How do you plan vacations? You get a picture of what you’d like to experience, then you make the arrangements to go there, right? You don’t just get tickets, land there, then check out the hotels and things available to do. No, you make the reservations BEFORE you arrive.

When you hear that winter is finally over (for my northern friends, that may be a bit harder to predict), you begin to prepare for spring. You get the lawn mower ready, sharpen the blades, schedule a tune-up. If you’re going to plant a garden, you get your gardening tools ready, your seed, you prepare the ground.  Here in Florida, we just get ready for humid and hot. We get the pools cleaned, make sure the chemicals are right, the pump is working.

I hear a lot of people who are dissatisfied with where they are, but refuse to do what it takes to make the transition into the next season. They’ve been talking about a new season, but they do nothing to get ready for it. They expect God to pick them up and move them to a new job, a new city, new health, but are doing nothing to make ready for what they’re believing for.

To quote Lance Wallnau, “To get to where you’ve never been, you have to do something you’ve never done.” Some of us have been stuck where we are, when we’ve been given a clear word from the Lord to do something different. Do you know what a prophetic word is for? It’s to get you to see yourself in the future. I love Kim Clements song, “I’m somewhere in the future, and I look much better than I look right now.”

If you’re sick but know God’s will is health, ask God what you should do to get to your future healthy place. It could be, “Wash in the Jordan river 7 times,” or “Stretch out your hand,” but if you hear something, your obedience will bring the miracle. If you’re being attacked financially, it could be a don’t make no sense word like, “Make a meal for the man of God first,” or “Give $100 to that person right over there.” Wait, that doesn’t make sense! I’m already short on money!

You are in the same place because you refuse to get out of your comfort zone to experience the blessings of God. Don’t wait for your wife to fix your problems, YOU get on your face before God and listen, than obey. Perhaps you’re not hearing because you’ve stopped listening. God is always wanting to commune with you! He’s waiting for you to come in and sit with Him and listen. He already knows what you have need of. He’s got it all planned out, your future. Do you trust Him?

Thank you Lord for always challenging me to come and lean in a little closer. Anxiety has kept me from stepping out into the river. The ‘what if’s’ have crippled me from exiting my comfort zone into the supernatural risky realm of your glory. Help me to pick up my feet and walk, knowing that you will part the waters and stop the flow of the river so that I can get safely to the other side. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

How many of you have ever received a personal word from the Lord? A promise that you’ve held onto but that hasn’t yet manifested? How many have been believing for a miracle?

That word miracle is defined by dictionary.com as; an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause, such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

In other words, if you could do it yourself, it wouldn’t be a miracle. It’s something that only God can do! I want you to know that you serve a God who is more than enough and is well able to do what He said He would do. It’s not a maybe, it’s a for sure thing. He is unchangeable! When He says it, He means it.

Psalm 138:2 says; I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

Unlike us, God’s word means something. He doesn’t lie like us. He doesn’t make promises He can’t keep, like us. When He speaks, there is so much power behind His words that mountains tremble. His words actually created the world, universe and things we haven’t even discovered yet.

So next time you take a look at your issue that needs a miracle, I want you to remember just WHO it is that created you and loves you and wants you to live and not die and declare His works. Don’t be discouraged! God just wants you to trust in Him. He will NOT let you down.

Our God comes and does not keep silence; a fire devours before Him, and round about Him a mighty tempest rages. Psalm 50:3 AMPC

Oh my! For some reason this verse jumped out at me this morning. I don’t know what you’re expecting, but this shows me that when God comes on the scene, it is not quietly! I see someone who has cried out to God for a miracle. Perhaps it’s in your body, or in your bank account, or both. Perhaps it’s with your children, your marriage, your zip code, a friend, relationship, you’re desperate for a move of God.

A fire devours before Him, and round about Him a mighty tempest (big storm) rages. We’ve all seen what tornado’s and hurricane’s do; they get in and mess things up. Fire’s burn things up. I want you to picture things in your life that need to be destroyed so that new growth can spring up. Now, invite God into that area!

How do you do that? Simply invite Him on the scene. “Father, I’m a mess! I ask that you clean me up, fix my mess, organize this chaos. I’ve tried to do it on my own and it’s just not working. I don’t want to die! I know you have purpose for me, you cant’ be finished with me yet. My finances are a mess, my job is a mess, my family is a mess, my body is a mess. I NEED you. Every area of my life, I place it in your capable hands and I trust you to make me whole, body, soul, mind and spirit.”

Now, I want you to forget about your self and your issues. Can’t do that? Let me help you put it in perspective. Close your eyes and think of the largest mountain in the world. In measure, your problem is the size of one grain of dirt that makes up that huge mountain. God is bigger than your problem by far. When he comes on the scene, that mountain will be reduced to a plain.

Right now, I want you to lift your hands and praise the Lord. You take out your lab tests, your check book, pictures of your children, whatever problem you’re facing right now. Place it on the table and speak to it, “My God is bigger! He will rearrange you! He will make you right. He will come in like a flood and lift up his hand and say, ‘ENOUGH!’ There is nothing too hard for him. He’s God.”

Now get excited because God’s fixin to change some things!

Zephaniah 3:17 NLT; “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

One of my very favorite verses is one that David penned in Psalm 37:23; The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Anyone who knows me has heard me quote this multiple times.

It’s hard to believe that this journey has actually been ordered. Did I really sign up for this? Yes, I did. The moment I made Jesus my Savior and Lord, I allowed Him to take me on a trip that would best suit His plans for me in His Kingdom.

Joseph with his coat of many colors, now THAT was a trip! I’m sure when he was on his journey, he probably felt the same things we do at times. Tricks and traps, slavery and prison, hurt and betrayal, none of which looked anything like the dreams he had as a youth. But let’s learn one thing from Joseph; He knew God had purpose for his life and he trusted Him in the journey.

If it was something Joseph could have done on his own, he wouldn’t have needed God. God only takes us in ways we cannot possibly do alone. His paths may be unfamiliar, crooked and rough, but it is to simply prepare us for His end game; Save His people.

I’ve been asked why I named my blog, Remnantposts. It’s because we are the remnant, Gods people, those who have lay down their own agendas for the sake of His Kingdom. I just want to encourage you to hang in there, hold on, climb higher, seek His face more, pray, listen, learn, encourage others, don’t quit!

Don’t be counted among those who would be deceived. We need each other but most of all, we MUST trust in God. He has a plan! We don’t need to know the details, just know that whatever road you’re on, He’s with you, will never leave you, will carry you when you’re weary. Why? Because He’s God.

I end with this thought; If the road you’re on looks strange, unfamiliar and uncomfortable, you’re on the right road. If in the distance you see the image of a fellow traveler, shout out to them, “Keep going! You’re almost there!” May His Kingdom come and His will be done in us, in the earth, on our journey.

Ephesians 6:10-13; To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

As I was reading in Ephesians this morning, I was thinking of what sound advice Paul gave them in his letters. I believe that every new believer should begin with the letters of Paul. I know a lot of Christians who need to go back and read these letters, because they seem to have forgotten so much of what he said.

I was talking with a patient yesterday about all the anger in the world. He mentioned how it’s just gotten so much worse than when he was a child. Don’t get me wrong, there’s always been anger, but it’s affected every part of our lives. It seems that when people don’t get what they want or can’t control situations or people, they just get angry. We’ve become a very narcissistic society.

Ephesians 4:29-32 says; When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you. And don’t make the Holy Spirit sad. God gave you his Spirit as proof that you belong to him and that he will keep you safe until the day he makes you free. Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.

As Christians, we are called to be salt and light. Salt seasons, and we should season the world with love. Light dispels darkness, so the love of the Father in us should be brighter than the hate and anger around us. Where is the love? Why is there so much darkness? Or should I say, where are the Christians? Are we hiding our light? Afraid of being exposed for who we really are on the inside?

Somethings desperately wrong with us. If we deny Jesus, who gave his life so we could be free, he will also deny us. It wasn’t a request that we be like him, it was a command. Truth be told, most of us just don’t want to take orders. We’ve not truly lay down our lives for him. We’re still longing to be in control. But there can only be one head and that is God. We must trust in Him and believe that He is the rewarder of them who diligently trust in Him.

Father, I ask forgiveness for trying to do it my way, for trying to control people and situations. I’ve only frustrated myself! I can’t change anything or anyone, but you can. Every time I try to control things, think I have it all figured out, I frustrate the work of Christ. For by grace I’m saved, it’s nothing I have done or will ever do. It’s a gift. I receive that gift and give you total control in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you ever remember asking that question as a kid? Is it my turn yet? It seems like forever before your turn is here. It could be anything, but taking turns was hard for some and harder for others. I always wanted it now, not later. I wanted to experience it, read it, taste it, touch it, see it. I will be the first to admit that I am NOT a patient person.

Moses led the children out of Egypt, but Joshua would lead them into the promised land. It doesn’t matter how or why, what matters is that God asked Moses to do something which must have been extremely difficult; encourage his replacement. It’s mentioned a few times, but in Deuteronomy 3:28, God instructs Moses, ‘You must give instructions to Joshua. Encourage him. Make him strong, because Joshua must lead the people across the Jordan River. You can see the land, but Joshua will lead them into that land. He will help them take the land and live in it.’

Some of us may never do great things. We may never be famous or have a full time ministry. We may never be
called to speak or be rich enough to fly anywhere we desire, but the thing is, we are all called to encourage one another. Isaiah 41:6 says, “Workers help each other. They encourage each other to be strong.” We can do that! We can encourage each other.

You never know if what you are led to say, may just be the catalyst that propels someone else into their calling. You never know if what you say may encourage someone to believe God for something big. You never know! Be satisfied to be an encourager. Your role is invaluable. You are important to God and others. Keep encouraging! Don’t be discouraged! Whatever you sow today, you will reap tomorrow. Keep focusing on others, after many days, it will come back to you.

Father, I know I’ve been discouraged at times, but it’s then that you send someone for me to encourage, shifting my focus back to what’s important. I am yours and you have me in the palm of your hand. There’s no place I’d rather be than here, in your presence. Help me to constantly be others focused, pushing them on toward their prize. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Ever feel that every day is a reflection of the day before? Oh, little things are different, but so much of it’s the same. We get up, go to work, come home, make dinner, spend a few hours ‘vegging’ out, only to be repeated day after day after day.

Psalm 39:6 says, Our life is like an image in a mirror. We rush through life collecting things, but we don’t know who will get them after we die.

Wouldn’t it be nice to make a difference in someone’s life? To maybe take more time being a blessing to someone rather than gathering riches to ourselves? Riches? Are you kidding me? I’m just trying to make ends meet! But why? Didn’t Jesus tell us that, “My God will supply all your needs according to HIS riches in glory.”? Shouldn’t that take the stress off us and place it onto Him?

Father, thanks for the reminder. We have become so self-sufficient. You created us to need you. To fellowship with you. To allow you to care for us. Forgive us for being so self absorbed! May we remember that we are your sheep and you are our shepherd. Lead us into green pastures and restore our souls, that we might fulfill your needs, allowing you to meet ours. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

I observed as a mother spoke to her misbehaving child. “You need to stop doing that!” The child continued with her actions and the mom pulled her back and repeated the same warning. The third time, she added a loving hand on the child’s behind and through tears, the behavior stopped. How many parents have used this age old method of correcting their child? It was done to me and I repeated it on our girls. Why? Because it’s effective. It brings about a desired result.

I see people sharing all sorts of gimmicks on the internet from vitamins to clever tools that cure any kind of ailment you might have. What blows my mind is that people actually buy them only to discover it was yet another scam. When I find an effective treatment for sickness, I continue using it because it works. Let me share what that is, because it’s free.

Did you know that when Jesus took all those stripes on his back, it was for your healing? Of course you do. Did you know that each time you take the bread and wine, you’re doing it to remind your body that when Jesus said, “It is finished!”, he was talking about a package deal. He said he would remember your sins no more! All he accomplished on the cross was so that you could walk in the blessings of forgiveness, healing, provision. Isaiah prophesied it years earlier, “By His stripes you are healed!”

Reminding your body of those promises needs to be done every day by reading the Word. Go through your bible and make a list of all the healing scriptures you can find. Type them up and read them everyday while you take communion. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Why? Because we pay more attention to our symptoms than what the Word says. We need reminding, otherwise he wouldn’t have said so.

Father, I thank you for the blood of Jesus which not only cleansed me of ALL unrighteousness, it healed me. I partake of your body and blood as a way to remember what was accomplished for me. I overcome sickness and disease by the blood of the lamb and the word of my testimony. I will never take lightly the sacrifice made for me. I thank you that you constantly watch over your word to perform it. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.