Stronger than the "Strong Man"


Luke 11:20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

 The context of this statement is Jesus commenting on what leads to a defeated, divided house. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for having a demon and being inauthentic BECAUSE he cast out demons. Jesus responded that it is impossible for a "house" to function when divided against itself. He then gave the illustration recorded in verses 21-22.

 Many interpret the "strong man" as a demonic or evil presence. I think that the strong man is the dominant power in one's "house" or life. This may be a positive or negative power.

 If the objective is to overcome a house, or person, one must first get past the strong man who protects it. When there is a evil or demonic power "guarding" it, we should overcome that evil power in Jesus' name. On the other hand, if you are the "strong man" guarding your home, don't allow yourself to be bound, leading to defeat and division in your house or life.

 Jesus' point was that strong forces can only be overcome by stronger forces.

 Overcome in Christ's name when you need to. And don't be overcome when you are called upon to take a stand.

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Why Did God Love Jacob and Hate Esau?



“Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated...” (Mal. 1:1-3)
“He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.” (Psa. 47:4)
“The Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob.” (Nah. 2:2)

 Why did God say "Jacob I have loved?" Why did two prophets say that God was going to restore the "excellence of Jacob?" (Nah. 2:2, Psa. 47:4). In three visitations, Jacob recognized the presence of God.

 1) When he was going to Haran, he saw something other people could not see. He saw a ladder with angels ascending and descending (Gen. 28:11-17). He said, “How awesome is this place!” He called it BETHEL meaning “The House of God.”

 2) When the angels met him as he returned from Laban. (Gen. 32:1-2) He called that place MAHANAIM meaning “God’s Camp”

 3) When he was on his way to meet his brother, he wrestled with the Lord all night. God said, "Let me go." Jacob said, "I will let you go until you bless me!" He stayed engaged with God even though his hip went out of joint and he was in great pain, he would not let go of the Lord!
God then said, "What is your name?" Jacob said, "My name is one who has hold of the heel and won't let go." (He came out of his mother's womb holding his brother's heel)

 Because of this excellence, God changed his name to Israel ("Prince") and said, “For you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” (Gen. 32:22-28). He called the name of that place PENIEL meaning “face to face with God.”

 What is your name? 

(Click here to listen to a message on this topic on my Firm Foundation Podcast) 

My Message to Cam Newton (and all of us)

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"Cam, you lost the biggest game of your young career after having the greatest achievements of your young career. You're one of the great NFL players today. Yes, you are authentic and honest but you must understand you live in a world of double standards and unreasonable expectations. You will always be criticized, but don't give them a reason to do so. 

You don't get to express how you feel because the vast majority of people do not care how you feel. You're in show business and a leader. People only care about how you make them feel. So my young brother, suck it up and give the people what they want...and only allow your closest family members and friends to see the vulnerable, unvarnished you.  They understand it and can handle it without judgment."

Love is the Ultimate Action Word



1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

 As a child, I remember learning in school that a verb is an “action word.” We also learned that a noun is “a person, place, or thing,”  Love is the ultimate noun and verb! John defined the “Love of God,” as an action, not only a thing…something we should always keep in heart and mind.

 Love becomes life-giving when it is backed up with action. The true measure of love is not only words, but deeds. Our deeds transform love from a “thing” into “action.” 

 In Verse 19, The Apostle John shared this powerful truth: True love, when lived through our actions, draws us closer to God, strengthens our character, and provides the firm foundation of assurance!
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