One of the most subtle lies the Enemy wants to plant in our minds is God is not real because He's absent.
It's that nagging doubt that bubbles up when we go through a difficult time. Is God real? Is He really the God who possess all power, perform miracles, a provider etc? Will He come through for me?
It's the age old question the Serpent used to beguile Eve. Did God really say? He was not just questioning God's command and authority but undermining Adam and Eve's trust in the Almighty who seemed absent from the garden. The same God who took evening strolls with Adam and Eve. But now He was no where to be found. In such absence, the Devil foolishly was taking taking charge. He was rewriting God's command as he does even today. Asserting his presence as being all wise. But if Adam and Eve only called out to God, He would answer because He was standing right beside them.
Here's how the lie of the Devil worms its way into our minds. Just because the Devil may be in your face with temptations and troubles which seem more real and felt never changes the truth that God is ever present and is aware of our struggle and pain. Once the lie works in our minds then follows the illogical conclusion because He is not real, He can't help us. Therefore we are left on our own.
The antidote to such a poisonous lie is hope. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (NIV). It was this same hope that tells us regarding Moses, "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (verse 27, KJV).
Like Moses we can see Him who is invisible though Satan should point to a different reality. Since we are not blinded by the god of this age, we know God is real. One day it says every eye shall behold Him - the same God who was with us through every trial, every dark hour and sorrowful time - a God who sees is a God who is real.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Filling In The Gaps
A gap is a tear or break between two objects. It can be an unfilled space or disruption in continuity (e.g. a sequence of events or in time). Over time a small break in the skin of airplane or the hull of a ship can compromise its integrity. In ancient times, a gap in a city wall compromised security and protection should an invading army attack the city.
I want to address another gap. This break happens in the mind and the soul. It can be a result of violence, distress, family history, unkind words or some other blunt force that ripped open your heart.
No matter what you do to fill in the wounded space between what was and what should be it just seems the empty place widens. At times you feel the "sink hole" in your soul will swallow you up completely. You feel the gap most in moments of intense loneliness or overwhelming sense of fear or falling short or failing to achieve some goal or ambition. Whatever the feelings or experience you can't seem to fill or even bridge the gap.
In Nehemiah 4:7 we read, "But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry." (NIV).
You can be sure when the Lord mends the gaps in your mind and heart it will enrage the Enemy. Filling in the gaps is evidence of God's maturing work in your life. You are learning to say "yes" to the Lord and obey quickly which means protection from the Devil. It means no longer acting foolishly in giving a foothold for the Enemy to wedge his way inside your head or heart.
After a gap is repaired there may be scars or discoloration with a different material used to fill in the hole. But for the believer it serves as a reminder of God's work to restore those broken places. Here is an encouraging promise when God is filling the gaps in your heart.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalms 18:2, KJV).
I want to address another gap. This break happens in the mind and the soul. It can be a result of violence, distress, family history, unkind words or some other blunt force that ripped open your heart.
No matter what you do to fill in the wounded space between what was and what should be it just seems the empty place widens. At times you feel the "sink hole" in your soul will swallow you up completely. You feel the gap most in moments of intense loneliness or overwhelming sense of fear or falling short or failing to achieve some goal or ambition. Whatever the feelings or experience you can't seem to fill or even bridge the gap.
In Nehemiah 4:7 we read, "But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry." (NIV).
You can be sure when the Lord mends the gaps in your mind and heart it will enrage the Enemy. Filling in the gaps is evidence of God's maturing work in your life. You are learning to say "yes" to the Lord and obey quickly which means protection from the Devil. It means no longer acting foolishly in giving a foothold for the Enemy to wedge his way inside your head or heart.
After a gap is repaired there may be scars or discoloration with a different material used to fill in the hole. But for the believer it serves as a reminder of God's work to restore those broken places. Here is an encouraging promise when God is filling the gaps in your heart.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalms 18:2, KJV).
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Leave It On His Lap
One of the most common thing we do is make decisions.
We make small decisions every day in what we will eat or drink or what we will wear. To deciding on some major life changing decisions from a new job, marriage, purchasing a home or some other choice that will effect ourselves and those close to us.
For the believer we must learn that we have no choice but to take all our decisions to the Lord for Him to make the final determination. This means were not asking for His opinion or suggestion when we already made up our mind. God is not surprised when we already made a decision as if He didn't see it coming and has no choice but agree to it.
Proverbs 16:33 reads in the NIV, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD". Another translation reads, "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall." (NLT). But the Young's Literal Translation gets to the heart of the verse, "Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment!".
When we offer up our petitions to the Lord, we place it in His lap to judge not just the request but to examine our motivates and intent. We can be quite clever in coming up with reasons for God to decide in our favor. We use religious catch phrases and misquoted Scripture in attempt to manipulate God's approval. More often than not we can't help ourselves from picking up our requests we had placed in His lap. We get impatient and want an answer immediately. After all some decisions can't wait but sadly neither can the consequences for following through ill conceived plans.
Yes, beloved the best laid plans are laid in His lap. Let's learn to invite Him in every decision we make (yes, every decision) from eating healthy, dressing modestly to the mate God has selected to purchasing a car or taking a promotion. Though the world may call it old fashion or some Christians call it extreme to ask God for every decision - remember this - those who fear the Lord - He reveals secrets (Psalms 25:14). Don't we want to know the mind of God? Then let's lay it down so he can dispose of the matter as He deems fit.
We make small decisions every day in what we will eat or drink or what we will wear. To deciding on some major life changing decisions from a new job, marriage, purchasing a home or some other choice that will effect ourselves and those close to us.
For the believer we must learn that we have no choice but to take all our decisions to the Lord for Him to make the final determination. This means were not asking for His opinion or suggestion when we already made up our mind. God is not surprised when we already made a decision as if He didn't see it coming and has no choice but agree to it.
Proverbs 16:33 reads in the NIV, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD". Another translation reads, "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall." (NLT). But the Young's Literal Translation gets to the heart of the verse, "Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment!".
When we offer up our petitions to the Lord, we place it in His lap to judge not just the request but to examine our motivates and intent. We can be quite clever in coming up with reasons for God to decide in our favor. We use religious catch phrases and misquoted Scripture in attempt to manipulate God's approval. More often than not we can't help ourselves from picking up our requests we had placed in His lap. We get impatient and want an answer immediately. After all some decisions can't wait but sadly neither can the consequences for following through ill conceived plans.
Yes, beloved the best laid plans are laid in His lap. Let's learn to invite Him in every decision we make (yes, every decision) from eating healthy, dressing modestly to the mate God has selected to purchasing a car or taking a promotion. Though the world may call it old fashion or some Christians call it extreme to ask God for every decision - remember this - those who fear the Lord - He reveals secrets (Psalms 25:14). Don't we want to know the mind of God? Then let's lay it down so he can dispose of the matter as He deems fit.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Everlasting Light
Of the many things God creates in Genesis chapter 1 the first thing is light. There is a lot of significance in this creation because its a reflection of His character. God is light (which can not be created). The earth and humankind reflect His glory. It says, "Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness." (verses 3-4).
God creating and separating the darkness from the light sets a repeated theme that runs through the lives of many Biblical characters. But it's more than a theme; it's how we are to live our Christian lives. There is a separating work God does in our lives so we walk as children of the light unlike those who live outside of Christ. Paul writes, "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." (I Thessalonians 5:5, NIV).
Light has a strange quality. It can draw you closer to it's warmth and ambient glow but it can also expose you. John says, "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed." (John 3:20, NLT).
There is a principle that the natural world speaks to spiritual things. This is true of the spiritual world made known in nature. For instance, without light photosynthesis could not exist. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the sun, into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organisms' activities (Wikipedia).
So why would anyone want to remain in the dark when all the strength, power and radiance comes from the Son's light?
There is something else light can do. It can burn. God's light burns away the darkness of shame. His light melts away the cloudiness in the mind bringing illumination and understanding. Psalms 18:28 say, "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
How fitting is it for God to end the final chapter of this old creation (there will be a new heaven and earth) by promising us, "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5, NIV).
God creating and separating the darkness from the light sets a repeated theme that runs through the lives of many Biblical characters. But it's more than a theme; it's how we are to live our Christian lives. There is a separating work God does in our lives so we walk as children of the light unlike those who live outside of Christ. Paul writes, "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." (I Thessalonians 5:5, NIV).
Light has a strange quality. It can draw you closer to it's warmth and ambient glow but it can also expose you. John says, "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed." (John 3:20, NLT).
There is a principle that the natural world speaks to spiritual things. This is true of the spiritual world made known in nature. For instance, without light photosynthesis could not exist. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the sun, into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organisms' activities (Wikipedia).
So why would anyone want to remain in the dark when all the strength, power and radiance comes from the Son's light?
There is something else light can do. It can burn. God's light burns away the darkness of shame. His light melts away the cloudiness in the mind bringing illumination and understanding. Psalms 18:28 say, "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
How fitting is it for God to end the final chapter of this old creation (there will be a new heaven and earth) by promising us, "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5, NIV).
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Flaming Arrows: Stinging Memories
The Bible says, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16).
What are these flaming arrows the Enemy hurls at us?
I believe these demonic flaming arrows can represent stinging memories. You may be going through your day without a care or worry when suddenly something flashes across your mind. It can be triggered by a sound, a scent or some activity. It's a memory you've long forgotten and never want to recall. It could be some hidden sin or some painful experience. The end result is the same, a rush of guilt, shame and a sense of being disconnected with God. Satan's flaming arrow digs deep in the mind and sets it on fire!
The Devil is a limited creature but we learn something in the interaction with God about Job. It seems the Devil knew a lot about this man, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." (Job 1:10, NIV).
If anything Satan is an observer of human nature and sees how we respond to trials, temptations and other difficulties. In fact, it's not hard for us to see a pattern in the life of believer in how he or she responds under pressure.
The remedy to these flaming arrows is to lift up the shield of faith. When we remind ourselves of God says about us - not some dusty off the shelf memory that enemy sets ablaze - we place a protection around our minds. One Scripture that has been helpful to me is Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot." (KJV). The fire will go out and peace in the mind will be restored.
Beloved, there are times when memories might be an opportunity for God to heal or correct something in your heart. When you allow Him to speak to those difficult places, a holy and healthy shield is put in place where the Enemy can not dig his flaming arrow but rather it's extinguished.
What are these flaming arrows the Enemy hurls at us?
I believe these demonic flaming arrows can represent stinging memories. You may be going through your day without a care or worry when suddenly something flashes across your mind. It can be triggered by a sound, a scent or some activity. It's a memory you've long forgotten and never want to recall. It could be some hidden sin or some painful experience. The end result is the same, a rush of guilt, shame and a sense of being disconnected with God. Satan's flaming arrow digs deep in the mind and sets it on fire!
The Devil is a limited creature but we learn something in the interaction with God about Job. It seems the Devil knew a lot about this man, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." (Job 1:10, NIV).
If anything Satan is an observer of human nature and sees how we respond to trials, temptations and other difficulties. In fact, it's not hard for us to see a pattern in the life of believer in how he or she responds under pressure.
The remedy to these flaming arrows is to lift up the shield of faith. When we remind ourselves of God says about us - not some dusty off the shelf memory that enemy sets ablaze - we place a protection around our minds. One Scripture that has been helpful to me is Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot." (KJV). The fire will go out and peace in the mind will be restored.
Beloved, there are times when memories might be an opportunity for God to heal or correct something in your heart. When you allow Him to speak to those difficult places, a holy and healthy shield is put in place where the Enemy can not dig his flaming arrow but rather it's extinguished.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Defiance Comes With Defilement
One dictionary defines the word defiant as resistance or bold opposition, as to authority; challenging. Another dictionary states its the refusing to obey something or someone (Merriam Online Dictionary).
Defiance has been redefined in our culture as "expressing my rights" or "I'm entitled to this or that" so they parade down the center of town or protest in some form or another.
But God sees it very differently.
Defiance finds its root in rebellion and stubbornness. When we think we are right about something (and it's possible we are right), but refuse to yield our thoughts or ways to the Holy Spirit when He challenges us, we can become defiant.
We have our reasons and our cause is justifiable. We'll go so far as quote Scriptures to strengthen our position. If we don't repent of our defiance, it can lead to defilement.
Paul in writing to the Corinthian church says, "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." (I Corinthians 6:13, KJV). Paul is speaking not just to the Corinthian church of who many came out defiling life styles, but to our present generation.
There is a seductive reasoning in our culture that says one thing makes another right. Take for instance the statement, "How can it be wrong when we love each other?" Love never makes sin right. Rather love for God causes us to live right. Defiance against the Scripture mandate brings a polluted and distorted way of thinking about God. Defiance in it's worse form attempts to conform God to our view point as if He would come around and agree to us.
Paul continues, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (verses 19-20).
Beloved, we are His possession. As a God possessed people we yield our rights and allow Him do whatever He pleases in and through our lives. It may be difficult and hard at times but a life of submission to God is a rewarding life. He is protecting and keeping us from this disobedient age. It will be worth it all!
Defiance has been redefined in our culture as "expressing my rights" or "I'm entitled to this or that" so they parade down the center of town or protest in some form or another.
But God sees it very differently.
Defiance finds its root in rebellion and stubbornness. When we think we are right about something (and it's possible we are right), but refuse to yield our thoughts or ways to the Holy Spirit when He challenges us, we can become defiant.
We have our reasons and our cause is justifiable. We'll go so far as quote Scriptures to strengthen our position. If we don't repent of our defiance, it can lead to defilement.
Paul in writing to the Corinthian church says, "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." (I Corinthians 6:13, KJV). Paul is speaking not just to the Corinthian church of who many came out defiling life styles, but to our present generation.
There is a seductive reasoning in our culture that says one thing makes another right. Take for instance the statement, "How can it be wrong when we love each other?" Love never makes sin right. Rather love for God causes us to live right. Defiance against the Scripture mandate brings a polluted and distorted way of thinking about God. Defiance in it's worse form attempts to conform God to our view point as if He would come around and agree to us.
Paul continues, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (verses 19-20).
Beloved, we are His possession. As a God possessed people we yield our rights and allow Him do whatever He pleases in and through our lives. It may be difficult and hard at times but a life of submission to God is a rewarding life. He is protecting and keeping us from this disobedient age. It will be worth it all!
Friday, October 25, 2013
When Your Strength Fails
There is a human strength driven by will, desire and ambition. To pursue a dream or goal requires strength to endure hardships and other difficulties before experiencing a measure of success.
But for many of us we simply want strength to get through the day. We need strength to deal with all the demands, distractions and pressures we will face at work or at home. We crave for strength to refuse temptation than giving way to it because we are too exhausted to fight.
Even the strong will have moments when strength fails and weakness overtakes them. Samson was such a man who the Lord gave supernatural strength to do incredible feats, but all too often his fleshly desires devoured him. One day he kills a lion. Later as he passed by that place he noticed a nest of bees in the lion's carcass. He makes a riddle out of what he sees and uses it to his advantage against the Philistines. "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet." (Judges 14:4).
We know the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8). But like Samson who was given strength by God, we too can silence the devil's roaring and bring down our already defeated foe. Make no mistake nothing comes out of the devil that is sweet and refreshing. But God knows how to take whatever the enemy has thrown at us to make us sweeter, gentler and more trusting in God!
Destroying our enemy to produce honey is not what the doctor had in mind when ordered bed rest! But true strength comes in ways we could never imagine and from sources that from the natural seem impossible. The Lord wants to teach us a powerful lesson that we need Him entirely. We must learn to lean on everything He says as being true and right not in our own strength of wit and will.
Mediate on this Scripture and the Lord will refresh your heart. Out of Baca (a place of weeping) tears become a life giving spring where strength is found. Remember beloved every trial God brings us through makes us better not bitter.
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.… (Psalms 84:5-7).
But for many of us we simply want strength to get through the day. We need strength to deal with all the demands, distractions and pressures we will face at work or at home. We crave for strength to refuse temptation than giving way to it because we are too exhausted to fight.
Even the strong will have moments when strength fails and weakness overtakes them. Samson was such a man who the Lord gave supernatural strength to do incredible feats, but all too often his fleshly desires devoured him. One day he kills a lion. Later as he passed by that place he noticed a nest of bees in the lion's carcass. He makes a riddle out of what he sees and uses it to his advantage against the Philistines. "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet." (Judges 14:4).
We know the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8). But like Samson who was given strength by God, we too can silence the devil's roaring and bring down our already defeated foe. Make no mistake nothing comes out of the devil that is sweet and refreshing. But God knows how to take whatever the enemy has thrown at us to make us sweeter, gentler and more trusting in God!
Destroying our enemy to produce honey is not what the doctor had in mind when ordered bed rest! But true strength comes in ways we could never imagine and from sources that from the natural seem impossible. The Lord wants to teach us a powerful lesson that we need Him entirely. We must learn to lean on everything He says as being true and right not in our own strength of wit and will.
Mediate on this Scripture and the Lord will refresh your heart. Out of Baca (a place of weeping) tears become a life giving spring where strength is found. Remember beloved every trial God brings us through makes us better not bitter.
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.… (Psalms 84:5-7).
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The Blessing In Chastening
Whenever the Lord corrects us, we must receive it with gratitude. Yes, with gratitude for Hebrews 12:10 says it is for our profit so that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).
The original meaning of grievous means pain of body or mind, grief, sorrow. When we chose to accept the Lord’s discipline though we might experience pain, discomfort or sorrow, we are in a good place to receive His richest blessings.
How we respond to the Lord’s chastening will make all the difference in the outcome.
Sometimes the source of our chastening comes from the consequences of our disobedience. James tells us when we knew what is right, but fail to act it is sin (4:17). The consequences serve as an opportunity to receive from the Lord remedial instruction.
Take the life of King Saul. He disobeyed the commandment of the Lord to destroy Amalek. Amalek was long standing enemy of Israel. The Amalekites attacked the weak, faint and stragglers during Israel’s wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 25:17-18).
When Saul rejected God’s command, the Lord in turn rejected him as king of Israel (I Samuel 15:26). Saul excuses his disobedience by blaming the people who took only the best of the plunder for a sacrifice unto the Lord (verse 21).
The most telling response of Saul’s unchanged heart is when he seized the edge of Samuel’s robe and tore it. By grabbing Samuel’s mantle, Saul was attempting to possess God’s authority on his own terms. Saul not only lost the kingdom, but he lost the authority of being God’s appointed ruler.
Not all chastening is necessarily a result of sin. There is another chastening, which our English vernacular uses to describe as discipline. Similar to child who learns right from wrong we too receive instruction from our Heavenly Father. If we are willing to be corrected we will learn the secret of Job 5:17, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth" (KJV).
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).
The original meaning of grievous means pain of body or mind, grief, sorrow. When we chose to accept the Lord’s discipline though we might experience pain, discomfort or sorrow, we are in a good place to receive His richest blessings.
How we respond to the Lord’s chastening will make all the difference in the outcome.
Sometimes the source of our chastening comes from the consequences of our disobedience. James tells us when we knew what is right, but fail to act it is sin (4:17). The consequences serve as an opportunity to receive from the Lord remedial instruction.
Take the life of King Saul. He disobeyed the commandment of the Lord to destroy Amalek. Amalek was long standing enemy of Israel. The Amalekites attacked the weak, faint and stragglers during Israel’s wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 25:17-18).
When Saul rejected God’s command, the Lord in turn rejected him as king of Israel (I Samuel 15:26). Saul excuses his disobedience by blaming the people who took only the best of the plunder for a sacrifice unto the Lord (verse 21).
The most telling response of Saul’s unchanged heart is when he seized the edge of Samuel’s robe and tore it. By grabbing Samuel’s mantle, Saul was attempting to possess God’s authority on his own terms. Saul not only lost the kingdom, but he lost the authority of being God’s appointed ruler.
Not all chastening is necessarily a result of sin. There is another chastening, which our English vernacular uses to describe as discipline. Similar to child who learns right from wrong we too receive instruction from our Heavenly Father. If we are willing to be corrected we will learn the secret of Job 5:17, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth" (KJV).
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Mobile Abiding
When we abide in Christ, that is to say, when we chose to remain in Him as He is in us we are bound to be fruitful. But for fruit to produce, it requires a measure of faithfulness. Nothing grows independently but requires cultivation and care.
If we are not reading the Scriptures daily our knowledge of Christ we will not mature and produce fruit. But knowledge can only go so far because we need the Holy Spirit to work His life in and through us so we can bear the fruit of the Spirit.
The Lord says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5, NIV).
God is faithful and can not fail, but are we willing to remain or will we run when He prunes us?
When we don't spend time in the Word, we will not be able to discern accurately what is a lie and that of truth. We can easily fall prey to seductive voices of reason and worldly wisdom.
Such worldly thinking dismisses the reality of God, of a hell and of a coming judgment. If anything the devil wants us to shift our focus away from Christ to the temporal pleasures of this life so we can be disconnected from the life of Christ.
To abide in Christ does not mean a stationary life. Nor does not mean a boring and dull life. No, beloved the Christian walk is an exciting journey as Christ leads us to our true home in heaven. Wherever He plants us be it for a season or a lifetime depends on our willingness to stay connected to the Vine even when we are going about our Father's business.
If we are not reading the Scriptures daily our knowledge of Christ we will not mature and produce fruit. But knowledge can only go so far because we need the Holy Spirit to work His life in and through us so we can bear the fruit of the Spirit.
The Lord says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5, NIV).
God is faithful and can not fail, but are we willing to remain or will we run when He prunes us?
When we don't spend time in the Word, we will not be able to discern accurately what is a lie and that of truth. We can easily fall prey to seductive voices of reason and worldly wisdom.
Such worldly thinking dismisses the reality of God, of a hell and of a coming judgment. If anything the devil wants us to shift our focus away from Christ to the temporal pleasures of this life so we can be disconnected from the life of Christ.
To abide in Christ does not mean a stationary life. Nor does not mean a boring and dull life. No, beloved the Christian walk is an exciting journey as Christ leads us to our true home in heaven. Wherever He plants us be it for a season or a lifetime depends on our willingness to stay connected to the Vine even when we are going about our Father's business.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Appointed
When we willingly give God the little we have to offer, He will increase it!
In I Kings 17:8-15 we read of a widow gathering firewood who had enough to bake a small meal for her son. This will be their last meal, but then prophet Elijah appears. It says the Lord “instructed” or “commanded” this woman to feed him.
The word command also means “appoint”.
God has appointed or chosen us. The widow was a Gentile and so considered an outcast by the Jews, yet a Jewish prophet comes to her home. As a widow she was left with little or no financial support.
But God appoints us in our littleness. Why? To demonstrate He alone has the power to do what only He can do. It’s not within our ability to change, provide or make any difference in our lives or the lives of others without His help.
God will have us surrender the little we have in our possession before He increases it. Elijah boldly asks to be fed first, but promises the widow and her son will be fed until the famine is over. Little did she know in giving away her last small hot meal she was about to receive provision for three and half years! (James 5:17)
He then tells her to gather as many jars and containers, to shut the door and pour the little oil she has left in the house (2 Kings 4:1-7). She did as commanded and every container was filled to overflowing. She was able to sell the oil for food.
Out of empty vessels fresh oil flowed! When we obey God, how much more will He make a way for us! Out of what appears like a dried up and withered life, God’s power will flow!
What is the little that you can offer him? Remember the boy with the loaves and fishes. You may think that there's nothing left to offer Him. You say, "I’m bound by an addiction." Or "I don’t have a job or money." You may even argue, "You don't know what I've done. Why would God visit me in my desperate hour and call me to serve Him?"
Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” It takes a little seed to make a great mustard tree. God's glory is known more in our littleness than our greatness.
Despite her hunger and poverty, the widow believed God’s word enough to feed a Jewish prophet what could have been her last meal - even taking the bread away from her son. And God made a supernatural provision out of nothing all!
In I Kings 17:8-15 we read of a widow gathering firewood who had enough to bake a small meal for her son. This will be their last meal, but then prophet Elijah appears. It says the Lord “instructed” or “commanded” this woman to feed him.
The word command also means “appoint”.
God has appointed or chosen us. The widow was a Gentile and so considered an outcast by the Jews, yet a Jewish prophet comes to her home. As a widow she was left with little or no financial support.
But God appoints us in our littleness. Why? To demonstrate He alone has the power to do what only He can do. It’s not within our ability to change, provide or make any difference in our lives or the lives of others without His help.
God will have us surrender the little we have in our possession before He increases it. Elijah boldly asks to be fed first, but promises the widow and her son will be fed until the famine is over. Little did she know in giving away her last small hot meal she was about to receive provision for three and half years! (James 5:17)
He then tells her to gather as many jars and containers, to shut the door and pour the little oil she has left in the house (2 Kings 4:1-7). She did as commanded and every container was filled to overflowing. She was able to sell the oil for food.
Out of empty vessels fresh oil flowed! When we obey God, how much more will He make a way for us! Out of what appears like a dried up and withered life, God’s power will flow!
What is the little that you can offer him? Remember the boy with the loaves and fishes. You may think that there's nothing left to offer Him. You say, "I’m bound by an addiction." Or "I don’t have a job or money." You may even argue, "You don't know what I've done. Why would God visit me in my desperate hour and call me to serve Him?"
Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” It takes a little seed to make a great mustard tree. God's glory is known more in our littleness than our greatness.
Despite her hunger and poverty, the widow believed God’s word enough to feed a Jewish prophet what could have been her last meal - even taking the bread away from her son. And God made a supernatural provision out of nothing all!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Dismantling Fear
A few evenings ago a strong sense of fear overwhelmed me.
For the past few days the left side of my abdomen gave me slight discomfort. Soon my imagination went into overdrive. Could it be my kidneys? Was I drinking enough water? Was it going to be another terrible episode with my digestive system? Then my thoughts turned to my left leg which has poor circulation. Like the pain in my side, the calf was swollen and pulsating as blood tried to force it's way upward.
And for the the past 4 years I have not had an a asthma attack since the Lord has healed me. But at that moment, it seemed even my breathing became constricted and shallow.
As I laid down in bed, I heard a soft, reasonable voice say, "You are having a stroke just like your father. It's all over." I felt my chest become heavy and weighted down.
I slipped out of bed in a near panic. My wife is out of work and the company's disability check wouldn't cover the rent. Then there is the medical bills that would sink us. My mind was filled with dreadful thoughts of hospital stays, medical requirements, of being unemployed and utterly helpless to do anything useful.
At that moment all I knew to do was raise my hands to God. I started to declare the truth of God's Word. Not complain or talk about what I was feeling be it real or imagined, only talk about His greatness.
It's not that I would neglect any medical intervention - as it has been said by a well known pastor, doctors are God's allies to bring healing - but this time I discerned fear which was evident with my increasing anxiety and lack of peace. My mind was so clouded with fear that I wasn't thinking clearly and lost perspective on what was really going on.
Moses says, "Because I will publish [call, proclaim, read] the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God."(Deuteronomy 32:3,KJV).
Beloved, when we call, proclaim and read His Words aloud - we break through a thick, demonic cloud of fear that wants to narrow our focus - to cause us to look inward and downward - not up at the Master of the sea.
Friends, we must not only declare the truth of His Word over our circumstances but declare it among each other.
Psalms 145:4-6 says, "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty-- and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works-- and I will proclaim your great deeds.
And this is how we dismantle fear by ascribing how great, how powerful and wonderful our God is no matter the anxiety or panic or feeling overwhelmed. God will come through with incredible peace and comfort. He always responses to worship by drawing near to us.
Later I went back to bed, closed my eyes and feel into a deep sleep. I awoke feeling refreshed and wondering what was all the fuss about in the first place? In the wake of all that anxiety only one thing remain. His strong peace which kept my heart at rest. Fear will always be undone by the Prince of Peace.
For the past few days the left side of my abdomen gave me slight discomfort. Soon my imagination went into overdrive. Could it be my kidneys? Was I drinking enough water? Was it going to be another terrible episode with my digestive system? Then my thoughts turned to my left leg which has poor circulation. Like the pain in my side, the calf was swollen and pulsating as blood tried to force it's way upward.
And for the the past 4 years I have not had an a asthma attack since the Lord has healed me. But at that moment, it seemed even my breathing became constricted and shallow.
As I laid down in bed, I heard a soft, reasonable voice say, "You are having a stroke just like your father. It's all over." I felt my chest become heavy and weighted down.
I slipped out of bed in a near panic. My wife is out of work and the company's disability check wouldn't cover the rent. Then there is the medical bills that would sink us. My mind was filled with dreadful thoughts of hospital stays, medical requirements, of being unemployed and utterly helpless to do anything useful.
At that moment all I knew to do was raise my hands to God. I started to declare the truth of God's Word. Not complain or talk about what I was feeling be it real or imagined, only talk about His greatness.
It's not that I would neglect any medical intervention - as it has been said by a well known pastor, doctors are God's allies to bring healing - but this time I discerned fear which was evident with my increasing anxiety and lack of peace. My mind was so clouded with fear that I wasn't thinking clearly and lost perspective on what was really going on.
Moses says, "Because I will publish [call, proclaim, read] the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God."(Deuteronomy 32:3,KJV).
Beloved, when we call, proclaim and read His Words aloud - we break through a thick, demonic cloud of fear that wants to narrow our focus - to cause us to look inward and downward - not up at the Master of the sea.
Friends, we must not only declare the truth of His Word over our circumstances but declare it among each other.
Psalms 145:4-6 says, "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty-- and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works-- and I will proclaim your great deeds.
And this is how we dismantle fear by ascribing how great, how powerful and wonderful our God is no matter the anxiety or panic or feeling overwhelmed. God will come through with incredible peace and comfort. He always responses to worship by drawing near to us.
Later I went back to bed, closed my eyes and feel into a deep sleep. I awoke feeling refreshed and wondering what was all the fuss about in the first place? In the wake of all that anxiety only one thing remain. His strong peace which kept my heart at rest. Fear will always be undone by the Prince of Peace.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Jesus, Loves The Church
She is compromised of people all around the world. She speaks many languages and represents hundreds of different nationalities. The apostle Paul writes to the Galatians, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (3:28 KJV).
This beautiful bride has walked the aisle of history. From Peter's message on the day of Pentecost when some three thousand were converted to the soon coming trumpet blast when she be called away to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
She may be imperfect. Her history marred by poor decisions and inward strife and wars. At times she weak to the world's seduction and slow to believe, but Jesus is making her spotless. Already His blood sets her apart, washed and justified. She is sealed by the Holy Ghost until the very last hour. Though the world mocks and even those in the church may scorn, she still prevails against the gates of hell.
Yes, Jesus loves the church.
Paul describes His love for the church found in a marriage, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV).
And what should our response be to the church? We are to love the church as Jesus does because it matters not only to our spiritual growth, but as a corporate body. We can nurse our offenses, relive past wounds, wall and divide ourselves with our pet theologies or we can learn to love the body with the power only He can give us.
Yes, God can give us the freedom and grace to love His bride.
This beautiful bride has walked the aisle of history. From Peter's message on the day of Pentecost when some three thousand were converted to the soon coming trumpet blast when she be called away to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
She may be imperfect. Her history marred by poor decisions and inward strife and wars. At times she weak to the world's seduction and slow to believe, but Jesus is making her spotless. Already His blood sets her apart, washed and justified. She is sealed by the Holy Ghost until the very last hour. Though the world mocks and even those in the church may scorn, she still prevails against the gates of hell.
Yes, Jesus loves the church.
Paul describes His love for the church found in a marriage, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV).
And what should our response be to the church? We are to love the church as Jesus does because it matters not only to our spiritual growth, but as a corporate body. We can nurse our offenses, relive past wounds, wall and divide ourselves with our pet theologies or we can learn to love the body with the power only He can give us.
Yes, God can give us the freedom and grace to love His bride.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
King of Glory
King Nebuchadnezzar was stripped of his glory when he failed to honor God. He became a roving mad man until he was humbled and learned the lesson to give God the glory. He confesses in Daniel 4:37, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."
King Herod died when he failed to give God glory. He drank in the praises of men who claimed he had a voice like a god (Acts 12:22-23-23).
Anytime men and women ascribe the glory of God as their own, for the things He could only accomplish, it will lead to corruption and idolatry. We read in Exodus 32:8 that Israel became corrupt and turned away from God to worship a golden calf. God speaking to Moses says, "They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 32:8).
Beloved, we must not extend our hands to the glory of God as something that is to be taken lightly or entertaining. Sadly, too many churches in their desire to see God's glory end up creating their own manifestations. Shrines are built where God may had once moved in the past. People leave the prayer closet to be front and center on stage. These glory performers seduce and wow the crowds in believing this is God's visitation. They have a word from God but they are utterly corrupt and false.
But God's glory is often hidden from the natural eye and only revealed to the hearts who are broken, contrite and those who have come to the end of themselves just like King Nebuchadnezzar.
We must always give God the glory for all He is doing in our lives - the victory, the success, the joys and promotions - and the in times of heartache, disappointments and sorrow - He is still worthy to be given all the glory.
After all, He is the King of Glory (Psalms 24:8).
King Herod died when he failed to give God glory. He drank in the praises of men who claimed he had a voice like a god (Acts 12:22-23-23).
Anytime men and women ascribe the glory of God as their own, for the things He could only accomplish, it will lead to corruption and idolatry. We read in Exodus 32:8 that Israel became corrupt and turned away from God to worship a golden calf. God speaking to Moses says, "They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 32:8).
Beloved, we must not extend our hands to the glory of God as something that is to be taken lightly or entertaining. Sadly, too many churches in their desire to see God's glory end up creating their own manifestations. Shrines are built where God may had once moved in the past. People leave the prayer closet to be front and center on stage. These glory performers seduce and wow the crowds in believing this is God's visitation. They have a word from God but they are utterly corrupt and false.
But God's glory is often hidden from the natural eye and only revealed to the hearts who are broken, contrite and those who have come to the end of themselves just like King Nebuchadnezzar.
We must always give God the glory for all He is doing in our lives - the victory, the success, the joys and promotions - and the in times of heartache, disappointments and sorrow - He is still worthy to be given all the glory.
After all, He is the King of Glory (Psalms 24:8).
Friday, October 18, 2013
The Generosity of God
After God finished creating in Genesis chapter 1, He said, "It is good." The word good means pleasant, agreeable to the senses.
Everything God does is good and pleasant.
God's goodness satisfies our hearts because He is generous in His giving. Psalms 145:16 says, "Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." (KJV). He gives more than what we could ever imagine or dream. What we think is good or best, God will top it with His best.
Some compare the blessings of others and feel cheated or overlooked by God. They blame Him and themselves for missing out. I tithe and help the needy. I'm faithful to my wife and love my children. So why shouldn't I receive a blessing!
Others may have suffered from poor parenting, ill health or some other set back that makes life anything but good. Learning to receive God's goodness is difficult. There has to be some condition, some price tag attached it. I'm not good enough so why would God be good to me? What does He really want from me?
None of this changes that God is good to us all the time. One of the best ways to receive God's goodness is to say to Him, "Thank you." A lot of our difficulties is determined by our attitude.
If we think God is out to cheat us or hold back something good from us, we will become bitter and disgruntled. But for those who thank Him for not giving what they had asked Him - pleases Him the most - because they are learning to trust Him to decide what is good for them.
Everything God does is good and pleasant.
God's goodness satisfies our hearts because He is generous in His giving. Psalms 145:16 says, "Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." (KJV). He gives more than what we could ever imagine or dream. What we think is good or best, God will top it with His best.
Some compare the blessings of others and feel cheated or overlooked by God. They blame Him and themselves for missing out. I tithe and help the needy. I'm faithful to my wife and love my children. So why shouldn't I receive a blessing!
Others may have suffered from poor parenting, ill health or some other set back that makes life anything but good. Learning to receive God's goodness is difficult. There has to be some condition, some price tag attached it. I'm not good enough so why would God be good to me? What does He really want from me?
None of this changes that God is good to us all the time. One of the best ways to receive God's goodness is to say to Him, "Thank you." A lot of our difficulties is determined by our attitude.
If we think God is out to cheat us or hold back something good from us, we will become bitter and disgruntled. But for those who thank Him for not giving what they had asked Him - pleases Him the most - because they are learning to trust Him to decide what is good for them.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Lending Your Faith
It's very easy given our culture to form a selfish faith. People defend their faith based on their theological view point and will not be persuaded to believe otherwise. Others stake their faith on gaining possessions, wealth or working their way up to some prominent position in the body of Christ.
We have all been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Even if we were to have all faith to move mountains but not have love, we are nothing (I Corinthians 13:2).
To counter a selfish faith is to lend your faith. Lending your faith is like a group of circles overlapping one another so that it creates an ever widening bandwidth of faith in believing God to do the impossible.
For example, when you ask a group of friends to pray for you each one prays differently as the Lord directs them. Say you need a job so one prays for the right opportunity to present itself. Another prays for the job interview. Still another prays for the employees of the company or even the office space to be safe and pleasant. You see each person is praying with the measure of faith God has given them.
In the body of Christ it's all right to say, "Brother, I can believe God this much for your need," and a sister to say, "Yes, I will agree with my brother and I will pray for God to do this..."
When we lend our faith in a collective agreement it means faith will increase both individually and corporately as we see God move among us. It takes faith for the small and big things but most importantly any victories won by faith is to be shared in the body of Christ.
You may say that you don't have much faith. Start with sharing your testimony. The wonderful things God has done for you will encourage and build faith in those who hear.
We have all been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Even if we were to have all faith to move mountains but not have love, we are nothing (I Corinthians 13:2).
To counter a selfish faith is to lend your faith. Lending your faith is like a group of circles overlapping one another so that it creates an ever widening bandwidth of faith in believing God to do the impossible.
For example, when you ask a group of friends to pray for you each one prays differently as the Lord directs them. Say you need a job so one prays for the right opportunity to present itself. Another prays for the job interview. Still another prays for the employees of the company or even the office space to be safe and pleasant. You see each person is praying with the measure of faith God has given them.
In the body of Christ it's all right to say, "Brother, I can believe God this much for your need," and a sister to say, "Yes, I will agree with my brother and I will pray for God to do this..."
When we lend our faith in a collective agreement it means faith will increase both individually and corporately as we see God move among us. It takes faith for the small and big things but most importantly any victories won by faith is to be shared in the body of Christ.
You may say that you don't have much faith. Start with sharing your testimony. The wonderful things God has done for you will encourage and build faith in those who hear.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Grace
Apostle Paul addresses a misunderstanding of God's grace in Romans 5:22. He writes, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
How is that God's grace could be so misunderstood?
There is a corrupt misunderstanding among some believers who find themselves in willful sin and because nothing happens as a result of sinning, it must be God's grace. No, beloved, that is God's mercy while acting foolishly and carelessly. Remember God is not mocked, what a man or woman sows, so will they reap (Galatians 6:7).
The world understands grace much like a debt to be repaid. There is a short period to pay without fees and interest commonly called a grace period. But such grace is conditioned that you pay in part or full. How sad that even in relationships this happens when demands are made to change or be someone other than what the person can be - human grace like a thin thread - wears even thinner still.
Did you notice a common theme starting in Romans 5:21 through 6:11? The words "death" or "dead" appears at least once in each verse.
Beloved, to understand and appreciate God's grace is to know how to die to a self life and live anew a life found in Christ. It takes God's grace to die and God's grace to live in Christ.
As long as we nourish and nurture our flesh, our thinking will become more and more corrupted. We will misunderstand God's grace by thinking we are an exception to the rule, sin is something other than what Scripture calls it and God's love will excuse our failings and flaws - after all we were born this way or our families passed along bad traits and rotten history.
Grace is extended to Noah who obeyed in building a ark when it never rained before, yet he found favor in God's eyes (Genesis 6:8). To a Jewish orphan woman, although a queen, touches the king scepter, after finding favor in the king's eyes (Esther 5:2).
For you see, true grace is not just experiencing God's very heart when we are in need, but grace is when we move the heart of God toward us. Sinning against Him only will oppose His grace never increase it.
How is that God's grace could be so misunderstood?
There is a corrupt misunderstanding among some believers who find themselves in willful sin and because nothing happens as a result of sinning, it must be God's grace. No, beloved, that is God's mercy while acting foolishly and carelessly. Remember God is not mocked, what a man or woman sows, so will they reap (Galatians 6:7).
The world understands grace much like a debt to be repaid. There is a short period to pay without fees and interest commonly called a grace period. But such grace is conditioned that you pay in part or full. How sad that even in relationships this happens when demands are made to change or be someone other than what the person can be - human grace like a thin thread - wears even thinner still.
Did you notice a common theme starting in Romans 5:21 through 6:11? The words "death" or "dead" appears at least once in each verse.
Beloved, to understand and appreciate God's grace is to know how to die to a self life and live anew a life found in Christ. It takes God's grace to die and God's grace to live in Christ.
As long as we nourish and nurture our flesh, our thinking will become more and more corrupted. We will misunderstand God's grace by thinking we are an exception to the rule, sin is something other than what Scripture calls it and God's love will excuse our failings and flaws - after all we were born this way or our families passed along bad traits and rotten history.
Grace is extended to Noah who obeyed in building a ark when it never rained before, yet he found favor in God's eyes (Genesis 6:8). To a Jewish orphan woman, although a queen, touches the king scepter, after finding favor in the king's eyes (Esther 5:2).
For you see, true grace is not just experiencing God's very heart when we are in need, but grace is when we move the heart of God toward us. Sinning against Him only will oppose His grace never increase it.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Through The Fire
Joshua was a High Priest at the time Israel was returning from captivity. In Zechariah 3 we read of a vision where the High Priest stands before God as Satan attempts to resist him. God in turn rebukes the devil (verse 3) and then orders an angel to remove the filthy clothing from Joshua and put on new raiment (verse 4).
There is a lot to be learned from this passage but I want to suggest that by God removing the filthy garments speaks much about the transforming power of the Lord to make us something other than we see ourselves. God who does not change is at work to change us which frustrates the devil at every turn. I believe putting on the robe of righteousness is a form of rebuke to the Devil.
For everything the world, our families, the Enemy or even ourselves said about our lives as being stained, broken beyond measure, or ruined - God has something to say that silences these voices.
God says, "Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" The brand or branch was a burnt (or burning) stick that at least from the surface may seem charred but is still very intact and green. For Joshua and the nation of Israel the fire was 70 years of captivity. Even returning to their homeland proved challenging as there was opposition to rebuilding the broken down walls, burnt gates and ruined temple.
How many fires has God rescued us? Fires that could have destroyed our lives, homes and relationships? And how many fires did God set ablaze to bring our foolish to an end? Think about David who return from a raiding party to find Ziglag smoldering after his wives, children and those of his men were taken when it was raided. Ziklag was a city outside the border of the Promise Land where David fled to escape King Saul. There he found some false comfort and security in the enemy's camp. I believe God had to destroy Ziklag so David could return home. The next city he would live in would be Hebron where he was crowned king after Saul died in battle. David went through the fire and he was purged, ready to serve as a priest like king over a nation.
Beloved, whatever the source of the fire - be it the Lord consuming our fleshly works or the devil trying to torch the good things in our lives - we have this promise in the Scripture in the Word to rest on. Take it to pray today and trust God will see you through the heat and the flames as the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2, NLT).
There is a lot to be learned from this passage but I want to suggest that by God removing the filthy garments speaks much about the transforming power of the Lord to make us something other than we see ourselves. God who does not change is at work to change us which frustrates the devil at every turn. I believe putting on the robe of righteousness is a form of rebuke to the Devil.
For everything the world, our families, the Enemy or even ourselves said about our lives as being stained, broken beyond measure, or ruined - God has something to say that silences these voices.
God says, "Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" The brand or branch was a burnt (or burning) stick that at least from the surface may seem charred but is still very intact and green. For Joshua and the nation of Israel the fire was 70 years of captivity. Even returning to their homeland proved challenging as there was opposition to rebuilding the broken down walls, burnt gates and ruined temple.
How many fires has God rescued us? Fires that could have destroyed our lives, homes and relationships? And how many fires did God set ablaze to bring our foolish to an end? Think about David who return from a raiding party to find Ziglag smoldering after his wives, children and those of his men were taken when it was raided. Ziklag was a city outside the border of the Promise Land where David fled to escape King Saul. There he found some false comfort and security in the enemy's camp. I believe God had to destroy Ziklag so David could return home. The next city he would live in would be Hebron where he was crowned king after Saul died in battle. David went through the fire and he was purged, ready to serve as a priest like king over a nation.
Beloved, whatever the source of the fire - be it the Lord consuming our fleshly works or the devil trying to torch the good things in our lives - we have this promise in the Scripture in the Word to rest on. Take it to pray today and trust God will see you through the heat and the flames as the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2, NLT).
Monday, October 14, 2013
Place Your Foot On The Enemy's Neck
Psalms 149:8 tells us we have the honor of binding kings and their nobles with fetters. And we have honor of executing a written judgement on them.
For every lie that Enemy has tried to pound into our minds. For every fear he has tormented us to make us fear everything but God. For every anxious thought he assailed us in the midnight hour robbing our rest and peace. For every illness he afflicted us causing our bodies to be diminished of strength. We have the authority and power through Jesus name to execute a sentence on him.
How is this possible? Because Christ has already defeated him on the cross with the words, "It is finished."
One of the best illustrations of executing judgment on the Enemy is found in Joshua chapter 10. After the defeat of 5 kings that took refuge in a cave, Joshua order a stone to be rolled over it to seal them inside. Remember death is an enemy that Christ conquered when He arose from the tomb. He rolled the stone away with resurrection power!
And what did Joshua do when he returned from a victorious battle - he had the stone rolled away - and the kings brought out. So God will do to your enemies. The enemies that taunted you, held your hopes hostage, threaten to devour your finances, take your home and spill over your borders. Joshua says, "...Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them." (Joshua 10:25).
Beloved, put your foot down on the ground, even as I write this and declare the promise of God's victory. Sickness must bow to the name of Jesus. Death must give way to life! Poverty must be swallowed up by His abundance! Where there is shame and sorrow, gladness will over take you! These kings must bow to the one and only sovereign King of Kings.
Remember earlier the promise God gave to Joshua and all Israel and us today. Where ever the soles of your feet touch, you will possess the land and the giants in the land. And so beloved, having done all, stand on the necks of your enemies. When you do so, they can not move, twist or turn. Satan is a snake, crush the head and you kill the serpent. The devil is all talk - no arms or legs - a defeated foe. Stand on God's Word and your enemies will never rise again!
For every lie that Enemy has tried to pound into our minds. For every fear he has tormented us to make us fear everything but God. For every anxious thought he assailed us in the midnight hour robbing our rest and peace. For every illness he afflicted us causing our bodies to be diminished of strength. We have the authority and power through Jesus name to execute a sentence on him.
How is this possible? Because Christ has already defeated him on the cross with the words, "It is finished."
One of the best illustrations of executing judgment on the Enemy is found in Joshua chapter 10. After the defeat of 5 kings that took refuge in a cave, Joshua order a stone to be rolled over it to seal them inside. Remember death is an enemy that Christ conquered when He arose from the tomb. He rolled the stone away with resurrection power!
And what did Joshua do when he returned from a victorious battle - he had the stone rolled away - and the kings brought out. So God will do to your enemies. The enemies that taunted you, held your hopes hostage, threaten to devour your finances, take your home and spill over your borders. Joshua says, "...Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them." (Joshua 10:25).
Beloved, put your foot down on the ground, even as I write this and declare the promise of God's victory. Sickness must bow to the name of Jesus. Death must give way to life! Poverty must be swallowed up by His abundance! Where there is shame and sorrow, gladness will over take you! These kings must bow to the one and only sovereign King of Kings.
Remember earlier the promise God gave to Joshua and all Israel and us today. Where ever the soles of your feet touch, you will possess the land and the giants in the land. And so beloved, having done all, stand on the necks of your enemies. When you do so, they can not move, twist or turn. Satan is a snake, crush the head and you kill the serpent. The devil is all talk - no arms or legs - a defeated foe. Stand on God's Word and your enemies will never rise again!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Trials That Prove Our Faith
We live in a country that largely preaches a gospel of wealth and ease. But God never promised a rose petal strewn path.
Yes, there will be joy in the journey but there will be seasons when it's dark and troubling. At times we will experience pain, sorrow and grief that we may not fully understand until we see Jesus face to face. True, some of the pain we caused through is a result of our own foolishness. And suffering may come at the hands of those we love or those who hate the gospel of Christ.
As I write this there are suffering saints all over the world in secret places. They are far from the media's eye while standing on trial for their faith. Even now, some are saying His name for the last time.
By no means is this to minimize the difficulty some face in hostile workplaces where you suffer persecution because you stand for Christ. Nor is it to say the suffering some family members inflict isn't real because you chose to live a godly life. There are some Christian young people in school that suffer terrible ridicule because they refuse to join their peers in doing ungodly activities.
Peter encourages the persecuted church by writing, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (I Peter 1:6-7 NIV).
And it doesn't have to be persecution that makes a trial - it can be our health, our marriage or even our times of devotion of Christ - anything can be a trial. The original Greek word denotes a trial can also mean temptation. In what ever form it takes God's desired end is that our faith is proven - tried and tested - to produce great, lasting value than that of gold.
Every trial and testing that increases our faith, increases our trust in a Mighty God who is sovereign. He is in control. And may we be comforted that He is after all, the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25, Psalms 94:1-2) so righteousness will prevail.
Yes, there will be joy in the journey but there will be seasons when it's dark and troubling. At times we will experience pain, sorrow and grief that we may not fully understand until we see Jesus face to face. True, some of the pain we caused through is a result of our own foolishness. And suffering may come at the hands of those we love or those who hate the gospel of Christ.
As I write this there are suffering saints all over the world in secret places. They are far from the media's eye while standing on trial for their faith. Even now, some are saying His name for the last time.
By no means is this to minimize the difficulty some face in hostile workplaces where you suffer persecution because you stand for Christ. Nor is it to say the suffering some family members inflict isn't real because you chose to live a godly life. There are some Christian young people in school that suffer terrible ridicule because they refuse to join their peers in doing ungodly activities.
Peter encourages the persecuted church by writing, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (I Peter 1:6-7 NIV).
And it doesn't have to be persecution that makes a trial - it can be our health, our marriage or even our times of devotion of Christ - anything can be a trial. The original Greek word denotes a trial can also mean temptation. In what ever form it takes God's desired end is that our faith is proven - tried and tested - to produce great, lasting value than that of gold.
Every trial and testing that increases our faith, increases our trust in a Mighty God who is sovereign. He is in control. And may we be comforted that He is after all, the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25, Psalms 94:1-2) so righteousness will prevail.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
When Darkness Falls
Today the weather was picture perfect. The warmth of the autumn sun sparkled across lakes and splashed on to the highway. The glare of the sun on the windshield warmed the car. My wife and I travel to a small town in upstate New York. On the way home, we stopped at a park nearby to take some photos.
For a few minutes I sat on the ground leaning up against a tree. Fallen leaves carpeted the ground in an array of browns, golds and deep reds. I turned around to see darkness setting in the nearby woods. A warm breeze stirred the trees to life causing dying leaves to break free from their limbs. I turned back to the open field and to the sunlight still beaming from an open heaven.
David said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (KJV Psalms 23:4).
How many shadows will cross our paths in our walk with Christ? The shadows happen when the Enemy tries to block the light leaving you shivering and fearful. It could be a doctor's report. The pink slip the boss hands to you. The sudden miscarriage that leaves you reeling. And what about the night? Some are afraid of resting and not waking up. Memories and nightmares sit on the edge of your bed waiting for you to close your eyes.
If you are afraid of the night or shadows that threaten to over take you. Or when the clouds turn gray and angry with an encroaching storm, beloved here is a promise for us to hold on to in those terrifying moments.
It says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalms 27:1, NIV).
In those moments, pray and ask the Lord to light up the place - watch and He will. No need to look under the bed for lurking monsters. The Father of Light whom there is no shifting shadows (James 1:17) will watch over you as you pass through the valley or sleep through the night.
For a few minutes I sat on the ground leaning up against a tree. Fallen leaves carpeted the ground in an array of browns, golds and deep reds. I turned around to see darkness setting in the nearby woods. A warm breeze stirred the trees to life causing dying leaves to break free from their limbs. I turned back to the open field and to the sunlight still beaming from an open heaven.
David said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (KJV Psalms 23:4).
How many shadows will cross our paths in our walk with Christ? The shadows happen when the Enemy tries to block the light leaving you shivering and fearful. It could be a doctor's report. The pink slip the boss hands to you. The sudden miscarriage that leaves you reeling. And what about the night? Some are afraid of resting and not waking up. Memories and nightmares sit on the edge of your bed waiting for you to close your eyes.
If you are afraid of the night or shadows that threaten to over take you. Or when the clouds turn gray and angry with an encroaching storm, beloved here is a promise for us to hold on to in those terrifying moments.
It says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalms 27:1, NIV).
In those moments, pray and ask the Lord to light up the place - watch and He will. No need to look under the bed for lurking monsters. The Father of Light whom there is no shifting shadows (James 1:17) will watch over you as you pass through the valley or sleep through the night.
Friday, October 11, 2013
An Aroma of Life
They say attitudes can stink or smell like a rose. And it has been said that attitude determines your altitude - that is to say how high or low you might feel or behave is in direct correlation to your attitude.
Wikipedia states, "Attitude is also measurable and changeable as well as influencing the person's emotion and behavior."
So having a Christ like attitude is very important in our relationships with others in the body of Christ because our attitudes matter. How many of us want to be around someone who grumbles and moans about every difficulty, ache and pain? Who wants to be near someone who crosses their arms in a defensive manner while giving off an attitude that smells like a skunk?
Most often an attitude is formed by our quick evaluations and judgments of people, places, things or events. Too often we draw a hasty conclusion without all the facts or misunderstanding the information presented. Attitudes can be a barrier to learning and understanding especially when we are confronted with the truth in God's word.
Philippians 2:5 reads in the New Living Translation, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." The word for attitude (some versions use mindset) is very interesting. The Greek word phronéō means to have understanding or to think. It's meaning is derived from phrḗn, which is "the midriff or diaphragm; the parts around the heart" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
In other words, when God points out a bad attitude, He's dealing with our hearts in those areas where we have formed wrong judgments and faulty conclusions about people or experiences which may not be true.
For me a bad attitude means a sour disposition. I can become embittered and frustrated. All the while I'll put on the best face but underneath I'm simmering with bitterness and rage. I certainly don't have the mind of Christ in that moment. Not having His mind makes the difference in how I respond or behave.
Beloved, when you struggle with a bad attitude be honest with God about it. Don't dismiss it or shove it down in your heart but rather take a moment to say, "God, I got a bad attitude. Please help me, I can't change it without your help." God is not going to shame us in our ugliness but wants to address the root issue behind some of these deeply entrenched attitudes. After all, He is conforming us to His image and to His mind.
It's time to put on His attitude which means blessing others who may have mistreated or misunderstood us. And with His attitude, we'll smell better, too!
Wikipedia states, "Attitude is also measurable and changeable as well as influencing the person's emotion and behavior."
So having a Christ like attitude is very important in our relationships with others in the body of Christ because our attitudes matter. How many of us want to be around someone who grumbles and moans about every difficulty, ache and pain? Who wants to be near someone who crosses their arms in a defensive manner while giving off an attitude that smells like a skunk?
Most often an attitude is formed by our quick evaluations and judgments of people, places, things or events. Too often we draw a hasty conclusion without all the facts or misunderstanding the information presented. Attitudes can be a barrier to learning and understanding especially when we are confronted with the truth in God's word.
Philippians 2:5 reads in the New Living Translation, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." The word for attitude (some versions use mindset) is very interesting. The Greek word phronéō means to have understanding or to think. It's meaning is derived from phrḗn, which is "the midriff or diaphragm; the parts around the heart" (Bible Hub by Biblos).
In other words, when God points out a bad attitude, He's dealing with our hearts in those areas where we have formed wrong judgments and faulty conclusions about people or experiences which may not be true.
For me a bad attitude means a sour disposition. I can become embittered and frustrated. All the while I'll put on the best face but underneath I'm simmering with bitterness and rage. I certainly don't have the mind of Christ in that moment. Not having His mind makes the difference in how I respond or behave.
Beloved, when you struggle with a bad attitude be honest with God about it. Don't dismiss it or shove it down in your heart but rather take a moment to say, "God, I got a bad attitude. Please help me, I can't change it without your help." God is not going to shame us in our ugliness but wants to address the root issue behind some of these deeply entrenched attitudes. After all, He is conforming us to His image and to His mind.
It's time to put on His attitude which means blessing others who may have mistreated or misunderstood us. And with His attitude, we'll smell better, too!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Law of Liberty
It seems like a contradiction of terms - law of liberty? James 1:25 says, "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do."
The Law is in reference to the first 5 books of the Old Testament that make up what is called the Pentateuch. The Lord is the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). So one could say that looking into the Law one finds Christ. Indeed through out the Old Testament you will find types and shadows, as it is called, of Christ.
But what do you see when you gaze into the mirror of the law? Do you see a reflection of your sin, shame, weakness and failure? Do you see a tired, worn out man or woman laboring and sweating to do good in the eyes of God? In Romans chapter 7 the Apostle Paul describes the effect of the law bringing about a deeper realization of sin and the appreciation of Christ our Redeemer, the fulfillment of the law.
The fallen nature will always contest rules, constrictions or limitations. Sadly, our culture pushes back on being told how and when to do things especially if it agrees with Scripture. And it's not even the world that reacts badly but those in the church. We live in an age of grace! Don't judge me. Who are you to tell me how to live my life!
But as James writes it's not the gazers but the doers of the Word that are blessed. And here we find our liberty in serving others - being a reflection of Christ and His Law (the Word of God) that governs our lives - our conduct, speech and thoughts.
What do you think others will see in us?
The most freest individual who has learned to trust God's point of view of what they look like in His eyes - not what they see in the mirror alone. Yes, what liberty is found in being bound to God's Word and serving Him!
The Law is in reference to the first 5 books of the Old Testament that make up what is called the Pentateuch. The Lord is the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). So one could say that looking into the Law one finds Christ. Indeed through out the Old Testament you will find types and shadows, as it is called, of Christ.
But what do you see when you gaze into the mirror of the law? Do you see a reflection of your sin, shame, weakness and failure? Do you see a tired, worn out man or woman laboring and sweating to do good in the eyes of God? In Romans chapter 7 the Apostle Paul describes the effect of the law bringing about a deeper realization of sin and the appreciation of Christ our Redeemer, the fulfillment of the law.
The fallen nature will always contest rules, constrictions or limitations. Sadly, our culture pushes back on being told how and when to do things especially if it agrees with Scripture. And it's not even the world that reacts badly but those in the church. We live in an age of grace! Don't judge me. Who are you to tell me how to live my life!
But as James writes it's not the gazers but the doers of the Word that are blessed. And here we find our liberty in serving others - being a reflection of Christ and His Law (the Word of God) that governs our lives - our conduct, speech and thoughts.
What do you think others will see in us?
The most freest individual who has learned to trust God's point of view of what they look like in His eyes - not what they see in the mirror alone. Yes, what liberty is found in being bound to God's Word and serving Him!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
A Simple Prayer
Prayer does not need to be lengthy or poetic. It can be a simple, "Help me, Lord." A sincere heart that calls out to God is a cry heard on high.
It's the person who refuses to play fast and loose with sin. They repent quickly and seek His washing. They love Him too much to grieve His heart. Even when failing, they hold to His promise that He will deliver them.
The person who prays simple prayers is one that has come to an end of spiritual parading - making a loud show but having no substance - no, this person has learned less words are best. Religious catch phrases will not work. Pulling Scriptures out of context will not do. This is a lover of God's truth. So simple prayers are truthful, not sugar coated.
God hears the groans and sighs of the heart where words fail to express. Ecclesiates 5:2 says, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
We are a nation of talk - talk shows, radio programs, music - we can't be still and say less. But in prayer few words whispered in the prayer closet say a lot about our heart.
Some might say, my problem is not talking too much but not talking at all to Jesus! What do I say to Him? Beloved, even if it's a matter of stumbling about with a few words, we can all agree that prayer is simply saying to Jesus, "I love you." Say it over and over again and the Spirit of God will respond to you.
I can't tell you how many times I had so much to say and ask Him, but stopped and simply whispered, "I love you, Jesus." In moments the anxiety and fear left. His sweet Presence flooded the room. You could almost hear Him say, "I love you, too."
Back and forth and over and over we echo the words, "I love you." This would be repeated until there was nothing more to say except stop and think about Him. Yes, think about Him and then you will find the words flowing out of your lips when you describe Him from your heart to His heart.
It's the person who refuses to play fast and loose with sin. They repent quickly and seek His washing. They love Him too much to grieve His heart. Even when failing, they hold to His promise that He will deliver them.
The person who prays simple prayers is one that has come to an end of spiritual parading - making a loud show but having no substance - no, this person has learned less words are best. Religious catch phrases will not work. Pulling Scriptures out of context will not do. This is a lover of God's truth. So simple prayers are truthful, not sugar coated.
God hears the groans and sighs of the heart where words fail to express. Ecclesiates 5:2 says, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
We are a nation of talk - talk shows, radio programs, music - we can't be still and say less. But in prayer few words whispered in the prayer closet say a lot about our heart.
Some might say, my problem is not talking too much but not talking at all to Jesus! What do I say to Him? Beloved, even if it's a matter of stumbling about with a few words, we can all agree that prayer is simply saying to Jesus, "I love you." Say it over and over again and the Spirit of God will respond to you.
I can't tell you how many times I had so much to say and ask Him, but stopped and simply whispered, "I love you, Jesus." In moments the anxiety and fear left. His sweet Presence flooded the room. You could almost hear Him say, "I love you, too."
Back and forth and over and over we echo the words, "I love you." This would be repeated until there was nothing more to say except stop and think about Him. Yes, think about Him and then you will find the words flowing out of your lips when you describe Him from your heart to His heart.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Hope For the Sinking
As I write this I think of the many people around the world who may read this blog. I have traveled to some of these countries. Interestingly, the cry for hope is the same regardless to culture, race or language.
God offers hope to a dying world. He hears the cries of those who desire Him. He will stop at nothing to make Himself known to them. And to the believer who may be sinking under the weight of burdens too heavy to bear, He holds out hope as a sure foundation that supports us.
We are not a people given over to despair but strengthen by His hope that will produce eternal results. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT).
As I write I was stirred to share a word of hope to a man in Russia. I don't know who you are but for some reason the Lord has put you on my heart.
After a long, hard day at work, you come home. You slump down in a chair to catch your breath. Your eyes glance about the aging walls lined with a few photos - happy days long gone by. Your wife appears around the corner. She is the pride and joy of your life. You can't but help to notice her smile has faded and a shadow quickly passes over her eyes. Something is wrong. She tells you a lump has been detected. Suddenly you feel the weight of the world resting on your shoulders, sinking you lower into the chair.
But God who walks through walls comes to visit you with fresh hope. He is ever present and will help you. God, we pray for healing and strength. Let Your hope quicken this dear couple!
Beloved, we must encourage each other with words of hope. Words that remind us Christ is coming back. Words that recall His faithfulness to deliver us. Words that make us rejoice that we are children of light and our God is a wonderful, glorious Father who holds out His hands to bless us.
Scripture is the substance of hope that instills in us confidence God is in control. Fear must bow to Him and despair must give way to His assurance - the God of hope is for us!
God offers hope to a dying world. He hears the cries of those who desire Him. He will stop at nothing to make Himself known to them. And to the believer who may be sinking under the weight of burdens too heavy to bear, He holds out hope as a sure foundation that supports us.
We are not a people given over to despair but strengthen by His hope that will produce eternal results. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT).
As I write I was stirred to share a word of hope to a man in Russia. I don't know who you are but for some reason the Lord has put you on my heart.
After a long, hard day at work, you come home. You slump down in a chair to catch your breath. Your eyes glance about the aging walls lined with a few photos - happy days long gone by. Your wife appears around the corner. She is the pride and joy of your life. You can't but help to notice her smile has faded and a shadow quickly passes over her eyes. Something is wrong. She tells you a lump has been detected. Suddenly you feel the weight of the world resting on your shoulders, sinking you lower into the chair.
But God who walks through walls comes to visit you with fresh hope. He is ever present and will help you. God, we pray for healing and strength. Let Your hope quicken this dear couple!
Beloved, we must encourage each other with words of hope. Words that remind us Christ is coming back. Words that recall His faithfulness to deliver us. Words that make us rejoice that we are children of light and our God is a wonderful, glorious Father who holds out His hands to bless us.
Scripture is the substance of hope that instills in us confidence God is in control. Fear must bow to Him and despair must give way to His assurance - the God of hope is for us!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Taking Every Thought Captive
One of the most powerful Scriptures to winning the battle in our minds is 2 Corinthians 10:5. It says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (KJV).
The Greek word for imagination is argument. An argument is simply our way of reasoning. No, I don't believe in a mindless Christianity where we divorce our mind from engaging in spiritual things. In fact, we are to love the Lord with all our mind, heart and soul.
The reasoning defined in this passage is the weight we put on what we think is reasonable. We get ourselves in trouble because God doesn't think like us. His thoughts and ways are higher. And His thoughts are true and pure without any dark, devilish intent that so often our human nature finds itself entangled in what is called earthly wisdom.
It's not just the wicked, lustful or corrupted thoughts that are to be cast down, but even thoughts that are good, noble and exalted. For you see the sanctified mind, the mind of Christ, which we possess, will always have God directed thoughts. Thoughts that mediate on Godly things will lead us to worship Him (Philippians 4:8). Natural reasoning is often humanistic and the focus on self leads to idolatry.
Not only are we to cast down imaginations, but we are to subjugate them or bring them under the authority of God's Word. We lead our thoughts rather than it leading us. Many of us can recall how we lived by our darken imagination and fulfilled some of those fleshly thoughts. And we can attest, those very thoughts became a hook that lead us deeper into bondage and captivity. While the roots of addiction are buried in the heart, the strength of it lies in the mind.
Why is it so important to take every thought captive?
Simply, what our minds feed on matters in how much we agree or argue with the Word of God. The more you read the Scriptures asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart and take away the dullness of human reasoning, He brings illumination where logic can only go so far to reach. Where logic fails, faith is challenged and matured.
A darkened mind will only argue with the Word of God. It will only use reason to limit why something can or can't be done when God says all things are possible to those that believe.
When we take every thought captive and nourish our minds with the Word of God we will soon find our minds captivated by the splendor and majesty of God! We can't help but think about Him. So taking captive every thought becomes easier because the focus is not on the rounding up a bunch of corrupted thoughts, but on a God who loves us. What He thinks about us matters the most and what we think about Him, matters to God.
The Greek word for imagination is argument. An argument is simply our way of reasoning. No, I don't believe in a mindless Christianity where we divorce our mind from engaging in spiritual things. In fact, we are to love the Lord with all our mind, heart and soul.
The reasoning defined in this passage is the weight we put on what we think is reasonable. We get ourselves in trouble because God doesn't think like us. His thoughts and ways are higher. And His thoughts are true and pure without any dark, devilish intent that so often our human nature finds itself entangled in what is called earthly wisdom.
It's not just the wicked, lustful or corrupted thoughts that are to be cast down, but even thoughts that are good, noble and exalted. For you see the sanctified mind, the mind of Christ, which we possess, will always have God directed thoughts. Thoughts that mediate on Godly things will lead us to worship Him (Philippians 4:8). Natural reasoning is often humanistic and the focus on self leads to idolatry.
Not only are we to cast down imaginations, but we are to subjugate them or bring them under the authority of God's Word. We lead our thoughts rather than it leading us. Many of us can recall how we lived by our darken imagination and fulfilled some of those fleshly thoughts. And we can attest, those very thoughts became a hook that lead us deeper into bondage and captivity. While the roots of addiction are buried in the heart, the strength of it lies in the mind.
Why is it so important to take every thought captive?
Simply, what our minds feed on matters in how much we agree or argue with the Word of God. The more you read the Scriptures asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart and take away the dullness of human reasoning, He brings illumination where logic can only go so far to reach. Where logic fails, faith is challenged and matured.
A darkened mind will only argue with the Word of God. It will only use reason to limit why something can or can't be done when God says all things are possible to those that believe.
When we take every thought captive and nourish our minds with the Word of God we will soon find our minds captivated by the splendor and majesty of God! We can't help but think about Him. So taking captive every thought becomes easier because the focus is not on the rounding up a bunch of corrupted thoughts, but on a God who loves us. What He thinks about us matters the most and what we think about Him, matters to God.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Start Again
One of the most wonderful things about the life of a Christian is that we can start again. Sure, we may not be able to roll back the years of missed opportunities. We may not have a second chance in the eyes of some we hurt. But with God each day is a new day to start again...to walk afresh and draw near to Him.
We don't have to live in the shadows of regret and despair. And we don't have live looking in the rear view mirror of life thinking that somehow what was behind us was really worth living for when in fact, many of us were dying when Christ rescued us from such darkness.
The Lord speaking through prophet Isaiah says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19). This a foretelling of God's people being delivered from Babylonian captivity.
Right now you may be ensnared by an old sinful habit. You may have fallen down. Or you may have drifted from the Lord because of the pressures of life demand so much strength that you no longer pray or read the Bible. But God says to you and me that He makes a new thing, but can we see it?
Beloved, let me encourage you to look away from your defeat and failure. Even if you have made terrible choices and find yourselves overcome by the consequences. Remember God still extends fresh mercy and grace! There is hope for the believer that we will not go under, be overcome by the weight of our foolishness or drown in a sea of regret.
Here's a precious promise for us to anchor our hearts. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them. Psalms 126:2 (NIV).
God has and is doing wonderful things for us. Let's start again...by praising and thanking Him for those things both seen and unseen that He is at work in our lives.
We don't have to live in the shadows of regret and despair. And we don't have live looking in the rear view mirror of life thinking that somehow what was behind us was really worth living for when in fact, many of us were dying when Christ rescued us from such darkness.
The Lord speaking through prophet Isaiah says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19). This a foretelling of God's people being delivered from Babylonian captivity.
Right now you may be ensnared by an old sinful habit. You may have fallen down. Or you may have drifted from the Lord because of the pressures of life demand so much strength that you no longer pray or read the Bible. But God says to you and me that He makes a new thing, but can we see it?
Beloved, let me encourage you to look away from your defeat and failure. Even if you have made terrible choices and find yourselves overcome by the consequences. Remember God still extends fresh mercy and grace! There is hope for the believer that we will not go under, be overcome by the weight of our foolishness or drown in a sea of regret.
Here's a precious promise for us to anchor our hearts. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them. Psalms 126:2 (NIV).
God has and is doing wonderful things for us. Let's start again...by praising and thanking Him for those things both seen and unseen that He is at work in our lives.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
To Love Him More
We are familiar with David being a man after God's heart. The question is does God have our heart?
A young rich ruler asked Jesus, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (Matthew 19:20, NKJV). What could he lack having great wealth, status and social standing?
The Lord's response shocked the young man. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (verse 21).
Some might argue that is what happens when you surrender to Christ. You have to give up the good things in life. Sell the car. Put the house on the market. Take a low paying job. But the Lord's message was much deeper than material goods. He was touching the very heart of this man. His identity was wrapped around what he owned and in the end, it owned his heart.
All God wants is our hearts. When we yield to Him out of love than duty and obligation, surrender is sweet. You can't help but give Him everything because Jesus gave His very life for us. When you love someone, giving away something that is an extension of your heart, is easy.
Beloved, let it be our pray to love Him more and more. We have nothing to fear in surrendering our hearts to Him. He is gentle and kind. His grace will help us to open our hands so He can take the thing we can't seem to let it go. But we know it's a distraction and for some, it will destroy your life if not released.
It's time to say goodbye and follow wholly after Him. The young ruler could not hear the last words of Jesus. You will have treasure in heaven. It will be worth it all in the end to love Him more and love our lives less.
A young rich ruler asked Jesus, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (Matthew 19:20, NKJV). What could he lack having great wealth, status and social standing?
The Lord's response shocked the young man. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (verse 21).
Some might argue that is what happens when you surrender to Christ. You have to give up the good things in life. Sell the car. Put the house on the market. Take a low paying job. But the Lord's message was much deeper than material goods. He was touching the very heart of this man. His identity was wrapped around what he owned and in the end, it owned his heart.
All God wants is our hearts. When we yield to Him out of love than duty and obligation, surrender is sweet. You can't help but give Him everything because Jesus gave His very life for us. When you love someone, giving away something that is an extension of your heart, is easy.
Beloved, let it be our pray to love Him more and more. We have nothing to fear in surrendering our hearts to Him. He is gentle and kind. His grace will help us to open our hands so He can take the thing we can't seem to let it go. But we know it's a distraction and for some, it will destroy your life if not released.
It's time to say goodbye and follow wholly after Him. The young ruler could not hear the last words of Jesus. You will have treasure in heaven. It will be worth it all in the end to love Him more and love our lives less.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Crumbs of Guidance
All of us need guidance. We want direction and purpose when making major decisions. Is he or she the right person to marry? Should I buy this or that house? Do I take this job offer or refuse it while waiting for another opportunity?
When it comes to spiritual guidance why do we think we have it figured out?
Somehow our rational minds will respond before God is able to direct our footsteps. We seem to know what is best because we selectively read Scriptures that answer what our heart's desires. In the end, we find ourselves leaning on our own understanding and often fall flat on our faces when things go from bad to worse. Or we make a decision that seems right, feels right and everything goes as planned but somehow we can't shake the sense that God has long left the room.
We read in Joshua chapter 9 of the Gibeonites, the enemy in the Promise Land, who disguised themselves with old clothing and moldy bread. They sought to make a peace treaty with Israel which should have been a red flag (verse 7). It says in verse 14, "14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath." (NIV).
We will always get ourselves in trouble when we rely on our senses - taste, touch, scent, and sight - to form a reasonable conclusion on a matter. Guidance from the Lord requires us to consult Him in prayer. Wait for Him to respond. Ask Him for help to silence the voices of the flesh, the world and the Enemy so we can hear and discern clearly.
Perhaps we don't seek God's guidance because we are afraid to hear what He has been saying to us for a very long time. And that is what makes guidance so difficult. We like to take surveys, polls, gather facts and opinions before making a decision (and rightly so in some matters) but when God gives us guidance, it's not a suggestion - it's a command. In other words, we want His guidance with an option to obey.
Joshua and Israelites later learn the Gibeonites was their enemy that held five royal cities - all of which Israel was told to take possession but having made a treaty they were duty bound to honor it. God's guidance prevents what we can not see in the present moment and so protects us from the Enemy stealing the precious and sweet things in our lives.
Remember Jesus is the true Bread of Life - if you are hungry for guidance - He will not deceive us but tell us the truth. He never gives crumbs of guidance, but gives Himself to us. His guidance will always nourish us and lead us into greater freedom and strength.
When it comes to spiritual guidance why do we think we have it figured out?
Somehow our rational minds will respond before God is able to direct our footsteps. We seem to know what is best because we selectively read Scriptures that answer what our heart's desires. In the end, we find ourselves leaning on our own understanding and often fall flat on our faces when things go from bad to worse. Or we make a decision that seems right, feels right and everything goes as planned but somehow we can't shake the sense that God has long left the room.
We read in Joshua chapter 9 of the Gibeonites, the enemy in the Promise Land, who disguised themselves with old clothing and moldy bread. They sought to make a peace treaty with Israel which should have been a red flag (verse 7). It says in verse 14, "14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath." (NIV).
We will always get ourselves in trouble when we rely on our senses - taste, touch, scent, and sight - to form a reasonable conclusion on a matter. Guidance from the Lord requires us to consult Him in prayer. Wait for Him to respond. Ask Him for help to silence the voices of the flesh, the world and the Enemy so we can hear and discern clearly.
Perhaps we don't seek God's guidance because we are afraid to hear what He has been saying to us for a very long time. And that is what makes guidance so difficult. We like to take surveys, polls, gather facts and opinions before making a decision (and rightly so in some matters) but when God gives us guidance, it's not a suggestion - it's a command. In other words, we want His guidance with an option to obey.
Joshua and Israelites later learn the Gibeonites was their enemy that held five royal cities - all of which Israel was told to take possession but having made a treaty they were duty bound to honor it. God's guidance prevents what we can not see in the present moment and so protects us from the Enemy stealing the precious and sweet things in our lives.
Remember Jesus is the true Bread of Life - if you are hungry for guidance - He will not deceive us but tell us the truth. He never gives crumbs of guidance, but gives Himself to us. His guidance will always nourish us and lead us into greater freedom and strength.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
This Present Reality
When Christ walked the earth, He saw both the natural, the heavenly and hell all in one moment. He knew who was behind the religious rulers filling them with hatred and rage. He saw the devilish power at work with those who were ill.
It says in Luke 13:10-12, "On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." (NIV).
Beloved, can we discern the forces at work in the lives around us? Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to our own hearts to be watchful and pray? Or do we see a man, for example, with a business suit and tie as being on the top of his game wheeling and dealing when he could actually be in a pit of depression or tormented by fear? Do our eyes see a smiling couple holding the hand of their child not realizing the pain and difficulty they went through to have a child?
No, we are not mind readers or second guessing people's hearts - only God knows the heart fully. And not every person is vexed by a devil, but sadly, many are troubled by demonic powers. Many are like the woman who was bent over for 18 years - bent over by fear, anxiety, doubts and burdens to heavy too carry.
Sisters and brothers we need to ask the Lord to open our eyes to His present reality. What does Jesus see that in the moment that really matters - past the talk, the busyness, beyond the skin and down to the very soul in need?
With a few words Jesus set the woman free. He didn't reason her illness away. He doesn't address the demonic power. He didn't accuse her of some sin. He simply called her forward and spoke freedom to a place in her heart hidden from view. A place long imprisoned by infirmity. Illness takes a toll on the mind, bending and twisting it into a mangled network of confused and fearful thoughts. You wake up in the morning with the disease first thing on your mind and wonder throughout the day is it my last day?
Then Jesus goes one step further. He places His hand on her and she immediately she straightened up. As I write this I hear the Lord speak to His people: Call out to Me in faith, believing I can touch the deepest places and bring healing - disease will go at the sound of My voice and My touch will set you free! And His reality will become our own.
It says in Luke 13:10-12, "On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." (NIV).
Beloved, can we discern the forces at work in the lives around us? Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to our own hearts to be watchful and pray? Or do we see a man, for example, with a business suit and tie as being on the top of his game wheeling and dealing when he could actually be in a pit of depression or tormented by fear? Do our eyes see a smiling couple holding the hand of their child not realizing the pain and difficulty they went through to have a child?
No, we are not mind readers or second guessing people's hearts - only God knows the heart fully. And not every person is vexed by a devil, but sadly, many are troubled by demonic powers. Many are like the woman who was bent over for 18 years - bent over by fear, anxiety, doubts and burdens to heavy too carry.
Sisters and brothers we need to ask the Lord to open our eyes to His present reality. What does Jesus see that in the moment that really matters - past the talk, the busyness, beyond the skin and down to the very soul in need?
With a few words Jesus set the woman free. He didn't reason her illness away. He doesn't address the demonic power. He didn't accuse her of some sin. He simply called her forward and spoke freedom to a place in her heart hidden from view. A place long imprisoned by infirmity. Illness takes a toll on the mind, bending and twisting it into a mangled network of confused and fearful thoughts. You wake up in the morning with the disease first thing on your mind and wonder throughout the day is it my last day?
Then Jesus goes one step further. He places His hand on her and she immediately she straightened up. As I write this I hear the Lord speak to His people: Call out to Me in faith, believing I can touch the deepest places and bring healing - disease will go at the sound of My voice and My touch will set you free! And His reality will become our own.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
I Am Dark But Lovely
The Shulamite rejoices with the daughters of Jerusalem over the Beloved (I Song of Solomon 1:4). She gives her stamp of approval by saying at the end of verse 4, "Rightly do they love you."
Then she looks at herself and in response says, "I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem--dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon's tents."
Some speculate her race and origin but I want to suggest that her words were not so much about the color of skin, but her larger place with the daughters of Jerusalem. And most importantly, the smaller and more intimate place with the Beloved. This same Beloved was also a king who held a wider and powerful influence all over the known world. True, she may have felt like an outside because of her race or the color of her skin, but the longing of her heart was to belong.
We read that "sun has tanned" her so she was without shelter and shade from the heat of troubles and difficulties. The heat could come from her own refusal to take shade in those placed over her. She says her mother's sons (interestingly not her father's) were angry and regulated her to a menial and hard labor of taking care of a vineyard, but not her own.
She longed to know that all her wildness (as seen in the tents of Kedar - supposedly a nomadic tribe of Ishmael) that is her dreams and desires, including her history and experience all mattered to the Beloved.
Friends, in the eyes of God we are lovely but we often see ourselves as dark - darkened by shame, regrets, the stain of rejection and painful sorrows life brings.
But we have this promise in Ephesians 1:6, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (KJV).
We are loved by God. He cares about our desires and dreams for He has His own to share with us. And we are beautiful in His eyes though life may be hard and we at times fall short. Yes, we are lovely.
Then she looks at herself and in response says, "I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem--dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon's tents."
Some speculate her race and origin but I want to suggest that her words were not so much about the color of skin, but her larger place with the daughters of Jerusalem. And most importantly, the smaller and more intimate place with the Beloved. This same Beloved was also a king who held a wider and powerful influence all over the known world. True, she may have felt like an outside because of her race or the color of her skin, but the longing of her heart was to belong.
We read that "sun has tanned" her so she was without shelter and shade from the heat of troubles and difficulties. The heat could come from her own refusal to take shade in those placed over her. She says her mother's sons (interestingly not her father's) were angry and regulated her to a menial and hard labor of taking care of a vineyard, but not her own.
She longed to know that all her wildness (as seen in the tents of Kedar - supposedly a nomadic tribe of Ishmael) that is her dreams and desires, including her history and experience all mattered to the Beloved.
Friends, in the eyes of God we are lovely but we often see ourselves as dark - darkened by shame, regrets, the stain of rejection and painful sorrows life brings.
But we have this promise in Ephesians 1:6, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (KJV).
We are loved by God. He cares about our desires and dreams for He has His own to share with us. And we are beautiful in His eyes though life may be hard and we at times fall short. Yes, we are lovely.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Cords of Refreshment
What images come to mind when we think of refreshment? Do you envision a cool drink on a warm summer day? Or that long awaited vacation on a tropical island?
The Scripture doesn't define the kingdom of God in the natural terms of drinking or eating. Paul writes in Romans 4:17 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
When we seek our refreshment outside of God we will only become weary and discouraged. We are warned in Psalms 68:6 that the rebellious dwell in a dry land. A wilderness is arid, lacking water and doesn't provide shade from the heat. Such a land is similar to what the Israelites wander for 40 years when refusing to believe God could take them into the Promised Land.
True refreshment comes from waiting upon God. In fact, we are commanded to wait upon Him. The original meaning of wait in Hebrew means to bind by twisting. Before we can mount up like an eagle and soar, we must learn to be bound to Him.
There are two ways we are bound to God:
1. We bind ourselves to God’s word through patient enduring
2. We bind or twist ourselves together as body of believers - we share His word in fellowship, worship and communion.
Psalms 119:49-50 tells us God’s promises will quicken and refresh our bodies and spirits. When we pray we rehearse in His hearing the promises He spoke to us through His word. By doing so we are refreshed in His presence by remembering that He is a covenant keeping God who keeps His word.
God supplies us the grace to wait upon Him until He fulfills His promise (2 Corinthians 2:10). Anyone can wait but true waiting requires patience. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us not cast away our confidence but we have a need for endurance or as in the original meaning, remaining behind, and patient enduring.
Sometimes the height of our freedom to soar is determined by the limitations set by a God who has no bounds. When we are bound to Him, only then are we truly free and at rest.
We want to refresh others by being a people marked by patience rather than being a people who are agitated, stirred and impatient.
The Scripture doesn't define the kingdom of God in the natural terms of drinking or eating. Paul writes in Romans 4:17 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
When we seek our refreshment outside of God we will only become weary and discouraged. We are warned in Psalms 68:6 that the rebellious dwell in a dry land. A wilderness is arid, lacking water and doesn't provide shade from the heat. Such a land is similar to what the Israelites wander for 40 years when refusing to believe God could take them into the Promised Land.
True refreshment comes from waiting upon God. In fact, we are commanded to wait upon Him. The original meaning of wait in Hebrew means to bind by twisting. Before we can mount up like an eagle and soar, we must learn to be bound to Him.
There are two ways we are bound to God:
1. We bind ourselves to God’s word through patient enduring
2. We bind or twist ourselves together as body of believers - we share His word in fellowship, worship and communion.
Psalms 119:49-50 tells us God’s promises will quicken and refresh our bodies and spirits. When we pray we rehearse in His hearing the promises He spoke to us through His word. By doing so we are refreshed in His presence by remembering that He is a covenant keeping God who keeps His word.
God supplies us the grace to wait upon Him until He fulfills His promise (2 Corinthians 2:10). Anyone can wait but true waiting requires patience. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us not cast away our confidence but we have a need for endurance or as in the original meaning, remaining behind, and patient enduring.
Sometimes the height of our freedom to soar is determined by the limitations set by a God who has no bounds. When we are bound to Him, only then are we truly free and at rest.
We want to refresh others by being a people marked by patience rather than being a people who are agitated, stirred and impatient.
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