January 1, 2008
Proverbs 27:1 "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."
No doubt you have already considered some things that you would like to change this new year. Maybe you have said that few extra pounds must come off or maybe you will change careers. Whatever decision you are considering, chances are you will not follow through on this resolution.
I am not sure what it is about New Year's resolutions. We mean well but just seem to forget so quickly what we promised to do. We even began to boast about our intentions and brag on ourselves for the first few days. But then as soon as we get off our schedule and fall back into the same routine, we get discouraged and life goes back to normal.
That is also true in the Christian life. Many times at the beginning of the year we make God a lot of promises that we never fulfill. We start out to read through the Bible this year, but after a few weeks, we quit. We determine to pray or have family devotions but so quickly get discouraged. Be careful today not to make more promises than you can fulfill. Don't set your goals so high that you are sure to fail. Recognize that you are flesh and your flesh is contrary to God. Set out to make small changes and take small steps. Don't get caught up in "boasting" to others about your personal decisions. Just between you and God, establish today how you can change that which needs to be changed and set out to do it in a manner that will lead to success. It is with an humble heart that our lifes are molded into the image of Christ. Whatever resolutions you consider today, make the number goal for this year to be what God would have you to be. Let Him direct your steps this year. Let Him establish in you those characteristics that will not only make you a better person, but a better Christian. True success is not measured in our waist line or by our salary, but it is measured by the positive influence of our lives on those around us and by what we accomplish for Christ that is of eternal value. So don't boast or brag about the days ahead. Place each day of this new year in His hands and let Him have total control of the outcome. Yield to His will, obey His Word, Seek His face daily, and be careful to give God all the glory for any good that happens or any accomplishments along the way. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know Who holds tomorrow. This year and every year belongs to Him and let's just live it one day at a time.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 2, 2008
Psalms 42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
The Psalmist expresses here his passion for God. As a deer running for its life, in need of water to quench its thirst, and longing for the peace and safety of the quiet stream, he cries for God. Nothing else is important at this point of time. He is focused on his survival. His desire is for God.
As we begin this year, we must allow our focus to be on God. We may not feel today as though we are running for our lives, but we are under constant attack by Satan. Satan desires to "sift you as wheat." He wants to create fear within you and make you run out of control until you find yourself out of the safety net of God's peace. How can we assure ourselves that this does not happen? It is all about our focus and our desires.
Examine your desires each day as you go about your daily walk. What is it that you really desire? Earthly fame? Man's recognition? Financial success? All of that may be okay in certain situations. But if any of these things do not seek God first, then they can become a threat to our lives both emotionally and spiritually.
Allow God each day to create within you a thirst for Him. Desire to know Him and please Him. Let His will be your will. Learn to be satisfied with the God of all Creation. He is able to meet every need and desire of your life. Truly He is the only one that can satisfy your soul. Everything else will leave you empty and alone. God will never leave you. Let your soul long for God's presence and safety. It will change you forever. Let your desire this year be to "know God and his power."
January 3, 2008
Psalms 121:1-2 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
I have read this passage many times while in a hospital room giving comfort to someone who is sick or even worse, about to leave this world for another world. I have read it with great confidence in its promise that the Lord will help us in our time of need.
One of the things about the Bible is that is it not just for emergency use only. It is a Book of daily comfort. Every day we rise from our beds, we need to look to the God of heaven for our help. He loves us and is concerned with what we are concerned with.
As you begin your day, you have no clue as to what this day will hold. It may be filled with laughter, accomplishments, and wonderful memories. It may also be a challenging day with pressure, decisions, and conflict. Either way, the Lord is in Heaven watching over us and ready to intervene in our affairs. We need to acknowledge His presence, listen to His voice, obey His instructions, and trust Him totally. He maketh no mistake. So lift up your head toward Heaven. He is seated on His throne. Nothing is more important to Him right now than you. Ask Him for help. He wants you to want Him. He will meet your need today and everyday. Just trust Him!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 4, 2008
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
There is probably nothing that is more sought after by every human being than peace. The World leaders cry out for peace. Nations sit at tables with the most powerful men alive and discuss the possibilities and probabilities of peace. In the sixties, young people protested the Vietnam War with their hands raised making the "peace" symbol. TV Evangelists proclaim over the airways that they can point folk to real peace. Faithful Pastors week after week tell their congregation that true peace can only be found in Christ and that is true.
Peace is surely a topic that everyone understands. In a day of confusion and turmoil, the human heart cries for peace. Is peace possible? Is there really hope that a man, a nation or the world can experience peace? The answer is "Yes!"
You must first recognize that peace cannot be found in anything that is temporal. Temporal things provide only temporal peace. When that thing loses its value, the peace is gone. Peace is not something that comes from without. Peace does not even come from within. A man's heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, Jeremiah says. So where does peace come from? Peace comes from above. No institution can provide peace. No hospital, no clinic, no business, no government or commodity can provide peace. Peace is in a Person and that Person is Jesus Christ.
It is only when an individual comes to know Jesus and puts his "trust" in Him, that he can truly experience peace. Peace comes from a relationship with God. Peace comes from knowing your sins are forgiven. Peace comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit who after salvation lives within you. Peace comes from knowing that God holds the future in His hands, and because of His infinite love and care for you, "all things will work together for good to them love God."
So are you troubled today, looking for something to fill that void within you? Do you face a daily "warfare" within your mind? Do you fill that nothing you try gives you the real peace and satisfaction that you are looking for? Then the answer is in Him. Listen to what that verse in Isaiah said: "Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Your peace comes through your daily concentration upon the Lord. You pray to Him and you Praise Him for who He is and therein the cares of this world lose their focus and stronghold.
How can a man stay focused upon the Lord and know this peace? He must understand the last part of that verse: "for he trusteth in thee." Peace comes through our faith in Jesus Christ. Just to think about Him does not give peace. Just to know about Him does not provide peace. Just to acknowledge His existence does not provide peace. Personal peace comes through personal relationship. Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Do you know Him as Lord and Savior? Do you have access to Him through faith in Him? Herein is your peace possible. You can have peace. The phrase you see often describes it best. "No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace."
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 5, 2008
Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
The word "blessed" is the Bible is always understood to mean happy. Here Matthew describes in the Beattitudes some Kingdom promises to God's people concerning their future life with God. He mentions that to see God, one must experience purity of heart. How can a man have a pure heart? Ours hearts are described as "desperately wicked and deceitful." The key is the transformation that takes place in salvation.
When a man gets saved, God gives him a new heart. This heart is pure and clean and filled with a desire to know Him and His power. The heart deprives man of true happiness. It constantly craves earthly things and deceives itself into thinking that true happiness can be found in carnal, temporal things. It is only after a person has tried everything and found it to be non gratifying, that he begins to look for that which truly gratifies. It is in the transition of faith and the creation of the new heart within a man, that he gains the ability to find true happiness. To see God is the desire of the newly created man. He wants to "know Him" as Paul described and to be able to fellowship with Him in a intimate way. The new man with the new heart hates sin and desires righteousness. He must feed that new nature and refrain from the temptations of the flesh to maintain that purity.
The new heart does not guarantee that we will never sin again but on the contrary. We must work at purity and we must strive for personal righteousness. Sin breaks fellowship and sin robs us of our purity therefore denies us the ability to "see" God. Sin blinds us and causes us to see everything else but God. May God help you today to keep your heart and mind pure and allow you sweet fellowship with Him.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 6, 2008
Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible"
The new year brings with it new challenges, visions, and dreams. Some of our dreams and visions seem to be impossible to achieve. Even in our Christian life, we strive to please God and we want to succeed in our service for Him. One of the differences in the Christian walk and the carnal visions of man is the element of faith in God. God sometimes asks us to do the impossible. He is not being unreasonable nor is He trying to make a fool of us. Instead He is trying to accomplish His will through us. To do that, we must by faith take Him at his Word and step out at His command. When we obey his commands and believe His promise, we are able to do the impossible.
Look at some of the greatest miracles in the Bible. No one would have believed David could have slain the giant Goliath. David by faith faced the giant and through the power of God accomplished the impossible. How could Joshua defeat the walled city of Jericho without ever raising a sword? He believed and obeyed God and God let the walls come tumbling down. Twelve disciples coming from every background came together to follow a man named Jesus. Their talents were varied and their abilities were limited. Yet when asked to take this Gospel to the whole world, though fearful and at times weak in faith, they accomplished the impossible. No man with all the talent in the world could conceive and fulfill a plan that would send through all the world a message of hope and create everywhere pockets of believers called churches without the power of God. Only God could create this marvelous mystery of churches everywhere. Only God could take lost man and redeem Him with the blood of Christ. With man, it is impossible. With God is it not only possible but it is a reality.
When you look at your dreams and visions and consider the impossibilities that lie ahead, remember the disciples. When you look at your obstacles and think it can never happen, remember David. And when you think what you have prayed for will never happen, just remember that with God nothing shall be impossible. A woman named Sarah could bear a son in her old age, the Red Sea would part for an entire nation of Jews to flee Pharaoh's wrath, and a band of fearful disciples would carry the message of the risen Savior to the ends of the World. Your life and future is just as important and your miracles can be just as great. If you depend on your ability, your talent and your contacts to accomplish your vision, then you will be sadly disappointed. But if your plans are God's plans and you seek to fulfill His will, no matter what He asks you to do, nothing shall be impossible. Your giant will fall and your walls will come down. Just believe God! With Him, nothing is impossible!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 7, 2008
Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
God is concerned about our needs as well as every aspect of our lives. We seem to have no problem trusting God for the saving of our souls. We come to Him by faith and believe His Word and because of that we have assurance that Heaven will be our home. But when it comes to daily faith and our "need", we struggle. How can we trust Him for eternal things and not trust Him for our daily needs?
Herein lies the question of the ages. Man struggles with faith. And it is not saving faith that is the problem. It is daily living faith that we battle. To trust God with our souls does not seem difficult but to trust Him to pay the utility bill is another thing.
God has promised to supply all our need. Whatever that need is, God wants to and will provide. He is interested in our physical needs. He is concerned with our financial needs. He wants to help us emotionally. Our lives are important to Him. We must learn to not only trust Him, but learn to take Him at His Word.
God cannot lie. He will do what He said. We are to ask and we will receive. We are to believe and we will receive. We are to put our lives into His hands and believe that He always has our best interest in mind. If all this is so, and it is, then we should take courage. We will never lack for that which is necessary. We will never go hungry or be without our daily essentials. We will never lack bread nor water. God is a faithful provider.
Rejoice in a God who loves us and cares for us. Thank Him for His provisions before they ever arrive. Believe that your need is met before prayer is ever prayed. As His riches in glory are endless, so is our provision. He will provide according to His riches. He owns it all and nothing is too big or small for God. Praise Him for His supply! It is vast and it is available!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 8, 2008
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."
Prayer is no doubt the most important tool in the hand of the Christian. It is through prayer that we get to speak to God and tell him our needs. It is through prayer that we fellowship and commune with God. It is through prayer that often we gain instruction and direction for the path before us.
Now no one can negate the power of the Word. The Word of God is our sword of offense to stand against the wiles of the Devil. But prayer is so wonderful because it is available to us all. Some may be limited to the Word because of their lack of education. Some who are blind are cannot read may never be able to comprehend the truths of God for themselves. Some may not even have access to a copy of the Bible. But anyone at any time in any situation can call on God. Prayer is our access to God.
How marvelous the promises associated with prayer. Here Jesus says that if we "ask, seek, and knock," we will get an answer from God. The implication here is a continual, persistent searching for God. The one who in desperation keeps on approaching God for His need is promised to receive an answer. To think that an Holy God would listen to me in my need, is unbelievable! But it is TRUE! God does hear and answer prayer.
Got any prayers that seem to never have an answer? Keep on seeking God. Got any problem that you just can't seem to solve? Keep on knocking. God is listening. God is near. God loves you. God will hear and answer according to His Time and His Will. Wait on the Lord and keep praying. Don't give up, you may be on the verge of a miracle!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 9, 2008
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever more."
We live in a changeable world. Daily we are faced with the changes around us. Our laws change daily. New roads are built daily and by-pass cities that have boomed for years. New technology is developed day by day. New devices are introduced today and are outdated next week. Changes are common place in every walk of life.
Careers change with the shutting down of industry that is no longer in demand. Vehicles change in their design annually. In most cases, change is welcomed. The speed of airplanes, the ease of microwave, and the amazing internet. No more carrying water from the spring. No more out-door toilets. No more boiling water for a bath. Change is good.
We watch our bodies and appearances change. Our hair turns gray. Our faces begin to reveal wrinkles. Our strength is depleted. Our memories begin to fail. These changes are going to happen no matter what we do.
But in the midst of change, there is one thing we can count on that never changes. The Lord Jesus Christ is unchangeable! He is unchangeable in His Person. He is the same today and forever. He is God in the flesh, co-equal and eternal. He is unchangeable in His Power. He is able to do everything that He has ever been able to do. His power is unlimited. He is unchangeable in His Promise. He will never fail one of His promises. He will perform all that He has promised to do. He is unchangeable in His Presence. He is everywhere present, actively involved in the affairs of man. He will be with you in life and He will be with you in death. He is with you in good times and He will be with you in difficult times. He is faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus is the Same today and forever!
Trust this unchangeable Lord to be to you all you need. Whatever life may throw at you, He will be there. He has always cared for you and He always will. He loves you. He will be there to see you through. Jesus Christ the same forever more!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 10, 2008
Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but ge ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Probably most Christians will agree with this statement. The most difficult thing for a Christian to know is the perfect will of God. There is much said about the will of God. Everyone seems to know the will of God for someone else. We hear folk who quickly judge others as being "out of God's will." Yet when we are faced with life's most important decisions that involve knowing for certain it is God's will, we struggle.
How are we to find God's perfect will? There are no doubt many who are in what some call the "permissive" will of God. That is a place where those who dwell there somehow have come short of hitting the bull's eye. They are not totally away from God, nor under the chastisement of God but simply in a place where God allows.
How can we know for sure we are in God's perfect will and why is it seemingly so difficult to find? I believe the answers are in these verses. Paul starts out with the call for us to present our bodies as a "sacrifice" to God. We are not our own. We must acknowledge that God owns us and our bodies are His to use as He pleases. He wants us to want Him to use us. Did you get that? We should give ourselves to Him. Then the real battle takes place and that is in the mind.
Paul mentions the "renewing" of the mind. The mind has to be changed. The way of thinking in a man is contrary to the mind of God. We want what we want and think like a man. God's ways are not our ways. Our mind is to be transformed by the Word of God. Literally our thinking has to be reprogrammed. We have to allow the Word of God to rewrite the program of our values, ideas, concepts, and desires. It is only when the Word has filled the mind, that the body will be laid on His altar.
With a mind following the design of its' Creator, a body presented to Him as a sacrifice, living and useable to Him, it then becomes possible and then only for an individual to discover the perfect will of God. Let your mind be controlled by His Word. Let your body be placed on His altar. Let His will be revealed to you. It is only in this place that we can fully know His blessings, power, and absolute peace. If you ever experience it, you will not have to be begged and pleaded with to get to that place ever again. You will want to live in His perfect will.
Written By Dr. David Harrison
January 11, 2008
Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
Throughout the centuries, Israel rejected God's message and God's messenger. Time and time again, God sent his message to His people. God loves mankind and He wants them to follow and obey Him. He wants to restore to them everything that they lost in Adam.
Here Christ stands overlooking the beloved city of Jerusalem. As He speaks, He reminds them of their record of rebellion and their rejection of His messengers. He likens Himself to a hen who desires to gather her chickens under His wings. His care for His people and His desire to be their provider and protector is not in question. What is in question is why did they continue to turn away God's offer.
There is no reason to man's rebellion against God. It makes no sense to we that are saved when we try to understand why a lost man would turn away Christ. But don't forget that just a while ago, you were in the same place, lost and without Christ and not looking for a Savior.
Possibly to the world, it would make no sense to them why God's people would resist the outpouring of God's love and power upon them. How can a saved man resist the offer of fellowship with God? But yet day by day, many Christians who are out of fellowship, continue to go contrary to God's Word and resist His offer of forgiveness and restoration.
We do not know how long God will deal with a lost man. There may be a point where he could so turn God away, that God's longsuffering is challenged. We also do not know how long God will continue to allow the disobedience and rebellion of His own children without severe repercussions.
With that in mind, we should strive at all cost to stay in close fellowship with God. We should not allow anything to separate from God. We should also be careful in our treatment and reception of God's man. God loves us enough to send us a messenger. We should be thankful and grateful that God would not leave us in darkness, but give us direction and instruction. When we stray, we will be corrected. When we sin, we will be rebuked and warned. When we hurt, we will be comforted. That is a God who wants to offer His best to us. It is up to us to receive His offer!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 12, 2008
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Trusting in God instead of our own thinking is easier said than done. We rely upon our past experiences, our training, our raising, and even the advice of others. We look to the examples of how others handle certain situations and use them as our guide. We even do so well at times, that we write books and tell others how we accomplished our success and felt impressed to share our great knowledge to others in similar situations.
But God said we are to trust Him with all our heart and not put so much trust in our heart. The problem is with our heart (or mind). Our heart is deceitful and the Bible says "desperately wicked." If that be true, and it is, then little wonder God warned us not to trust it. Our heart will make us "feel" like our decision is right. We will be passionate about our decisions. Our heart will deceive us into thinking that our situation is different from any others. We are convinced that somehow this will not effect us as it does others. We even fail to confess our mistakes when it is obvious we made the wrong decisions because our heart is so full of pride and cannot admit that it could have been so wrong.
So God once again reminds us to not get so secure in your own thinking. Do not trust your wicked heart. Do not fail to recognize Him in every choice you make and every path you take. We are to always "acknowledge" Him. That simple means we are to ask Him first. Before we ever try to reason our way through a situation, we are to give attention to God. We are to look to Him for guidance before we ever take our first step.
How many times have you gotten in trouble because you failed to seek Him first? Too many to mention I suspect. He really knows which way we should go. He sees the past, present, and the future, and He has full, perfect knowledge. With that being true, why don't we look to Him for direction? The answer is pride, stubbornness, rebellion, and an over active heart. We are so sensitive to carnal things that we become distracted and are overcome by the drawing power of this world. Seek Him first. Ask Him for answers and direction. Walk in His ways. You will not go wrong following Him. He knows the way!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 13, 2008
Psalms 84:11 "The Lord God is a sun and a shield. The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He with hold from them that walk uprightly."
When I was in Bible College, centuries ago, my speech professor required us to memorize this verse for our class verse. We quoted it every time we met for class. No doubt this was one of her favorite verses and it has certainly become one of mine through the years.
The Lord is a sun. He is more than just light, He is the "dominant" light. He shines brighter than any light. He illumines the darkness that invades our minds and points clearly to the path that will lead to safety. He is also a shield to protect us from those "rays" of dangerous influence that would injure or blind us.
Best of all, God gives grace and glory. It is grace for now to live by and sustain us in this life of sorrow and suffering. It is glory later when time has ended and life is no more. The sufferings of this life will dim in the light of His glory in that future place of peace and bliss.
He also says that He will with hold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Our walk with God is so important. When we fail to walk in righteousness, we deprive ourselves of many good things. No doubt we have lost many blessings both now and later due to our disobedient walk. How can we afford to miss out on such a great promise? All that is required is to walk uprightly. That means to walk right, follow His precepts, and refrain from walking in the way of sinners.
Determine today to enjoy the full blessings of God's protection and provision. He will shine upon us with His love and protect us from the elements of this world. He will give us all we need to sustain us in this life and promise us glory in the life to come. And He will not hold back anything from us that is good as long as we walk uprightly.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 14, 2008
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created..."
God is the Creator of everything that is and was before anything ever existed. The humanists deny that God exists and that no entity had any part in the evolution of matter. Somehow, everything that is became and what became is still becoming what one day it will be. How confusing and how foolish!
The fact is, God created in the beginning everything that now exists. God made the heavens and the earth. God made the animals and all creatures and God made man in His own "image."
If God created everything in the beginning, then it goes to reason that He existed before everything. He has all knowledge and is everywhere present at the same time. This God who is in control of all things, made us and is interested in our daily lives. He had us in His plan before we were born. The Bible said before we ever sinned, Jesus Christ had already provided for us Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. In the beginning, God created all things. Before He created all things, Christ was already there as our provision. What a truth! Before creation was salvation's plan. Before sin was a Savior. Before Satan's deception was God's forgiveness. In the beginning, we were in His plan. We were not an after thought with God. We were in His mind all along. Because of that, we are important to Him.
We are not evolving to become more like God so we can usher in a "kingdom of our own." We are created in His image and yes corrupted by sin, but covered by the blood and therefore made righteous in Jesus Christ. One day we will be like "Him" and that not due to evolution but to redemption. We are becoming more like Him through the process of sanctification. Each time we yield our lives to Him, we allow Him to create within us righteous and the more righteous we become, the more like Him we are. That is a work of God only-Not humanistic evolution. In the beginning, our God was there, and He will always be there, now and forever! That's a promise we can live with.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 15, 2008
Galatians 4:16 "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"
There is probably nothing that bothers me more than for someone to lie to me. It makes me so mad and I am sure you feel the same way. And that is not hard to understand. Even the unsaved want to deal with folks who are honest and forth-right. Many years ago there was an old saying that said "a man's word was his bond." Many deals, purchases, and real estate ventures were sealed with only a handshake as an earnest. But that is not so today. You best have a good lawyer, lots of faith and a back up plan just in case. So lying makes enemies.
Paul deals here with the fact that he is making enemies by telling people the truth. Imagine, people getting mad at you for telling them the truth. Sound unbelievable? Well, it is true. I have preached at times and felt the hostility from some sitting in the congregation over some truth I was dealing with. It may be tithing, separation, personal prayer lives, and a million other topics. Though what I am saying is true and backed up by Scripture, people seem to think that a preacher should not say such things that make them feel "guilty." So instead of getting honest and making changes that is in their best interest, they get angry at the messenger.
The real problem with anger at the truth is in our hearts. No Christian in the will of God should ever be upset with anyone over truth but themselves. I have heard preachers preach to me about things that I didn't like, but I had to in the end agree with them because I knew in my heart they were true. The only thing that anger at the preacher accomplishes is I stay in my disobedient state, and God is upset with my wrong attitude toward his servant.
God loves us enough to send us the truth through his man. We should thank God for men that do not compromise and if we choose to get angry, let's get angry at ourselves, our sin, and the Devil. Don't take your anger out on others. It will not make you feel better or be better. It only makes the problem multiply. God's man is not your enemy. In truth, your preacher (or any man of God) is your best friend, if he tells you the truth in love!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 16, 2008
Esther 4:14 "and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Esther is the only book in the entire Bible that does not mention the name "God." Even He may not be mentioned by name, God is surely present throughout the book.
Esther was my devotional reading this morning. I never ceased to be amazed each time I read this Book the amazing love and courage of Esther. In the face of her potential destruction along with the death of every Jew in the Kingdom, she was willing to petition the king on behalf of her people. She knew that their only hope was for the king to extend mercy.
So many wonderful truths are put forth in the book of Esther. First there is the integrity of Mordecai. Then there is the courage of Esther. But most of all, the faithfulness of our God stands at the forefront. God is always faithful to care for his people. No matter what circumstances they may find themselves in, God is always working on our behalf.
The one thing that would be good for us to remember is that in those difficult times, God raises up an individual or individuals who have been prepared in put in position to help us in ways we could have never imagined. Who knows but what God has blessed someone in business with financial resources who in our need has been prepared to help us. What about that young doctor that God has given talents that years later are used to heal our unique physical problem. What about that person with that unique ability that in the right time crosses your path and is able to assist you in an area in which you have been praying for God to provide assistance.
What we may just think is coincidence may very well be the sovereignty of God working with those who have been placed in our lives for "such a time as this." We should also consider the fact that we too may be the ones that God has brought into the life of someone else. That person that we meet who has never heard the Gospel; that individual that is suffering a physical infirmity that is similar to our own past experience; or a grieving family at the grave yard whom we speak comfort and give sympathy to because just a short while ago we ourselves followed a loved one to the grave. Just coincidence? I think not. We are all brought at one time or another to a place "for such a time as this." Be alert of your surroundings and be sympathetic to those you come in contact with. God may have been preparing you for this day and this time to help deliver someone He cares for dearly. Be faithful to your divine calling.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 17, 2008
Job 1:21 "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
It is certainly easy to praise and thank God when you are on the receiving end of His blessing. When things are good, your life is prospering, you do not have to struggle to give Him thanks. We all have to say that God has been good to us. We have food to eat and clothes to wear and our basic needs are daily met. We could take all day and find many more reasons to give Him thanks. That is fairly easy.
It is not as easy to praise Him and give Him thanks when something you cherish is taken away. In some cases your very life is turned around in a short while. One day you are healthy and the next you are very ill. One day you are financially stable and the next day you lose it all. One day you are living in peace and harmony and the next, chaos enters in and you don't know what to do or where to turn.
Job experienced total chaos in just a short time. He lost his health, his family, his wealth, and even his wife turned sour and Job sat in sackcloth and ashes no doubt trying to figure out what was going on. Here he declares that the same Lord that gave can take it all away. In case that happens, Job says we should bless the Lord anyway.
That sounds spiritual and it is and it sounds simple but it is not. I cannot say to you that in my times of deep trials and affliction I could say "Blessed be the name of the Lord." By nature when trouble comes, we doubt and question God and do everything but bless Him.
I faced a situation today (on a small scale no doubt to some) where it seems as though God took something away from me and He was the one who gave it to me. I thought for a moment why would God take away that which He gave in answer to prayer? I honestly have to say I don't understand yet. But in my devotions this morning, I read Job and God reminded me that He provides, He gives, He takes away, and He can give again.
I just have to step back and rely on the fact that in every situation, God is in control and God has always proven Himself faithful. So what was taken away today will be replaced some other way and some other time. Either way, I am going to Bless Him for I cannot change it anyway. I am His and all I have is His. So just Bless the Lord. He is good and He is faithful. Don't get discouraged. Just thank Him.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 18, 2008
Proverbs 13:13 "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."
One of the main truths that Christ taught is obedience to the Word of God. All throughout the Scriptures, we are instructed that the blessings of God are dependent upon the obedience of the individual. God promises certain judgment to those who disobey the Word.
Here God's Word says they that despise the word shall be destroyed. It is hard to believe that there are those who despise the truth. When they are confronted with eternal truths and moral values, they get angry and begin to attack the messenger. There can be no blessing to those who reject and despise truth.
God says on the other hand, the man that fears God and keeps His Word will be rewarded. Herein lies the secret to the Christian life. From the beginning, it has been about obedience versus disobedience. It is about fearing God or despising the law.
What is your attitude toward the truth? Do you love the Word of God? Do you get excited when you hear preaching? Do you desire to learn more of His Word and become more pleasing to Him? Or do you resent the rules and regulations of the Scriptures? Do you desire to go your own way and do your own thing? There is no blessing in despising the Word. Let the Word of God dwell in you and let it become to you as desirable as your necessary meat. Let the Word of God direct your paths and guide your steps. Don't ever get resentful toward God's Law. It is our roadmap. It is our lamp and light. It is our source of strength. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Study it. Love it. Live it. Devour it. In it is the secret to life.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 19, 2008
Ecclesiastes 2:22 "For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity."
I stood and watched my neighbor's dog as he ran in circles chasing his tail. He went one way, then turned and went another. Finally, he stopped, sat down, looked around and went on his way.
I thought to myself how silly that was even though I had seen it hundreds of times before. As I read this text, the author of this book writes about all the "vanities" of life. How vain it seems to spend all of our energy on wealth, health, and happiness only to end up facing death and it all passes away.
How much effort do we put into things that in the long run will appear to have been us "chasing our own tails?" No reason, no value, and no eternal purpose, just energy spent chasing that which in the end is not what we really are searching for.
This life will so soon be over. The things we put our trust in are only in the end going to cause travail and sorrow to us and to our children. We leave behind material things that will rust and will corrupt. We build houses and businesses that will soon pass away. We stay awake worrying over how to maintain all we are responsible for and then so soon, we leave it all behind.
I don't want to face God with a life full of chasing my tail. I want to make a mark for Jesus in the lives of others. I want to work to build the Kingdom of Christ. I want to grow and go for God and not just go in circles after nothing more than "chasing my tail."
How the devil must laugh at us spending our energy, wasting our health, neglecting our families, and drifting away from God while we try to build a kingdom of temporal value that in the scope of things never brings true happiness. Only Christ can satisfy your soul. Only what you do for Christ in this life will go with you into eternity.
We are to "redeem" the time. We cannot afford to waste hours and days in light of the brevity of life. Life is not vain if that life is built upon pleasing God. You can live and die and look back on it all and be satisfied that you have given your best. Stop "chasing your tail" and start walking in the path that leads to righteousness. In Him is total happiness.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 20, 2008
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Sitting here watching the snow fall brings such a peacefulness to my life. I guess it is the kid in me, but I love it when it snows. When I was much younger, I could not wait until the first snow so I could play in it and of course I longed for the traditional first batch of homemade "snow cream."
It is amazing as you watch the snow began to cover the ground, you watch all the filth, dirt, and trash covered in a layer of white powder. In just a matter of hours, the entire land is turned into a winter wonderland of beauty and spender.
Snow does not avoid certain things nor does it stick to only objects of its own approval. It falls on everything alike and transforms everything it touches into a beautiful layer of white.
The blood of Jesus Christ applied to our lives is like a new fallen snow. It covers all our past filth and sin and leaves behind a picture of beauty and holiness. What was unattractive and ugly, and even that which was disguarded and rejected is transformed into a white blanket of purity. No longer an eyesore but now a picture of purity. No more a repulsive picture of sin, but the beauty of forgiveness and mercy. All of our sins are covered. Washed white through His blood we are made pure and holy.
So as I watch in amazement and enjoy the peaceful scenery, I am thankful that my past is gone. You can no longer see the ugliness of sin that had left my life undesirable. Instead, I am clean and made all. I have a new beginning. It provides satisfaction to those who observe my new life, peace to my heart, and glory to a Holy God who made it all possible. "Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow. Lord wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Let God take your life and cover it with the blood of Christ. Such peace cannot be explained. Such joy can not be duplicated. The joy of sins forgiven!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 21, 2008
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
When I was attending Bible College, each morning on my way to school I listened to Dr. J. Harold Smith's radio program. He opened every program with this great verse.
The Apostle Paul was sent to preach the Gospel. His burden for his own people, the Jews, is obvious throughout his writings. It was not long after God saved Paul on the road to Damascus, that he begins to evangelize the Gentiles. Because of the blindness of the Jews, the message now go to a people that up till now are considered heathen. We as Gentiles enjoy the blessings of salvation because of the rejection of the message by the Jews. What mercy that God would come to us and graft us into this body called the Church.
Paul's testimony of his attitude toward the Gospel reflects to all of us who are saved our responsibility with this precious commodity. We are not to be ashamed of our relationship to Christ. We have been saved by grace and are given the promises of Abraham. The power of our witness is in the Gospel. The death, burial, and resurrection message has unlimited power. We tell a story of one who did not just die for a good cause as a martyr, but on the third day, he rose again!
When we share this Gospel, it convicts and convinces lost men of their need for Christ. No amount of talent and personal ability can do the work of reaching the lost. But the Gospel itself is the power. The Gospel is life changing. The Gospel is a message of hope.
Paul went to his own people first and then began the ministry of reaching the whole world. We should begin with our own family. Give them the Gospel. Don't just rely on reasoning or hype. Just give them the Gospel with compassion and love. Weep over them and believe God for them. Trust the Gospel. It has power to save. Give it to the whole world. Don't store it up or save it for a rainy day. Give the Gospel to someone to day. It is powerful. Watch it work. It's amazing! I am not ashamed of it. It made a difference in me.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 22, 2008
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
This is probably the most recognized verse in the Bible. You see if referred to at ball games, special TV events, parades, and other venues were people are gathered in large numbers. Although most everyone has heard of the verse, it is obvious that not all understand its meaning.
One preacher said that you can never be more like God than when we give, and we can never be more like Christ than when we forgive. It is true that God is a giving God and the evidence of that is seen in the fact that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. What greater gift could ever be given than the gift of one's son?
To know that someone would be willing to give their son, and then that son would be willing to give his own life it beyond comprehension. It is love greater than man can grasp.
When we accept this free gift of salvation by faith in his Son, we are to reflect God through our lives. We could never be like God in some of his attributes like omnipresence, omnipotence or immutability but we can demonstrate God's giving and Christ's forgiving. We can give the gift of salvation to our family and friends. We can share our faith to those we come in contact with each day. We can also learn to forgive even when it is not convenient. Forgive those who many in our minds don't deserve it. Forgive those that hate us, those that despise us and those that wish us harm. Yes forgiveness goes against our nature and also giving does not come natural either. We are usually selfish and self-centered. To give and forgive makes us better than we are by natural birth and is the true nature of one who has experienced a spiritual birth. God loved us and we should love others and give ourselves for them. We should also be longsuffering and forgiving demonstrating the true Christ within us. That is how the world can know we belong to him.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 23, 2008
I Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:"
The subject of the "will of God" is one that many Christians struggle with. There are several passages of Scripture that deal with this topic. We know that it is not God's will that anyone go to hell. The Bible says "he is not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9). Other passages such as Romans 12:2 talks about the "transformation of our minds" that we may know the "perfect" will of God.
Some divide the will of God into two different categories. The first is the permissive will of God. This is a place where many Christians reside. Not totally where God wants them, but yet God allows them to remain there while he works His work of grace. There are many today that are in a place where God is allowing them but they are not convinced that they are in God's perfect will. That is the second category, the perfect will of God. This is a place where God wants us to be. The Christian is living, walking and obeying God in a place of complete fellowship. He has the peace of God working on his behalf and he lives everyday knowing he is right where is supposed to be. This is the perfect will of God.
Whether that is right or not may be up to debate. But one thing this passage tells us for certain is that it is God's will for us to be "sanctified. The word sanctified means to be "set apart" for His service. God wants us to be surrendered to his will for our lives. He is pleased with us when we walk in obedience and abstain from the lusts of the flesh.
This world has a great pull on our flesh. We walk in a world that is contrary to God and therefore it is a battle. When we yield to God, offer our bodies on the altar of full surrender, and let God have His complete way, God is pleased. Walking in holiness and purity and obedience is God's perfect will. Are you in God's perfect will? Are you living in total obedience to His Word? If you are, that is God's will. The other areas of your life may present questions from time to time, but if you seek him first and his righteousness, all these other things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 24, 2008
Psalms 63:1-2 "O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary."
For more that 25 years, my heart has longed to see the power of God move as in days of old. Anyone with any spiritual sense understands that the Church as a whole is in desperate need of revival. One of the reasons, I believe, that revival is not taking place is that there is no hunger and thirsting for God. The Bible says "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
How can it be that the redeemed of God have arrived at a place where they do not thirst after God? Could it be that we have been feasting too much on the things of this world, that our spiritual appetites have been affected? Do we desire the "power and popularity" of this world more than we desire the power of God? Have we gotten into the "American Idol" syndrome and our concept of success is the praise of man?
Surely there must be some who still want to experience God's power and God's outpouring of revival. We need God to move again in our lives, our homes, our churches, and our nation as a whole. The last few generations have continued on their downward trend and nothing short of a real, old-time, Holy Ghost, Spirit-filled revival will change our churches. We have traded the old song book for a contemporary tune. We have swapped old fashioned preachers for trained, refined teachers and speakers. We have been turned from praising God out of fear of being labeled as heretics and a show of the flesh.
Oh that God would shew Himself mighty again in the midst of His people. Oh that God would shake the very foundations of our comfortable Christianity! Oh that God would show us His Glory! It is not what the modern church wants and it is not popular. But without a move of God, I am not sure that the next generation will even know who God is and what He is capable of doing. Are you hungry? If not, why? Are you thirsting for God? Beg God to fill you. Beg God to curb your appetite for the world and the flesh. Get alone with God today and ask Him to fill you with His power and use you to turn this generation back to God!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 25, 2008
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..."
Here the Prophet Hosea describes the problem with his people. Israel was guilty of walking away from God time and time again. God would chastise them and they would serve Him for a while. Then, it would not be long until they would be whoring after other gods and the process would start all over.
Our nation is away from God. Many declare they know the reason for this spiritual apostasy. One cries that the problem is, we need more preaching. It is true there is a lack of true, Bible preaching. Many who once served God with zeal and truth, are now compromising in doctrine and practice.
But in many places, the truth is still being declared. You can travel from one side of this great country to the other and the whole time hear preaching and Gospel singing over the radio. We have access to the internet. There have never been more resources for the Christian than in this present generation. We have bigger churches, more ministries to various people, and we are literally watching the Gospel being preached to the whole world through the medium of modern technology.
So why is there such ignorance and blindness on the part of a people who have access to so much truth? The problem is explained in this verse. Israel was destroyed for a "lack of knowledge." That was not due to the lack of available truth, but the verse goes on to explain. "Because thou hast rejected knowledge" is what the prophet said is the real issue. Every week, people hear preachers proclaim the truth but they "reject" it. They hear their situation described, but choose to do nothing about it. Sin is revealed yet their hearts are not broken. They refuse to repent and they refuse to change. We know what to do to be saved, but we would rather go through the motions. We know we need to do business with God, but we walk away indifferent to God's Call.
The problem is not a "lack of preaching" but rejecting what is available. Light refused is light removed. The more you reject God, the more darkness will enter. Our nation is in darkness because she has rejected truth. Until this nation repents and comes back to God, the darkness is going to continue to invade our homes, hearts, and our houses of God. We must repent and begin obeying the truth. It is the truth that will set us free.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 26, 2008
I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God"
Every child of God is called to serve. We are to occupy and labor for the Master until He returns. We have been placed here to do His work and to represent Him to this lost world. One thing that God asks is that whatever we do, we are to give our best and to do it all for the glory of God.
We live in a society where success, prosperity and the attraction to self-glory is commonplace. Men are "stars" and live in a fantasy world of constant media hype. Our children look up to "rock stars" and athletes and want to be like them. They see the money and fame and think that is the key to happiness. Yet many rock stars and atheletes have died prematurely due to drugs and suicide. How could someone who appears to have everything die as a man with nothing? The answer is that all that he accomplishes for his own glory and his own selfishness does not bring peace and contentment.
God tells us here that we are to do everything for His glory. What we eat should be for God's glory. How we eat should be to God's glory. What we drink and everything we do is to be for God's glory. When we begin to examine our lives, do we find that our lives glorify God? Is Christ pleased with what we do on a daily basis?
How can we glorify God in everything we do? First, we must examine if what we do is potentially sinful or damaging to God's testimony. Will it cause those who see us to question our faith? Second, we must consider the potential for causing someone to stumble due to our actions and deeds. If what we eat or do is offensive to a brother, then the ultimate damage is done to the name of God. Man begins to doubt God, not just you and me. Last of all, we must consider whether or not it is whether of reward or loss of reward. You say, how can what we eat cause us to lose our reward? If what we eat hurts us or others, then we become "unprofitable" servants. God will judge us on the basis of stewards and what we did with our lives, our opportunities, and our talents. If we are not living as vessels of honor for the sole purpose of magnifying the Savior, then we are failing to fulfill this verse. Look close today at everything you do and examine it. You may find there are some things you need to change, and change early!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 27, 2008
I Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
One of the most important attributes of a Christian should be faithfulness. The Apostle Paul tells us in this passage that we are stewards. As stewards, we are accountable to God. We will stand before Him one day at the judgment seat and hear our record and we will be asked to answer to the reasons for our unfaithfulness and poor stewardship. What a fearful thing to think about having to answer God as to our lives and how we handled the things of God.
None of us are perfect. We all have weaknesses and faults and are sometimes hindered from doing certain things. Not all can sing, or preach, or teach or serve in every office. But whatever you do, if it is only being a housewife that loves God, we are to be an example of faithfulness.
Do you consider yourself faithful? Can you be trusted by your church to fulfill your responsibilities assigned to you? Most of all, can God depend upon you? Do you ever wonder why the doors never open for you? Do you get frustrated when you see others brag about the doors God is allowing them to go through? You sit and wonder, "why can't I do that?" Well the answer may lie in your faithfulness. Have you been careful in the past to not turn down opportunities that came your way? Did you tell the Pastor that you think he should look for someone else? When we close doors or refuse to go through doors, it becomes less likely that God will continue to ask us to do anything.
Examine your life today. Look at what others think about you. Can they depend upon you? Is your word and promises good? Do you do what you say you will? Most of all, how is your service record for God? Read your Bible lately? When is the last time you spent time at His feet? Told anyone about Jesus lately? When is the last time you went soul-winning with the church? All these things are important. Even though now we may neglect them, we will regret in that day that we were not faithful. God says it is important. I want to be faithful, dependable and one whom God can trust.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 28, 2008
Psalms 16:6 "...yea I have a goodly heritage."
One of the things that I appreciate more the older I get is my heritage. Even though I was raised with an alcoholic dad, I had a Christian mother who prayed for her family. She kept us in church. At an early age, I heard the Gospel and received Christ as Savior. Most of my life on this earth has been spent for Jesus.
Shortly after I was married, my wife and I started attending a church where the Pastor preached the truth in a way I had not experienced. My early church background was one of very little doctrinal teaching. There was confusion over eternal life and the end times. I grew up believing in a general resurrection and judgment along with a lack of understanding in many of the basic doctrines.
After we started attending my home church, the preacher preached to us truth week after week. I was so excited over what I was hearing. It was because of this heritage, I surrendered to God to preach. I went to Bible College and soon started pastoring my first church.
Through the years of ministry, I have been blessed to be with some of God's choicest servants. My children have been under the best preaching available in our generation. We have seen the power of God move in ways that most only read about. All in all, I have a goodly heritage.
I have seen his power, experienced his grace, enjoyed his presence, adored his holiness, marveled at his working, and fellowshipped with some greats saints, both still living and some already in glory. All in all, I have a goodly heritage.
I have had the joy of being called pastor, the blessing of seeing thousands saved, the opportunity to travel the world and preach the Gospel, satisfaction of watching all my children trust Christ and serve him with their talents, and celebrate over 34 years of marriage to a virtuous woman who has stood by me year after year. All in all, I have a goodly heritage.
Your story is different from mine. Your experiences do not resemble mine. You may not have preached and traveled. You may not have the joy of watching hundreds respond to a message of hope. But if you are saved; if you belong to a good church; if you have a true man of God; if your household is saved; if you have a roof over your head; if you have clothes on your back; if you have food to eat; if you have the blessed hope of His soon return: then you must agree with me: "You have a goodly heritage."
God help us not to complain about what we don't have. Lord help us to not get critical of others because of envy. Instead, let's just thank God he saved us and let us be a part of the family of God. That my friend, is a "goodly heritage."
Written By: David Harrison
January 29, 2008
Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
The greatest book ever written is the Bible. God used 40 different men, over a period of 1500 years to write 66 books and they all agree and testify to the marvelous plan of God.
It is this book, the Bible, that is the source of our faith. In today's religious world, some teach that faith can be imparted through the laying on of hands, or the sharing of a common object like a hanker-chief. By receiving the object or the person, you receive faith even their faith. It all sounds good but sadly it is deceiving many. Faith does not comes through a man's hands or a bottle of water from Israel. Faith comes through the Word of God.
Faith is not some invisible ethereal inanimate object but on the contrary. Faith is the "substance" of things hoped for and the "evidence " of things not seen. Words like substance and evidence does not speak of an invisible, mystical faith. It is instead based upon facts. The Word of God is a Book of Facts. The truth of the Word of God is our source of Faith. As we read and study the Word, our faith is established and strengthened. Without it, our faith will suffer and even die.
How does one get more faith? Stand in line at a miracle service? No! Does he send in a love gift and receive back his object of faith? No! For faith to abound, the Word of God must be planted within our souls. We take God at His Word. It is it Word that grows our faith. It is his Word that instructs us and matures us. Faith without the Word is no faith at all. We are not believing in something or someone invisible and mystical, but we put faith in the Son of God who came to this world to redeem for himself a bride. He was crucified, buried, and on the third day, he rose from the grave victorious over death and the grave. Best of all, one day he is coming again to receive us unto Himself! That is a fact! That is the Truth! You can count on it to happen.
Get busy today in the Word. Get busy sharing the Word. Start living the Word. Let the Word mold you into His image. The Word of God is powerful, and quick which means it is alive! What a Book! What a God!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 30, 2008
Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
Though out history, there have always been men who have stood for causes and issues. Some men have even given their lives for things they considered important and of great value to them and their future heirs.
In every case, these men have stood between the powerful and the weak, the rich and the poor, to create an opportunity for fairness and equality. These men have been recorded in history as heroes, statesmen, and men of valor and courage. We celebrate their birthdays, study their lives, and teach our children of their accomplishments.
In the world of the Bible, God has always had men who have stood for him to speak to the people. These prophets and preachers have proclaimed God, his Word, and his will to generation after generation. Through their labor, every generation has been given opportunity to know God and to develop a relationship with Him.
Here God brings up a different kind of man. We call this man an intercessor. This is someone to stand before God to prevent God's judgment upon a particular people. This man has to first have an unusual relationship with God. God must trust him and believe that this man's words are true. This man also has to have a love for the people he intercedes for. He has to understand that without his intercession, God's judgment will surely fall upon them. He in essence becomes their last hope. This man last of all, has to be willing to put himself in harm's way just to intercede for his people. He understands that his position is serious and he alone must be willing to die for this cause. He loves his people even to his own death.
Now, most of us will never face that kind of drastic situation. Yet all of us should be willing to stand in the gap for our children, families, neighbors, and community. We who know God in a personal way, understand that the world without God is without hope. Therefore their only hope is for God to extend mercy and therefore the intercessor never gives up on his cause.
God is looking for someone to stand in the gap. As a Christian, we are to be intercessors. We are to stand in the gap for our families, neighbors and friends. Their future is literally in our hands. Whether or not they hear the Word is up to us. Do we really care enough to stand? Will you be the someone who goes? Will you be the someone who gives? Will you be the someone God can depend on to stand in the gap so as the judgment of God is removed? By the grace of God you must be willing to stand in the gap. Our future and the future of our children depend upon us and whether or not we will stand.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
January 31, 2008
Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches..."
God uses this phrase seven times in Chapters 2 and 3 in the Book of Revelation. At the end of each message to the seven churches of Asia, God gives the challenge to the hearers to "hear what the Spirit says."
Some say today that we need more preaching. In some cases, this may be true. There surely is a lot that is being put forth that is untrue. But more truthful preaching as good as it sounds, is not the answer. The problem is in the hearing. Truth does no good until it is believed and received.
James described a different situation. He declares the importance of being not just hearers, but doers of the word. It is true that we need to take what we hear and put it to practice. But that is not the issue in Revelation. The problem is with the hearing. He that hath ears, let him hear.
Paul warned that in the last days, men would "hear, but not hear, see, but not see." We have thousands of people who sit weekly in services and hear someone declare truth, but they never really "hear" them. Have you ever talked to someone and know that they audibly heard you, but they for some reason or another was not paying attention. When asked about what you said, they cannot answer.
God wants us to listen to the Spirit. We should develop the habit of becoming so sensitive to His voice, that when He speaks, we focus on him and him alone. We have for so long been distracted by other voices in this world, that we can easily miss His voice.
How long has it been since you have heard the voice of God? I don't mean a thunderous voice from the sky but like Elijah when he heard that "still small voice."
Jesus said my "sheep hear my voice and they follow me." Can you recognize His voice? Do not miss what He is saying. How we need to hear Him in this day of confusion. With so much uncertainty, we need to have clear directions and that can only come from God. Practice on listening to God. Begin to tune out other voices. Focus in on Him, His will, and His purpose. He has your best interest in mind.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison