Uncommon Commitment by John Belt
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=215150&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By John Belt
God is looking for our whole-hearted commitment to Him. But that commitment also extends into how we live. When we make commitments it is extremely important that we keep them. We live in a world of broken covenants and commitments. This is a major component that fosters dysfunctional lives. Come hell or high water we need to learn to keep the commitments that we make. It can be sacrificial. What if Jesus had got to a point before the cross and just said He was "not in the mood?" It is not the thought that counts - it is the follow through.
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God is looking for our whole-hearted commitment to Him. But that commitment also extends into how we live. When we make commitments it is extremely important that we keep them. We live in a world of broken covenants and commitments. This is a major component that fosters dysfunctional lives. Come hell or high water we need to learn to keep the commitments that we make. It can be sacrificial. What if Jesus had got to a point before the cross and just said He was "not in the mood?" It is not the thought that counts - it is the follow through.
Jesus said to be perfect as He is perfect. That does not mean we are going to be perfect - but it does mean we are going to be faithful and do everything we can in our power to keep our word. God is only as good as His promises to us. A person is only as good as his word. How do you feel when someone breaks a commitment to you? Does that make you feel good? Now put the shoe on your foot and think about how others feel when you don't keep your word. We reap what we sow. What you do will come back to you eventually.
Look at the life of David. He blew it by committing adultery. He had to suffer the rebellion of his son Absalom, leave the kingdom to him and then wander around until God brought His merciful justice into the situation. There are repercussions for bad decisions. Some commitments are bigger than others. But whether big or small they all represent the character of a person or the lack of it.
Every person has a foundation grid to how they operate in their life. This is one of those foundation stones that if removed will cause serious problems. This can be one that if missing can affect the measure of God's blessings on a life. Take your commitments seriously because it is better not to make one than to break one. Making the right commitments will lead to a life of blessing and overflow. Ask God to give you wisdom to choose your commitments and grace to keep them every day.
John Belt
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Finding-Your-Focus-with-God-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Fire-on-the-Altar-Encounter-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning and lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. Leviticus 6:12-13 Recently I had a dream encounter where the Lord spoke to me that there is a greater need for more "fire on the altar." In this it was apparent that there was a need for prayer to permeate and infiltrate the atmosphere of the region. I could literally sense that the atmosphere was not what it needed to be - more prayer was needed.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=A-Fresh-Wind-is-Blowing-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
God is blowing a fresh wind right now! His Spirit is being poured out as a new wave of His glory is stirring hunger, drawing people into living encounters with Him. Awake, O north wind, And come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come to his garden. And eat its pleasant fruits. The Beloved Song of Songs 4:16 The Lord is invading and interrupting the flow of the spirit of this world, breaking in as He has plans for these upcoming generations. He has a longing to draw all men to Him. What we are seeing right now, more and more, are people being caught up in the simplicity of worship in the Spirit.
