Gimme, Gimme, Gimme

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Maybe you’ve been taught that it’s impolite to ask for more.

But I’ve discovered a place where it’s expected and desired for you to ask for more!

Where?

At the feet of Jesus.

He desires us to want more of Him!

So each day I’m asking, “Give me more of You, Jesus!”

And just what does Jesus have?

Well . . . everything!

Peace, kindness, power to overcome, joy, wisdom, authority over satan, gentleness, confidence, discernment . . . the list never ends.

 

In his book Sparkling Gems, author Rick Renner says this:

“The day you chose to make Jesus your Lord and Savior is the day He delegated to you the power and authority to become a child of God. Think of it—at that moment of decision, all the power, authority, and divine influence that is resident within the mighty name of Jesus Christ came to live on the inside of you!”

 

Wow.

How much of Jesus and His gifts are you living with?

Too many Christians are living with about 75 percent of all Jesus has to give. I want more. I want it all.

 

That’s why I’m at His feet today saying, “Gimme, gimme, gimme!”

Let’s make our prayer, “Empty myself of me, Jesus, and give me ALL of YOU.”

 

This weekend I’m speaking in Roswell, NM. Please pray for God to be in complete charge of our services.

 

Thoughts about “Gimme”?

Second Chance

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“ ‘Give it one more chance,’ the gardener answered. ‘Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine; if not, I’ll cut it down’ ” (Luke 13:8-9 TLB).

 

There were no figs on this tree—only leaves.

This parable is about us individually, but it’s also about the church.

Can you hear this conversation between God—the owner of the fig tree—and Jesus, the Gardner?

 

God: No figs?

Jesus: No, Father. Just leaves.

God: It’s not producing what I intended it to produce.

Jesus: Not yet. But the potential is still there.

God: There’s not even one piece of fruit.

Jesus: No, but I’ll work with it. I’ll nourish it. I’ll pour Myself into the task of preparing it to produce fruit. Let’s give it one more year. If it’s not producing fruit in a year, we’ll cut it down.

 

There have been times in my life I should have been cut down.

But instead, God has been patient and has consistently exercised the ministry of pruning me. And in that process of pruning, Jesus works within me to produce fruit once again.

 

Where are you in this process?

Producing fruit?

Being pruned?

Fruitless?

We all want to bear fruit for our heavenly Father.

If you’re not producing fruit, ask Christ to help you.

He is faithful to continue to nurture us,

fertilize us

and bring us to full bloom through His Spirit.

 

Thoughts?

Enjoy the Lord

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King David had just witnessed the successful delivery of the Ark of the Covenant. (2 Samuel 6:12-15). This was certainly cause for celebration, because earlier in this same chapter, Uzzah had been unsuccessful in his delivery of the Ark.

Have you ever been so full of joy that you couldn’t contain it?
If so, you can identify with David. He was excited that he began to dance with abandon in gratitude of God’s goodness. “Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets” (2 Samuel 6:14-15 NIV).

He was happy!
He was celebrating.
His dancing reflected the praise within his heart.

 

One commentary defines David’s dancing in this way:
“He danced with all his might—violent efforts of leaping—but it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, thankfulness and devotion.”

 

David’s wife Michael (daughter of the former King Saul) watched her husband dance from the window of their home. She was not only embarrassed; she was also angry with him.

 

“As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart” (2 Samuel 6:16 NIV).

 

Did you catch the last part? She despised him.
Ooooh.
We need to be careful not to criticize other people’s style of worship.
If worship is genuine, God loves it!

 

Michal berated David when he returned home, and he turned away from her for good. The last verse of this chapter says, “And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.” God didn’t bless her. But He did bless David.

 

When was the last time you truly ENJOYED God . . . and showed it?

 

Thoughts?

 

I’m speaking in Lubbock, TX this weekend—and as always—I appreciate your prayers!

You’re the One!

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Last week we chatted about King David’s sin with Bathsheba. It all began with being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His defenses were down. He wasn’t guarding his heart.

 

After Bathsheba became pregnant, David had her husband (Uriah) killed. We can’t be certain how much time passed, but eventually Nathan the prophet confronted King David. He told him a parable that outlined his sin.

 

David was angry at the guilty man in the parable and didn’t realize it was him until Nathan pointed at him and said, “You’re the one!”

(See 2 Samuel 12:7).

 

David repented, God forgave him and used him in a mighty way.

David was a man of virtue and vice . . . and this tells us something about the complexity of God’s work. God has the ability to transform the sinner into someone special.

 

He makes beauty out of ashes.

He sees the potential in each one of us to fully become who He created us to be!

 

God could constantly point His finger at us and say, “You’re the one!” But instead, He vividly shows us His Cross. He reminds us of His sacrifice for our sins.

 

Instead of accusing, He offers grace, forgiveness and mercy—if we’ll seek His forgiveness and turn away from our sin.

 

What a God!

 

 

Thoughts?

I’m speaking in New Mexico this week. Thanks so much for your prayers. God is so faithful!