Author: Hank

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Hear Jesus in Jn 14:1 as He says, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Hear Paul in Phil 4:6 say, “Be anxious – for nothing!” So what is it today friend? What’s the Trouble? The Anxiety? What is disturbing you? Whatever it is, you don’t need to allow them to overwhelm you. Rather, believe in God. Believe in Jesus your Savior. They love YOU. They proved it at Calvary.

The disciples were troubled and anxious in Mk 4. They were crossing Lake Galilee heading to the Gaderenes, when a storm of incredible magnitude descended on them. Huge waves covered the boat. It was terrifying. And Jesus? Where was Jesus? Must have been SUPER TIRED, because He was sleeping in the back of the boat. In a colossal storm. Have similar instances happened to you, my friend? In a terrifying place, and in your mind you know Jesus is with you. Scripture says so. But how come He’s so totally disinterested? We are perishing and He is catching up on sleep. Don’t we count? Certainly that’s what the disciples likely thought.

They awaken Jesus, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” they say. They can play the blame game very well! Jesus quiets the storm: “Hush. Be still.” Calm ensues. He asks, “Why were you afraid? How is it that you still have no faith?” Friend, we may not see Him, but God is near. With us always. Don’t give place to fear, but FEAR NOT.

Where was their faith? In a bad situation faith, or lack of it, is revealed. They were overwhelmed by the magnitude of their circumstances – the waters were covering them! I can understand their fear. It appeared to be a life and death situation with death gaining the upper hand.

Whatever our situation, FAITH makes the difference. Live by faith in the son of God. Walk by faith in Him, daily. When the “NO’s” surround you, resist them. Exercise faith in God in those impossible circumstances, with the people who say, “NO WAY.” Be confident in your God. Make your prayers and petitions known to Him. His peace will guard you. And, HIS POWER and AUTHORITY will turn the NO’s into YES!!!

Yes – keep faith in God for your situation. You will COME ALIVE – right in it!

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In Jn 14:1 Jesus is giving a final address to His disciples before He is arrested. He says, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” The world of the disciples is about to be turned upside down. Jesus gives them a good word; an amazing word to prepare them.

He does the SAME for you and me today, my friend. Notice it speaks of a choice: when troubles surround you, you can LET THEM engulf you or you can choose to NOT LET THEM. But how?

The verse continues: “Believe in God.” That’s the God who spared not His own son but delivered Him up for us ALL. That’s you. And “Believe in Me,” Jesus said. Who willingly went to Cross bearing our sins and their punishment – because of LOVE. God WILL help. He WILL get us through.

So what is it today friend? Trouble? Anxiety? What is disturbing your mental calm and contentment? What’s the worry, distress, agitation? Affliction? Dilemma? Impossible situation? What’s the heartache? The heartbreak? You don’t have to LET them overwhelm you. Do that by believing in God and His Son Jesus.

In Phil 4:6-7 Paul says similar words: “Be anxious – for nothing.” How, Paul? How? He tells us, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” So, in our believing we talk to Jesus, we talk to our heavenly Father about every burden, every trouble, my dear friend.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.”

We live in an anxious and troubled society today, folks. Instead of hugs from loving people, instead of acceptance and forgiveness, people get isolated on the internet and their mobile devices. They get insulted, mocked, ridiculed, blamed and bullied. They may need our help. To believe. To pray.

Help them, to believe in God, with whom all things are possible. Help them, to believe in Jesus, full of mercy and grace, already demonstrated at Calvary. Help them to pray, humbly making requests to God in an attitude of appreciation. His peace will become the guardian of their hearts and their minds. And ours.

We won’t all go crazy friend, no matter the circumstances; we’ll COME ALIVE!

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In Gal 2:20 Paul said the life he now lived, he lived by faith in God. How could he do that? Because, he writes, he knows God loves him and gave up His life – for him. What a GREAT way to live!

Don’t entertain doubt about God’s goodness, mercies, tenderness, lovingkindness and grace toward YOU. See Jesus at Calvary bearing YOUR sins, taking ALL the accusations against you to the cross, and receiving the punishment for every failure and mis-deed you performed. True, Paul had many difficulties in life; stonings, beatings, lashings, to name a few, but they were because of the Gospel he preached, not because God was teaching him a lesson or punishing him. It is the same with us. Do you understand?

I love the simplicity of faith found in Mt 9:27-30. Two blind men ask Jesus for mercy. Jesus asks, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” How simple is that, friend? But think about it. At that time the religious rulers taught that all permanent affliction was due to sin and God was punishing these men with blindness. So Jesus’ question not only concerned His ability, but it was flying in the face of Jewish theology. There was more going on here than believing someone had healing powers! They showed simple, but substantial faith, my friend. We can too!

In Mt 8:5-13, Lu 7:1-10 – a Roman Centurion sends his servants to Jesus, and despite being a Roman, a conqueror of Israel, he describes himself as being unworthy of Jesus’ attention, not worthy of Jesus coming into his house. Not even worthy to come to Jesus personally. But he saw – by faith – where Jesus’ authority was coming from – from God, who is so much greater than nations and tribes and peoples. And by faith He understood that he too mattered to Jesus. That everyone matters to Jesus. Even you and me, friend! That’s awesome faith!

Think about these examples. Understand, Jesus died for you and me. Jesus is with us eternally. Don’t ever be afraid of anything. Have faith in God – what you have asked for in prayer is on its way. Believe, and COME ALIVE!

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There’s a lot of nasty stuff happening in the world today. Might even be happening around you. You might be in an impossible situation. Fatal health condition. Might seem like the devil is out to get you, personally. Ouch! 

Well, live like Paul did with faith in God. Gal 2:20. Consider what Jesus said in Mk 11 when the disciples noticed the fig tree Jesus cursed previously now totally dead. Jesus told them God is listening to you! He’s paying attention – to you. You matter to God. What’s important to you – is important to Him. Others may say it’s impossible, but with God involved, all things are possible!

There IS NO HOPELESS SITUATION in God. Jesus in Mk 11:22-24 says, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you (NOW LISTEN), all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you HAVE received them, and they WILL be granted you.

Yes, I know some preachers put the burden on you, to have enough faith, to confess, to stand and so on until you are utterly exhausted and under the weight of condemnation. Don’t believe it! Faith the size of a mustard seed, very tiny, can move a mountain – Mt 17:20, or cast a mulberry tree into the ocean – Lu 17:6. Friend, it’s not about OUR GREAT FAITH, something we can boast in; it’s all about WHO we are TRUSTING: Almighty God!

Dial back from the crushing urgency of the issues engulfing you. Use those eyes of faith. See Jesus at Calvary – for you. See Jesus now seated in the heavenlies upon the throne of all authority. Then pray! Ask for impossible things in your life.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely  give  us  all  things?” Ro 8:32. 

Pray! Believe you’ve been heard – the answer is on its way. It will be as you have believed. You have COME ALIVE to the LIVING GOD!

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Gen 1 – is awesome. In a simple sentence, it confirms our origins: In the BEGINNING, GOD created the heavens and earth.

The apostle John confirms it, beginning his gospel saying, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. God has created everything, except for Himself.

The author of Hebrews also agrees, opening by saying in verses 2 & 3: “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.  And upholds all things by the word of His power.

The universe was created by God. FOR GOD. Jesus owns the universe. And He keeps it held together – the atoms, protons, electrons – everything. With all this, does  He care for us humans?

Listen to John 1:12&13 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

We are not little nothings, of no account. He LOVES man! He LOVES YOU and me! We just heard that He offers ALL men the opportunity to receive Him and in doing so they become CHILDREN of GOD. A child has a like nature and character as their parents. WHOA! Did you catch that?

It took the unbelievable / incredible DEATH of Jesus to accomplish all this. Jesus died for US, to elevate us to sit with Him on His throne – eternally. That’s Eph 2:6

Scared of falling from that high elevation HE has put you in? Don’t be! Heb 4:14 Jesus our great high priest is always making intercession for us – eternally!

And remember all of chapter 10 of Hebrews: Jesus came to earth to do away with SIN, to do away with the need for a further sin offering. He was the last and perfect offering for sin, forever. Why, He has also done away with even the REMEMBRANCE of SIN!

Today friend, give GLORY to GOD. Praise Him for adopting us, REJOICE — keep on RECEIVING all He has to give you – and COME ALIVE and ALIVER and ALIVER! Forever!

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Let me share a parable with you. There once was man who had grown up in a small town, moved away, and became rich. Very  rich. Unimaginably rich. He loved his home town, and he wanted to do something memorable for it. 

Well, there was the Super Bowl of sports coming. The whole world wanted to go. Ticket prices were stratospheric and hard to get. But his man also had connections. He went and bought tickets for everyone in town. Everyone! Food and beverage was covered. And parking. And hotel rooms. If anyone has been to a big sporting event you know those ‘extra’ prices can be HUGE. Everything was taken care of – all a person need do was say the rich man’s name and it was free.

Special arrangements were made for people in prison and in the hospitals. No one was left out. The rich man sent messengers to the town to tell everyone personally of the Good News. But you know what happened? Many people did not believe it! Too good to true, they said. Free? Then it can’t be any good said others. Some prisoners said it couldn’t be for them, they were too bad a person. Unworthy of such favor. They didn’t understand they would receive white garments to wear with the rich man’s logo on it – no one would ever know what kind of person they had been outside of the event.

Some even beat up the messengers. When the rich man found out, he told his messengers to go out and tell everyone the Good News, not just the town, so all the seats would be filled. He was generous and kind! 

Well they did! For those who believed and went, it was pure Joy and Gladness. Feasting and Celebrating. A time such as they had never experienced before. They praised and thanked the rich man for his love and generosity! Those who refused the invitation—well, they lost out. By their own decision.

My friend, it’s likely you know the REAL Good News about JESUS! I urge to share this Good News with others. That they may believe and receive — and Come Alive! Check out Matt 22 the wedding feast, Luke 14 the great banquet, and John 1:11-12 about believing and receiving for the details!

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The Gospel of God’s Grace declares that His love is greater than your sin, and there is nothing you can do to earn it! 

The only thing you can do is — RECEIVE IT. Don’t hold back. Stop believing untruths that imply God will love you only if you measure up to certain standards. Or get yourself cleaned up. And live right. Go to church. Whatever. You know the drill.

God is NOT standing with crossed arms and a frown when He looks down on you. He has His arms wide open – remember Calvary – the Cross – Jesus’ arms open wide there, in LOVE for each of us. Religion says God is angry and maybe hates you. But grace says God is always in a good mood for the perfect sacrifice has been made and now His favor rests upon you. Religion says you have to get yourself sorted out and cleaned up before you can come home. Grace shouts, “Come as you are!”

You know what you need my friend? You need to let God love you the way HE wants to love you.

Stop putting your own restrictions on His love! God’s love changes us. Just look at that murderer Saul. Literally killing Christians. Then he encountered Divine Love. In a very short period of time his old buddies – wanted to kill HIM, because He was preaching Jesus and His resurrection. It’s time you settle yourself into the Father’s loving arms of love.

While the love of God is transformational, you will not know that unless you go beyond mental assent into actual experience. So how do you receive the love of God? Well, reject those thoughts or mistaken beliefs that God is unhappy with you, or that your sin is a block between you and God. When a person turns to the Lord, He takes away sin. Demons may try to keep you from receiving the love of God, through unbelief. Use Jesus’ name and bind them!
Then, and this is only one possibility, simply get quiet and talk to your heavenly Father – tell Him you receive His love and ask Him to pour it out over you.
Yes, receive His love, and COME ALIVE!

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No one sets out to waste their lives, but this is what happens when we live disconnected from the Author of Life. When we try to write our own story, without input from him, we write inferior stories. Even if our lives have the appearance of success, they leave us empty and unfulfilled because we were not made to live alone. 

We were made to live in communion with God! Whoa! That’s BIG and it’s true! So, I ask you, “How is your relationship with God? How’s it working?”

Some people define their relationship as one of:
– Obedience. “We must obey God and all of His rules and commandments. God sees and rewards.”
– For some, it’s attitude. “We must always make a good effort. God sees and rewards.”
– For some, it’s about sacrifice. “We must give all we can to the work of God. God sees and rewards.”
– For others, it’s about fruit. “We must prove ourselves as His disciples and bear much fruit. God sees and rewards.”

Do you see a common denominator in all these, friends? It is the person. Their performance. And people who say such things are admitting they do not know God very well at all. Their communion at best is that of a mere servant. A rule keeping servant.

Rule keeping IS clean cut in comparison to the confusing freedom of relationship. But to prefer or demand rules is a sure sign one does not know the love of God. Jesus gave His life for so much MORE!

True, when asked Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God totally. But think: commandments are rules, and God’s rules applied – BEFORE THE CROSS – to reveal our need for a Savior. Read Galatians. Hebrews. Romans 3-8.

Now, we have been freed from rule-keeping. Instead of rules, our focus is JESUS. We sit at His feet like Mary did, and receive. Yes, sit at Jesus’ feet. Receive His love. Then arise and give that love away, the love that never fails, to this hurting and needy world.

And you know what? Others will say that the love coming from you is nothing less than divine and causing them – to COME ALIVE!

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The Gospel IS – the GOOD NEWS! First and foremost is the fact that God Loves YOU! John 3:16 begins, “for God so loved the world….” Are you a part of the world? Then you are loved by God! Will He love you MORE if you try harder to keep the 10 Commandments? Most people think so but they are wrong. We live under the New Covenant, not the Old Mosaic one. Our performance FOR God does not determine the measure of God’s love for US.

Is 54:10 tells us even if the mountains are removed, His unfailing love will never be removed – it’s the real thing.
Ro 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Before we made ANY attempt at doing right, at repenting and turning TO GOD, God was loving us and busy opening up heaven’s gates through Christ’s blood. Now THAT’S GOOD NEWS!

What about the wrath of God you may ask? GOOD QUESTION! Search the scriptures and you will find the wrath of God being visited upon the ungodly. Jesus drank willingly of the cup of the wrath of God so it would not come upon anyone who believes in Him as their Savior. Yes, He saves today still!

Furthermore, Jesus is our High Priest, always making intercession for us. That Great White Throne of Judgment in Revelation? Thanks to Jesus has become a Throne of Grace for us to approach confidently, with the expectation of finding mercy and grace – Hebrews 4:16. The love of God has covered all the bases, my friend.

How about Jer 31:3b in The Message? “Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them! God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!””

Many people think of God’s love in terms of their own love: weak, conditional, seasonal, whatever. God’s love however, is unfailing and unconditional. 

Today, wondering where is God? Are you wondering if He cares for you? Look at the CROSS. It is a mighty declaration of God’s grace and favor. It’s the Good News. 

Yup, look at the Cross, my friend, and COME ALIVE!

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The Gospel is called the GOOD NEWS! It is all GOOD News—there is NO bad news in it! You DO know that, right? The Gospel is an announcement – a Savior, who does not play favorites, has come and completed His mission: to save all of humanity. He succeeded, and forever we shall be singing and shouting His praises!

Many Christian’s perceptions of God are of Him looking down from heaven with a frown on His face. They believe He is displeased with them. That their Christian performance is not good enough. That is NOT True. Jesus’ blood covered every sin and failure and He has given us a new heart so we don’t want to do iniquity. Thanks to Jesus, God is eternally pleased with us – IF – and there is only 1 “IF” – you believe this GOOD NEWS! Believe it! Call out to Jesus today.

Don’t you see Jesus’ love for you revealed at Calvary? It’s true. Jesus took care of our sin issue there, and that’s the truth. When we believe in Him, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He makes us a holy vessel, His sanctuary, His dwelling place. We are not some kind of vacation cottage that Jesus visits from time to time. NO! We are His dwelling place. He lives in us now and He will never leave us!

Learn what it means to have Jesus living IN you. It’s better than that 100 million dollars I mentioned last message. Paul calls this learning “working out our salvation.” Phil 2:12. Don’t ignore Jesus within you, but learn what it means to walk through life WITH THE LIVING GOD! As you do so with humility, you will find this outworking of your salvation being accompanied by that fear and trembling Paul mentions.

How do you, discover the Mighty God of creation within you? Begin responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Soon you’ll be overcome with joy and gladness of heart as you realize God cares for you. About every thing in your life. YES! Don’t you see? This working out of your salvation is helping you – to  COME ALIVE!

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