DELIGHT

 “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Discover 

Environmental 

Lavishness 

Interlinking

Godly 

Habits

Today

    So, let me tell you a little about the things going on in my life.I don’t often do this but, I feel it is important to give some context to this message. For the past seven months, I’ve been struggling with an identity crisis. Most men in America define themselves by the function they provide in society. I am a Pastor/Teacher, but half my identity was ripped away.

    I’ve been a bivocational Pastor for the last twenty-two years. In August the decision to “Reorganize” the church was made and very abruptly, if not underhandedly, the property and finances were reallocated to another ministry. All this was done without consulting me or the congregation. No option for an alternative placement in ministry was offered. Adding to that stress, think about the conditions of Pandemic that exist in the world - The reality of friends losing the battle with cancer and beloved family members suffering strokes, heart attacks and various surgeries. Those things have shaken my confidence and made me feel as if the heavens have closed up and the blessing of God, were on hold. My reality is that I cannot even focus on the part of my identity that is still intact because I was, and still am so, cut to the core of my being.

    Yet, God holds out hope and purpose. I just need to rediscover it. Probably many others are facing, or have faced, similar situations. Do not give up! God’s promises are true. He will be found when we seek Him wholeheartedly.

“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:12-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The environment that surrounds us does not define us. We are God’s children and our lives are defined by the LOVE He lavishes upon us. Are we still seeking? Are we still serving? Then we can be full of joy. Which path do we choose, because the choice is ours to make? The ultimate reality is eternity. Our destination is determined by our resistant response to the evil that attempts to overwhelm and overshadow us. God has filled His word with encouragement. He has given us wise counselors - those who are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. If we walk in that wisdom, we will become wiser.

“Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. … The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. … The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. … Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:6, 9, 14, 20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Bad things happen to good people. Change is a fact of life. We can either throw up our hands and walk away in defeat or stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. God does not give up on us even when we temporarily give up on Him. Even King David went through times of doubt and discouragement. God set things right for King David, and God will eventually set things right for us. 

    The world we live in does not accept sound biblical teaching, and the only opinion not readily accepted is the Christian opinion. The Spirit of God cannot be stopped and His message cannot be silenced! The only perspective that offers peace is a Christ-centered life giving perspective. We control by virtue of our attitudes the environmental conditions of our homes, jobs, communities, and churches. God pours out the lavishness of His blessing upon every aspect of our lives. He keeps us safe, even when our cities are under attack.

“Silence their lying lips— those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:18-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Where are we today? Are we linking arms, hearts and minds with others of faith, or are we walking this road alone?

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The direction we are headed, as well as the success we are seeking, requires dependence on others to assist, comfort, and strengthen us. God provides everything we need. We, and I mean, I need to take my eyes off the problems distracting me long enough to fully re-establish Godly habits in my life. Turning my focus back toward the needs of others; turning away from my self directed pity-party. Stepping back onto the right path reminds me of something my mother always said, “Well, you have the same clothes to get glad in.” Of course, this was only ever said following her correction after one of my many fits of temper. God is braiding us into an unbreakable cord.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. … A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    If any of this message has struck a chord in your life, the invitation is here. Join the search and find your DELIGHT in God’s presence and His plan for your life. Don’t put it off. Take action today.

OUTCOME

 “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Omnipotent 

Unchanging 

Trinity 

Canceling 

Our

Mortal

Error 

    From the beginning of human history God has been introducing Himself and revealing Himself to us. Who has God shown Himself to be? The way we answer this basic question defines our relationship with Him and sets the course for our lives.

    God is holy, merciful, near to us, compassionate, and mighty in power. He is eternal. He has revealed Himself as both loving and just. The character of God is omnipotent in His power and unchanging in His majesty. God has a plan and it will be completed! The outcome has been established from the beginning.

“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. … “Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: The Lord, who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3, 10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Who has God shown Himself to be? He has shown Himself to be eternally existent as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has shown Himself to be Creator, Redeemer and Comforter. We can call upon Him and He will answer! As Creator, He reveals the unseen spiritual realm through those things we experience in nature. As Redeemer, He restores and heals our brokenness. As Comforter, He leads, strengthens and teaches us.

“O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    How are we born into the household of God and adopted into the family of God? We have to accept and experience spiritual rebirth. Jesus said, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” Being born of water refers to our physical entry into the human race. Being born of the Spirit refers to Salvation through Christ and our subsequent infilling with the Holy Spirit.

“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. … In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. … But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2:17-18, 21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The Trinity, Creator, Redeemer and the Comforter, exist and work in perfect unity. God offers us salvation, healing and restoration. He is transforming us in every way - body, soul and spirit. God takes us through the Temporal into the Eternal. 

“All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. … Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! … Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41:7, 10, 13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Our salvation is the act of God canceling the mortal error of our sin. We have been CALLED. Following our calling being led by the Holy Spirit causes us to take TARGETED ACTION. Those actions focus the power of God and address a variety of needs. His power always REACHES the EXPECTED OUTCOME.

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

EXPECTED

“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) … The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:9, 11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Energetically 

Xenial 

Presentations

Exemplifying 

Christ

Through 

Educational 

Demonstrations 

    Yielding control in our lives, of our lives, is one of the most terrifying and energizing experiences we can allow ourselves. It is terrifying when we yield control of our actions to our sinful nature! Yet, when we yield control to the Holy Spirit, it is the most energizing and gratifying experience. Yielding to the Holy Spirit gives us life, purpose, and access to transformational power. We energetically overcome the problems, setbacks, and sin that separates us from the presence of God. These things are only possible by the Spirit of God living in us.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” … Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” … “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” … “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:1, 6, 12, 16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    As Christians we live as aliens and strangers in this world because we have been granted “power to become the children of God.” Often in these acrostic messages I use unfamiliar words to make a point, and I’ve been asked by some readers to define those words when I use them. Xenial is just such a word. It comes from Ancient Greek and indicates hospitality between visitors from different countries and cultures. It refers to the relationship with their hosts. Being citizens of Heaven, traveling through this world, I believe it sums up our response to the world around us; Not that we should be friends with the world, but that we should exhibit hospitality and peace inviting others into a relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior.

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:12-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    The gifts and abilities we have been given should be offered to those around us as our presentations of true worship. When we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit and follow His leadership the church is strengthened and the Kingdom of God is established in us. By the evidence of our faith the world will see Christ. Upon seeing Him they will be motivated to make a decision, - “How will you respond to Christ?” - is the ultimate question.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. … In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1, 6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is not going into some mindless trance. It is our consensus submission to speak what we have been given and take actions that glorify God. Miracles, signs, and wonders go beyond human understanding. They only happen as the result of prayer and our active faithful response to God’s direction through the Holy Spirit.

“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. … They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:4-5, 11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Presentations and manifestations of the Holy Spirit working in our lives will draw those who are seeking God into a relationship with Him. We are examples of God’s presence and power. 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit is the most noticeable way of exemplifying Christ. We experience the grace of God to share the grace of God! Each word used to describe the Fruit of the Spirit contains within itself the essence of healing. Salvation is a miracle of healing and restoration. The Gifts of the Spirit are poured out through the Body of Christ, which is composed of all those who have accepted Him as Lord and live according to the mandates of the Bible. Bringing glory to the Father is not optional. It is the product of a life devoted to God.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    All the aspects of the Christian life can, and in fact have been, explored on an intellectual level, but if we desire the fullness of God, we must dig deeper spiritually. In 1889 the phrase, “a mile wide, but an inch deep” was introduced to America. Edgar Nye, a journalist, introduced the phrase which was quickly adapted from its original context to mean a person’s knowledge was superficial. Is it going too far to say we, the church, are three miles wide and still only an inch deep?

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The educational demonstrations we present will not reach the expected outcome void of the Holy Spirit.  We are not the ones who are doing the teaching. We are the ones who are being taught. The demonstrations are not of human design. They are the outpouring of the power of God.

“The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” … Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a loud rumbling sound behind me. (May the glory of the Lord be praised in his place!) It was the sound of the wings of the living beings as they brushed against each other and the rumbling of their wheels beneath them.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭3:1, 12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    God is sending us. He has equipped us. He has a plan and has given us His promises. He will bring about His expected outcome. Jesus told those He healed, “According to your faith be it unto you.” God asked Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Now we are being asked, “Do you trust Me?”

“O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. … He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken! In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25:1, 8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

REACHES

 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Regeneration 

Exclusively 

Arranged

Causing

Heartfelt

Extravagant 

Service 

    What is the good work God has begun within us? He has planned our lives. He has called us into a relationship with Himself. He has targeted the population of this world for reconciliation and promised us regeneration and eternal life. The good work that God designed for us is to share the reality of salvation with others.

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭94:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Our salvation has not been for ourselves but it is an example to others. We experience the benefit and the blessings, but the goal is to let the whole world know the glory of the Lord.

““Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!””  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    From the moment we are exposed to the knowledge of God, we are exclusively called to learn and grow in the Spirit. We are equipped by the Holy Spirit and led by Him. We are born in the spirit when we acknowledge our need for a Savior and accept His free gift.

“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” … Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:3, 5-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Our membership in the family of God does not mean we are in an exclusive club. We did not pay the membership fee ourselves. Everything was arranged by God. His plan reached us while we were still wandering lost and alone in our sin. Now that we have been included into the family, we reach out to others with the same love and acceptance we received from the Holy Spirit.

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Salvation from sin is only available through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Our experience of being drawn to Christ causes us to become living stones in the household and family of God. This life changing knowledge and relationship builds and grows in us as we learn to serve God and use the spiritual gifts we have been given.

“You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

        The power of the Holy Spirit at work in the church, at work both in and through us causes heartfelt transformation at every level of our existence. Physical, emotional, and spiritual changes occur in us and others as God’s Word performs His good work.

“He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There are examples of heartfelt extravagant acts of worship and service throughout the Bible. They are meant to inspire and encourage us to our own acts of extravagant service. Our acts of service reach far beyond our lives. Our extravagant service touches each successive generation.

“Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:44-46‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    We carry the message of hope, forgiveness, and love to a lost and dying world. That message gives life because it comes directly from the Life Giver, God Himself. That message will reach every generation through our faithful extravagant service.

“I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. … Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:25-27, 30-31‬ ‭NLT