A Time of Testing

November 30, 2008 By

The ministry of John the Baptist reached its height when Jesus’ own public ministry began. The moment Jesus entered the scene, John’s disciples began to leave him in order to follow Jesus. In a very short period of time this once thriving, dynamic ministry lost its steam; this well known, charismatic leader suddenly had fewer, and fewer followers.

A short time later, Herod threw John into prison because the firebrand of a preacher dared take a public stand against flagrant immorality. The resentment against John was so entrenched and boiling over that through a disgusting sequence of events, John was beheaded.

By all accounts this marvelous ministry at the peak of its strength and popularity appeared to just crash and burn out. But Jesus, when speaking of John the Baptist said, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11) Apparently Jesus measured success by a different standard.

Godly decisions will not always lead to comfortable outcomes. Another name for the Holy Spirit is “Comforter”. How ironic that the “Comforter” has been known to lead us into some very “uncomfortable” situations. The Bible says that, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert…” (Luke 4:1).

The turn of events in John’s life briefly thrust him into a crisis of faith. In a moment of humanity, John began to question God. He began to wonder if God was really with him after all. Was the hand of God really on him and his ministry? Was it really God who led him to preach in the Desert of Judea? Was it really the Spirit, or his emotions? The enemy was challenging the very call of God on his life. Moreover, he was causing him to doubt everything he knew to be true about Jesus.

The Bible says that from prison John sent word to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:4).  All this pounding on his faith had finally caused him to ask out loud, “Are you really the one?”  From conception John knew exactly who Jesus was. Luke 1:41 states, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” It was John who had just pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”   When Jesus came to be baptized John pleaded with him, “I have need to be baptized of you.” If anyone knew who Jesus was – it was John.  In fact, he was quite possibly the only one at the time who knew he was the Son of God.  The words of Jesus must have jolted John back to his senses. Jesus said, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

The term “fall away” is the same term that Jesus used when he said, “When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” (Matthew 13:21) It means to cause to sin or go astray. It’s almost as if Jesus was telling him, “You know the truth John. Don’t take the bait.  Stand firm in your faith.” Someone once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light.” In the darkness of his prison, and in the hour of his testing, John would be reminded by Jesus to hold steady.

There are times in life when we will make decisions that are birthed of the Holy Spirit. We are then led into a time of testing and trial.  Any call of God will be tested. Whether it is a private choice to obey God, or a choice with more outward, and visible consequences.  If there is a call there will be a test.

Maybe you are going through a time of testing right now. Maybe the enemy is suggesting to you that you’ve missed God.  Maybe you are asking yourself, “Was that really the Lord who led me to do that?” Maybe you’ve been waiting for the fulfillment of a promise and you are being tempted to take matters in your own hands rather than wait on God.  The reason that you are experiencing this trouble and hardship is on account of Jesus.

In our time of testing the enemy’s goal is to get us to “fall away” because it’s just too hard. James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Because of Jesus, we can refuse to go along with the urge to act without faith. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  Because of Jesus, you can and you will emerge from your time of testing victorious!

Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
(Matthew 11:4-6)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Slipping Through the Hands of the Enemy

November 22, 2008 By

God has a million and one ways to save His people. The Bible provides example after example of saints who just narrowly escape the clutches of an enemy in hot pursuit. For many of them deliverance came at the 11th hour – testing the faith of those who put their trust in Almighty God.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, tells about a time in Damascus when the governor actually had the city on lockdown in order to arrest him. Paul was “lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.”  Not exactly the most glamorous escape,  yet God was with him and delivered His servant from harms way.  

Peter is another example. In Acts 12 the Apostle Peter is arrested and thrown in prison only to be escorted out in the middle of the night by an angel. The Bible says that when Peter finally realized what happened to him he said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” (Acts 12:11).

In 1 Samuel 23:26-28, David and his men were running away from Saul on one side of a mountain while Saul and his forces were about to close in on him from the other side. Suddenly a messenger appears out of nowhere with urgent news about a Philistine raid.  Saul broke off his pursuit of David to deal with a problem of a more immediate nature.  Providentially the capture of David was bumped to the lower end of Saul’s priority list.  David and his men miraculously escaped that day.  

These are just a few examples of God’s elect who found themselves in critical situations – all of whom, without divine intervention, would have perished at the hands of the enemy.  While the above examples differ in detail, they are similar in that all faced incredibly desperate situations with potentially disastrous endings.

There are times when a clear action is required on our part.  Then there are times when the matter is completely outside of our control.  All we can do is wait and take heart in the salvation of God.   Isaiah 30:1 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”

If you find yourself today with your back up against the wall and facing an uncertain future, take heart:  God is with you.  He has promised to take care of you. While death is inevitable for everyone, as Christians we are invincible until He calls us home.  God has many ways to deliver you.  Like Peter, Paul, David and many others who have gone before us, God will rescue you and you will slip through the hands of the enemy every time! 

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Filed Under: Devotional, Encouragement

When God Remembers

November 17, 2008 By

The phrase “God remembers” is mentioned 73 times in the Bible. Each time that “God remembers” He acts on behalf of someone according to His covenant promises. These actions are often miracles, and they are awesome displays of the loving-kindness of an Almighty God whose tender mercies are new every morning.

In Genesis 9:16, God remembers Noah and sends the rainbow as a sign of His everlasting covenant. God remembers Rachel when He opened her womb (Genesis 30:22). God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when the Hebrew people were groaning in their captivity (Exodus 2:24-25). In 1 Samuel 1:24, God remembers Hanna and hears the unspoken cry in her tears.

It’s a peculiar notion to think that God remembers. If God remembers, does it mean that He forgot? One of the definitions of the word “remember” is to mention (a person) to another as sending kindly greetings; such as when I ask that someone “remember me” in their prayers.

Hebrews 7:25 states, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” In this case, an Omniscient God “remembers” us because a faithful Jesus is there to keep us in the Father’s mind. In other words, Jesus is continually there to “remember” us to the Father. What an amazing thought. When I am too weak to pray for myself I can utter – even a silent plea to Jesus: Oh Lord, remember me to the Father.


Romans 8:34 states that Jesus – at this very moment, is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Imagine that? The only one with the power to condemn you is actually continually reminding God of His loving-kindness towards you.  He is perpetually bringing to memory every covenant promise that God has made to you that is “Yes” in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20).  He’s saying good things about you!

Today, no matter what trouble or hardship you are facing; whatever secret longing is heavy on your heart; whatever miracle you need, be at peace – and know that Jesus is remembering you to the Father.

My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.
(Job 16:20).

Filed Under: Uncategorized

You Will Overcome

November 14, 2008 By


“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). The word overcome means to conquer and prevail. It means to defeat. It suggests a prevailing victory and triumph over the enemy. As Christians we are not exempt from the warfare. However, when the Bible says that “everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4) it means the church triumphant has one destination – victory. No matter what kind of opposition rises up against you, no matter what kind of trouble or hardship you fall into, and no matter what kind of affliction you find yourself having to deal with, you can be rock-solid sure of one thing: Because of Jesus, you will overcome!

The Blood: Any preacher of the gospel who skims over the blood of Jesus robs his listener of the only truth that has power to set a man free. A bloodless Christianity is no Christianity at all. The blood of Jesus is what delivered the final death blow to the power of sin, and the fear of death. When sin – like a hungry lion stalks about us, it is because of the blood that we don’t have to be afraid, and fold under the strength of its power. Faith in the shed blood of Jesus means that any sin of the past has now been paid for. It means that the power of any sin that has ever, or ever will be committed, is now permanently broken. It means that provision has already been made well in advance for any future sins. One of the ways that the enemy shows his contempt for the the Church of Christ is accusation. The Bible says that Satan accuses us to our Father day and night. Because of the blood we are set free from guilt and condemnation. We are set free from the regret of our past failures and defeats. When the enemy points to my failures and shortcomings I point him to my crown. When the enemy brings up my past I point him to his future. I heard a preacher say once that , “The power of sin will never stand up to the power of the blood. It will laugh at you but it trembles at the blood of Jesus. You start the day with the blood of Jesus and you end the day with the blood of Jesus.” “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.”


The Word of Their Testimony: Isaiah 40:8 states, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stand forever.” One of the greatest assurances for the Christian is that the Word of God is truth and truth will always have the final word. Christians do not engage in a natural, carnal kind of warfare but rather a spiritual one. The Bible says that the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. When we pick up our sword and wield it against the powers of darkness we are fighting the fight of faith. The Bible says that the Word is living and active. When we have faith in the Word of God we overcome the hollow, empty threats of the enemy.

Christianity is very much experiential. The gospels tell us about a time when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered by saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To this Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16-17). Jesus was acknowledging that this knowledge was supernatural. This kind of revelation could only be experienced. Peter experienced an opening of the eyes. Peter would go on to fail Jesus terribly but Jesus prayed that Peter would overcome. Peter’s eyes had been opened to see the Lord high and lifted up in power and glory, and that was his testimony that no demon in hell could ever steal.

Jesus says something in this exchange that will forever stand now and through eternity. He said, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus knew that days of evil would come. He knew that what was about to be unleashed by the enemy would strike at the very heart of the righteous. But, on the rock of revelation of who Christ is, God would empower Peter to stand by faith. No weapon forged against him, no accusing voice, and no power or force in heaven or on earth, would ever shake him from that solid ground.

A Life that is not Our Own: With Jesus, it’s all or nothing. He said that, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” (Matthew 14:26). This attitude of total abandonment to the perfect will of God could one day cost more than the things of this world such as friendship, popularity, pride, comfort, or wealth. It could cost your life. When God pours out His supernatural grace you will be able to say like Jesus, “Not my will but yours be done”, and like Jesus you will walk resolutely into a painful crucifixion with an unshakeable faith that yes, with God, there will also be a resurrection!

My prayer for you is that you will stand firm and unmoved in your faith. I pray that your spirit would soar above the things of this world that hold nothing for you. I pray that you will be able to say, like Paul in 1 Timothy, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. ” (2 Timothy 1:12). I pray that you will overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of his testimony, and that your life would be offered to Him as a living sacrifice.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Between Now and Then

November 7, 2008 By


Philippians 3:20 states that “our citizenship is in heaven.” A citizen is an individual who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to that nation or country’s protection and rights. As Christians we are nationals of heaven – not earth.

One of the most wonderful things about the Apostles was that with all their heavenly knowledge they are probably among the most pragmatic group of people that you’ll ever meet. They understood that though our heads and hearts are in heaven, our feet for the meantime remain planted on earth. The question, “Between now and then, what are we supposed to do?” is one that the Apostles found themselves addressing quite frequently.

Sound Doctrine: In the tiny epistle of Titus, the Apostle Paul writes a letter in which he provides very specific and practical instruction regarding affairs within the church. Paul states in Titus 2:1, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Doctrine refers to the principles and beliefs that are taught, advanced, and accepted by a group. What is the significance of this? Sloppy doctrine equals sloppy living; sound doctrine equals sound living.

There is way of living that conforms to the gospel and there is a way of living that runs contrary to the gospel. In Crete the believers were in fellowship but were slack in doctrine. They needed to be taught. There is a direct correlation between our doctrine and our outward lives. If doctrine is neglected – like it was in Crete, then irresponsible, uncontrolled, and undisciplined lifestyles will follow. Experience, testimony, and presence in the Christian life are all good but they will never produce the inward growth that only sound doctrine can. Paul knew that unless the church in Crete was built up in sound doctrine she would not stand firm in the days ahead.

Party Politics Has No Power: Jesus had a remarkable way of staying on course. Of all people, Jesus appeared on the scene in a highly politicized and charged environment. Many of his followers indeed had hopes that he would “restore the kingdom” of Israel in the natural sense. Jesus never took the bait. He had far bigger fish to fry than party politics – namely the redemption of the human soul.

There is something far more powerful than the politics of man and the humanistic methods whereby his ends are achieved. Paul tells Titus to“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2).

Christians are not engaged in a natural war but a spiritual one. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Our weapons have divine power. Our weapons demolish spiritual bastions and blast unseen strongholds to smitherines. Paul was not suggesting that Christians stay out of government. Clearly, we are charged with being “ready to do whatever is good” in civil affairs (Titus 3:3) however, it is the unregenerate man who responds with malice, envy, and hate. He quarrels, argues, and is divisive. To God, such responsiveness is foolish. At one point we lived like that too – “being hated and hating one another.” (Titus 3:4). But like our Lord, we now make our appeal through the meekness and gentleness of Christ.

Devotion to Doing Good: Good works is a major theme in Paul’s letter to Titus. While good works alone are insufficient for salvation they can be evidence of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. Paul provides specific instruction to men and women of all ages on how to conduct themselves. He tells the men to be temperate, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and endurance. To the women he charges them to be reverent, and cautions them not to slander. He exhorts them to be self controlled and pure. He highlights the importance of the older being the role model to the younger. He stresses the importance of integrity and seriousness. He underscores the value of trustworthiness.

Peter states, “Live such good lives among the pagans, that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (I Peter 2:12b). Real influence and transformative power are the products of a devoted life. Good deeds, if done in the holiness and humility of Christ will point others to Christ.

Upward Bound: The Apostle Peter, when preparing the believers in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) for the persecution and difficult times ahead, reminded God’s elect that they were to live as “aliens and strangers in the world” (1 Peter 2:11). Peter wanted his readers to know that just as Abraham “looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:9) so should the Christian be looking upward.

The Apostles made it clear. The directive is as significant now as it was when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Crete. Between now and then build yourself up in the most holy faith, live a life of devotion to Christ, and set your hope on the blessed return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and wordly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”. (Titus 2:11-12)

Filed Under: Devotional, Encouragement

What is Truth?

November 3, 2008 By


Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.” John 14:6. In our quest for truth we need look no farther than Him. The search ends right there. He is the Truth.

The Bible (and history) tell us that Jesus was crucified under the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate – arguably the most striking example of compromised leadership ever to be found in the Bible. And yet, what a testament to the sovereignty of God that Jesus would seemingly be subject to the authority of such a sold-out man. Pilate had been placed in his governing position as part of the Roman rule known as Pax Romana (latin for Roman Peace). In short, this type of rule allowed for a degree of self-government, but ultimately the Jews were bound by Roman rule. In the absence of absolute truth Pilate would serve two masters: the Roman leadership, and the Jewish people. In the protection of his own self-interest Pilate would have to please both.

When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, Pilate knew the truth: Jesus was not guilty. He made a weak attempt to avoid the betrayal of his own conscience – the selling out of Truth Himself, but that was futile. The kind of resistance necessary to stand against the deception and falsehood on that day would require far more resolve than he could ever posses. That day Pilate looked Truth square in the face and made the biggest compromise of His life. At one point Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” In reality Pilate was not asking a question but rather making a statement: Truth does not exist. You see, a compromised man can never be expected to execute true justice. That day Pilate’s weakness set into motion a series of irreversible events that would lead Jesus to a violent and gruesome death. Yet, despite the despair of it all – it was God’s plan! Scriptures confirm the sovereignty of God over and over, and here is hard core evidence that God is, and always will be on the throne.

God is Sovereign: Colossians 1:16 states, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were create by him and for him. “ This is an amazing truth to anchor the Christian soul in uncertain times. God is sovereign. The word sovereign means having supreme rank, power, or authority. It suggests being above all others in character, importance, and excellence. What this means to you from a practical standpoint is that you will never find yourself in a situation that is apart from the knowledge and purpose of God’s plan for your life. In all his human frailty Jesus stood before Pilate knowing full well that His Father was in absolute control. Isaiah 54 says, “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc…”

Ruled by Truth: Proverbs 28:1-2 states that, “The wicked man flees though no one pursue, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is rebellious it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” In a basic sense, when Truth rules there is stability; when falsehood is king there is instability. Pilate, when understood within the context of God’s word was rebellious. He had many rulers. Voices of fear, voices of insecurity, voices of pride, voices of jealousy, voices of anger. They all clamored for him to do their bidding. In stark contrast, Jesus remained unmoved. He stood bold as a lion. The Bible says that “Even the wrath of man shall praise Him. ” Psalms 76:1. At the end of the day Jesus knew that Truth would prevail. God would have the final word and no power in hell or on earth would move him. Jesus was a man of understanding and he would maintain his order. If the voice that is speaking to you today is not the voice of Truth do what Jesus did. Shut it down. Don’t obey it. You don’t owe it anything. “For this is what the Lord says – he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it…I am the Lord, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:18. That is truth.

Hope in Truth: When Jesus faced Pilate he did not waiver. When we face uncertainty the truth of God is our hope. Psalms 146:6 says that the Lord is maker of all – “the Lord, who remains faithful forever.” To plead for truth in prayer is absolutely biblical. To appeal for God to move on behalf of truth is right. The Psalmist states in Psalms 33:5 that, “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” As Christians we can bank on His truth. Part of God’s schooling is the lesson that things are never how they appear. Don’t judge a situation based upon how it looks in the natural. Rather, wait on a sovereign God to bring about His purpose. No matter what challenge is facing you today, hope in truth. Truth never fails!

Truth is a fundamental characteristic of God. It is the bedrock of our Christianity. To walk in truth is to walk in Christ. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Truth. Even if it costs everything you have, get it. Uphold it. Speak it. Worship in it. Walk in it. Esteem it. Plead for it. Meditate on it. Bind it around your neck. Abide in it. Obey it. Love it. Magnify it. Speak to one another in it. Rejoice in it. Make it known, and let the the truth of God in the face of Jesus be your treasured and joyous hope.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Prepared by Grace

November 1, 2008 By


The Bible talks about John the Baptist being a forerunner of Jesus Christ. In other words, God sent John ahead of Jesus to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah. The Message of John the Baptist was repentance. He called them to abandon their old ways of doing things. He called them away from their sin. John spoke to large crowds of people and never took the glory for himself. He said, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low; the crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.”

Luke 3:4-6
Today, the same God that sent John the Baptist to prepare the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus is also in the continual process of preparing us for His glory.

John described himself as the voice of one crying in the desert. A desert is a region that is dry and arid due to lack of rainfall. It is a place absent of soil where nothing can flourish. In a spiritual sense, how many can relate to being in a wasteland? Maybe it is a time of testing. A dry time where we stumble our way through a trackless wilderness with no relief in sight. A time of desolation and barrenness where life can barely be sustained much less produced. As John spoke in the desert so God speaks in your dry places. He can lead you through the desert just as He lead the children of Israel. He will not abandon you in your solitude. He promises to spread a table in the very place of your famine. He has made a covenant with you in all your dry places and has promised that “water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:6b

Every Valley Shall Be Exalted: A valley is a low region between uplands, hills or mountains. It can be described as a depression or a hollow. How many have a few spiritual canyons? Places where we’ve been beat down. Places where we’ve known defeat and failure. Places that when we visit we feel covered in shame. The voice in the wilderness declares the intentions of our God. “I’ve come to fill in the valley with my spirit. Every defeat, failure, and shame of the past, I will fill and raise up.”

The term “raise up” in Hebrew is associated with the notion of a burden, a load, something that is carried. Oppression. Understood in this light, what has been weighing you down? What is the burden that you can’t stand under the weight and pressure of? What has been oppressing you?

Whatever it is, God has come to raise it. He’s come to lift it from your shoulders. He’s come to fill up every low place with the fullness of His spirit so that what is low will be exalted.

Every Mountain and Hill Made Low: In our wilderness experience there are high and lofty places that set themselves in direct opposition to the knowledge of God. Soaring and towering it seems like nothing will ever bring them down. Pride. Unbelief. Anger. Resentment. Bitterness. They are mountains that seem impossible to overcome. Mountains that seem unmovable and defiant in the very face of God. But God says in our spiritual wasteland, “I will go before you and will level the mountains, I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” Isaiah 45:2. The word level suggests to be ‘evenly hammered’. God comes like a hammer to pound down those proud and arrogant things that oppose Him. He comes like a mighty blast of air to erode that mountain and cause it to crumble into the heart of the sea. “What are you , O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground” Zechariah 4:7a.

The Crooked Becomes Straight and the Rough Place Smooth: The word crooked means bent, or curved. Something askew or awry. A deviation. An irregularity. There are crooked things in us – things that just aren’t right. Areas of spiritual and emotional deformity that have long been so bent and twisted we can’t ever imagine it becoming undone. What’s crooked in you? Maybe you struggle with anger. Maybe you can be cold, critical, and cynical. Maybe you are downright nasty. Maybe you have a habit of lying or gossiping. Maybe you struggle with a harsh disposition towards others. Maybe you have a tendency towards depression. Maybe all of these and more! God proclaims that in our desert place, He will make the crooked straight. Isaiah 26:7 says, “The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.”

Jeremiah 21:9 says, “They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them besides streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble; because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my first born.”

All Mankind will See God’s Salvation: Before every revival there is a preparation. Isaiah 40:5 states that after God does all of these things, “the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all mankind will see it together. ” A visitation from God proceeds a preparation. If you find yourself in a wilderness today, don’t be afraid. Trust in Him. Acknowledge God. He knows the way in the wilderness. And when all is said and done His glory in you will be revealed for all to see!

“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
Filed Under: Uncategorized