…Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” -Mark 8:34

In order to fully capture the meaning of what Jesus was saying to His disciples here and to be able to relate it to our lives today, we need to understand what the cross means and represents.

After Jesus was crucified, I am sure this statement became crystal clear in the minds of the disciples. As eyewitnesses, they understood that taking their cross meant several things:

1. The individual that was carrying a cross was going to the place of death. When we read this statement of Jesus, it means that we too, when accepting Christ, go to the place of death. Following Jesus means the end of self rule, the end of our own old desires and dreams, and the end of our old way of living. We die to SELF and SELFISH ambitions for the cause of the Kingdom.
2. The individual being crucified as a sinner was done with sin. In taking up our cross, it is imperative to realize this. The crucified murder can no longer kill. The crucified thief can no longer steal. The crucified adulterer can no longer commit adultery. These sinful desires can no longer be fulfilled because the individual is dead. “…our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” (Rom. 6:6-7) As those carrying our cross, we are no longer able to sin for we have died to sin.
3. The individual being crucified is demonstrating the ultimate form of self-denial. Think about it: when you are crucified your arms are stretched out, nailed to a beam, and you are hanging from the air. There is nothing you can do! Your life is no longer your own!

Now Jesus wasn’t telling us in Mark 8 that he wanted us to torture ourselves or that we all would be crucified in a literal sense. However he was saying that we must say “NO!” to our own desires for our own lives, no matter the cost. Our desire has to be CHRIST and HIS will, purpose, and plan.

A.W. Tozer said, “It’s not that people don’t want God-it’s that people found something they wanted more than God!” How sad to think about that. When weighing their options on the scale of life, they found their own pursuits to be a better investment. As followers of Jesus, he may call us to give up a life of prestige and pomp to be missionaries in the third world. If the Lord said so, I would rather sleep on a dirty floor infested with white ants and cockroaches as a missionary of the gospel rather than to have a Hollywood life of luxury and ease. Remember our works will be tried one day. And if God didn’t tell us to do them, they will turn to ash (1 Cor. 3:11-15).

Today, surrender your hearts to the Lord. Come to him sincerely and ask him what it is He would have you to do. Although certain things may be years ahead, today commit to Him you will stop any carnal actions and follow his commands. You will find that once you sell out to Him, His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light.” (Mt. 11:30).

Prayer:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I am yours today. I come to you and completely surrender all that I am. I realize that I have pursued my own desires, ambitions, and will for my life at times. Yet today Lord, I lay them down and ask you to show me your will. No more of what I want for me. May my life be pleasing to you. Lead me, guide me, and direct me, Father. Here is my life. It is yours. I am yielding to your Spirit and walking in your Word. Thank you for your mercy. In Jesus name, AMEN!”

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God…The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:14-16

The earmark of a mature believer is their ability to be led of the Holy Ghost. Paul tells the church at Rome that our position as sons of God is directly tied to our ability to be led and directed by the voice of God. We are spirits, we possess a soul, and we live in a body (1 Thess. 5:23). The Holy Ghost doesn’t speak to our bodies; our bodies are the temples that house the reborn spirit. Neither does he speak to our minds. Our minds are the devices that house our senses so we can function in a material world. Above those two faculties, lies the real us, and that is the spirit man. This is the faculty that receives from God, and as Paul tells us, this is the faculty that the Holy Spirit bears witness to. This being the case, it is imperative to develop a sensitive spirit so it becomes easy to hear. If we don’t hear, we can easily become sincerely deceived.

Acts 13:1-2 says that before Paul embarked on his first missionary journey, certain prophets and teachers had given themselves to fasting and ministering unto the Lord. Notice Paul didn’t step out until he had sought God. Fasting is not something we do to petition God. It doesn’t move him one bit. He doesn’t see us go on a hunger strike and then pity us. “Oh looks like my child isn’t eating until I move on his behalf. Better act quick or he is going to die of starvation.” You can’t force God’s hand. The purpose of fasting is to tune the carnal desires of your body out so that your spirit can become more sensitive to the things of God. You become more aware of spiritual things because your body is not in the way to create distraction via the digestion process (which is a tremendous physical activity). On top of fasting the early church practiced ministering unto the Lord. Ministering unto the Lord is a type of contemplative mediation (Jos. 1:8) that fixes ones soul (desires, will, and emotions) on the Lord. It is worship. With all the static out of the way, the early believers were able to get onto the same wavelength as God.

We are too busy, a lot of times, to get into rhythm with the Spirit so that we can flow. God wants to participate with his people the way a conductor participates as the leader of an orchestra. Following him and not doing our own things will create a beautiful, harmonious sound and bring each person to their fullest potential.

Today let’s make a decision to develop our maturity by allowing the Holy Ghost to lead us. By prayer, fasting, and spending time ministering unto the Lord we will begin to pick up on the rhythm that is in the Spirit and we won’t miss what God is trying to say in do. It is an exciting think to be in perfect sync with the Holy Ghost. Let’s go after it today!

Prayer:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I commit to spending time in your presence today. I do not want to miss what you are saying or doing, especially in the times that we are living in today. I will do what it takes to block my carnality out so that I may pick up on your wavelength and cooperate with you. Thank you that you do not hide things from me, but make all things available for me to receive. Holy Spirit may my heart be tender to your voice today. In Jesus name, AMEN!”

“Neither give place to the devil.” -Ephesians 4:27

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this passage of Scripture. Although brief, this statement packs quite a punch. Today we are living in a time where it is easy and convenient to compromise. Perhaps you have been around believers who think that it won’t hurt to sin because, after all, we have a promise in 1 John 1:9 that will restore our fellowship with the Father, should we miss it.

Thank God for 1 John 1:9, which says, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In light of this, let us be quick to remember that there is also another law in Scripture, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In other words, when you are teeter tottering in your mind whether to sin or not, be conscious of the fact that sin will always harm you. We will find forgiveness when we repent, but sin has consequencea.

When we allow the devil to have place in our life, we will begin to find that our faith begins to lack. Sin keeps us from the Word. Sin affects our prayer life. Sin harms our bodies. Sin lowers our self-esteem. Sin will never benefit us in the long run. Immature believers are ones who are only concerned about their eternal security. As long as they can get that back, they feel they are in a good position. But that is living below our potential as Christians. We are divine people who should not be moved by the temptations of the enemy.

Today make a decision in your life that you will not allow the enemy to win when he tempts you. There is more at stake than your eternal security. Defend your peace. Defend your faith. Defend your prayer life. Do this by taking to sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and casting down every method and device of the enemy. When you rise up with boldness, the Holy Spirit will cause you to walk over all the power of the enemy and you will grow to new heights! Thank God for every temptation because every temptation is an opportunity to bring glory and honor to God by demonstrating the power that is available to those who have the divine nature of God!

Prayer:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I will give the devil no place today. I have the sword of the Spirit. I have the Holy Ghost fullness. I am a partaker of the divine nature and the enemy’s devices and methods are no match for what I have been authorized to walk in. I renounce every area of my life that I have allowed to enemy to have place in. I give you my heart, mind, soul, and strength and commit to using them to honor you. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit today, Lord. In Jesus name, AMEN!”

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” -John 15:7

The most important thing that we can learn as believers is how to contact our Father. We do this through prayer. Religions have tried to make prayer to be a difficult and, at times, seemingly impossible exercise. However our Father never intended for it to be difficult. Rather, he made it simple and easy so that we could have conversation with him 24/7, at anytime that we would desire (1 Thes. 5:17).

The Bible is full of ways to guarantee that every time we prayer, change occurs. When we prayer correctly, it is impossible for our hearts and situations to not be affected. In John 15:7, Jesus gives us one of the most important keys to praying. This, of course, is to use the Word of God.

The Word of God should always be the foundation, base, and center of all of our praying. Before we pray for a specific request, it is essential that we know what God’s Word says about that particular situation. If this is not the case and we come to God without a clear and precise knowledge and faith about what He has already said about our need, than our prayer will fall short of its potential.

Perhaps you may not know how to pray for a specific need today. There are two things that we can do. The first is to pray in our heavenly prayer language (1 Cor. 14:2) until we have a note of victory in our spirits regarding the matter. Secondly, we can get out the Word of God and pump it down into our Spirits. When we do so, we can approach our Father with faith and assurance. It is precious for God to see His children believe (2 Pet. 1:1) and, at such a sight, God cannot withhold His hand. He delights in meeting our requests.

Today, start off with the Word of God. If you haven’t already, make time (just as you would to eat, run errands, or attend a meeting) and drive the Word of God into your spirit by reading it or studying it. Afterward, turn yourself over to communion with your Father. When you do this, you will find yourself walking in the dimension of answered prayer.

Prayer:
“Father, thank you for the Word. It is my guarantee of victory. Because I have your Word on every known need and situation, I can be certain that I will be completely triumphant over anything and everything that tries to hinder or hold me. I yield to the Word. May it dwell richly in my spirit, turning over and over again. I thank you that your Word abides in me and I abide in You. Today, I cannot loose. I have Almighty God’s Word on it! IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!”

“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God…For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” -Psalms 84:2,10

Within this psalm, it is impossible not to note the desperation behind the writer’s voice. Have you ever felt this way before? It is safe to say that every believer has, or at least, should at some point.

Here is a little bit of background. The psalmist is making reference to the Tabernacle of Moses. The Israelites were in need of the manifest presence of God. When God instructed Moses to build a sanctuary (Ex. 25:8), he gave him specific instructions so that Jehovah could reveal His personality, majesty, and eternity. This Tabernacle was the best thing that God had done for mankind up to this point, in revealing Himself to man, after original sin took place. It was a shadow and type of the “new and living way” (Heb.10:20) yet to come.

The significant thing about the Tabernacle is its progressive phases. First you have the outer courts (which Psalms 84 references), which was accessed by a door. The initial thing you would find if you entered into the courts would be the brazen altar for sacrificing, followed by the brazen laver for washing. Beyond this you would come to the next veil. This leads into the Holy Place, where inside, you would see the table of showbread, the candlestick, and the altar of incense. After this you would come up to to the second veil. Beyond the veil is the Holy of Holies where the manifest presence of God resided. The only individual authorized to go in was the High Priest and, at that, no more than once a year.

If only one person could actually experience the manifest presence of God in all of Israel beyond the second veil (and the writer of Psalms 84 was not that guy) than what was he saying when he cried out for the presence of God? What were his expectations? That is the beauty part. The cry and longing of his heart was, “I have to get as close as I possibly can!” In other words, he was saying, “I may not be allowed beyond the first veil (which was just for Aaron’s sons) nor can I come into the Holy of Holies (only could the High Priest)…but let me get as far as I can. I got to have as much of Jehovah as I can possibly get! I can’t stand this world any longer! It is miserable without the presence of the Lord and the splendor of His holiness!”

Is that the cry of our hearts today? Of course the presence of God is easier accessed today because of Christ, however the new danger with this becomes the temptation to take the presence of God for granted. Let us never get so comfortable or complacent that we ever think, consciously or sub-consciously, “I don’t need His presence to be that strong today.” When our hearts get to the point of desperation like the psalmist’s, God will show up with His glory and blow our minds!

Prayer:
“Father, you have made a new and living way through your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me if I have taken you presence for granted. I make a decision to come after you with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Early will I rise to seek you and when I am on my bed at night, You will be on my meditations (Psalms 63:1). Thank you that I can soak in Your loving presence today. And as I dwell in the midst of your glory, I will remain unspotted from the world (Jas. 1:27). IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!”

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. BUT GOD HATH REVEALED them unto US by His Spirit…the deep things of God…We have the mind of Christ.” -1 Cor. 2:16

“All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, he shall take of mine, and SHALL SHEW it UNTO YOU.” -John 16:15

It is exiting being a soldier in the army of the Most High God. Our commander in chief, Jesus Christ, has arranged this mighty force on the earth, called the Church, and has given it everything that it needs to fulfill its preordained plan. And although Paul told Timothy that we were going to have hardships like any other solider would, those difficulties cannot compare to the exceeding and eternal weight of glory that God has wrapped up in His Word (2 Cor. 4:17).

The Word of God holds within it the blueprint of victory for the individual soldier, as well as the rest of the Army. When we begin in Christ we are placed in boot camp. Here we are fed with milk and taught simple combat maneuvers that every soldier ought to know. Within the confines of this army, those maneuvers are: knowing and resisting the enemy, getting along with fellow-soldiers, using weaponry, treating wounds, respecting officers, claiming enemy territory, obeying orders, and communicating with and honoring the commander in chief. Simple stuff.

As time goes by and we remain committed, the Commander In Chief sends His special agent to promote us. A soldier knows he has been promoted when his commanding officer gives him security clearance to begin seeing classified information. This information is so sensitive that not everyone gets to see it because if they did, they would not be able to keep it a secret. In their inexperience and immaturity they would somehow leak what they were entrusted with. The consequences are many and could range from a hurt soldier to a lost battle.

In Mark 4:11 Jesus told the 12 disciples that they were authorized to hear the most profound truth concerning the Kingdom of God, which he hid in a parable, so unauthorized people couldn’t understand it. In fact the word “mystery” here is musterion. It simple means “hidden forces that retard or excel the plan of God on the earth.” The Lord was going to take His disciples to a new depth that no prophet, up to that time, had ever been able to go. Why? Because the 12 disciples actually walked with Jesus. They had developed intimacy with Christ and through that intimacy, trust was birthed, secrets were passed along, knowledge was revealed, and the world was shaken after the Lord ascended because of the information that these ordinary men possessed.

What made these men unique was not their knowledge of Scripture, per se, but rather the Scriptures had been unlocked for them. They were seeing things that the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and prophets of old were not allowed to see because they hadn’t developed the communion with Christ (2 Cor. 13:14) the way these men did.

Through the person of the Holy Ghost, Christ wants to engage us in an intimate fellowship with him. When we respond faithfully, He will show up everyday and begin handing out the bread of life to His hungry soldiers. (Jn. 6:35) When this occurs, we won’t ever be able to causally read a scripture again and say, “yea that sounded good.” We wont be able to just pass by the Scripture on the refrigerator without thinking twice. We will get excited because what used to be locked up and hidden will, be alive and active within our spirits. It won’t take long before it leaks out of our mouths and begins to create those things around us!

His thoughts and ways are higher than ours but that is typical of any commanding general. As time goes by, He will slowly begin to reveal these thoughts, one by one, until we have completely put on Christ and become lost in His identity. I thank God for basic maneuvers, but let’s not stop there. Let’s access the classified information kept secret from the foundation of this world!

Prayer:
“Father I come to you today in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. You have given unto us your very living breath, the Word of God. I know that it is enough to secure every victory in my life today. It is powerful and I make a decision to hook up to it right now. Holy Ghost, reveal to me the truths of the Word. May they become an active agent in my life. I will apply everything you teach me in every way that I can, with your help (Jas. 1:22). Thank your for teaching me, speaking to me, and showing yourself to me in a mighty way. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!”

“…and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” -Matthew 16:18

If you have repented of a sinful life and have made Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord, you are now a part of the most dynamic organism that has ever existed before, the Church of the Living God (Heb. 12:23). We need to get this past our thinking and into our hearts because this is tremendously powerful stuff. Why? Well for starters, the very first thing Jesus said about the Church when introducing it was that it would never be defeated. That’s right! The Church is going to fulfill its purpose on the earth despite all of the opposition it has and is still to face.

As individuals, we are the members that make up this great Body of both earthly and heavenly individuals who have been redeemed (1 Cor. 12:27). With this in mind, it is needful for us to understand what our purpose is. Every great organization understands the importance of formulating its purpose statement, core values, and employee expectations before it begins to operate. In a similar way, the Bible gives us the specific expectations for us to carry out as believers, both as individuals and as a whole.

The best example that we can look at is our Head, Jesus. Acts chapter 1:1 tells us that the primary function of Christ’s ministry was that he did and taught. That is a model portrait of the New Testament Church. Of course, this is indeed a bit vague, but not when we look at other Scriptures to give us a clearer picture of our job description. We are told that we are to be “lights” that shine (Mt. 5:24), “salt” to preserve (Mt. 5:13), “ambassadors” to represent the Kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20), “pillars” to uphold God’s never-changing Word (1 Tim. 2:15), and ministers who work the works of God (Mk. 16:15-20). From these we can see that our mission during this earthly pilgrimage is to reconcile men to Christ (2 Cor. 5:18) and prepare for service as eternal rulers in the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:2).

What awesome responsibilities we have been given! Today, let’s be conscious of the expectations that God has given us as his Church. When we begin to see ourselves as a living organism rather than a boring organization, we will find ourselves on the right track of New Testament power. As you go throughout your day, continually remind yourself that you are part of a great and mighty Church and have been given an awesome duty of reconciling this world to God. Be encouraged that when this becomes an authentic reality to you, you will begin to step out with the power that God has given you to make it happen!

Prayer:
“Father, I thank you that I am part of the body of Christ. You have given me an individual responsibility to be salt in places that are distasteful to you and light to places that have sat in darkness for too long. By the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in me, I will be just that. I will deliver people the way Jesus delivered them, speak with the authority that he spoke with, and do greater things than he did because that is His expectation for His Church (Jn. 14:12). I will yield to the promptings of the Holy Ghost as He directs me how to carry out my specific instructions as a member of this victorious Body of believers. And in everything I do, I will demonstrate love, sincerity, obedience, and excellence all for the glory of God. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!”

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” -Isaiah 57:15

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 18:4

It is now reported by polls that 1 in 4 college students show definite signs of narcissistic personality traits. To accompany that further, 1 in 16 Americans have dealt with traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Since the mid-seventies, self-admiration has grown at an accelerated rate in which sociologists could have never expected. Today we have proof of it everywhere we turn: the increase in breast augmentations among young teenage girls, tee shirts that say, “Supermodel”, the thought that YouTube can make us all famous, the unprecedented turnouts that come with reality TV show try-outs, or maybe even the rise in debt people accumulate to appear more “prosperous” than they really are.

We have all heard the term, “Fake it until you make it.” There is something about that statement that has always struck a nerve down deep in my gut. Here is a result of that sort of mind-set in today’s society: fake rich people who hide mountains of debt, fake beauty among those who can’t live without plastic surgery, fake athletes who lie about steroids so they can brake world records and get higher paying endorsements, a government that is now $11 trillion in debt, and fake people in the political/corporate world who have perfected the art of “kissing-up” to only the important people. Maybe we need to find a better statement to live our lives by?

Perhaps unknown to modern day researchers, this explosion is self-admiration comes as no surprise to the Apostle Paul. He writes in 2 Timothy 3:2 that “in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” Although we are indeed to love ourselves (Mt. 22:37-40), the point is, an unhealthy infatuation with fame, glamour, and the “me first” attitude is sinful and we are warned to turn away from it because they are a reproach to God.

In these last days, God is looking for Christians who will seek his face above his hand. We are told in Isaiah 54:15 that when God scans the earth looking for individuals and churches to dwell among, he picks out those who have a sincere love and tender heart toward Him and other people. The spirit of humility is valuable in the sight of God and it is necessary to cultivate, guard, and walk in should we desire to have a genuine walk with the Lord and see him use us to affect those around us. This is an authentic walk with God and is what characterizes the Kingdom of God.

How do we know if our walk with God has been self-centered? There is one easy way to find out; ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in sincere, earnest prayer for other people, families, and yes, other churches? If you feel yourself getting uneasy right now, I say, make a change today. Humble yourself before the Lord in worship, intercession, and prayer for others.

Prayer:
“Father, I come before you today without arrogance or pride. Rather, I say that I am so grateful to call you Father. Search my heart. If I am guilty of pride and self-admiration, forgive me. I am sorry for the wasted time I have spent trying to gain the fading desires of the world: fame, fortune, glamour, and power. Instead, I would rather have you. I would rather spend my time serving others and setting people free, than trying to build a name for myself. I know that when I put you and others first, you will bless me with all I that could ever ask for, think, or imagine. Revive in me the spirit of humility so that I may serve the Kingdom today. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!”

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” -1 Corinthians 9:27

I think it is safe to say; the first battle each believer must win is the private battle. I am talking about the battle that will remain a wrestling match until you are no longer on this earth: the battle with the flesh. Perhaps the most notable apostle of all time (Paul) wasn’t quick to forget that if he ever became forgetful and apathetic to keep his body in check, he would end up in extreme danger. That should tell each believer that there is no one exempt from this principle.

In Luke chapter 4, the Lord Jesus enters the wilderness filled with the Spirit of God (v.1). At this point in time Jesus had done no miracles, despite what some traditions may say. In verse 14 the Scripture says Jesus returns from out of the desert “in the power if the Spirit.” The Scripture implies that a major change has taken place in the life of Jesus. Christ verbalizes this change when he goes into the synagogue of Nazareth and tells the people that he is now ready to begin his public ministry of power, signs, wonders, and deliverance (Lk. 4:18-19). Why didn’t he do this before this time in the desert? He had not yet received “the power of the Spirit.” In order to receive this new flow of authority, Jesus had to win the private battle and fight the temptations that played on his flesh.

Too often believers are just satisfied with being filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is a good thing (2 Cor. 1:22), but I am after the flow of power found in Mt. 4:14. If you find me a believer who can win battles when they are alone at home, alone in the car, or alone with nobody around to watch; I will show you a candidate fit to release heaven’s power. If you are an individual seeking to be used publicly by God, don’t forget this principle: your public ministry to people is a reflection of your private ministry to God. This flow of power is costly. The power promised to us by Christ is so strong and there are few who are willing to deny their flesh consistently enough to obtain it.

Ask the Lord to examine your heart and reveal to you the areas of your life in which your flesh is still in control. Afterward, yield to his voice and begin to put your flesh under by prayer, meditation in the Word, and if need be, fasting. Be encouraged that even though the flesh is weak, your spirit is strong. If you are dealing with an entangling sin, bad habit, or constant hindrance, pray these words today….

Prayer:
“Father I look to your mercy and grace today. I have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness, including the ability to control my flesh. I declare that my flesh will not keep me from having a victorious life in Christ. I renounce the times I have satisfied the flesh with desires that run contrary to your Word. By the wisdom of the Holy Ghost and power of the Word, my flesh will be brought under subjection and I will be a clean vessel fit to walk as Jesus walked: in love and power (1 Jn. 2:6). Today is a new day! In Jesus name, AMEN!”

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” -Hebrews 11:5

The weirdest account of any individual in the Bible has to be that of Enoch. The guy is only mentioned a few times in all of Scripture, however, he is considered to be a key player in Old and New Testament prophecy. Scripture tells us in Genesis 5:21-24 that Enoch lived for 65 years, had a son named Methuselah, walked with God 300 years afterwards, then was taken to heaven without seeing death. So what’s the point? There are few things in this Scripture that will blow your mind.

First off, Scripture implies that Enoch walked without God for the first 65 years of his life. That means he was living the same way his day and age was living and, to be brief, it was a non-stop party: drunkenness, new ways to sin, vain imaginations (Gen. 6:5-6, 11)…the whole 9 yards (like today). However at 65 years old, he has an experience so profound he radically turns his life over to God and gets close enough to him that the Bible said God began to walk up and down the earth and conversate with him! What kind of experience could be that profound? The answer is found in the meaning behind his son’s name.

Methuselah means, “hen he is dead it (the deluge) shall come.” That very simply refers to the flood of Noah’s day. And sure enough, the year Methuselah died the flood wiped the earth out completely. That means everyone still caught in the darkness of his present social system lost his or her lives and eternal security with God.

But it wasn’t so for Enoch. Enoch, though once wild (like some of us once were), discovered the power of consecration. Consecration means sealing off your heart and mind and not allowing anything in but the presence of God. Oh what power men would have if they just consecrated themselves to the Almighty power of the universe! Because Enoch had intimate fellowship with God, Enoch turned around and stuck his finger in the face of the world with boldness (Jude 14). Though once ordinary and common, he went on to shake up his age and generation with a battle cry from heaven, “Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints!”

Today let’s seal the world out. When we do, expect the Holy Ghost to come visit you! He will whisper in your ear the things to come (Jn. 16:13). And when you hear it, you won’t be afraid because he will bear witness that you belong to the company of the redeemed ones who will escape (Heb. 2:3)! And in His love for mankind, He will charge you with a mighty power to bear witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ in order to shake this world until he comes! Today let’s set ourselves apart unto our Creator, Jesus Christ. When we do our lives will be as meaningful and profound as Enoch’s life was.

Prayer:
Father, I love you with all that is within. I set myself apart to you today. Oh take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee! I renounce the world and all of its ways. May my life be pleasing in your sight. I draw near to you and farther from the passing, fading world. Until you come, I yield to your Spirit to be used by you in drawing others out of darkness. I love you and thank you that you are always with me. I honor your presence and thank you for your Spirit. In Jesus name, AMEN.”