8/31/13

“Are you really aware of those who are around you? When you are blessed, is it good for your community of believers or do you consume your blessings upon yourself? I place you in the midst of others so that they benefit from who you are and what you have to offer. Some need an attentive ear. Others need a service. Still others need My financial wealth, which I have entrusted to you. All of them need the Jesus that resides in you. Are you really aware of that? Is that your mode of thinking when you see them? Jesus saw the needs and died for them. You have been given the same eyes to see and a heart to love because He dwells in you. Are you using them, or have you closed them so that you can serve yourself?”

Rom. 8:5b-11 NIV

^5b…but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

⁶The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

⁷the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

⁸Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

⁹You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

¹⁰But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

¹¹And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

---

Some time ago, I talked to an individual who stated that the Lord gave him a financial windfall. He was obviously excited and with good reason. After our conversation, I began to think about the things that he said. It was then I realized that nothing was said about what the Lord wanted to do with His blessing. Being familiar with where this man lives and understanding the needs all around him, it came to me that the blessing was not for him. It was to bless others.

The man had more than enough to live on and was wealthy already by almost any standards. In the spirit, I saw that the Lord was trying to make him a conduit of blessing, one through which mighty rivers of financial wealth could flow to those sent to him, not hindered by greed. We need not judge, for every one of us is guilty of the same sin as this man. Money is not the only conduit of blessing that is misused. However we are blessed, we are to use those blessings only how the Lord wants us to use them. They are not always only for us.

Make me a willing conduit, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/30/13

“Can you not pray with Me for just one hour? Are your eyes so dim that you would fall asleep during this time? The enemy of all that I hold dear is celebrating. My people are walking in business-as-usual selfishness. Where is the outcry for the horrors that are being done against My Name? Where is the repentance for all that is being done in My Name that is not of Me? Has your heart grown so dull that you will not do what is necessary to be My standard? Will you not miss a meal in My Name? Will you not give up some sleep so that My light can be shown? Will you not take a day away from your toil and trust Me enough to be with Me? An hour of grave darkness is on the horizon. It can be thwarted if you, My people, will be who you are called to be. I am watching to see if you even care.”

Isaiah 59:19 AMP

¹⁹So [as the result of the Messiah's intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives].

Matthew 26:38-40 AMP

³⁸Then He said to them, My soul is very sad and deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake and keep watch with Me.

³⁹And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire.

⁴⁰And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?

---

It is amazing to see so many Christians who either refuse or are unable to walk in the standard of Jesus that is theirs during a time of testing. Many even refuse to enter into the spiritual battle, simply saying that they have faith in the Lord or that His will is going to be done with no participation on their part. It is true that God will accomplish His will. However, we owe Him a response and need to spend enough time with the Lord to discern when and how He is calling for diligence on our part. Even more important, we need to spend time with Him to gain what is needed to flow in the mercy, grace, and power of God that will cause us to exhibit the life of Jesus Christ. Instead, we worry, we fear. We even make believe that our comfort zones will somehow remain intact. For whatever reason, we will not dig in and spend the time to hear clearly from Him.

For many years, the Lord has been calling His people to prepare for a time when wrong will be made to appear as right and good will be labeled as bad. He has been calling us to become who we have been saying that we are all along, true representatives of Jesus. He has been calling us to repent of our cold, dead religion and to represent Jesus to a dead and dying world.

Make no mistake, what is all around us is spiritual and must be dealt with in a spiritual manner. There is no carnal power that will stop the flood that is at hand. What price are you willing to pay so that the Name of the Lord will be glorified? What part of your comfort zone will you give up so that you can hear the Lord clearly and respond properly?

Give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and the power to stay awake, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/29/13

“So often I need to remind you that your life is not about you, but about My plans and My desires. I need to do that, so you remain focused and on a straight path. Part of My desire is, however, you. You fill My heart. You have My affection. I have purchased you with some very expensive blood, because I desire to be with you. When everything is complete, you will be brought into the fullness of love. It is where I function. This is all about My love for you. As you go about doing what I ask of you, remember that My heart is focused toward you. I am eliminating your fleshly desires and forming you to be like Jesus, but I am always for you and never against you. I love you. I delight in you.”

Gen. 1:31 NIV

³¹God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Matthew 11:12 NIV

¹²“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”

Matthew 26:53-54 NIV

⁵³“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

⁵⁴But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say that it must happen in this way?”

Eph. 3:18-19 AMP

¹⁸That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

¹⁹[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

---

I have two daughters and, oh my, I love them. My relationship with each of them is very different, partly because of their ages.

I have chosen to invest in both of them with intensity. They are a continuous focus of my attention. I study their needs, instruct them when needed - or in Jenny’s case, when asked - encourage them often, find ways to make their lives wealthy; and always, always hold them close before my Father in heaven. Most of all, I affirm my love for them. I desire that they prosper physically and spiritually, and I am devoted to their best interests, just as Jesus was and is for mine.

There is no way that I could have this kind of love, actually His kind of love, for them in my heart if it hadn’t been placed there by Father God. When I go to Him, He always gives me part of Himself. He is love. I know that He loves me, always. He places in me the desire to function toward them as He does toward me. He does the same for all of those who are His for that matter, if we allow Him to do so.

My time with My ABBA gives me whatever it takes to function the length of my days. In this case, my prayer is that His love flows through me to my daughters, so that they can see Who He is. As I understand His love for me, and love deeply and flow in His love, His Kingdom is furthered, my children are enriched; and I am free. What a joyous life!

Thank You, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/28/13

“What is it going to take to break your heart and return to first love? What must I do to convince you that you live in very volatile times? How long before you begin to prepare in earnest for the return of Jesus? Do you see how your world is changing and could be unrecognizable in moments? Do you see how your planet is groaning as if in birth pains? What more do you need to get serious, really serious about your life with Me? Get your eyes off yourself and sell out to My plans. You are called for your specific generation. I have a plan for you. It’s time for you to really get on with it!”

Isaiah 28:9-10 TLB

⁹”Who does Isaiah think he is,” the people say, “to speak to us like this! Are we little children, barely old enough to talk?

¹⁰10) He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words!”

Isaiah 42:25 AMP

²⁵Therefore He poured out upon [Israel] the fierceness of His anger and the strength of battle. And it set him on fire round about, yet he knew not [the lesson of repentance which the Assyrian conquest was intended to teach]; it burned him, but he did not lay it to heart.

Isaiah 48:3 NIV

³“I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.”

Jeremiah 12:5 AMP

⁵[But the Lord rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience, saying] If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? And if [you take to flight] in a land of peace where you feel secure, then what will you do [when you tread the tangled maze of jungle haunted by lions] in the swelling and flooding of the Jordan?

---

Let’s see! We have a holy God Who has been warning us to prepare at every turn. Our world is changing, groaning, and deteriorating minute by minute. We say that we know we are living in the end of the end times. Why is it that we remain selfish, self-centered, and secretly hoping that what we know is about to occur will not happen, so that we can remain as we are a little longer? Why will we not respond to what we know is a herald of repentance and bridal heart preparation, calling for a radical life change? Why are we so foolish as to shake off all the warnings?

I sense that the Lord is about to do what it takes to refine this generation of His own. I’m afraid that most of us will be walking around wide-eyed and drooling at the mouth, the same as those who are called foolish, when it happens. Instead of being prepared vessels who are able to pour the life of Jesus into those who need, we will be needy ourselves, consuming from those prepared to represent Jesus to the lost. All because we will not hear now!

Help me hear and act, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/27/13

“I am a God of order and a God of completion. I will do everything that I have promised, and I will do it in the way that I have planned it. Everything will fall precisely as I intend it to fall. There will be no delays. There will be no changes. I have given you enough information to allow you to see that I mean what I say. I have also proven to you that I know what I am saying so that you can trust Me. Those of you who choose to come close enough to hear My heart will not be taken by surprise as the promised future unfolds. Remember My promises. Remember My purposes. Remember that My plan will follow what I have stated in My Word. I am not subject to the plans of mankind. They are subject to Me. Be a student of My Word. Spend time with Me. You will rejoice, others will grieve, as My plans unfold.”

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

²¹Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Matthew 26:31 NIV

³¹Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ ”

Matthew 26:53-54 NIV

⁵³“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

⁵⁴But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

---

Most of the authorities of the world follow aimlessly after their own foolish notions. All the great thinkers, who are followed by mankind, have no knowledge of what is real if they do not follow after God and His Word. Nations have risen and have been defeated. Heralded rulers, along with those whom they have ruled, have come and gone for generation after generation. Most have cursed God and His ways; some have not. All have, however, even without knowing it, fallen in line with and fulfilled part of His promised plan.

This day, take account of the incredible God that you serve. Visit once again what has happened to you because you called upon Jesus as Lord of your life. Open the Word of God and review the immeasurable wealth that it contains with renewed awe. Remember the countless times your Father in heaven has been faithful to His Word in your life alone, not even counting all the centuries before you existed. Remember also that you have been bought with a price and that you are no longer your own.

You and I have a choice. We can honor our Lord by submitting to His perfect will for this day’s and every day’s activities, or we can fail to consider what He really has for us to participate in. Either way, His will is going to be accomplished. One way, we will reap the benefits of our obedience and honor our Lord. The other way, we become a hapless non-player, while still fulfilling a “non-God-glorifying” part in an astounding eternal program.

Teach me to seek You, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/26/13

“I now ask you to walk freely in the anointing that I have given you. You must stir up the gifts and talents that you have, so that My church is recognized. Apostles, I call you into service. Prophets, come to My throne room to receive coals from My altar. The time is now for you to hear from Me. Do not follow the foolish teachings of man concerning your office. I demand My kind of integrity. You will be held accountable once again. Evangelists, take the torch of My Word and ignite the fire of love in the hearts that have been prepared by the seasons at hand. Share truth, not foolish doctrine. Give people My Son, Jesus.

Pastors, become the shepherds that you have been called to be. Shake off all the frivolous duties that encumber your calling and seek Me in a new way. Your people need you to give them fresh manna, not tired, predigested food from someone else because you are too busy to spend time with Me. Teachers, hold truth close to your heart. Cast aside traditions and teachings of man. They will no longer satisfy those of My children who hunger for truth. Teach only My Word. Teach from experience in My Word, not hearsay. Become a student of Me again, receive My presence, then go forth to feed My people. My children, listen closely. I need you to break free from the Sadducees and Pharisees.

Shake off the bondages of the street-corner servers of milk. Receive the heart-searing coals of repentance and holiness. Live the crucified life. Get rid of your flesh. Walk in the power of Jesus. Exchange your old life, your old ways, for My ways. Accept all that I have for you, and give all that I give you to those who will hear. You have been called; now move in My power, not the traditional, empty power of those who haven’t spent enough time with Me to know what I have to say in the coming days. I am waiting for you!”

Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

¹¹It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

¹²to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

John 20:21 NIV

²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

---

As the world grows darker at an alarming rate, there is an increasing hunger for truth in those who are called and prepared to hear truth. People in the church of Jesus Christ are weary of foolish doctrines, lying prophets, showboat evangelists, and pastors who no longer have what is needed to help their flock.

The world, on the other hand, has cast aside most of the churches in their community. Any effectiveness that they once may have had has been nullified by hypocritical Christians and ignorant, cold messengers with nothing pertinent to say for their lives. Few Christians can show them Jesus because they themselves have not been with Jesus and His Word.

My wife, Merry, is an accomplished pianist. As a part of many groups, she would impart the joy she felt when each musician did his part and flowed with the other musicians. Even my tin ear could distinguish the difference between a good and a bad orchestra. Sometimes, however, I would be mesmerized, along with the others who were listening, as the Holy Spirit would take the offering of the musicians and anoint it, empower it, and use it to break hard hearts and cold pew sitters.

I’m convinced that the church of Jesus Christ should have that same effect on the world first and then on each other, as we function freely in our individual gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit. There should be no one out-of-tune with the Master conductor. There should be no one who misses one beat of the Lord and His Word. Each - having studied, practiced, and received from the Lord - should flow with the others to produce a mesmerizing presentation to those who are listening. It’s time to present the biblical Jesus to those who need to see and hear Him.

Needing to seriously “tune up” the instrument that I have been given,

Jim Corbett

8/24/13

"As you become more aware of the times and seasons in which you live, you will understand that you have been raised up for a time such as this. I realize that those words have been used over and over until they have lost their real meaning. I realize also that you have not really taken them to heart. You must do so now, or you will miss the real impact that I intend for your life. Each generation that I design is fitted for specific tasks to accomplish My overall plan. Yours is to usher in the return of My Son. Do you realize the impact of that statement? You are the generation that will see the culmination of My Word to you. You will walk out what others have longed to see.

Many honest hearts who have gone before you have attempted to fit My timetable into their understanding. They have caused misunderstandings. Few of you now take seriously the kind of life dedication that I require to usher in the culmination of My Word and apply it to your lives. Few of you will take My requests to your heart. Few of you will be waiting only for Him as you go about your given missions. What you see before you will attempt to sway you from what you know is really happening. Do not be taken in by the loose usage of interpretations of what I have written. Do not misread what you see before you. Drop all of your preconceived notions of what I require of you this day. I advise you to plan for a wedding rather than a war. I suggest that you become a study of Jesus, so that you will be functioning in His image when He comes.

Drop every one of your attachments to the world. Take your eyes off the things that hold your heart. Remove the blemishes from your garments. Your heart of preparation will be a testimony of His love to those who observe your radiant expectation. Rejoice with Me as you prepare. Rejoice with others as they realize the reason they have been born. The world around you has a carnal focus, even in My church. Allow your preparations to open their eyes. As you allow Me to implement My Word in your heart, those who can hear will listen to what My Holy Spirit is saying, and begin preparations themselves. Rejoice with Me as your light of love shines with a new brilliance in your world. Keep your heart in the direction of heavenly things. That's where those who are aware of their promise are focusing. That's where My focus is."

Matt. 25:1-6 NIV

¹ "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

² Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.

⁴ The wise, however, took oil in their jars along with their lamps.

⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'"

Colossians 3:1-4 AMP

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps. 110:1.]

² And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.

³ For [as far as the world is concerned] you have died, and you [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

⁴ When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.

---

Those who saw Jesus raised from the dead and observed His return to heaven believed firmly that He would return to earth in their generation. They approached every task placed before them with one eye toward heaven and one ear listening for His call to them. Their lives were a brilliant light to those around them. Some were so blinded by it that they attempted to extinguish it. Others embraced it and carried it into their personal world.

There is a grave danger present today. We know too much. In fact, we know so much that we live our lives according to what we know, rather than what the Holy Spirit is saying to us.

This we know. Everything that needs to be accomplished for the coming of Jesus has been accomplished, or is very, very close to being accomplished. Most of us believe that He could come at any minute, basically because of what we hear from those who are a study of the Scriptures and also because of what we see happening around us.

This is what I believe the Holy Spirit is saying to those who have ears to hear. I believe that He is telling us to stop preparing for Jesus based on what we know. We are to begin preparing for Who we know.

In the Matthew account, I believe that there are two hearts represented. One heart was waiting because they knew that it was right to be there. They understood that because it was the appointed day for the wedding, the Groom would be coming soon. The other heart was there because they longed to be there with every fiber of their being. These were waiting with eager anticipation, longing to be with the One that they loved deeply.

There is also one heart that is represented by its absence. It is the heart that is oblivious to the wedding that is about to take place. These poor souls were more than likely out plowing their fields or conducting business somewhere. Their invitations were probably long forgotten under the other "things to prepare for" pile of papers on their desks.

Don't want to miss this one,

Jim Corbett

8/23/13

"Joyfully follow the leading of My Holy Spirit. Move in concert with His desires. Delight yourself in Me and I will place desires in you that sometimes are illogical by the world's standards. I will ask you to love deeper, give more, and worry less. I will join you with others who have the same heart that you have. You will walk together for no apparent reason other than it is My will for you to do so. Each of you will have a part in reaching My people for this end-time season. You will be helping hands to each other and to those to whom I send you. Invest in each other unashamedly. Love without reason other than I have called you to love as Jesus loved. Be My hands! Be My heart! Be the example of Jesus. He was not limited by the conventions of the day. He just loved until there was no more to give. Then He gave more. Now He continues to give, just because He can!"

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

¹⁹ "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

²³ Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Out of my sight, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Matthew 16:24-25 AMP

²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].

²⁵ For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].

---

The above verses make no sense to the world! In each one of them, the Lord shows us a way of living that is only for kingdom subjects, those aspiring to live as Jesus lived.

I love the verses in Matthew 16 above. Good ol' Peter! Doing what would be the right thing to do if he was supposed to walk in logic and typical thinking. He could only see the carnal and how the normal person would love someone. He was limited to his earthly way of doing things.

God has given us heavenly, Holy Spirit ways to love, live, and walk out our portions in life. He has His own set of rules for us. He says that we should never limit our love to one another. He says that we should be joined with those to whom He sends us because we are called to work together. He says that there should be no limit to our service to Him and to them. We are to treasure the things He treasures.

In these end times, our Lord is joining together those who desire the deeper, more Christ-like way of living. He is asking us to function as Jesus functioned toward one another and toward those who need to know Him. He is placing us in positions where we can pour out the resources that He has given us – love, time, talents, comfort, finances, (the list is endless) - with joyous freedom as led by the Holy Spirit. There is no limit to His love toward us. He is asking us to live the same way toward others, no matter how silly or foolish it may appear to those who can only see with carnal eyes.

Teach me to love as You love, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/22/13

"How many beats are left in your heart? How many moments are there before you see Me face to face with the unchangeable product of your life in your hands? How many crowns do you have to lay at the feet of Jesus? Let's talk! What are you focused on today that has little eternal effect? What concerns your time that will mean nothing on that day? Why are you placing top priority on it if I haven't asked you to do so? I consider that foolish!"

Hebrews 10:32-36 NIV

³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.

³³ Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

³⁴ You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

³⁵ So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

³⁶ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

---

The Word says that only a fool says in his heart that there is no God. How foolish is it, then, for those of us who are convinced that God does exist - knowing that He has sent His Son so that we can spend eternity with Him if we accept the sacrifice given and having an awareness that we will stand face to face with Him with our life's work in our hands - to waste our time on things that have no eternal value? What is important enough to get our eyes off Jesus and His desires for our lives?

Create proper priorities in me, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/21/13

"When this life is over for you, will it have counted for much? I don't mean, are you a good mother or father or a good friend? I mean, will there be others with Me because of you? Some of you say, ‘That's not my anointing,' or ‘I don't have time because of my world.' I say, ‘I need your heart to care for souls.' Let Me explain what is important to Me. I have given you a specific period of time to accomplish My tasks through you. Each of you has a specific calling. You must have peace in following through with that calling, whatever it is. All of you, however, have the calling to desire that souls do not perish. That is the heart of My Son; that is My heart.

As you fulfill your present circumstances, I desire that you cultivate a heart for those around you. I call that love. You can love all the time, wherever you are, and during whatever else you are doing for Me. My kind of love comes from repenting of your ways and turning to My ways. If your days are busy, you can still love deeply enough to bring those who are lost to Me in prayer. You can care enough to seek Me on their behalf, and receive the wisdom needed to stand in the gap for them. You can decide to notice who I notice, just by determining to flow with Me. I will tell you who I am preparing to meet My Son, if only you would choose to listen. You may be surprised when I tell you who they are. Once you know My plans for them, We will move together under My anointing with My power for their benefit. Start now.

Have you really cared about who will spend eternity with Me? If not, repent of your unloving heart, and come to Me to gain My heart for them. I will give it to you. Then you will really begin to have fun as you see My way of loving others!"

Eph. 2:6-10 NIV

⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–

⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

¹⁰ For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Col. 3:1-3 NIV

¹ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

³ For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

---

Before I was saved, still living in filth, I pulled up to one of my construction sites where a crew of black mason contractors were doing their work. One of the men saw a daily planner in my hand and mistook it for a Bible. Commenting on it, he turned away graciously and went back to work when my response to his kind inquiry included a foul expletive and an insincere offer to pray for them. I thought I was being funny.

Several years after I met the Lord, a man came up to me and said he'd heard that I was now a Christian. When I told him that he was correct, he reminded me of the incident at the construction site. You see, he and the other workers were inner city pastors, who earned their living as mason contractors rather than taking money from their congregations.

He related that after I left the job site, those humble men dropped to their knees for me- a foul mouthed, pompous, dope-smoking, beer-guzzling fool. That moment, in the middle of a raw construction site, they covenanted with each other to pray for my soul. They did not stop praying for me until they knew that I had come to the Lord. It was the first time that I literally saw God's kind of love in action. They loved in the midst of their incredibly busy lives. They prayed in spite of me. They loved when I hated. They were in union with the Lord for my soul, and my rebellion didn't stand a chance from that point on. God's agents were at work on my behalf. It was over and above their "ministry," but it was the heart of God in action.

Wanting to be continually flowing with God,

Jim Corbett

8/20/13

"Do you know that I can’t remember the last time that you failed Me? Do you know that you have an unlimited amount of times left that I will forgive you? Do you know that I knew how many times you would fail Me and I still asked you to spend eternity with Me? It’s true! No, I don’t have a bad memory. I am not easy on sin; it separates Us and I detest it. I also do not take lightly your representation of Jesus to your world, so I am sincere about you becoming like Him. I do, however, understand your nature. I have long understood how much you need second chances, so that you do not become discouraged. Our relationship changed from one of securing you before you gave your life to Jesus, to one of working with you to clean you up while blessing you. Your life is in My life because of Jesus. I do not take that lightly.

Our fellowship was paid for. It was very expensive, but it was worth it. I love you."

Rom. 7:21-23 NIV

²¹ So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;

²³ but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

Rom. 8:1-2 NIV

¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Phil 4:13 AMP

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

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I’ve often wondered why the Lord has allowed me to spend eternity with Him. I have failed Him more since I’ve met Jesus, than I did before I knew what sin was. Several years ago, I stopped trying to figure it out. There is no reason for me to be so blessed other than God’s reasons. My only position can be one of overwhelming gratefulness.

I am truly grateful, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/19/13

"Do you know that if you are Mine and you ask Me for anything, I would put all the infinite powers of heaven to work to accomplish what you ask? It’s true! You need to know, however, that this promise is not for the immature Christian. Many of you use the Name of Jesus as flippantly as you would use something you’ve basically discarded, when at one time it meant something to you. You ingest what is needed for your own pleasure and then set it aside until the next time it is needed. Because there is so much power in the use of His Name, and all of heaven must respond in covenant response when His Name is used, you have little idea how much harm you are doing when you invoke it unwisely.

You need to grow up so that you can be trusted with your covenant authority. It would be wise of you to step back and remember what your relationship with Me is all about. You are redeemed so that I have friends to work with for eternity, accomplishing My plans. Are there other benefits to you while you are doing this? Of course. In fact, the benefits to you are greater than you can ever imagine. If you have the mistaken idea, however, that your best interests supersede My plan, you will be greatly disappointed; and your relationship with Me will be out of order. Study Me; study My Word. Learn My purposes and flow in them. As you do that, all will be in order and you will be at peace."

John 15:15b-16 NIV

¹⁵ "…I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

James 4:2b-3 NLB

² "And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it.

³ And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure."

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So many of today’s altar calls are an injustice to the work of God. To get a response from the listening audience and to build up churches, the one making the call normally paints a picture of health, wealth, and wisdom - not to mention eternity on streets of gold. Because of this, most Christians spend their days attempting to understand their salvation, instead of becoming mature vessels fit for the use of the Master.

I am convinced that the most important, missing piece of furniture in our churches today is the "tarrying bench." The tarrying bench was a place where the one seeking salvation dealt with all the issues of salvation before making a commitment. Sometimes it took days as the person wrestled with the flesh, understanding its total depravity. Only after he understood that his life was no longer his own, and that he was bought with a bloody price, would the person be released to commit to Christ and His work on the cross. When he was finished, he understood his position in Christ with its benefits, but also its priorities. He was a servant, not a lord - especially of his own life and its needs. He understood that prayer was not a vehicle to accomplish his desires, but a two-way interaction. It was necessary to first find the will of God, and then be a surrendered vessel, who could be used to implement His will.

When a person in proper understanding of his relationship with the Lord prays, nothing can stop that prayer. A God-initiated, Holy Spirit-ordained prayer, presented in the Name of Jesus and designed to be in perfect unison with His plans, moves heaven, all of its powerful beings, and all of earth. Not only does it accomplish much for the will of God, it accomplishes much in the one who prayed. The seeking process, which occurs as the one who prays attempts to find the will of the Lord in a given situation, accomplishes untold benefits and multiple unseen changes in the seeker’s character. That, too, is in order with the will of God.

Needing to remember to seek first, then pray,

Jim Corbett

8/17/13

"Soon it will become evident that you will not be able to impart to others what they need to survive. Because they have not responded to My continuous wooing to draw close so that I can give them My Spirit, My wisdom, and My life, they will have nothing to offer anyone. They will not even have enough for themselves. They will ask you for what you have, but you can only send them to Me. I am what they need. They will ask for too much, too late."

Matt. 25:1-12 NIV

¹ At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

² Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.

⁴ The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

⁷ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

⁹ 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

¹⁰ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir! they said. ‘Open the door for us!'

¹² But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.'"

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To continually remain unresponsive to the Holy Spirit’s wooing to draw close to the Lord, which is clearly evident in this land, is foolish and will reap little reward in the future. When we need what only God can give us, it must be on tap. Future seasons are overcome with what has been gained from today’s intimacy.

Open my eyes, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/16/13

"Are you not aware of the times and seasons? Who has swayed you from My ways? Have you stopped looking for the soon coming of My Son? Do you plan for His coming every day? You need to shake off the things that have distracted you. They have clouded your eyes and quieted your hearing of why you have been born in this season. Listen carefully! This is not about you! The enemy of My Word is zealous to preach his lies to deceive many, while you crave more comfortable places to hide. He understands what is about to happen and is forming death grips on those who will listen. Many are hearing him because you are not living the truth of Jesus. They need to hear My voice. Who will show them if you don’t? Wake up. Realign your priorities now!"

Proverbs 29:21 AMP

He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.

Jeremiah 10:23 AMP

Oh, Lord [pleads Jeremiah in the name of the people], I know that [the determination of] the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man [even in a strong man or a man at his best] to direct his [own] steps.

1 Cor. 13:11 AMP

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

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I can’t remember the last time I woke up and said, "Maybe today!" As I think about it, the last time I did express my hope for the return of Jesus was because my circumstances were so horrible, I simply wanted out.

What I have been realizing lately is the fact that there is still a portion of me that is in this walk with the Lord for my good rather than for the fulfillment of His plans. It really boils down to the issue of Lordship. I want to be Lord over things that I need to control. As I do that, I lose sight of the plan of God for my life and make demands on Him to fulfill my needs. One day, I will realize that this life is not all about me, and He is not in the business of allowing me to live as though it is.

Forgive me, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/15/13

"I have called you to a higher place. I have taught you to reside in that place with Me. Your world is again attempting to force you to take sides on issues, involve you in controversies, and coerce you to move in directions that are designed to distract you from the real issues that need your complete attention. The more you become involved in the daily distractions, the less you will be able to hear Me when I call you. You need to remember that I have been training you for such a time as this. Understand that others, who are not as mature as you, need you to maintain a proper presence in front of them. You must keep a clear head and remain steadfast in the mission to which I have called you.

Do not be distracted because of outside influences. Listen carefully. I am about to make the impossible possible in many of your lives. I am about to bring forth miracles and wonders to draw many to Jesus. You need to be where I have called you to be, not in some place, reacting to something that has temporarily garnered your attention. Keep your focus. Remain steadfast in prayer. Stay diligent and on course. If you move only when I tell you to move, you will be where I want you to be. I can then accomplish My desires through you."

Esther 4:14 AMP

For if you keep silent at this time; relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

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Throughout the Word, God has placed specific people in specific places to accomplish specific tasks for Him. Positioned properly, these agents allow the power and presence of the Lord to accomplish tasks. They witness miracles and proclaim His Word in due season. Leaders such as Joshua, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, Esther, the apostles, Paul, D. L. Moody, Charles Finney, Smith Wigglesworth, and others too numerous to mention continually moved with the Lord and accomplished much for Him.

Each move of the Lord required obedient, usually ordinary men and women during a specific time and place, who accomplished extraordinary missions for Him. I’m sure that each mission would still have been accomplished if that ordained individual hadn’t shown up for the job. The Lord would have used someone else. However, these people saw the presence of the Lord first hand because of their obedience.

We are living in astounding times. If these are not the end of the end of times, (I firmly believe that they are,) future Christians could be reading about many of us who have gone before them, because of the exploits that we were involved in for our Lord. We could be the past men and women of faith to them.

In each generation and season, the life of every man and woman has great purpose and matters deeply to the Lord. Every one of us has been born for such a time as this as surely as Esther was. The training that we have been through, or are going through now, will be used in many ways and for many reasons to help fulfill the plan of God.

Would it not be wise, then, to covet our time with our Father, dismissing every distraction that would hinder that fellowship and keep us from hearing His direction every moment of every day? Wouldn’t it be even more wonderful to know that each of us is exactly where we are supposed to be at any given moment, so that the Lord is free to use us for His purposes? On the other hand, wouldn’t it be horrible to find out that someone else had to be used in a particular instance because we were not obedient?

Wanting to be exactly where I’m supposed to be every day, all the time,

Jim Corbett

8/14/13

"I remember the blood. I remember watching as Jesus wept and I sent comforters to Him, knowing what was in store. I stood by as He was denied any defense. He willingly allowed Himself to be governed by those I had given the authority to do so. But then We had agreed upon that long, long ago. I remember when every demon in hell took a turn at holding the whip that tore His body. I saw the weight of your sin that He carried and died for. I had to turn My back so that everything could be completed. I was able to release forgiveness to all of you because of what was accomplished by Jesus that day. I remember the blood. Be assured, I always remember the blood."

John 19:30 NIV

…Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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If this were the day that Jesus was crucified for our sins, many events would be taking place simultaneously. The earthly violence was over. A new kind of death-destroying violence was about to occur.

At this moment the tomb would be quiet, the body of the Savior of the world cold. Sleepy guards have positioned themselves to stave off any unwise intruder. All heaven would be poised in horror, waiting for the Father to do something, anything. All hell is rejoicing, thinking that they had won. Most of mankind is sleeping restlessly, very confused at the events of recent days. Others are gloating over their recent victory, confident that they have accomplished God’s will by killing "that blasphemer." A small group is cowering together, waiting fearfully for the knock on the door, sealing their doom.

To some in heaven and on earth, the unthinkable had happened. To others, the foolishness was finally over. Winning and losing had parallel camps in both the spiritual and physical worlds. Neither, however, had any understanding of what the Father was about to do. Soon He would lovingly call forth the Name of His only Son, Jesus. With brilliance beyond description, Jesus would respond by reaching to the outstretched hand of His Father.

From that moment, both heaven and earth would never be the same. God’s original order would be restored. Spiritual death would be destroyed. Eternal life with God was now available.

In the next few months, most of mankind would go about their business, unaware of the eternal impact of what had just happened. A few of the faithful would begin to tell others of the most wonderful event that ever occurred. Those would then tell others that hope could now be a part of every life.

A gift above all worth had been given to some who would receive it gratefully. Others, through the centuries to come, would care less.

Help me to always remember the blood, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/13/13

"If you only knew how little time there is left for you to become equipped to carry My Word to a dying land. Have you noticed how far the world has migrated from reality as I see it? Do you see how they have lost all reason? Children are killing children. Parents are abandoning their families to fulfill their own desires, leaving them to strangers without any remorse. A spirit of hatred and murder has permeated the minds of those who have lost all reason and now function as pawns of the enemy. Being driven by Satan, they can no longer even think for themselves. Animalistic lusts have become so prevalent, that wisdom is nowhere to be found. People have truly become lovers of only themselves. Your society has become so decadent that any presentation of My Word, or the work that Jesus did, are laughed at, scorned, and cast aside as dirty laundry.

Still, My heart reaches out to them in mercy. I desire that everyone should be with Me for eternity. You must tell them. Shake off the spirit of the world that says they have gone too far and are out of reach of My grace. Put aside your own selfishness and care more for their salvation than your own comfort. Stop being so proud of your relationship with Me and become thankful once again for the cross. You need to remember where you were when I found you and gave you My gift of life. Where would you be if I had not had mercy on you? Give that same mercy to others before it is too late. I have called you; now share Jesus with those who laugh at you. They laughed at Him, but He still went to the cross. You do the same."

John 20:20-21 NIV

²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP

¹ THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

² And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

II Tim. 3:1-2 AMP

¹ BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

² For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

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As necessary as it is for each of us to recognize the times and seasons in which we live, and lay our lives down to become all that we can be in Jesus, most of us are missing the heart of God. In our zeal to become like Jesus, somehow, we have lost His love for souls, when that was the very purpose for which He came. It is impossible to separate that desire from who He is!

When was the last time you wept over those who are lost? Conversely, how often have you cheered deep down in your heart when someone "got what was coming to them" after committing a horrible crime? Which of those do you think Jesus would do? He even cried out for forgiveness from the cross for those who had pounded the rusty nails in His hands and feet.

All that our Father in heaven does prepares us for two purposes. He prepares us as a waiting bride so that we are ready for marriage at the coming of Jesus and as servants of His will while we wait. Most of the church is responding fully to neither. How that must hurt His heart!

Needing to submit to and act upon my Father’s desires,

Jim Corbett

8/12/13

"Are you ready for your assignment? Are your days spent seeking My heart so that you know My will for your life? Is your most important goal in life to receive from Me the character of Jesus, so that you can represent Him properly to your world? Do you care about what I care about? Why not??

Eph. 3:7-9 NIV

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

⁸ Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

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In the above Bible verses, Paul sounds like a man who has happily found his reason for breathing air. I am convinced that long before he could make the statement above, he had to enter into that place of absolute surrender to the Lord and His plans. Everything of the flesh had been burned from him. He had gained the heart of God through transparently meeting with God and lived only for the purposes that the Lord had for him. He was dead to himself and alive only to Jesus.

In my travels, I meet many people. Those who are truly happy are either on a zealous quest to find God’s specific design for their lives, or they have found it and are walking towards its fulfillment through Christ’s power. If you are seeking the Lord with all your heart, if your desire is to spend time with Him for His purposes to be fulfilled in your life, if your eyes are off of yourself and your needs and searching for the heart of the Lord, you are well on your way to saying with Paul, "This is my life work, ….."

I have claimed the above verses from Paul as my own. I have them in my journal and read them when I feel that I may have lost my direction. Every time I do read them, I am flooded with the Lord’s peace because I once again remember why I have been born; and that I have found the answer to my life. It took close to twenty years to be absolutely sure; but once I was sure, there was a very clear reason for getting up each morning that no weapon formed against me could steal from me.

God has a specific plan for you. You have been created for His purposes and are very valuable to Him. That is not a heavy burden, but a privilege. Everything you are going through is heading toward His fulfillment in you, if you are seeking His heart. He is forming you to be able to live the life of Jesus accurately in your world.

Thank You for a purpose for living, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/10/13

"If you seek Me with all your heart, you will receive everything you need to walk in the love of Jesus. I will hold nothing back. I love you and that is My promise. I also love others. They need to see Who Jesus is. If you begin to live like Him in their midst, they will be able to savor His presence. That changes things. It makes darkness light. You come to Me. I will build His life in you. Then I will give who you have become to others."

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

¹ 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.

² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Cor. 11:1 NIV

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Colossians 1:9-12 NIV

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

¹⁰ And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully

¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

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As important as it is to suffer for Christ through the laying down of your own will so that the will of your Father can be accomplished, it is equally important that there are times when you are called upon to suffer with Christ. Few people in the church are willing to take on the burdens that Christ feels toward those who are not saved, or toward those who made a commitment, but are living far from Jesus. To care about what Jesus deems important, to hurt as He hurts for the lost, to be burdened with the things for which He is interceding is more than most of us delight in doing.

Not everyone accepts a suffering spirit when it is given. Some reject it because it is too difficult to carry. You simply do not fit in. It is for those of you who have felt the burden of God, and carry it with Him on behalf of another.

Until you understand that some of what you feel is God working with you for the sake of others, you will believe that there is something wrong with you. You need to know that the Lord is asking you to suffer with Him in that specific area, to carry the weight that He is feeling for a specific situation. It will be an intense time and you may need to be alone with Him. There will be a myriad of people in the church who will be delighted to give their opinion, confirming that you have gone nuts. Don’t listen to them. They cannot see and they do not understand intercession.

Teach me to live Your way, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/09/13

"The most expensive gift ever given was not wrapped in gold wrapping paper with beautiful ribbons. It was not presented to kings and royal families. In a quiet stable, outside the city, I gave Jesus to you, those whom I love. Heralded by angels, but heard by only those who had ears to hear, He came unnoticed to most everyone living during that time. I wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and placed Him in the most humble environment. He was a King dressed in rags to confuse the proud. Few cared that He was even born. No one understood why He was born and what He would accomplish. Many still don’t. Because you do understand, celebrate His life each and every moment of yours."

John 1:10-14 NIV

¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

¹² Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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Today, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, is mixed with green grinches, goofy reindeer, frosted snowmen, and fictitious gift givers dressed in red suits. It is marketed for the sake of material gain, promoted beyond comparison, and degraded beyond imagination. The enemy of our soul has done everything possible to minimize the effect of the beginning of the most wonderful series of events in all of mankind’s history. Still, (although heralded in unrecognizable tones, presented on the wrong date, and masked in commercialism,) to those who have ears to hear - and hearts that desire to understand - it is wondrous to behold and beautiful beyond words.

The birth of Jesus is the celebration of God’s mercy to fallen man, the epitome of love, and the definition of grace. It is right to honor our Father’s love to us by honoring the birth of His Son. It is right to look past all that has been done to destroy the wonder of the event, and join with all of those who can see truth. It is right to sing hallelujahs at the tops of our voices, praise with rejoicing hearts, and enter into quiet devotions with tears of thanks because He was given to us. No matter what the world has attempted to do to destroy the impact of the birth of Jesus, those of us who know the truth rejoice every moment of every day because Father God had mercy on us, who deserved no mercy.

Thank You, Lord. I am eternally grateful,

Jim Corbett

8/08/13

"Would you give up hearing the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' for relief from whatever you’re going through right now? Is the removal of some of the pressure that is now part of your life worth the price of not blessing Jesus? Will you trade all the work that is intended to be done in you just to have some ease and comfort? I know it isn’t so! So many have given up when the times got too tough. So many took the easy road of moving in their own strength when it looked as if they had to find a way to survive. I know that you can see past that immature behavior. I know that you will press on to the high calling that is intended for you. Please don’t cave in under the light pressure to which you are now called. Place your eyes on Jesus. He is your strength. He is your wisdom. He is your guide to the crucified/resurrected life. He did not fail when the cost was everything. His power is now available to you so that you will make it. Press in to Him. He will never fail you."

Genesis 25:29-33 NIV

²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.

³⁰ He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!"…

³¹ Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."

³² "Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?"

³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first. "So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob."

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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As trailblazers to the high calling that is once again being heralded by our Father, the only precedent that is available to us is the Word and the lives of those who have gone before us, especially Jesus Christ. Whenever the Lord begins to straighten the path that His church is on, those who respond to the call back to the pursuit of holiness and the high calling of Jesus Christ are considered to be running contrary to the established norm by those traveling the well-worn road. Looking to those who will not deviate from the norm of self-comforting, socially acceptable, practical Christianity will accomplish nothing but confusion and heartache.

Most of you know that the Lord is raising up a standard against the flood of complacency in His church. The standard is Jesus Himself. Looking to Him is the only pattern to follow. Observing the lives of those who walked with Him, and understanding that they had the same dilemma in the world in which they lived, can give comfort when times get especially rough. The price paid to overcome the ways of their world - using God’s ways and not their own - was everything they had and all that they owned.

God is not able to fully use those who fold under pressure from the people around them who will not move where He wants them to go. He is calling out those who know His heart, and are determined to follow it, no matter what the cost.

Needing Your strength to make it, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/07/13

"In My economy, you are most prosperous when you own nothing with your heart and crave nothing but Me to fulfill your every desire. It is then that you are an empty vessel fit for My use. I can pour Myself into you and know that you will fill others with proper nourishment. It is a simple system. I fill you, then you empty yourself to others and come back to Me to fill you again. That is My kind of fun!"

2 Cor. 4:7 AMP

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

2 Chr. 16:9 NIV

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..."

1 Cor. 4:2 AMP

Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

2 Cor. 5:20a NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

2 Cor. 12:15 AMP

But I will most gladly spend [myself] and be utterly spent for your souls...

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Have you ever thought of pouring yourself out for others as fun? How about owning nothing but the love of Jesus as your wealth? We just don’t get it, do we?

We observe three separate heart positions functioning in the church body today, all called "Christianity." There is the infant heart, the growing heart, and the mature heart - one that symbolizes the bridal heart, or more simply, the kind of heart that Jesus has. You will need to know and understand these three distinctive heart positions, so that you can function properly with the Lord’s help as you encounter them – either in yourself or others.

The Infant Heart

The infant heart beats only for itself. All of the things that God does center around their needs in some way. The salvation process was for them alone. It was put in effect by God specifically for them, to make them safe after they die.

The Bible is simply a book of promises that they can call upon to relieve their hurts in time of need. God is perceived as this wonderful benefactor, who is waiting for their next need to occur, so that He can help them through it; and prayer is solely a channel by which they can make their needs known.

In essence, everything that God has done, is doing, and will do hinges upon the perception that mankind is at the center of it all; and they have somehow tapped into this incredible opportunity. So, God is all about them and for them alone. There is no need to go any further; it is enough, and it is very good.

You are so patient with us, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/06/13

"Please don’t forget that everything that happens to you is part of the training to equip you for greater things. Remember how far you’ve come. Remember from where you came. Look how different you are now than when you first came to Jesus. There was a time when you couldn’t or wouldn’t embrace proper things. There was a time when you had no hope. Now you are part of My family. You belong. You are completely accepted. If you focus on the difficulties of your training, you will miss the wonders of what has and is being accomplished. Turn your eyes toward Jesus. Remember!"

Rom. 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2 Cor. 3:18 AMP

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Heb. 12:2-3 NIV

²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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So often we get so caught up in the circumstances that surround us that we forget the wonders of those things that have accompanied us along the way of our lives. Remember first love? Remember the first time you discovered that Jesus was real? Remember the astounding relief of forgiveness? Remember the wonder of belonging, really belonging to your new loving Father? Remember how mundane the world was and the useless days that were spent pursuing nothing important?

Teach me to never forget, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/05/13

"You need to turn your heart around. Instead of focusing on yourself, you need to invest in other people. That is the heart of Jesus. He cared nothing for Himself, even unto death. His life on this earth was purposeful in the pursuit of the well-being of others. You are to do the same. I place My children in your path so that you can turn your heart toward their best interest. Instead of caring that they become all that they can be in Me, you consume them upon yourself in any way that you can. Then you set them aside when they are of no further use to you. Where is the compassion of Jesus in your life? Turn your heart now. I need you to exhibit His love."

Rom. 15:1-7 NIV

¹ We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."

⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁷ Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

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The church of Jesus Christ is a motley gathering of former reprobates, unusual characters, and hard-hearted, self-serving former sinners—and those are our better characteristics. Father God, however, has chosen to call us His own. He has raised us out of the depths of our sin, and placed our face in the direction of wholeness. Why is it that, as soon as we have the ability to even see straight and breathe some fresh spiritual air, we become proud and self-serving in our salvation; instead of remembering how grateful we should be for it?

It’s really time to honor God by loving each other as Jesus loved us. Is not the highest form of praise the emulation of the One whom we are praising? Is not our praise to Him just empty words and spiritual gymnastics if we do not love our brother and sister the way that He loved us?

Change my heart, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/03/13

"Be encouraged; I am with you. I notice you. I am moved when you come to Me. I am always for you."

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Hebrews 13:5b AMP

…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

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The thought of a loving, all-powerful God noticing His children brings peace to My heart. Remember that you are noticed and cherished today. You are valuable!

Thank You for the reminder, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/02/13

"You need to understand that every circumstance that is placed in your life is for your good. It is designed for your optimum spiritual growth, even though it does not look like it. I am training you. I am building you up so that you will be strong in the power of My might. Understand this. You will overcome. By knowing Jesus, you cannot fail. You are so much more informed than those who do not have Our relationship. You can tap into the well that never runs dry. You can come to Me for comfort and counsel that is never wrong. How many people can really say that? I am for you and never against you. I have your best interests at heart. Even notice how I am encouraging you now. I know your need.

Today is not the time for chastisement. Today is the time for a warm gift from your ABBA. Enjoy it. I know that you need rest. You have endured much lately; I understand that. Embrace the time of rest for what it is. There will again be time for rigorous training. Take pleasure in My comfort to you. You will make it. I assure you of that."

Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT

¹² "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.

¹³ Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong."

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Tony walked around the newly-completed house for one final inspection. As he turned the corner on the north end of the building, he saw Mr. Baxter’s new Lexus pull up into the driveway. An intense hatred for this man who had been his boss for twenty years swelled in his heart.

"Twenty years of my sweat bought that car," he said to himself.

The last straw and the determining factor that caused him to submit his resignation was Mr. Baxter’s audacity in asking him to build this stupid house, probably for one of his rich friends. "I want it built first-class," Baxter said in his usual, condescending tone. "It’s important to me that it be well-built, do you understand?" Tony grudgingly acknowledged the command, but seething hatred covered every moment throughout the project. Because of his already hectic schedule and his work overload, Tony was furious that he was asked to do this additional task. "Today is the day. Today, I’m going to tell him that it’s all over. I can’t take this any longer."

As he neared the car, Tony remembered all of the subtle ways he had used the construction project to vent his anger for the times over the years that he was expected to work long hours for nothing; or how, when he did get a raise in pay, it hardly met his increased living expenses.

"I can’t even buy my own house," he thought. "And even if I could, I wouldn’t have the time for it."

Although this house looked beautiful, Tony made sure that the people for whom he had built it would someday look at Baxter with disdain, possibly even hatred, because of the trouble they were having with it. The use of inferior products wherever they could be hidden and marginal contractors insured premature deterioration and aging. Although everything looked in order, plaster cracks, leaks and a myriad of other problems would eventually be the plight of whoever lived there. But he would be gone, and it would be Baxter’s problem. That simple thought gave Tony the quiet satisfaction of personal revenge. He will have gotten back at this self-centered, pompous fool.

By the time Tony reached the car, Mr. Baxter had gotten out and was looking at one of the discount shrubs near the driveway. It was already showing signs of wilting.

"Is everything completed to your satisfaction?" Mr. Baxter spoke, just as Tony was about to tell him of his decision to quit, now that the project was over.

"Yes, sir," was Tony’s immediate, somewhat off-balance response. Tony resisted his almost overpowering need to vent all of the built-up hatred he felt for this man, who was always in control, always dominating him.

"So, it’s finished first-class," Mr. Baxter continued, before Tony could again say anything.

"Yes, sir, it is," Tony assured him. Knowing the truth about how shabbily the house was really built brought a smile to his face. He loved finally getting back at this man.

"Well, then," Mr. Baxter began, "it’s yours. Thank you for all of the loyal service you’ve given me over the years."

Mr. Baxter smiled back and handed Tony the keys to the front door.

Even our worst trials are for our gain.

Jim Corbett

8/01/13

"What are you going to do when others come against you? How much are you going to hate when someone wants to harm you, take your possessions, or even take your life? Where in My Word does it say that there is a time for you to stop loving your enemies? I know that you have noticed drastic changes in your world that seem to have happened overnight. It is because a new season has been released by Me in the heavenlies and you are now feeling the beginning stages of its impact. Events will now unfold with increasing speed toward the coming of My Son.

You must implement what I have been telling you for a long time. You must love as My Son loved, or you will hate those who come against you, causing you to bring discredit to Me. You must forgive everyone or you will not be able to flow in My power when I need you. You must join the war against your hardened heart or you will not be obedient when you are called upon. You will not see the logic in My directions; and because you have not learned to move with Me - no matter how foolish My command may seem to you - you will not be useable by Me. You will be hamstrung by your own logic.

Soon, all that I have asked you to learn to this point will be needed. There is little time left. Remember My past lessons and do what it takes to fully embrace them. When they are needed for you to overcome the very imminent challenges ahead, it will be too late to try to learn to apply them to your life. Change now. Draw close now. Repent of your foolishness now. Soon it will be too late. If you have ears to hear, hear Me now!"

2 Tim 1:6-7 AMP

⁶ That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit} of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

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Many years ago, I was given a posture in prayer that has impacted my life more than I could ever have understood at the time. A humble servant of God passed on what, at the time, seemed like a little tidbit that he had heard somewhere. Little did I realize that it came directly from the throne room of God to me.

I was struggling with praying for someone who had harmed me in a great way. I knew that it was important to turn the harm around and eliminate the destruction that holding a grudge would cause. I knew I had to pray for his best interests, but I also wanted to hold him accountable for his actions.

For months, it was impossible for me to have any peace. I couldn’t pray properly. I couldn’t minister. In fact, I was very difficult to live with. I knew that the Lord was doing something important in me, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be part of His plan. Deep down, I wanted revenge. I had been hurt, and I wanted somehow to get back.

One day this person, seeing my quandary, came to me and said he had the answer. He told me to pray only this single prayer for that individual. "Father, flood him with the same mercy that you have given me." Something so simple would soon change my life.

I began to pray that prayer out of simple obedience, almost mechanically, over and over and over. Soon, the Holy Spirit began to reveal the "rhema" of that prayer little by little. (Rhema is the God-anointed, empowered heart understanding that can only come from the Holy Spirit, as He ministers directly to your heart.)

Finally I understood the stronghold in which Satan had me. When I realized that I constantly needed the same mercy that I was required to give, everything began to change. Lesson upon lesson unfolded as I prayed that simple prayer. In fact, so many lessons came my way, that I am now empowered with a tool that is usable to destroy many strongholds. What I learned then, I have needed often and will soon need again.

Remind me of what You have done in me so far, Lord,

Jim Corbett