A miry pit is slimy and full of mud. Once you slide or fall into such a pit there is no traction to pull yourself out. It's like quick sand that pulls you under because the more you struggle the deeper you sink. I remember helping a pastor during the early stages of building a church. The area the foundation was laid was very muddy. My feet sunk deep into the inky, black soil until I was nearly knee deep. I had to have my brother help pull me out without burying my boots.
How quickly we find ourselves sinking deep in sin. We are quickly deceived to think that just a small sip or a short puff or quick hit is something we can manage. But it's never enough, is it? Before we know it we are are ankle deep then knee deep and soon enough we find ourselves up to our neck in crude, filthy mud. Ask the gambler who is still hoping to strike it big. The sex or drug addicted that promises themselves just one more time then they will stop and come clean.
It doesn't need to be sin that we find ourselves in a pit. Think of Daniel who found himself thrown into a lion's den because he refused to stop praying. Some may suffer from depression following a long illness. Others may have lost their job or a their marriage came to an end. Others are frustrated at the way their lives turned out. Hope seems diminished and dying seems better than just trying to get through another day. The ground suddenly opens from underneath their feet and a sink hole swallows them.
The Scriptures give us this hope from a man who had seen a few miry pits in his day. David writes in Psalms 40:2, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." (KJV).
Beloved, no matter how deep the pit you find yourselves, God desires to rescue you. To set your feet on a solid rock. Christ is that Rock. Not only will He help you out of the pit, but will help you walk away from it so you never have to find yourselves falling headlong into it.
Listen my friends the mud of the miry pit is that of regret. Once God delivers you, stay clear of regret even if consequences should follow the sins you committed that are now under His blood. His grace will help you. God's power will sustain you to walk toward Him and away from sink holes, pits and potholes. Remember His promise, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalms 119:105, NIV).
In closing, I'm reminded of the 1st stanza and chorus of Love Lifted Me by James Rowe published in 1912.
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A Golden Declaration
When we approach God in prayer we don't make rash vows and promises because in our own strength we will eventually fail. Often in times of testing and temptations we find ourselves doing the very thing we promised not to do. We find ourselves ensnared by our own words!
David's michtam which means in Hebrew "golden" makes a very strong statement in Psalms 16:4, Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips." (KJV).
This should be our golden declaration to have holy lips that exalt God alone. We must refuse to repeat (and watch for that matter) the latest TV show filled with violence or mocks God, retell a filthy joke or speak foolishly that leads to ungodly conversations. But as Paul writes, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6, KJV).
This is a holy resolve we need to ask God to give us. A resolve to live a holy life in a world that is corrupt and polluted. This includes our lips that refuse to speak what our culture gives its strength and adoration (a form of worship).
Beloved, the American culture is a culture of idolatry - it's music, film stars, radio and other media personalities and sadly even so called ministers who capitalize on a devilish health and wealth gospel. The prevailing influence of idolatry is more often expressed through communication. We must take heed to I Corinthians 10:14 warning, "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." (KJV).
Idolatry can be very subtle. I noticed in a recent men's gathering the number of men quoting other authors and speakers but few recalled the Scriptures. While these authors and speakers may have sound teaching and may model godly character there is a tendency in church communities to place weight on what others say rather than heed to the voice of God speaking to them directly from the Scripture. Sadly, we have lifted up our souls to another and our spiritual lives have become defined by the rise and fall of a Christian leader's voice or some minister we have exalted on a platform.
Brothers and sisters, let us resolve to extol the Lord. To praise Him with holy lips. To declare as Job, "My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." (Job 27:4, KJV).
David's michtam which means in Hebrew "golden" makes a very strong statement in Psalms 16:4, Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips." (KJV).
This should be our golden declaration to have holy lips that exalt God alone. We must refuse to repeat (and watch for that matter) the latest TV show filled with violence or mocks God, retell a filthy joke or speak foolishly that leads to ungodly conversations. But as Paul writes, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6, KJV).
This is a holy resolve we need to ask God to give us. A resolve to live a holy life in a world that is corrupt and polluted. This includes our lips that refuse to speak what our culture gives its strength and adoration (a form of worship).
Beloved, the American culture is a culture of idolatry - it's music, film stars, radio and other media personalities and sadly even so called ministers who capitalize on a devilish health and wealth gospel. The prevailing influence of idolatry is more often expressed through communication. We must take heed to I Corinthians 10:14 warning, "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." (KJV).
Idolatry can be very subtle. I noticed in a recent men's gathering the number of men quoting other authors and speakers but few recalled the Scriptures. While these authors and speakers may have sound teaching and may model godly character there is a tendency in church communities to place weight on what others say rather than heed to the voice of God speaking to them directly from the Scripture. Sadly, we have lifted up our souls to another and our spiritual lives have become defined by the rise and fall of a Christian leader's voice or some minister we have exalted on a platform.
Brothers and sisters, let us resolve to extol the Lord. To praise Him with holy lips. To declare as Job, "My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." (Job 27:4, KJV).
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Walk Toward Him
Prophet Hosea pleads for Israel to return to the Lord (6:1). They had wandered far from God and became entangled in idolatry and gross wickedness. As a result they brought on themselves untold misery and destruction.
But if those who have been torn, smitten and crushed were to return to the Lord there awaits a promise of revival (verse 2). We read something similar in Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (KJV).
God not only calls the prodigal, but He calls to the world those who are torn, smitten and crushed to come to Him.
To the man in New York City with HIV, broken in spirit, used up and dying. He says, I will heal you and call you My son. To the thousands of street children in Nairobi, lost and entrenched in poverty. I will be your Father, Protector and Provider! To the woman in Ireland who clutches a child watching as her husband walks out on their once promising marriage. I will be Your husband.
Beloved, when we are in pain or lost in a sea of questions and nagging doubts. When death seems more welcoming we must believe God is still in control of our lives. He will bring us through the valley of the shadow of death into a spacious place of light and rest where we come alive again.
Let Him work His death in our lives to bring to an end our fleshly props and supports. Our schemes and strategies to get ourselves out of a terrible circumstance. And let His life quicken our hearts to trust Him.
Notice in verse 3 that is says if we follow on to know the Lord. We must ask for His strength to put one foot in front of the other as we walk toward Him. As we do the tears of wasted years, brokenness and sorrow will give way to the later and former rains. Psalms 84:6 says, "When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings." (NLT).
Those who heed the call to come to the Lord will discover the truth in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" (KJV).
With God there is no wasted life, no life too broken or too far from His grace that He can not redeem. So why spend anytime in regret or shame?
Beloved, it's time to walk toward Him and walk into life and wholeness.
But if those who have been torn, smitten and crushed were to return to the Lord there awaits a promise of revival (verse 2). We read something similar in Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (KJV).
God not only calls the prodigal, but He calls to the world those who are torn, smitten and crushed to come to Him.
To the man in New York City with HIV, broken in spirit, used up and dying. He says, I will heal you and call you My son. To the thousands of street children in Nairobi, lost and entrenched in poverty. I will be your Father, Protector and Provider! To the woman in Ireland who clutches a child watching as her husband walks out on their once promising marriage. I will be Your husband.
Beloved, when we are in pain or lost in a sea of questions and nagging doubts. When death seems more welcoming we must believe God is still in control of our lives. He will bring us through the valley of the shadow of death into a spacious place of light and rest where we come alive again.
Let Him work His death in our lives to bring to an end our fleshly props and supports. Our schemes and strategies to get ourselves out of a terrible circumstance. And let His life quicken our hearts to trust Him.
Notice in verse 3 that is says if we follow on to know the Lord. We must ask for His strength to put one foot in front of the other as we walk toward Him. As we do the tears of wasted years, brokenness and sorrow will give way to the later and former rains. Psalms 84:6 says, "When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings." (NLT).
Those who heed the call to come to the Lord will discover the truth in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" (KJV).
With God there is no wasted life, no life too broken or too far from His grace that He can not redeem. So why spend anytime in regret or shame?
Beloved, it's time to walk toward Him and walk into life and wholeness.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Freedom From The Spirit of Heaviness
Just pick up the newspaper and we read the latest violence, a famine or horrific war in some far flung country. Our heart grows heavy with despair.
The airwaves are darkened by political foolishness. Candidates promise to save the economy but their rhetoric is short on hope. They talk in circles about some peace treaty that will end all wars. It promises to keep our interests safe, but they can't think of any resolution that has not failed to deliver lasting peace.
Closer to home, your family members may be suffering from health problems or a financial crisis. Relationships are in trouble. Perhaps your job is threatened by cost saving measures. Others think church may offer some relief from the pain and despair only to find themselves sitting alone in the back of the room. They feel disconnected while people hurry all around them but never stop to reach out their hand to welcome them.
God has a remedy for the spirit of heaviness.
Malachi 4:2 says, "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." (NLT). The King James Version uses "grow up" in place of leaping. These calves are well nourished, full of life and carefree because they have full range of meadows to roam.
And this is what God does when we experience a spirit of heaviness. Read the next verse. It says, "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts." (verse 3, KJV).
All the weighty things that had pushed down on your shoulders like a heavy yoke and cause you to slump and be bent over. Yes, every weight that made your feet slow and sluggish. All the trappings and oppressiveness of the Enemy will be used to trample him into the dust. The Lord takes the very weight of the spirit of heaviness to crush the head of the Enemy! God exchanges heaviness for a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3). He lightens our feet so we can dance with joy and gladness on the head of the Enemy.
Oh, yes, one more thing. Remember the ashes..where the Enemy tried to grind to powder your hopes and dreams? God can make something beautiful out of nothing! (Isaiah 61:3).
The airwaves are darkened by political foolishness. Candidates promise to save the economy but their rhetoric is short on hope. They talk in circles about some peace treaty that will end all wars. It promises to keep our interests safe, but they can't think of any resolution that has not failed to deliver lasting peace.
Closer to home, your family members may be suffering from health problems or a financial crisis. Relationships are in trouble. Perhaps your job is threatened by cost saving measures. Others think church may offer some relief from the pain and despair only to find themselves sitting alone in the back of the room. They feel disconnected while people hurry all around them but never stop to reach out their hand to welcome them.
God has a remedy for the spirit of heaviness.
Malachi 4:2 says, "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." (NLT). The King James Version uses "grow up" in place of leaping. These calves are well nourished, full of life and carefree because they have full range of meadows to roam.
And this is what God does when we experience a spirit of heaviness. Read the next verse. It says, "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts." (verse 3, KJV).
All the weighty things that had pushed down on your shoulders like a heavy yoke and cause you to slump and be bent over. Yes, every weight that made your feet slow and sluggish. All the trappings and oppressiveness of the Enemy will be used to trample him into the dust. The Lord takes the very weight of the spirit of heaviness to crush the head of the Enemy! God exchanges heaviness for a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3). He lightens our feet so we can dance with joy and gladness on the head of the Enemy.
Oh, yes, one more thing. Remember the ashes..where the Enemy tried to grind to powder your hopes and dreams? God can make something beautiful out of nothing! (Isaiah 61:3).
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