Greater Reach 29 - Attitude

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  John 17:18.

Taking a different route this morning.  

Sometimes it is easy to see what the problem is and point it out to everybody but not be an active part of the solution.    

When I look bad it reflects poorly upon the church.  When I look good it reflects positively upon the church.  God is mainly concerned with our heart attitude.  It is from the heart that one speaks and it is from the heart that one's actions are birthed.  I may not be aware of any known sin but my attitude is even more important.  

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.  John 3:29.

Greater Reach 28 - Surprise

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Matthew 5:13.

It is that time of year again.  Spring is in the air.  The birds are chirping.  The flowers are blooming.  Everything is putting forth it's produce.  God makes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust, and He makes the rain to fall upon the righteous and the unrighteous.
We are like fruit trees as well.   What kind of fruit are we putting forth?
I am hopeful that the changes I have wrought in my life over the past several years will work out.  Thank God I'm in this thing for the long run!


Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?  Luke 13:7.

I just got a blog from Claire.  I haven't even opened it yet.  Let's do it together and see what yummy treats are inside!  Be blessed!

http://thekitchykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/03/cheddar-beer-toast-with-chives-aka.html

Not by Might,

Travis

Greater Reach 27 - Fertilizer

Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  St. Matthew 5:13.

I definitely want to make sure I apply enough fertilizer so that the rose bushes come in nice and full in time for summer.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  St. Luke 13:6.

Greater Reach 26 - Warm Fuzzies :)

I must decrease and He must increase.  John 3:30.

Warm fuzzies :).
What are these fears?  What are these persistent anxieties that attempt to unsettle?  Is praying about them enough to make them go away entirely, or is there something MORE?
How do we press through an attack of discouragement?  What if I have prayed and stepped out in faith to follow God and I meet discouragement?  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Nehemiah is a man who did just that.  He and his men were making serious progress.  They were probably thinking warm fuzzy thoughts when Sanballat and Gershem sent a message,"Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono."  Nehemiah 6:2b.
They also attempted to make up a false report on what Nehemiah was doing and file a complaint against him.  (v. 6,7).  Sound familiar?  Daniel's opponents used the same technique to get him thrown into the lions den.
Warm fuzzies :).
Sounds like a perfect recipe for defeat doesn't it?
Well speaking of perfect recipes I've got one that looks yummy.
http://dairyfreecooking.about.com/od/dessertsbeverages/r/CaramelRPudd.htm
Warm fuzzies, until next time!
By Grace,
Travis

Greater Reach 25 - Drop the Load

He must increase, but I must decrease.  John 3:30.

Pressing forward.  Without a doubt.  As David Chadwick said is his message, "the only thing that can stop the church is if we stop ourselves."

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14.

Drop the load.  If I drop the load it solves half of the energy problem.  What is the load?  It's all the should'ves and wouldv'es and regrets I'm still carrying from yesterday.  Tomorrow has plenty of worries without me bringing a truckload with me from the past.  Better to live life facing forward.
The other half is taking Jesus' yoke.  He promises if we will come to Him then He will give us rest.

Coming or going.
As my strength was then,
So my strength is now.

Greater Reach 24 - Control Pt 2

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”  Judges 6:12.

Selah

Then all the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. ³⁴ But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.  Judges 6:33,34. 

What turned Gideon from being weak kneed and paralyzed by fear, into a bold and fearless leader.  One was his father's affirmation.  Two was the Spirit of the LORD.  Nowhere does it say he took a class on the art of persuasion.  He didn't listen to a bunch of self-help tapes.  He didn't join Toastmasters. 

Greater Reach 23 - Control

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  James 4:6.  

Selah.

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.  Daniel 3:27.  

Selah.  

Greater Reach 22 - Bacon Grease

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Matthew 5:14.


The other day I was on the bus.  I heard one woman start judging another woman and at first I was tempted to judge her.  But wait a minute!  Who am I to judge her.  Didn't I just have a situation where I was in an argument with someone and I started pointing the finger at them?
Fortunately, I had on my Crossfires and I managed to dodge the friendly fire.
I turned to the lady and introduced myself.  I told her I was in the organic hog farm business.  Thus began a delightful conversation.
Rather than becoming an agitator I stepped in and became part of the solution.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.  Matthew 7:6.

Greater Reach 21 - Bill's Adventure Part 2

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  St. Matthew 5:14.


Last night I woke up and I knew right away what I was to do.  It's so reassuring to know that my Father sees our steps of faith (faltering at times) and wants us to know that:


He believes in us.
We are always on His mind.
He believes in us.  


By Grace,
Travis 

Greater Reach 20 - Bill's St. Patrick's Day Adventure

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  St. Matthew 5:14.

Before I came to Christ I stumbled around from one day to the next, never with a sense of where I was heading.  I knew in my heart that I was on the path of destruction and I desperately sought every opportunity to save myself.  But it never amounted to much.  Every day I grew closer and closer to the edge, slipping on an unseen force.
People don't set out to get lost.  Can you imagine a guy waking up one morning, putting his sneakers on and heading out the door?  His last words to his family are, "I think I'll see how lost I can get today."  That's ridiculous.

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.  St. John 11:10.

3/17/12 I have a plant that somebody gave me one year.  She told me the name of the plant was Bill W.  Bill is low maintenance as far as plants go. A little sunlight and a pot of dirt is all he needs.  This morning Bill came crashing down and I thought, "poor Bill."  But that got me to thinking about how so many people are just one step away from sliding over the edge.  This time I was there to help Bill.  Good thing the Scorpion Clan didn't get to him first.  I'm grateful for Bill.  Bill was there for me when I needed help and I want the hand of Jesus Christ to always be there for folks like Bill.

Greater Reach 19 - Snack Attack

But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  James 4:6.

The honest truth.  God is big enough to handle it.  You know what I'd like for my birthday?  I'd like for you to take your cake, which you baked for yourself, because you wanted it, and because you thought you were being so gracious, and go have yourself a good time with it.  

3/16/12 I've always been a big fantasy novel buff.  One of the characters that pops up in a lot of those books is a type called a druid.
Well it turns out that St. Patrick was real familiar with druids.  The historical accounts don't paint a real pretty picture of druids.  They were the spiritual leaders of the people that inhabited Ireland in those days.
St. Patrick's encounters with druids would have been something like Moses encounters with the magicians of Egypt.  And that would make a pretty good adventure story!

Greater Reach 18 - Decent Odds/Divine Multiplication

He must increase, but I must decrease.  St. John 3:30.
During the Living A Better Story series at Elevation Church we were asked a question.  What is your favorite movie of all time.  If you are like me you have a couple that bring back memories.
I remember a line from one of my favorite characters of all time.  When it looked like he was down for the count and there was no way out, Han Solo would say, "Never tell me the odds."
Ever noticed how God's rules for multiplication are different than ours?
I'll be honest I never really understood Gideon's victory in chapter 7 of Judges.  I've heard that story told many times by many people and alot of people bash Gideon for being afraid.  I'm not sure I agree with that appraisal.  I don't think there's a man alive that would not fear facing those odds.
The beauty of God's Word is you don't have to explain it.
Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight;  your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.  For I will be leaning toward you with favor and regard for you, rendering you fruitful, multiplying you, and establishing and ratifying My covenant with you.  Leviticus 26:8,9.  AMP

Greater Reach 17 - Keep the Belt On

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Matthew 16:18.
Scripture shows a clear pattern.  God delivered Israel.  They celebrated a huge victory.  Three days later they were grumbling.  (Exodus 15:1-24)
Or often times the most humiliating defeat comes shortly after a major victory.  (1 Kings 19:1-4)
But it doesn't have to be that way.  In fact scripture makes it quite clear that victory it is to be the norm and not the exception.
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.  2 Corinthians 2:14.
Last week I wrote about the belt.  I pointed out the fact that the enemy attempts to hit below the belt.  He wants to make you feel cheap and dirty.  I guess you when you feel cheap and dirty you succumb more easily.
It also seems like people who feel cheap and dirty want to bring everybody else down to their level.
The truth is that we are not cheap.  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  1 Peter 1:18,19.
Pastor Steven has been preaching a series of messages that he started off with Romans 12:1,2.  It goes without saying that when the Word is preached it gets the enemy stirred up.  Fortunately I've also been attending CBS regularly and I've got Charlie and Bill to keep me sharp.


3/13/12 LOL!  This is getting to be seriously entertaining.  I wonder if they are making a sequel to Big Trouble In Little China?

Greater Reach 16 - Worth Waiting For

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10.

I ordered my cap and gown today for graduation! Yesterday I woke up with the realization that I really ought to go to my graduation ceremony.  After all I have been through and all that God has done to get me to this point I have no one to blame other than myself if I don't go.  And to think that I had the money sitting there in my account to purchase the cap and gown.  I easily could have spent it.  I could have blown it over Spring break but I didn't.  

It's really amazing how God has anointed me with His wisdom when I haven't really sought after it like I have knowledge.  I really had such a small part in doing what God had called me to do.   What's great is not that I was victorious this time in the self-control department, but that I have a relationship with the One who makes me more than a conqueror.  And as long as I keep Him first I can walk in victory. 

When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.  Proverbs 11:2. 

By Grace,

Travis

Greater Reach 15 - Overflow

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Matthew 16:18.

To start off Code Orange Revival Pastor Furtick preached from Ezekiel 37.  He said something I hope that I will never forget.  Even so, it bears repeating.  First the scripture then the comment he made.
So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.  Psalm 37:7.
When the body of Christ comes together the devil can't stop us.  We become what Ezekiel calls a vast army.

3/10/12 I am just overwhelmed by God's generosity and His faithfulness right now.  My biggest concern right now is that in the outpouring of God's blessing I'll be so drenched I won't be able to take it all in.  :)

Enable me to see all the blessings that are right here in this moment.  ~ Stormie Omartian

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  Luke 16:10.

Greater Reach 14 - Work In Progress

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10.

Knowing How To Pack For the Wilderness is the title of the chapter I've been reading from.  It's kind of fitting considering the way I started this blog in the book of Numbers which is all about Israel's wilderness experience.
Rather than trying to break this down and make something more complex out of it than it is, I'll just post a couple of verses here that the Lord laid on my heart today and then I'll give you a brief overview of how my day went.
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.  Judges 6:10.
Today I went uptown to interview Elisabeth for an article that I'm writing.  This was one of the girls that I met on the day I interviewed Vani.  Funny how I also met Fred that day and that led to an interview as well.  I'd say that's the anointing working in my behalf.
Before I got there I got on the bus and sat down next to a woman named Bonita.  She held up a stack of Watchtowers and we talked about scripture for awhile.  She invited me to the Kingdom Hall.
Elizabeth was friendly, answered all my questions, and we were done in under twenty minutes.  I like the way she could confidently answer all my questions.  That shows that she is good under pressure.  She'd make a good person to have on our team.
The trip home was uneventful and all is well on the homefront.
This next verse I don't know whether it's prophetic in that it's something to come, whether it's something that has already occurred or whether to discredit it.  I've heard it before at another time and that's why I don't think it's wise to quench the Spirit.
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.  Psalm 125:7.
I kind of have a feeling that this is one that's to be continued...  What should I call it?


Help me to trust You for every step.  ~ Stormie Omartian

3/9/12 Thank God I'm not a wannabe football player, wannabe basketball player, or a wannabe dog lover.  Thank God I'm somebody because of who God says I am.
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go;  for he had not proved it.  And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these;  for I have not proved them.  And David put them off him.  1 Samuel 17:39.

By Grace,
Travis

Greater Reach 13 - Light Switch

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:  Isaiah 58:10.

One of the main reasons it's so hard sometimes to hear God's direction is that we're so self-centered.  On the way to Bible study last night I remembered an old saying.  "I'm not much but I'm all I think about."  Less true today than it was when I first heard it but I still have room for improvement.
Going to the SLC really kicked me out of my comfort zone and I'm glad it did.  I really don't even like the term comfort zone.
But it's like The Dreamgiver talks about when it says that there is a barrier of fear when you first step out but if you push through to the other side you will experience peace.
I realize that my attitude will have a direct bearing on whether I wander around in circles, coming back to the same place over and over, or whether I get through to the Promised Land you have for me.  ~ Stormie Omartian.
I took a walk earlier and it settled my mind.  Too much negative energy will cripple your attitude till everything seems dark and foreboding.  We have the choice to let light in or let darkness in.  Sometimes it is a struggle and that is where our faith comes into practice.


3/8/12 Speaking of scorpions (and pixies) I haven't that old Lay's Potato Chip truck in quite some time.  I wonder if they're having roadside difficulties?
Check this video out it's one of my favorites.
http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=enrolled+in+heaven
By Grace,
Travis

Greater Reach 12 - Army Pants

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Matthew 5:14.

I noticed a change that started on Sunday.  I don't feel the low blows as much as I used to.
Since I'm feeling well rested today and I have some extra time I feel that this topic is important enough for me to meditate upon.  I hope that you get something from it as well.
Here are some examples:
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, Ephesians 6:14.  I really feel that the Good Shepherd put this verse on my heart and wants it to be a guide for the step that I am on.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  1 John 1:7.  The way this verse applies to what I said earlier is that it's hard for Satan to make us feel cheap and dirty if we're doing everything we can to walk in purity.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:13.  That's a high and lofty aspiration.  I don't know why, I just feel that it is relevant to me that Peter wrote that and not James or John.

3/06/12 If you're in the Charlotte area on Tuesday night come join us for weekly fellowship and a study of the Gospel of Luke and how it applies to our daily lives.  We'd love to have you.  We meet at Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road, Charlotte.  Meetings start at 7:00.  BAF.
Open to scorpions.  :)

Greater Reach11 - Sufficient

But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  James 4:6.

The anointing.  Or as Pastor Furtick preached so eloquently, "The Power of Crisco."  I know one thing for sure.  It's awesome.
Actually He is awesome.  And He is the One who puts the anointing on us.  So even though the anointing helps us to do things we could never do on on our own, we shouldn't fall in love with it and forget it's source.
God used many people to get me to start stepping out in faith.  Two of those people are Caleb and Bill Yount.
Caleb is a hero in the Bible.  Caleb overcame adversity to see the fulfillment of his God given promise.  He took action based upon God's promise and he took possession of it.  He did not shrink back from a challenge.
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.  Joshua 14:12.
Bill Yount is a prophet and a writer.  The other day he sent out a message.  The letter was called "Season of Miracle Comebacks."  He is very gifted but he is also a man of tremendous character.
http://www.billyount.com/
And of course there is my Pastor and his mentor, Pastor Steven Furtick and Pastor Craig Groeschel.  If you ever get a chance to try mudcat baseball, go for it.  It's not half as bad as it sounds.
Oops that was four.
I wonder if Paul must have had a similar problem.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9.

3/5/12 Monday.  After a day of nonviolence.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  Psalm 133:1.

Greater Reach 10 - Change

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Hebrews 10:24.  


Mom bought into it!  She's decided to give the plant based diet a shot.  What a tremendous step for her.  I should be thrilled.  :)  This is such a Daniel 1:10 moment.

Forgive me when I grumble or have less than a grateful heart about where I am right now.  ~ Stormie Omartian.


3/3/12 I'm flying solo again for St. Patrick's!  Praise God!  All my days are in His hand.  Something good is going to happen to me.

Greater Reach 9 - Taste

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  St. Matthew 5:13.

Watered down.

Shine Your light on the path You have for me to travel, for I know that all my days are in Your hands.  ~  Stormie Omartian.

The first time I went to the Spiritual Living Center I had to walk past the First Baptist Church to get there.  I never even knew that building was the First Baptist Church.  "Lord where are You taking me?"


3/2/12 Despite the attempts by Scorpion Clan to stir up trouble, today I can honestly say with David,
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.  Psalm 103:5.
To be continued...

Greater Reach Pt 8 - Relax

And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  St. Matthew 16:18.

Help me to not walk in fear or doubt, but in faith.  ~ Stormie Omartian

Relaxation time.  Tomorrow at Zada Jane's 1PM.  Meeting Katja for some fun.

Coming or Going
Coming or Going.
Even so is my strength now,
As my strength was then.

3/1/12  Ambush!  Scorpion Clan is dedicated I'll say that much.  Dedicated to wickedness and carrying out their evil agenda.
We on the other hand have a higher agenda : I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:1,2.


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