Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
Matthew 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Salt can be used in several different ways. I’ve been thinking about all the properties of salt and can see spiritual implications in every one of them. And, no matter what the property is, if the salt has lost it’s “saltness”, chemically it will not work in that property.
Mark tells us to “have salt in yourselves”. …hmmmmmm. What is salt? It could be several things. If we are to have salt within us, let’s see what the Word says about being filled.
Ephesians 3:19 "And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
Colossians 1:9 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;"
2 Timothy 1:4 "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy."
So “saltness” must be, in short, being filled with the fullness of God by the power of the Holy Spirit by studying, praying, praising, so our joy might be full. In His presence is fullness of joy, and His joy is my strength, so I must have to be in His presence and fellowship with Him and His Word to keep full. Open your spirit to see where this applies in your life and the lives of others around you.
Salt gives flavor.
Did you know that salting something helps bring out its natural flavor? That’s why even a little salt is better than no salt.
Did you know that too much salt ruins it and the true flavor can’t be tasted?
If you keep “salt”’ in yourself, your natural flavor will come out. The person God has called you to be will be available to Him and to others. If you get too salty…no one can tolerate you. You have to communicate in this world with real people who are on this earth. Don’t go overboard.
If you keep “salting” others, their natural flavor will come out. You will see them through the eyes of Jesus and be able to minister appropriately. If you salt them too much, they will be overwhelmed. Other properties of salt will take over.
Salt preserves.
Did you know that a salty brine helps preserve things for years? That’s why something good tasting can be expected even after years of preservation.
If you keep “salt” in yourself, you will have the strength to run the race, strength to endure. After all, this is an endurance race. We must be preserved to be able to fulfill His purposes for us.
If we “salt” others, we will help preserve them as well. Encouraging each other daily in the Lord is a form of preserving each other…salting each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:14 "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Salt causes thirst.
Did you know that salt, even in small amounts can cause thirst? Everybody is different. Everybody needs a different amount of salt to become thirsty. Only God knows the level of salt intake a person needs to cause thirst. So you may have to keep adding salt. Only those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Let’s help them by salting them.
Salt stops odor.
Did you know if you are cooking raw meat and that less than favorable raw meat mixed with blood smell permeates the air…salt it…the smell will go away? Interesting, huh?
Jesus tells us to love the unlovely. Luke 6:32 says “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” Matthew 5:44 says: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”. Many of us would rather not, but how then are we different from the world? Salt them!
Salt burns.
Did you know that salt on delicate skin or on an abrasion or cut can cause burning?
Did you know the burning doesn’t last long? There are also healing properties in the salt. Again, everybody can tolerate different levels of salt. Be led by the Holy Spirit with your salt shaker.
Salt is abrasive.
Did you know that salt can be used as a cleansing agent because of its abrasive property?
Clean-up in aisle 6 !!! Sometimes we are called upon to clean up a mess. There are different assignments for everyone. And, some have to clean up more messes than others.
Galatians 6:1 tells us: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted”. Remember that “apart from me, you can do nothing”. He will give you the wisdom to operate in this manner.
Salt causes buoyancy.
Did you know that you can’t sink in really salty water? You float.
As long as you keep enough salt in, on, around and through you, you will not sink! You, however, are the one who has to intake enough salt, envelope yourself in the saltiness of others, and spread the salt around. When you feel like you are sinking in the overwhelming circumstances of life, check the salt level.
Salt melts ice.
Did you know that when you throw salt on ice, it melts?
Did you also know that there is a temperature that is too cold for salt to melt ice?
There are different ways to use salt. Sometimes melting ice is the only way to someone’s heart. God knows who these people are. He also knows whose heart is too cold. The salt may need to be applied in a different manner. Listen to Him.
In Summary:
God knows each individual. He knows our hearts. He knows our circumstances. He loves us so much. Only He knows how the salt will be used in our lives. Only He knows what “saltness” we will need. Our purpose is to be filled with salt and saltness. Let Him use your salt.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Progression to Destruction
I was meditating on the story of the Prodigal Son one day and believe I had some revelation. I want to share with you the progressive steps to destruction so you can be on guard in your own life. Each step is progressive, but you will not have one step without the other. It is very intertwined.
1) Broken Fellowship
2) Broken Relationship
3) Ungrateful
4) Unteachable
5) Isolation
6) Resentment
7) Bitterness
When a person decides they know best for their life.....the destruction begins. We make our own plans and succumb to our desires for what we want and think is best for us. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us to "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever".
Are we fulfilling the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes, or our pride of life? Be on guard. The Bible tells us to "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). If you don't guard your heart, the world will creep in and our focus will be off. When our focus gets off fellowship with the Father and His saints, the destruction begins. It's very subtle. The fellowship with the Father doesn't just break overnight. The fellowship with our brothers and sisters doesn't just break suddenly...unless we get offended and walk away.
We withdraw from the normal fellowship for many reasons. We get offended and cut off relationships. We get too busy....even doing good. If the enemy gets us too busy for fellowship and relationships, he knows it will weaken us. He knows that as we encourage each other in "our most holy faith", we will be stronger. We get sidetracked..."distraction"...one of the enemy's favorite tactics. Our earthly "circumstances" distract us from our focus on God's power and Truth. We surround ourselves with things and/or people that are "easy" to be around so no "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]" (Proverbs 27:17). We decide not to love the "unlovely" and make our lives as comfortable as possible. After all, we're tired of the battling, right?
If the fellowship doesn't grow, the relationship weakens. When the fellowship is broken the relationships weaken or are broken as well. We withdraw from our fellowship with God and those who He has placed in our lives to strengthen us. It then doesn't take much to have broken relationships, because other works of the flesh have the open door to creep into our lives full force.
We then get resentful, bitter, ungrateful. Someone didn't treat us right. Someone hurt us. We resent their authority. We resent their behavior. We judge them. That root of bitterness begins to grow the minute any resentment is present. We complain about "their" behavior or our circumstances, etc. That is ungratefulness. We become ungrateful for the things God has done through other people and even become ungrateful to Him for all He has done for us. We withdraw even more and go further away from our "source" of strength...our Father and the people in our lives.
When a person has reached this point, they are unteachable. There is nothing "humanly" possible you can do. You pray and love them unconditionally, but the Holy Spirit has to break them. So, you might as well shut your mouth. Whatever you say, will bring up more judgment and resentment in them. They will not "receive" your words into their spirit. If you open your mouth, be sure you are being used as an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
They will isolate themselves, maybe not physically, but they are behind their walls nonetheless....insulating. They have become the "Prodigal Son". And this isolation, as you can see, isn't always a bad thing.
I'm reminded of a phrase in 1 Kings 12:
"24Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD".
“For this thing is from me”……This division? This isolation? Yes! It’s for His purposes. He is the only One Who knows what it will take for some people to turn around. He is the only One Who knows what it will take to form them into the image of His Son.
In this isolation, the Prodigal Son, “came to himself” or “came to the end of him self”. That’s where we all need to be. Only when we come to the end of “self”, do we go back to the Father and stop trying to do it ourselves. No amount of counseling or deliverance can ever crucify our flesh. That is a decision we have to make on our own on a regular basis. We must “daily” crucify the flesh so we won't get off course by the pride of life, lust of the eyes, and lust of the flesh...down the road to destruction.
1) Broken Fellowship
2) Broken Relationship
3) Ungrateful
4) Unteachable
5) Isolation
6) Resentment
7) Bitterness
When a person decides they know best for their life.....the destruction begins. We make our own plans and succumb to our desires for what we want and think is best for us. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us to "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever".
Are we fulfilling the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes, or our pride of life? Be on guard. The Bible tells us to "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). If you don't guard your heart, the world will creep in and our focus will be off. When our focus gets off fellowship with the Father and His saints, the destruction begins. It's very subtle. The fellowship with the Father doesn't just break overnight. The fellowship with our brothers and sisters doesn't just break suddenly...unless we get offended and walk away.
We withdraw from the normal fellowship for many reasons. We get offended and cut off relationships. We get too busy....even doing good. If the enemy gets us too busy for fellowship and relationships, he knows it will weaken us. He knows that as we encourage each other in "our most holy faith", we will be stronger. We get sidetracked..."distraction"...one of the enemy's favorite tactics. Our earthly "circumstances" distract us from our focus on God's power and Truth. We surround ourselves with things and/or people that are "easy" to be around so no "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]" (Proverbs 27:17). We decide not to love the "unlovely" and make our lives as comfortable as possible. After all, we're tired of the battling, right?
If the fellowship doesn't grow, the relationship weakens. When the fellowship is broken the relationships weaken or are broken as well. We withdraw from our fellowship with God and those who He has placed in our lives to strengthen us. It then doesn't take much to have broken relationships, because other works of the flesh have the open door to creep into our lives full force.
We then get resentful, bitter, ungrateful. Someone didn't treat us right. Someone hurt us. We resent their authority. We resent their behavior. We judge them. That root of bitterness begins to grow the minute any resentment is present. We complain about "their" behavior or our circumstances, etc. That is ungratefulness. We become ungrateful for the things God has done through other people and even become ungrateful to Him for all He has done for us. We withdraw even more and go further away from our "source" of strength...our Father and the people in our lives.
When a person has reached this point, they are unteachable. There is nothing "humanly" possible you can do. You pray and love them unconditionally, but the Holy Spirit has to break them. So, you might as well shut your mouth. Whatever you say, will bring up more judgment and resentment in them. They will not "receive" your words into their spirit. If you open your mouth, be sure you are being used as an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
They will isolate themselves, maybe not physically, but they are behind their walls nonetheless....insulating. They have become the "Prodigal Son". And this isolation, as you can see, isn't always a bad thing.
I'm reminded of a phrase in 1 Kings 12:
"24Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD".
“For this thing is from me”……This division? This isolation? Yes! It’s for His purposes. He is the only One Who knows what it will take for some people to turn around. He is the only One Who knows what it will take to form them into the image of His Son.
In this isolation, the Prodigal Son, “came to himself” or “came to the end of him self”. That’s where we all need to be. Only when we come to the end of “self”, do we go back to the Father and stop trying to do it ourselves. No amount of counseling or deliverance can ever crucify our flesh. That is a decision we have to make on our own on a regular basis. We must “daily” crucify the flesh so we won't get off course by the pride of life, lust of the eyes, and lust of the flesh...down the road to destruction.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hearing God
There are several things that God’s Word instructs us to do to make sure we are hearing “HIS” voice and not the voice of the enemy of our souls, the world, or our own voice. Is there a litmus test? Yes. Did we really hear God? He tells us that “my sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). He gave us safeguards to make sure we heard correctly. He knows we are but flesh.
The Bible tells us that “our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it”? (Jeremiah 17:9). I don’t trust myself to hear God’s voice perfectly on all things. God already told me I would hear many voices and that my heart gets in the way. 1 John 4:1 states: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” My mind and emotions and experiences many times get in the way of hearing clearly to make proper decisions. We need to follow the safeguards laid out in God’s Word.
PRAY. That is number one. When I need direction from God and I hear something I believe is His direction, it has to line up with His Word.
Did He give me an answer for what I was praying for? Luke 11:11-13 says, “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” The Bible tells us that “…He will guide you into all Truth” (John 16:13). If you believe you heard Him correctly, follow His other directions in the Word.
Did I pray in faith? Hebrews 11:6 tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Did I pray in agreement with someone? “Where two agree as touching any one thing it shall be done” (Matthew 18:19). The Bible says that “one puts a thousand to flight, but two puts 10,000 to flight” (Deuteronomy 32:30). Praying in agreement is ten times stronger.
Did I let someone “bear my burden and so fulfill the law of Christ” with me? (Galatians 6:2).
Did I seek wise, godly counsel?
Proverbs 15:22 - “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 1:5 - “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels”.
Proverbs 12:15 -“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Proverbs 20:18 - “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”
Proverbs 11:14 - “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Did I seek confirmation? The Scripture tells us that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).
Is there peace? Follow peace. 2 Timothy 2:22 states: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart”. Hebrews 12:14 tells us to: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”.
In the times we are living, with all the voices, even though we hear His voice, the Bible tells us that even the very elect will be deceived. Matthew 24:24 tells us “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The Word has given us these safety nets so we can know His voice in decisions we make.
So, for example, if someone tells me they spent the weekend alone with God, and God gave them direction, I want to hear what God has said to them. But I also want to know if they followed His safeguards in their decisions as well. Because, they were also alone with their own thoughts with plenty of time to think and dwell on situations, people, circumstances, etc. His Word is His Word…verbal, written, or by spiritual impressions. His Word is alive inside of us. Let’s confirm His Word to make sure we are walking in His Word.
If someone has to give reasons and excuses along with “hearing His voice”, are they looking at circumstances? Circumstances are not the litmus test of God’s voice. Did they really hear Him? Or are they following experiences, feelings or heart?...that deceitful thing…that desperately wicked thing.
Just remember, whatever the situation is in your life, you can’t take a misstep in direction that He can’t fix. He will get us back on the narrow path if we submit to Him and let “His Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105). Let His "Word" lead you.
The Bible tells us that “our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it”? (Jeremiah 17:9). I don’t trust myself to hear God’s voice perfectly on all things. God already told me I would hear many voices and that my heart gets in the way. 1 John 4:1 states: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” My mind and emotions and experiences many times get in the way of hearing clearly to make proper decisions. We need to follow the safeguards laid out in God’s Word.
PRAY. That is number one. When I need direction from God and I hear something I believe is His direction, it has to line up with His Word.
Did He give me an answer for what I was praying for? Luke 11:11-13 says, “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” The Bible tells us that “…He will guide you into all Truth” (John 16:13). If you believe you heard Him correctly, follow His other directions in the Word.
Did I pray in faith? Hebrews 11:6 tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Did I pray in agreement with someone? “Where two agree as touching any one thing it shall be done” (Matthew 18:19). The Bible says that “one puts a thousand to flight, but two puts 10,000 to flight” (Deuteronomy 32:30). Praying in agreement is ten times stronger.
Did I let someone “bear my burden and so fulfill the law of Christ” with me? (Galatians 6:2).
Did I seek wise, godly counsel?
Proverbs 15:22 - “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 1:5 - “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels”.
Proverbs 12:15 -“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Proverbs 20:18 - “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”
Proverbs 11:14 - “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Did I seek confirmation? The Scripture tells us that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).
Is there peace? Follow peace. 2 Timothy 2:22 states: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart”. Hebrews 12:14 tells us to: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”.
In the times we are living, with all the voices, even though we hear His voice, the Bible tells us that even the very elect will be deceived. Matthew 24:24 tells us “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The Word has given us these safety nets so we can know His voice in decisions we make.
So, for example, if someone tells me they spent the weekend alone with God, and God gave them direction, I want to hear what God has said to them. But I also want to know if they followed His safeguards in their decisions as well. Because, they were also alone with their own thoughts with plenty of time to think and dwell on situations, people, circumstances, etc. His Word is His Word…verbal, written, or by spiritual impressions. His Word is alive inside of us. Let’s confirm His Word to make sure we are walking in His Word.
If someone has to give reasons and excuses along with “hearing His voice”, are they looking at circumstances? Circumstances are not the litmus test of God’s voice. Did they really hear Him? Or are they following experiences, feelings or heart?...that deceitful thing…that desperately wicked thing.
Just remember, whatever the situation is in your life, you can’t take a misstep in direction that He can’t fix. He will get us back on the narrow path if we submit to Him and let “His Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105). Let His "Word" lead you.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
How Vital Are You in the Kingdom of God?
2 Kings 5:1-3 tells us about a great commander of the armies named Naaman. He was a high ranking official, a general in the army. And then, there was his wife’s little maid. Read the rest of the chapter to get the whole story.
His wife’s maid was a “servant”. This was actually a promotion in God’s Kingdom, because God had an assignment for her to do. She didn’t get into this “position” by chance. She was good at her job, no matter how menial it may have seemed to those on the outside looking in. If she hadn’t been there to do her “assignment” by using her gifts and abilities, things may have turned out quite differently. God knew she was the one who would be obedient and fulfill this task for Him.
Psalm 37:23 states that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way”. Her steps were ordered of the Lord. She had an assignment.
Sometimes we are in “positions” that we resist. You tell yourself it’s too menial. I have more to offer…blah, blah, blah. I could actually be a promotion in the Kingdom of God. Does God have an assignment for you? Has He given you this position to accomplish a mission for the Kingdom? There are no mistakes when He has ordered your steps.
My favorite Scripture tells it like no other. Acts 17:26-27:
“And He made from one common origin, one source, one blood, all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined their allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation, their settlements, lands, and abodes, so that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.”
It’s my favorite Scripture because it has been an encouragement to me for years. When I felt lost and out of place, I read that verse. When things didn’t fit in my life, I read that verse. When nothing fell in line, I read that verse. He was placing me in position to seek after Him. The circumstances of my life caused me to seek after Him.
We are in the “place” and “time” where He has placed us. God assigns you your residence. You don’t choose where to live. He knows where you will seek Him the most. One translation says that we would “grope” after Him as in desperately groping for something in the dark. He places us in time, place, and circumstances so that we will “grope” after Him, to seek after Him. He wants us dependent on Him. He wants to give us direction and assignments where we are, in the midst of sometimes overwhelming circumstances.
So, no matter where you are and what you are doing, God has an assignment. It may seem small, but may accomplish much. Naaman was used by God to win battles. He was a mighty warrior and was gifted of God as a leader. Had he not been healed, what good would he have been to God’s army? Had the little maid not obeyed God, Naaman would have lost position and ultimately died. Israel would have lost battles and suffered great loss. You tell me the little maid didn’t have a big assignment? Her obedience saved the nation. How important are you to God’s Kingdom? You never know………just be obedient where you are.
His wife’s maid was a “servant”. This was actually a promotion in God’s Kingdom, because God had an assignment for her to do. She didn’t get into this “position” by chance. She was good at her job, no matter how menial it may have seemed to those on the outside looking in. If she hadn’t been there to do her “assignment” by using her gifts and abilities, things may have turned out quite differently. God knew she was the one who would be obedient and fulfill this task for Him.
Psalm 37:23 states that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way”. Her steps were ordered of the Lord. She had an assignment.
Sometimes we are in “positions” that we resist. You tell yourself it’s too menial. I have more to offer…blah, blah, blah. I could actually be a promotion in the Kingdom of God. Does God have an assignment for you? Has He given you this position to accomplish a mission for the Kingdom? There are no mistakes when He has ordered your steps.
My favorite Scripture tells it like no other. Acts 17:26-27:
“And He made from one common origin, one source, one blood, all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined their allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation, their settlements, lands, and abodes, so that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.”
It’s my favorite Scripture because it has been an encouragement to me for years. When I felt lost and out of place, I read that verse. When things didn’t fit in my life, I read that verse. When nothing fell in line, I read that verse. He was placing me in position to seek after Him. The circumstances of my life caused me to seek after Him.
We are in the “place” and “time” where He has placed us. God assigns you your residence. You don’t choose where to live. He knows where you will seek Him the most. One translation says that we would “grope” after Him as in desperately groping for something in the dark. He places us in time, place, and circumstances so that we will “grope” after Him, to seek after Him. He wants us dependent on Him. He wants to give us direction and assignments where we are, in the midst of sometimes overwhelming circumstances.
So, no matter where you are and what you are doing, God has an assignment. It may seem small, but may accomplish much. Naaman was used by God to win battles. He was a mighty warrior and was gifted of God as a leader. Had he not been healed, what good would he have been to God’s army? Had the little maid not obeyed God, Naaman would have lost position and ultimately died. Israel would have lost battles and suffered great loss. You tell me the little maid didn’t have a big assignment? Her obedience saved the nation. How important are you to God’s Kingdom? You never know………just be obedient where you are.
Who Guards the Shepherd?
1 Samuel 26:1-16 shows us a principle that applies to our lives today, but many feel free to ignore or don’t have spiritual understanding in the matter. It is very important to understand that honoring authority is high on God’s priority list.
The statement that is the center of this whole passage is in verse 16: “What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed”. Wow! You deserve to die!!?!! Sounds like serious business to me. Sounds like serious business to God.
We are held accountable to God to guard those in authority over us. Romans chapter 13 is clear on the matter of authority:
“1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment…give honor to whom honor is due”.
Honor: high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor
Resisting authority here in Romans 13 doesn’t mean that you do everything no matter what. Our examples are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You honor God number one. All others authorities fall into place after honoring God and His Word. You can “respectfully” honor them without agreeing with them. That is the same as with our parents. The Word tells us to “honor” our parents in Deuteronomy 5:16 and Ephesians 6:2. That’s the only verse with such a great promise. The Word tells us that “our days will be long and things will go well with us”. We don’t have to agree with everything, but honor their position as God has chosen them to give you a place in this earth and His Kingdom.
Leadership and authority are flesh as we are. We all “sin and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The onslaught of the enemy is many times harder on those in leadership. They need us in their corner.
Have we dishonored God’s appointed and anointed? Have we disrespected the one God put in authority over us? What have we done to protect them spiritually even when we haven’t agreed with them? Have we encouraged them in the Lord? Have we prayed for them? I Timothy 2:1-4 even tells us why we need to pray for those in authority. Have we loved them and treated them also as a brother or sister in Christ? Have we borne their burdens? (Galatians 6:2). Have we been Aaron and Hur to them? Have we lifted their arms up in battle? (Ephesians 6:10-18). Have we stood in their corner through their failures? (James 5:16) or have we deserted them? Have we helped to restore?
David is our example. He did his best to honor God’s authority over him. He didn’t cross that line of disrespect. AND, in the natural or flesh, we would agree he deserved to take revenge. Saul was evil to him on so many levels. Yet, David fought battles for Saul. He killed Saul’s enemies. He sang and played music for Saul to calm his spirit. David used all his gifts and talents to honor the King. He also knew when he had to leave. That is the reality in many of our lives. There is a time to leave…without dishonoring the other person’s authority.
There were many times after “leaving” that David had to stay in a stronghold for protection. But there was a time that he left the stronghold to go into the land of Judah (1 Samuel 22:5). The Prophet Gad came to him to tell him to go. God’s timing is everything. He knows that sometimes we need protection. Sometimes we need to be out of the way for a while. But, He sends those along side of us to give direction. The best thing the Prophet Gad did was tell him to leave the bondage and go into PRAISE…from the stronghold to Judah. That’s the place we need to be in the midst of it all as well.
God holds us accountable to “guard the shepherd”. We may have to do it from a distance, but let us honor God by doing so.
1 Samuel 26
9David said to Abishai, Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?
The statement that is the center of this whole passage is in verse 16: “What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed”. Wow! You deserve to die!!?!! Sounds like serious business to me. Sounds like serious business to God.
We are held accountable to God to guard those in authority over us. Romans chapter 13 is clear on the matter of authority:
“1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment…give honor to whom honor is due”.
Honor: high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor
Resisting authority here in Romans 13 doesn’t mean that you do everything no matter what. Our examples are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You honor God number one. All others authorities fall into place after honoring God and His Word. You can “respectfully” honor them without agreeing with them. That is the same as with our parents. The Word tells us to “honor” our parents in Deuteronomy 5:16 and Ephesians 6:2. That’s the only verse with such a great promise. The Word tells us that “our days will be long and things will go well with us”. We don’t have to agree with everything, but honor their position as God has chosen them to give you a place in this earth and His Kingdom.
Leadership and authority are flesh as we are. We all “sin and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The onslaught of the enemy is many times harder on those in leadership. They need us in their corner.
Have we dishonored God’s appointed and anointed? Have we disrespected the one God put in authority over us? What have we done to protect them spiritually even when we haven’t agreed with them? Have we encouraged them in the Lord? Have we prayed for them? I Timothy 2:1-4 even tells us why we need to pray for those in authority. Have we loved them and treated them also as a brother or sister in Christ? Have we borne their burdens? (Galatians 6:2). Have we been Aaron and Hur to them? Have we lifted their arms up in battle? (Ephesians 6:10-18). Have we stood in their corner through their failures? (James 5:16) or have we deserted them? Have we helped to restore?
David is our example. He did his best to honor God’s authority over him. He didn’t cross that line of disrespect. AND, in the natural or flesh, we would agree he deserved to take revenge. Saul was evil to him on so many levels. Yet, David fought battles for Saul. He killed Saul’s enemies. He sang and played music for Saul to calm his spirit. David used all his gifts and talents to honor the King. He also knew when he had to leave. That is the reality in many of our lives. There is a time to leave…without dishonoring the other person’s authority.
There were many times after “leaving” that David had to stay in a stronghold for protection. But there was a time that he left the stronghold to go into the land of Judah (1 Samuel 22:5). The Prophet Gad came to him to tell him to go. God’s timing is everything. He knows that sometimes we need protection. Sometimes we need to be out of the way for a while. But, He sends those along side of us to give direction. The best thing the Prophet Gad did was tell him to leave the bondage and go into PRAISE…from the stronghold to Judah. That’s the place we need to be in the midst of it all as well.
God holds us accountable to “guard the shepherd”. We may have to do it from a distance, but let us honor God by doing so.
1 Samuel 26
9David said to Abishai, Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Difficult Relationships
1 Samuel 24 tells the story of David confronting Saul about their relationship. He practiced the New Testament Scriptures in Matthew 5 and 18 before they were in ink. He knew his brother had ought against him, so he went to him. He finally had the safe opportunity to confront Saul. It is about “timing” in these situations.
Saul made an oath to David and David made an oath to Saul not to forget his lineage………yet David went back to the stronghold. Hmmmmm…….David knew he still wasn’t to have relationship with Saul even though Saul still was anointed of God and was David’s father-in-law. He knew Saul’s character. He knew God’s voice. He knew that we have to be careful to fellowship with those who don’t practice the works of the flesh.
You are responsible to obey God’s Word. You are not responsible for the other person’s reactions, actions, thoughts, deeds. They are accountable to God. No matter what you “do”, you cannot make some things right. You can only obey God’s Word and pray. It doesn’t seem like enough sometimes, but it is. The other person has to be left in God’s hands for recovery, restoration, and discipline. Hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and walk on. It may mean shaking the dust from your feet in some situations. It may mean sitting quietly in the background of the other person’s life…..being there to help if needed, but not giving of the secrets of your heart. We can’t have a “special” relationship with everyone. We are to love no matter what happens. It’s not easy to have broken relationships, but if you’ve done what you’ve known to do according to God’s Word, love, and pray, “YOU” can’t do any more. Leave it in God’s hands. David was our example for difficult relationships.
Saul made an oath to David and David made an oath to Saul not to forget his lineage………yet David went back to the stronghold. Hmmmmm…….David knew he still wasn’t to have relationship with Saul even though Saul still was anointed of God and was David’s father-in-law. He knew Saul’s character. He knew God’s voice. He knew that we have to be careful to fellowship with those who don’t practice the works of the flesh.
You are responsible to obey God’s Word. You are not responsible for the other person’s reactions, actions, thoughts, deeds. They are accountable to God. No matter what you “do”, you cannot make some things right. You can only obey God’s Word and pray. It doesn’t seem like enough sometimes, but it is. The other person has to be left in God’s hands for recovery, restoration, and discipline. Hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and walk on. It may mean shaking the dust from your feet in some situations. It may mean sitting quietly in the background of the other person’s life…..being there to help if needed, but not giving of the secrets of your heart. We can’t have a “special” relationship with everyone. We are to love no matter what happens. It’s not easy to have broken relationships, but if you’ve done what you’ve known to do according to God’s Word, love, and pray, “YOU” can’t do any more. Leave it in God’s hands. David was our example for difficult relationships.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Leadership
1 Samuel 18:1-2, 5
“1 WHEN DAVID had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own life. 2 Saul took David that day and would not let him return to his father's house… 5 And David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he prospered and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was satisfactory both to the people and to Saul's servants.”
David had just killed Goliath and presented himself to King Saul. Verse 2 tells us that his acts of faith and obedience “brought him before great men” and that “his gift made room for him” (Proverbs 18:16). He was entering a level of training to become the man he needed to be to fulfill his destiny…..King.
David was under Saul’s leadership – even though Saul was a bad leader: That’s where God placed him for a time of training and internship. In Matthew, Jesus told the people to listen and learn from the Scribes and Pharisees. What they were teaching was right and they should do what the Scribes and Pharisees SAY...BUT, don’t DO what they DO. Wouldn’t it be nice to be under the leadership of a good king, a man of great character, a man with a heart after God? Well it doesn’t always happen that way. Because of this, we should look at this example in God’s Word carefully.
David learned a great deal of what he needed for future kingship, even under poor leadership – a rebellious, self-centered King Saul. David followed the Lord’s leading on a daily basis in obedience to the king, even though he knew he was anointed to be king. He “behaved himself wisely” and waited on the Lord by “actively serving” until his place in history would be settled. He honored the Kingship, even though he knew that King Saul wasn’t a man of honor. God placed him in that role, and we are blessed when we give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). David knew that principle and practiced it at every level of his journey and at every opportunity.
So, no matter what is happening in the “head”, we still can learn so many valuable lessons and get valuable training for the days ahead. Bless God for where you are. Be full of thanksgiving and praise Him for your situation. Only God knows what the blessings and outflow from your life will be for enduring these situations.
Saul treated David badly…..yet he trusted him to do things he didn’t trust anybody else to do. He knew David’s character was good and stable. 1 Samuel 18:12-16 tells us that:
"12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them."
Saul’s fear of David’s anointing didn’t stop Saul from trying to destroy this good man. You may run into the same situation in your own life or may have already seen it in the lives or your friends.
The works of the flesh were very evident in Saul’s life. He was very jealous of David. The Bible tells us that when envy and jealousy are present, so are all the other works of the flesh (James 3:16). It’s not a pretty picture. It must have seemed like his problems were never going to end, but David remained steadfast in following God’s ways. He went through physical and personal attacks. He had to go into hiding. It wasn’t easy for David. It was it was a very hard seven years before he became King and then he wasn’t fully king at that point. More had to transpire to get him into full position. But, God had someone in his corner….Jonathon.
Through this difficult time in David’s life, he had an armor-bearer and friend. God sends those along side of us in life to help us. We in turn help them. We are to be by each others’ side to help each other along, especially in difficult times. We are to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to “encourage each other daily in the Lord” (Hebrews 3:13)…..that’s the only way we will make it to the fulfillment of God’s purpose for us on this planet. Are you holding up the progress of someone else by not being the armor-bearer God called you to be? Is someone going through unnecessary battles alone because you are failing to lift them up?
Just like David, there may not be very many at our side at times, but numbers don’t matter. Here is where the “quality” vs. “quantity” factor really applies. It’s the quality of the relationships, not the quantity that help us stand and not fall. Every one needs an “Aaron and a Hur” to hold us up in battle.
Just as in David’s situation, the time comes when the ministry relationship has to end. The grace for the time under that leadership lifts, and we must take our destiny position and/or sometimes move on to instruction under another leader, prophet, pastor, teacher, etc. Sometimes it’s a situation where we have to “shake the dust” from our feet. Listen to God carefully. He will bring you out into that purpose as you walk with integrity and “behave yourself wisely”.
“1 WHEN DAVID had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own life. 2 Saul took David that day and would not let him return to his father's house… 5 And David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he prospered and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was satisfactory both to the people and to Saul's servants.”
David had just killed Goliath and presented himself to King Saul. Verse 2 tells us that his acts of faith and obedience “brought him before great men” and that “his gift made room for him” (Proverbs 18:16). He was entering a level of training to become the man he needed to be to fulfill his destiny…..King.
David was under Saul’s leadership – even though Saul was a bad leader: That’s where God placed him for a time of training and internship. In Matthew, Jesus told the people to listen and learn from the Scribes and Pharisees. What they were teaching was right and they should do what the Scribes and Pharisees SAY...BUT, don’t DO what they DO. Wouldn’t it be nice to be under the leadership of a good king, a man of great character, a man with a heart after God? Well it doesn’t always happen that way. Because of this, we should look at this example in God’s Word carefully.
David learned a great deal of what he needed for future kingship, even under poor leadership – a rebellious, self-centered King Saul. David followed the Lord’s leading on a daily basis in obedience to the king, even though he knew he was anointed to be king. He “behaved himself wisely” and waited on the Lord by “actively serving” until his place in history would be settled. He honored the Kingship, even though he knew that King Saul wasn’t a man of honor. God placed him in that role, and we are blessed when we give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). David knew that principle and practiced it at every level of his journey and at every opportunity.
So, no matter what is happening in the “head”, we still can learn so many valuable lessons and get valuable training for the days ahead. Bless God for where you are. Be full of thanksgiving and praise Him for your situation. Only God knows what the blessings and outflow from your life will be for enduring these situations.
Saul treated David badly…..yet he trusted him to do things he didn’t trust anybody else to do. He knew David’s character was good and stable. 1 Samuel 18:12-16 tells us that:
"12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them."
Saul’s fear of David’s anointing didn’t stop Saul from trying to destroy this good man. You may run into the same situation in your own life or may have already seen it in the lives or your friends.
The works of the flesh were very evident in Saul’s life. He was very jealous of David. The Bible tells us that when envy and jealousy are present, so are all the other works of the flesh (James 3:16). It’s not a pretty picture. It must have seemed like his problems were never going to end, but David remained steadfast in following God’s ways. He went through physical and personal attacks. He had to go into hiding. It wasn’t easy for David. It was it was a very hard seven years before he became King and then he wasn’t fully king at that point. More had to transpire to get him into full position. But, God had someone in his corner….Jonathon.
Through this difficult time in David’s life, he had an armor-bearer and friend. God sends those along side of us in life to help us. We in turn help them. We are to be by each others’ side to help each other along, especially in difficult times. We are to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to “encourage each other daily in the Lord” (Hebrews 3:13)…..that’s the only way we will make it to the fulfillment of God’s purpose for us on this planet. Are you holding up the progress of someone else by not being the armor-bearer God called you to be? Is someone going through unnecessary battles alone because you are failing to lift them up?
Just like David, there may not be very many at our side at times, but numbers don’t matter. Here is where the “quality” vs. “quantity” factor really applies. It’s the quality of the relationships, not the quantity that help us stand and not fall. Every one needs an “Aaron and a Hur” to hold us up in battle.
Just as in David’s situation, the time comes when the ministry relationship has to end. The grace for the time under that leadership lifts, and we must take our destiny position and/or sometimes move on to instruction under another leader, prophet, pastor, teacher, etc. Sometimes it’s a situation where we have to “shake the dust” from our feet. Listen to God carefully. He will bring you out into that purpose as you walk with integrity and “behave yourself wisely”.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Trust
I’m sure, since the beginning of time, we have had certain Scriptures backwards in our practice of living a Christian life. There is one practice on which I would like to place my focus. It’s the matter of TRUST.
How many times in our lives have we trusted a friend, only to be hurt because they didn’t “come through for us”. What we are really saying is that they didn’t fulfill our need or want. They didn’t fulfill our expectation. They didn’t “prefer” us above themselves or somebody else. They didn’t do what we assumed they should do for us or somebody else. Sounds a little self-absorbed and self-centered.
Because we “trusted” them or had “expectations” of them, we were let down, it affected our relationship. We had to go through all sorts of emotional ups and downs, hurt feelings, separations, healing of emotions, etc. The worst part is that we “judged” them and became critical of them and their walk with God.
The Scripture tells us “not to judge, lest we be judged” (Matthew 7:1) (Also check out Luke 6). When we see a brother “overtaken in a fault (or sin)……restore such a one in the spirit of meekness” ( have the authority and power to rip them up, but not doing it) (Galatians 6:1).
Now the above two Scriptures are very different. If you see someone in a dangerous place, you’re not judging. You try to restore. Judging is being critical because they didn’t fulfill your expectations of them. I don’t see in the Word of God where I’m supposed to expect YOU to fulfill my desires, needs, wants.
Proverbs 11:13 implies we are to be "trustworthy": "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden." BUT,
NO where in the Bible does it say to TRUST man. In fact, there are Scriptures that tell us NOT to trust in man or things made by man (i.e. “don’t trust in horses or chariots”).
Jeremiah 9:4
Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.
Micah 7:5
Trust not in a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Keep the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Now we can’t even trust in our own heart?! None of us can say our heart has never tricked us. None of us can say we never had a fleshy desire or an expectation of another. God made us with emotions, but emotions can be handled in the right way or wrong way. He knows we are flesh. He knows the flesh is hard to overcome, but He has made a way of escape. He tells us to crucify the flesh, take our thoughts captive, get wise godly counsel, confess our faults one to another, pray without ceasing, etc. All of these practices keep that deceitful, wicked heart in check. When we don’t keep it in check, things get out of order in our lives.
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
There are many Scriptures that tell us to TRUST God:
Hebrews 2:13; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 31:14;
Psalm 4:5; Psalm 37:3-5; Psalm 71:1; Psalm 91:2;
Psalm 5:11; Psalm 118:8; Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 22:19;
Isaiah 36:7; Isaiah 50:10
(Not an exhaustive list.)
I didn’t find a Scripture to tell me to TRUST man. BUT, I did find plenty of Scriptures to tell me to LOVE man:
I John 3:14-17; I John 4:7-21; Colossians 2:2; I Timothy 1:5;
Hebrews 13:1; Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 10:12; Matthew 5:44;
John 13:35; John 15:12; Romans 12:9; Romans 13:10;
I Peter 4:8; I Peter 2:17
(Not an exhaustive list.)
We, as the Body of Christ, have gotten this backwards. We have tended to TRUST in man, and LOVE God, when God told us to TRUST GOD, and LOVE PEOPLE. Of course, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength also, but God has made a very strong point in His Word to LOVE people. If we can get that in the right order, there will be a lot less of the works of the flesh operating in the Church.
Let’s use the Scripture as a measuring stick, not each other. I Corinthians 13 tells us exactly what we need to expect from ourselves as we surrender to Him and let God’s love flow through us. If we can’t see it, we need more surrender. It’s not about “feeling” it. It’s about “doing” it. He tells us that “apart from Me, you can do nothing”. We can’t “do” this on our own. It flows out of relationship with Him.
"4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails."
God wants us to love unconditionally as He does. If our emotions get in the way of doing that, then we have put our trust in flesh.
Remember to TRUST GOD and LOVE MAN.
How many times in our lives have we trusted a friend, only to be hurt because they didn’t “come through for us”. What we are really saying is that they didn’t fulfill our need or want. They didn’t fulfill our expectation. They didn’t “prefer” us above themselves or somebody else. They didn’t do what we assumed they should do for us or somebody else. Sounds a little self-absorbed and self-centered.
Because we “trusted” them or had “expectations” of them, we were let down, it affected our relationship. We had to go through all sorts of emotional ups and downs, hurt feelings, separations, healing of emotions, etc. The worst part is that we “judged” them and became critical of them and their walk with God.
The Scripture tells us “not to judge, lest we be judged” (Matthew 7:1) (Also check out Luke 6). When we see a brother “overtaken in a fault (or sin)……restore such a one in the spirit of meekness” ( have the authority and power to rip them up, but not doing it) (Galatians 6:1).
Now the above two Scriptures are very different. If you see someone in a dangerous place, you’re not judging. You try to restore. Judging is being critical because they didn’t fulfill your expectations of them. I don’t see in the Word of God where I’m supposed to expect YOU to fulfill my desires, needs, wants.
Proverbs 11:13 implies we are to be "trustworthy": "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden." BUT,
NO where in the Bible does it say to TRUST man. In fact, there are Scriptures that tell us NOT to trust in man or things made by man (i.e. “don’t trust in horses or chariots”).
Jeremiah 9:4
Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.
Micah 7:5
Trust not in a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Keep the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Now we can’t even trust in our own heart?! None of us can say our heart has never tricked us. None of us can say we never had a fleshy desire or an expectation of another. God made us with emotions, but emotions can be handled in the right way or wrong way. He knows we are flesh. He knows the flesh is hard to overcome, but He has made a way of escape. He tells us to crucify the flesh, take our thoughts captive, get wise godly counsel, confess our faults one to another, pray without ceasing, etc. All of these practices keep that deceitful, wicked heart in check. When we don’t keep it in check, things get out of order in our lives.
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
There are many Scriptures that tell us to TRUST God:
Hebrews 2:13; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 31:14;
Psalm 4:5; Psalm 37:3-5; Psalm 71:1; Psalm 91:2;
Psalm 5:11; Psalm 118:8; Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 22:19;
Isaiah 36:7; Isaiah 50:10
(Not an exhaustive list.)
I didn’t find a Scripture to tell me to TRUST man. BUT, I did find plenty of Scriptures to tell me to LOVE man:
I John 3:14-17; I John 4:7-21; Colossians 2:2; I Timothy 1:5;
Hebrews 13:1; Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 10:12; Matthew 5:44;
John 13:35; John 15:12; Romans 12:9; Romans 13:10;
I Peter 4:8; I Peter 2:17
(Not an exhaustive list.)
We, as the Body of Christ, have gotten this backwards. We have tended to TRUST in man, and LOVE God, when God told us to TRUST GOD, and LOVE PEOPLE. Of course, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength also, but God has made a very strong point in His Word to LOVE people. If we can get that in the right order, there will be a lot less of the works of the flesh operating in the Church.
Let’s use the Scripture as a measuring stick, not each other. I Corinthians 13 tells us exactly what we need to expect from ourselves as we surrender to Him and let God’s love flow through us. If we can’t see it, we need more surrender. It’s not about “feeling” it. It’s about “doing” it. He tells us that “apart from Me, you can do nothing”. We can’t “do” this on our own. It flows out of relationship with Him.
"4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails."
God wants us to love unconditionally as He does. If our emotions get in the way of doing that, then we have put our trust in flesh.
Remember to TRUST GOD and LOVE MAN.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Servanthood
Jesus said He came to be “servant of all”. We are to follow His example in all things. To serve one another in love……………that’s the missing part…… “love”.
So many times we “do” things out of obligation to others or out of guilt or to cover our tracks in some way. That’s not what God has called us to do. He said to serve one another in love………preferring the other person above ourselves.
Through observation you can obtain a lot of knowledge, but better yet, a lot of understanding. When you see people who really love each other and have “relationship”, they have joy in giving of their time and energy. It’s a pleasure for them to serve one another.
That’s the example for the Body of Christ. When you see others “serving” but with “attitude”, that shows the lack of the “intimacy” of love. It shows lack of “relationship”……not “relationship” with that person, but “relationship” with the Lover of our souls. It’s a sure-fire way to check your “love” tank level. If you don’t enjoy “doing” for others, or a particular “other”, then you have a “love” issue. You’re too self-absorbed, self-focused, and selfish. It’s not “what about me”, it’s about “what about others”. How can I bless God and bless others? That’s the servant’s heart. A heart we are all supposed to have.
So many times we “do” things out of obligation to others or out of guilt or to cover our tracks in some way. That’s not what God has called us to do. He said to serve one another in love………preferring the other person above ourselves.
Through observation you can obtain a lot of knowledge, but better yet, a lot of understanding. When you see people who really love each other and have “relationship”, they have joy in giving of their time and energy. It’s a pleasure for them to serve one another.
That’s the example for the Body of Christ. When you see others “serving” but with “attitude”, that shows the lack of the “intimacy” of love. It shows lack of “relationship”……not “relationship” with that person, but “relationship” with the Lover of our souls. It’s a sure-fire way to check your “love” tank level. If you don’t enjoy “doing” for others, or a particular “other”, then you have a “love” issue. You’re too self-absorbed, self-focused, and selfish. It’s not “what about me”, it’s about “what about others”. How can I bless God and bless others? That’s the servant’s heart. A heart we are all supposed to have.
Jonah
I heard a new twist to the story of Jonah that I’d like to share. It’s from the viewpoint of the mariners of the ship. It really struck a chord in my heart and gave me new revelation of what I was going through in my life.
The Story:
Jonah hopped on board a boat that was on a mission, they had a destination and the supplies they needed to reach that destination. They already had the plan of action and the cargo they needed to carry out their mission. They were not a passenger boat, but thought they would be kind to Jonah and let him ride along since they thought they were going the same direction.
When the storm came up, the mariners thought to go back to the shore from which they came to save everyone and everything. It wasn’t the direction they were supposed to be going. But, going back to the shore wasn’t an option. The storm was too rough no matter what direction they went.
Jonah told them to throw him overboard. He knew he was running from God. They still wanted to help him. So, they started throwing their supplies and other cargo overboard……things they needed to accomplish their mission. They thought they would help the situation. Jonah knew he was the cause of it all.
The Point:
They both were on a mission. They both were valuable to what they were called to do.
The Revelation:
Isn’t it interesting……the people we let “onboard” our lives? We think they are going the same direction. When, in fact, they have a complete different agenda and are supposed to be going the complete opposite direction. They know it, but they play along to get a ride to “somewhere”. Then the raging storms come up, things have to be confronted. Drastic measures have to take place at that point.
Sometimes God allows the storms to keep us from going back the wrong direction. Sometimes we have to be held steady in the middle of things until we can go forward again. It’s painful to lose the supplies and cargo needed for your mission, but it’s more painful to have to throw your Jonah overboard. But, in the end, it’s best for all involved. Jonah is just as valuable in what he’s supposed to do, but causes storms in others’ lives because of disobedience.
Jonah finally obeyed God, but had an attitude problem even after God showed Himself as Saviour to him and the people of Ninevah. The mariners weren’t the problem. They had nothing to do with the issue of his running or his attitude. Those were problems he had to work out with God. He made his problems himself. He chose to run from God. He chose to deceive those around him. He stirred up the storms in the mariners lives.
The mariners were no doubt more careful the next time they decided to let someone onboard. They couldn’t afford to compromise their mission or risk their lives and the lives of others for the sake of a Jonah.
The Practical Side:
God wants us to be kind and loving, to show mercy and compassion to others. But, sometimes that compassion and mercy is best served by spurring them on to repentance and responsibility. Too many people have an idea of compassion and mercy as “Oh, you poor baby. Let’s not let anyone hurt you again” type attitude. That’s not God’s mercy and compassion. Mercy isn’t stopping pain from happening in someone’s life. Mercy is helping someone to get on with their mission, no matter how painful it may seem. Tell the Truth in love. Support one another in prayer. But for the sake of all those around and the Kingdom purposes, don’t “baby” the children of God forever. It’s time to grow up into Him and take a stand for His Kingdom.
The Story:
Jonah hopped on board a boat that was on a mission, they had a destination and the supplies they needed to reach that destination. They already had the plan of action and the cargo they needed to carry out their mission. They were not a passenger boat, but thought they would be kind to Jonah and let him ride along since they thought they were going the same direction.
When the storm came up, the mariners thought to go back to the shore from which they came to save everyone and everything. It wasn’t the direction they were supposed to be going. But, going back to the shore wasn’t an option. The storm was too rough no matter what direction they went.
Jonah told them to throw him overboard. He knew he was running from God. They still wanted to help him. So, they started throwing their supplies and other cargo overboard……things they needed to accomplish their mission. They thought they would help the situation. Jonah knew he was the cause of it all.
The Point:
They both were on a mission. They both were valuable to what they were called to do.
The Revelation:
Isn’t it interesting……the people we let “onboard” our lives? We think they are going the same direction. When, in fact, they have a complete different agenda and are supposed to be going the complete opposite direction. They know it, but they play along to get a ride to “somewhere”. Then the raging storms come up, things have to be confronted. Drastic measures have to take place at that point.
Sometimes God allows the storms to keep us from going back the wrong direction. Sometimes we have to be held steady in the middle of things until we can go forward again. It’s painful to lose the supplies and cargo needed for your mission, but it’s more painful to have to throw your Jonah overboard. But, in the end, it’s best for all involved. Jonah is just as valuable in what he’s supposed to do, but causes storms in others’ lives because of disobedience.
Jonah finally obeyed God, but had an attitude problem even after God showed Himself as Saviour to him and the people of Ninevah. The mariners weren’t the problem. They had nothing to do with the issue of his running or his attitude. Those were problems he had to work out with God. He made his problems himself. He chose to run from God. He chose to deceive those around him. He stirred up the storms in the mariners lives.
The mariners were no doubt more careful the next time they decided to let someone onboard. They couldn’t afford to compromise their mission or risk their lives and the lives of others for the sake of a Jonah.
The Practical Side:
God wants us to be kind and loving, to show mercy and compassion to others. But, sometimes that compassion and mercy is best served by spurring them on to repentance and responsibility. Too many people have an idea of compassion and mercy as “Oh, you poor baby. Let’s not let anyone hurt you again” type attitude. That’s not God’s mercy and compassion. Mercy isn’t stopping pain from happening in someone’s life. Mercy is helping someone to get on with their mission, no matter how painful it may seem. Tell the Truth in love. Support one another in prayer. But for the sake of all those around and the Kingdom purposes, don’t “baby” the children of God forever. It’s time to grow up into Him and take a stand for His Kingdom.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wisdom
I've been dealing with some issues over the last few weeks and observing God's Word "active" and "inactive" in people. Very interesting.
Proverbs tells us many times to get KNOWLEDGE and with all your getting, get UNDERSTANDING. In the book of James, we are admonished to ask for WISDOM. In John's gospel, the Words of Jesus tell us that "apart from Me, you can do nothing". So, since apart from Him we can do nothing..........nothing that will impact His Kingdom, we NEED to ask for WISDOM in even our everyday tasks and situations.
To live in His Kingdom and do the work of The Kingdom, we have to assume we need all three things in our lives: KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM. These are very distinct, different things, yet all work together to bring about the best for us and His Kingdom...........for our good and His glory.......just as we are all very distinct, different individuals.......we all need to work together to bring about the best for others and for the Kingdom of God on this earth.
I've observed those who have just KNOWLEDGE. They talk about things, yet have not real UNDERSTANDING of what they are talking about. It's all in HEAD KNOWLEDGE, but they have no HEART KNOWLEDGE. UNDERSTANDING is just that......HEART KNOWLEDGE......the Rhema Word or Revelation.
Then you have people with KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING, yet they have no WISDOM in how to use that knowledge and understanding. Because they do have a heart after God and desire to see things work out well for other people, they get in the way of the Holy Spirit. He can't do His job the way God intended because the well-meaning people try to do His job for Him. Good intentions with poor results. If they had just asked for WISDOM before they tried to solve problems or deal with situations, the Holy Spirit would have guided them into ALL TRUTH.
Then there are those who have all three: KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM. From observation, it appears the # 1 and # 2 type people throw a monkey wrench into situations and mess things up. However, # 3 type people understand they can't do anything about the monkey wrenches..................the Holy Spirit will do what needs to be done. Number 3 people know they have to wait on the Lord, be patient, and because they have asked for GOD'S WISDOM, they, "having done all"......."stand"........"stand and see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living".
Just know that God will work things all out for our good because He loves us so much..............no matter what other people do to us or say about us or whatever fiery darts the devil throws at us.
You can't help what goes through another person's mind. You can't "work out their salvation with fear and trembling". You can't "tear down their vain imaginations that come against the knowledge of God". You can't "take their thoughts captive". You can't "think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report" for them. They have to take on those responsibilities. When they don't take on the responsibility for their own lives, they hurt many people around them, yet blame it on other people. In their mind, other people failed them. They don't see where they failed to obey God's Word. If they had been practicing obedience in His Word, so much of what they walk through wouldn't have even taken place. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal that to them.
If you're walking through a similar situation with someone or have observed that with someone in your life, just remember that PRAYER is the most important thing. They will not have "ears to hear" and you can't do anything about that. It is the Holy Spirit who can do something about it.
Be at peace and remember to ask for WISDOM everyday and in every situation.
Proverbs tells us many times to get KNOWLEDGE and with all your getting, get UNDERSTANDING. In the book of James, we are admonished to ask for WISDOM. In John's gospel, the Words of Jesus tell us that "apart from Me, you can do nothing". So, since apart from Him we can do nothing..........nothing that will impact His Kingdom, we NEED to ask for WISDOM in even our everyday tasks and situations.
To live in His Kingdom and do the work of The Kingdom, we have to assume we need all three things in our lives: KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM. These are very distinct, different things, yet all work together to bring about the best for us and His Kingdom...........for our good and His glory.......just as we are all very distinct, different individuals.......we all need to work together to bring about the best for others and for the Kingdom of God on this earth.
I've observed those who have just KNOWLEDGE. They talk about things, yet have not real UNDERSTANDING of what they are talking about. It's all in HEAD KNOWLEDGE, but they have no HEART KNOWLEDGE. UNDERSTANDING is just that......HEART KNOWLEDGE......the Rhema Word or Revelation.
Then you have people with KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING, yet they have no WISDOM in how to use that knowledge and understanding. Because they do have a heart after God and desire to see things work out well for other people, they get in the way of the Holy Spirit. He can't do His job the way God intended because the well-meaning people try to do His job for Him. Good intentions with poor results. If they had just asked for WISDOM before they tried to solve problems or deal with situations, the Holy Spirit would have guided them into ALL TRUTH.
Then there are those who have all three: KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM. From observation, it appears the # 1 and # 2 type people throw a monkey wrench into situations and mess things up. However, # 3 type people understand they can't do anything about the monkey wrenches..................the Holy Spirit will do what needs to be done. Number 3 people know they have to wait on the Lord, be patient, and because they have asked for GOD'S WISDOM, they, "having done all"......."stand"........"stand and see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living".
Just know that God will work things all out for our good because He loves us so much..............no matter what other people do to us or say about us or whatever fiery darts the devil throws at us.
You can't help what goes through another person's mind. You can't "work out their salvation with fear and trembling". You can't "tear down their vain imaginations that come against the knowledge of God". You can't "take their thoughts captive". You can't "think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report" for them. They have to take on those responsibilities. When they don't take on the responsibility for their own lives, they hurt many people around them, yet blame it on other people. In their mind, other people failed them. They don't see where they failed to obey God's Word. If they had been practicing obedience in His Word, so much of what they walk through wouldn't have even taken place. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal that to them.
If you're walking through a similar situation with someone or have observed that with someone in your life, just remember that PRAYER is the most important thing. They will not have "ears to hear" and you can't do anything about that. It is the Holy Spirit who can do something about it.
Be at peace and remember to ask for WISDOM everyday and in every situation.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Relay Race
Many changes are happening all around. God is shaking anything that can be shaken in this world and in His Kingdom to separate the goats from the sheep.... .to get everyone in proper position for the endtime harvest. This is such a great time to be alive.
When I watched the Olympics, I was reminded of the day in which we live. The relay races were sometimes disappointing for the Americans (both the men's and women's teams dropped the baton in the "TRIALS"), but were a real visual for the Kingdom of God. We each have the baton to carry to finish our course to win the prize. We have taken the baton from the generation before us and have it in hand. I don't want to drop it. I want to carry it all the way to the end for the prize and finish the race God has set before me. God has granted us to be alive in such a time as this. Let's keep our grip on what we have to grip and shake loose what we have to shake loose, run the race, not looking to the left or right, looking straight ahead, a forehead like flint, looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith.
When I watched the Olympics, I was reminded of the day in which we live. The relay races were sometimes disappointing for the Americans (both the men's and women's teams dropped the baton in the "TRIALS"), but were a real visual for the Kingdom of God. We each have the baton to carry to finish our course to win the prize. We have taken the baton from the generation before us and have it in hand. I don't want to drop it. I want to carry it all the way to the end for the prize and finish the race God has set before me. God has granted us to be alive in such a time as this. Let's keep our grip on what we have to grip and shake loose what we have to shake loose, run the race, not looking to the left or right, looking straight ahead, a forehead like flint, looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Warfare
Judges 3
"1Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof; "
There are many Christians who don't believe they have warfare to fight or refuse to do warfare or haven't had good teaching about the warfare we, as Christians, encounter. It looks to me by this Scripture in Judges 3 that it's in the plan for all of us to "prove us". God is no respecter of persons. We need to be proved through war. If the Israelites had to do warfare to take their territory, we do too. If they needed to do war to be "proved", to build God's character in them, we need to be proved through war. Or, in other words, we need to be in the furnace to be purified.
The interesting thing is that "the generations of children" had to experience it too. No matter how much parents want to protect their children............the children..........the generations of children have to go through their own warfare for their territory. You can fight warfare "for" many things in their lives, but you can't fight the warfare "for" their territory. You can fight "with" them just as the children of Israel fought "with" each other to help each tribe claim their territory. Your children still have to do battle to conquer their land, their territory. They have to be transformed into the image of Christ as much as we do. The pressure of tribulation, trials, and warfare transform us. It is our choice which way we are transformed. We can go "with" God's purpose or "against" God's purpose.
Remember that this Kingdom living is a "together" thing. We are a Body. One Body. If we warfare "together", it is less painful and less work for each person. The job is done quicker and one person doesn't take the total hit. We must be proved......a vessel meet for the Master's use.
"1Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof; "
There are many Christians who don't believe they have warfare to fight or refuse to do warfare or haven't had good teaching about the warfare we, as Christians, encounter. It looks to me by this Scripture in Judges 3 that it's in the plan for all of us to "prove us". God is no respecter of persons. We need to be proved through war. If the Israelites had to do warfare to take their territory, we do too. If they needed to do war to be "proved", to build God's character in them, we need to be proved through war. Or, in other words, we need to be in the furnace to be purified.
The interesting thing is that "the generations of children" had to experience it too. No matter how much parents want to protect their children............the children..........the generations of children have to go through their own warfare for their territory. You can fight warfare "for" many things in their lives, but you can't fight the warfare "for" their territory. You can fight "with" them just as the children of Israel fought "with" each other to help each tribe claim their territory. Your children still have to do battle to conquer their land, their territory. They have to be transformed into the image of Christ as much as we do. The pressure of tribulation, trials, and warfare transform us. It is our choice which way we are transformed. We can go "with" God's purpose or "against" God's purpose.
Remember that this Kingdom living is a "together" thing. We are a Body. One Body. If we warfare "together", it is less painful and less work for each person. The job is done quicker and one person doesn't take the total hit. We must be proved......a vessel meet for the Master's use.
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