Days of Restoration

I would like to encourage you during these days of economic uncertainty, fear, and loss that God is in the restoration business. Restoration, in every dimension of the human experience, is at the heart of the Gospel. It is woven throughout the Scriptures and must be at the forefront of our ministry of truth and a reality in our everyday lives.

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times (or days) of restoration of all things which God has spoken by the mouth of all His Holy prophets since the world began."
~Acts 3:19-21

Restore means to bring back to a former state or original condition. According to Scripture, when something is restored it is always increased, multiplied, or improved so that its latter state is significantly better than its original state.

" So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, and chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And my people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel; I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame." ~Joel 2:25-27

When God restored Job after the terrible trials he endured, He gave him twice what he had lost and blessed him more in his latter days than in the beginning.

"And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then all his brothers , all his sister and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the Lord had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold. How the Lord blessed the later days of Job more than this beginning..." ~Job 42:10-12

Jesus told his disciples that anyone who gave up anything to follow Him would it restored one hundredfold.

Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "assuredly, I say to you , there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time --houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life." ~Mark 10:28-30

I hope to be writing on the subject of restoration for the next couple of days, so if this is of interest to you please visit again and tell a friend about Locus Life.

Real Change

There is a lot of talk these days in the media about change. People want change in their government, change in their jobs, cars, and careers. Some go as far as wanting to change spouses and sexual identity. Are we becoming a people obsessed with change?

The Japanese have a term called "Kaizen" which means, "continual improvement". It is a never ending quest to do better, and you seem to do better by changing. "Standing still", the Japanese say, "allows your competitors to get ahead you".

Real change, for the follower of Christ, is inspired and initiated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of Truth" and will make truth known to the hearts of men and women longing for change, which will result in freedom and real lasting change, not change just for the sake of change. Repentance means to change the mind, a turning from sin to God. Let's welcome the real change in our lives through the act of repentance and the provocational power of the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit’s office, as defined by the Bible itself, is not to make known to us any truths which are not contained in the Bible; but to make clear to our understandings the truths which are contained in it that we might realize them experientially. The Word of God is called the sword of the Spirit. It is the instrument by which the Spirit worketh. and He worketh anew at all times and all places consistent with His Revelation. Thus, the Spirit is always provoking us toward change, growth, and the fulfillment of calling. Anything less and anything more is surely not of the Spirit.” ~Thomas Chalmers

The Lord is With You

"...and the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him," The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor" Gideon said to Him, "O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. Then the Lord turned to him and said "Go in this might of yours and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" So he said to Him, "O my Lord how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my father's house." And the Lord said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man" ~Judges 6:13-16

I slept in a little later than usual this morning and made my espresso knowing that I have a full day ahead of me. Even now, as I type this, I'm battling within my mind to succumb to the pressures and demands of the day. As I picked up my Bible for my morning devotion's, the Holy Spirit seemed to guide me to this portion of scripture.

I found my fear was not much different than Gideon's great fear. We usually fear the things we can't control so we end up paralyzed due to the circumstances we face much like Gideon.

The Angel of the Lord had already affirmed that the Lord saw him and called him a "Mighty Man of Valor". Immediately, Gideon questions the Lord's affirmation and wants to know, "If I am what you say I am, where are all the miracles?" He went on to say that the Lord had abandoned him into the hands of the Midianites.

His response is very familiar to human kind. We seem to want God to do something for us that He has already done. The Lord's response to Gideon was, "Go in this might of yours...." Basically, Gideon was abdicating his responsibility (response-ability) his ability to respond.

Abdicate means to relinquish, give up, renounce withdraw. Abdicate also means to give up your rights or authority and responsibility. Gideon was seeking to abandon his post and God was not having it. "Go in this might of yours .....have I not sent you .....surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man".

Whatever you may be facing today I encourage you to draw strength from God's Word, even if you feel weak like Gideon. God delights in our weaknesses when we give them to Him. For it is then that He can show Himself strong.

"The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.... Go in this might of yours...have I not sent you!!

Growing Into Christ's Image

I came across this quote by J. R. Miller that impacted me and in deep way. While walking through difficult circumstances in my own life, I recognized how self-absorbed I was becoming trying to find my own way out of the pain. It seemed as if the merry-go-round ride, trying to always catch the brass ring to find happiness and success, was elusive and Utopian. The first line of this quote is a powerful statement, and drew me in to realize that life has mysteries I can't explain and that I don't have answers for. But if I settled in my mind that the purpose of God for my life on earth is to grow into Christ's image, I can learn to be content in whatever circumstance I'm in, knowing that the image of Christ is being formed in me for His Glory.

My prayers is that you will have a settling in your own mind that the purpose of God is being worked out in the midst of the mysteries and the mess of life. "For whom He foreknew, He predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." Romans 8:29

“We should get it settled in our minds, that the purpose of God for our life on earth, is to have us grow into Christ's image. We are not in this world merely to accomplish a certain amount of work--but to be fashioned into strength and beauty of character. If we would always remember this, we would not be perplexed so often by the mysteries of our lives. If joy is ours--it is to make us better and a greater blessing to others. If sorrow is ours--it is to purify us and bring out some line of Christ's image in us more clearly. If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better things for us, than that which we so earnestly desired. If we are called to endure pain--it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain. If bereavement comes and we are left without the strong human arm we have leaned upon heretofore--it is because there are elements of strength in our life, which never could be developed unless the human supports were taken away. If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens. If we are wronged by others--it is to teach us better, the great lessons of patience and sweet temper. If our circumstances are uncongenial and our condition hard--it is that we may be disciplined into self-control, and may learn to be content in whatever state we are in. The Master is always teaching us new lessons, making us into the beauty of the pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service.” ~J.R. Miller

Missed Opportunities

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." --Thomas A. Edison

A Word For Those Asking "WHO"?

" (You shall be) satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the Lord"

Deuteronomy 33:23

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety, and the Lord shall cover him all day long..."

Deuteronomy 33:12

With your eyes,

you will see Me make a distinction

between the believer and the unbeliever.

You will see believers bathed in light.

You will see unbelievers surrounded by a pallor of gloom, with a oppressive cloud over their minds.

My beloved

will dwell in safety.

You will see Me hiding, covering and protecting My

own. Have I not said that even in your dwelling

place I would give protection? Have I not said that

My name is a strong tower into which the righteous

run for safety?

Therefore

you shall know that I make a distinction between

those who are serving Me in love and devotion, and

those who are rebelling against Me in resistance

and unbelief.

Those who know Me

will be strong,

doing great exploits,

With your eyes,

you will see Me

making a distinction

between the believer

and the unbeliever.

Your won soul within you will tell you that those

who follow Me do not stumble in darkness, but

walk in light.

You will see Me protecting the believer. The disasters, the calamities, the destruction's and distresses of life will not shake My beloved ones--for they have a secret not known to the world.

My beloved ones are hidden

in the palm of My hand.

I keep them safe.

"...there is a reward for the righteous..."

Psalms 58:11

Taken from He Spoke and I was Strengthened by Dick Mills

For Those Asking "When"?

"...I the Lord will hasten it in its time"

Isaiah 60:22

I have a time

in which I will manifest My power,

in which I will show forth My energy,

in which I will allow My purposes to be fulfilled.

You have become impatient.

You have become over-anxious.

You have tried to speed up the process.

But

My thoughts are not your thoughts.

My ways are not your ways.

I know what is best for you.

I would have you surrender yourself to My will. My

way is best. My way is perfect There are no flaws

or defects in My dealings. I shall hasten it in My

time. When I arise, the work of the enemy will be

scattered. I will do a quick work in the earth.

Know this:

You need not be anxious.

You need not fret.

You need not worry.

I will soon intervene.

I will stand between you and the power of the enemy.

The wicked shall flee when no one is pursuing.

But the righteous shall be bold as lions.

In that day, you will say,

"Truly, the Lord does all things well.

This is His day. This is His time"

You will rejoice

that you have waited for Me.

You shall see My great deliverance.

I will hasten it in My time.

My time is the perfect time.

It shall sere My purposes.

You will be joyful in it.

"... I will hasten my word to perform it"

Jeremiah 1:12

Taken from He Spoke and I was Strengthened by Dick Mills

A Word For Those Asking "How" ?

"Not by might, nor by power, 

but by my spirit, saith the Lord

of hosts.''  Zechariah 4:6

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by My Spirit,

saith the Lord.

This is how you shall go forth.

This is how you will win your victory.

You have leaned

upon your own understanding. But your own understanding has failed you. Therefore, I will give you the Spirit of understanding.

You have run

in your own strength. But your strength has drained away. There, I will strengthen your spiritual man.

You have applied

your own wisdom. But your wisdom has not been sufficient. Therefore, My Spirit of wisdom shall rest upon you.

You have spoken

your own words. But your words met with strong resistance. Therefore, My Spirit shall rest upon you, and you will speak the words I give you. 

You will then be irresistible.

Therefore, know this--

that in all you set your hand to do, My Spirit will

empower you--and My Spirit will prevail against

the power of the enemy.

My Spirit will work a miracle for you,

and glory and honor will come to Me.

Look not to your own weakness.

Look not to your own inabilities.

Look not to your lack of education. 

Look not to your lack of resources.

Understand this:

My power is made perfect in human weakness. In 

your weakness, you will be made strong in Me 

and in the power of  My might. Whatever is done

will be accomplished by the power of My Spirit in you.

You will see tremendous victory

wrought by My hand.

"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered"  Psalms 68:1 

Taken from  He Spoke and I was Strengthened  by Dick Mills

For Those Asking "Why?"

"......in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." Exodus 9:16

I have chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. I have chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. I have chosen the base things of the world, and things which are despised to bring to nought things that are--so that no flesh should glory in My presence.

This is why I have chosen you that I might do supernatural things in your life--things which will bring glory to Me.

This is why I have chosen you-- that I might work miracles in your life, bringing glory to My name.

This is why I have raised you up--that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth.

In all this, I, and I alone, shall be glorified.

You shall not glory in your pedigree,

in your education,

in your resources,

in your position,

in your achievements,

in your accomplishments.

I, the Lord, will be exalted in My day, and that which man has done will be as nothing. That which I have done will fill the earth.

Know this:

I have raised you up. I am using you. And I will continue to use you. I will do many more things in your life than I am doing now.

I am pleased with your desires--your consecration--your willingness. I rejoice in using you because you are not heaping the glory to yourself, but glorifying My name.

Never forget:

I alone shall receive the praise.

No flesh shall glory in My presence.

But Know this also:

I will reward you,

because you were the channel of blessing.

"......and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day."

Isaiah 2:11

Taken from, He Spoke, and I was strengthened by Dick Mills

A Living Historical Churchman

I would like to introduce to you a very dear friend of mine. His name is Dick Mills. I first met Dick in 1980 in Southern California where I was serving on staff at a very large church. Because of it's mega size and influence, this church had become an "international landing strip" for well-known ministers from all over the world. However there was one man that was different from all the rest. His down-to-earth genuineness and humility set him apart. If that wasn't enough, his profound gifting certainly was.

Dick Mills has been a father/friend in my life for almost 30 years. My wife and I actually received a portion of our premarital counseling from his teaching entitled, Hearts and Flowers from the book Song of Solomon. Through the years of our relationship, I have observed first hand the fruit of Dick's ministry. Seven years ago, Melinda and I flew out to celebrate his 80th birthday and had the privilege of spending time in his home with his beautiful family. One of the most amazing things I experienced, and will always treasure, was to take a tour through his expansive study and library filled to capacity with his writings, as well as his Greek and Hebrew research which, I was told, is valued at approximately $150,000. Dick ministered in my church many times and always left us encouraged and edified.

As a young man, Dick recognized the great power of God's Word to encourage people and lift them up, so he committed to memorizing over 1,500 verses for the purpose of encouraging God's people. Combine God's word with a true compassion for people and a unique prophetic gifting and you have Dick Mills.

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel ordained Dick in 1949, and he and Betty have traveled as an evangelist all over the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. In 1966, Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world. He has ministered with: the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups as well as CBN, TBN television networks and many independent Christian TV Stations. He has also appeared on numerous radio talk-shows, written magazine articles and has spoken at many Bible conferences and universities. He has also served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries. Dick has authored and co-authored numerous books and tapes. For a list of currently available books and tapes please visit his web site: http://www.dmm.org/About_Dick.html. Dicks' ministry is characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services inform, enlighten, and motivate people to a higher level of commitment to God.

One of Dick's books that I have kept close by my desk for years is He Spoke And I Was Strengthened. This small book is filled with powerful words of encouragement to help people in their daily walk. I will be posting excerpts from this book from time to time. Please take the time to leave a comment if they are a blessing to you.

Thanks for stopping by Locus Life. I pray that you are encouraged and edified.