowerment - a “super” applied to our “natural” to accomplish the supernatural.  The Blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow (or painful toil) to it.  (Proverbs 10:22).

What are some things we can do to open the door to the Blessing’s operation in our life?  One is to do those things Jesus discussed in his sermon on the mount, including being merciful, peaceful, humble, and ready to bear persecution for the sake of Jesus.  (Matthew 5:1-12).  Another is to trust the Lord - to live by faith!  (Psalms 2:12; 34:8; 40:4; 84:12).  Yet another is to consider the poor.  (Psalms 41:1).  Still another is to confess our sins.  (Psalms 32:1-5).  Living in the worshipful, reverential fear of the Lord opens the door to the Blessing as well.  (Psalms 112:1; 128:1-6).

Just like Abraham, we can walk in the Blessing, and be rich, healthy, and victorious.  And also like Abraham, we can be spreaders of the Blessing - blessing others to multiply the Garden of Eden in the Earth today.

Michael Phelps is amazing.  He’s amazing not just because he won eight gold medals at the Olympic games.  He’s amazing because of his intense focus and hard work.  His mantra was “eat, sleep, swim.”  That’s virtually all he did.  But he determined that doing everything necessary to win eight gold medals was more important than parties, television, or anything else his friends were doing.

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a man who finds buried treasure in a field and sells all he has to buy the field, or like a merchant who sells all he has to buy a beautiful expensive pearl.  (Matthew 13:44-46).  Living in the fullness of the Kingdom of God always has a cost.  But Jesus also taught that every time we pay the cost, there’s a payoff - and that’s living in the fullness of the Kingdom of God.  (Mark 10:29-30).

How many of us are willing to pay the cost?  We get great teaching about the benefits of Kingdom living.  God really does want us to be healthy in our bodies, prosperous in our finances, and fulfilled in our families.  He wants us to grow daily in our fellowship with Him, to live free from sin and bondage, and to have peace in our minds.

But to enjoy Kingdom living, we have to pay the cost.  Are we willing to conform our lives to the Bible instead of trying to twist the Bible to conform to our lifestyle?  Are we willing to tithe and sow, and to forsake the world’s way of hoarding and going into debt?  Are we willing to forgive and love instead of holding grudges and taking offense?  Are we willing to spend time each day meditating on the Word of God and resting in the presence of the Lord?

Jesus told us to seek diligently the Kingdom of God, and that as a result of that diligent seeking, the Lord would supply all the stuff we need - and the desires of our hearts!  (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:4).  Are we willing to seek the Kingdom of God with as much fervor as Michael Phelps sought his gold medals?  If so, the payoff is huge!  It’s way bigger than Olympic medals - and it’s eternal.

Make a quality decision to pay the cost.  You’ll always be glad you did.

We know the Word says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for as it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus . . .”  (Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV).

Most Christians will accept that Christ redeemed us from sin.  They know that “He (the Father) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV).  Jesus took our sin and gave us his righteousness.  Sweet deal.

Many, but not most, Christians will accept that Christ redeemed us from sickness and disease. “Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.”  (Isaiah 53:4-5 NRSV).  He took our sickness and gave us His divine health and healing.  Another sweet deal.

But very few Christians will accept that Christ redeemed us from lack.  But how can they deny this passage:  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”  (2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV).  Jesus took our poverty and gave us His wealth.  Yet another sweet deal.

So why do Christians think we should be poor?  He can give us righteousness but He can’t give us wealth?  He can carry our infirmities but not our lack?

Don’t accept the lie that’s been sold to the church for centuries.  He wants us to prosper, spirit, soul, and body - and financially.  Unless we prosper financially, we can’t help the poor.  Unless we have wealth, we can’t finance the gospel.  Unless we’re well provided for, Jesus doesn’t look that attractive to the world.

So take it the same way you were born again - by faith!  God wants you to prosper!  Find out how to live in the Kingdom of God, and be blessed - to be a blessing!