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11/01/22 Fruitless Imaginations

As a father and husband, who directs your plans? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us that every thought that does not conform to the work that Jesus did is to be cast aside. Jesus also did nothing of Himself, but only what He and His Father agreed upon to do. How then do any of us believe that our own thoughts or ideas, based on need or circumstances and derived from our own imaginations, are good enough to direct our wives and families to safe, prosperous paths in life?

As a steward of those around you, there will come a time when you stand before Almighty God and give account of those He has entrusted to your care. You will be asked if you provided a safe and clear path for your wife and family to follow, a place where they had every opportunity to become all they could be in Christ. How’s that working for you?

Have you done or are you doing everything that you can for their best interests? Have you determined in your heart that their stewardship is more important than your job or the things that keep you comfortable? If you haven’t, now might be a good time to reassess whether or not the plans you follow are yours or the Lord’s.

Following His plans and ideas in all things leads to a prosperous life in His eyes. He sees that following your plans is nothing more than flowing in fruitless imaginations. We are told to cast them down as useless, because they have no basis for truth and deny God’s way for you. Whose plans do you choose?

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

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10/31/22 God’s in Total Control

“Have you ever wondered why the battle sometimes takes longer than you would like? From My perspective, battles in any form accomplish much. They define motives, strengthen resolve, and determine alliances. Often, they bring heart issues to the forefront and create platforms for deep-rooted angers to express themselves. In most cases, the hardships that create seemingly endless difficulties in a person’s life are the very steppingstones to holiness. I watch every situation in which you find yourself. I examine all aspects of each encounter and make sure that everything purposed for that situation is accomplished.

"As you grow in Me, you will realize that I really am in total control of all situations. My will is ultimately accomplished. Once that is fully ingrained in you, your battles become opportunities for you to rest in Me, while the battle rages all around you. While all forces are working to accomplish My will, you and I can rise above the clatter and enjoy each other. I will impart more of Myself to you because of your need of Me and your submission to Me.

"I would like you to remember some of the “impossible” times in your past.  What was the main outcome of each one? It was a deeper commitment on your part, and a closer relationship with Me. If that didn’t happen, you missed an incredible opportunity. You missed the privilege of allowing Me to fight on your behalf. The next time a battle of any sort arises in your life, use it as an opportunity to spend time with Me, rather than engaging in it yourself. You will find that the benefits of the situation far outweigh the hazards, no matter how difficult they might seem. When I become the reward for anything you do, you are greatly increased in more ways than you will ever know. Come to Me in all seasons of your life. I am always there for you.”

Joshua 5:13-15 AMP

13) When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, Are you for us or for our adversaries?

14) And He said, No [neither], but as Prince of the Lord’s host have I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant?

15) And the Prince of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose your shoes from off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.”

Psalm 46:1-2a AMP

1) God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

2) Therefore we will not fear…

 

The above verses in Joshua have taught me as much about our relationship with God as any other verses in the Bible. Joshua was ready to engage in a battle that the Lord had ordained for him. All of a sudden, a mighty warrior was standing before him. The logical question was asked of the warrior, but a “not so logical and quite frightening” answer was given. “Whose side are you on?” made a lot of sense. “Neither” must have made Joshua’s heart skip a few beats until he heard the rest of the statement.

What makes me so excited was the whole scenario that was being played out. It is so simple when observed from a relationship perspective.

Joshua was entering into a battle that the Lord was going to win for him. The Prince of the armies was there to oversee everything. He didn’t take any side but the Lord’s, because the physical armies were only playing out the Lord’s will. All Joshua was really required and invited to do was to understand that the Lord was present, which made the very ground that he stood on holy; and therefore, worship of the victor was in order. The battle was relatively inconsequential; the outcome was predictable. The posture for Joshua was to get out of the way. “Come with Me while the work is being done. It is My battle.”

We all know how the battle was won - not by their power, nor their might, but by the Spirit of the Lord, God Almighty!  What fun!!!

Teach me about You, Lord,

Jim Corbett

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10/31/22 Serving Others with Brothers We Trust

One of the most outstanding aspects of David’s life is the caliber of men God gave him. Knowing the battles he was about to encounter, God gave David mighty men of valor, well-trained in their respective roles and trustworthy unto death. As you read the accounts of their feats, there is no question about their prowess. As David’s life unfolds, what also becomes strikingly clear is that these mighty men were devoted to him and he was devoted to them. Combined with the presence of the Lord that was upon them, this arrangement was unbeatable. It was a three-way covenant relationship.

Today, that kind of brotherhood seems non-existent, except in motorcycle or street gangs. It is glaringly absent in the church. In a time when having your back covered could make the difference between the life or death of you and your family, I challenge any of you to find that kind of camaraderie - someone you know who’s there for you, even unto death. If you can find him, (other than Jesus Himself, of course,) you are truly blessed.

In the Word, Jesus uses the term “brother” or “brethren” as a premier example of a close bond. These terms were used at a time when family and covenant bond really meant something, unlike today’s fractured world. I am convinced that God is raising up holy alliances of men, joined in the brotherhood of Christ and designed to accomplish mighty feats for the Lord just as in David’s time. These men - washed in the blood of Jesus, refined by the fires of adversity, broken under the weight of extreme challenges, and rebuilt by the Holy Spirit until they are trustworthy before God and trustworthy toward others - are on the threshold of joining with one another to accomplish God-given tasks.

Together they will tear down spiritual strongholds and overcome insurmountable challenges through the power of the Holy Spirit. Available only to God and committed to one another, they will walk together above the spirit of the world as an unbeatable force of holy, mighty men on a mission for our Lord.

Are you submitting to God’s training to be a brother of consequence?  If you are not, you will be set on the sidelines as others participate in some of the most exciting adventures the Lord has ever had available in the darkest of times, times when He needs those He can trust.

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

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10/29/22 A House of Cards

“Most of you, My children, are afraid to need Me. You fortify your lives with support systems. You build back-up schemes, devise measures to remain safe, and implement plans to make sure you have the means for tomorrow in case it rains. You do not realize that you are building a house of cards. Nothing you are relying on will remain.

"Little of what you are building has eternal value. Little of what you spend your time fretting about has My heart in it. In this closing season of time, My presence is in the midst of those who desperately need Me. My power is with you when you are helpless. I will never be only one of your many answers. I am your only answer!”

 Psalm 20:6-7 AMP

6) Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

7) Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 46:1 AMP

God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Isaiah 31:1 AMP

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek and consult the Lord!

 

There is only one God. He is the One and Only God. All other gods can never be trusted to take His place, no matter how powerful they may appear to be.

Teach me to trust only in You, Lord,

Jim Corbett

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10/29/22 This Life

What if this life is about nothing more than to prepare those who are going to spend eternity with God and those who aren't? What if God had no other plan but whatever is needed for the eternities, and was simply using this time we call our lives as a qualification process for what we are going to do then? What if mankind added all of the other stuff and made it important when God never intended for us to focus one moment on the things we hold dear?

Let's say that God placed mankind on this planet to first of all, know Him, and then to divide those who decide to serve Him from those who choose not to. Let's say that's all there is to it, nothing more. If that were the case, then everything else – everything - is made important by the will of man, not by God.

Entertainment would not have taken the place of complete happiness in the presence of God. Striving to work to provide for our needs would not be necessary because God, in His rightful place, would be our all provider. There would be no fears even from those who choose not to serve Him, because our reliance would be on His protection. Even if we were harmed, He would be our healer, or we would die and simply be with Him - our life's goal. His plan for us would be complete and our trust in that plan would bring total joy to those around us as we represent Jesus.

Fathers and husbands, how are you preparing those who are watching your life so that they know how to function? Whose plan for real life are you representing? What are you doing to be able to bring clear direction for your family? If you are a blind guide, an ability to see clearly is found in Jesus and His ways. He is waiting for you to come to Him for new life to give to others. Are your eyes and heart open?

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett

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