There is a reassuring prophecy given to the besieged southern kingdom of Israel in 2 Chronicles 20:17, "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." (KJV).
Such a verse is a comfort to our hearts when facing the battles and conflicts in our daily lives. Knowing the Lord will fight gloriously on our behalf, gives us hope and courage that we are not going down. We will overcome!
But how many of us can't stand still enough to wait on God to take the lead? We soon grow impatient and interfere in God's war. We have an opinion on how and when the Lord should do battle - after all we have a schedule to keep. We remind Him of our enemy as if He has forgotten. We have to help Him along when the heat of the battle gets too close to our skin. Or when we are in the thick of it, we panic and start to run in any direction but toward Him.
So how do we keep from giving way to fear? How do we stand still and see His salvation? How do keep our lips silenced from telling God how to battle?
The answer is we position ourselves by faith worshiping Him as we follow our Commander into His war.
Yes, beloved, it says that the king when "...he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever." (verse 22).
Imagine what the enemy must have heard and seen. A choir moving toward them singing gospel hymns!
But here is what God will do for us when we raise our hands to heaven with our eyes fixed on Him. When we start to praise rather than complain or tell Him how to do His work. It is then God will set up an ambush to defeat the enemy. It says, "And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."
We learn to stay out of God's war by letting Him lead us on. As He directs, we engage in His battle by exalting Him - extolling His glory to an enemy who has no idea that God is about to spring an ambush!
Beloved, every enemy of fear, doubt, regret and temptation that tries to besiege you will be ambushed by God who will fight for you - on His terms, His way. After all the Devil is His enemy - so the battle belongs to God.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
His Food
Jesus, the Son of God, in human form was very passionate. He was passionate to heal, restore, teach truth and lead his disciples to be the church. He was passionate about life, passionate to die and full of passion when raised from the dead.
Unlike us, His passion was not about self ambition, of fame or fortune or overthrowing the Romans for His own kingdom. His passion was to the do the will of His Father out of love for Him. Whatever the Father spoke, He echoed the words. If His Father directed Him across the sea or to the top of a mountain, Jesus gladly went.
We read in John 4:34, ""My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (NIV). In other words, what feeds Me, fuels My desire and satisfies Me is obeying My Father.
How often do we stop and think throughout the day what pleases God? Will my words bring a smile to face? Do we spend most of our prayer time asking Him what is on His heart rather than our plans, dreams and desires?
Beloved, what I'm not suggesting is burdening ourselves with good works or a legalistic mindset (a list of dos and don'ts) approach to serving and pleasing God. He's finished the work on the cross. We approach Him in faith, trusting in His power to do what we can never do in our own strength (Hebrews 11:6).
So when we go throughout the day think about His nearness. Think of how we might please Him when we are kind to strangers and loving to our family and friends. Think how it blesses Him that we freely offer ourselves in surrender with nothing more than our hearts to give Him.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:10
Unlike us, His passion was not about self ambition, of fame or fortune or overthrowing the Romans for His own kingdom. His passion was to the do the will of His Father out of love for Him. Whatever the Father spoke, He echoed the words. If His Father directed Him across the sea or to the top of a mountain, Jesus gladly went.
We read in John 4:34, ""My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (NIV). In other words, what feeds Me, fuels My desire and satisfies Me is obeying My Father.
How often do we stop and think throughout the day what pleases God? Will my words bring a smile to face? Do we spend most of our prayer time asking Him what is on His heart rather than our plans, dreams and desires?
Beloved, what I'm not suggesting is burdening ourselves with good works or a legalistic mindset (a list of dos and don'ts) approach to serving and pleasing God. He's finished the work on the cross. We approach Him in faith, trusting in His power to do what we can never do in our own strength (Hebrews 11:6).
So when we go throughout the day think about His nearness. Think of how we might please Him when we are kind to strangers and loving to our family and friends. Think how it blesses Him that we freely offer ourselves in surrender with nothing more than our hearts to give Him.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:10
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Shelter Under His Wings
God is our shelter in troubling times.
There is no safer place than being tucked under the wings of the Almighty. A familiar passage to most reads, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalms 91:1, KJV).
God is our shelter from the natural and spiritual elements. God's protective nature can be trusted. He is not going to let the devil harass us or let us be separated from His love.
Jesus wept over His people, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." (Luke 13:34, NIV). He longed to love and protect His people and draw them near to His heart but they refused.
Beloved, how sad we so often resist His shelter for some other refuge that fails miserably to protect us. We sought out relationships, took up hobbies, buried ourselves at work, and threw the covers over head not wanting to get out of bed! Somehow we thought we can brave the storms of life on our own. The rains and winds batter our heads but still we insisted in finding some other means to shield ourselves from the difficulties of life.
Why? The answer is pride. We want to appear strong, weathered and matured, wise and capable to withstand anything thrown at us. Such a foolish thought when you consider we would all take shelter from a tornado, hurricane or some other natural disaster without a second thought!
To those who are humble, God has this promise for us.
A promise spoken to Ruth who couldn't imagine having a husband, a child and being in the line of Jesus. Yet she received all these blessings through the humility of bowing under God's shelter. Boaz says, "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:12, KJV).
What wonderful protection and promises await for those who are willing to take shelter under His wings.
There is no safer place than being tucked under the wings of the Almighty. A familiar passage to most reads, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalms 91:1, KJV).
God is our shelter from the natural and spiritual elements. God's protective nature can be trusted. He is not going to let the devil harass us or let us be separated from His love.
Jesus wept over His people, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." (Luke 13:34, NIV). He longed to love and protect His people and draw them near to His heart but they refused.
Beloved, how sad we so often resist His shelter for some other refuge that fails miserably to protect us. We sought out relationships, took up hobbies, buried ourselves at work, and threw the covers over head not wanting to get out of bed! Somehow we thought we can brave the storms of life on our own. The rains and winds batter our heads but still we insisted in finding some other means to shield ourselves from the difficulties of life.
Why? The answer is pride. We want to appear strong, weathered and matured, wise and capable to withstand anything thrown at us. Such a foolish thought when you consider we would all take shelter from a tornado, hurricane or some other natural disaster without a second thought!
To those who are humble, God has this promise for us.
A promise spoken to Ruth who couldn't imagine having a husband, a child and being in the line of Jesus. Yet she received all these blessings through the humility of bowing under God's shelter. Boaz says, "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:12, KJV).
What wonderful protection and promises await for those who are willing to take shelter under His wings.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Renewal
From the moment we draw our first breath, we are aging and dying. Throughout our life time cells will reproduce and die as we grow older. It's not something we think about on a daily basis, but it becomes evident as our bodies change.
As the years roll on, we feel more aches and pains. Activities become limited. What we could do in our twenties you couldn't try in your fifties. And the things you did in your fifties is out of the question at seventy (though surprisingly there are some who possess youthful energy that astounds me!).
However, the life of Christ, is not bound by natural laws, so it only grows stronger. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Several years ago, I visited a man who lived within walking distance from the church. He regularly attended despite health problems. Every Sunday and for midweek meetings, he could be seen leaning on his walker as he made his way into the church. He had not been well so my wife and I went to visit him along with another brother.
That afternoon I remarked how bright and radiant his face shone with a generous smile. He talked without any sign of pain or discomfort. My friend went off to the store to buy some groceries and my wife and I said our goodbyes. When my friend returned a short time later, he had passed away. The life of God brightly lit up that man's life and perhaps more so as he approached glory.
Yes, we are all dying - some sooner than expected - but the life of Christ in these earthen, cracked jars will not fade but grow stronger than the noon day sun (Proverbs 4:18).
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
Psalms 84:7 (KJV)
As the years roll on, we feel more aches and pains. Activities become limited. What we could do in our twenties you couldn't try in your fifties. And the things you did in your fifties is out of the question at seventy (though surprisingly there are some who possess youthful energy that astounds me!).
However, the life of Christ, is not bound by natural laws, so it only grows stronger. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Several years ago, I visited a man who lived within walking distance from the church. He regularly attended despite health problems. Every Sunday and for midweek meetings, he could be seen leaning on his walker as he made his way into the church. He had not been well so my wife and I went to visit him along with another brother.
That afternoon I remarked how bright and radiant his face shone with a generous smile. He talked without any sign of pain or discomfort. My friend went off to the store to buy some groceries and my wife and I said our goodbyes. When my friend returned a short time later, he had passed away. The life of God brightly lit up that man's life and perhaps more so as he approached glory.
Yes, we are all dying - some sooner than expected - but the life of Christ in these earthen, cracked jars will not fade but grow stronger than the noon day sun (Proverbs 4:18).
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
Psalms 84:7 (KJV)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Temperance
Temperance is not a word we commonly use in our everyday language. Another word for temperance is self-control. In 2 Peter 1:6 we read, "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;" (KJV). In the original the Greek word means, "dominion within".
Our culture is one of excess and extreme. Moderation is another term for temperance for it speaks of self control. But self control can go only so far before we find ourselves in trying circumstances. Often we fall back to the very thing we tried to bring under control only to get further ensnared by it.
In the verse in 2 Peter 1: 6 we read knowledge comes before temperance followed by patience. While the list may not necessary be based on what is priority it does act like a building block for holy character.
Knowledge, that is imparted wisdom through the Holy Spirit, helps us to temper our responses when we understand His mind. Patience requires us not to act with haste but learn to wait for His guidance even when we have some understanding or knowledge about the matter.
Temperance is one of the many qualities listed in verses 5 through 7 that comes with a rich promise found in verse 8. If these things abound in us, we will not be barren (deprived of reproducing spiritual life) and unfruitful. However, if we lack these things we are blind and cannot see afar off (no vision resulting in a lack of purpose and direction) and we forget we have been purged from old sins (verse 9).
I believe this is the litmus test of the quality of our Christian walk. If we are finding ourselves losing control, flying off the handle, impatient or acting impulsively - we need ask the Holy Spirit to bring us under His control. Beloved, if we don't, we are in danger of becoming blind and forgetful of His work in our lives.
Our culture is one of excess and extreme. Moderation is another term for temperance for it speaks of self control. But self control can go only so far before we find ourselves in trying circumstances. Often we fall back to the very thing we tried to bring under control only to get further ensnared by it.
In the verse in 2 Peter 1: 6 we read knowledge comes before temperance followed by patience. While the list may not necessary be based on what is priority it does act like a building block for holy character.
Knowledge, that is imparted wisdom through the Holy Spirit, helps us to temper our responses when we understand His mind. Patience requires us not to act with haste but learn to wait for His guidance even when we have some understanding or knowledge about the matter.
Temperance is one of the many qualities listed in verses 5 through 7 that comes with a rich promise found in verse 8. If these things abound in us, we will not be barren (deprived of reproducing spiritual life) and unfruitful. However, if we lack these things we are blind and cannot see afar off (no vision resulting in a lack of purpose and direction) and we forget we have been purged from old sins (verse 9).
I believe this is the litmus test of the quality of our Christian walk. If we are finding ourselves losing control, flying off the handle, impatient or acting impulsively - we need ask the Holy Spirit to bring us under His control. Beloved, if we don't, we are in danger of becoming blind and forgetful of His work in our lives.
Monday, August 26, 2013
The Call
Jonah ran from the Lord when he was commissioned to preach to the enemy of his nation. Nineveh was a violent, wicked city that destroyed the Babylonians and attacked Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Nineveh was the Assyrian's capital of the world power of the day. Who would dare the Assyrians to repent and change their ways?
Jonah knew the heart of God. If they should repent, God would spare the city (Jonah 4:1-2). So Jonah took the next boat in the opposite direction foolishly thinking he can outwit God. Or somehow by fleeing to a different place God would let Jonah go his way.
What about the call God has given you? Are you afraid not so much that people would oppose you but actually believe the gospel message God has put on your heart? What do you do with with an enemy now turn brother or sister in the Lord? What about the co-worker who says, "Yes, I want to know Jesus."?
We struggle to be bold enough to talk about Jesus in the home or in the market place. But there is a time when Jesus calls us to the very people we think are less deserving or unreachable. We argue that we are not qualified. We fail too often. We are not smart or talented. We might mess things up. Besides we don't even love the people we are called to reach!
Moses had the same doubts, fears and questions when God called him to go back to Egypt. He was to confront the world power of the day. Pharaoh was not a man to command anything from no less demand the release of his prized labor force.
God speaks to our hearts with the same words spoken to Moses. "Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Exodus 3:6, KJV). When we understand God is is the great I AM we are at rest knowing He is everything we will ever need to fulfill the call on our lives.
Let me leave you with this promise.
"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”" (verses 11-12).
God will make provision, will protect us and lead us back to the place of worship - we won't be alone but we will bring back from the enemy's gate those He desires to make known His salvation.
Will you go?
Jonah knew the heart of God. If they should repent, God would spare the city (Jonah 4:1-2). So Jonah took the next boat in the opposite direction foolishly thinking he can outwit God. Or somehow by fleeing to a different place God would let Jonah go his way.
What about the call God has given you? Are you afraid not so much that people would oppose you but actually believe the gospel message God has put on your heart? What do you do with with an enemy now turn brother or sister in the Lord? What about the co-worker who says, "Yes, I want to know Jesus."?
We struggle to be bold enough to talk about Jesus in the home or in the market place. But there is a time when Jesus calls us to the very people we think are less deserving or unreachable. We argue that we are not qualified. We fail too often. We are not smart or talented. We might mess things up. Besides we don't even love the people we are called to reach!
Moses had the same doubts, fears and questions when God called him to go back to Egypt. He was to confront the world power of the day. Pharaoh was not a man to command anything from no less demand the release of his prized labor force.
God speaks to our hearts with the same words spoken to Moses. "Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Exodus 3:6, KJV). When we understand God is is the great I AM we are at rest knowing He is everything we will ever need to fulfill the call on our lives.
Let me leave you with this promise.
"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”" (verses 11-12).
God will make provision, will protect us and lead us back to the place of worship - we won't be alone but we will bring back from the enemy's gate those He desires to make known His salvation.
Will you go?
Sunday, August 25, 2013
The Greatness of Gentleness
Another word for gentleness is kindness or meekness.
Anyone can demonstrate a measure of kindness, but as believers it is one of the fruits of the Spirit that we must cultivate in our lives, even if our personality tends to be rough around the edges.
Generally speaking, gentleness is not a word that best describes New Yorkers. Though not every New Yorker is rude for there are many who are kind and helpful.
Sadly, I find myself becoming less gentle after five months of moving to New York. Take this afternoon when my wife and I were stuck in a traffic jam. In front of us a man suddenly got out of the passenger seat to walk a pair of dogs. My wife corrected me when I beeped the horn for the driver to pull over or move. The car inched forward and later the man and dogs rejoined their ride down the road. Later, I prayed and confessed the sin of rudeness realizing there was a shell forming around my heart.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (KJV).
It has been said meekness (gentleness) is not weakness but power restrained. There is a quiet power in gentleness.
A gentle person soothes the anxious soul, breaks up tension in relationships, causes people to be more open and transparent rather than guarded and defensive. Gentle people are not weak people. And they don't need to be rude to assert control over difficult circumstances.
Yes, there is a greatness about gentleness. No wonder David writes, "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." (Psalms 18:35, KJV).
Gentleness is not something we can just do or become as it's not in our nature. It requires the inward working of the Holy Spirit to change us, to cultivate and grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Anyone can demonstrate a measure of kindness, but as believers it is one of the fruits of the Spirit that we must cultivate in our lives, even if our personality tends to be rough around the edges.
Generally speaking, gentleness is not a word that best describes New Yorkers. Though not every New Yorker is rude for there are many who are kind and helpful.
Sadly, I find myself becoming less gentle after five months of moving to New York. Take this afternoon when my wife and I were stuck in a traffic jam. In front of us a man suddenly got out of the passenger seat to walk a pair of dogs. My wife corrected me when I beeped the horn for the driver to pull over or move. The car inched forward and later the man and dogs rejoined their ride down the road. Later, I prayed and confessed the sin of rudeness realizing there was a shell forming around my heart.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (KJV).
It has been said meekness (gentleness) is not weakness but power restrained. There is a quiet power in gentleness.
A gentle person soothes the anxious soul, breaks up tension in relationships, causes people to be more open and transparent rather than guarded and defensive. Gentle people are not weak people. And they don't need to be rude to assert control over difficult circumstances.
Yes, there is a greatness about gentleness. No wonder David writes, "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." (Psalms 18:35, KJV).
Gentleness is not something we can just do or become as it's not in our nature. It requires the inward working of the Holy Spirit to change us, to cultivate and grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Mature Wisdom
King David wrote in Psalms 37:25, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (KJV).
In his lifetime, David weathered many storms and battles, knew of victory and defeat, glorious highs and deep, hellish pits. Now, silver haired, weak and exhausted from a full life, he looks back to say such wonderful words about the faithfulness of God.
Never hungry. Never forsaken.
I believe David was speaking more than physical food and great company in life.
David ate of the Bread of the Presence (also known as the showbread - see Exodus 25:30) when he was on the run from King Saul (I Samuel 21:6). Natural food can only take you so far. Give you enough energy until the next meal. Remember Jesus is called the Bread of Life. When all else fails, He's the only one who gives us lasting strength and satisfies our hungry hearts.
David was called a man after God's own heart. Throughout his lifetime he had known enemies, betrayal and close friends. He experienced relationships that failed miserably while others stayed loyal. Still God's faithfulness remained through the many seasons of his life. God did not forsake David after he sinned grievously when committing adultery and then murdering Bathsheba's husband as a cover up.
Beloved, God refuses to leave us hungry and forsaken.
Yes, He will supply our daily needs but He wants to do something much more in our hearts. God wants us to come to that place where we like David can say long before we are old and gray - You are all I need in this life, Lord. Your Presence is all the bread and comfort I will ever want!
In his lifetime, David weathered many storms and battles, knew of victory and defeat, glorious highs and deep, hellish pits. Now, silver haired, weak and exhausted from a full life, he looks back to say such wonderful words about the faithfulness of God.
Never hungry. Never forsaken.
I believe David was speaking more than physical food and great company in life.
David ate of the Bread of the Presence (also known as the showbread - see Exodus 25:30) when he was on the run from King Saul (I Samuel 21:6). Natural food can only take you so far. Give you enough energy until the next meal. Remember Jesus is called the Bread of Life. When all else fails, He's the only one who gives us lasting strength and satisfies our hungry hearts.
David was called a man after God's own heart. Throughout his lifetime he had known enemies, betrayal and close friends. He experienced relationships that failed miserably while others stayed loyal. Still God's faithfulness remained through the many seasons of his life. God did not forsake David after he sinned grievously when committing adultery and then murdering Bathsheba's husband as a cover up.
Beloved, God refuses to leave us hungry and forsaken.
Yes, He will supply our daily needs but He wants to do something much more in our hearts. God wants us to come to that place where we like David can say long before we are old and gray - You are all I need in this life, Lord. Your Presence is all the bread and comfort I will ever want!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Compassion Of Christ
So much of the Lord's ministry on earth was moved by a heart of compassion. Compassion is more than an emotion, it is what one definition describes as, co-suffering with another individual. Matthew 9:36 says, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (NIV).
Jesus not only acknowledge the human suffering around Him, but His heart was moved by what He saw as lives harassed and helpless. People with little or no direction or purpose in life. People who lacked true spiritual guidance. These were not just any individuals but His own people who were called by His name.
Centuries earlier they were victoriously brought out of Egypt, guided through the wilderness and took possession of the Promise Land. They were to rule and reign over the land God gave them. Now, they were beaten down, oppressed, subjugated to a sin-crazed Roman government and devilish spiritual powers.
It's very easy to close our ears and eyes to the human suffering around us. It overwhelms us when we read or see on television lives torn by war, stricken by famine, dying from some plague or some natural disaster that wipes out an entire town or city. We don't know what to do so we tend to tune out and shut down.
Our hearts can get brittle at work with people we really don't like because of their attitudes or some other behavior that is ungodly or simply annoying. Where we really get tested in having a heart of compassion is in our own homes. Some family members will push our buttons to the point where we might react very badly.
As stated before, the compassion of Christ is not an emotion rather it's a call to action. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers (verse 38). Then He empowers the disciples to go out and preach the good news and heal the sick and cast out devils (Matthew 10:1).
Compassion may require us to "co-suffer" with people until they are saved, delivered, healed and restored. God will give us the power and grace in those difficult moments. When our hearts are moved by God's compassion for the lost, we can be sure God will do great things through our lives to see others brought into the kingdom.
Jesus not only acknowledge the human suffering around Him, but His heart was moved by what He saw as lives harassed and helpless. People with little or no direction or purpose in life. People who lacked true spiritual guidance. These were not just any individuals but His own people who were called by His name.
Centuries earlier they were victoriously brought out of Egypt, guided through the wilderness and took possession of the Promise Land. They were to rule and reign over the land God gave them. Now, they were beaten down, oppressed, subjugated to a sin-crazed Roman government and devilish spiritual powers.
It's very easy to close our ears and eyes to the human suffering around us. It overwhelms us when we read or see on television lives torn by war, stricken by famine, dying from some plague or some natural disaster that wipes out an entire town or city. We don't know what to do so we tend to tune out and shut down.
Our hearts can get brittle at work with people we really don't like because of their attitudes or some other behavior that is ungodly or simply annoying. Where we really get tested in having a heart of compassion is in our own homes. Some family members will push our buttons to the point where we might react very badly.
As stated before, the compassion of Christ is not an emotion rather it's a call to action. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers (verse 38). Then He empowers the disciples to go out and preach the good news and heal the sick and cast out devils (Matthew 10:1).
Compassion may require us to "co-suffer" with people until they are saved, delivered, healed and restored. God will give us the power and grace in those difficult moments. When our hearts are moved by God's compassion for the lost, we can be sure God will do great things through our lives to see others brought into the kingdom.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Abandoned To God
There is a time when we must forsake our lives as we know it - all the dreams, plans and hopes - no matter how precious and right it might be so that we can live fully for Christ. Otherwise, our hearts remain divided, always looking back at what could have been or should have been of a life we really wanted to experience. Until we surrender to Christ, we can't truly enter into the joy of a life Christ has in store for us.
Abandoning your life to Christ to some may be a reckless, bold and foolish decision. But think of the many believers across the earth, many we rarely hear or read in the news, who suffer persecution and even death because they refuse to bow to the god of this age and forsake Christ. In losing their lives, they discover life in Christ that few of us know even after many years of walking with Him.
Most of us gave our lives to Christ at an altar in a church or perhaps when a friend prayed with us. Sadly, most of us like myself, while we freely confessed the Lord as Savior, we didn't leave everything behind to follow Him with an undivided heart.
God is patient and kind to work out those places in our hearts until we surrender fully to Him.
Peter was so proud to tell Jesus he abandoned all to follow him. But Jesus responds, "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.' (Mark 10:29-30, KJV).
To those who abandon their lives to God will find it in the end. There is no loss in Christ only eternal gain. Live for Him alone, beloved, it's what truly matters in this life. Homes, land, possessions will all pass away (or get stolen, moldy, rusted and decayed) but what we gain in Christ will never be taken away!
Abandoning your life to Christ to some may be a reckless, bold and foolish decision. But think of the many believers across the earth, many we rarely hear or read in the news, who suffer persecution and even death because they refuse to bow to the god of this age and forsake Christ. In losing their lives, they discover life in Christ that few of us know even after many years of walking with Him.
Most of us gave our lives to Christ at an altar in a church or perhaps when a friend prayed with us. Sadly, most of us like myself, while we freely confessed the Lord as Savior, we didn't leave everything behind to follow Him with an undivided heart.
God is patient and kind to work out those places in our hearts until we surrender fully to Him.
Peter was so proud to tell Jesus he abandoned all to follow him. But Jesus responds, "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.' (Mark 10:29-30, KJV).
To those who abandon their lives to God will find it in the end. There is no loss in Christ only eternal gain. Live for Him alone, beloved, it's what truly matters in this life. Homes, land, possessions will all pass away (or get stolen, moldy, rusted and decayed) but what we gain in Christ will never be taken away!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Alive In Christ
Some of us are too tired to feel any joy or excitement in life. We are bone weary from long hours at the office. The level of energy and attention some relationships require bleeds our strength. Our health has highs and lows that impact our moods and outlook. We don't just want to feel alive but to really live a life full of strength and power.
Jesus gives us a promise in John 5:21, "For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." (KJV). The Greek word for "quicken" means to cause what is dead to have life.
How many of us start out in the morning feeling fresh, bright and ready to face the day but somewhere along the way we began to fade? By the end of the day, we can't think straight and the thought of coming home to cook a meal is overwhelming no less feed your family. Of course, there are some who are energized by a flurry of activities and social interactions, but I believe these individuals are often the exception.
When Jesus promises to give us life it's not just eternal life, but an abundant, power infused life! I believe we will know more of the "quickened life" when we cease living in our own strength, will power and determination. Rather, we must understand Christ in us makes the difference of living a live of endless strength.
Romans 8:11 says, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (KJV)
We come alive the most when we live for His purposes and His kingdom. Strength flows in and through us to accomplish not just the mundane and the trivial things of life, but those things God has called us to do which matter in the light of eternity.
Jesus gives us a promise in John 5:21, "For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." (KJV). The Greek word for "quicken" means to cause what is dead to have life.
How many of us start out in the morning feeling fresh, bright and ready to face the day but somewhere along the way we began to fade? By the end of the day, we can't think straight and the thought of coming home to cook a meal is overwhelming no less feed your family. Of course, there are some who are energized by a flurry of activities and social interactions, but I believe these individuals are often the exception.
When Jesus promises to give us life it's not just eternal life, but an abundant, power infused life! I believe we will know more of the "quickened life" when we cease living in our own strength, will power and determination. Rather, we must understand Christ in us makes the difference of living a live of endless strength.
Romans 8:11 says, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (KJV)
We come alive the most when we live for His purposes and His kingdom. Strength flows in and through us to accomplish not just the mundane and the trivial things of life, but those things God has called us to do which matter in the light of eternity.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
You Are Clean
We walk through a filthy world. Foul language at work or obscene images clutter the billboards. Magazines and books line the shelves with titles that scream flesh, sensuality and pleasure.
Some people wear clothing (and very little of it) to draw attention to their figure. Depending where you live, you might see a prostitute, a drug pusher or a rebellious young person acting out - a dying illustration of the weariness and stain of sin.
If not the world's pollution, we battle in our minds with memories, flashes of lust and a whole range of thoughts and emotions, much of it will lead us into sin, if acted upon. By the end of the day even a shower can't seem to scrub clean the grim and residue of what the world has tried to hurl, push or brush up against us.
Then we go to prayer. Here the devil speaks lies and accusations of how dirty we are in His presence (see Zechariah 3). How we are hiding or holding out from God some dirty secret desire or lust. As Christians, we are more sensitive to guilt and shame and this adds a burden to our efforts to connect with a holy God.
Beloved, we must be reminded of these words from Jesus. John 15:3 says, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." (NIV). And in Psalms 119:9 we read, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." (KJV).
We must believe we are clean before God otherwise we will find ourselves in a performance mind set - setting our own standards, fulfilling religious obligations and making promises and vows to do better - only to fall flat on our face.
Because of His blood, Jesus sees us much like Nathanael, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (John 1:47, KJV).
Some people wear clothing (and very little of it) to draw attention to their figure. Depending where you live, you might see a prostitute, a drug pusher or a rebellious young person acting out - a dying illustration of the weariness and stain of sin.
If not the world's pollution, we battle in our minds with memories, flashes of lust and a whole range of thoughts and emotions, much of it will lead us into sin, if acted upon. By the end of the day even a shower can't seem to scrub clean the grim and residue of what the world has tried to hurl, push or brush up against us.
Then we go to prayer. Here the devil speaks lies and accusations of how dirty we are in His presence (see Zechariah 3). How we are hiding or holding out from God some dirty secret desire or lust. As Christians, we are more sensitive to guilt and shame and this adds a burden to our efforts to connect with a holy God.
Beloved, we must be reminded of these words from Jesus. John 15:3 says, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." (NIV). And in Psalms 119:9 we read, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." (KJV).
We must believe we are clean before God otherwise we will find ourselves in a performance mind set - setting our own standards, fulfilling religious obligations and making promises and vows to do better - only to fall flat on our face.
Because of His blood, Jesus sees us much like Nathanael, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (John 1:47, KJV).
Monday, August 19, 2013
Deceitfulness Of Sin
The world doesn't call sin as the Scriptures defines it. Wrong doing is genetics, some bad family trait or something that couldn't be helped. Gossip is called networking. Lying is called stretching the truth or representing the facts from your point of view - as if to say, my sinful actions are reasonable and understandable given the circumstances.
Sin is rationalized, justified and packaged in such a way that the very horror and danger of sin is disregarded. It's toyed and taken lightly. However, few can disagree to the effect sin has on every life ruled by it.
For believers the danger is our hearts can grow not only familiar with those committing sins all around us, but we can become deceived by our own sin - namely the sin of unbelief. We could find ourselves saying in essence, it's the way of the world. What am I do at work without losing my job? Or nothing bad happened to him or her so what's a "little" sin every once in a while?
Hebrews 3:13 says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (KJV).
The antidote from being deceived by sin is exhorting one another or as Paul encourages, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must be willing to encourage one other to live a holy and separated life. As Christians, we are to encourage each other not only reminding each other that sin in the eyes of a holy God is offensive, but He has made provision for it. James 5:16 says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV).
Most importantly, when we exhort or encourage each other to live a holy life we are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost when convicted to live righteously. When we fail to listen to another speak the truth, we can be certain the deceitfulness of sin will only harden our hearts - and we will be shut out from entering into the promises God has in store for us (Hebrews 3:19).
Sin is rationalized, justified and packaged in such a way that the very horror and danger of sin is disregarded. It's toyed and taken lightly. However, few can disagree to the effect sin has on every life ruled by it.
For believers the danger is our hearts can grow not only familiar with those committing sins all around us, but we can become deceived by our own sin - namely the sin of unbelief. We could find ourselves saying in essence, it's the way of the world. What am I do at work without losing my job? Or nothing bad happened to him or her so what's a "little" sin every once in a while?
Hebrews 3:13 says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (KJV).
The antidote from being deceived by sin is exhorting one another or as Paul encourages, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must be willing to encourage one other to live a holy and separated life. As Christians, we are to encourage each other not only reminding each other that sin in the eyes of a holy God is offensive, but He has made provision for it. James 5:16 says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV).
Most importantly, when we exhort or encourage each other to live a holy life we are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost when convicted to live righteously. When we fail to listen to another speak the truth, we can be certain the deceitfulness of sin will only harden our hearts - and we will be shut out from entering into the promises God has in store for us (Hebrews 3:19).
Sunday, August 18, 2013
God So Loved The World
One of the most familiar and quoted Scripture is John 3:16. It captures so much of God's love to save us. The Scripture reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (KJV).
As my wife and I sat in a small park where across the street is Stonewall Inn. This is the place where supposedly gay rights started when the police raided the establishment in 1969. Though the crowded streets in the surrounding area is well mixed, the district is a popular gay destination drawing men and women to pubs, restaurants and shops.
Here are people from all walks of life that God loves so much He died. How He must yearn to call them sons and daughters, and in response to salvation, they would one day call Him Father.
I quietly prayed, "God show me the horror of my sin! How my sins and those around me caused your dear Son to die on the cross. Oh, Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours. And help me to see through your eyes of redemption. Not one soul is beyond your salvation."
Then my eyes saw people differently. One young man walked toward us while we stood on the sidewalk. His eyes grew wide as he tried focusing on his cell phone that he had raised high above the bridge of his nose. That man I love. His soul is broken, almost beyond repair. But I can touch him. I watch as he turned on his heels and walked in the opposite direction. His body made slight jerking movements as he struggled to carry his frame to the next destination.
Later my eyes spotted a woman backed up against a building talking on the phone. Bright letters used by the New York subway stations spelled out something I can't repeat which is what first caught my attention. As I walked by I took another look. Her cheek bones were narrow and hollow, her body was very thin with blue jeans hoisted a bit high. She's hungry for someone to truly love her. Only My love can satisfy the deepest desire to be loved.
When we understand how much God so loved us, we can't help but see people as God sees them. People who are greatly loved by God. God every day in some measure whispers the truth of John 3:16 to them - be in the beauty of nature, second chances to make it right or live, friends who love Jesus, or an invitation to attend church.
Beloved, we must be a living illustration of John 3:16 to a dying world so others might truly know the depths of God's love and life everlasting.
As my wife and I sat in a small park where across the street is Stonewall Inn. This is the place where supposedly gay rights started when the police raided the establishment in 1969. Though the crowded streets in the surrounding area is well mixed, the district is a popular gay destination drawing men and women to pubs, restaurants and shops.
Here are people from all walks of life that God loves so much He died. How He must yearn to call them sons and daughters, and in response to salvation, they would one day call Him Father.
I quietly prayed, "God show me the horror of my sin! How my sins and those around me caused your dear Son to die on the cross. Oh, Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours. And help me to see through your eyes of redemption. Not one soul is beyond your salvation."
Then my eyes saw people differently. One young man walked toward us while we stood on the sidewalk. His eyes grew wide as he tried focusing on his cell phone that he had raised high above the bridge of his nose. That man I love. His soul is broken, almost beyond repair. But I can touch him. I watch as he turned on his heels and walked in the opposite direction. His body made slight jerking movements as he struggled to carry his frame to the next destination.
Later my eyes spotted a woman backed up against a building talking on the phone. Bright letters used by the New York subway stations spelled out something I can't repeat which is what first caught my attention. As I walked by I took another look. Her cheek bones were narrow and hollow, her body was very thin with blue jeans hoisted a bit high. She's hungry for someone to truly love her. Only My love can satisfy the deepest desire to be loved.
When we understand how much God so loved us, we can't help but see people as God sees them. People who are greatly loved by God. God every day in some measure whispers the truth of John 3:16 to them - be in the beauty of nature, second chances to make it right or live, friends who love Jesus, or an invitation to attend church.
Beloved, we must be a living illustration of John 3:16 to a dying world so others might truly know the depths of God's love and life everlasting.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
These Are The Best Years
We read in Genesis 47:9, "And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage." (KJV)
Few and evil were the days in my life?
This is Jacob who had been a deceiver and supplanter. He deceived his father to obtain the blessing meant for the older son, in this case, Esau. Then there was Laban, a relative, who deceived him by giving away his daughter Leah instead of Rachel. Laban caused Jacob to work additional seven years before he could marry her. Jacob in turn deceived Laban before departing with his wives and children along with their possessions. Later his sons wanted to kill Joseph, his favorite son, but decided to sell him as a slave. Jacob was inconsolable when his sons lied by saying an animal killed him.
It was a troubled life marked by deception, broken relationships, hateful sons, his adoring son allegedly killed and a famine that drives his family out of the promise land into Egypt.
Can we say right now looking over our lives despite failure, pain, broken relationships, hardships and uncertainty that few and evil are the days of my life?
I believe Jacob could say so because he understood God's grace and goodness. And likewise we can say these are the best years of our life because God is good to us! Our life experiences are not marked by sin, shame and regret but by God's grace and goodness.
Beloved, think of it. We are still here. Our hearts are beating and so we are breathing, still living after all we have gone through and experienced. Jacob said, "my pilgrimage is 130 years," in essence, my days are short, just a mere breath compared to my fathers but for God's grace and goodness. Jacob understood this same favor of God carried them through their journey and extended their years as it did for him.
We need to remember this precious promise every day: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalms 23:6, KJV).
Few and evil were the days in my life?
This is Jacob who had been a deceiver and supplanter. He deceived his father to obtain the blessing meant for the older son, in this case, Esau. Then there was Laban, a relative, who deceived him by giving away his daughter Leah instead of Rachel. Laban caused Jacob to work additional seven years before he could marry her. Jacob in turn deceived Laban before departing with his wives and children along with their possessions. Later his sons wanted to kill Joseph, his favorite son, but decided to sell him as a slave. Jacob was inconsolable when his sons lied by saying an animal killed him.
It was a troubled life marked by deception, broken relationships, hateful sons, his adoring son allegedly killed and a famine that drives his family out of the promise land into Egypt.
Can we say right now looking over our lives despite failure, pain, broken relationships, hardships and uncertainty that few and evil are the days of my life?
I believe Jacob could say so because he understood God's grace and goodness. And likewise we can say these are the best years of our life because God is good to us! Our life experiences are not marked by sin, shame and regret but by God's grace and goodness.
Beloved, think of it. We are still here. Our hearts are beating and so we are breathing, still living after all we have gone through and experienced. Jacob said, "my pilgrimage is 130 years," in essence, my days are short, just a mere breath compared to my fathers but for God's grace and goodness. Jacob understood this same favor of God carried them through their journey and extended their years as it did for him.
We need to remember this precious promise every day: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalms 23:6, KJV).
Friday, August 16, 2013
Where Are You?
We ask many questions about God. Some we voice while other questions we quietly keep to ourselves. But next to the most over used question of "Why God?" is the question "Where are you?"
And it's the same question God asked Adam. It the same question He ask us today. Genesis 3:9 records, "But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
God was not confused or lost. He was not asking about a geographical place but where did Adam and Eve's heart go? They trying to hide from His presence. Here in the garden of such beauty and perfection, a place where fear did not exist, why would they hide?
Again, it wasn't the place between God and His beloved creation that troubled Him, it was the space between them. Communion was broken. There was a terrible breech in their relationship. Why didn't they greet Him for their evening stroll through the garden? Something was terrible amiss. They were hidden and try to cover their shame as a result of disobedience.
Down the line God asks the same question.
To Cain who killed his brother, "Where is your brother?" (Genesis 4:9). To a runaway slave, God ask Hagar where and why is she running from her mistress (Genesis 16:8). And the Angel of Lord asks of Abraham, "Where is your wife Sarah?" (Genesis 18:9).
When God ask where you are - tell Him, my friends, the truth. If you are in a place you shouldn't be - God can walk right past the crowded bar, the drinking and immorality but He chooses to ask, "Where are you?" It's an invitation to be truthful. If you are in relationship that is not right or you are trying to do well but failing miserably - He comes to you with that single question.
"Where are you?"
How you answer Him really matters in the hour of your deliverance. No pretense, lying or covering your tracks or making up stories or excuses.
The only answer we can give Him when He questions us is to say as Samuel when God called to him, "Here I am".
And it's the same question God asked Adam. It the same question He ask us today. Genesis 3:9 records, "But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
God was not confused or lost. He was not asking about a geographical place but where did Adam and Eve's heart go? They trying to hide from His presence. Here in the garden of such beauty and perfection, a place where fear did not exist, why would they hide?
Again, it wasn't the place between God and His beloved creation that troubled Him, it was the space between them. Communion was broken. There was a terrible breech in their relationship. Why didn't they greet Him for their evening stroll through the garden? Something was terrible amiss. They were hidden and try to cover their shame as a result of disobedience.
Down the line God asks the same question.
To Cain who killed his brother, "Where is your brother?" (Genesis 4:9). To a runaway slave, God ask Hagar where and why is she running from her mistress (Genesis 16:8). And the Angel of Lord asks of Abraham, "Where is your wife Sarah?" (Genesis 18:9).
When God ask where you are - tell Him, my friends, the truth. If you are in a place you shouldn't be - God can walk right past the crowded bar, the drinking and immorality but He chooses to ask, "Where are you?" It's an invitation to be truthful. If you are in relationship that is not right or you are trying to do well but failing miserably - He comes to you with that single question.
"Where are you?"
How you answer Him really matters in the hour of your deliverance. No pretense, lying or covering your tracks or making up stories or excuses.
The only answer we can give Him when He questions us is to say as Samuel when God called to him, "Here I am".
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Standing In Humility
No religion in this world speaks of their god washing the feet of their disciples. Only Jesus did this lowly service on the very night He was betrayed, even washing the betrayer's feet.
One article says foot washing was left to slaves, mostly women. John 13:14 says, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet" (KJV). Jesus rightly asserted His title and position, but demonstrated through humility an example of something He wanted them to practice.
I don't believe Jesus was asking for them or churches to hold foot washing services (when younger I attended one or two of them which was very interesting). Rather, he was requiring a level of humility and love to be expressed toward one another.
I believe the overall context is within the Great Commission to preach the gospel.
Isaiah says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (52:7, NIV). And in Romans 10:15, we read, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (KJV).
In hours of having their feet washed, most of the disciples fled from Jesus once the guards along with Judas stormed the garden where He was praying. These same feet walked miles with Jesus for nearly three years. Later, they would gather in the upper room where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and others with power from on high. Many of them would carry the gospel throughout the known world far beyond the borders of Jerusalem.
Even today I venture to say that many saint's feet are weary having travel through life and perhaps to various parts of the world preaching the gospel. We can refresh the body of Christ by "washing" their feet through words of encouragement. We could provide a resting place. Or better still, stand in their shoes in the battle field on their behalf.
If you see a brother or sister limping from the battle, let them lean on you. If you see an older warrior stumble, stand in his or her place in prayer where they may have been standing for years believing God's promises. Remember the Scripture that having all done we are to stand - and I might add, stand along side another brother and sister.
One article says foot washing was left to slaves, mostly women. John 13:14 says, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet" (KJV). Jesus rightly asserted His title and position, but demonstrated through humility an example of something He wanted them to practice.
I don't believe Jesus was asking for them or churches to hold foot washing services (when younger I attended one or two of them which was very interesting). Rather, he was requiring a level of humility and love to be expressed toward one another.
I believe the overall context is within the Great Commission to preach the gospel.
Isaiah says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (52:7, NIV). And in Romans 10:15, we read, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (KJV).
In hours of having their feet washed, most of the disciples fled from Jesus once the guards along with Judas stormed the garden where He was praying. These same feet walked miles with Jesus for nearly three years. Later, they would gather in the upper room where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and others with power from on high. Many of them would carry the gospel throughout the known world far beyond the borders of Jerusalem.
Even today I venture to say that many saint's feet are weary having travel through life and perhaps to various parts of the world preaching the gospel. We can refresh the body of Christ by "washing" their feet through words of encouragement. We could provide a resting place. Or better still, stand in their shoes in the battle field on their behalf.
If you see a brother or sister limping from the battle, let them lean on you. If you see an older warrior stumble, stand in his or her place in prayer where they may have been standing for years believing God's promises. Remember the Scripture that having all done we are to stand - and I might add, stand along side another brother and sister.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Day Of Iron Chariots
The Israelites turned in horror at the roar of the Egyptian chariots racing toward them. As we know God parted the Red Sea and Israelites moved quickly through the walls of water to the other side.
It says, "And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians" (Exodus 14:23-25, KJV).
Beloved, if the Enemy is pursuing you - let him. God is baiting him for his own destruction. God is our shield and no harm will befall us if obey His word as He leads us into victory. It says in the morning the Lord looked down at host of the Egyptians and troubled them. You may feel troubled, discomforted and fearful but your Enemy ought to be much more afraid for his end is near.
We live in a day of iron chariots. We can't seem to escape fast enough from the stampede of the Enemy that wants to run right through our homes, dividing relationships and destroying anything good in sight. The roar of iron chariots bring the sounds of anxiety rushing through our sleep. We wake up in the middle of night drenched in fear. You wonder where is your husband or wife at this late hour? Will your son come home? The doctor has the test results ready for the next appointment. Your boss has posted a new job online - it's your position - with a higher salary.
God gave the Israelites a promise of deliverance at the Red Sea before it was parted. And many years later, He gave Barak deliverance from the day of iron chariots. "And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet" (Judges 4:13,15 KJV).
If you see the chariots racing toward you, God will trouble the Enemy. The wheels will become paralyzed. The horses thrown into confusion. The Enemy must flee on foot for his iron chariot is rendered useless! He will be defeated before your very eyes. Every doubt, every fear, every illness that tried to destroy you and take away the promise of entering into a place of rest, will come to nothing.
It says, "And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians" (Exodus 14:23-25, KJV).
Beloved, if the Enemy is pursuing you - let him. God is baiting him for his own destruction. God is our shield and no harm will befall us if obey His word as He leads us into victory. It says in the morning the Lord looked down at host of the Egyptians and troubled them. You may feel troubled, discomforted and fearful but your Enemy ought to be much more afraid for his end is near.
We live in a day of iron chariots. We can't seem to escape fast enough from the stampede of the Enemy that wants to run right through our homes, dividing relationships and destroying anything good in sight. The roar of iron chariots bring the sounds of anxiety rushing through our sleep. We wake up in the middle of night drenched in fear. You wonder where is your husband or wife at this late hour? Will your son come home? The doctor has the test results ready for the next appointment. Your boss has posted a new job online - it's your position - with a higher salary.
God gave the Israelites a promise of deliverance at the Red Sea before it was parted. And many years later, He gave Barak deliverance from the day of iron chariots. "And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet" (Judges 4:13,15 KJV).
If you see the chariots racing toward you, God will trouble the Enemy. The wheels will become paralyzed. The horses thrown into confusion. The Enemy must flee on foot for his iron chariot is rendered useless! He will be defeated before your very eyes. Every doubt, every fear, every illness that tried to destroy you and take away the promise of entering into a place of rest, will come to nothing.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Dry Spells
There are times when prayer seems like a trickle. The pump to our spiritual well has run dry and the words are just a whimper, a sigh or a moan. You may not feel far from God, but the passion for prayer, reading the word and worship has all but evaporated by the heat of life's circumstances.
Your soul is parched for water, but you are too weary even thinking of filling a glass of cold water no less find it. Then you are gripped by hunger pains only to be overwhelmed by thirst in this endless cycle of need. A deep weariness overtakes you and all you do is want to sleep even if you are famished and parched. You really don't know which need to satisfy because the demands are too great. Distractions all around you threaten to swallow your last ounce of strength.
We all go through dry spells in our Christian walk. This wilderness experience will be re-visited many times over our lifetime. While the first time may be the most difficult, it still can be a challenge even for the most seasoned believer. Before the dry spell, often there is a mountain top experience where fellowship with God is sweet. His power and strength is known. Worship flows freely. The Scriptures are alive and promises almost jump off the page. There is an excitement and renewed vision for the things of God. Passion to love Him surges to new heights.
Then the Enemy stops up our wells like Isaac experienced in Genesis 26:15. He tries to prevent the flow of fresh water to sustain our lives in the wilderness (or the wild places where beasts and enemies dwell).
But God gives us a promise to carry us through these tough wilderness experiences where we are stripped of pride, self-reliance and ego. A place where God tests our hearts. Will we be just as passionate and loving toward Him when our wells have run dry? When the noon day heat threatens to scorch our souls? Or will we complain and accuse of Him of neglect and question why He has forsaken us?
It says in Isaiah 58:11, "And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not" (KJV).
Dig deep beloved, in those dry times, there is a hidden spring in Christ to be found. It will burst forth with living water but only to those who resign themselves to His care in times of dryness and weariness.
Your soul is parched for water, but you are too weary even thinking of filling a glass of cold water no less find it. Then you are gripped by hunger pains only to be overwhelmed by thirst in this endless cycle of need. A deep weariness overtakes you and all you do is want to sleep even if you are famished and parched. You really don't know which need to satisfy because the demands are too great. Distractions all around you threaten to swallow your last ounce of strength.
We all go through dry spells in our Christian walk. This wilderness experience will be re-visited many times over our lifetime. While the first time may be the most difficult, it still can be a challenge even for the most seasoned believer. Before the dry spell, often there is a mountain top experience where fellowship with God is sweet. His power and strength is known. Worship flows freely. The Scriptures are alive and promises almost jump off the page. There is an excitement and renewed vision for the things of God. Passion to love Him surges to new heights.
Then the Enemy stops up our wells like Isaac experienced in Genesis 26:15. He tries to prevent the flow of fresh water to sustain our lives in the wilderness (or the wild places where beasts and enemies dwell).
But God gives us a promise to carry us through these tough wilderness experiences where we are stripped of pride, self-reliance and ego. A place where God tests our hearts. Will we be just as passionate and loving toward Him when our wells have run dry? When the noon day heat threatens to scorch our souls? Or will we complain and accuse of Him of neglect and question why He has forsaken us?
It says in Isaiah 58:11, "And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not" (KJV).
Dig deep beloved, in those dry times, there is a hidden spring in Christ to be found. It will burst forth with living water but only to those who resign themselves to His care in times of dryness and weariness.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Free From Fleshly Obligations
Romans 8:13-14 says, "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live" (NLT).
The power of temptation is often found in the excuses we make in carrying through with it. I'm weak. My family has a history of bad tempers or drinking or whatever inherit trait justifies fulfilling fleshly desires. Or it's genetic, in my make up, how am I to resist temptation?
The Enemy whispers in our minds that we haven't changed. Why pretend to be something you are not? You are only human after all and have needs! How's a second glance going to hurt? Or what are is it in speaking your mind to someone that disrespected you?
Verse 13 holds the key to breaking free from fleshly obligations in following through temptations or listening to the "reasons" the Enemy gives: through the power of the Spirit.
Most often, when we are tempted we will work in our strength to resist it. Somehow by putting up a good fight we are trying to prove to ourselves and please God that we can maintain a righteous standard. However, efforts by human strength will always fail. Sure, there may be some victory, but only God's Spirit can work His life in our hearts. He alone empowers us to mortify the misdeeds of the body. In other words, you may superficially deal with temptation close to the skin, but God wants to lay the ax to the root of the problem - He wants to get down deep into the heart where the problem really exists.
Sadly, so many Christians soon become frustrated and no longer resist temptation thinking they have some obligation to pacify the flesh. It's too hard, too uncomfortable. Why resist my own personality and make-up!
Beloved, we are debtors only to the Lord who paid our debt of sin on the cross, to live a life dead to the world and live a life bound to the Spirit. We will never be able to pay such a debt Christ paid, but we can chose to say yes to living by His Spirit who gives us the power to do what He requires. A life in the Spirit means a life free from fleshly obligations. You don't have to listen to the voice of the flesh!
You can be changed, transformed and made into a entirely new person, but only through the power of God's Spirit to will and do His good pleasure.
The power of temptation is often found in the excuses we make in carrying through with it. I'm weak. My family has a history of bad tempers or drinking or whatever inherit trait justifies fulfilling fleshly desires. Or it's genetic, in my make up, how am I to resist temptation?
The Enemy whispers in our minds that we haven't changed. Why pretend to be something you are not? You are only human after all and have needs! How's a second glance going to hurt? Or what are is it in speaking your mind to someone that disrespected you?
Verse 13 holds the key to breaking free from fleshly obligations in following through temptations or listening to the "reasons" the Enemy gives: through the power of the Spirit.
Most often, when we are tempted we will work in our strength to resist it. Somehow by putting up a good fight we are trying to prove to ourselves and please God that we can maintain a righteous standard. However, efforts by human strength will always fail. Sure, there may be some victory, but only God's Spirit can work His life in our hearts. He alone empowers us to mortify the misdeeds of the body. In other words, you may superficially deal with temptation close to the skin, but God wants to lay the ax to the root of the problem - He wants to get down deep into the heart where the problem really exists.
Sadly, so many Christians soon become frustrated and no longer resist temptation thinking they have some obligation to pacify the flesh. It's too hard, too uncomfortable. Why resist my own personality and make-up!
Beloved, we are debtors only to the Lord who paid our debt of sin on the cross, to live a life dead to the world and live a life bound to the Spirit. We will never be able to pay such a debt Christ paid, but we can chose to say yes to living by His Spirit who gives us the power to do what He requires. A life in the Spirit means a life free from fleshly obligations. You don't have to listen to the voice of the flesh!
You can be changed, transformed and made into a entirely new person, but only through the power of God's Spirit to will and do His good pleasure.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
It's All About You, Jesus
Jesus must be the center of our lives. If He is not, we are in danger of allowing idolatry to take root in our hearts and mind. We are warned, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." (I John 5:21, KJV).
The key word is keep. In the original it has a similar meaning of a shepherd being vigilant in watching over his flock or a military guard keeping his trained eye on his surroundings.
Idolatry can be just about anything we place more weight as being true and elevate it over God's Word (which is the final authority and truth to govern our lives). Idolatry can be an image, the impress of the world through television, culture, trends, media etc.
Idolatry can be crafted from our own thoughts, ideas, places, people or experiences. We can even make emotions an idol. What we feel or how we feel sets our mood for the day. Or when we feel good or close to God, then we will pray or read the Word of God.
Idolatry is a real danger because it is often tied to sensuality (appeasing fleshly appetites) and threatens to shift worship from God to self.
In essence, idolatry is the worship of self, something Lucifer knows all too well. He rebelled in desiring to possess God's throne and worship. If Satan can re-direct our affections and worship away from God, he is one step away of receiving our worship that he craves. It's a subtle and effective weapon to strike against God to see His own people, bending and stooping over something in worship. Sadly, Israel's history speaks to us today of a warning to keep ourselves from this wickedness.
One way of guarding ourselves against the temptations of idolatry is found in Psalms 119:1, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (KJV). When your heart is full and satisfied by God's word it will guard you from falsehood and the seduction of idolatry.
Beloved, let us pray this Scripture with a heart fully committed to worship God, alone.
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. (Psalms 16:4, KJV).
The key word is keep. In the original it has a similar meaning of a shepherd being vigilant in watching over his flock or a military guard keeping his trained eye on his surroundings.
Idolatry can be just about anything we place more weight as being true and elevate it over God's Word (which is the final authority and truth to govern our lives). Idolatry can be an image, the impress of the world through television, culture, trends, media etc.
Idolatry can be crafted from our own thoughts, ideas, places, people or experiences. We can even make emotions an idol. What we feel or how we feel sets our mood for the day. Or when we feel good or close to God, then we will pray or read the Word of God.
Idolatry is a real danger because it is often tied to sensuality (appeasing fleshly appetites) and threatens to shift worship from God to self.
In essence, idolatry is the worship of self, something Lucifer knows all too well. He rebelled in desiring to possess God's throne and worship. If Satan can re-direct our affections and worship away from God, he is one step away of receiving our worship that he craves. It's a subtle and effective weapon to strike against God to see His own people, bending and stooping over something in worship. Sadly, Israel's history speaks to us today of a warning to keep ourselves from this wickedness.
One way of guarding ourselves against the temptations of idolatry is found in Psalms 119:1, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (KJV). When your heart is full and satisfied by God's word it will guard you from falsehood and the seduction of idolatry.
Beloved, let us pray this Scripture with a heart fully committed to worship God, alone.
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. (Psalms 16:4, KJV).
Saturday, August 10, 2013
In Times Of Pressure
Like a potter, the Lord is molding and forming His impress on our lives. Each day we are becoming more like Him.
Some days we may feel far from His presence. We may say or do things we regret, but we are changing. We are no longer the same person yesterday, weeks, months or years ago. That person we rather much forget who was easily angry, depressed, without peace, too occupied with success for any meaningful relationships including God.
God is a skillful potter using His hands to shape us into a beautiful and useful vessel for His glory. But He can also use another form of pressure to do a deep, inner work in our hearts.
We read in Psalms 139:9, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;" (KJV).
The sea is a place of darkness, pressure and monsters. A place where we can't live because we are not created to withstand the cold, dark waters like the creatures that live in the vast oceans.
Sometime we find ourselves in such an ocean. The pressure of work squeezes our mind, bleeding us dry of peace. Relationships can be strained with no clear guidance on what to do when things go wrong. Times of seeking God may feel storm tossed with emotions ranging from highs to lows with nothing to anchor yourself, even a promise from the Lord seems out of reach. You cry out to God like Peter sinking beneath the waves of fear and defeat.
This "sea" is the place the Lord uses pressure to squeeze and drive up and out of us the things that are vain and empty. He wants to fill us with more of His Spirit so when we find ourselves in an ocean of sorts, we will not be crushed by the external weight pressing against us. We won't fold, crumble and sink to the bottom of the ocean floor like a ship wreck!
Remember Jonah? Here God met in the depths of sea to deal with his rebellion and disobedience.
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. (2:5-6)
Whatever God wants to do in our lives during those ocean crossing moments, let us allow Him. We will make it back to shore with Christ, our Captain, who commands the waves of the seas to be at peace!
Some days we may feel far from His presence. We may say or do things we regret, but we are changing. We are no longer the same person yesterday, weeks, months or years ago. That person we rather much forget who was easily angry, depressed, without peace, too occupied with success for any meaningful relationships including God.
God is a skillful potter using His hands to shape us into a beautiful and useful vessel for His glory. But He can also use another form of pressure to do a deep, inner work in our hearts.
We read in Psalms 139:9, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;" (KJV).
The sea is a place of darkness, pressure and monsters. A place where we can't live because we are not created to withstand the cold, dark waters like the creatures that live in the vast oceans.
Sometime we find ourselves in such an ocean. The pressure of work squeezes our mind, bleeding us dry of peace. Relationships can be strained with no clear guidance on what to do when things go wrong. Times of seeking God may feel storm tossed with emotions ranging from highs to lows with nothing to anchor yourself, even a promise from the Lord seems out of reach. You cry out to God like Peter sinking beneath the waves of fear and defeat.
This "sea" is the place the Lord uses pressure to squeeze and drive up and out of us the things that are vain and empty. He wants to fill us with more of His Spirit so when we find ourselves in an ocean of sorts, we will not be crushed by the external weight pressing against us. We won't fold, crumble and sink to the bottom of the ocean floor like a ship wreck!
Remember Jonah? Here God met in the depths of sea to deal with his rebellion and disobedience.
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. (2:5-6)
Whatever God wants to do in our lives during those ocean crossing moments, let us allow Him. We will make it back to shore with Christ, our Captain, who commands the waves of the seas to be at peace!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Go In His Mighty Power!
Jesus in Matthew 10:6 commissions the twelve disciples to go the lost sheep of Israel. He gives them the mandate to heal the sick, cleanse the leper and cast out devils. In verse 1 it says, he gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all manner of disease (reading from the KJV).
In the original the Greek word is eksousía. A word that means "authority, conferred power; delegated empowerment ("authorization"), operating in a designated jurisdiction" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
In other words, Jesus gave power from on high over the lower powers of the enemy that had taken God's people captive.
These "lost sheep of Israel" were the same people who had come out of Egypt and entered the wilderness and moved into the Promise Land. They were given the mandate to drive out the enemy and possess the land God promised to their father Abraham. God gave them glorious victories and power to conquer the enemies around about them. Now, centuries later, they were a people not only under the rule of the Roman government, but under the oppressive sway of an unseen but very real enemy, the Devil.
Beloved, God's mandate has not changed. His power is still available for us to expel the Enemy from the places he has taken up residence - both in our lives and those He wants us to reach. But many would say the time has passed or we live in a modern world where technological advances are a greater power.
Nothing can match the power of Christ. Only He can set free a man or woman bound by the Enemy! And as good and needful modern medicine is for us, nothing compares to the Healer's work where medicine will fail to reach - the very heart and soul of a sin sick person.
No, beloved, God is still moving throughout the earth to heal, deliver and bring souls into the kingdom. Do we believe His power is still available to us to move against the Enemy to bring good news to the hurting? Absolutely. Just because we don't see incredible miracles (and it's happening even today, it's just not reported in the news) does not take away God's commission with authority to act according to His word to bring deliverance and healing to those around us.
When we go where ever He leads, His power is waiting to be released through our lives - no matter how foolish or weak we may feel.
In the original the Greek word is eksousía. A word that means "authority, conferred power; delegated empowerment ("authorization"), operating in a designated jurisdiction" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
In other words, Jesus gave power from on high over the lower powers of the enemy that had taken God's people captive.
These "lost sheep of Israel" were the same people who had come out of Egypt and entered the wilderness and moved into the Promise Land. They were given the mandate to drive out the enemy and possess the land God promised to their father Abraham. God gave them glorious victories and power to conquer the enemies around about them. Now, centuries later, they were a people not only under the rule of the Roman government, but under the oppressive sway of an unseen but very real enemy, the Devil.
Beloved, God's mandate has not changed. His power is still available for us to expel the Enemy from the places he has taken up residence - both in our lives and those He wants us to reach. But many would say the time has passed or we live in a modern world where technological advances are a greater power.
Nothing can match the power of Christ. Only He can set free a man or woman bound by the Enemy! And as good and needful modern medicine is for us, nothing compares to the Healer's work where medicine will fail to reach - the very heart and soul of a sin sick person.
No, beloved, God is still moving throughout the earth to heal, deliver and bring souls into the kingdom. Do we believe His power is still available to us to move against the Enemy to bring good news to the hurting? Absolutely. Just because we don't see incredible miracles (and it's happening even today, it's just not reported in the news) does not take away God's commission with authority to act according to His word to bring deliverance and healing to those around us.
When we go where ever He leads, His power is waiting to be released through our lives - no matter how foolish or weak we may feel.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
At The Mention Of His Name
When we understand the authority of Christ, we will see things differently. Unfortunately, many of us have suffered at the hands of those who have misused or abused their authority be it teachers, a boss or parent. When we come into the Christian life, we tend to carry our negative experiences of authority into our relationship with Christ. This hinders our effectiveness and maturity as a believer.
We read of a Roman centurion who sought out Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-10). Jesus was willing to visit the servant, but the centurion only asked Jesus to speak a word and it will be enough. The centurion explained that he was a man given authority and a man under authority. This Roman understood his limited authority while acknowledging Christ's supreme authority above all other governing powers. It says Jesus was astonished by the man's faith (verse 10).
I believe the centurion understood something that is essential as believers when it comes to the answer of prayer. We can pray mighty prayers and quote powerful Scriptures, yet fail to see any results because we refuse to submit to God's Word as the final authority to govern our lives.
God has given us authority through Christ, but there remains an intense battle of the will that often refuses to be submitted to the Holy Spirit in how we conduct our lives.
Has God asked you bring those memories into submission to His Word? Has He required you to forgive your co-worker? Has He pointed to an area of your life regarding the way you talk about people with disdain? Bring it under the lordship of Christ. Let Him rule over those areas that want to rebel and resist.
At the mention of His name, the name above all other names, is the authority to cause storms to cease, demons to flee and sickness to depart, when we bow our knees and heart in humble submission.
We read of a Roman centurion who sought out Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-10). Jesus was willing to visit the servant, but the centurion only asked Jesus to speak a word and it will be enough. The centurion explained that he was a man given authority and a man under authority. This Roman understood his limited authority while acknowledging Christ's supreme authority above all other governing powers. It says Jesus was astonished by the man's faith (verse 10).
I believe the centurion understood something that is essential as believers when it comes to the answer of prayer. We can pray mighty prayers and quote powerful Scriptures, yet fail to see any results because we refuse to submit to God's Word as the final authority to govern our lives.
God has given us authority through Christ, but there remains an intense battle of the will that often refuses to be submitted to the Holy Spirit in how we conduct our lives.
Has God asked you bring those memories into submission to His Word? Has He required you to forgive your co-worker? Has He pointed to an area of your life regarding the way you talk about people with disdain? Bring it under the lordship of Christ. Let Him rule over those areas that want to rebel and resist.
At the mention of His name, the name above all other names, is the authority to cause storms to cease, demons to flee and sickness to depart, when we bow our knees and heart in humble submission.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
An Unseen Life
Jesus teaches in Matthew chapter 6 of an unseen life of a believer.
When we give our money to God's work, we are not to make some big, flashy announcement as the hypocrites do in the synagogues (verse 2). Rather we are to give quietly and without any fanfare. This will test the truest motive of our heart because no one knows we gave, so we will not be acknowledged and praised.
Jesus says when you pray to go into a secret place like the closet, close the door and shut out the eyes of a prying world, for the Father sees in secret and will reward us openly (verse 6). Sadly, how many prayer meetings have turned into a platform for someone to be showy and dramatic with their prayers, long winded and poetic, but missing the mark altogether? God will not hear such prayers that are uttered in pride and self adoration!
And Jesus warns in times of fasting not to make some pitiful display of an outward show of self abased humility and repentance (verse 16). Rather, Jesus says, wash your face and look your brightest as you do any other day so not to draw attention to yourself (verse 18).
I believe the giving in secret, praying in a hidden place and fasting with a bright and cheerful countenance hinges on verses 22 and 23, it says: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (KJV).
When our hearts are divided with the interest of the world's attention and approval, we lose singleness of eye and have a fragmented heart toward the things of God. This only brings darkness and confusion in whatever we do for the Lord because our motives are not right.
Beloved, let's give, pray and fast looking for no return from the world but rather let the Lord acknowledge those efforts.
When we give our money to God's work, we are not to make some big, flashy announcement as the hypocrites do in the synagogues (verse 2). Rather we are to give quietly and without any fanfare. This will test the truest motive of our heart because no one knows we gave, so we will not be acknowledged and praised.
Jesus says when you pray to go into a secret place like the closet, close the door and shut out the eyes of a prying world, for the Father sees in secret and will reward us openly (verse 6). Sadly, how many prayer meetings have turned into a platform for someone to be showy and dramatic with their prayers, long winded and poetic, but missing the mark altogether? God will not hear such prayers that are uttered in pride and self adoration!
And Jesus warns in times of fasting not to make some pitiful display of an outward show of self abased humility and repentance (verse 16). Rather, Jesus says, wash your face and look your brightest as you do any other day so not to draw attention to yourself (verse 18).
I believe the giving in secret, praying in a hidden place and fasting with a bright and cheerful countenance hinges on verses 22 and 23, it says: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (KJV).
When our hearts are divided with the interest of the world's attention and approval, we lose singleness of eye and have a fragmented heart toward the things of God. This only brings darkness and confusion in whatever we do for the Lord because our motives are not right.
Beloved, let's give, pray and fast looking for no return from the world but rather let the Lord acknowledge those efforts.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Holy Spirit Breath On Us
Beloved, even now, the Lord desires to visit us as He did the disciples. Though they were were behind locked doors and walled up in fear of the religious rulers, Jesus walked right inside. There in that room, Scriptures say, "And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" John 20:22, NIV).
We are not really living unless the Lord breathes on us. There is a quickening power in God's breath that Genesis 2:7 says, "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (NIV).
Such a promise was given to dry bones, the slain, most believe were those who once worshipped false gods. These bones were dried beyond hope. Their only future was to become part of the soil, like any other animal that dies. "Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live" (Ezekiel 37:9, NIV).
When the Lord breathes on us, we are taken up with the current of His Spirit. We truly soar on eagle's wings. Jesus said, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8, NIV).
Let us pray.
Oh, breath of God, breath on us your quickening power. The same power that raised Christ from the dead. Stir these weary and dry bones to life again! Fill us afresh with power from on high! We want to soar the heights with You, Jesus, riding the winds of heaven far above this tiresome life!
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
Psalms 104:2-4
We are not really living unless the Lord breathes on us. There is a quickening power in God's breath that Genesis 2:7 says, "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (NIV).
Such a promise was given to dry bones, the slain, most believe were those who once worshipped false gods. These bones were dried beyond hope. Their only future was to become part of the soil, like any other animal that dies. "Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live" (Ezekiel 37:9, NIV).
When the Lord breathes on us, we are taken up with the current of His Spirit. We truly soar on eagle's wings. Jesus said, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8, NIV).
Let us pray.
Oh, breath of God, breath on us your quickening power. The same power that raised Christ from the dead. Stir these weary and dry bones to life again! Fill us afresh with power from on high! We want to soar the heights with You, Jesus, riding the winds of heaven far above this tiresome life!
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
Psalms 104:2-4
Monday, August 5, 2013
Glorious Restoration
The work of restoration is never a passive work. It requires a submitted mind and heart to the work of the Holy Ghost. We must abandon our demands to understand, argue or question how He will restore the waste places in our lives.
This means taking our eyes off the natural outlook – the dry, ruined, desolate or overrun places in our lives – and fix them on Christ.
Nehemiah was a captive and cup bearer to the King of Persia, King Artaxerxes. He receives a report of those escaped captivity were in great distress and reproach. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned by fire (Nehemiah 1:2-3). Not only was the city a mess, but the people were in distress and confounded.
He was so moved by the report that Nehemiah sat down and wept for many days. He fasted and prayed over the plight of his people and the city of Jerusalem. Then Nehemiah stood up and got to work.
Beloved, there is a time for reflection, repentance and confession but we must stand to our feet and step into the restorative work God has ordained for us. Nehemiah partnered with God in whatever measure God allowed him.
Nehemiah had yet to see the devastation of the city. He had little or no expertise to rebuild stone walls, hang gates or lead former captives to shoulder the work. All he understood was God's heart is to restore and repair the ruined places.
And Nehemiah understood something else that was key to his success (and ours) when rebuilding the walls and the city gates. It was not about him! It was truly the Lord's work, the Lord's people and the Lord's desire for His name to be once again upheld as a testimony to the surrounding nations!
This means taking our eyes off the natural outlook – the dry, ruined, desolate or overrun places in our lives – and fix them on Christ.
Nehemiah was a captive and cup bearer to the King of Persia, King Artaxerxes. He receives a report of those escaped captivity were in great distress and reproach. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned by fire (Nehemiah 1:2-3). Not only was the city a mess, but the people were in distress and confounded.
He was so moved by the report that Nehemiah sat down and wept for many days. He fasted and prayed over the plight of his people and the city of Jerusalem. Then Nehemiah stood up and got to work.
Beloved, there is a time for reflection, repentance and confession but we must stand to our feet and step into the restorative work God has ordained for us. Nehemiah partnered with God in whatever measure God allowed him.
Nehemiah had yet to see the devastation of the city. He had little or no expertise to rebuild stone walls, hang gates or lead former captives to shoulder the work. All he understood was God's heart is to restore and repair the ruined places.
And Nehemiah understood something else that was key to his success (and ours) when rebuilding the walls and the city gates. It was not about him! It was truly the Lord's work, the Lord's people and the Lord's desire for His name to be once again upheld as a testimony to the surrounding nations!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Foolish Stew
We will live in a sensual driven culture. Sensuality is not limited to sexual practices, but what is touched, tasted, smelled, viewed or digested to satisfy and satiate the senses. In other words, sensuality is feeding fleshly appetites, but it is very much in opposition to the Spirit of God.
Ephesians 5:3 says, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (NIV). In the original, sexual immorality is porneía which we get the English terms "pornography, pornographic". The Greek word porneía itself derives from a root word that means "to selling off" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
The Bible gives an example of such a man who sold off his birthright. Hebrews 12:16 says, "Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright" (KJV). Esau was a man ruled by sensual appetites. He was hungry and demanded food at the cost of losing his rightful inheritance. Even after he repented, it was much too late to regain what was lost. Interestingly the same word for sexual immorality is the same word used in Ephesians 5:3 except it refers to a male prostitute. Esau symbolically prostituted away his inheritance for a bowl of savory soup!
Beloved, how many of us are dwelling on unholy and godless thoughts? Where is our eyes shifting and gazing on when we walk down the street? What are we reading that we live the lives of characters doing things we can only imagine but dare not do? Or watch TV programs you know God has spoken more than once to shut off?
Each time we feed the temporal and sensual, we lose a little more of our rich inheritance in Christ. Blessings that would have been given but we are too full of the world's sickening stew! Brothers and sisters, and this includes myself, we need to stop selling away a holy, blood purchased life for just a little bit of world's treats and sweets when it leaves us empty and depleted of any life and strength.
Ephesians 5:3 says, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (NIV). In the original, sexual immorality is porneía which we get the English terms "pornography, pornographic". The Greek word porneía itself derives from a root word that means "to selling off" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
The Bible gives an example of such a man who sold off his birthright. Hebrews 12:16 says, "Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright" (KJV). Esau was a man ruled by sensual appetites. He was hungry and demanded food at the cost of losing his rightful inheritance. Even after he repented, it was much too late to regain what was lost. Interestingly the same word for sexual immorality is the same word used in Ephesians 5:3 except it refers to a male prostitute. Esau symbolically prostituted away his inheritance for a bowl of savory soup!
Beloved, how many of us are dwelling on unholy and godless thoughts? Where is our eyes shifting and gazing on when we walk down the street? What are we reading that we live the lives of characters doing things we can only imagine but dare not do? Or watch TV programs you know God has spoken more than once to shut off?
Each time we feed the temporal and sensual, we lose a little more of our rich inheritance in Christ. Blessings that would have been given but we are too full of the world's sickening stew! Brothers and sisters, and this includes myself, we need to stop selling away a holy, blood purchased life for just a little bit of world's treats and sweets when it leaves us empty and depleted of any life and strength.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Offensive Free
We understand when we offend someone we repent and receive God's forgiveness. As He directs, we extend restoration so we can be in right relationship with our brothers and sisters.
But what if we are the offended party? Someone took advantage of your kindness. Spoke evil about you or your family or gossiped about your weakness. Ignored you when you try to invite him or her for dinner.
Then later they seek you out not so much to ask you for forgiveness, but to say they forgive you for the wrong you done to them! You stand their shocked and offended considering what they said or did to you.
Remember the parable of the prodigal son? The older brother was offended when his younger brother demanded his share of the inheritance from the father (usually an inheritance is passed along when the person dies not while they are alive). Then the younger brother squanders it on worldly pleasures. Added to the offense, he not only shows up at the front door, but the father has a homecoming party!
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (Luke 15:28-30, NIV).
Beloved, we will be tested when we let go of offenses. And when someone who we forgave tells us we have sinned against them, we must hear what they have to say because it's possible, God may be showing us something we couldn't see when our hearts were wounded and angry.
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours'". (verse 31). The older brother is still the father's son, he's not forgotten or forsaken and the father still has an inheritance that can't be taken away from him. So why be offended?
Brothers and sisters, when confronted, rest assured what is ever is said, be true or untrue, God's heart toward you remains the same - you have nothing to lose! If anything, you can be an expression of the Father's heart to the other person - offensive free - inviting them to celebrate.
But what if we are the offended party? Someone took advantage of your kindness. Spoke evil about you or your family or gossiped about your weakness. Ignored you when you try to invite him or her for dinner.
Then later they seek you out not so much to ask you for forgiveness, but to say they forgive you for the wrong you done to them! You stand their shocked and offended considering what they said or did to you.
Remember the parable of the prodigal son? The older brother was offended when his younger brother demanded his share of the inheritance from the father (usually an inheritance is passed along when the person dies not while they are alive). Then the younger brother squanders it on worldly pleasures. Added to the offense, he not only shows up at the front door, but the father has a homecoming party!
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (Luke 15:28-30, NIV).
Beloved, we will be tested when we let go of offenses. And when someone who we forgave tells us we have sinned against them, we must hear what they have to say because it's possible, God may be showing us something we couldn't see when our hearts were wounded and angry.
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours'". (verse 31). The older brother is still the father's son, he's not forgotten or forsaken and the father still has an inheritance that can't be taken away from him. So why be offended?
Brothers and sisters, when confronted, rest assured what is ever is said, be true or untrue, God's heart toward you remains the same - you have nothing to lose! If anything, you can be an expression of the Father's heart to the other person - offensive free - inviting them to celebrate.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Keeping Our Eyes On Him
As a young boy summer evenings were spent attending various New England church revivals. Some were held under a huge circus tent while others were in a back yard of a member's home.
I remember such a time standing in a crowded tent when the guest speaker asked us to close our eyes. He said the Lord will bring a Scripture to your mind. So I shut my eyes and waited for a few seconds. Suddenly in my mind's eye, I saw a Scripture reference in black typeface ink. It was Colossians 3:2.
Later that night, I read it not fully understanding why this particular verse came to mind, but it was clear I must keep my eyes on Him.
The Scripture reads, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (KJV). Other Bible translations use the word "mind" in place of affection.
How little did I know this verse would revisit me in those challenging seasons in my life marked by victory and failure. Often times failure was a result of not keeping my eyes on Christ but on earthly things. Like Peter, I panicked and my eyes shifted from Christ to the stormy circumstances only to find myself sinking beneath the waves of sorrow and anxiety.
Beloved, we can't help but be changed when we keep our eyes on Christ. Even if it gets dark or when confusion clouds our mind, or some obstacle is blocking our vision, Jesus is still there with us. When we fix our eyes on Him, our affections come into a fresh perspective. We see differently and as the original meaning in Greek suggests, we behave differently.
You may be familiar with the expression you are what you eat. Likewise who (or even what) we fix your eyes on reveals much about our heart's affection than most of us want to admit. The more you look at Christ than in the mirror of your life, you will be transformed.
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2 NIV)
I remember such a time standing in a crowded tent when the guest speaker asked us to close our eyes. He said the Lord will bring a Scripture to your mind. So I shut my eyes and waited for a few seconds. Suddenly in my mind's eye, I saw a Scripture reference in black typeface ink. It was Colossians 3:2.
Later that night, I read it not fully understanding why this particular verse came to mind, but it was clear I must keep my eyes on Him.
The Scripture reads, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (KJV). Other Bible translations use the word "mind" in place of affection.
How little did I know this verse would revisit me in those challenging seasons in my life marked by victory and failure. Often times failure was a result of not keeping my eyes on Christ but on earthly things. Like Peter, I panicked and my eyes shifted from Christ to the stormy circumstances only to find myself sinking beneath the waves of sorrow and anxiety.
Beloved, we can't help but be changed when we keep our eyes on Christ. Even if it gets dark or when confusion clouds our mind, or some obstacle is blocking our vision, Jesus is still there with us. When we fix our eyes on Him, our affections come into a fresh perspective. We see differently and as the original meaning in Greek suggests, we behave differently.
You may be familiar with the expression you are what you eat. Likewise who (or even what) we fix your eyes on reveals much about our heart's affection than most of us want to admit. The more you look at Christ than in the mirror of your life, you will be transformed.
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2 NIV)
Thursday, August 1, 2013
It Is Written
Satan exalted himself in five I will statements.
Isaiah 14:13-14 records these arrogant declarations, "You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." (NIV).
While Satan lifts himself up, it says in Revelation 12:12, he has come down to the earth with great wrath because his time is short. His target is the believers, you and me, because of Christ in us. Generations since the Fall have proven to him our flesh is the worst enemy with him doing very little to cause us to stumble. Provoke the flesh with the poison of pride and a fall is most certain!
We need not to cower or bow to the threats of the Enemy. We arm ourselves by standing on the promises of God. A God who can not lie counters a Devil who is the father of lies. That one weapon is the truth written in God's Word that is indeed a double-edged sword.
First, we submit to God (this opposes the spirit of rebellion and pride). James 4:7 gives us the promise that if submit to God, when we resist the devil, he will flee. Often submission to God will mean repenting of trying to fight in our strength or giving into the lies of the Enemy. Once you have confessed, it's under the blood of Jesus. The devil has nothing on you so it makes resisting him much easier.
How do we resist?
When Jesus was sorely tempted by the devil, He said firmly and with authority, "It is written."
Brother and sisters, learn to say this phrase along with a Scripture the Holy Spirit gives you. If you are in His word daily, He will help you recall that particular verse needed in that hour.
Are you having trouble with wicked or remorseful thoughts? Respond by saying (speak aloud not in your head because faith comes by hearing God's word - listen to the Scripture with new ears and understanding) "It is written, I will think on the things that are right, lovely and true (Philippians 4:8).
By saying "it is written" you acknowledge the authority of God's Word. And follow up by saying, "I will" as an agreement to the Word of God. This is a powerful weapon against the schemes of the evil one. It bring about great victory and relief when the Enemy taunts you with regretful memories or any other temptation.
One other example, you suffer from nightmares or can't sleep. "It is written, God gives his beloved rest (Psalms 172:2) so I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety (Psalms 4:8 , KJV).
Finally, beloved, you don't need to acknowledge or talk to the Devil. Don't engage him, remember he's enraged! Dismiss him by being submitted to Christ, declaring God's truth and agreeing to His word. It might not always go well but God is faithful to aid us against our Enemy who is already defeated by the cross!
Isaiah 14:13-14 records these arrogant declarations, "You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." (NIV).
While Satan lifts himself up, it says in Revelation 12:12, he has come down to the earth with great wrath because his time is short. His target is the believers, you and me, because of Christ in us. Generations since the Fall have proven to him our flesh is the worst enemy with him doing very little to cause us to stumble. Provoke the flesh with the poison of pride and a fall is most certain!
We need not to cower or bow to the threats of the Enemy. We arm ourselves by standing on the promises of God. A God who can not lie counters a Devil who is the father of lies. That one weapon is the truth written in God's Word that is indeed a double-edged sword.
First, we submit to God (this opposes the spirit of rebellion and pride). James 4:7 gives us the promise that if submit to God, when we resist the devil, he will flee. Often submission to God will mean repenting of trying to fight in our strength or giving into the lies of the Enemy. Once you have confessed, it's under the blood of Jesus. The devil has nothing on you so it makes resisting him much easier.
How do we resist?
When Jesus was sorely tempted by the devil, He said firmly and with authority, "It is written."
Brother and sisters, learn to say this phrase along with a Scripture the Holy Spirit gives you. If you are in His word daily, He will help you recall that particular verse needed in that hour.
Are you having trouble with wicked or remorseful thoughts? Respond by saying (speak aloud not in your head because faith comes by hearing God's word - listen to the Scripture with new ears and understanding) "It is written, I will think on the things that are right, lovely and true (Philippians 4:8).
By saying "it is written" you acknowledge the authority of God's Word. And follow up by saying, "I will" as an agreement to the Word of God. This is a powerful weapon against the schemes of the evil one. It bring about great victory and relief when the Enemy taunts you with regretful memories or any other temptation.
One other example, you suffer from nightmares or can't sleep. "It is written, God gives his beloved rest (Psalms 172:2) so I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety (Psalms 4:8 , KJV).
Finally, beloved, you don't need to acknowledge or talk to the Devil. Don't engage him, remember he's enraged! Dismiss him by being submitted to Christ, declaring God's truth and agreeing to His word. It might not always go well but God is faithful to aid us against our Enemy who is already defeated by the cross!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)