Know the Sacrifice

 

Behind the tattered robe,

Is the greatest story ever told.

What He did for man,

Some people will never understand.

 

Those that do,

Know the Sacrifice.

Your blood dripped from the Cross.

It will never be lost.

 

It is captured forever.

Through the end of time.

It will wash the sin away.

No longer will we be held at bay.

 

"Lord why have you forsaken me?"

"My Son, it is meant to be.

We must cleanse the Earth of sin."

"My Son, sacrifice your self, it is time to check in."

 

His cries were heard through out the Land.

His death allows us to make a stand.

Glory to the man who saves us.

Glory to our Lord Jesus.

 

Never could I imagine the suffering.

The Pain that You felt

The blood running into your eyes,

It crushes my heart . . . . . . . makes me cry.

 

Looking to the Heavens

You were so helpless.

Knowing you were going to die.

Yet, you did not fight back.

 

You were on the cross

Your spirit not broken.

Your Father has spoken.

"You are not lost."

 

"My Son, come be with me.

That is the prophecy.

That is what is meant to be,

You will be my legacy."

 

By Kevin Gwyn @ prayer vigil 3/26/2002 ÓCopyrighted

4.30 am

2 Corinthians 3:4

2 Corinthians 3:4
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.NASB95

This is a good word for this morning. To be confident in your ministry towards others. This confidence allows me or you to stay the course. To keep your eyes on the prize of Jesus. To run the race.

Yesterday as I sat in the parking lot before my job interview. I asked the Lord to guide my words to be able to speak from the heart, because I did not know what to say. I was told, that was walking in humility. I did not know that, but it was good to hear …. I needed to hear that. That is a sign of maturity which is something I feel I am lacking in sometimes. So it was good to hear that..

Walk in Humility today and Love your brother whoever that may be. Humility is a seed that gets planted and you have to decide how long you are going to water it.

 

Amen

Psalm 139.23

Psalm 139:23
Look deep into my heart, God and find out everything I am thinking. CEV

Worst night of sleep I have had in a very long time. I must have woke up 10 or 12 times. I would lay there and think about golf, work, my Wife. I get up this morning and open my devotion and there it was speaking loud and clear. I didn't have to even open my bible because the Lord spoke to me in this manner. I need Him to look deep in my heart, because frankly I don't think I know how.

I walk in victory yesterday now I am off to war!

 

Be Blessed today

2 Chronicles 19 and 20

So ……… today or should I say last night, I got up at 2:30 in the morning to seek his face about my Golf situation. Went back to bed at 3:30 and got up at 6:30. Just not really sure where I am going. Richard replied to my email and said.

"I hear "go"
I hear "walk in unity with K"
I hear "I will be with you"
I hear "I am NOT confused nor will I confuse you"
I hear " I will show you and K My face"

Still chewing on this one.

As I am reading in my men of integrity devo this morning I felt led to read in 2 Chronicles chpt 20 thinking I was going to hear one thing and heard another. What happened was I started reading in chapter 19 thinking it was chapter 20. Another warning for me

2 Chronicles 19:7
"Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe."NASB95

I don't believe this scripture has anything to do with the job interview I have tomorrow but it has everything to do with the time my wife will be away on Heart Quest. Now two days in a row I have been warned. Hmmmm. As I read further I get to the scripture that the devo was referring too.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever." 22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.NKJV

What I found after reading these two scriptures was this.

• I don't worship the Lord enough
  
• I f I would worship Him more my enemies would be defeated
  
• That's good news AMEN?
  

 

 

 

Romans 13

My wife leaves to serve on Heart Quest tomorrow. It can be a tough time for me or it can be a blessed time. These are the times when I have to rely on the Lord. Sometimes I just don't know if that is what I am doing. My devotion this morning was Romans 13. As I was praying for strength and reading I came to verse 14. It almost comes across as a warning. When I went back and read it again it is a warning.

Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.NASB95

Romans 13:11-13
Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.NASB95

So, I would ask you to pray this week for me. Be blessed and walk it out

The Fruit of the saved

Something to share that my friend David Terry wrote.

 

THE FRUIT OF THE SAVED

 

If you have been around church or organized religion for any length of time you would probably have to admit there is a certain attitude or swagger to the people who are really "in the know". We learn very quickly, either directly or indirectly, that there are certain phrases, looks, clothes, even acts of good service that cause us to look like we belong to Christ and His church. However, the true test of "fruit" in the life of the believer is not merely external manifestations of righteousness, but internal changes of desire and attitudes.

Sometimes hanging around church is the easiest place on the planet to think that you are saved. Sometimes growing up in a Christian home can be the most difficult place to find God. Being sandwiched in a culture of so-called "believers", it is often easy to think that you have become a believer in Christ without doing anything of the sort.

You can be tender to God, the things of God and the people of God and not know God.

You can enjoy the warm and fuzzy fullness of the fellowship of the church and not have a personal relationship with God.

 

The following is a very brief list of questions concerning the internal fruit of your life. You and only you can answer these questions. Answer honestly.

 

1. Is your world-view filtered through the lens of God's sovereignty over all things, events, happenings and circumstances that impact your life? Do you trust Him?

 

2. Do you find life in the Word of God? Even when you are out of God's word in your personal walk, when you hear the Truth does it convict, encourage and motivate you?

 

3. Are you spiritually, as well as, emotionally moved when lost people are saved?

 

4.Is blatant sin disgusting to you in your own life and grievous when seen in the lives of others?

 

5. Are you genuinely interested and excited about what God is doing in others?

 

6. Do you have JOY? (Not happiness that is conditional on your "happenings")

 

7. Do you desire a more intimate, unfettered, transparent and oblivious worship of Father? Do you desire even brief moments of being able to block out everything around you and worship Father?

 

8. Is your spiritual life and character deeper than it was 1 year ago, 3 years ago and 5 years ago?

 

Write your "story" on a 3x5 card. Write down the experience of your accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. How did you do it? Why did you do it? What did you pray? You cannot be prayed over by another person and "get God". If you prayed a prayer for any other reason than you were convicted of your sin and separation from God, ask the Holy Spirit to confirm or deny that moment in your life. GET YOUR STORY!

Romans 6

It has been a while since I wrote something and it is not because I didn't want to. After men's group last Monday ….. I was on a spiritual high Tuesday. Wednesday it in a way came crashing down. I didn't look at anything but I did something related to looking at something. Which in turn opened a door? That door has been shut. I did however let it derail me for three days. Yesterday as I was working I was listening to my IPod. I have the bible on it but wasn't listening to it yet. What I was listening to was classic rock. After about 12 songs it went to the bible. It started in acts but I felt like I should listened to Romans 6 and that is where it begins.

 

Romans 6:17-23
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, I want to be obedient from the heart.

18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. As I know oh so well, my flesh is very strong at times, but why? Once again …….CHOICE!

.For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. I am sanctified, I am set apart for His Glory. The Lord uses me and for that I am grateful.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. There was and there is no benefit just misery

22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Life with benefits, You don't have to pay for these benefits and nobody can take them away. They are free to receive and free to give away. Spread the Gospel, lead people to Christ and plant seeds and watch them grow.

 

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.NASB95

When I walk in the light I see more light.   The biggest thing of late is trying to walk in Humility before God.  This is a Quote from Humility by Andrew Murray but,  I could have wrote it myself.  "It is easy to think we humble ourselves before the Lord.  Yet Humility towards men will be the only sufficient proof that our humility before the Lord is real.  It will be the only proof that humility has taken up its abode in us and become our very nature"

 

So……. As much as I would like to think I am a humble man I am not as humble as I think I am.  I have yet to arrive.  Right now I am in a very good place in my walk with the Lord and that is a good thing.   Humility to me also goes hand in hand with having a Fear of the Lord,  which is the other thing that I have been dealing.  Knowing and understanding just exactly who I am.  A heir to the throne.  A Son.   AMEN?   

Choice

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.NIV

This is a huge passage that I memorized around five years ago and it just roars. I have not thought about this passage in a while until yesterday. I brother called me yesterday and he was in a battle. The lord brought this passage to me. So I read it to him and He confessed and we prayed and it was all good.

When I got up this morning and started reading … I was in John 16 and I felt I needed to go back and read this passage again. It just really spoke to me this morning.

Avoid sexual immorality …….. This I have been doing, are you?

Control your own body in a way that is Holy and Honorable. Not like worldly people. Have been doing well in some areas. Not good in the exercise and eating. How are you doing in this area?

Don't take advantage of your brother or wrong them (this means your sister too) Doing well in this area. I try to live honestly and with Integrity. How are you doing in this area?

If you do …. You will be punished. I don't want to be punished but if I am I know it is for my own good. The Lord disciplines' those He Loves.

God called us to live a Holy life. I want to be sold out in this area, but I have work to do. Living a Holy life comes back to having a Fear of the Lord. How is your Fear of the Lord? I am getting there.

If you reject this instruction … you reject the Lord, who gave you His Holy Spirit. Who in their right mind wants to say this? We call this disobedience. So when you are walking in darkness you are rejecting the Lord, these are very harsh words for a brother. OUCH! Can this passage put it any plainer? Once again it is about choice. Are you going to look and act out? Are you going to lie and cheat and manipulate your brother or sister to get what you want? Or are you going to live a Holy Life?

The consequences are huge ….. the answer is CHOICE!

1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."NIV Be holy because I am Holy.

I live in you, so live like I am there. Easier said than done, I will do my best.

Another Day

Do you ever wake up and just feel like you are on the wrong side of the bed. You know…. Just having a bad attitude. Is this all there is? The Lord says "Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it" I does not say "I choose to rejoice" it says , "I WILL REJOICE" If you choose to go to the store, does that mean you have gone to the store? Probably just mumbling here but it is how I am thinking this morning. The Lord says rejoice… so I am trying. So I am reading this morning and it just so happens that my bible is open to Colossians. So I just decide to read and when I get to verses 2.6-7 it just leaps off the page

Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.NASB95

So Holy Spirit tells me what to do and at the same time tells me what is wrong. He says to walk in Him and my problem is, I am ungrateful.

 

My worst day today means I am still going to be with the Lord when it is time. Amen

My worst day today is better than my best day before I knew Jesus! Amen!

 

Blessings to you

Kevin

Humility

I am reading in a book this morning by Andrew Murray about Humility. I opened up to chapter 6 "Humility in Daily Life"

There is a quote that says,

"The humble man looks on every child of God as a Child of the King" Can I say …….. That is not me. I don't walk in humility like I should. Maybe I do sometimes, but not enough

Colossians 3:12-17
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.NASB95

I can't help but wonder as I gain the Fear of the Lord in my life so comes the Humility. Paul said at the end of 2 Cor. 12.11 ………………………. I be nothing.

One last thought, my mom has come to Keller again to see her cousin and has not bothered to let me know she is in town. Last time they were hear they drove within 10 minutes of my house and didn't bother to stop and say hello. Business as usual with my family. We have lived here almost 7 years and they have stopped by our home for two hours once. She will be here for a week. I have said something to her before about this, but as she has so many times to me when growing up "In one ear and out the other" Every time I feel that I have dealt with this rejection it raises its ugly head again.

Kevin

Psalm 4

Psalm 4    

As I am reading in The power of a Praying wife, I get to the end of the prayer and Psalm 4 jumps out at me. So I read Psalm 4. The whole chapter speaks to me, but especially verse 4 and 5

I hear "Fear the Lord" and trust Him and listen.

Be Blessed

 

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.
4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord. Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.NASB95

1 Peter 4:3

1 Peter 4:3
For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.NASB95

I take this as a direct word from the Lord for me today. As I was praying, I hear 1^st Peter so that is what I read this morning. When I got here I just stopped, because it was evident what He was trying to say to me.

Blessings to you today and the Freedom you walk in.

Malachi

While I was praying this morning I hear "Malachi" So I immediately I think about tithing, but that was not it. When I got to verse 4.2 I knew where he was wanting me "Fear of the Lord" That seems to be a re-occurring theme in my life. So what I see here is the healing …. The root of the major issue in my life or really should I say, any issues in my life will be healed when I start walking in Fear of the Lord. It is really very simple. I choose to make it hard. At least that is what I think. So when I am healed I will be as happy as a calf that has been cooped up in a stall for a year and is finally released into freedom! So once again it is about choice.

Malachi 4:2
"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. NASB95

No Provision for the flesh

    

Romans 13:14
but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.NKJV

Really spoke to me this morning. To continue to walk this out. To me this is just a continuation of what he said Monday morning. He must increase so that I decrease. Today I must stay focused. This is a warning that something is coming so I need to be alert

 

Ephesians 4:20-24
But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. NKJV.. This is who I am a New man ……. Amen

Then the Lord laid this passage on my heart as I am writing. I must stay focused On Who I Am! A son of the most high God. Thank you Jesus. It is all about the thoughts ….. The stinking thinking.

 

James 1:15
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.NKJV

 

 

 

John 3.30

As I was praying this morning about why I do things the way I do. Wanting to go to places that I should not, or go to places that I should not. What is it that is the driving force behind the lust? I still don't know. As I was reading and I got to John 3.30 this verse really stood out to me. Maybe I don't rely on Him as much as I think I do. I does not say that I must decrease so He will increase it says just the opposite. As He increases, I will decrease. I can't decrease own my own.

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

1 John

I have been reading in my devotion this week from Men of Integrity. This week has been about marriage and it has been good. Here is the link http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/

It has been a very good read this week. Today I was taken to 1 John …… so as I am reading I almost make it through the second chpt and then Rhema arrives in 1 John 2.20

1 John 2:20-21
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. NKJV

1 John 2:20-21
But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven't been writing this to tell you something you don't know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn't breed lies. The Message

Holy Spirit says "You know who you are, now you need to walk and believe in who I say you are." I can't tell you how many times I have read this. When I think of how many of us don't walk in who he says we are. We don't want to believe the truth.. My name is Kevin and the Spirit of the Lord is upon me and I have been anointed to preach and heal and to set the captives free. So I have all of this going on in my head and then I get to verse 27

1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.NKJV

1 John 2:27
But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught. The Message

I am looking for a verse and this just leaped off the page at me was not prepared for this one but it is the truth.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. NASB95

 

So I read all of this and think about how many times I (and we as men) seek advice and counsel from other men instead of the Holy Spirit who guides and instructs in all things.. I know for myself that I like asking godly men what they think because I know I will hear a real voice, something that is tangible. Where I should be going is to the Holy Spirit and have that faith in things that are unseen. No unbelief

The word this morning for me is believe in who I am and walk in that.

The Fear of the Lord and His anointing on me.

 

Thank you Lord!

Thank you for the Awesome Snow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to begin?

Isaiah 43:1
But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! NASB95

It is always easy to lose focus and to take your eyes off the prize and then you get in the word and quickly you are reminded of who you are.

Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.NASB95

The trials …. He is there …….. everywhere ……….. when I am alone. There is that character thing again. Hmm. When I am not working …….. He is there

Isaiah 43:7
Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."NASB95

I have been created for His Glory. I have been created in his image. Why would I want to tarnish that? When you work for someone, why would you want to do anything that would tarnish the image of who you represent? We do it to the Lord though ….. dont we? There are many times that I just flat chose not to die to myself. I make that decision ….. not anyone else. We are talking about the computer here for me. What about you? What is the decision that you make that you know will tarnish His Image?

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

I can't help but wonder when you offer your bodies as a living sacrifice if this could be construed as a fast from wordly things?

 

Just some thoughts

Kevin

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5.19-22

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. NLT

Through past events of not working, not making money, doing everything possible to get work. (Advertising, calling previous customers and even when I am working not getting ahead.) I am thinking that maybe I should be working for someone. My dream has always been to be a Class "A" Golf Professional at a country club or semi private a course and then eventually own my own course. I went to college in California in the early nineties to be a golf Professional and that dream got smashed. Anyway, as I look back over the last 7 weeks and everything that has transpired over that time, conversations that I have had and where the men's group is headed that I co –lead. Coupled with the feeling of not serving on a Quest as much leads me to believe I am going a different direction in my career. In Amarillo, the golf opportunities were slim where here in the Metroplex they are endless.

So, I believe this is the direction the Holy Spirit is leading me. I feel that many of the words I have read over the last two weeks have been prophetic and even today. Stay away from every kind of evil. Today's scripture really spoke to me. So much is said in so few words

Thanks

Kevin

Ephesians 2.8

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; NASB95

As I was reading in my Men of Integrity Devotion, It talked about "Why give Grace" I thought about myself and the grace that I don't extend my family. I mean the Lord extends me grace all of the time. As I have said before "what is good for the goose is good for the gander" So why is that so hard? My wife comes from a family that loved her when she was growing up …. My family did not. What I mean is ….. My parents neither one were very nurturing. That is the past and it is time to get past that part of my life. When it comes to Jacob and Kelly and I have not showed grace especially to Kelly. Jacob her son and I know this has been very hard for her. I have no doubt when Jacob moves out that my relationship with him will begin to improve. The big question is how much grace do you give someone before it is not grace anymore and it becomes enabling?

Went to a funeral yesterday and is was joyful and sad. I struggle with people when they say that he is in a better place and we will see him soon. That doesn't help me the way I feel now which sadness. I understand what they are saying I am just not there yet. I am finding that for myself I am not spending enough time with people (my dad and mom especially)

When I got home last night, I went t right to bed, it was late. Before I went to bed I read in a new book my wife received yesterday. "Comfort for the Wounded Spirit" I opened it up to the first chapter and this is what the first four lines said.

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],AMP

That is exactly what I read yesterday morning in Isaiah. Hmmm you think the Lord is trying to tell me something? (Twice in the same day?) I have been thinking about going down to Union Gospel Mission. They are needing people to speak. (C. Oakes told me about this)I want to do it but at the same time it scares me. I heard a couple of Sunday's ago that the Lord will give you what you need, but first he will give you the desire, the desire that you have not had before. I feel that he is telling me that I have it and he will supply the words when it is time.