Weekly Messages | Signal Hill Foundation

A WORD FROM THE WORD WEEKLY MESSAGES

(listed by the most recent message)

April, Week #3

The Law Of Giving And Receiving

Jesus said:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38, NIV).

Here again is a universal law. The businessman who gives good product or service will receive profit. The entertainer who gives good performances will usually see another engagement. The mother that gives the second-mile love to her children will probably be blessed by her grandchildren. There are exceptions but the principle usually holds true. On the other hand, if you are greedy, stingy, and selfish you will have only what you can keep temporarily – sometimes less!

When you get God’s word on your heart and become a person who believes in His provision and you begin giving as unto Him – you trigger the law of giving and receiving. He opens the windows of heaven to you. Notice also how He incorporates the law of attraction and return here as well: “…shall men give unto your bosom” (KJV), or “…will be poured into your lap” (NIV).

I take you again to the Old Testament and to the prophet Malachi as God speaks through him to the people of Israel.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse – the whole nation of you – because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:8-10, NIV).

God honors giving, especially in the sense that it is connected to faith. Jesus told the disciples that the little old lady who gave just a few coins would live on in honor because she gave all she had. The implication was that she gave by faith from her heart.

I have always marveled at the down-and-outer, the person who can’t make ends meet, the one always behind in payments, the bankrupt person. There have been many beggars through the years who have come to me personally or to our church door for a handout. In questioning them a little, I have discovered that in nearly every single case, they had not been giving. They had violated one of God’s most basic laws – the law of giving.

One of my favorite Old Testament promises goes as follows,

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”[1]

Jesus said:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

You must have your priorities straight if you want the full blessing of God. But try this law. Prove God with it!

“Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:8-10, NIV).

May the Lord who loves you pour out His greatest blessings upon you.

Jerry

[1]Psalm 37:23-26

April, Week #2

The Power Of Positive Word Dynamics

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NKJV).

The true Christian believer has many power words or expressions in his or her arsenal to use toward others. Let me give you three; the power to love, the power to bless, and the power to forgive.

Again, Jesus put it this way,

“But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:27,35, NKJV).

Paul reiterated what Jesus said,

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not” (Romans 12:14, NKJV).

First, we have the power to express words of love instead of hate. Genuine words of love are powerful instruments for change and affect.

Secondly, we have the power to bless. It is not just a catch phrase either. As believers we can actually speak blessing upon someone else or curse upon someone else. Our ability to bless and curse is real and powerful. Jesus and Paul understood this power. It is the reason they both said to bless and curse not. We have a positive word dynamic working when we gain enough confidence to speak blessing upon someone. Learn to bless with your words of compliment, encouragement, and love expressions. You will be surprised at the positive response.

Thirdly, we have the power to forgive. “I forgive you” is a positive word dynamic statement and carries great weight with God. Remember that in Mark, chapter eleven, Jesus said that we could move mountains if we truly believed, spoke to the situation, doubted not, and forgave. Forgiveness is an element for moving mountains in more ways than one.

We can hold ourselves and others hostage with unforgiveness or we can release power with forgiveness. Forgiveness means letting it go and is most honored by God. Forgive whether you feel like it or not and see the power that is released. Forgiveness is a positive word dynamic available for the believer to use for great results.

Believers have power in the spoken word. Try operating in these three word dynamics and observe the results. You will, in turn, be blessed. Jesus said that “your reward will be great.”

Have a powerful word day,

Jerry

April, Week #1

The Importance of Reaffirming The Resurrection

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

If there was one thing that could immediately deflate the truth and importance of Christianity it would be the absence of the resurrection of Jesus. Without His resurrection, Christianity becomes like all the other empty religions of the world. Christ’s resurrection is essential and unique. We should never forget this and always rejoice in it – every day! No other “religion” has what we have in this regard.

For even Paul emphasizes in this chapter that without the resurrection we have NO HOPE. And our efforts are empty and done in vain – worthless.

But, according to evidence, that would stand up in a strict court of law, along with tons of eye-witness accounts, the resurrection of Jesus prevails as a real and true event in history.

Therefore, we have hope for the future. And it is a personal hope as Paul points out. Christ was raised first to provide a resurrection for those who have died in Christ. He even emphasizes this by the translation of “asleep.” You see this terminology elsewhere in Scripture. Because, for the true believer, we are not dead in the sense of decay toward non-existence. We are “temporarily laid down.” The Scriptures say that one day God will command our parts, maybe genetic structure, cells, or whatever, to re-constitute. He will then give a command, like He did for dead Lazrus, and our glorified bodies will be raised up.

The word, resurrection, is made up of two Greek words, ana and stasis (anastasis). Ana means up and stasis means to stand. God, in His marvelous power, according to the clear word of Scripture and by faith, will cause the believer to “stand up.” You as a believer, have this hope.

So, it is vitally important that we see and believe in the resurrection of Jesus. He and His resurrection provide the hope and the future power for us being able to stand again. Without this hope, we have nothing but an untrue and deceptive fantasy. With this hope we have a foundation for living – regardless of what may come our way.

Every day, remember the resurrection of Jesus which gives us future hope. Thank Him and praise Him. What a privilege!

Jerry

March, Week #4

Unblocking The Life Flow

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25,26, NKJV).

One reason we are told not to sin is because sin puts guilt upon our heart that leads to unforgiveness toward ourselves. Whether against someone else or ourselves, unforgiveness blocks a clear reception. In the field of mental health it is being constantly assessed that resentment, condemnation of others, remorse, and hostility are behind a host of maladies ranging from arthritis to cardiac disease. One doctor has listed 51 diseases that result from these emotions.

Jesus gives a conditional statement in Mark 11:25-26 pronounced in the text by the little word “if.” If you forgive, the Father will forgive you. If you do not forgive, the Father will not forgive you. Apparently life is to flow from our heart. Doubt caused by fear, vain imaginations, lust, and unforgiveness, blocks the flow. Only God can forgive sin. Sin blocks the life flow in whatever form it takes. If you don’t get God’s forgiveness the divine cycle of life is blocked. It is in this life-word in your heart that we find the power for supernatural living.

But most people do not have supernatural power, even answered prayer, because they continue with the life flow blocked. They pray and pray but see little, if any, results.

Jesus told the disciples that some miracles would not happen in their life except through prayer and fasting. Why prayer and fasting? Because there was a short in the divine circuit.

If one electrical leg of a house current is all you hold, you will know little difference. But pick up the other leg allowing the flow to continue and your body will instantly acknowledge the power. There must be a complete and clear circuit in our heart area too.

The “if” in Mark 11:25, 26 (“if you do not forgive”) is a very big word. It may, in fact, be bigger than faith, because faith cannot respond on heart soil covered in unforgiveness.

But when you forgive and God forgives, the heart is made ready to be impressed with your desire. Confidence is built. Faith has something with which to work. The vision is not impaired. You see it before you see it. You abide in His word. His word abides in you. You ask what you will and it is done unto you to the joy and glory of the Father!

It is to our own benefit to operate in forgiveness.

Jerry

March, Week #3

The Spoken Word – God’s Power Tool

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer”

(Psalm 19:14).

I like power tools – most guys do. They sure make projects go a lot faster, easier, and with more accuracy for the most part. Those who use an electric power saw usually don’t want to go back to the old fashioned hand saw.

The spoken word is like a power tool. And like power equipment of most any type, we can get hurt by them, hurt others, or we can create benefit. The use of words should be a skill we develop for accomplishing great good. Instead we often make a mess. Just because a guy has a shop full of power tools does not mean that he can make a prize-winning cabinet. One must learn how to use the tools with safety and precision. Plans have to be followed from the raw cuts to the assembly and to the fine finish. We should all seek to be word craftsmen with the goal of superior craftsmanship, creating quality works.

I am well aware of the importance of words. I have spoken to audiences nearly every week for over thirty years – over 5,000 different audiences. Sometimes I feel like I communicated and built a worthy message with a fine finish. Most of the time I feel like I crafted a Little Rascal’s clubhouse out of apple crates that could topple over with the slightest gust of wind.

This is why, for years, on Sunday mornings, I would go in early before anyone else arrived at our church, kneel at the pulpit steps and pray the prayer of David in Psalm 19:14:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”

I know how vulnerable I am. I know how deceptive my own heart can be. I want God to guard my heart lest I speak from the pulpit or even to someone walking down the hallway with harmful or unnecessary words. A slip of the tongue has done great damage. History has proven this. But I also want to use the power of my tongue to bless and build up. So I pray for God’s help.

What was God’s primary power tool for crafting the earth, the universe, and all the multitude of creatures? What was the primary power tool of Jesus? What did He use to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead? You guessed it – His spoken word.

The spoken word is God’s great gift to us all. How we use it is up to us. It is a power tool. The problem is like the guy who has a shop full of power tools but doesn’t have electricity to the shop. Or the guy who never uses his tools. Or the guy who uses dull tools. Or the guy who never learns how to use them. Or the guy who uses them to create harmful and hurtful objects.

The Scriptures are clear in this respect.

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done’” (Matthew 21:21, NKJV).

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37, NKJV).

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10).

Each of these verses tell us plainly that we have a power tool: “if you say to this mountain” “for by your words,” “if you confess with your mouth.” This power tool is so powerful that it can move mountains and justify us before the court of God.

Let us remember to use our God-given power tool to bless, build up, and create good. You have power in your tongue. Use it today for God’s glory and the benefit of yourself and others.

Jerry

March, Week #2

The Importance Of Harmony

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

God is orderly. He has designed things to function in an orderly fashion. His whole creation functions in timing and order from the smallest atom and molecule to the spin of the largest planet. If anything seems to be in disarray, it is only because we don’t see the whole picture. He is a God of order.

This holds true in relation to our physical bodies, our minds, and our hearts. If we allow our physical bodies to get out of “balance” we will get overweight, unhealthy, and sick. If we allow our minds to get out of balance we will make bad decisions and foolish mistakes, encounter depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness. If our heart is out of balance we will not hear God or be able to respond to His word that He wants to give to us.

One of the things that I have fought to sustain in the churches that I have pastored has been a harmonious fellowship. It takes some doing but it can be accomplished and is so very important. Church harmony doesn’t mean that everyone sees eye to eye mentally, politically, socially, or even theologically. But it does mean that there is oneness and harmony of Spirit. A quarreling, fussing, self-centered, back-biting church fellowship is out of harmony with God. God is not the author of confusion or disorder. As such, I would think that He would hesitate to give forth much of His will and word to a congregation in such disarray.

Much phenomena of nature depends upon ordered motion. It is another example of the concept of harmony or agreement. Certain rates of motion give us sound, temperature, expansion, solid, liquid, or gas. Every motion is a movement of something, in some direction, at some rate of speed. For instance, it is the rate of motion of matter that determines the audibility and then pitch of sound. It is the rate of the motion of the bullet that determines the force of its blow. The harmonious motion of our very life produces health, success, and blessing.

God is the creator, organizer, and sustainer of proper life vibrations of harmonious motion. Maybe this is why Paul wrote of Jesus:

“And he is before all things and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17).

Possibly, this is why the Scripture says,

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, NIV).

When our hearts are merry we move in synchronization with God, others, and especially our self. When we are out of synchronization, we are out of harmony. Our life is disordered. When we live a positive, thankful life, we harmonize. Singing, praising, and giving thanks to God are important tools for putting one in harmony with God and with one’s self.

Recent medical and scientific studies have shown that people who live in ordered family units and attend church tend to be healthier and live longer with fewer diseases and sickness. Maybe it is because there is a certain degree of harmony in their lifestyle.

Many people respond with wonder and amazement at coincidences. Was it just a coincidence? The word means that something occurred at the same time (coincided). The dictionary goes on to say, “taking up the same position in space at the same time. Being in exact agreement….”

What we consider a coincidence may oftentimes be the result of harmony between our word and God’s word regarding a given matter. The wonderful result we want to see from prayer is the fruit of coincidence; the coinciding of our word and God’s word on our heart in harmony and agreement.

Walk in harmony with God and His Word today and be blessed.

Jerry

March, Week #1

Being Fruitful

“As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me….for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5, NKJV).

The relationship of the believer to God is to be an effortless relationship that produces fruit. Religion is based on effort to produce works. Relationship is based upon abiding. Am I trying to live the Christian life in my own feeble flesh efforts or am I abiding? I like the way a pastor friend of mine put it. He said that we need to be restfully available to be instantly obedient.

Fruit trees do not strain and groan to produce fruit – they just abide and let their roots draw up the essential elements that cause the fruit to come forth. They naturally bear fruit for that is what they were made to do.

I planted an orchard once. Never once did I go out into that orchard to observe a stressed out group of growing trees. Never once did I have to put my arm around one to give comfort because they were depressed. Never once did I awaken and listen out my window to hear them groaning and moaning trying to produce fruit. Never once did I hear a fearful cry of worry over fruit. It just came naturally and, seemingly, effortlessly. The little invisible cells were working behind the scenes but there was no outward stress.

God works behind the scenes in our lives to produce the fruit. Our job is to “abide in Him.” This always results in growth first of all. Then there is fruit bearing – always – it is a law of the divine horticulturist.

A witness tract uses the acrostic for GROWTH as follows:

G – Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7).

R – Read God’s Word daily (Acts17:11); begin with the Gospel of John.

O – Obey God moment by moment (John 14:21).

W – Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19; John 15:8).

T – Trust God for every detail of your life (1Peter 5:7).

H – Holy Spirit – allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 5:16,17; Acts 1:8).

Today, seek to be restfully available to be instantly obedient. Blessings on you,

Jerry

February, Week #5

Eternally Purposed

“…who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…” (2 Timothy 1:9, NKJV).

As a child of God, the believer is uniquely related to the purposes of God. Some aspects of this purposed position are exclusively of God’s doing. Other aspects require that the believer participate with God for the fulfillment of His plan and purpose. When we are saved we are cast into the flowing water of God’s great plan and purpose. This does not mean that we will fulfill our part in the responsibility of accomplishment.

Though the believer is privileged in position he may come up deficient in all that the position affords or offers. He has potential but not necessarily the final product.

If believers have privilege then disciples have even more exclusive privilege. Jesus provided much more for His disciples than He did for the masses. His promises were far greater for those who followed Him and were obedient to His commands. In fact, He pointed out in John 15:7-8, that there was a more generous response to those disciples who abided in Him and His words in them. They could ask what they would and it would be granted to them of the Father. He was practically providing a blank check to them because of their privileged position.

God is a God of purpose. By His grace He calls us to His “own” purpose. The privilege of the believer and disciple is not his own doing. It is not of his or her “works.” Rather, in the sovereign grace of God we are positioned for His purpose.

One of the great deficiencies of many of us is that we lack purpose or a clear understanding of our purpose in this life. Here it says that we are definitely purposed in the grace of God. In other words, your life has meaning. You are here for a reason. You are purposed.

There is general purpose and specific purpose. To come to an understanding of your purposed position in Christ, generally, will give you confidence and assurance. To understand your more specific purpose (and that is confidently between you and God) will give your life an exuberance, joy, and deep satisfaction. Just know that, according to this text, God had you “purposefully” in mind “before time began! You have been “bought with a price,” and purposed in the plan of God. You are important – you are purposed!

Have a blessed day,

Jerry

February, Week #4

Blessed To Be A Blessing

“I will make you a great nation: I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (God’s covenant with Abraham, Genesis 12:2,3).

Five times in two short verses we have the root word for “bless” listed; bless, blessing, bless, bless, blessed. To me this helps answer the question of “why” and speaks of purpose. It helps answer the question about “possessing” the Promise Land. It helps answer the question of purpose for the believer.

But, first, there is the element of sovereignty mixed with grace – “I will bless you.” Without God’s initial approach in our life and His bestowal of blessing on us we surely cannot be a blessing to others.

Then, it seems, that one purpose of God’s blessing on us is that we might channel that God blessing to others; “and you shall be a blessing.”

Abraham was also to be a pivotal point of blessing; a “lightning rod,” if you will. How people responded to him (God’s grace and blessing in him) would determine their own blessing or curse. In other words, God’s blessing in and on Abraham was dynamically effective with those of his world.

Lastly, Abraham’s blessing was to be a perpetuating blessing; continuing on in families throughout the whole earth.

Now, how does this relate to believers today?

First, Paul tells us that we are connected to the “blessing of Abraham” (Galatians 3:14) by means of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we can, like Abraham, only receive this blessing position by grace and faith from the sovereign God.

Thirdly, it provides a continuation of blessing to others. We are to be “salt” and “light.” We are to “serve” and minister to others. We are to love and give. We are purposed to be a blessing!

But then there is the “lightning rod” aspect. Does our life and witness affect others? Do we make a difference? Do people’s eternal destiny have anything to do with us or how we live? In many ways – yes. If the grace blessing of God and Abraham resides in us then people are not just accepting or rejecting us. They are responding to the grace blessing of God. They are not cursing you or rejecting you. They are rejecting and cursing God in you! Therefore, let us consider our position, our purpose, and our power in responsible living. We, as witnesses, are to make a difference in our world. The only thing the world may see of God may be in us!

If you are a true believer in Jesus then you are connected to the promise or covenant of God through Abraham. In that position we have great privilege but we also have great responsibility. Let us live like “purposed” children of God. We have entered the Promised Land, not only for possession but for purpose.

Blessings on you, in you, and through you!

Jerry

February, Week #3

Yet, I will rejoice…

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

In many ways this attitude expressed by the prophet reminds me of the three Hebrew boys who were defying the command of Nebuchadnezzar and were getting ready to be thrown into the fiery furnace.

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

This is a good attitude for it reflects many things. First, it acknowledges that man is finite and not omniscient. He does not know everything and cannot see around the corner or into the future. Secondly, it confesses a solid and unmovable faith in the God who can see the future. And, is it more important in the school of faith, to “see into the future” or to trust the One who sees into the future for you? Thirdly, this attitude expresses a positive and rested faith that exudes with confidence. There was no frantic wringing of the hands depicted here. There was rest and confidence and peace.

These people of faith did not know the future but they knew the God of the future. They did not know how it would turn out but they trusted in a personal God that would take care of the situation and end result.

In the prophet’s case, there were two aspects to a positive confession. First, He determined, by faith, that he would rejoice in the Lord anyway and regardless. Secondly, he declared, again by faith, that the Lord would come through in victory. The Hebrew boys expressed the same confidence in the outcome and the God who would produce it.

Oh, if we could only build ourselves up to respond in this way. How much better would be our walk of faith. How much better would be our testimony to the world and unbelievers. How much better we would fare in peace and rest.

Let us determine that, though we do not know the future, we will trust in the One who loves us and knows the future. Let us determine that we will not be “hand-wringing” believers but will rest confidently in the Lord. Let us determine that we “will rejoice” regardless of the situation at hand. Let us determine that we will live by a solid consistent faith in the Lord to see us through and to produce the best end result.

Have a blessed day,

Jerry

February, Week #2

PILGRIMS

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13

Seeing yourself as a “stranger and pilgrim” or as another translation states; “sojourners and foreigners” requires a certain attitude. It requires a certain perspective. It requires a certain desire.

Notice also that the end was a “faith” stance. These all died in faith. To die “with” faith is one thing but to die “in” faith, it seems to me, is a much deeper and stronger concept.

These died not having received the promises, at least, in the physical realm. But is it not true that we can “receive” something from the Lord before we actually receive it physically? Are we not admonished by Jesus to “believe that your receive it” before you actually “receive” it. Yes, there is a giving and a receiving in our relationship with God that is in the invisible world; the heart; the Kingdom.

These Pilgrims received the promises or the word from God for them, God then enabled them to have insight and vision to behold them in the invisible world and, thus, they had assurance and confidence that these promises would be fulfilled in due time.

One of the reasons that we struggle is because we are so “outwardly minded.” We tend toward carnality and flesh sight. We tend toward unbelief. Is it any wonder that we fret and fear and doubt. We do not see it inwardly by faith. We are trying to see it outwardly by flesh. Confidence and restfulness cannot come from that position!

The Pilgrim keeps an “eternal perspective.” And this is vitally important. An eternal perspective not only allows us to see into the invisible for confident living but it helps us sort out what is really important from God’s perspective. It helps us maintain a balance in living in the two worlds of flesh and spirit. It helps alleviate the blurring position of temporal and eternal. It helps us prepare for man’s ultimate position of death.

Let us keep this “Pilgrim” mentality as believers in Jesus. It is the most honorable way.

Have a blessed journey, “Pilgrim.”

Jerry

February, Week #1

Possessing What God Has Promised

“And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies” (Gen. 22:17, NKJV)

“But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess’” (Lev. 20:24, NKJV).

“’Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.’” (Deut. 1:21, NKJV).

The fledgling nation of Israel had been given a promise; a promise of receiving a land flowing with milk and honey but inhabited and possessed by others. God had promised this to Abraham in His covenant promise to him in Genesis. He had reiterated it time and again as they began their journey and during the journey. He spoke it through Joshua their commanding general as they contemplated crossing the Jordan River and actually moving into the land. Possession of the land was important.

Possession of the land was not necessarily easy. The land was inhabited by their “enemies” as God called them. These inhabitants were big and powerful; “giants” some called them, and people of war. Yet, God commanded possession – possession of what He had promised. This, of course, required faith and courage. It required implicit trust in the power of God for them. It required believing it was theirs. It required confidence in God’s promise. In many ways, possession was equivalent to believing and receiving, even beforehand.

This relates to believers today. We are called to believe and receive and possess what God has promised to us, especially in the way of salvation and sanctification. But many struggle to go in and really possess salvation and God’s other related promises. They not only struggle to receive it but to maintain it and enjoy it and dominate in it to their blessing and the blessing of others.

The enemy, namely the evil one, has inhabited the land that God has promised to us. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve forfeited over to Satan the title deed to that place and he has been a squatter ever since. And he does not want to give you access to a single promise of God for you. He intimidates, deceives, and blinds people to the promises. In the end there will be a great battle over this very thing. But for now, we are faced with his blockages. Maybe that is why Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians to put on the “whole armor of God” and to do battle.

Know that there are promises to you and for you and that God intends for you to possess them. But know that you must have faith and courage. To possess is first to believe and receive and then it is to act.

What a shame to get to Heaven and realize that we had many promises laid out for us that we never realized because we would not possess them. And we did not possess them because we did not believe and receive them and act in God’s strength. Find out what promises God has given to you and possess them.

Have a blessed day,

Jerry

January, Week #4

God’s Reasoning

“So he humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son so the Lord your God chastens you” (Deuteronomy 8:3-5).

Surely God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. And often we question His reasons for doing or not doing. But here is, in a nutshell, some of the essential basics in the reasonings of our God.

He humbled them and allowed them to hunger and then fed them with a strange heavenly bread. This humbling is often necessary for us to discipline us and get us to “know” certain things. In this case it was that man shall not live for or in the physical only but by means of the spiritual and the “word.” Sometimes we will not see God’s greater principles or manifestations until we get hungry and desperate.

God wanted them to begin evolving into spiritually-minded children. Thus, the main nourishment needed, at least in the mind of God, was the “word.” They were to learn to live by trust in God. They were to learn to live by the power of God’s promises and His word. They were to feed on it daily. They were to make it an integral part of their lives.

They were to learn to “trust” God for their provisions and sustenance. Thus, their shoes and garments lasted in a miraculous way. Their feet did not swell. They were to give testimony to the power of God’s provision.

Then, they were to “know in their hearts” that God loved them and had their best interest in mind. This is why He would “chasten” them. The idea is mentioned again in Paul’s letters and is designed to point out, not the pain of the moment, but the intended production. And back of it all is the picture of a loving, involved, and deeply caring Father.

Do we not sometimes, at the least, wonder about God’s dealings with us? Have we not questioned “why” certain things happened the way they did without making much sense to us?

Just know that on your journey to God’s destination for you, He is likely to allow things or proactively do things that don’t make much sense to us from a logical human reasoning standpoint. Yet, we must know that He is a God of purpose and a God who loves us supremely. Therefore, rest in Him. Trust Him. Prove Him and His word. And keep on the journey. He will help you along the way, especially if you are going His direction to His destination!

Have a blessed day.

Jerry

January, Week #3

The Race Has Begun

“And the Lord said: ‘I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So, I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites’” (Exodus 3:7-8).

Here we look again at the Israelites in Egyptian bondage but getting ready to be let out of the race gates. God has sent Moses to be His mouth piece and to deliver His word to them.

This will prove to be no small task as the Israelites have become entrenched in the bondage lifestyle. Over the years they became satisfied. They had settled for less instead of God’s best. In fact, for the most part, they had forgotten God and His promise to them. Thus, they did not know God or His word or how to trust Him. They had lost their vision. In losing their vision they had lost their hope. In losing their hope they had lost their motivation to go or to do anything more than their accustomed norm.

What would or could change all of this? Here is what is evident from the story.

First, they had to receive a divine word. And because of their dullness and blindness this word would have to be reinforced by mighty signs.

Secondly, they would need a leader; a man of God; a man from God; a man who would give them the word of God.

Thirdly, they would need a new and fresh and clear vision. This vision would instill hope in them. This vision and hope would motivate them to move out.

These principles from the story also speak to us as believers today.

First, it seems that we must constantly be on guard that we do not slip back into some kind of complacency and settling for less than God’s best for our life. Constantly, we must watch that we are not enamored too much with the world around us making us become like them in unbelief or dullness of spirit and mind. Evermore, it seems, that we must guard against an insidious attitude of mediocrity and complacency about the promises of God.

Like the Israelites, we need to constantly be about “the word” which comes from God for us personally. We should be so sensitive to it that we hear it, see it, know it, and obey it in simple faith apart from any fantastic display of signs and wonders.

Then, constantly, let us seek after our leader; the Lord Jesus and the resident Holy Spirit to communicate with us and to guide us. Let us learn to trust them.

For believers today, we have, not only a word, but the “Living Word;” the Lord Jesus. He is our leader who, as the Scripture says, became our “trailblazer” in the pilgrimage of faith. We have his promises which should encourage and motivate us. We have His mighty signs and wonders recorded in the Bible – and especially the resurrection sign.

Therefore, with the author of Hebrews, we ought to concur:

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1,2).

Therefore, let us run and run well.

Have a great day,

Jerry

January, Week #2

Direction

In the last few years I have heard a phrase repeated more than once: “We have lost our moral compass.” The phrase is referring to the fact that we, as a nation, have lost our way; our direction.

The Israelites, for the most part, now for hundreds of years, had lost their identity, their vision, their integrity as God’s chosen people. They had lost sight of who they were in God’s plan. They had lost sight of any other destination or hope. They were confined, oppressed, and without any other compelling vision.

Does God know or care when we lose our way? He not only sees, knows, and cares but He is willing to interject a plan; a refreshed vision, if you will. He is not just a God who sits up high on a throne with resident knowledge of the situation but chooses to intertwine Himself in our affairs, when we allow Him, to give us direction.

He will give them a more detailed directional compass later (the Ten Commandments and the Law), but for now, notice the general approach. He will “come down,” “deliver them out,” and “bring them to.” God had a plan!

Notice also that God mentioned the challenges they would face; all the “ites” that inhabited the land that He had promised. God was pointing the compass exactly and demanding that they trust Him.

Following God’s direction is often challenging to us. It requires obedience in the face of challenges. It requires faith and courage. It requires steadfast trust in our God and in His word.

One such Israelite continued to follow God’s compass in the face of extreme challenges. His name was Joseph. He had given instruction that his bones were to be carried out of Egypt when the people departed in the Exodus. Moses did exactly that according to the Scripture. Here was a man who kept his compass, read it often, and never lost sight of the destination that God had promised to his fathers.

Have we lost our moral compass? Have we forgotten that our God has a plan and purpose for us – as individuals – as a nation – in our family – in our church – even in our business?

In Hebrews 11:13 the Scripture speaks of those who died in faith not having received the promises (destination), but saw them afar off and were assured by them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They held to their compass. They saw where it pointed. They believed God would get them to their destination.

We will observe other aspects of this passage in our next devotional thought. But, for now, be encouraged. Be like Joseph. You are on a journey. Maybe you have not arrived at your appointed destination. But have faith in God. Do not lose sight of His promises. He has the ability and love to come down, deliver you out, give you direction, and bring you to your destination. Pick up the compass you have laid aside, dust it off, get your bearings, and get going. Get going toward God’s destination, your dreams and goals, your purpose.

Have a great journey!

Jerry

January, Week #1

“Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV).

We know that we are not to worry or to be anxious. But it seems that our frame is such that we are prone to be this way. The Old Testament tells us to trust in the Lord. Jesus addressed this issue with more than one analogy, even in His sermon on the mount telling us forthrightly that worry will not add to your life and that the Father will provide. Now Paul tells us the same – don’t be anxious about anything.

It seems that at the start of every new year we are mixed with positive expectation and resolutions or worry, anxiousness, and even fear. To not be anxious about anything is a big demand on most of us. We do want to be responsible and we don’t want to be too lackadaisical and “laid back.” We do want to be focused but not obsessed on anything. So how do we achieve a balanced position in a responsible way?

The Greek word that Paul uses here is merimnáō from mérimna, “a part, as opposed to the whole” – properly, drawn in opposite directions; “divided into parts”; figuratively it means “to go to pieces” because it means to be pulled apart in different directions, like the force exerted by sinful anxiety (worry). Positively, merimnáō is used of effectively distributing concern, in proper relation to the whole picture (cf. 1 Cor 12:25; Phil 2:20). It is an old verb for worry and anxiety – literally, to be divided, distracted. It is more commonly used in this negative sense in the NT.

So how do we properly see the parts to the whole and focus on that which is important, especially for this new year ahead? How do we keep ourselves together?

The common denominator throughout the Bible is the cohesive element of a right relation with God. We who are true believers are His children entertaining certain privileges and able to make requests and give forth thanks. This God with which we relate is all-powerful and the greatest resource. He loves us and wants the very best for us now and in eternity. But, He demands our attention and our focus. Keeping our compass needle pointed toward our loving Heavenly Father is the key common denominator for an anxious-free lifestyle. If we are truly trusting in our personal Lord of all resource and love, we have no need to worry or be anxious. We tend to do so because we grow lax in our relationship, refocus on ourselves or lesser providers, and fail in our faith. We call ourselves “believers,” but in reality we do not always, with consistency, “trust” our Heavenly Father. When this happens we get “anxious” and worry way too much.

Let us all be reminded to truly rest in the Lord, trust in the Lord, focus properly in the Lord, and continually give thanks to Him for His wonderful provision. Give yourself an “anxiety check” today and get back in the trust saddle with your Lord.

Jerry

December, week #5

Hope For The Future

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NKJV).

“Hope” is an important concept. Here God is described as the “God of hope” or the “author of hope” as one commentator mentioned. Here Paul talks about “abounding in hope.” Hope was and continues to be an important concept.

While I was in college, I was required to read Man’s Search For Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl. Dr. Frankl, from the Viennese school of psychotherapy, was the originator of the concept of Logotherapy. He coined the phrase after the Greek word logos, which he interprets as meaning. His therapy involved helping people find meaning in life. He believed that healing could take place if people had a significant reason for living.

Dr. Frankl’s thoughts and therapy have carried weight and held quite a bit of critique through the years because he based his theories on his experience and observations while in the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. He noticed that the ones who survived in his study were not, necessarily, those who were the biggest, healthiest, or strongest physically, but those who had a reason for living; those who carried hope.

The same concept can be applied to us, especially to believers in Jesus. This was Paul’s point as well. In the previous verses he quoted from 2 Samuel, Psalms, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah to point out God’s will and plan for the Gentiles. He was encouraging the believers in Rome to have faith in God. In so doing they had a confident foundation on which to have hope. This foundation was the “God of hope.”

Many people miss the meaning of Bible hope. They may hope this or that, even hoping that they will make it to Heaven. But this is man’s hope and often has no foundation or connecting link of faith. Bible hope has a foundation and a connecting link of faith and a result. The result is “joy and peace” and steadfast confidence. The means is by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Man’s hope is faulty and frail. God’s hope is sure and strong. As we come to the conclusion of this old year and face a new year let us do it in confident hope. And we who are believers have the unique privilege of doing just that because we operate in faith and have a loving Heavenly Father; the “God of hope.”

May the Lord who loves you also bless you mightily in this new year.

Jerry

December, week 4

The God-Man Has Come

“And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God’” (Luke 1:35, NKJV).

Christmas is a special time of year when some of us, at least those who call upon the Lord, recognize it as a celebration of the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ. But if we recognize it as only the birth of the Son of God, we have missed an important element in the whole scene. That, to some, may sound rather sacrilegious. But really it is not.

What I refer to is the important fact that He was born both of God and of woman (man). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit who caused his blood to be pure and holy, untainted by the ravages of Adam’s lineage. But he was born of flesh as well. This was not something that He sought to keep secret. On the contrary, He referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” as much or more so than the “Son of God.”

So what is the significance here? First, it has to do with relational identification. He identified with us by taking on the form of a man. Secondly, it had to do with personal atonement. He had to sacrifice a body, mind, soul, and blood. Had He been totally spirit neither of these could have occurred. “Incarnation” is a theological term that means His spirit form took on a flesh nature.

Now, is this important just for identification and atonement? No. It is important when we think toward the future when the “marriage of the Lamb is come.” Revelation tells us that Christ the Bridegroom will come to retrieve His Bride, the body of universal believers. There will be a wedding feast or supper where Christ will serve us. There will be a return where Christ and His Bride will rule on the earth for one thousand years.

His incarnation was not only important for salvation relationship but for future ruling and reigning relationship. Had He not become the “God-Man” His Bride would have to relate only to spirit. Now we have the privilege of relating to Him at both levels. Thus, we have the richest of relationships because of what He did in being born of man.

Know this Christmas season that it is not just about a babe in Bethlehem but the beginning of a wonderful relationship that is not of our doing but of His great sacrifice. For He humbled Himself and became a man…for you and me. What a gift!

Merry Christmas With God’s Blessings,

Jerry

December, week #3

The Prophecy Of His Coming

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah7:14, NKJV).

One of the greatest confirmations of the reality, validity, inspiration, and authority of the Scripture is the magnitude and accuracy of prophecies or predictions about future events. It has been calculated that there are over 1,800 individual predictions. These prophecies comprise 27 percent of the total number of verses found in the Bible. Over three hundred of these verses in the Old Testament speak prophetically about the first coming of Jesus Christ.

A man by the name of Peter Stoner took 48 of the specific prophecies related to Jesus and calculated the odds for one man fulfilling just these 48 prophecies as 1 in 10¹⁵⁷. The odds for the total number of prophecies being fulfilled as predicted is staggering in numerical terms. The uniqueness of them is found in no other religious or secular writing.

Isaiah recorded God’s statement regarding prophecy,

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them”(Isaiah 42:9, NKJV).

Prophecy is important. The prophecies about Jesus are most important. They are important, if for no other reason, than to give us confidence. Confidence is connected to faith. Faith in God is supremely important.

Know this Christmas season that the “reason for the season” is no accident. It was planned. God, in His grace and mercy, allowed us to have “confidence nuggets” available to be mined all throughout His Word in the form of prophetic statements regarding His coming.

Regardless of what the world promotes, says, or tries to impress upon us, know that there is a definiteness to the incarnation of Christ. He was planned to come. He came. He is coming again. In this we can rejoice every single day.

Have a blessed day!

Jerry

December, week 2

The Deeper Meaning In Giving

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4, NASV).

Every year from Thanksgiving through December there is a great concern and hoopla around gift-giving. The retailers depend upon it. We get caught up in it. Giving is a major theme during this holiday season.

There are those in Christian circles who seek to maintain the “true” meaning of Christmas and try to emphasize the coming of Christ. Churches put forth an effort to counter-balance the secularization of the holiday, at least, here in the United States.

Sharon and I are getting packed to leave for Okinawa, Japan to see our daughter, son-in-law and year-old grandson. Last year when we were there, during the Christmas season, I was stricken with the noticeable absence of any nativity scenes or Biblical Christmas scenes. I saw colored lights and Santas but their religion obviously had drained the culture of Christian Christmas symbolism.

The point is that whether here in the states or over in a “non-Christian” country, we can miss the deeper meaning of gift-giving. Yes, we can miss it here where the emphasis is monumental on gift-giving and be just about as empty as some foreign culture. This was the case in the Scripture scene before us.

Study the Scripture carefully. There one will observe “religion,” and the “giving of gifts.” But notice how the Lord evaluated the situation. First, He was observing those who were giving. Secondly, he was judging the true motive and attitude of those giving. Thirdly, He was evaluating the amount being given.

Jesus was observing all the elements of the event. This may indicate the He, the omniscient God, observes our giving today with the same criteria of evaluation. But if one could summarize the event it might have to do with relationship and religion and the degree or quality of our giving.

Giving is obviously a serious matter with God. But, how we give may be much more important that what we give. So whether it is the giving of our tithes, giving gifts throughout the year, or giving gifts to others for Christmas, let us evaluate our giving and give from the deepest and most noble heart motive. It could very well be that Jesus is watching as we give. And this should not frighten us as if under a judgmental microscope but rather encourage us knowing that our heart motive has not gone unnoticed and will not go unrewarded!

Have a great day,

Jerry

November, week 5

The Peace Of God

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV).

Is the peace of God important? It is extremely important. But oftentimes it is neglected or not seen as important. Sometimes people, including believers, do not realize that it is possibly the most important thing that we need in any situation of life. And when you think about it, what is it that we really need when we are facing life’s final curtain; the peace of God. What is it that we all really yearn for when we are coming to our final breath; the peace of God.

Someone has pointed out that before we can have the peace of God we must have peace with God. We must first come to salvation and a vital relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Then it is possible to have the abiding peace of God.

Like the Philippians, we too can get side-tracked and before we realize it find ourselves anxious about the things of our little world. We may have peace with God but are devoid of the peace of God while we are floundering around trying to satisfy all the demands and concerns coming at us.

Here we have a succinct statement on how to get back in a relaxed relationship with our Lord, our selves, and our world.

First, he says to be anxious about “nothing,” and that does not mean selective worrying or picking and choosing – but NOTHING! Does this mean that we are to go about in an irresponsible manner with no concerns? No, but it does mean that we are to be in such a strong relationship with God that we roll it over on Him and trust Him to bring about a result superior to our efforts.

He says that in “everything,” not some things, or the things we think we cannot handle, but in everything let your requests be known to God. And the crucible in which these requests are made contains prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.

The promise is ours then that the “peace of God” will begin to operate in our lives. And how it functions is important as well. For it “surpasses” all understanding and it guards or umpires our heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

This peace of God is so important that it does not come just by Old Testament word or New Testament word or Apostolic word, or even angelic word but is such a personal and important thing with God the Father that it is said to come through, none other than, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We, who call ourselves “believers” should realize that we are not only privileged to have peace with God through Jesus Christ but we can also have the peace of God through Jesus Christ. What a privilege! And since nothing is more powerful than Jesus it means that we can know a peace in the face of anything that comes against us.

Have a blessed day,

Jerry

November, week 4

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:21-22, NKJV).

“I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:17, NKJV).

Is there a difference between giving thanks and giving thanks to Holy God? It seems so. Is there a difference between giving thanks to Holy God and offering a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” to Holy God? Again, it seems so. We should differentiate between them if we would benefit the most.

I hear people talking about “giving thanks” but to whom is it directed? To me this is the key issue; the direction of your thanks.

And there are those who would give thanks to God in sincerity. This is noble and worthy of note.

But is there a difference in the “sacrifice of thanksgiving”? If so, what is the difference?

It seems that there is a difference and it is encapsulated in the word “sacrifice.” In simple terms, a sacrifice is something we consider of value that we give over to the Lord or to someone to whom we are thankful. And, obviously, the concept was important to the Psalmist in our text for today.

There are many examples of this in the Bible but one that comes to mind is found in the story of Paul and Silas and the Philippian jailer.

“And when they had laid many stripes on them they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:23-25, NKJV).

Here is a great example of a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Paul would reiterate his belief in this approach by writing,

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18,NKJV).

It is one thing to give thanks when you can see the benefit or when you feel grateful. It is quite another thing to give thanks in the midst of pain, discomfort, darkness and evil. But, if we can ever see this principle we will move beyond being an infant in Christ. We will prove maturity and a better standing with our Lord.

This last week I was stricken with reoccurring pains in my body. As usual I did not respond well to this attack and found myself somewhat negative and aggravated. Then on the third night of sleepless discomfort, I remembered a great principle; the “sacrifice” of praise and thanksgiving. Every time a pain would manifest itself I would say, “Thank you, Jesus.” I trust that this is far better than grumbling about it. And I believe that God will reward this kind of response because it is a “sacrifice” to Him.

Note that the very next thing that happened in the story of Paul and Silas was the earthquake and freedom of the prisoners…and the salvation of the jailer and his family! I sense that we can expect a good response from God when we offer, not just thanksgiving but the “sacrifice” of thanksgiving. For, at the root of it is faith and faith pleases God and He rewards those who operate in it.

This “Thanksgiving Season” think about offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord. I believe that He will bless you as a result.

Have a blessed holiday,

Jerry

November, week 3 ~

Sitting Before The Lord

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord…” (2 Samuel 7:18, NKJV)

In the two prior chapters, on two different occasions, it is recorded that David “inquired of the Lord.” The Philistines were coming against him and his people and He was seeking the Lord as to how to approach them. Both times the Lord answered. The verse before us today has David going in and sitting before the Lord to speak to Him again, this time it is for thanksgiving.

There are several great points to be made here.

First, we see that David was depending upon the Lord for serious direction. He sought a word from the Lord and was willing to abide by the Lord’s will and detail.

Secondly, we note that it was a common practice. David appeared very much at ease in going to “sit” before the Lord. Rightly so, for God was His friend and had been his helper facing giants, fighting bears, wrestling lions, and fending off the enemies. It seemed to be a common and unexceptional thing for David to “enquire” of the Lord.

Thirdly, the Lord spoke to David. He spoke directly to David’s heart. He spoke through the sound in the mulberry trees. And, He spoke through the prophet Nathan.

Fourthly, in the verse before us, we have the positioning of David, not to receive any word from the Lord but just to give thanks. He went in and sat before the Lord to give a large and magnanimous monologue of thanksgiving to the Lord. At the end he does ask for the Lord’s continued blessings but the majority of the message is one of thanksgiving.

In all of his failures and short-comings, there is one thing that stands out about David (and maybe this was why he was called “the apple of God’s eye), he loved the Lord and sought after Him for both receiving and for giving.

But some will say, “Yes, but that was David. He was special. He was a part of God’s promises and covenant. He was a king. I could never have such a relationship.” Oh no?

Dear friend, the New Testament tells me that we believers in Jesus are “special.” It tells me that we are a part of the promises and New Covenant of God in the blood of Jesus. It speaks of us as, not only, “kings,” but “priests” and God’s “special treasure.” Not only that, but we have the resident Holy Spirit who communes with us and for us!

Never think that you are less than King David when it comes to relationship with God. Develop your relationship by practicing quiet times of “sitting before the Lord to enquire of Him.” Develop your relationship so that He really is all you need or desire and you can “sit before Him” just to give thanks.

Have a blessed day.

Jerry

November, week 2 ~

An Eternal Perspective

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV)

We are observing and now concluding the “model prayer” of Jesus. It is a framework on which we hang our daily communication. We have observed the position of God; our personal Father; enthroned in heaven; holy in nature. We have observed a creative desire; “Your kingdom come.” We observed a certain attitude we need to express; “Your will be done.” Then it turned to our need for His daily word; “Give us this day our daily bread.” But to receive His word and operate in it we must be clear and receptive – thus, the need for forgiveness. Then we expressed our need for Him in daily challenges, especially against the evil one.

Now we conclude. The last phrase is again a reminder of what is important. And notice that it is not about us! The model prayer begins and ends with an awareness of God; His holiness; His kingdom; His power; His glory; His eternal nature.

Through the years I have made it a practice to often go outside at night and peer at the night sky; the moon; the stars; the vastness of it all. And often I will quote Psalm 8 as I look at the Heavens.

“O Lord, our lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth. Who have set Your glory above the heavens. …When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him?”

I often reflect how small and insignificant the earth is in relation to the stellar heavens. I muse how insignificant man is in light of God’s vast universe. I marvel at His glory and grandeur. Then, my troubles don’t seem so big and I am humbled before our great God. I walk away thanking Him for a significant relationship through Jesus Christ.

The model prayer concludes with us thinking about His kingdom as priority. It concludes with us thinking of His power and ability. It concludes with a reminder of His glory that is above all. It concludes by reminding us that eternal is what is important. We get caught up in the temporal and think that our lives and things related to us are the most important. But not so. That which is of God and the eternal is most important.

I have believed and preached for years that we should journey through life with an “eternal perspective.” In other words, our praying, our daily living, and our future perspective should have an eternal ring to it. We should live in the shadow of the eternal with a holy God perspective. This makes our praying and planning and daily living take on a whole different flavor. And, I think, this is what God is after. Thus, we have the model prayer of Jesus.

Have a blessed day as you think about our great God and His love for you through Jesus.

Jerry

November, week 1 ~

Facing The Challenge Of The Day

We are observing the “model prayer” of Jesus. It is a framework on which we hang our daily communication. We have observed the position of God; our personal Father; enthroned in heaven; holy in nature. We have observed a creative desire; “Your kingdom come.” We observed a certain attitude we need to express; “Your will be done.” Then it turned to our need for His daily word; “Give us this day our daily bread.” But to receive His word and operate in it we must be clear and receptive – thus, the need for forgiveness.

Now we turn to face the challenge of the day – “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

On the surface it might appear that we are praying that God would not “set us up,” or lead us as sheep to the slaughter. But, knowing the love of the Father, one cannot rest on this interpretation alone. It is true that God allows testing and may, on purposeful occasion, test us. But here it seems to me that the focus is not so much on God testing us (the word means to test or to prove) as it is our need for Him in our human vulnerability and weakness. It is a simple daily reminder of our weakness and need for Him.

Secondly, it is a recognition that daily we go forth against enemies; the world, the flesh, the devil. It is a recognition that God is to be our helper and that we cannot face the enemy alone. The focus is upon God’s help and deliverance. We are the most naïve and Biblically illiterate to think that we can do it ourselves; that is, to face each day without God’s help. We have vicious enemies that want to destroy us. Jesus said that the devil came to “steal, kill, and destroy.” I believe Him. Paul told the Ephesian church to “put on the whole armor of God” to fight against the strategies of the devil.

This part of the prayer is just a friendly reminder to dress for the battles of the day. The good part is that we do have a daily deliverer and can call upon Him to deliver us and help us face the enemies that will surely raise their demonic heads against us.

Know that as you face each day you are vulnerable and susceptible to attack. But also know that you have a helper – a savior – a deliverer. This verse helps us tune our compass and establish our bearings. Now go forth in His power.

Have a blessed day,

Jerry

October, week 4 ~

Forgiveness

Now we observe the element of forgiveness. It is a most important element in that it is a prime suspect in most all unanswered prayer and unhappy believers.

Notice that it is “debts” plural. This is not the forgiveness of our SIN nature inherited from Adam. It is SINS; the fruit and not the root. It is the practical daily out-workings of the residue of our sin nature. Jesus atoned for all of our sin and sins. The issue here is one of relationship and fellowship. It is speaking about those pesky little foxes that spoil the vine and create separations between us and our Father and between us and our fellow man.

We must forgive and be forgiven. Not only is it the pinnacle of the Father’s will but it keeps us from receiving. It blocks relationship to and from our Source. We struggle to see and hear and understand that “daily word,” if we are caught up in unsettled debt, either toward God or man. Jesus said, in Mark 11:22-26, that we have power to move mountains if we believe…and if we forgive. We need forgiveness and we need to forgive in order to have power. Unforgiveness short-circuits our relationship with God the Father and our fellow man.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, frees us. It opens the channel of blessing and power with God and man. It allows the heart to be clean and clear in order to receive a word from God. And it is necessary on a daily basis. We get really stifled and clogged up if we fail to let it go.

The Father wants us to be free – really free. Forgiveness is the key. And it is apparently in our power. We can choose to forgive or not forgive. But the wise choice would be to get forgiveness from the Father and operate in forgiveness toward others. In this way we position ourselves for blessing, power, answered prayers, peace of mind, and more. God can speak to us and we can hear when our heart is clear. Forgiveness washes our spiritual receptor clean!

Say, “Father, forgive me for I forgive every person for every offence.”

Choose to live in forgiveness. The Father will bless you.

Jerry

October, week 3 ~

Request Your Daily Bread

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:9-11, NKJV)

Now we notice that the attention turns to our needs; “Give us this day our daily bread.” The literal word order of the Greek text is a little rougher in translation but the word order gives the emphasis. It goes something like this – “The bread of us, the daily, give to us today.” The English puts the emphasis upon our request but the Greek puts it upon the bread. And rightly so.

But is this just common bread made from grain or is it meaning something else? Yes, we as God’s children, have a right to ask the Father for daily food. But, like Jesus said, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” And when the tempter tested Him to turn stones into bread to feed His hunger, He replied, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Again, he proclaimed that He was the “bread” that had come down from Heaven. He was also called the “Word.”

So, it is my opinion that what we have here could be both, a literal appeal for food provision or an appeal for a word from the Father by which we will live for today. I prefer to interpret it as a “word.”

Daily, we are to seek from the Father “our” personal word for the day; our word of sustenance for the day; food for our soul. Too many believers think they can starve themselves from the daily word from the Father during the week then somehow get enough spoon-feeding from the Sunday teacher or preacher to satisfy them. No, no, it is not to work like that. You would not function properly and would probably even die if you only ate food once a week. No, no.

We are to be in such a relationship with the Father that we look to Him, interact with Him, draw from Him our DAILY source of sustenance. And we must come to the place that we see the priority of the word and ask for it, long for it, HUNGER for it.

But the great thing to note is that we CAN ask. It is almost like a right or a demand on the promise of God. As His children we can request a word by which to live every single day. The assumption is that, if we ask in faith, He will give it. Think of it, every day we can get a fresh word from the Father for our lives today, not some stale word, but a fresh word just for us, for this day in which we live. What a privilege!

Ask the Father for you daily word every day. Watch for it. Listen for it. Receive it and be strengthened by it.

God bless you with His Word this day!

Jerry

October, week 2~

Let His Will Be Done

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9,10 NKJV)

When you get right down to it, the whole issue between God and man is the issue of Lordship; who is Lord? Who is in charge? Who is the god of my life?

This is so much an issue that we first take note of it in the garden of Eden. It was a battleground for “who’s the boss”! You know the story; man wanted to be his own god in first priority and booted the Creator God to second place. You see this struggle all through the Bible right up to the very end. It was such an issue that Jesus said, “If any man will come after me let him take up his cross daily and follow me.” There was something that had to be put to death; man’s desire to be first above God.

But by the redemptive love of Jesus and grace of God, we have a tool to help us in this matter. It is here stated and should be used daily. It is in the same category as “dying to yourself daily,” “take up your cross daily,” etc. Our flesh cannot be left to itself or it will manifest itself in first place on a daily basis. It must be curbed daily.

So, here is the tool. By expressing the Father’s holiness position, our stated desire for His Kingdom to come, and now, our stated desire for His will to be done, we are speaking a word by faith. As such it resonates in the unseen world, heard by devil and helpers, but also by the ears of our very soul. It is a statement of faith desire. Used daily it conditions us and our soul. It commands our heart. It focuses upon what is ultimately important. It expresses submission and humility to the Father.

And how is His will done in heaven? Immediately – completely – joyfully – obediently! This is how it is to be done on earth. And we are expressing our desire for the same.

This statement expressed by us as a prayer helps curb our appetite to run off and play god during the day. It helps focus our priorities. It proclaims daily that God is God and we are not. It keeps us in line from making costly mistakes like Adam and Eve and multitudes to follow.

I tend to think that when we condition ourselves to desire to do the will of the Father that He is pleased. When He is pleased good things happen. It is the same type attitude as “seek first the kingdom of God and ALL THESE OTHER THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”

When my children or grandchildren desire to do what I want to do I find myself desiring to do what they want to do – and more! It is the same way with our Father. Take note if you want to be blessed.

Have a blessed day as you condition yourself to desire the will of your Father.

Jerry

October, week 1~

Let His Kingdom Come

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.” (Matthew 6:9,10 NKJV)

The literal Greek says it this way, “Let it come, the kingdom of thee.”

This is one of three “let it be” statements starting off the Lord’s model prayer. The first is “let it (thy name) be holy.” The second is this one and the third is “let it come about, the will of thee.”

These remind us of the Father’s work in creation. Out of His desire and thought came the “Let there be” phrases of creation; “Let there be light,” etc. “Let your kingdom come” should also be our thought, desire, and creative statement.

But what is meant by the “kingdom”? Our first thought is usually that it refers to His kingdom that is coming upon the earth or the “millennial” kingdom of one thousand years as predicted in the Bible. But there was another aspect of the kingdom that Jesus mentioned, often referred to, and operated in every day of His life. It is the present “realm” of His kingdom. He said to a group of religious leaders, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke17:20,21 NKJV).

This present kingdom is something that we have access to and allow or disallow. In one sense this prayer of ours is giving permission for the “realm” to be opened unto us; “Let your kingdom come.” Everyday let us command our mind and soul to open up to the kingdom. We not only acknowledge it but we receive it, open up to it, receive from it. Rightly understood, this kingdom is our source place. Out of it God gives us our daily word. Out of it comes our sustenance.

Do not neglect this realm as did the religious leaders of Jesus’ day but open up to it and receive from it. God has many wonderful things for you that reside in His “realm” or His kingdom. It is a place where He is Lord and ruler and is able to bestow great gifts upon you – but only when you acknowledge His place and power and give permission for the kingdom’s doors to be opened.

Yes Lord, I want what you have ready to give to me from your kingdom. Let your kingdom come – especially in my life today!

Have a blessed day!

Jerry

September, week 4 ~

Our Father In Heaven

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV)

Our relationship to God is most important to say the least. It was the key element with Jesus. It was the secret to His power and His earthly ministry. It will be our secret key as well. In this case, it is not what you know but who you know!

The first element in this verse, which is the first sentence in the model prayer as presented by Jesus on “How To Pray,” is “Our Father.” The personal pronoun “Our” tells us that this is not a distant and foreign relationship. It is a warm relationship; a personal relationship. The word “Father” emphasizes this even more. He is your personal Father.

Secondly, we see His position. In our praying we should envision Him enthroned and in heaven in all of His glory.

Isaiah wrote: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1).

The third element in this verse has to do with recognizing and acknowledging His name as holy. And “holy” means “set apart,” “different,” “extra special.”

Focus is important when one goes to pray. To set our focus we should envision God as our Father enthroned in heaven’s glory. We should address Him as our Father. We should acknowledge him as holy. In so doing we are setting the tone for everything that follows in our prayer.

As a believer in Jesus we are connected in personal relationship to our heavenly Father, creator of all things and the source of all things. See Him as your personal Father. Build the relationship. The results will be wonderful. For as a good Father, He will give you good things. Jesus said so (Matthew 7:11).

Have a blessed day knowing that you have a Holy Heavenly Father that loves you much.

Jerry

September, week 3

Stop Fearing!

“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27, NKJV).

This is the statement Jesus made to the frightened disciples as He walked to them on the stormy sea. It is also a good and important statement to any of us in any age as we attempt to navigate the storms of life.

There are three important elements in this one statement. We should observe each one carefully.

The first, “Be of good cheer,” has the word “cheer” which is also translated “courage” or “confidence.” This is stated first because this is the goal of the moment; the will of the Father.

The second phrase;”It is I,” is made up of two distinct Greek words very simply translated, “I am.” Now, where have we heard this before? The first was at the burning bush of Moses when God told him that His name was “I Am.” The second time was when Jesus infuriated the Pharisees by referring to Himself as “I Am.” And here it is again in a crisis situation. It must be important!

Jesus was saying, “You can be encouraged because I Am is here; the indefinable God that loves you is here. I can take care of this puny crisis because I Am.”

The third part is more like a command; “Stop fearing.”

So here we have the will of God – “Be encouraged.” We have the present power of God – “I Am.” And we have the command of God – “Stop fearing.”

This is still a good and pertinent formula for any of us in any generation and in any storm of life. Daily let us be encouraged, recognizing God’s power and presence and not allowing fear to sabotage us.

Have a blessed, cheerful, and fearless day.

Jerry

September, week 2

Do Not Worry

“Therefore, I say to you; do not worry about your life….” Matthew 6:25

Three times in ten verses of Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus concludes: “Therefore, do not worry.” Obviously, he knew that it was a human inclination and a common problem. In these few verses he gives one illustration after another to persuade us not to worry.

The word that Jesus uses here is from a Greek word meaning to draw or pull in different directions. Thus, it pictures a frantic, anxious person. It is also translated “anxious.”

I heard Johnny Cash once say that “Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it just doesn’t get you anywhere.”

But worry or anxiousness is much more insidious than this. For it strikes at doubt and distrust of God our Father. And wasn’t this what the devil sought to implant in Adam and Eve; a distrust of God?

It strikes at the very core of our foundational faith relationship with our Heavenly father. That is why Jesus, in this passage, would give the mild rebuke, “O you of little faith” (6:30).

Thus, Jesus gives one supportive response after another to say to us, “You can trust God. He will provide for you.”

Stop letting worry, anxiousness, and worldly distractions pull you back and forth in your relationship with God. To worry short-circuits faith and negates the power and privileges that are rightfully ours as a child of God.

He knows what you need even before you ask Him. He is aware of your concerns. He loves you and will give good things to you. If you catch yourself worrying, stop it! Refocus and begin to trust Him and rest in Him. Free His power and blessings for your life.

Have a blessed and worry free day!

Jerry

September Week #1

”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”

(Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)

The “Substance” Of Faith

Never let anyone lead you to believe that you must operate from the darkness to use faith. Never let anyone implant the false teaching in you that you must “take a blind leap of faith.” Jesus never took a blind leap of faith and neither should you.

Faith has a “substance” about it for things future (hoped for) and for the invisible (not seen). But few seem to understand this “substance” concept of faith.

Time will not allow it here, but just know that this substance can be seen and visualized. Notice that all the folks mentioned in Hebrews 11 “saw” into a realm that gave them confidence, hope, endurance, perseverance and victory.

But some will argue that there is also a list of those who seemingly did not get the result of faith in a positive way. But this is physical, outward, and fleshly sight. Faith sight sees into another world – the Kingdom of God world. And there it is as it should be and as it really will be.

The substance of faith is primarily the Word as observed in the Kingdom of God. And if we can see clearly into this Kingdom by right relation with God and clarity of heart, we can see His Word. Then we appropriate that Word and act upon it and see results (whether in this world or in the Kingdom world) and this is the action of faith.

So faith always has substance. It may be our day-dreams, wishful thinking, fleshly desires or – it can be God’s Word from the Kingdom on our heart giving us eternal substance on which to act!

Jesus said that it only took a tiny speck of faith to move mountains. The important issue was the Word from the Father as observed in the Kingdom of God. Once we see the Father’s word clearly then we can act with faith, confidence, and assurance. This is the way of faith for the believer and it is available for you.

Know that God is for you and desires to reveal His word and will to you. He has given Jesus that you can be born again. He has given His written word that you can know much about Him and His will. He has given you the Holy Spirit to interpret His word and will to you. He wants you to know so that you never have to take a “blind leap.”

God has a word for you. Ask, seek, knock, work until you see it and hear it and understand it and then it is just a short distance to the result from only a tiny speck of faith.

Dear friend, know that God loves you and considers you His special treasure. Have a blessed day.

Jerry

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Be Single-Minded – James 1:5-8

Your heart receives and gives. If the signal is not clear you are not going to get clear reception. And why is this important? Because what is impressed upon the heart in clarity, harmony, and oneness is what is expressed. In other words, you are not going to have mountain-moving requests answered if you don’t have a clear, communicative heart. Things simply won’t happen because they can’t happen. Your heart will be cloudy, foggy and subject to doubts.

James, the half brother of Jesus, and a one-time skeptic of Jesus, later came to write something very important regarding answers to prayer. Notice what he says about faith and being double-minded:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:5-8, NIV, bold emphasis mine

The Greek word that James uses here for double-minded is dipsuchos, which means, two psyches, two minds or a divided mind. The divided mind concept makes sense if one simply understands that there are two aspects to the mind; the conscious mind I call the head and the subconscious the Bible calls the heart. If there is disagreement between your head and your heart, faith cannot operate. Doubt from your logical thinking head will toss your heart impression back and forth.

If we are going to move mountains and achieve our desires, we will do it when harmony comes between our head and our heart. Our head and our heart must be in agreement. If our head is saying to our heart that it will never happen – it is impossible – it can’t happen – it probably won’t! There is a wavering message being sent to the heart. We are being double-minded and our ability to reach our desired goal or answered prayer will be stifled.

Many of us say that we believe and are thus called “Believers.” But the clear truth is that many of us are “practicing unbelievers.” The “doubting not” is the battle ground. If you see this difference and apply the principle, your prayers are more likely to be answered in the way you desire. Get it in your logical thinking head but believe it in your heart. Stick with it. Don’t quit, give in, or give up. Become a real “practicing believer.” Believe and doubt not. Wonderful things from the Lord will come your way.

Dear friend, know that God loves you and considers you His special treasure. Have a blessed day.

(From the book, “Logo Dynamics” by Jerry Smith – www.signalhillfoundation.org/the-grace-store)

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Impress God’s Word On Your Heart

The central key for operating with God’s Word involves taking faith action from a word impressed upon your heart. If impression does not happen, nothing much will happen. The impression of a word or vision on your heart is vital.

Thousands of years ago, God spoke through Moses giving instruction for the daily operation of the tribes of Israel. In Deuteronomy you read these instructional words about word impression:

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates” Deut.11:18-20, NKJV

God understood the power of impressionism – implanting a word in the human heart. That is what this was about. The Israelites were to “lay up” (literally “put” or “plant”) the instructions in their heart and soul. Whatever it took for this to happen was to be applied. This was the Old Testament version of “sticky notes” placed on your hand and on your forehead, teaching them to your children, speaking of them at home and at work and when you go to bed at night and the first thing in the morning. Then if that wasn’t enough, they were to put a “sticky note” on the doorpost and gateway of the house so they would see it coming and going. Daily and constantly they were to think of these words. The purpose was simply to impress them upon the heart and soul.

Our lives are “impressed” with all kinds of sticky note messages. Some of them are good and healthy and even from God. But we allow too many negative and destructive messages to also get planted. And what we plant in our heart has a tendency to take root and grow and even bear fruit. Get God’s word implanted in your heart and you will have a tendency to produce God’s fruit which has life and blessing attached to it.

Dear friend, know that God loves you and considers you His special treasure. Have a blessed day.

(From the book, “Logo Dynamics” by Jerry Smith – www.signalhillfoundation.org/the-grace-store)

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Abundant Life (John 10:10; Luke 6:38)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is it that most people, including believers, want to have a better life or live in abundance? Why do we want more? But is it okay for a believer to live in abundance and have more? Think about it.

Jesus Christ Himself said of His purpose:

“The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10, MKJV

It is my understanding here that the words more abundantly mean an overflow, like a cup of water that continues to overflow its container. Does this not speak plainly of God’s intent for human beings?

If that were not enough, Jesus also spoke of an abundant principle:

“Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38, MKJV

Here we have Jesus not only telling us that it is okay to have abundance but that we have a responsibility in the overflow. Again, the meaning of running over refers to a geyser or a perpetually overflowing cup of water.

We should be reminded of His healing the multitudes and giving them more life, more opportunity and quality of life. He gave them more! He told the disciples on which side of the boat to cast a net for an “overflowing” abundance of fish. Even His “Great Commission” to the disciples was about multiplication of other believers throughout the world. He was all about abundance.

The Patriarchs of the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, were wealthy men. So was Job, Joseph and David. David’s son, Solomon was one of the richest men that ever lived.

It is difficult to lay out a valid argument that God wants us to have less, be less and do less. It is just not there. God wants you to have abundance, to be more, and do more. Remember, it is the devil’s design to steal, kill, and destroy.

Dear friend, know that God loves you and considers you His special treasure. Have a blessed day.

From the book, “Logo Dynamics” by Jerry Smith

Signal Hill Foundation

A Non-Profit Missionary And Benevolent Organization Reaching Around The World

A WORD FROM THE WORD WEEKLY MESSAGES

Our Father In Heaven

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV)

Stop Fearing!

“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27, NKJV).

Do Not Worry

“Therefore, I say to you; do not worry about your life….” Matthew 6:25

”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”

(Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)

The “Substance” Of Faith

Be Single-Minded – James 1:5-8

Impress God’s Word On Your Heart

Abundant Life (John 10:10; Luke 6:38)

Partnership Opportunity

A Weekly “Word”

Weekly Messages Archive

Teaching Posts By Jerry Smith

Signal Hill Foundation

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