3-IN-ONE OIL

Have you ever wondered what would happen if just once you committed your entire and immediate situation with all of its concerns to the Living God?

What happened in David's life that caused Him to say ...

LET ALL THAT I AM PRAISE THE LORD; WITH MY WHOLE HEART I WILL PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. Psalm 103:1

I believe the answer to total victorious living -- what separates those who believe from those who do not -- is found in the following scriptures:

You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Luke 10:27

Another translation sums it up like this ... 

Love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NET Bible)

When we make up our minds to trust the Lord with every ounce of love, strength, and thought, abandoning every plan or work of self, we shall find God leading the way to all His promises. His very name is Faithful and True.  

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE YOU TO 3 IN-ONE-OIL

3-IN-ONE was developed in 1894 by George Cole who was hoping to create a product that would lubricate, clean and prevent rust. Those three functions in one product led to the name 3-IN-ONE. 

So we see that 3-IN-ONE oil is a clear, invisible lubricating, penetrating, and cleaning oil.

As far back as I can remember my father, a tailor, had a can of this product close by. It was a first aid kit for his sewing machine. Whenever the motor started to drag, became sluggish or slow, he'd apply a few drops into the mechanism where the needle went up and down and his sewing machine would run like new again. Auto manufacturers advise changing the oil in our cars every three to five thousand miles to prevent the engine from blowing up.    

Have you ever thought or heard people say, "Life is a drag"? God has His own version of 3-IN-ONE oil available to us and here it is: Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength. When you approach God with the squeaky wheel, God's 3-IN-ONE will come through with the grease. God promises to lubricate, penetrate and cleanse you so that you can perform at full optimum speed. 

I believe this is what Paul was talking about when he declared, 

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12    

I used to believe that Paul rose to victory whether his needs were met or not but I don't believe that's what he was talking about at all. Paul shares that he had learned the secret of living in every situation. Paul realized that God was in the center of his life providing his every need even during times of want. The peace of God took the place of the worry, fear, depression, anxiety and stress that once accompanied waiting on the Lord. No longer was he ruled by the enemy of doubt or unbelief but his 3-IN-ONE faith in the Son of God moved him into a place of peace and rest.

I'm not talking about a name-it-and-claim-it philosophy. God's peace was the result of committing all his fears into the hands of the living God and keeping them there while believing he already had what he needed.    

In Romans 4:19-22 we see that Abraham also got a hold of  this secret:

And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead, and so was Sarah's womb. Yet he did not waver through unbelief. In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this he brought glory to God. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform. That is why his faith was counted to him as righteousness." 

This faith is full-time trust, which is counted unto us as righteousness. By it we gain access to confidently enter the Kingdom of God -- the Kingdom of God that is at hand and in your heart. By believing with 3-IN-ONE OIL we become lubricated, penetrated and cleansed for a righteous standing before God.   

God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. Hebrews 4:1 

Recently, I encountered a situation similar to Peter when his boat nearly sunk during a horrible storm at sea. His fear was magnified when he realized he would not be able to meet up with the Lord as promised. How could he have known that an uncontrollable situation would prevent Peter from keeping his appointment on the other side of the lake? However, Jesus didn't force Peter to figure out how to reach the other side on his own. Walking on the water, Jesus saved Peter from this desperate situation before he ever made it across. Peter realized that the only way to reach Jesus now was to meet up with the Lord right there in the midst of the sea. After asking the Lord, Jesus said, "Come on! Peter actually walked on water until his eyes went from fixed-on-Jesus to fixed-on-the-wind and waves. Peter began to sink just like his boat. And I was sinking just like Peter.

I believe Peter was determined to keep his promise to reach the Lord in his own strength. In my situation, my unbelief grieved the Lord so much that the full weight of my doubt came crashing down on me. For three days and nights I felt estranged from the Lord; and I don't think I've ever repented before the Lord so deeply. For a brief moment, I forgot that it was God who led me to step out in faith and it was God who was going to provide whatever was needed even when it didn't look or feel like He would. I didn't realize that if it took walking on water to reach the Lord, than walking on water was what we could do.

But when I remembered the 3-IN-ONE oil peace once again ruled in my heart even though my storm was not over. I turned my whole mind, my whole being and all of my strength over to the Lord anyway and no longer felt threatened.

Dealing with life's challenges without God's recipe for 3-IN-ONE is like trying to run a machine without oil. We begin to drag -- or sink -- becoming sluggish and slow. Sometimes we even blow up.

Let's take a look at a woman named Hannah who had not been able to bear children because "The Lord had shut up her womb." (1 Samuel 1:5). Her husband had another wife who had no problem conceiving. In fact, the Bible eludes that she may have had ten children. Now this other wife, Peninnah, provoked Hannah by reminding her of her barrenness, causing her to cry. The Bible says whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her until she wept. (1 Samuel 1:7). This went on year after year but one year Hannah was so depressed she couldn't eat. Her husband, Elkanah, loved Hannah and tried to console her. "Why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"

Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash! Ezekiel 13:10

See, his brand of oil seemed like whitewash on a flimsy wall. In bitterness of soul Hannah left the supper table where her family was enjoying a meal and went by herself to the temple.

Now Eli, the High Priest, saw her praying but thought she was drunk. He could see her lips moving but didn't hear her saying anything. The two go-to people in her life, her own husband and her pastor, weren't able to lubricate, penetrate or cleanse the mechanism of Hannah's condition. All they could do was build a flimsy wall and cover it with whitewash but she was still running on empty.   

As a final resort, Hannah reached for the 3-IN-ONE oil. She was no longer falling for the flimsy wall or a whitewashed substitute. When she turned her mind, heart and strength in God's direction she was restored to hope even before she saw or experienced the answer to her prayer. Hannah's life was transformed. She was no longer barren.

 "All the days of his life he shall be lent to the Lord".

I don't believe Hannah bargained with the Lord nor was she making any deals.  Hannah realized as did Abraham, Peter and Paul, that without God she could do nothing. She could not relieve her own soul of its bitterness or pour into its emptiness. But what she could do was give it all to the Lord.  

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read: "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 

Jesus said, "Without my Father I can do nothing." Even the son of God kept a can of 3-IN-ONE nearby.

There is far more to gain in loving, trusting and  relying on the Lord with all of your heart, and all your mind, and all your strength than meets the eye. I'm talking about forsaking all other plans, trusting only in and leaning fully upon Him. It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when you land, all your needs -- within and without -- are met according to His promises, which are according to His riches in glory, which belong to us and to our children forever.   
Paul said he learned the secret of living in every situation ... 

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all of these teachings. Deuteronomy 29:29

WHEN JESUS TURNED NO INTO YES

For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:7-16

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10


"Wanna go with me to a wedding reception?" It's in Cana of Galilee. "C'mon, let's go!"

"C'mom, let's hurry! The guests are already moving through the buffet line and helping themselves to good food and wine. The music is lively; the decorations are festive; the parents are pleased; the bride and groom are happy ... everything's set for a memorable day so let's get in line before they run out of something ..."

... and then something unforeseeable happens ... before everyone is served, they run out of wine.

"Oh look, there's Jesus ... and His disciples ... and His mother!  Did you see Mary nudging Jesus just now? Let's move in closer so we can overhear their conversation ..."

MARY: "Jesus, there's an uncomfortable situation taking place right now: they've run out of wine before everyone has been served!"

JESUS: "So?" He replies a little irritated. "That's not our business or my problem, and besides, my hour has not come.

Mary is beside herself. She cares that a dream-come-true wedding should be perfect in every way. Mary is thinking that her son is thirty years of age. Thirty, and still living at home. Thirty years she's been waiting for the day He would show forth His glory and still no sign of a miracle from the Son of God!  But today there is something different in the air. Today it isn't about miracles; it's about a helpless situation.

The servers are in a quandary. They can't perform their job. Mary feels their helplessness and quickly looks to Jesus, saying,

"Whatever He says to you, do it!"

Now there were six earthen water pots that held twenty or thirty gallons each. They were just waiting there ... empty ... as if they had readied themselves for the Lord's use, even though they were meant for the ceremonial washing of the Jews who were obviously ignoring their purification ritual (a type of baptism) before entering the synagogue.

I find it interesting that when John questioned Jesus about who should baptize who, Jesus explained, "Permit it to be so that you baptize me for it is fitting we carry out all that God requires to fulfill all righteousness." Matthew 3:15. I mean, if God required Jesus to be baptized that all righteousness be fulfilled, what does that say about the unrighteousness of the Jews?  So the Lord, who wastes nothing wasted no time in putting those water pots to good use.

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the water pots with water," and they filled them to the brim. "Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," and they did.

While in route, the water turned to wine. Now the host of the wedding didn't know what just happened but the servants knew exactly ... that mere water didn't just turn into wine but Jesus turned the water into the finest wine possible.

Now why would Jesus begin His public ministry with something as trivial as wine at a wedding? Why not raise the dead or open the eyes of the blind ... or did He do exactly that?

There are so so many needs in the lives of people everywhere. People suffer everyday with not
enough to make ends meet; not enough to go around, and not enough to get by.

In 1 Kings 17:7-16, we read that the brook dried up because there wasn't enough rain. The widow didn't have enough flour to bake Elijah one little cake of bread and her child was deathly ill.

In 1 Samuel 21 we read that David didn't have enough bread to feed his men. Another time a neighbor didn't have bread for his company. In Matthew, Mark and Luke we read about the disciples not having enough bread to feed the 5,000. Another time there wasn't enough to feed 4,000. Even after that, the disciples worried about not having enough food for themselves, and in John we learn there wasn't enough wine for the wedding guests. Story after story and situation after situation we find people hurting when there isn't enough.

No doubt Mary and Jesus were invited to the wedding at Cana because they were close friends with the wedding party. Mary cared when there wasn't enough to go around. It really didn't matter whether it was wine or food or whatever. She was moved to concern -- concern that weighed heavy on her heart -- a heart that was burdened over her friend, and because she CARED, she moved Jesus into His hour. I believe she turned His NO into YES because it mattered to Mary and therefore it mattered to Jesus, fulfilling the promise found in Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 1 Peter 5:7 is likened unto it: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.   

In the natural realm, lack says, "NO", but in the Spirit, need says, "YES"!

And God will generously give you all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 

Oh yes, I would say that in a way the dead were raised back to life again and the blind eyes were opened that day in Galilee. The ministry of Jesus isn't about meeting the need for a miracle, it's about the miracle of meeting the need.

There was nothing small about the miracle of turning water into wine. It was the Lord's debut and He planted a seed of hope for what matters most and that is what matters most to you!  

100% HUMIDITY

Therefore I say unto you, "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them."  Mark 11:24. 

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? Romans 8:24 (NIV)

TEXT: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24 

WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE I took a physical geography class. I presumed this class was going to be all about the earth's surface but it was much more that that. It was about what makes our earth tick.

One of the topics we covered was all about humidity and rain. We learned that humidity can be measured from 1% < 99.9% but once it reaches 100% the chemistry changes into something else. Living with 99.9% humidity is stifling. But when it reaches 100%, it is no longer humidity; it is rain. 

Recently, as I pondered the subject of faith, I asked the Lord to tell me just how faith becomes the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The Bible says, "For by it the elders obtained a good report." Hebrews 11:1&2. I believe I know what faith is, but I didn't know how faith becomes sight or how to receive whatsoever I desire WHEN I ask for it. I'm talking about needful and immediate things; promised by God, things; life-changing, miraculous things. So I realized that when I prayed, I looked for and waited for the answer rather than believe I received it WHEN I asked. I wasn't in faith at all but only hoping, and by hoping, nothing ever changed so I kept asking and asking and asking ... because I thought this was faith. 

The Bible says hope that is SEEN is no longer hope. In other words, if we already have something, we don't need to continue hoping for it because at 100%, HOPE  becomes something else, It becomes FAITH, and FAITH when believed, is no longer faith. It is not until faith reaches 100% that it becomes the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. The Bible says we've been given a measure of faith so one does not have to operate in 100% perfect faith but one must believe God with 100% of that measure.  Esther declared, "If I perish, I perish, but I am going for it 100%."

Abram experienced this before the time of Jesus.

John proclaimed, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad." John 8:56 

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 (NLT)

So when Abram believed God at 100%, faith, his faith changed into something else. It counted the same as righteousness.

At the wedding at Cana the wine ran out before everyone was served. Mary hinted around that Jesus do something and do it now. But he responded with an adamant, "NO! My hour has not come!" He was letting her know that it wasn't the right time to reveal to the world who He really was, and that it wasn't His problem! But it was HER problem. She was concerned. She cared, and she believed Jesus could and should do something about it. The Son of God was now thirty years old and still living at home! Yet, when Mary's faith reached 100% Jesus' hour became now and "No" became "Yes." He turned water into wine. So I asked the Lord, "When WAS His hour going to come?"

The Lord responded with Hebrew 4:2.

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Jesus said something similar to the woman at the well. He said, "The time is coming ... and now is." How can the time be coming and now is? Faith at 100%, now is. Rain at 100% humidity, now is.

                       

I believe Mary moved Jesus into His hour when her faith reached 100%.  The woman at the well said, "Sir, then give me this water now!" And she left her water pot or the former way of fetching water. She experienced the humidity in her life turn to rain.

In Hosea 10:12 we read, Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you. 

Wait a minute ... how does sowing seeds of righteousness reap a crop of mercy?  That's like planting corn and harvesting turnips. And when a farmer breaks up fallow ground it is so that he might re-plant his field. But this scripture says break up your fallow ground and seek not a harvest but the Lord until HE COMES with rain that changes into righteousness.  Another translation replaces the word mercy for love.

Jesus said, "Others will know you have invested time with me by your love one for another." He was talking about the kind of love (mercy) you did not possess before you engaged in fellowship with Him; love you didn't have before you sowed in righteousness; righteousness you didn't have before you believed by faith, and faith you didn't have before you had hope. 

After being swept away by these thoughts, I immediately thought about the man who knocked on his neighbor's door for bread but his neighbor said, "No! And he meant it. "No, don't bother me!" "No, the door is shut!" "No, my children are with me in bed" and "No, I cannot get up and give you anything!" When I looked closer at this passage, the man who asked for bread only asked once but he continually knocked until -- because of his persistence -- the man who once said no, rose up and gave him as much as he needed. 

I find it very interesting that in Luke 11:13, after Jesus concludes with this parable, that 100% "No" changed into 100% "Yes"with immediate results. 

Then Jesus says something amazing:  "SO ... if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him?" How did asking for bread turn into asking for the Holy Spirit? Jesus is making a profound point here. He is announcing that with the Holy Spirit, 100% of one thing can change into something else. 

"Who do you say I am," Jesus asked? If you want to see faith in action, -- with results -- make sure your faith in who Jesus says He is, is at 100%.  Then 100% faith on your part will change into 100% righteousness on the part of the Lord. 100% hope will change to faith the same as 100% humidity will change into rain.

I have had many unanswered prayers. Prayers that concern my children, finances and relationships. Important things that matter to me. Like Mary and her concern for less than enough wine, they were still my problem while operating with less than enough faith. But ... they became the Lord's concern after I placed 100% faith in HIM. By focusing all my trust in the Lord rather than the if's and's, but's, Plan B's, double-mindedness and ways to make it happen on my own, I became convicted about unrepentant bitterness and anger directed at a former boss who treated me unfairly in the workplace. Although it was only hindering one or two percent of my overall faith, it prevented me from reaching 100% on the humidity meter. I could no longer remain in that sweltering fire. At an altar call one Sunday morning, I stepped up for prayer and received the grace to make things as right as possible with my former employer. All these things are no longer unanswered prayers but have turned into something else: answered prayer. It's only the beginning but it's beginning to rain.

Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. Romans 4:21 

• Talk everything over with God.
• Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:18.
• Ask once. Believe now.
• Whatever He says to you, do it.
• Knock continuously as one who refuses to accept no for an answer.
• Who do YOU say I AM? "I AM" is not only a proper noun, it is also an action verb. If you ask God if He is moving on your behalf He will answer you with, "I AM." 
• Don't waiver or doubt in your heart but believe 100% that He is faithful who promised. 
• We are not ignorant of the devils devices so no looking any longer to the left or to the right.
• Prepare ye the way of the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
• Be full term with expectancy.
• Emmanuel means God WITH us, and if He is with us then He is for us, and if He is for us, who can be against us? I will fear no evil for thou art with me.

If man could have reached righteousness by obeying the law, he would have had to score 100% on the law meter. That being impossible because of sin, Jesus stepped in in all His sinlessness, fulfilled the law and has given every man a measure of that same faith with the potential to believe just like Abram believed. As did the law require 100% obedience, so does access in the the realm of the Spirit require the obedience of faith. In other words, believing God with 100% of your heart. For things hoped for and things unseen to change into both the substance and evidence of that hope, it will take no less than 100% of that measure in our 100% faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without doubt, without wavering and without unbelief, which is sin. This is how ALL THINGS are possible to them who believe.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24 

YES LORD, HELP THOU MY UNBELIEF!

The time is coming when our Lord will come back for us. I believe He is waiting to hear us cry out for that day. Yes, the time is coming but do you believe we can believe Him for that hour? Could it be that the time is coming ... and by our faith it could change to AND NOW IS?     

THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, "COME." 

LET ANYONE WHO HEARS THIS SAY, "COME."

LET ANYONE WHO IS THIRSTY COME.

LET ANYONE WHO DESIRES DRINK FREELY FROM THE WATER OF LIFE. Revelation 22:17

In Love,

Mindi

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE

Songs of the South is a 1946 American live-action/animated musical film based on the Uncle Remus stories. This little theme song from the deep south is no doubt just as deep in our memories. 

                 

ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH - Ray Gilbert

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A 

My oh my what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine heading my way
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A
Mister bluebird on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual, everything is satisfactual
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day! 

The message is as clear as day, so to speak: when plenty of sunshine is heading your way, you can almost bet it's going to be a wonderful day. So does that mean a bad day can be expected when bad weather comes along? 

Have you ever woken up to a seemingly dismal day? The clouds are dark and feel too heavy. The weather is either too hot, too cold or too something. It's easy to complain, find fault, become depressed.  Did you know that by falling for this lie, you are forgetting what God said about the new day He just made?

In Psalm 118:24 we read, THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT

On the west coast of California, rain has been scarce. The news continues to stir up worry that a serious drought is inevitable.  At the same time, the east coast is experiencing the fiercest, coldest blizzard in history. 

In Matthew 14:22-33 the Bible shares a dismal weather report. "Disciples Experience Life-threatening Weather Conditions on the Sea of Galilee ... and it could very well be the worst storm in history!"

Panic stricken, the disciples think they see a ghost walking on the water towards them. To their relief, it isn't the grim reaper; it is Jesus, their Lord and Savior! He tells them, "Be of good cheer; it is I; do not be afraid! When Jesus is on the scene, we are not only safe, but because He is here, we can rejoice and be glad in the worst of days. 

The problem with the weather report is that an even greater storm begins brewing within us. We become consumed with what's wrong with the day rather than what's right with it. We miss the silver lining that is hidden in those threatening clouds. According to the weather report, there should be non-stop inches of rain at this time of year. Instead, we have gorgeous weather. However, no one can enjoy it because it's not suppose to be gorgeous; it's supposed to be miserable. Oh the blessed gladness we miss when we forget to look through God's holy window  

Look, even the wind and the waves are calm in the presence of the Lord!

So how can we be glad and rejoice in all kinds of weather?

The next time you are engaged in a conversation with your neighbor and they begin to complain about the weather, tell them the truth. Whatever is wrong with the day will flee away, and what is right about it will be yours to experience the whole day long.

THE DAY ISN'T PERFECT BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER; THE WEATHER IS PERFECT BECAUSE OF THE DAY!

Let's not be moved by the worldly weather report. There is another report on the heavenly horizon that overcomes the world:

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. Psalm 118:24

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

The Word of God still speaks to us today!

BE OF GOOD CHEER 

I AM HERE

DO NOT BE AFRAID

In other words, enjoy your day! 

FIT US FOR HEAVEN

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

I have been humming the last verse of the Christmas song, AWAY IN THE MANGER for about a week. 

It goes like this: 

Be near me Lord Jesus I ask you to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there. 

(Lyrics: Anonymous; Music: James R Murray 1841)  

The emphasis of my humming has been on the words, AND FIT US FOR HEAVEN. That little song and I have been carried away to a prayerful place -- a sweet and heavenly knowing that God is doing just that, fitting us for heaven.

. 

What does FIT US mean?

While still pondering, I am transported to my father's tailor shop where I am seated with needle, thread and thimble. I am inundated with the ways of the tailor shop because I have been learning from him for an entire summer. The classical station is playing something soothing on the shop radio. The shop smells like a steam presser on its highest setting; like fabric is burning. It smells of three-and-one oil and mothballs. The front door is made of heavy glass. A bell hangs on the door knob. Each morning at 9 AM sharp dad unlocks the door that leads to a busy sidewalk. Father stands to greet his customers each time the bell jingles.   

                              

"How can I help you today," asks Father?

 "I'm here for my fitting," replies the customer

This means a trip to the dressing room, a small closet-like enclosure. The customer finds a plain wooden chair, a full length mirror, a clothes hook and a coat hanger. With the slide of a curtain, he or she is ready to change clothes for the fitting. The curtain swishes opens and out comes the customer. 

                                 

Next, he stands on a platform in front of a three-way mirror. With a yellow measuring tape draped around his neck, a piece of white chalk in his hand, and several straight pins in his mouth, my dad commences to nip and tuck, mark and pin until he is satisfied with the fitting. Stitch by stitch, my dad and I tear that suit apart, cutting away along the lines, the markings, and the pins. He creates a custom pattern, lays out the material in pieces, and sews it back together again. After dry cleaning and pressing, the old garment looks new and fits just right. When the particular item is ready,  my father or I call the customer to tell them, "It is finished." 

                            

While we walk this pilgrim way, we are being fitted for heaven. We are measured, marked, nipped here, tucked there and sometimes ripped apart. God has a customized pattern unique to our shape and size, which is created in His image and likeness. He lays us on his pattern, cuts, sews, dry cleans and presses us into a perfect fit. Since people -- not clothing -- are the garments in question, being fitted over a lifetime is an uncomfortable process. But we can be sure that when the tailor of heaven is finished with us, we will be fashioned for a comfortable, heavenly fit. We will be fit for heaven to live with Him there. 

This was made possible on the cross where Jesus declared, "IT IS FINISHED." 

Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear (Revelation 19:8)

"Gospel ministers must be fit for the Master's use, and prepared to every good work if they would be vessels unto honor." - Nathaniel Appleton at the ordination of John Sargent, missionary to the Indians of Houssatonnoc, who manifested their desire to receive the Gospel - 1735

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)

                       

While driving home the other day I noticed a huge sign on the side of an industrial building. It read, "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER." In burning bush fashion, I had to take a closer look as I sensed there was a deeper layer to uncover in those words.   

I thought about the Samaritan woman and her encounter with Jesus at the well. After testifying of her experience to the people of Samaria, she concluded by urging them,"Come see the man who changed my life!"or "Come with me and I'll take you to my leader." But Jesus went with her instead, healing everyone with all manner of diseases. Remember the living water he gave her? She became a spring of water after being in the presence of her leader. She was filled to overflowing and Samaria couldn't help but take notice!

Just then an urgency rose up from within my spirit: the world is crying out, "Take ME to YOUR leader!"

QUESTION: How, Lord? You placed me in this lost and dying world but how do I take that world to you? 

ANSWER: You don't take them to me. You take me to them!

So where exactly is my leader?

The Bible clearly tells us:

Christ is in you, the hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)  

As Jesus is, so are we in the world. (1 John 4:17)  

His name shall be called Emmanuel, Meaning God is with us. (Matthew 1:23)

When Peter and John met the lame man on the way to the temple, their first words to him were, 

"LOOK ON US!"

Being ready to give an answer to those who ask, means you are ready to say, "LOOK ON US!" 

"LOOK ON US" brought their leader to the lame man. 

God wasn't somewhere else. He was with them.

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Mark 16:20

Take your leader with you and you will give the world a reason to ask of the hope within you.

To be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

In Genesis 26 (NLT) we read an interesting transition in Isaac as he moves from carnal mindedness (self leadership) to spiritual mindedness (God's leadership.)

A severe famine now struck the land, as had happened before in Abraham’s time. So Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Philistines, lived.

The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions.”

So Isaac stayed in Gerar. When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah. Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” “Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied. “How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.” Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!”

This is an example of carnal mindedness ... fearing your enemy more than fearing the Lord, leading to death. 

To succeed in fearing your enemy is failure to fear God  

When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him.  He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow.  He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham. Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.”

Because Isaac followed with his carnal mind, there was no leader in his life for anyone to desire. It was dirt in his wells. 

Isaac returns to the leader of his father

So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down.  He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.

Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.  But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”).  Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”).  Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”

From there Isaac moved to Beersheba,  where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.

One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander.  “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”

Isaac's leader becomes visible

They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant. Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!”  So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together.  Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.  That very day Isaac’s servants came and told him about a new well they had dug. “We've found water!” they exclaimed.  So Isaac named the well Shibah (which means “oath”). And to this day the town that grew up there is called Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”).

Who is YOUR leader? 

If you fear your enemy he will lead you to death. No one will ask you to take them to that leader. But if you fear the Lord, you will follow Him to life and peace. The lost will see the blessing of the Lord upon your life. They will see hope. They will ask you to take THEM to YOUR leader.       

When Isaac ignored the enemy and trusted God instead, he kept finding water in spite of his enemy's effort to obstruct what was rightfully his. When his enemy saw God's blessing on Isaac's life, they came to him with a truce, a peace treaty and a party! 

While Daniel was in captivity he refused to eat the king's meat or bow to his idols. The king took notice, and Daniel led him to his leader.

While Joseph was in prison Pharaoh took notice, and Joseph led him to his leader.

While Paul and Silas were in prison the guard took notice and exclaimed, "What must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30) 

The closer you follow, the more visible your leader becomes 

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast. They paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, "Sir, we want to meet Jesus." (John 12: 20)

Looking steadfastly on Jesus the leader and completer of faith who is now seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (Hebrews 12:2)

The world is looking for a qualified guide whose hope is evident; has Christ within; is Jesus to the world; whose God is visible. The man who is spiritually minded has both life and peace. 

   

There is a leader the entire world is waiting for. 

His name is Jesus. 

Will you take them to your leader? 

Taken from an obscure out of print pamphlet about revival written in 1848 sent in by Daphne Chick:

EFFECTUAL AND FERVENT PRAYER
For an illustration of this point, take the case
of Moses. When the Lord saw the idolatry of Israel,
he said to Moses their leader, " Let me alone
that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that
I may consume them, but I will make of thee a
great nation." What did Moses say to this ?
Why, just what no heartless professor would think
of saying. lie "besought the Lord his God, and
said, Why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy
people ? This people have sinned a great sin, yet
now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me,
I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written."
Thus, throwing himself into the breach, like a prince,
he prevailed. 0, how intense must have been his
love for the people, and his desire for their preservation!
The idea of his personal acceptance, and
honor, were powerless to restrain him. The salvation
of Israel, and the interests of religion involved
therein, were of more consequence than any personal
advantage Bold as such attempts to arrest
justice may seem, God is infinitely pleased with
them.. That cold and sickly sentimentalism which
is so fearful of interfering with the divine sover-
eignty, that it dare not confidently ask any thing,
is an offence. It distrusts the goodness of God at
every step, and treats his promises as a lie. It
is baptized infidelity, rather than reverence and
humility, attributing to God secret purposes, at
variance with his nature and his oath.