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.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
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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