The Light of the World & the Persian Widow

You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don't cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. Don't think that i have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah - not until everything that must happen has happened. - Matthew 5:14-18

On the 7th day of Hanukkah I want to bring you this word. In the last devotional I challenged us to be Menorah's and Living temple's for God. Today, I want to challenge you to Let your light shine through your intimate and loving relationship you have with the Father through the Holy Spirit in your life.

Yeshua in these verses challenges us to be lights to the world. Yeshua challenges us to take ownership of our Faith, raising up becoming the men and women of God for His Kingdom.

God loves us so much that He desires more than anything to be in relationship with all mankind. Our responsibility is to show the world through the Holy Spirit's power in our life, by letting our Light SHINE.

Yeshua also tells us that He did NOT come to abolish the Torah, but to complete it. In John we read that He was the incarnate Word that became flesh.

The other evening Rose and I lit the 5th Hanukkah light in our home. A Persian widow was with visiting us who has never practiced the muslim faith, but grew up muslim and fled Iran over 30 years ago to come to America. At 16 in Iran she visited the Synagogue and went to Jewish school, in the midst of the oppressive Muslim religion. She said, "I felt so warm and good when they opened the Torah"

Our great God is still working today through the TORAH until everything that must happen must happen. There is much that still needs to happen.

Shine your light today for you never know when the Persian widow will visit your home. I am glad that we lit that 5th Hanukkah light. Our family was able to shine our Light bright that night and share Yeshua with this widow.

Blessings from Los Angeles,

Todd

The Oil...

Then the angel that had been speaking with me returned and roused me, as if he were waking someone up from being asleep, and asked me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I've been looking at a menorah; it's all of gold, with a bowl at its top, seven lamps on it, and seven tubes leading to the lamps at its top. Next to it are two olive trees, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left." I then asked the angel speaking with me, "What are these, my Lord?" The angel speaking with me said, "Don't you know what these are?" I said, "No my Lord." Then he answered me, "This is the word of Adonai to Z'rubavel: 'Not by force, and not by power, but by my Spirit,' says Adonai-Tzva'ot. What are you, you big mountain? Before Z'rubavel you will become a plain; and he will put the capstone in place, as everyone shouts, "It's beautiful! It's BEAUTIFUL!"'

This message from Adonai came to me: 'The hands of Z'rubavel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will also finish it.' Then you will know that Adonai-Tzva'0t sent me to you. For even someone who doesn't think much of a day when such minor events take place will rejoice at seeing the plubmline in the hand of Z'rubabvel. So these seven are the eyes of Adonai that range about over all the earth."

I replied by asking him, "What are those two olive tress on the right and left sides of the menorah?" Then I asked the question again: "What are those two olive branches discharging gold(-colored oil) through the two gold spouts?" He replied, "Don't you know what they are?" I answered, "No, my Lord." He said, "Those are the two who have been anointed with oil; they are standing with the Lord of all the land." - Zechariah 4:1-14

During this time of year when the Hanukkiah's are fully lit, we remember that the oil of the menorah represents the Holy Spirit in Zechariah 4. The Holy Spirit is the oil in our lives that produces the fruit of the Spirit. With certainty it is not by power, nor by might, but by HIS SPIRIT in us that we are compelled to be changed in the image of the SON of God who gave himself for us.

I challenge you to ask yourself how is your oil level...

How much have you surrendered to the HOLY Spirit?

Would you have enough oil to last 8 days?

Do we struggle in our sanctification process (surrender) to the Holy Spirit to just make it through one day, with nothing left for those around you to see your light.

Today, surrender another portion of your life so the Oil of Gladness and Joy comes forth and your light begins to shine brighter for Him. Truly, it is beautiful that we are now the Temple of God that He chooses to reside in.

Yes Hanukkah is over historically, but we are all living temples and menorahs for our great KING of KINGS and Lord of Lords.

Blessings from Thompson Station,

Todd

Yeshua during Hanukkah...

Then came Hanukkah in Jerusalem, It was winter, and when Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomos Colonnade. So the Judeans Surrounded him and said to him, "How much Longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us publicly!" Yeshua answered them, "I have already told you and you don't trust me. The works I do in my Father's name testify on my behalf, but the reason you don't trust is that you are not included among my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, and I give them eternal life." - John 10:22-28a.

Today, as you read these verses we see Yeshua in the temple during Hanukkah. Yes you read correctly Hanukkah. Even though our evangelical circles have not acknowledged this fact the Word is clear that Yeshua was in the temple during the feast of dedication (Festival of Lights) Hanukkah.

What is compelling to me in addition to this fact, is that Yeshua shared with the Judeans that they did not trust Him. Yeshua went on further to say, my sheep listen to my voice and then Yeshua recognized them. Next the sheep follow Him. Finally, eternal life is granted.

Are you listening to voice of the Lord calling you today?

Are you willing to follow Him?

Eternal life is waiting for you.

The world needs to know the voice of the Lord, confess He is lord and believe.

Why not allow God to use you to direct people to the voice of the Lord.

This can only happen if your testimony rings true with the Shepherds ear.

Has He recognized you?

Have you heard your name?

Blessings from Indianapolis,

Todd

You will seek me...

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

He meets us in our hour of need. He meets us in the quiet of the night. He is not restricted to the confines that our Western Culture suggests He operate His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. I thank God for a personal relationship that knows no time or religious ideology. Take time today to meditate and reflect on those things you earnestly seek after? It is time that we wake up and seek the one true God. I challenge you to leave all forms of Godliness that deny the power and just Seek Him... "The Great I AM"

How close does your life reflect His Kingdom?

How evident is the word Surrender manifested in the natural in your life?

Do you seek a position or His authority at work in your life?

Blessings,

Todd

His Love Compels us...

Does your daily life example to others that you are compelled by HIS love?

When was the last time you were compelled by HIS love to action?

There are needs all around you. Today, start with a need right in front of you.

You will be pleasantly surprised at how little it really takes to make a large impact for HIS Kingdom.

For the Audience of One,

Todd

Streams of His Presence

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "streams of living water will flow from within him." - John 7:38

The rain from Heaven that falls to the earth collects into a stream that moves along till it reaches its final destination. The water moves across the rocks till they become smooth in submission to the path and streams direction. The sound that you hear from the stream, is the Voice of the Lord in our lives to be led in the right direction. In total surrender to the current stream of His presence, we find life that only His living water can refresh us.

The release of these rain drops that come from Heaven, give us the opportunity to be blessings of His presence to point people in the right direction. Our lives need to be the object of His affection that allow His Spirit to penetrate our perspective. There is only one stream that flows from the Ancient of Days to guide and direct us in these latter days. This final destination leads us to the deep ocean that no finite mind could ever, ask, hope, or imagine.

Let us consider today, getting into the stream of HIS presence to reach our final destination.

Are you in the Stream of HIS PRESENCE?

Blessing from Brentwood,

Todd

Return to Adonai

Come let us return to Adonai; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck, and he will bind our wounds. After two days, he will revive us; on the third day, he will raise us up; and we will live in his presence. Let us know, let us strive to know Adonai. That he will come is as certain as morning; he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth. - Hosea 6:1-3

Living in His presence, being raised up by the Great I AM, coming to us like rain...

Powerful when our words can begin to line up His Word. Only through full surrender to His purposes for our life, can we find true fulfillment and joy beyond all circumstances.

The more we get to know Adonai, the more we get lost in His presence. The more we surrender to the Holy Spirit and the sanctifying work of the cross in our life, the more revealed truth we begin to understand. Prepare for the Bridegroom will come and we will live in eternity with Him forever and ever.

Have you grown in your love for the Lord and the KINGDOM?

Is He your Rock and Fortress?

Are you able to experience His presence in your life?

Do You bring the Sacrifice of Praise?

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. - Hebrews 13:15,16,20,21

The sacrifice of praise must come from our lips if we truly confess Jesus Christ. The great Shepherd is alive and well to equip you for doing all that He wills you to do. God works in us and desires us to be pleasing to Him. Notice, God is pleased by our praise, generosity, and genuine desire to do good. He requires clean hands and a pure heart to ascend the hill of the Lord. When you are generous and share with others it is true that it will leave your hands. However, that which leaves your hands and is sown into the Kingdom will never leave your life. Bring the sacrifice of Praise unto the House of the Lord.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you bring the Sacrifice of Praise from your lips daily?
Are you a generous individual?
Do you seek to please the Lord?
Who has your heart you or Him?

Blessings,
Todd

The Time is Now to stay in the Spirit and Truth.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. - Luke 21:25-28

We live in a critical hour today, we need to be aware of the signs of the times. We must remove all those things that distract us from the need to cultivate our relationship with the Lord in Spirit and Truth. The Spirit is able to show you the signs of the times. We won't be surprised by His coming if we are found in Him. Take account of how you spend your time on the things of God or the things of man.

The temple is gone, but where are you as a living temple? Do you find yourself in the outer courts, inner courts, or Holy of Holy's. Unless the Lord builds the house the laborers, labor in vain. I want to be found in the Holy of Holy's completely seeking after HIM who died for Me. He alone is worthy of our praise and attention. Follow the voice of the Shepherd. Remember, my sheep hear my voice. Let the Lord build the House.


Questions for reflection:

Are the nations distressed and perplexed?
Do Men's hearts today fail because of fear?
Do I focus on God's Word and Plan or Man's fear?
Am I laboring in vain?

Blessings,
Todd

These Signs will follow....

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. - Mark 16:14-20

I find it thought provoking when we read this passage of Mark that Jesus rebuked the eleven for their lack of faith and stubborn refusal to believe. Now 2000 years beyond the grave I am curious at how Jesus would respond to us. Jesus in this portion of scripture is getting ready to ascend to the right hand of God. I would suggest to all of us that whatever Jesus spoke to His disciples would have been pretty important.

For us as believers who claim the risen Lord it speaks of the signs that will follow those who believe. Would Jesus rebuke us, as He did the eleven, for our stubborn refusal as believers to allow the Signs that are to follow us, as He said would. This isn't our vain imaginations here, this is What Jesus himself said. In your time of reflection today ask yourselves these questions:

What are the signs that follow me as a believer of Jesus Christ?

Is my life a living epistle read of men?

Am I open and willing to allow the signs to follow my belief in Jesus?

Do I allow fear to block me being the vessel God wants to flow through today?'

Blessings,

Todd

Seek Him with all your Heart

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD....... - Jeremiah 29:11-13

As our hearts are yielded to him, we understand that all the grains of sand that man can see, can not compare to the riches that God has planned for your life. God has done all that is required to restore our relationship to Him. We now have to take the steps of applying the Word He has given to us. Not in legalism or religion, but in relationship to Him. The distractions we face in our relationship have to be removed to stay focused on His purpose and plan for your life.

God promised that when we seek Him with all our heart we would find Him. He promised to listen to you as you call upon the Lord and pray to HIM. Don't live in exile your whole life, when God has such a wonderful plan waiting for you. Choose life today?


Questions for Reflection:

Does our love for Him, compel us to live for him?
Are we living epistles that can be read of all men?
Do we desire the things that He desires for our life?
Have you sought Him with all your heart?

Blessings,
Todd

Streams of Living water offered

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.- John 7:37-39

As the Lord tabernacled with the Jews and foreigners, in the Land of Israel, it became clear that Jesus had need to announce the coming of the Spirit and the glorification of the Son. We notice that Jesus did not speak these words in John chapter 7 with a soft voice. It was a LOUD voice. 2,000 years ago our Savior shared with a loud voice about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

We need to come and drink of Jesus. He is the only thing that can quench our thirst. Once we have tasted of the living water that Jesus offers, we can be filled to overflowing by the Spirit of the Most High God. The Word declares, that we will have streams of living water, flow from within us. I challenge each of us today to receive Jesus and let the streams of living water flow from you.

We need to daily evaluate our life and ask ourselves is the Spirit of the Living God flowing from within me and in control, or am I dry and in control and have barely enough water to make it through the day. Don't live in a drought or desert land of selfish desires, when Jesus stands with arms open to offer you this living water.

Questions for reflection:

Have I tasted of the Living Water?
Am I filled to overflowing daily?
Is there a stream of living water flowing within you?

Blessings,
Todd

Who are the great cloud of Witnesses

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

The great cloud of witnesses knew nothing about what we see in most of Christianity today. God is not concerned about whether you are baptist, nazarene, catholic, lutheran, nondenominational, or pentecostal. What God is concerned with, is that we have a relationship with Him based on the blood of Jesus, the resurrection from the grave, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by a changed life.

We need to be open and willing to receive all that God has promised us. Until we are willing to die to self, control, manipulation, and every other manner of evil and begin to yield ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit at work with in us, we can not experience the Life God has for us. It is time that we begin to look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. We can no longer afford to tie ourselves to a form of godliness that denies the power. We must take ownership of our faith and put our eyes on the JOY set before us. These simple truths in Hebrews 12 help us not to grow weary and lose heart.


Questions for reflection:

How would the Great Cloud of witnesses view my life?
Am I open and willing to the things of God?
Am I concerned about What God thinks more than other people?
What form of Godliness do I subscribe to?
Am I a changed life because of what HE has done for me?
What portion of my life does the Holy Spirit control?


Blessings,
Todd

Trust Him!

Reach forward and take a step of faith into the known plan of God on your life. Trust Him. Walk in peace as you become more like Him.

Blessings,
Todd

Are you Addicted to Reasoning?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6


Are you addicted to the reasoning of your own mind and flesh?

The Bible clearly explains to us that we need to trust in the LORD with all our heart. What does it mean for you to trust something with all your heart? We can not afford to spend one more minute leaning on our own understanding. Remember, you are a new Creature in Christ and our minds must be renewed by the washing of the Word.

The time has come that we daily must acknowledge Him in all our ways, and then He said, "will make your paths straight". We can not expect God to bless us and grant us favor, when we won't get into God's mindset about the who, what, when, and where of our lives.

Make a choice today to stop your human reasoning. God has a plan and purpose everyday of your life. Don't let SELF get in the way of being blessed beyond that which you could ever ask, hope, or imagine. The WORD clearly states that God is in you and you are in Him. Allow the Holy Spirit into those areas of your life, that you are afraid to yield to HIM.

Questions for Reflection:

How much do I lean on my own understanding?
Am I willing to be out of control and the HOLY SPIRIT in control?
Am I afraid of what others will think if my conversations use GOD more than I?

Blessings,
Todd

The Power Of HIS Presence

The power of HIS presence can bring healing and deliverance. Do you believe in the power of His presence?

Blessings,
Todd

Sermon or Truth?

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16



The best example of spiritual formation takes us back 2,000 years ago to Jesus. He was and is our example. His leadership modeled how to develop into the created image of the Trinity. Confessing and believing in the Son of God that has come in the flesh, must translate to a daily walk that seeks and desires Him in Spirit and in Truth. At the ascension into Heaven Jesus Christ ushered in the Holy Spirit to live and manifest the presence of GOD in us. Now the WORD has the power to take residence in and through us as we daily yield.

Currently, what we need is not another sermon, but life application of the WORD that has been given to us. For many, the sermon has become rhetoric, but not implemented into the daily life of the individual. The sermon has become just one more source of information in a person's life and not THEE source for Life and life more abundant.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you seek the Spirit of Truth from the Lord or another sermon?
Are we modeling what Christ modeled?
Has the WORD become life for you?
IS the WORD IN YOU?
Are we being taught by Human Wisdom or the Spirit of God?

Blessings,
Todd

The Day of Trouble!!!!

MAY THE Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion; Remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah [pause, and think of that]!

May He grant you according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. We will [shout in] triumph at your salvation and victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright. O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call. - Psalm 20

This Friday August 14th, 2009 take time to reflect upon all that the Great I AM is in your life. Take inventory of your relationship with HIM. Determine to ask Him what He has need of you to do for HIS purposes and plans.

Questions for Reflection:

In whose and what name do we set up our banners?

Who do we trust and boast in?

Who do we call upon in our hour of Trouble?

Is the God you call upon the God of Jacob?

When was the last time you petitioned God?

Blessings,

Todd

Not by Might nor by power....!

So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20

Imagine how it would be if God removed the Holy Spirit from the Earth today? If you BELIEVE in HIM, tap into streams where the Spirit leads. God is serious throughout the Word in reference to the role and function of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the earth today.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you believe the Holy Spirit is in YOU?
Are you willing to submit to HIS direction?
Are you aware of His gentle nudgings throughout your busy day?
Do the distractions of our lives keep us from being used for Him?

Remember, you were bought with a PRICE. Salvation was free, but it requires your whole life daily devoted to HIM. Don't offend the gentle comforter, which is placed there by our Heavenly Father to lead, guide, and protect you in paths of Righteousness for His namesake.

Blessings,
Todd

Time to Grow Up!!!!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2


Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. - 1 Peter 2:2-3

There are so many hearts crying out for the truth that will set them free. You are important to God and He wants to manifest His Presence through you, to those around you. Don't hesitate. Start small. Remember, God will test you in the little daily things before giving you larger tasks. It is time to move from the Milk of the WORD and towards becoming Spiritually Mature.

In our spiritual life, we are hesitant to get off the milk that tastes so good, and move to the meat of the Word. In many other areas of our life we are passionate, this could be our craft, trade, cars, boats, houses, etc. We need to conform our lives to the Living Word, so we can fulfill our greater purpose on Earth as it is in Heaven, which may include these items.

We need a desire for Passionate Spiritual Formation that draws us into deeper wells of living water. Help someone drink from the life giving water, that they will never thirst again. You, have been chosen by God to be a ladle for individuals to drink from wells of living water.

Questions for Reflection:

How healthy is my Spiritual Formation in Him?
Am I moving from the Milk to the Meat?
Am I Passionate for HIM?
Who am I conforming to?
How renewed is my MIND?
Am I a LADLE people want to drink from?
What kind of water do I offer?

Blessings,
Todd

I have NEED to go through Samaria!

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples, He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. - John 4:1-26

I love the account of Christ and the Samaritan woman. Such intimacy in conversation. It was One on One, just her and the LIVING GOD. Jesus begins this account by being about HIS Fathers business. Jesus tells us that He had a need to go through Samaria.

In this account we find we have officially entered a sovereign point of time in God's Kingdom, we are directed by the Messiah himself, to Worship HIM in Spirit and Truth. Jesus says, "God is a Spirit." Jesus makes it paramount that we MUST worship him in Spirit and in Truth.

Questions for personal reflection:

What is your Samaria that HE (the Father) has NEED of you to go through?

What is His definition of Worship?

Are you Willing and Obedient to WORSHIP Him in SPIRIT and Truth?

Are you drinking from the Living Water, where you will thirst no more or something that mimicks it very close, but has a bitter taste?

This passage of Scripture shares several direct orders by God himself. To seriously follow the Father, requires us to make sincere efforts in keeping the commands of the Lord. I would challenge each of us, myself included, to place the Body and Blood of Christ symbolically in front of us often and ask ourselves, "Am I really willing to transgress the Body and Blood of my LORD and Savior or do it HIS WAY? "...Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done... On Earth as it is in Heaven.

As the Samaritan woman received her Lord and Savior are we willing to be about our Father's business in 2009, whatever HE asks of you today. We can only do this by Worshiping him in Spirit and Truth, through a willing and obedient heart.

Blessings,

Todd

Let Him Reign!!!!!

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. - John 14:16-19


The deepest cry of our hearts can only be healed by the presence of an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. When was the last time you let HIM love you? Do you BELIEVE your life has purpose and meaning, with HIM in you? He gave it to you and wants to enjoy it with you.

Don't let the Ocean of frenzy and sensationalism in this World chart your life course. Let the Comforter God sent, be the rudder of your life, to direct you through the World for His purposes.

In our boat of devotion, we all struggle with the storms of our life, but when we listen to the Father's voice, we will be able to share in an amazing journey of discovery. In the Storms of Life, let his Rain fall upon you. As you soak in the REIGN of His presence, you will see the Former Reign and the Latter Reign coming together. Your final destination is yet to be seen.

Blessings,
Todd

To the Saints in Christ Jesus......!!!!!!

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. - Philippians 1:1

In this account we see Paul identify the body of Christ in the city of Philippi. The Philippians were a group of believers in Christ Jesus. Have you ever thought how Paul would address us today. UNITY of the Body was a strong theme Paul wrote about to the early believers.

I would be surprised if Paul wrote to a particular denomination exclusively. I believe he would have penned the letter to the particular city you lived in and said, "to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, etc. The important thing was that they were followers of Christ JESUS and position, status, or office was not important. The Head being Christ Jesus in our lives was critical in Paul's opening greetings.

I would challenge us to see the Body of Christ in your city as bigger than where you may worship throughout the week. Our programs, buildings, creeds, traditions, services, gymnasiums, numbers, etc. would not likely be found in the first two verses of the introduction by Paul to our city..... Those in our city dying without Christ, need us to be reaching out to them with Christ Jesus at the center. The Word tells us they will know us by our LOVE...When was the last time you extended Love to the city around you? To the neighborhood around you? To the believers around you? To the family around you?

Today, make this personal. Ask yourself as a Follower of Christ Jesus in the city of.... how you are taking ownership of what the WORD, that became flesh, has modeled for us. He may ask you to do something outside of the box, outside of the current socially acceptable practice to reach the people for Him.

Blessings,
Todd

Do You Love Me?

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. - John 21:15-17

Do you Love Me? Do you Love Me? Do you Love me?

Have we been asked by God three times like Peter if we love Him? Have we been asked, till it hurts us about our true motives and intents to serve Him? Have we been deceived by the spirit of Apathy, that we can be nothing for Him and His purposes? I challenge you today, say yes to the Lord three times. He is bigger than all the things around you, to do amazing things through you, for His purposes. With God all things are possible, but you have to BELIEVE that they are possible.

In Judaism, Rabbi's can refuse you three times, to see if you are serious about your commitment to learning about Judaism as a practiced lifestyle. In the days of evangelical tent revivals, the preacher would turn people away at the altar call and ask them to come back the next night to see if they were serious about being HUNGRY for God and serious about the truth of the Gospel.

Do you believe Jesus is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD. Do you believe that HE dwells among us? Do you believe that HE is in YOU? Are you willing to say Yes to HIM? Answer the question, "Do You Love Me?", like Christ asked Peter. If your answer is yes, what does it mean for you personally to FEED HIS Sheep.

Blessings,
Todd

The Ten!!!

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Luke 10:27/ Deuteronomy 6:5/Leviticus 19:8

Have you ever stopped to look at the ten commandments and the two categories of the Law. Four of the ten commandments have to do with OUR relationship to God. The other six direct us on how we are to relate with OTHERS. Have we ever stopped long enough to see how important it was to God to make sure we reach out to those around us, as the hand of God has reached out to Us. God made it clear that we are to be giving to others as God has given to us so freely and without any obligation to do so.

Jesus stated it the best. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. The ten were simplified into two. It is important to realize that we can move from the letter of the Law, to His spirit within us to guide us into paths of righteousness for His namesake. His Spirit within us as joint heirs in the Grace of life, will always convict us of the law when we break it.

We don't have to be concerned about building fences around the laws in order not to break them. What we need to do, is yield to the Spirit daily, and realize we can't be perfect and we can't earn what God has to offer. We need to diligently apply that which He has already spoken to us, as we are on the daily journey of Sanctification. Thank God today for the Grace that He gives, to keep going for His purposes in His Kingdom.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd

We Stand for Gods Plan

"The whole land of Canaan..I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants.." Genesis 17:8 NIV

In the day and hour we live in, it is paramount we stand on the side of the Holy one of Israel who has shown himself to be mighty and trusted. Stand firm in the ancient confines of the Word of God that has been passed down by our ancestors.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd

Sanctification?

Work out your Sanctification in the Grace of Salvation.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd

Your Love for Him!!!!

Has your love for Him, become inactive in your life? Discover the value of becoming a Living Sacrifice and receive abundant life.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd

Servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

¹⁹ Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual ²⁰ and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. ²¹ So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. ²² The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, ²³ and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

²⁴ Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king."

²⁵ He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

²⁶ Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, ²⁷ and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ²⁹ Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. - Daniel 3:16-30

Today, we must stand in the face of the world system. Don't bow to the idols of the world. Don't submit to the systems of Man. Stand in the face of adversity and say as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did.

Just as these three Hebrew men were thrown in the furnace there was a 4th among them. Jesus told us that He would NEVER leave us nor FORSAKE us. In fact, He sent us a comforter to lead and guide us in the days of Babylon that we live in.

Let the people of the world turn to HIM and worship HIM because He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony. We are not part of any system in the Church or that the World has to offer. Don't be deceived by man. We are part of a Kingdom. We are a Royal Priesthood that walks with Resurrection power. Watch as GOD promotes you in His Kingdom purposes as you stand for Him. Don't let fear cripple you.

Blessings from Brentwood,
Todd

And the Ransomed of the Lord.

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.- Isaiah 35:10 (KJV)

I am so excited to be the ransomed of the Lord... Let the Joy and Gladness of the Lord be our strength in these days. Lets us come together enroute to Zion and bruise the serpents head.

I am the way!!!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. "Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. - John 14:1-7; Jeremiah 21:8

In this age of relativism and secularism we know that the source of these words penned by God himself speak of the Way, Truth, and Life. The legitimacy and credibility for these words spoken by God have been confirmed by thousands of witnesses since that first day Jesus spoke these words.

What more do we need to TRUST in GOD, as the generations before have done that HE is the TRUTH. Don't let the culture of the day dictate to you the reality of the TRUTH that has and can set your free. Today, choose the way of life instead of the way of death.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd

What is Truth?

In today’s society where we are dealing with major issues of Truth, I found this to be very helpful.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs brought this out in a conference for Marriage Couples.

Heaven itself is a free gift. Free gift.

Salvation is a free gift to enter Heaven.

You can't buy it, you can’t earn it.

There are Rewards that God wants to give you.

There is a difference between the two.

Salvation verses the rewards that the Lord wants to Reward you with.

You must come to a point and realize that God is there and He loves you.

We had to come to that point.

This culture is an interesting culture.

What is truth?

Is Mohammed the Prophet?

Hinduism with many Gods?

Is Buddha the enlightenment?

Judaism?

Is Jesus God?

Is there just an impersonal force?

Is it many Gods?

Is Allah only God?

What about Relativism and Secularism?

Relativism is the cultural doctrine that says,

There is no one right way about believing anything about anything.

Everything is relative.

I am always stunned at how unthinking we are as a culture, when we as a people say there is no one right way of believing anything, or everything is relative.

When you say that you are making an absolute statement.

Any Philosophy that in its major proposition and its major axiom contradicts the very thing it proposes is invalidated.

It’s an invalid irrational philosophy. Relativism is invalidated.

The point that needs to be made is that everybody will believe something, based upon something.

What will be your source? How credible is that source?

But for you to believe in this idea that everything is relative and there is no one right way to believe in anything is an invalid philosophy.

Those people who believe in Relativism, due it on religious grounds, but when it comes to political platforms they are so irate over anybody who differs with their political persuasion.

They are glaring Hypocrites, but no one calls them into question.

But you had better be a thinking person.

Some of you are doubting your very faith because of relativism, you learned in Academic Settings and causes you to begin to doubt the very thing that deep within your heart you believe, but no longer believe is true.

You need to reconsider the words of Christ. Because your words there don’t agree with the words of Christ.

Blessings from Nashville,
Todd