Deuteronomy 25-27 (Amplified Bible)
Deuteronomy 25
1IF THERE is a controversy between men, and they come into court and the judges decide between them, justifying the innocent and condemning the guilty,
2Then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a certain number of stripes according to his offense.
3Forty stripes may be given him but not more, lest, if he should be beaten with many stripes, your brother should [be treated like a beast and] seem low and worthless to you.
4You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the grain.(A)
5If brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, his wife shall not be married outside the family to a stranger [an excluded man]. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her.
6And the firstborn son shall succeed to the name of the dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.
7And if the man does not want to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuses to continue his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.
8Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. And if he stands firm and says, I do not want to take her,
9Then shall his brother's wife come to him in the presence of the elders and pull his shoe off his foot and spit in his face and shall answer, So shall it be done to that man who does not build up his brother's house.
10And his family shall be called in Israel, The House of Him Whose Shoe Was Loosed.
11When men strive together one with another and the wife of the one draws near to rescue her husband out of the hand of him who is beating him, and puts out her hand and seizes the other man by the private parts,
12Then you shall cut off her hand; your eyes shall not pity her.
13You shall not have in your bag true and false weights, a large and a small.
14You shall not have in your house true and false measures, a large and a small.
15But you shall have a perfect and just weight and a perfect and just measure, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
16For all who do such things, all who do unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God.
17Remember what Amalek did to you on the way when you had come forth from Egypt,
18How he did not fear God, but when you were faint and weary he attacked you along the way and cut off all the stragglers at your rear.(B)
19Therefore when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies round about in the land which the Lord your God gives you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens; you must not forget.
Deuteronomy 26 1WHEN YOU have come into the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance and possess it and live in it,
2You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the soil which you harvest from the land the Lord your God gives you and put it in a basket, and go to the place [the sanctuary] which the Lord your God has chosen as the abiding place for His Name [and His Presence].
3And you shall go to the priest who is in office in those days, and say to him, I give thanks this day to the Lord your God that I have come to the land which the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.
4And the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God.
5And you shall say before the Lord your God, A wandering and lost Aramean ready to perish was my father [Jacob], and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and numerous.
6And the Egyptians treated us very badly and afflicted us and laid upon us hard bondage.
7And when we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our labor and our [cruel] oppression;
8And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, and with great (awesome) power and with signs and with wonders;
9And He brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
10And now, behold, I bring the firstfruits of the ground which You, O Lord, have given me. And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God;
11And you and the Levite and the stranger and the sojourner among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household.
12When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger and the sojourner, the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your towns and be filled,
13Then you shall say before the Lord your God, I have brought the hallowed things (the tithe) out of my house and moreover have given them to the Levite, to the stranger and the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.
14I have not eaten of the tithe in my mourning [making the tithe unclean], nor have I handled any of it when I was unclean, nor given any of it to the dead. I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God; I have done according to all that You have commanded me.
15Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us as You swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.
16This day the Lord your God has commanded you to do these statutes and ordinances. Therefore you shall keep and do them with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.
17You have [openly] declared the Lord this day to be your God, [pledging] to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and His commandments and His precepts, and to hearken to His voice.
18And the Lord has declared this day that you are His peculiar people as He promised you, and you are to keep all His commandments;
19And He will make you high above all nations which He has made, in praise and in fame and in honor, and that you shall be a holy people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.
Deuteronomy 27 1AND MOSES with the elders of Israel commanded the people, Keep all the commandments with which I charge you today.
2And on the day when you pass over the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall set up great stones and cover them with plaster.
3And you shall write on them all the words of this law when you have passed over, that you may go into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
4And when you have gone over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, as I command you this day, on Mount Ebal, and coat them with plaster.
5And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not lift up any iron tool upon them.
6You shall build the altar of the Lord your God of whole stones and offer burnt offerings on it to Him;
7And you shall offer peace offerings, and eat there and rejoice before the Lord your God.
8And you shall write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.
9And Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, Keep silence and hear, O Israel! This day you have become the people of the Lord your God.
10So you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God and do His commandments and statutes which I command you today.
11And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,
12These [tribes] shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have passed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph's [sons], and Benjamin.
13And these [tribes] shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curse [for disobedience]: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
14And the Levites shall declare with a loud voice to all the men of Israel:
15Cursed is the man who makes a graven or molten image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret. All the people shall answer, Amen.
16Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother. All the people shall say, Amen.
17Cursed is he who moves [back] his neighbor's landmark. All the people shall say, Amen.
18Cursed is he who misleads a blind man on his way. All the people shall say, Amen.
19Cursed is he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner or the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. All the people shall say, Amen.
20Cursed is he who lies with his father's wife, because he uncovers what belongs to his father. All the people shall say, Amen.
21Cursed is he who lies with any beast. All the people shall say, Amen.
22Cursed is he who lies with his half sister, whether his father's or his mother's daughter. All the people shall say, Amen.
23Cursed is he who lies with his mother-in-law. All the people shall say, Amen.
24Cursed is he who slays his neighbor secretly. All the people shall say, Amen.
25Cursed is he who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person. All the people shall say, Amen.
26Cursed is he who does not support and give assent to the words of this law to do them [as the rule of his life]. All the people shall say, Amen.
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Psalm 64 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 64
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 1HEAR MY voice, O God, in my complaint; guard and preserve my life from the terror of the enemy.
2Hide me from the secret counsel and conspiracy of the ungodly, from the scheming of evildoers,
3Who whet their tongues like a sword, who aim venomous words like arrows,
4Who shoot from ambush at the blameless man; suddenly do they shoot at him, without self-reproach or fear.
5They encourage themselves in an evil purpose, they talk of laying snares secretly; they say, Who will discover us ?
6They think out acts of injustice and say, We have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep.
7But God will shoot an unexpected arrow at them; and suddenly shall they be wounded.
8And they will be made to stumble, their own tongues turning against them; all who gaze upon them will shake their heads and flee away.
9And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing.
10The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Friday, March 2, 2007
Worldliness is wrong!
WORLDLINESS IS WRONG! DEAR CHURCH by Greg Gordon
PECULIAR PEOPLE
The world is too much amongst us! God has called his church to be separate from the world. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." God desires a Church that is "perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Scripture says in another place: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Horatius Bonar said over 200 years ago: "I looked for the Church and I found it in the world, and I looked for the world and I found it in the Church." A worldly Church will never win the world. Keith Daniel said: "If we try to win the world by being like the world the world will win you!" A peculiar people is a powerful people! God anoints a set apart Church with the Power of His Spirit, there is no other way. We must be a peculiar people in these "last days," God is calling apart a people that love the "things of God" more then the "things of the world."
THE CHURCH WALKING WITH THE WORLD
The Church and the World walked far apart. On the changing shore of time; The World was singing a giddy song, The Church a hymn sublime. "Come give me your hand," said the merry World, "And walk with me this way," But the good Church hid her snowy hand, And solemnly answered, "Nay; I will not give you my hand at all, And I will not walk with you; Your way is the way of eternal death, And your words are all untrue." "Nay, walk with me a little space," Said the World with a kindly air, The road I walk is a pleasant road, And the sun shines always there. Your way is narrow and thorny and rough, While mine is flowery and smooth; Your lot is sad with reproach and toil, But in rounds of joy I move. My way, you can see, is a broad, fair one, And my gate is high and wide; There is room enough for you and me, And we'll travel side by side." Half shyly the Church approached the World, And gave him her hand of snow; And the false World grasped it, and walked along, And whispered in accents low, "Your dress is to simple to please my taste; I have gold and pearls to wear; Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form, And diamonds to deck your hair." The Church looked down at her plain white robes, And then at the dazzling World, And blushed as she saw his handsome lip. With a smile contemptuous curled; "I will change my dress for a costlier one," Said the Church with a smile of grace; Then her pure white garments drifted away, And the World gave in their place Beautiful satins, and fashionable silks, And roses and gems and pearls; And over her forehead her bright hair fell. And waved in a thousand curls. "Your house is to plain," said the proud old World, "I will build you one like mine, With kitchen for feasting and parlor for play, And furniture never so fine." So he built her a costly and beautiful house-Splendid it was to behold; Her sons and her daughters met frequently there, Shining in purple and gold. The Angel of mercy flew over the Church, And whispered, "I know thy sin;" Then the Church looked sad, and anxiously longed. To gather her children in. But some were away at the midnight ball, And others were at the play; And some were drinking in gay saloons, So she quietly went her way. Then said the World in soothing tones, "Your children mean no harm-Merely indulging in innocent sports," So she leaned on his proffered arm, And smiled, and chatted, and gathered flowers, And walked along with the World, While countless millions of precious souls. Over the fearful brink were hurled. "Your preachers are all to old and plain," Said the gay World with a sneer; "They frighten my children with dreadful tales, Which I like not for them to hear. They talk of judgments and fire and pain, And the doom of darkest night; They warn of a place that should not be. Mentioned to ears polite! I will send you some of a better stamp, More brilliant and gay and fast, Who will show how men may live as they list. And then go to heaven at last." "The Father is merciful, great, and good, Loving and tender and kind; Do you think He would take one child to heaven, And leave another behind?" So she called for pleasing and gay divines. Deemed gifted , and great, and learned; And the plain old men that had preached the cross, Were out of her pulpits turned. Then Mammon came in and supported the Church, And rented a prominent pew; And preaching and singing and floral display. Soon proclaimed a gospel new. "You give too much to the poor," said the World, "Far more than you ought to do; Though the poor need shelter, food, and clothes, Why need it trouble you?" "Go, take your money and buy rich robes. And horses and carriages fine; And pearls and jewels and dainty food, The rarest and costliest wine. My children, they dote on all such things. And if you their love would win, You must do as they do, and walk in the way. Which they are walking in." Then the Church drew tightly the strings of her purse, And gracefully lowered her head, And simpered, "I've given too much away, I will do, sir, as you have said." So the poor were turned from her door in scorn, She heard not the orphans' cry; And she drew her beautiful robes aside. As the widows went weeping by. So they of the Church and they of the World. Journeyed closely, hand and heart, And none but the Master, who knows all, Could discern the two apart. Then the Church sat down at her ease and said, "I am rich and in goods increased; I have need of nothing, and naught to do, But to laugh and dance and feast." The sly World heard her and laughed within, And mockingly said aside, "The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church, Her shame is her boast and pride." A voice came down from the courts of heaven, From Him who sat on the throne; "I know thy works and what thou hast said, But alas! thou hast not known That thou art poor and naked and blind, With pride and ruin enthralled; The expectant bride of a heavenly Groom. Is companion of the world! Humble thy heart, confess thy sin, Let shame now cover thy face; Or else, alas! I must cast thee out, And blot thy name from its place." (Author Unknown) "Adulterers and adulteresses! Know you not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself the enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, 'The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?" (James 4:4,5)
WORLDLINESS IN THE CHURCH
Leonard Ravenhill gives a litmus test for a man walking with God: "The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church...grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil." Truly today it is a time of "weeping" and "shame" of how the world is triumphing over the Church and walking over us. Christ said "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." What a fearful statement: "trodden under foot" Do we not see this today as the world is mocking and walking over all decency and any standard the Church stands for? The cry of the world is "Where is their God?" They do not see God in the Church, for the Church is powerless! Samuel Chadwick said: "The Holy Ghost cannot conquer the world with unbelief, nor can He save the world with a worldly Church. He calls for a crusade, a campaign, and an adventure of saving passion. For this enterprise He wants a separated, sanctified and sacrificial people." Alas Christian do you find yourself not separated from the world? Read the words of A.W. Pink to see where your heart is at: "The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness."
A CHRISTIAN AND YET A WORLDLING?
Horatius Bonar speaks forth a rebuke to a worldly complacent Church: "Go on in your worldliness; fling yourselves headlong into the torrent of earth's vanities; but know that the end of these things is death! "Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God." (James 4:4). The point is settled. The Christian cannot take part with the world in its follies, and gaieties, and sins! What! A Christian and yet a worldling! singing its idle songs, hurrying through its mazy dance, partaking in its mirth and revelry! Impossible! We have ceased to be citizens of earth's polluted cities; we are citizens of heaven! We have a home--but not in the palaces or haunts of the world. We have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens! 'But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!'" Thomas Brooks said: "The honors, splendor, and all the glory of this world, are but sweet poisons. which will much endanger us, if they do not eternally destroy us." Yet how many Churchmen without any anguish indulge in the worlds ways. How many Churches offer the people these "poisons" mixed with divine truth. What a deadly mixture! Church depart from the world, may we be able to say with the Apostle Paul: "the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world!" May it be so.
PECULIAR PEOPLE
The world is too much amongst us! God has called his church to be separate from the world. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." God desires a Church that is "perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Scripture says in another place: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Horatius Bonar said over 200 years ago: "I looked for the Church and I found it in the world, and I looked for the world and I found it in the Church." A worldly Church will never win the world. Keith Daniel said: "If we try to win the world by being like the world the world will win you!" A peculiar people is a powerful people! God anoints a set apart Church with the Power of His Spirit, there is no other way. We must be a peculiar people in these "last days," God is calling apart a people that love the "things of God" more then the "things of the world."
THE CHURCH WALKING WITH THE WORLD
The Church and the World walked far apart. On the changing shore of time; The World was singing a giddy song, The Church a hymn sublime. "Come give me your hand," said the merry World, "And walk with me this way," But the good Church hid her snowy hand, And solemnly answered, "Nay; I will not give you my hand at all, And I will not walk with you; Your way is the way of eternal death, And your words are all untrue." "Nay, walk with me a little space," Said the World with a kindly air, The road I walk is a pleasant road, And the sun shines always there. Your way is narrow and thorny and rough, While mine is flowery and smooth; Your lot is sad with reproach and toil, But in rounds of joy I move. My way, you can see, is a broad, fair one, And my gate is high and wide; There is room enough for you and me, And we'll travel side by side." Half shyly the Church approached the World, And gave him her hand of snow; And the false World grasped it, and walked along, And whispered in accents low, "Your dress is to simple to please my taste; I have gold and pearls to wear; Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form, And diamonds to deck your hair." The Church looked down at her plain white robes, And then at the dazzling World, And blushed as she saw his handsome lip. With a smile contemptuous curled; "I will change my dress for a costlier one," Said the Church with a smile of grace; Then her pure white garments drifted away, And the World gave in their place Beautiful satins, and fashionable silks, And roses and gems and pearls; And over her forehead her bright hair fell. And waved in a thousand curls. "Your house is to plain," said the proud old World, "I will build you one like mine, With kitchen for feasting and parlor for play, And furniture never so fine." So he built her a costly and beautiful house-Splendid it was to behold; Her sons and her daughters met frequently there, Shining in purple and gold. The Angel of mercy flew over the Church, And whispered, "I know thy sin;" Then the Church looked sad, and anxiously longed. To gather her children in. But some were away at the midnight ball, And others were at the play; And some were drinking in gay saloons, So she quietly went her way. Then said the World in soothing tones, "Your children mean no harm-Merely indulging in innocent sports," So she leaned on his proffered arm, And smiled, and chatted, and gathered flowers, And walked along with the World, While countless millions of precious souls. Over the fearful brink were hurled. "Your preachers are all to old and plain," Said the gay World with a sneer; "They frighten my children with dreadful tales, Which I like not for them to hear. They talk of judgments and fire and pain, And the doom of darkest night; They warn of a place that should not be. Mentioned to ears polite! I will send you some of a better stamp, More brilliant and gay and fast, Who will show how men may live as they list. And then go to heaven at last." "The Father is merciful, great, and good, Loving and tender and kind; Do you think He would take one child to heaven, And leave another behind?" So she called for pleasing and gay divines. Deemed gifted , and great, and learned; And the plain old men that had preached the cross, Were out of her pulpits turned. Then Mammon came in and supported the Church, And rented a prominent pew; And preaching and singing and floral display. Soon proclaimed a gospel new. "You give too much to the poor," said the World, "Far more than you ought to do; Though the poor need shelter, food, and clothes, Why need it trouble you?" "Go, take your money and buy rich robes. And horses and carriages fine; And pearls and jewels and dainty food, The rarest and costliest wine. My children, they dote on all such things. And if you their love would win, You must do as they do, and walk in the way. Which they are walking in." Then the Church drew tightly the strings of her purse, And gracefully lowered her head, And simpered, "I've given too much away, I will do, sir, as you have said." So the poor were turned from her door in scorn, She heard not the orphans' cry; And she drew her beautiful robes aside. As the widows went weeping by. So they of the Church and they of the World. Journeyed closely, hand and heart, And none but the Master, who knows all, Could discern the two apart. Then the Church sat down at her ease and said, "I am rich and in goods increased; I have need of nothing, and naught to do, But to laugh and dance and feast." The sly World heard her and laughed within, And mockingly said aside, "The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church, Her shame is her boast and pride." A voice came down from the courts of heaven, From Him who sat on the throne; "I know thy works and what thou hast said, But alas! thou hast not known That thou art poor and naked and blind, With pride and ruin enthralled; The expectant bride of a heavenly Groom. Is companion of the world! Humble thy heart, confess thy sin, Let shame now cover thy face; Or else, alas! I must cast thee out, And blot thy name from its place." (Author Unknown) "Adulterers and adulteresses! Know you not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself the enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, 'The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?" (James 4:4,5)
WORLDLINESS IN THE CHURCH
Leonard Ravenhill gives a litmus test for a man walking with God: "The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church...grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil." Truly today it is a time of "weeping" and "shame" of how the world is triumphing over the Church and walking over us. Christ said "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." What a fearful statement: "trodden under foot" Do we not see this today as the world is mocking and walking over all decency and any standard the Church stands for? The cry of the world is "Where is their God?" They do not see God in the Church, for the Church is powerless! Samuel Chadwick said: "The Holy Ghost cannot conquer the world with unbelief, nor can He save the world with a worldly Church. He calls for a crusade, a campaign, and an adventure of saving passion. For this enterprise He wants a separated, sanctified and sacrificial people." Alas Christian do you find yourself not separated from the world? Read the words of A.W. Pink to see where your heart is at: "The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness."
A CHRISTIAN AND YET A WORLDLING?
Horatius Bonar speaks forth a rebuke to a worldly complacent Church: "Go on in your worldliness; fling yourselves headlong into the torrent of earth's vanities; but know that the end of these things is death! "Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God." (James 4:4). The point is settled. The Christian cannot take part with the world in its follies, and gaieties, and sins! What! A Christian and yet a worldling! singing its idle songs, hurrying through its mazy dance, partaking in its mirth and revelry! Impossible! We have ceased to be citizens of earth's polluted cities; we are citizens of heaven! We have a home--but not in the palaces or haunts of the world. We have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens! 'But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!'" Thomas Brooks said: "The honors, splendor, and all the glory of this world, are but sweet poisons. which will much endanger us, if they do not eternally destroy us." Yet how many Churchmen without any anguish indulge in the worlds ways. How many Churches offer the people these "poisons" mixed with divine truth. What a deadly mixture! Church depart from the world, may we be able to say with the Apostle Paul: "the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world!" May it be so.
Rick Joyner - Our Obedience is the key
Rick Joyner: "UNPRECEDENTED PROSPERITY IS COMING TO GOD'S PEOPLE--OUR OBEDIENCE IS KEY"
One of the most often repeated teachings in recent times has been centered on the Biblical prophecies which state that "the wealth of the wicked will be given to the righteous." The prophecies actually go further than this and state that the wealth of the nations will be brought to the righteous. Because these are Biblical prophecies, we know that they will come to pass. This is about to begin, and we must be ready for it.Prosperity Defined
"When we look at the nations, we need to look at their wealth as being far more than money or other natural resources."
I realize that this may sound like just another reciting of the prosperity teachings, which is a good thing to many, and a bad thing to others. However, as we proceed, you will find that what I am sharing with you is different from what you have heard before. If we believe the prophecies, we know that unprecedented prosperity is coming to God's people.
What is rarely considered--even though this is the beginning of walking in the inheritance of the righteous to rule over the nations, it will be a test, and maybe the biggest test we have ever had. Those who are not prepared will be overcome by it. Those who are prepared will still be tested and stretched, but this is essential training for those who must proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. There are factors with these prophecies that are rarely, if ever, addressed. First, it is usually assumed that this wealth is all about money. It does include money, but to the mature in Christ, money will always be their least valuable resource. It is a resource, and it does have value, but it is something that we learn to manage well, so that we can be entrusted with the true riches of the Kingdom. When we look at the nations, we need to look at their wealth as being far more than money or other natural resources. It is always about people. They are God's treasure, and they must be ours as well.
Entrusted with Money
We need to take a bit of time to discuss the money that we are going to be entrusted with and how to manage it. This is important now because the Lord Himself said that if we do not know how to manage unrighteous mammon, He will not be able to entrust us with the true riches (see Luke 16:11). Let's get the money management down right, but always keep in mind that it is our least valuable resource.
One moment of God's favor--the smallest touch of His grace and anointing of the Holy Spirit is worth much more than any earthly treasure. Let us keep that in our minds and hearts. Those who do not keep that in mind will be in jeopardy of being destroyed by the weight of the money and other resources that are about to be entrusted to them. If you have read the studies of those who have won the lottery, there does not yet seem to be many happy ending for anyone who suddenly received great riches. Just the onslaught of demanding relatives and friends who want a gift or loan can be crushing. Many who received millions were broke in just two years, and even worse, have lost their jobs as well as most of their friends. In fact, winning the lottery seems to be a terrible curse that has wrecked many lives. The same has happened to many athletes and entertainers who come into quick riches if they are not prepared for it. As a large and growing ministry, we are under almost continual requests, and sometimes demands, from other ministries for financial help. If we do not help them, some quickly turn from being friends to being opponents and even slanderers. We have a continual swarm of disgruntled people around us whose expectations we did not meet. I was told that this would be continual if we obeyed the Lord! In fact, I was told that the more perfect our obedience, the more that people would become angry. Therefore, I have learned to live with it, determining to seek God's approval rather than man's.
Our Obedience is to God
"The way of obedience is hard at times, but not nearly as hard as any other path."
As Paul the Apostle stated it in Galatians 1:10, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." To the degree that we seek the approval of men, we will compromise our obedience to Christ. We must learn to love people, but not obey them or cave into their pressure and manipulation if we are going to be trusted with great resources. Think about the Lord Himself. Jesus never responded to human need, but He only did what He saw the Father doing. How many sick and afflicted people do you think He stepped over or walked by to get to the one He healed at the pool of Bethesda? He could have healed them all, but He didn't. He only healed the one that the Father had shown Him to heal. If we are going to be trusted with that kind of authority, we, too, are going to have to have that kind of obedience. I know many people who want to be trusted with great resources so they can bless many people. This will happen in due time, but while God is testing their obedience, they do not realize how many people they are going to make very angry. If we are seeking the approval of man, and want great resources so that we can be a blessing and be loved, we are going to be in for a terrible shock. Last year I was told by a friend that looked up my name on the internet, that there were about 50,000 references to me, and most of them were bad! This did not surprise me. In fact, it encouraged me. I was shown many years ago that this would be the result of my obedience. Now I have been used to bless some other ministries, and I think quite a few people. However, almost none of these will ever write anything positive about me or probably even think about it. This does not bother me because I expected it. Think about this: Jesus healed ten blind men and only one of them even thanked Him! I am not looking for gratitude or appreciation from people, but from the Lord. I am motivated by one thing--I want to hear my Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).I am not claiming to be doing this perfectly, as I have also been chastised by the Lord for being too insensitive. I sometimes feel bad for days when I have to reject a request. The worst part of all is when I have to do this with my own children, because I don't consider anything that I have as my own, but I am only a steward of it. It hurts very badly at times, but I was told that if I did not learn to use the word "no," I would be crushed under the weight of what I was to be entrusted with and would suffer burnout quickly because I would be taking the people's yokes instead of the Lord's yoke. The way of obedience is hard at times, but not nearly as hard as any other path. We must keep in mind that this whole age is about training for reigning. Tribulations and blessings are both tests! If we are growing in the Lord, we will be getting both a thicker skin and a softer heart--at the same time.
There is only one way to navigate so as to stay on the path of life--grow in fellowship and obedience to the Lord. Find your pleasure in Him, and do not expect too much from people, even those you may help in a major way. Guard your heart especially against any kind of resentment.
God's approval and acceptance has to be enough for us if we are going to be His servants.
Rick JoynerMorningStar Ministrieswww.morningstarministries.org Email: info@morningstarministries.org
One of the most often repeated teachings in recent times has been centered on the Biblical prophecies which state that "the wealth of the wicked will be given to the righteous." The prophecies actually go further than this and state that the wealth of the nations will be brought to the righteous. Because these are Biblical prophecies, we know that they will come to pass. This is about to begin, and we must be ready for it.Prosperity Defined
"When we look at the nations, we need to look at their wealth as being far more than money or other natural resources."
I realize that this may sound like just another reciting of the prosperity teachings, which is a good thing to many, and a bad thing to others. However, as we proceed, you will find that what I am sharing with you is different from what you have heard before. If we believe the prophecies, we know that unprecedented prosperity is coming to God's people.
What is rarely considered--even though this is the beginning of walking in the inheritance of the righteous to rule over the nations, it will be a test, and maybe the biggest test we have ever had. Those who are not prepared will be overcome by it. Those who are prepared will still be tested and stretched, but this is essential training for those who must proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. There are factors with these prophecies that are rarely, if ever, addressed. First, it is usually assumed that this wealth is all about money. It does include money, but to the mature in Christ, money will always be their least valuable resource. It is a resource, and it does have value, but it is something that we learn to manage well, so that we can be entrusted with the true riches of the Kingdom. When we look at the nations, we need to look at their wealth as being far more than money or other natural resources. It is always about people. They are God's treasure, and they must be ours as well.
Entrusted with Money
We need to take a bit of time to discuss the money that we are going to be entrusted with and how to manage it. This is important now because the Lord Himself said that if we do not know how to manage unrighteous mammon, He will not be able to entrust us with the true riches (see Luke 16:11). Let's get the money management down right, but always keep in mind that it is our least valuable resource.
One moment of God's favor--the smallest touch of His grace and anointing of the Holy Spirit is worth much more than any earthly treasure. Let us keep that in our minds and hearts. Those who do not keep that in mind will be in jeopardy of being destroyed by the weight of the money and other resources that are about to be entrusted to them. If you have read the studies of those who have won the lottery, there does not yet seem to be many happy ending for anyone who suddenly received great riches. Just the onslaught of demanding relatives and friends who want a gift or loan can be crushing. Many who received millions were broke in just two years, and even worse, have lost their jobs as well as most of their friends. In fact, winning the lottery seems to be a terrible curse that has wrecked many lives. The same has happened to many athletes and entertainers who come into quick riches if they are not prepared for it. As a large and growing ministry, we are under almost continual requests, and sometimes demands, from other ministries for financial help. If we do not help them, some quickly turn from being friends to being opponents and even slanderers. We have a continual swarm of disgruntled people around us whose expectations we did not meet. I was told that this would be continual if we obeyed the Lord! In fact, I was told that the more perfect our obedience, the more that people would become angry. Therefore, I have learned to live with it, determining to seek God's approval rather than man's.
Our Obedience is to God
"The way of obedience is hard at times, but not nearly as hard as any other path."
As Paul the Apostle stated it in Galatians 1:10, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." To the degree that we seek the approval of men, we will compromise our obedience to Christ. We must learn to love people, but not obey them or cave into their pressure and manipulation if we are going to be trusted with great resources. Think about the Lord Himself. Jesus never responded to human need, but He only did what He saw the Father doing. How many sick and afflicted people do you think He stepped over or walked by to get to the one He healed at the pool of Bethesda? He could have healed them all, but He didn't. He only healed the one that the Father had shown Him to heal. If we are going to be trusted with that kind of authority, we, too, are going to have to have that kind of obedience. I know many people who want to be trusted with great resources so they can bless many people. This will happen in due time, but while God is testing their obedience, they do not realize how many people they are going to make very angry. If we are seeking the approval of man, and want great resources so that we can be a blessing and be loved, we are going to be in for a terrible shock. Last year I was told by a friend that looked up my name on the internet, that there were about 50,000 references to me, and most of them were bad! This did not surprise me. In fact, it encouraged me. I was shown many years ago that this would be the result of my obedience. Now I have been used to bless some other ministries, and I think quite a few people. However, almost none of these will ever write anything positive about me or probably even think about it. This does not bother me because I expected it. Think about this: Jesus healed ten blind men and only one of them even thanked Him! I am not looking for gratitude or appreciation from people, but from the Lord. I am motivated by one thing--I want to hear my Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).I am not claiming to be doing this perfectly, as I have also been chastised by the Lord for being too insensitive. I sometimes feel bad for days when I have to reject a request. The worst part of all is when I have to do this with my own children, because I don't consider anything that I have as my own, but I am only a steward of it. It hurts very badly at times, but I was told that if I did not learn to use the word "no," I would be crushed under the weight of what I was to be entrusted with and would suffer burnout quickly because I would be taking the people's yokes instead of the Lord's yoke. The way of obedience is hard at times, but not nearly as hard as any other path. We must keep in mind that this whole age is about training for reigning. Tribulations and blessings are both tests! If we are growing in the Lord, we will be getting both a thicker skin and a softer heart--at the same time.
There is only one way to navigate so as to stay on the path of life--grow in fellowship and obedience to the Lord. Find your pleasure in Him, and do not expect too much from people, even those you may help in a major way. Guard your heart especially against any kind of resentment.
God's approval and acceptance has to be enough for us if we are going to be His servants.
Rick JoynerMorningStar Ministrieswww.morningstarministries.org Email: info@morningstarministries.org
Hungry for God
Hungry for God by John Fischer
Our ministry is to serve the needs of believers; our mission is to serve the needs of those who are not presently Christians. The latter can present a problem. You can’t really serve someone if you don’t know them, but being in relationship with those who aren’t Christians can be dangerous. Old habits and old ways of life can come back to haunt us when we are around people who don’t share our desire to follow Christ.
For this reason, it may be necessary to keep only Christian friends for a season, but the goal for us all is to be stronger than this. God didn’t save us and leave us on earth to band together and live nice, safe little Christian lives until he returns or we die, whichever comes first. We are here to share the good news of God’s forgiveness with those who don’t know about it yet, and we can’t do that without getting close to people who need it. We need to be close enough to people to know them, love them, identify with their need, and serve them without judging them or losing our own hold on Christ.
How will we do this? A couple suggestions to think about today: First, don’t ever forget we are all sinners in need of salvation. This will help keep us from a self-righteous and judgmental attitude. We never have a perfect day. We encounter our own need to be saved all the time, because we all sin and fall short of God’s glory. We lead people to Christ, not by reaching down to them from a place of invulnerable perfection, but as one thirsty person bringing another to water.
Second, remember that sin entraps everyone. Your friends who aren’t Christians may very well have a soft heart to God and the truth but it’s covered up by a host of things the enemy uses to blind us like fear, failure, addictions, and all sorts of false coping mechanisms. Success, power, and wealth can blind you as well. We need to ask God for the ability to look past all these distractions to the heart, because at the heart everyone is hungry for God. We were created that way.
Lord, teach us to see people as you see them. May we not give in to the things that once entrapped us. Make us keen to the lie and hungering for the truth today, and help us to find it even in those who don’t know you. Remind us that we are all children when it comes to you, even the toughest among us. Show us how to love everyone and stay true to you.
Our ministry is to serve the needs of believers; our mission is to serve the needs of those who are not presently Christians. The latter can present a problem. You can’t really serve someone if you don’t know them, but being in relationship with those who aren’t Christians can be dangerous. Old habits and old ways of life can come back to haunt us when we are around people who don’t share our desire to follow Christ.
For this reason, it may be necessary to keep only Christian friends for a season, but the goal for us all is to be stronger than this. God didn’t save us and leave us on earth to band together and live nice, safe little Christian lives until he returns or we die, whichever comes first. We are here to share the good news of God’s forgiveness with those who don’t know about it yet, and we can’t do that without getting close to people who need it. We need to be close enough to people to know them, love them, identify with their need, and serve them without judging them or losing our own hold on Christ.
How will we do this? A couple suggestions to think about today: First, don’t ever forget we are all sinners in need of salvation. This will help keep us from a self-righteous and judgmental attitude. We never have a perfect day. We encounter our own need to be saved all the time, because we all sin and fall short of God’s glory. We lead people to Christ, not by reaching down to them from a place of invulnerable perfection, but as one thirsty person bringing another to water.
Second, remember that sin entraps everyone. Your friends who aren’t Christians may very well have a soft heart to God and the truth but it’s covered up by a host of things the enemy uses to blind us like fear, failure, addictions, and all sorts of false coping mechanisms. Success, power, and wealth can blind you as well. We need to ask God for the ability to look past all these distractions to the heart, because at the heart everyone is hungry for God. We were created that way.
Lord, teach us to see people as you see them. May we not give in to the things that once entrapped us. Make us keen to the lie and hungering for the truth today, and help us to find it even in those who don’t know you. Remind us that we are all children when it comes to you, even the toughest among us. Show us how to love everyone and stay true to you.
Chad Taylor - Your Cave is becoming your crowning Achievement!
Chad Taylor: "A WORD TO THE DESPERATE, DERAILED, AND DAUNTED--THIS IS YOUR YEAR!"
YOUR CAVE IS BECOMING YOUR CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!
The Lord says, "All that you have endured--the misunderstanding and the discouragement, even at times to the point of utter despair, will only prove to be your crowning achievement in My Kingdom. For those that suffer with Me will inevitably reign with Me. Your Cave of Adullam is now becoming your cave of absolution as I compel you forward into every good work. The stones that have sealed you in will now pave the way into your future as you ride this next wave of breakthrough!"
CLEAR AND PRESENT BREAKTHROUGH--IT'S NOT FICTION, IT'S FACT!
I heard the words: "CLEAR AND PRESENT BREAKTHROUGH" exclaimed over 2007. This is the precedent that the Lord is setting--a benchmark of breakthrough in 2007 that like Joshua and Israel, will launch the Body of Christ into an unparalleled spiritual position to heal and take back the land.
I saw the "writing on the wall" changing from DELIVERANCE to POSSESSING as those delivered from every dreadful thing were now possessing and taking back the inheritance of their forefathers. Many who are related to the first pioneers and missionaries that set foot on American soil, will now reap the inheritance reserved for such a time as this. This is not fiction, it's fact! The absolutes of God's promises are overtaking us.
2007: THE YEAR OF UNLEAVENED VISION AND DREAMS
"Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened..." (1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Lord says, "I am removing the old and the expired that has clogged the arteries of fresh vision and dynamic dreams. My people will see a panoramic setting of their future rather than a black and white backdrop of previous experiences. This is the year of unleavened vision unhindered from the power of our past as the gravity of our future moves us forward at record breaking speed."
The Lord says, "Mark the calendar:
March will set a new standard not only in the spiritual, but the natural.
April will bring new rain as it sets in motion the birthing of great things.
May will be the starting point as many begin to launch out in different directions.
June will be a month of Jubilee as finances are poured out through open windows of Heaven. All that you have sown will surely begin to come back to you in June.
July will be a month of fire. You will see it in the headlines and in the spirit. Don't be persuaded by natural events; only be confident that they are a confirmation of things to come.
August will be a month of testing to prove the unleavened vision that you have received; make it through this month, and September will surely result in great harvest.
October will bring persecution, but to those that are tried will receive a crown of life. Hold fast to that which I have shown you."
THE BENCHWARMERS AND SIDELINERS ARE ABOUT TO TAKE CENTER STAGE!
The first will be last as God's promises are performed. God says, "Those that have received no recognition or applause will now be exalted in this their due time. Not to seats of man's admiration, but to the courts of God's favor. It will set them before authorities and magistrates and even judges as they speak My word in this season of restitution. They will be My Esthers and Daniels turning back the tide of unrighteousness resulting in breakthrough where there was inevitable disaster pending."
"Like Elijah, they will pray and the Heavens will be opened or the Heavens will be closed. New doors of ministry will be revealed to so many as housewives, factory workers, and retirees will have the unction for full-time ministry. They will crisscross the nations with a message of fulfillment and hope setting back the Day of Judgment for many as they preach Good News to the poor."
This is the year of the desperate, derailed, and daunted--He has not forgotten and will now outdo your wildest expectations!
Chad TaylorConsuming Fire Revival Networkwww.consumingfire.com Email: info@consumingfire.com
YOUR CAVE IS BECOMING YOUR CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!
The Lord says, "All that you have endured--the misunderstanding and the discouragement, even at times to the point of utter despair, will only prove to be your crowning achievement in My Kingdom. For those that suffer with Me will inevitably reign with Me. Your Cave of Adullam is now becoming your cave of absolution as I compel you forward into every good work. The stones that have sealed you in will now pave the way into your future as you ride this next wave of breakthrough!"
CLEAR AND PRESENT BREAKTHROUGH--IT'S NOT FICTION, IT'S FACT!
I heard the words: "CLEAR AND PRESENT BREAKTHROUGH" exclaimed over 2007. This is the precedent that the Lord is setting--a benchmark of breakthrough in 2007 that like Joshua and Israel, will launch the Body of Christ into an unparalleled spiritual position to heal and take back the land.
I saw the "writing on the wall" changing from DELIVERANCE to POSSESSING as those delivered from every dreadful thing were now possessing and taking back the inheritance of their forefathers. Many who are related to the first pioneers and missionaries that set foot on American soil, will now reap the inheritance reserved for such a time as this. This is not fiction, it's fact! The absolutes of God's promises are overtaking us.
2007: THE YEAR OF UNLEAVENED VISION AND DREAMS
"Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened..." (1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Lord says, "I am removing the old and the expired that has clogged the arteries of fresh vision and dynamic dreams. My people will see a panoramic setting of their future rather than a black and white backdrop of previous experiences. This is the year of unleavened vision unhindered from the power of our past as the gravity of our future moves us forward at record breaking speed."
The Lord says, "Mark the calendar:
March will set a new standard not only in the spiritual, but the natural.
April will bring new rain as it sets in motion the birthing of great things.
May will be the starting point as many begin to launch out in different directions.
June will be a month of Jubilee as finances are poured out through open windows of Heaven. All that you have sown will surely begin to come back to you in June.
July will be a month of fire. You will see it in the headlines and in the spirit. Don't be persuaded by natural events; only be confident that they are a confirmation of things to come.
August will be a month of testing to prove the unleavened vision that you have received; make it through this month, and September will surely result in great harvest.
October will bring persecution, but to those that are tried will receive a crown of life. Hold fast to that which I have shown you."
THE BENCHWARMERS AND SIDELINERS ARE ABOUT TO TAKE CENTER STAGE!
The first will be last as God's promises are performed. God says, "Those that have received no recognition or applause will now be exalted in this their due time. Not to seats of man's admiration, but to the courts of God's favor. It will set them before authorities and magistrates and even judges as they speak My word in this season of restitution. They will be My Esthers and Daniels turning back the tide of unrighteousness resulting in breakthrough where there was inevitable disaster pending."
"Like Elijah, they will pray and the Heavens will be opened or the Heavens will be closed. New doors of ministry will be revealed to so many as housewives, factory workers, and retirees will have the unction for full-time ministry. They will crisscross the nations with a message of fulfillment and hope setting back the Day of Judgment for many as they preach Good News to the poor."
This is the year of the desperate, derailed, and daunted--He has not forgotten and will now outdo your wildest expectations!
Chad TaylorConsuming Fire Revival Networkwww.consumingfire.com Email: info@consumingfire.com
Scripture of the day 1 March 2007
Scripture of the Day
1 March 2007
2 Peter 1:5-8
5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
1:5 So, for this very cause, take every care; joining virtue to faith, and knowledge to virtue, 1:6 And self-control to knowledge, and a quiet mind to self-control, and fear of God to a quiet mind, 1:7 And love of the brothers to fear of God, and to love of the brothers, love itself. 1:8 For if you have these things in good measure, they will make you fertile and full of fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (BBE)
Daily Devotional
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 10:6-11
6) Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.7) The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.8) The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.9) He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.1 0) He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.1 1 ) The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (KJV)
6Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. 7The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. 9The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. 10He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (NIV)
10: 6 Blessings are on the head of the upright, but the face of sinners will be covered with sorrow.10:7 The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust.10:8 The wise-hearted man will let himself be ruled, but the man whose talk is foolish will have a fall. 10:9 He whose ways are upright will go safely, but he whose ways are twisted will be made low.10: 1 0 He who makes signs with his eyes is a cause of trouble, but he who makes a man see his errors is a cause of peace. 10: 1 1 The mouth of the upright man is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the evil-doer is a bitter cup. (BBE)
Thoughts for the Day:
These verses in Proverbs make a comparison between the just and the wicked, and states what comes to each of them as a result of their words and actions. Verse 6 tells us that the just person will be blessed, while those who are wicked will experience violence. All through scripture we are told that men shall reap what they sow. If we follow scriptural advice, we will receive blessings. If we do not and continue to sin, we will receive the evil that sin produces.
Verse 7 tells us that people will also remember what kind of things we did in the earth. History records the deeds of the wicked, and the deeds of the just in its books, as does the Bible. This verse tells us that we will remember fondly the deeds of just people and bless them, while the name of wicked men leaves a rotten memory. Even in families, those members who were good are remembered with admiration, while shame attends those who were the "black sheep" in the family. National leaders fall into the same category. We should take inventory ourselves, and ask how we want to be remembered.
Verses 8 and 9 tell us that those who are wise will receive the commandments of God, while fools will fall because they do not walk uprightly. Those who walk according to the Word of God will take sure steps as they shall be led by the Spirit of God. Those who pervert their lives certainly shall be known by men. How shall they be known? This scripture tells us:
Proverbs 20:11
11) Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (KJV)
11Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. (NIV)
20:11 Even a child may be judged by his doings, if his work is free from sin and if it is right. (BBE)
We are known by our deeds. Many Christians say the right things, but their lives reveal that they do not "walk the talk." The Lord mentions these kinds of Christians in the New Testament:
Matthew 15:8
8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (KJV)
8These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (NIV)
15:8 These people give me honour with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (BBE)
Verses 10 and 11 continue to make the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The Bible definition of "winking" is different than the general definition we have today of that word. Today's definition of winking is to close and open one eye as a signal that one is teasing or flirting. However, the Bible definition means that it was done as a gesture of pride and insolence that exhibited insidious designs toward someone. This kind of winking definitely would cause sorrow, as it is done with impure intentions.
The scripture tells us the "prating fool" shall fall. The word prating means one who chatters foolishly and is an idle "blabber mouth." When a person speaks wrong things, he is damaging his own life as well as others. It really is a violent thing to use bad language and speak ugly things about others. The Bible tells us to guard our mouth, and not to speak things that are not good and edifying. We reap the things we speak, as well as reaping the fruit of our actions.
Proverbs 18:20-21
20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
20From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
18:20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food. (BBE)
Let us speak good things that bring life to us and others. We do not want to be guilty of speaking evil things that bring death to our own lives, or words that would bring curses and death to others.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father, I love You today and am grateful for all of Your goodness to me. Please forgive me when I have not spoken kindly of others. Help me to guard my mouth from speaking any kind of evil. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your site. Lord, I cancel all words that I have spoken that have not agreed with the Word of God. I also cancel all evil words that have been spoken against me, my family or my ministry. Lord, please forgive those who would speak wrong against us. May Your people everywhere be careful to guard their tongues. Help us all to speak Your words and to be gracious and kind to one another. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Keep each other in PrAyer and display HuMility. Have a BlEssed day and stay ENcourage.
God is Good All the Time!!!
1 March 2007
2 Peter 1:5-8
5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
1:5 So, for this very cause, take every care; joining virtue to faith, and knowledge to virtue, 1:6 And self-control to knowledge, and a quiet mind to self-control, and fear of God to a quiet mind, 1:7 And love of the brothers to fear of God, and to love of the brothers, love itself. 1:8 For if you have these things in good measure, they will make you fertile and full of fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (BBE)
Daily Devotional
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 10:6-11
6) Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.7) The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.8) The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.9) He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.1 0) He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.1 1 ) The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (KJV)
6Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. 7The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. 9The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. 10He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (NIV)
10: 6 Blessings are on the head of the upright, but the face of sinners will be covered with sorrow.10:7 The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust.10:8 The wise-hearted man will let himself be ruled, but the man whose talk is foolish will have a fall. 10:9 He whose ways are upright will go safely, but he whose ways are twisted will be made low.10: 1 0 He who makes signs with his eyes is a cause of trouble, but he who makes a man see his errors is a cause of peace. 10: 1 1 The mouth of the upright man is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the evil-doer is a bitter cup. (BBE)
Thoughts for the Day:
These verses in Proverbs make a comparison between the just and the wicked, and states what comes to each of them as a result of their words and actions. Verse 6 tells us that the just person will be blessed, while those who are wicked will experience violence. All through scripture we are told that men shall reap what they sow. If we follow scriptural advice, we will receive blessings. If we do not and continue to sin, we will receive the evil that sin produces.
Verse 7 tells us that people will also remember what kind of things we did in the earth. History records the deeds of the wicked, and the deeds of the just in its books, as does the Bible. This verse tells us that we will remember fondly the deeds of just people and bless them, while the name of wicked men leaves a rotten memory. Even in families, those members who were good are remembered with admiration, while shame attends those who were the "black sheep" in the family. National leaders fall into the same category. We should take inventory ourselves, and ask how we want to be remembered.
Verses 8 and 9 tell us that those who are wise will receive the commandments of God, while fools will fall because they do not walk uprightly. Those who walk according to the Word of God will take sure steps as they shall be led by the Spirit of God. Those who pervert their lives certainly shall be known by men. How shall they be known? This scripture tells us:
Proverbs 20:11
11) Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (KJV)
11Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. (NIV)
20:11 Even a child may be judged by his doings, if his work is free from sin and if it is right. (BBE)
We are known by our deeds. Many Christians say the right things, but their lives reveal that they do not "walk the talk." The Lord mentions these kinds of Christians in the New Testament:
Matthew 15:8
8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (KJV)
8These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (NIV)
15:8 These people give me honour with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (BBE)
Verses 10 and 11 continue to make the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The Bible definition of "winking" is different than the general definition we have today of that word. Today's definition of winking is to close and open one eye as a signal that one is teasing or flirting. However, the Bible definition means that it was done as a gesture of pride and insolence that exhibited insidious designs toward someone. This kind of winking definitely would cause sorrow, as it is done with impure intentions.
The scripture tells us the "prating fool" shall fall. The word prating means one who chatters foolishly and is an idle "blabber mouth." When a person speaks wrong things, he is damaging his own life as well as others. It really is a violent thing to use bad language and speak ugly things about others. The Bible tells us to guard our mouth, and not to speak things that are not good and edifying. We reap the things we speak, as well as reaping the fruit of our actions.
Proverbs 18:20-21
20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
20From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
18:20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food. (BBE)
Let us speak good things that bring life to us and others. We do not want to be guilty of speaking evil things that bring death to our own lives, or words that would bring curses and death to others.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father, I love You today and am grateful for all of Your goodness to me. Please forgive me when I have not spoken kindly of others. Help me to guard my mouth from speaking any kind of evil. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your site. Lord, I cancel all words that I have spoken that have not agreed with the Word of God. I also cancel all evil words that have been spoken against me, my family or my ministry. Lord, please forgive those who would speak wrong against us. May Your people everywhere be careful to guard their tongues. Help us all to speak Your words and to be gracious and kind to one another. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Keep each other in PrAyer and display HuMility. Have a BlEssed day and stay ENcourage.
God is Good All the Time!!!
With love from your younger self
March 1, 2007
With Love, From Your Younger Self
By Amy Carroll
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…’” (NIV)
Devotion:
I’ve been joking around about it for more than a year, but now I’m thinking that I really might do it. I have been saying that I’m going to start a journal for myself to read when I’m 70--you know, thoughts from my younger self to my older self. Some of my current thoughts I’m sure will be laughable to my 70-year-old self. My inexperience will show, and my spiritual walk will seem immature.
My friend Ruth presented me with my best journal entry yet. Ruth’s closest friend, her husband Sam, died over a year ago in October. When our families gathered for our annual Christmas get-together last year, I asked Ruth how she was really doing without Sam. She told me that she missed Sam terribly, of course. Then she followed with a quote from her sister that had been widowed early in life. “Amy, I have stood in front of my Sunday school class and taught the sufficiency of God for 30 years. If I can’t live that out now, what does it really mean?”
God has been teaching me a lot about His complete sufficiency, and I think it will be a key to growing in godliness until the end of my life. Here are some areas in which He’s teaching me.
1. The Sufficiency of His Word—For many years, I approached the Bible with some fear. Surely this was a book that took an expert to understand. I felt I needed an author or a scholar to tell me what God’s Word said and meant. He has been teaching me that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have everything I need in His Word. I’m now a slow but determined student!
2. The Sufficiency of His Counsel—The prophecies of Jesus includes this one from Isaiah 9:6, “…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Jesus then taught us in the gospel of John about the Holy Spirit: John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (NIV). I have Jesus and His indwelling Spirit to counsel me about everything I need concerning life and godliness. He is sufficient to give my life purpose and direction.
3. The Sufficiency of His Comfort—We live in a fallen world, and sometimes I want to groan along with it. God’s grace and power is sufficient in our weak places, though. He even promises to use our weakness, our suffering and our pain for our good. Many times He may be calling us to join Him as instruments of comfort. Consider II Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (NIV).
These are just a few areas that God is showing me His sufficiency. I’m sure you could add some of your own. I’m just praying that as I grow into an older woman that I am continually growing into God’s sufficiency and out of my own. Someday I want to look at a younger friend and answer her question with a quote from my friend Ruth, “I have stood in front of my Sunday school class and taught the sufficiency of God for 30 years….”
Dear Lord, so often I live in my own sufficiency. I want to learn about Your sufficiency and how to live in it. Help Your name to be so associated with my name that I would bring glory to You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Living Life on Purpose by Lisa TerKeurst
Shaped With Purpose by Renee Swope
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Start a journal for your older self. Record the sayings and actions of older and wiser people.
Begin living now the way you want to be when you are older. Curbing our tongues is one way to show that we believe in God’s sufficiency!
Reflections:
Who can I observe as role models for growing older and more like Jesus every day?
What are some of the flaws that I want to eliminate and/or avoid as I grow older? (Ask God for His sufficient power in this area.)
Power Verses:
Psalm 119: 111-112, “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (NIV)
Psalm 1:1-2, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (NIV)
I Thessalonians 5: 23 - 24, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.or
With Love, From Your Younger Self
By Amy Carroll
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…’” (NIV)
Devotion:
I’ve been joking around about it for more than a year, but now I’m thinking that I really might do it. I have been saying that I’m going to start a journal for myself to read when I’m 70--you know, thoughts from my younger self to my older self. Some of my current thoughts I’m sure will be laughable to my 70-year-old self. My inexperience will show, and my spiritual walk will seem immature.
My friend Ruth presented me with my best journal entry yet. Ruth’s closest friend, her husband Sam, died over a year ago in October. When our families gathered for our annual Christmas get-together last year, I asked Ruth how she was really doing without Sam. She told me that she missed Sam terribly, of course. Then she followed with a quote from her sister that had been widowed early in life. “Amy, I have stood in front of my Sunday school class and taught the sufficiency of God for 30 years. If I can’t live that out now, what does it really mean?”
God has been teaching me a lot about His complete sufficiency, and I think it will be a key to growing in godliness until the end of my life. Here are some areas in which He’s teaching me.
1. The Sufficiency of His Word—For many years, I approached the Bible with some fear. Surely this was a book that took an expert to understand. I felt I needed an author or a scholar to tell me what God’s Word said and meant. He has been teaching me that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have everything I need in His Word. I’m now a slow but determined student!
2. The Sufficiency of His Counsel—The prophecies of Jesus includes this one from Isaiah 9:6, “…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Jesus then taught us in the gospel of John about the Holy Spirit: John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (NIV). I have Jesus and His indwelling Spirit to counsel me about everything I need concerning life and godliness. He is sufficient to give my life purpose and direction.
3. The Sufficiency of His Comfort—We live in a fallen world, and sometimes I want to groan along with it. God’s grace and power is sufficient in our weak places, though. He even promises to use our weakness, our suffering and our pain for our good. Many times He may be calling us to join Him as instruments of comfort. Consider II Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (NIV).
These are just a few areas that God is showing me His sufficiency. I’m sure you could add some of your own. I’m just praying that as I grow into an older woman that I am continually growing into God’s sufficiency and out of my own. Someday I want to look at a younger friend and answer her question with a quote from my friend Ruth, “I have stood in front of my Sunday school class and taught the sufficiency of God for 30 years….”
Dear Lord, so often I live in my own sufficiency. I want to learn about Your sufficiency and how to live in it. Help Your name to be so associated with my name that I would bring glory to You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Living Life on Purpose by Lisa TerKeurst
Shaped With Purpose by Renee Swope
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Start a journal for your older self. Record the sayings and actions of older and wiser people.
Begin living now the way you want to be when you are older. Curbing our tongues is one way to show that we believe in God’s sufficiency!
Reflections:
Who can I observe as role models for growing older and more like Jesus every day?
What are some of the flaws that I want to eliminate and/or avoid as I grow older? (Ask God for His sufficient power in this area.)
Power Verses:
Psalm 119: 111-112, “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (NIV)
Psalm 1:1-2, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (NIV)
I Thessalonians 5: 23 - 24, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.or
It's not about being a good Christian by John Fisher
It’s not about being a good Christian by John Fischer
Here’s one of the greatest things about being a Christian: You can accept yourself for who you are.
Here’s one of the most tragic things about being a Christian: You can be one for a long time without knowing this.
I was. I was what you might call a model Christian. I filled the bill. Any church or Christian school would have seen me as a poster child Christian. There was only one problem: I thought I was, too – when all the while I knew I wasn’t. I knew it was all pretty much a game.
All this was back when I thought a Christian was all about being a good person – someone who would rank high in relative goodness when compared to others more spiritually challenged.
This was before I realized that Christ died to save sinners, and to qualify for the free gift of salvation you have to realize you are desperately in need of being saved. You are drowning. You are dying. As a sinner, you are among the worst.
Once you make “being good” the criteria for being a Christian, out of necessity you become the judge of others because you have to judge others in order to remain good in your own eyes. So if you have not come to this, (i.e. you are still pretty good in your own eyes), and you preach the Gospel (many do, from this perspective), it becomes a Gospel for other people – not for you. And something doesn’t ring true.
You also remain aloof to just about everybody because you can’t really know anyone for fear they might come to know you and find out your secret, that you really are a scoundrel like everybody else. It’s a lonely life. Believe me. It’s much better to be a sinner whom Jesus Christ loves and for whom he died so you can spread the Good News about him to other sinners like you. Then you have nothing to hide, and only Christ – and a lot of friends – to gain by telling the truth.
I think this is one of the things that made Billy Graham such a good evangelist. When he preached about the Gospel, he never excluded himself from needing it. He knew the Gospel wouldn’t preach if it were not, first and foremost, for him.
Which brings us back to being a Christian and accepting yourself as who you are. That’s why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we all have unveiled faces. We have nothing to hide because we are reflecting the face of Christ whom we worship in continual gratitude for our salvation.
Thank goodness. I never liked being a good Christian anyway.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Here’s one of the greatest things about being a Christian: You can accept yourself for who you are.
Here’s one of the most tragic things about being a Christian: You can be one for a long time without knowing this.
I was. I was what you might call a model Christian. I filled the bill. Any church or Christian school would have seen me as a poster child Christian. There was only one problem: I thought I was, too – when all the while I knew I wasn’t. I knew it was all pretty much a game.
All this was back when I thought a Christian was all about being a good person – someone who would rank high in relative goodness when compared to others more spiritually challenged.
This was before I realized that Christ died to save sinners, and to qualify for the free gift of salvation you have to realize you are desperately in need of being saved. You are drowning. You are dying. As a sinner, you are among the worst.
Once you make “being good” the criteria for being a Christian, out of necessity you become the judge of others because you have to judge others in order to remain good in your own eyes. So if you have not come to this, (i.e. you are still pretty good in your own eyes), and you preach the Gospel (many do, from this perspective), it becomes a Gospel for other people – not for you. And something doesn’t ring true.
You also remain aloof to just about everybody because you can’t really know anyone for fear they might come to know you and find out your secret, that you really are a scoundrel like everybody else. It’s a lonely life. Believe me. It’s much better to be a sinner whom Jesus Christ loves and for whom he died so you can spread the Good News about him to other sinners like you. Then you have nothing to hide, and only Christ – and a lot of friends – to gain by telling the truth.
I think this is one of the things that made Billy Graham such a good evangelist. When he preached about the Gospel, he never excluded himself from needing it. He knew the Gospel wouldn’t preach if it were not, first and foremost, for him.
Which brings us back to being a Christian and accepting yourself as who you are. That’s why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we all have unveiled faces. We have nothing to hide because we are reflecting the face of Christ whom we worship in continual gratitude for our salvation.
Thank goodness. I never liked being a good Christian anyway.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Policemen Need Help Too
February 28, 2007
Policemen Need Help Too
By Sharon Glasgow
Romans 10:14, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (NKJ)
Devotion:
I saw the lights flashing in my rear view mirror. I thought to myself, “Oh, what have I done?” I didn’t think I’d been speeding, or doing anything else illegal. I pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and parked. Without a smile or cordial hello, the officer asked for my license and car registration. Then he looked at me as if I had run over a pedestrian and said, “Do you know what I stopped you for?” Instantly I started freaking out in my mind. What did I do?
“No sir, I don’t know what I did”, I replied.
“You’re wearing headphones and that’s illegal. I’m going to write you a ticket.”
“Well”, I thought, “at least I didn’t kill somebody and not know it!”
He came back to the car with the same gruff attitude, gave me my ticket and warned me to never do this again. I agreed.
As he drove away I thought about how unhappy he was. Then as I got onto the highway I said, “Lord, I’m sorry that I didn’t share You with that man. If I had it to do all over, I would say something.”
Well, I hadn’t been on the road more than two minutes and I saw lights flashing in my rearview mirror. A hot flash came over me and as I thought, “Oh my goodness, Lord, you’re going to hold me to what I just said.” I pulled over and parked. My hands started to sweat. What would I say?
I looked up and saw that it wasn’t the same officer. I was confused. Was this still a test to see if I would share Christ? This officer smiled and said, “Ma’am, do you know why I stopping you?” I said, “No. I just got stopped two minutes ago by another officer.”
“You were going 63 miles-per-hour in a 55 miles-per-hour zone,” he told me. I replied that I was just getting up to speed with everybody else on the road and asked, “Weren’t they all going faster than me?” He smiled and said, “It will only take me a few minutes. I’ll be back with your ticket.”
As he handed me the ticket I asked, “Where do you go to church?” He said, “I don’t go.” I knew this was my lead. I started to tell him about a church I knew nearby. That led to a conversation about God’s provisions. Then he said, “My only son has been in the hospital for over a month. Maybe I do need to go to church and maybe it’s God we need in all of this.”
While I sure didn’t “need” to pay for two tickets in one day, that policeman needed to turn to the Lord, and so do a lot of other people we meet everyday. If we are alert we will notice the Spirit prompting us to the spiritual needs of those around us. Even in the face of being reprimanded or put in uncomfortable situations, our first thought should be what would God have us to do at that time.
Dear Lord, Help me to live out the Great Commission to everyone I meet. Help me to see people through Your eyes and to follow Your leading. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Sandpaper People by Mary Southerland
The P31 Woman Magazine
Application Steps:Ask God to help you see the needs of people around you each day. Be obedient to help others in whatever way you are capable of helping. Ask God to show you who the people are that He wants you to invest in.
Reflections:
When was the last time you reached beyond your comfort level to show Christ’s love to a stranger? To your neighbor? To your cashier?
You don’t have to have the gift of evangelism to share Christ. God will give you the words. Just tell Him you want to be His vessel and be ready!
Power Verses:
Matthew 28:19 - 20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (NKJ)
I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (NKJ)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Policemen Need Help Too
By Sharon Glasgow
Romans 10:14, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (NKJ)
Devotion:
I saw the lights flashing in my rear view mirror. I thought to myself, “Oh, what have I done?” I didn’t think I’d been speeding, or doing anything else illegal. I pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and parked. Without a smile or cordial hello, the officer asked for my license and car registration. Then he looked at me as if I had run over a pedestrian and said, “Do you know what I stopped you for?” Instantly I started freaking out in my mind. What did I do?
“No sir, I don’t know what I did”, I replied.
“You’re wearing headphones and that’s illegal. I’m going to write you a ticket.”
“Well”, I thought, “at least I didn’t kill somebody and not know it!”
He came back to the car with the same gruff attitude, gave me my ticket and warned me to never do this again. I agreed.
As he drove away I thought about how unhappy he was. Then as I got onto the highway I said, “Lord, I’m sorry that I didn’t share You with that man. If I had it to do all over, I would say something.”
Well, I hadn’t been on the road more than two minutes and I saw lights flashing in my rearview mirror. A hot flash came over me and as I thought, “Oh my goodness, Lord, you’re going to hold me to what I just said.” I pulled over and parked. My hands started to sweat. What would I say?
I looked up and saw that it wasn’t the same officer. I was confused. Was this still a test to see if I would share Christ? This officer smiled and said, “Ma’am, do you know why I stopping you?” I said, “No. I just got stopped two minutes ago by another officer.”
“You were going 63 miles-per-hour in a 55 miles-per-hour zone,” he told me. I replied that I was just getting up to speed with everybody else on the road and asked, “Weren’t they all going faster than me?” He smiled and said, “It will only take me a few minutes. I’ll be back with your ticket.”
As he handed me the ticket I asked, “Where do you go to church?” He said, “I don’t go.” I knew this was my lead. I started to tell him about a church I knew nearby. That led to a conversation about God’s provisions. Then he said, “My only son has been in the hospital for over a month. Maybe I do need to go to church and maybe it’s God we need in all of this.”
While I sure didn’t “need” to pay for two tickets in one day, that policeman needed to turn to the Lord, and so do a lot of other people we meet everyday. If we are alert we will notice the Spirit prompting us to the spiritual needs of those around us. Even in the face of being reprimanded or put in uncomfortable situations, our first thought should be what would God have us to do at that time.
Dear Lord, Help me to live out the Great Commission to everyone I meet. Help me to see people through Your eyes and to follow Your leading. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Sandpaper People by Mary Southerland
The P31 Woman Magazine
Application Steps:Ask God to help you see the needs of people around you each day. Be obedient to help others in whatever way you are capable of helping. Ask God to show you who the people are that He wants you to invest in.
Reflections:
When was the last time you reached beyond your comfort level to show Christ’s love to a stranger? To your neighbor? To your cashier?
You don’t have to have the gift of evangelism to share Christ. God will give you the words. Just tell Him you want to be His vessel and be ready!
Power Verses:
Matthew 28:19 - 20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (NKJ)
I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (NKJ)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Coming out of Babylon
Coming Out Of Babylon
by Os Hillman, February 28, 2007
….."Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes." Revelation 18:4-5
As Christian workplace believers we are called to acknowledge the signs of the times. When the Soviet Union fell, many knew it was going to happen because they could recognize the signs of the times. God has a way of shaking things up. These shakings force us to determine who and what we will place our trust in. God says that we are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Mt. 22:37).Are you still living in Babylon in the way you do business? If so, expect to share in the sins of Babylon when God decides to judge her.
Ask God to show you where you might be operating in a "Babylonian" system of work.
by Os Hillman, February 28, 2007
….."Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes." Revelation 18:4-5
As Christian workplace believers we are called to acknowledge the signs of the times. When the Soviet Union fell, many knew it was going to happen because they could recognize the signs of the times. God has a way of shaking things up. These shakings force us to determine who and what we will place our trust in. God says that we are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Mt. 22:37).Are you still living in Babylon in the way you do business? If so, expect to share in the sins of Babylon when God decides to judge her.
Ask God to show you where you might be operating in a "Babylonian" system of work.
Shawn Bolz: A Technological Leap Year
Shawn Bolz: "A TECHNOLOGICAL LEAP YEAR--LEAPING FORWARD INTO NEW TECHNOLOGIES WITH GREAT ACCELERATION"
"What would happen if what takes twenty years to take a hold of in the world's society, takes place in a period of seven years or less?"
As we entered into the New Year on January 1st, I heard the Lord say something that amazed me. He said that this year is going to be like a "technological leap year." Not in the traditional sense of what a leap year is, but this is what I understood:
During the next few years, there will be a "leap forward" in technologies, and what might take seven years to invent will come forth in only one. Or what takes seven years to get into homes might take only a few. God is going to bring a quickening to what would normally take years and years to discover the fullness of. In other words, we are in a season of a great acceleration in technology.
If you are a scientist, an inventor, or in the technology market, this may be the beginning of one of the most exciting times in history as God adds His hand to your work and the work of those around you.
A New Technological Age is Upon Us
During the last few decades, computers have been installed in almost every western household, and now the internet has literally changed the way we communicate and live our lives. What would happen if what takes twenty years to take a hold of in the world's society, takes place in a period of seven years or less? What if there are new energy technologies and medical inventions that God gives knowledge about in not only how to create them, but how to install them in their respectful places literally in what seems to be a suddenly?
We are about to see such things happen, and it will feel so natural because they are inventions that God is bringing upon the earth through His grace to inspire a higher quality of life. That means that in their supernatural nature of how fast and how incredible they come forth, man might not even recognize the Hand of God in them.
Deuteronomy 8:18-19, "Well, think again. Remember that GOD, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that He promised to your ancestors--as it is today. If you forget, forget GOD, your God, and start taking up with other gods, serving and worshiping them, I'm on record right now as giving you firm warning: that will be the end of you; I mean it--destruction."
Why Would God Bless this Generation With Such a Leap Forward?
God doesn't want to release technology just so that man marvels in science and inventions; that in itself would not be enough to bring Him the fullness of glory. As a matter of fact, I believe so much of what is being released may not be credited to God because He is using any vessel that will get the job done quickly. God is releasing technology for the "end result." He has a plan in how He is going to harvest the use of the results of the technology!
Let's look at the primary entertainment industry devices: Internet, movies, and TV. God has allowed the technologies to develop into a place of maturity in technology so that they would be made ready to serve His purposes. He is not frightened by their misuse or the enemy's domination of them because at any time, He can just exercise His right as the Creator God to inspire those who love Him and are partnered to Him to use the tools to do something amazing. They can begin to create with the tools the way they were intentionally meant to be designed with.
The Master Plan
"God wants to open up the whole realm of His own nature and put it on display."
A revolution is coming! And part of this will be Christians released to begin actively cooperating with God's desires over technology. If we can get Heaven's heart and desires on what God wants to release right now, we will see miracles of a type that the world has not dreamed of--fulfilling the Scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "No eye has seen no ear has heard...."
Some people forget that God is as smart as He is. He never lets anything be released and then be dominated without having His own desires or reasons for releasing them--He has a master plan.
What if God has a plan to send people into every field He can receive glory from? The thing about God sending us there is that it's not about excelling in a career alone, and it's definitely not about the subject of creating. It is however, about impacting society with the end result of His Love and His Grace being shown to individuals who would not find Him any other way.
God wants to show Himself in science to the scientific community, but not just of a natural understanding coming to light with Biblical truths. He also wants to showcase His Glory in science in a "supernatural way."
God doesn't want to just open the door for more entertainment projects to be birthed with a Kingdom message. He wants to open up the whole realm of His own nature and put it on display for the entire world to see through TV, Film, and throughout the internet.
The Kingdom Is Advancing Faster Then Ever Before
Many people will not be able to see the next installment of Kingdom activity because it will come in such a different fashion of how God has typically moved in revival. What if the roots of this revival were hidden in so many secular occupational places that have not seen a Move of God before? In other words, God wants to change society, and one of the great investments He is making on the earth in the next few years is in the arena of technology.
Everything from computer systems to farm equipment is going to see a "leap" forward as God gives the ability to implement technology on a whole new level.
Are you ready for a Technological Leap?
Shawn BolzDirector, Expression58
http://www.expression58.org/mailto:office@expression58.org?subject=Inquiry
"What would happen if what takes twenty years to take a hold of in the world's society, takes place in a period of seven years or less?"
As we entered into the New Year on January 1st, I heard the Lord say something that amazed me. He said that this year is going to be like a "technological leap year." Not in the traditional sense of what a leap year is, but this is what I understood:
During the next few years, there will be a "leap forward" in technologies, and what might take seven years to invent will come forth in only one. Or what takes seven years to get into homes might take only a few. God is going to bring a quickening to what would normally take years and years to discover the fullness of. In other words, we are in a season of a great acceleration in technology.
If you are a scientist, an inventor, or in the technology market, this may be the beginning of one of the most exciting times in history as God adds His hand to your work and the work of those around you.
A New Technological Age is Upon Us
During the last few decades, computers have been installed in almost every western household, and now the internet has literally changed the way we communicate and live our lives. What would happen if what takes twenty years to take a hold of in the world's society, takes place in a period of seven years or less? What if there are new energy technologies and medical inventions that God gives knowledge about in not only how to create them, but how to install them in their respectful places literally in what seems to be a suddenly?
We are about to see such things happen, and it will feel so natural because they are inventions that God is bringing upon the earth through His grace to inspire a higher quality of life. That means that in their supernatural nature of how fast and how incredible they come forth, man might not even recognize the Hand of God in them.
Deuteronomy 8:18-19, "Well, think again. Remember that GOD, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that He promised to your ancestors--as it is today. If you forget, forget GOD, your God, and start taking up with other gods, serving and worshiping them, I'm on record right now as giving you firm warning: that will be the end of you; I mean it--destruction."
Why Would God Bless this Generation With Such a Leap Forward?
God doesn't want to release technology just so that man marvels in science and inventions; that in itself would not be enough to bring Him the fullness of glory. As a matter of fact, I believe so much of what is being released may not be credited to God because He is using any vessel that will get the job done quickly. God is releasing technology for the "end result." He has a plan in how He is going to harvest the use of the results of the technology!
Let's look at the primary entertainment industry devices: Internet, movies, and TV. God has allowed the technologies to develop into a place of maturity in technology so that they would be made ready to serve His purposes. He is not frightened by their misuse or the enemy's domination of them because at any time, He can just exercise His right as the Creator God to inspire those who love Him and are partnered to Him to use the tools to do something amazing. They can begin to create with the tools the way they were intentionally meant to be designed with.
The Master Plan
"God wants to open up the whole realm of His own nature and put it on display."
A revolution is coming! And part of this will be Christians released to begin actively cooperating with God's desires over technology. If we can get Heaven's heart and desires on what God wants to release right now, we will see miracles of a type that the world has not dreamed of--fulfilling the Scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "No eye has seen no ear has heard...."
Some people forget that God is as smart as He is. He never lets anything be released and then be dominated without having His own desires or reasons for releasing them--He has a master plan.
What if God has a plan to send people into every field He can receive glory from? The thing about God sending us there is that it's not about excelling in a career alone, and it's definitely not about the subject of creating. It is however, about impacting society with the end result of His Love and His Grace being shown to individuals who would not find Him any other way.
God wants to show Himself in science to the scientific community, but not just of a natural understanding coming to light with Biblical truths. He also wants to showcase His Glory in science in a "supernatural way."
God doesn't want to just open the door for more entertainment projects to be birthed with a Kingdom message. He wants to open up the whole realm of His own nature and put it on display for the entire world to see through TV, Film, and throughout the internet.
The Kingdom Is Advancing Faster Then Ever Before
Many people will not be able to see the next installment of Kingdom activity because it will come in such a different fashion of how God has typically moved in revival. What if the roots of this revival were hidden in so many secular occupational places that have not seen a Move of God before? In other words, God wants to change society, and one of the great investments He is making on the earth in the next few years is in the arena of technology.
Everything from computer systems to farm equipment is going to see a "leap" forward as God gives the ability to implement technology on a whole new level.
Are you ready for a Technological Leap?
Shawn BolzDirector, Expression58
http://www.expression58.org/mailto:office@expression58.org?subject=Inquiry
Humility 5 of 5
HUMILITY Part 5 of 5
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Listen carefully to all the laws and regulations I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure to obey them!” (Deuteronomy 5:1)
If we are ever through learning, we are through. A humble person is teachable. We either have to go forward or we’ll go backward. We rarely move rapidly upward, but we can go downward very fast. It’s what we learn after we know it all that really matters.
Moses told the Israelites to listen, learn, and obey. Listening is absorbing and accepting information. Learning is understanding the meaning and implications of what has been taught. Obeying is putting into action all that has been absorbed and understood. And I would add, another law of learning is repetition. Absorbing and understanding something over and over again makes action instinctive.
There are so many ways to apply this in our lives. The difference in living and living well is the idea of the repetition of righteousness. We’d learn a lot more and sin a lot less if we repeated the righteous acts, such as the habits of breakthrough living. These habits lead us into vital connection with God and others. And vital connection with God and others increases our fervor to repeat these habits.
A story is told about Socrates holding a young wanna-be’s head underwater and later asking him, “When you were under the water, what was the one thing you wanted more than anything else?”
“I wanted air.”
Then Socrates said, “When you want knowledge and understanding as badly as you wanted air, you won’t have to ask anyone to give it to you.”
King David was as thirsty for God as that young man was desperate for air. “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
What would life be like if we were to have the same thirst for God that David had? We would learn all we could about our heavenly Father. As our relationship grew deeper, we would keep discovering new truths and experience barrier free connection with the Almighty. So keep learning, passionately pursue him, and enjoy the result – breakthrough living.
Almighty God, I commit myself to reading and listening to your Word. I ask you to help me understand it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your desire to learn and to obey
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Listen carefully to all the laws and regulations I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure to obey them!” (Deuteronomy 5:1)
If we are ever through learning, we are through. A humble person is teachable. We either have to go forward or we’ll go backward. We rarely move rapidly upward, but we can go downward very fast. It’s what we learn after we know it all that really matters.
Moses told the Israelites to listen, learn, and obey. Listening is absorbing and accepting information. Learning is understanding the meaning and implications of what has been taught. Obeying is putting into action all that has been absorbed and understood. And I would add, another law of learning is repetition. Absorbing and understanding something over and over again makes action instinctive.
There are so many ways to apply this in our lives. The difference in living and living well is the idea of the repetition of righteousness. We’d learn a lot more and sin a lot less if we repeated the righteous acts, such as the habits of breakthrough living. These habits lead us into vital connection with God and others. And vital connection with God and others increases our fervor to repeat these habits.
A story is told about Socrates holding a young wanna-be’s head underwater and later asking him, “When you were under the water, what was the one thing you wanted more than anything else?”
“I wanted air.”
Then Socrates said, “When you want knowledge and understanding as badly as you wanted air, you won’t have to ask anyone to give it to you.”
King David was as thirsty for God as that young man was desperate for air. “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
What would life be like if we were to have the same thirst for God that David had? We would learn all we could about our heavenly Father. As our relationship grew deeper, we would keep discovering new truths and experience barrier free connection with the Almighty. So keep learning, passionately pursue him, and enjoy the result – breakthrough living.
Almighty God, I commit myself to reading and listening to your Word. I ask you to help me understand it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your desire to learn and to obey
Tribulation coming to America by Greg Gordon
TRIBULATION COMING TO AMERICA?by Greg Gordon
SUFFERING INEVITABLE
As Christians we are not free from tribulation and persecution. The Scripture says: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." There is a teaching and way of living in modern American Christianity that says: "I will not suffer." Suffering in some circles is a evidence of your lack of faith or spiritual blessing from God. Nothing is further from the truth! The Scripture says: "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." Later in the same chapter it says: "the end of all things is at hand." Saints of God we need to "arm ourselves" with the mentality that suffering is going to happen. We are going to go through hard times and unless we are being taught this by God now we will not be able to stand when the storm comes. Tribulation is coming to America and as David Wilkerson said: "Only those washed by the blood and fully surrendered to Christ will survive."
ESCAPE TRIBULATION?
Corrie Ten Boom shared this burdened message in 1974 named, Preparing for Tribulation. Here are some excerpts from that article: "There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, "Don't worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated – raptured." Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, "We have failed. We should have made the people strong for persecution rather than telling them Jesus would come first. Tell the people how to be strong in times of persecution, how to stand when the tribulation comes – to stand and not faint." "I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next. In America, the churches sing, "Let the congregation escape tribulation", but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived. This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa. Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations. But I know. I have been there. We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners. Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation."
AFFLICTED, TORMENTED, AND DESTROYED!
We are so desensitized to reality in America that to spend anytime reading Church history seems to make the whole of modern day American Christianity seem false. The Scriptures speak of those who by faith followed God: "(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts and in mountain, and in dens, and in mountains, and in dens and and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Beloved, are you willing to associate yourself with this list of people? Or would you rather have your comfortable padded pews and climate controlled buildings to worship and pray in so our darling little knees won't get hurt? Does not the Scripture say: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshy lusts, which war against your soul." Oh may we be found truly to be those that are "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We have so many precious promises to claim and memorize how about this one: "Marvel not, my brethren if the world hate you." Oh it will let us never forget that.
Thomas Brooks wrote this over 300 years ago and their truths are just as timely and applicable today for us: "Let me give you a little abridgment of the sufferings of some of the early Christians, "of whom the world was not worthy."
1. In the reign of Hadrian the emperor, there were ten thousand Christians crowned with a crowns of thorns, thrust into the sides with sharp lances, and then crucified.
2. Others were so whipped, that their entrails were seen, and afterwards they were thrown upon sharp shells, and then upon sharp nails and thorns. And after all this cruelty, they were thrown to wild beasts to be devoured.
3. Multitudes were banished.
4. Others were pulled apart with wild horses.
5. Some were beaten and racked with bars of iron.
6. Others were cast into loathsome dungeons.
7. Some were burnt in the fire.
8. Others were knocked down and had their brains beaten out with staves and clubs.
9. Some were pricked in their faces and eyes with sharp reeds.
10. Others were stoned to death with stones, as Stephen was.
11. Some were dashed in pieces against millstones.
12. Others had their teeth dashed out of their jaws, and their joints broken.
13. Some were cast down from very high places.
14. Others were beheaded.
15. Some were tormented with razors.
16. Others were slain with the sword.
17. Some were run through with pikes.
18. Others were driven into the wilderness, where they wandered up and down, suffering hunger and cold, and where they were exposed to the fury both of wild beasts, and also to the rage of the barbarous Arabians.
19. Some fled into caves, which their persecutors crammed up with stones, and there they died.
20. Others were trodden to death by the people.
21. Some were hanged on gibbets with a slow fire under them.
22. Others were cast into the sea and drowned.
23. Some were slain by being thrown in mines.
24. Others were hanged by the feet, and choked with the smoke of a small fire, their legs being first broken.
25. Some were covered with oil, and then roasted with a soft fire.
26. Others were hung by one hand, that they might feel the weight of their whole bodies scorching and broiling over burning coals.
27. Some were shot through with arrows, and afterwards thrown into stinking prisons.
28. Others were stripped stark naked, and thrown out in cold, frosty nights; and burnt the next day.
29. In Syria, a company of Christian virgins were stripped stark naked to be scorned by the multitude, then shaved, and then torn in pieces and devoured by beasts.
30. Lastly, many women had the joints of their bodies pulled from another, and their flesh and sides clawed with talons of wild beasts to the bones, and their breasts seared with torches until they died.
And thus you have an account of thirty different ways by which the precious sons and daughters of God have formerly been afflicted, tormented, and destroyed! What heart of stone can read over this list with dry eyes? And now tell me, sirs, whether your sufferings are worth a naming in that day, wherein the sufferings of the precious servants of God in the primitive times are spoken of? Oh, no! Well then, take heed of making molehills mountains, and of crying out, "Is there any sorrow compared to my sorrow; or any sufferings compared to my sufferings?"
HOW TO SURVIVE
Corrie Ten Boom shares some very good practical exhortation on how to survive the tribulation and persecution coming: "How can we get ready for the persecution? First we need to feed on the word of God, digest it, make it a part of our being. This will mean disciplined Bible study each day as we not only memorize long passages of scripture, but put the principles to work in our lives. Next we need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just the Jesus of yesterday, the Jesus of History, but the life-changing Jesus of today who is still alive and sitting at the right hand of God. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is no optional command of the Bible, it is absolutely necessary. Those earthly disciples could never have stood up under the persecution of the Jews and Romans had they not waited for Pentecost. Each of us needs our own personal Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We will never be able to stand in the tribulation without it." "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. "And does not the Scripture in another place say: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." There is a time of "rejoicing" coming Saints of God!
SUFFERING INEVITABLE
As Christians we are not free from tribulation and persecution. The Scripture says: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." There is a teaching and way of living in modern American Christianity that says: "I will not suffer." Suffering in some circles is a evidence of your lack of faith or spiritual blessing from God. Nothing is further from the truth! The Scripture says: "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." Later in the same chapter it says: "the end of all things is at hand." Saints of God we need to "arm ourselves" with the mentality that suffering is going to happen. We are going to go through hard times and unless we are being taught this by God now we will not be able to stand when the storm comes. Tribulation is coming to America and as David Wilkerson said: "Only those washed by the blood and fully surrendered to Christ will survive."
ESCAPE TRIBULATION?
Corrie Ten Boom shared this burdened message in 1974 named, Preparing for Tribulation. Here are some excerpts from that article: "There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, "Don't worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated – raptured." Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, "We have failed. We should have made the people strong for persecution rather than telling them Jesus would come first. Tell the people how to be strong in times of persecution, how to stand when the tribulation comes – to stand and not faint." "I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next. In America, the churches sing, "Let the congregation escape tribulation", but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived. This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa. Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations. But I know. I have been there. We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners. Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation."
AFFLICTED, TORMENTED, AND DESTROYED!
We are so desensitized to reality in America that to spend anytime reading Church history seems to make the whole of modern day American Christianity seem false. The Scriptures speak of those who by faith followed God: "(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts and in mountain, and in dens, and in mountains, and in dens and and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Beloved, are you willing to associate yourself with this list of people? Or would you rather have your comfortable padded pews and climate controlled buildings to worship and pray in so our darling little knees won't get hurt? Does not the Scripture say: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshy lusts, which war against your soul." Oh may we be found truly to be those that are "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We have so many precious promises to claim and memorize how about this one: "Marvel not, my brethren if the world hate you." Oh it will let us never forget that.
Thomas Brooks wrote this over 300 years ago and their truths are just as timely and applicable today for us: "Let me give you a little abridgment of the sufferings of some of the early Christians, "of whom the world was not worthy."
1. In the reign of Hadrian the emperor, there were ten thousand Christians crowned with a crowns of thorns, thrust into the sides with sharp lances, and then crucified.
2. Others were so whipped, that their entrails were seen, and afterwards they were thrown upon sharp shells, and then upon sharp nails and thorns. And after all this cruelty, they were thrown to wild beasts to be devoured.
3. Multitudes were banished.
4. Others were pulled apart with wild horses.
5. Some were beaten and racked with bars of iron.
6. Others were cast into loathsome dungeons.
7. Some were burnt in the fire.
8. Others were knocked down and had their brains beaten out with staves and clubs.
9. Some were pricked in their faces and eyes with sharp reeds.
10. Others were stoned to death with stones, as Stephen was.
11. Some were dashed in pieces against millstones.
12. Others had their teeth dashed out of their jaws, and their joints broken.
13. Some were cast down from very high places.
14. Others were beheaded.
15. Some were tormented with razors.
16. Others were slain with the sword.
17. Some were run through with pikes.
18. Others were driven into the wilderness, where they wandered up and down, suffering hunger and cold, and where they were exposed to the fury both of wild beasts, and also to the rage of the barbarous Arabians.
19. Some fled into caves, which their persecutors crammed up with stones, and there they died.
20. Others were trodden to death by the people.
21. Some were hanged on gibbets with a slow fire under them.
22. Others were cast into the sea and drowned.
23. Some were slain by being thrown in mines.
24. Others were hanged by the feet, and choked with the smoke of a small fire, their legs being first broken.
25. Some were covered with oil, and then roasted with a soft fire.
26. Others were hung by one hand, that they might feel the weight of their whole bodies scorching and broiling over burning coals.
27. Some were shot through with arrows, and afterwards thrown into stinking prisons.
28. Others were stripped stark naked, and thrown out in cold, frosty nights; and burnt the next day.
29. In Syria, a company of Christian virgins were stripped stark naked to be scorned by the multitude, then shaved, and then torn in pieces and devoured by beasts.
30. Lastly, many women had the joints of their bodies pulled from another, and their flesh and sides clawed with talons of wild beasts to the bones, and their breasts seared with torches until they died.
And thus you have an account of thirty different ways by which the precious sons and daughters of God have formerly been afflicted, tormented, and destroyed! What heart of stone can read over this list with dry eyes? And now tell me, sirs, whether your sufferings are worth a naming in that day, wherein the sufferings of the precious servants of God in the primitive times are spoken of? Oh, no! Well then, take heed of making molehills mountains, and of crying out, "Is there any sorrow compared to my sorrow; or any sufferings compared to my sufferings?"
HOW TO SURVIVE
Corrie Ten Boom shares some very good practical exhortation on how to survive the tribulation and persecution coming: "How can we get ready for the persecution? First we need to feed on the word of God, digest it, make it a part of our being. This will mean disciplined Bible study each day as we not only memorize long passages of scripture, but put the principles to work in our lives. Next we need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just the Jesus of yesterday, the Jesus of History, but the life-changing Jesus of today who is still alive and sitting at the right hand of God. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is no optional command of the Bible, it is absolutely necessary. Those earthly disciples could never have stood up under the persecution of the Jews and Romans had they not waited for Pentecost. Each of us needs our own personal Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We will never be able to stand in the tribulation without it." "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. "And does not the Scripture in another place say: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." There is a time of "rejoicing" coming Saints of God!
Rescue At Sea
Dear Friend,
There are many people in this world that are only interested in self gain and self recognition. That is a shame because they are going to miss God's best for their life. It is important that we remember that God's ways of blessing are contrary to the world's ways. The Bible says to gain, we must give; to be lifted up, we must be made low; to be the greatest, we must first be the least. Having success God's way will last much longer in our lives and more importantly our success will bring glory and honor to the Lord for His blessings. (Matthew 19:28-30) (Mark 9:35) (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
I hope this story ministers to your heart to be quick to give and serve because in doing so you will receive much more than you had ever given before.
RESCUE AT SEA
Author Unknown
Years ago, in a small fishing village in Holland, a young boy taught the world about the rewards of unselfish service. Because the entire village revolved around the fishing industry, a volunteer rescue team was needed in cases of emergency. One night the winds raged, the clouds burst and a gale force storm capsized a fishing boat at sea. Stranded and in trouble, the crew sent out the S.O.S. The captain of the rescue rowboat team sounded the alarm and the villagers assembled in the town square overlooking the bay.
While the team launched their rowboat and fought their way through the wild waves, the villagers waited restlessly on the beach, holding lanterns to light the way back. An hour later, the rescue boat reappeared through the fog and the cheering villagers ran to greet them.
Falling exhausted on the sand, the volunteers reported that the rescue boat could not hold any more passengers and they had to leave one man behind. Even one more passenger would have surely capsized the rescue boat and all would have been lost.
Frantically, the captain called for another volunteer team to go after the lone survivor. Sixteen-year-old Hans stepped forward. His mother grabbed his arm, pleading, “Please don't go. Your father died in a shipwreck 10 years ago and your older brother, Paul, has been lost at sea for three weeks. Hans, you are all I have left.”
Hans replied, “Mother, I have to go. What if everyone said, 'I can't go, let someone else do it?' Mother, this time I have to do my duty. When the call for service comes, we all need to take our turn and do our part.” Hans kissed his mother, joined the team and disappeared into the night.
Another hour passed, which seemed to Hans' mother like an eternity. Finally, the rescue boat darted through the fog with Hans standing up in the bow. Cupping his hands, the captain called, “Did you find the lost man?” Barely able to contain himself, Hans excitedly yelled back, “Yes, we found him. Tell my mother it's my older brother, Paul!”
Dear Father,
Help me never to teach or serve in Your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for You. Help me to stay away from stupid myths, concocted by human imagination, and follow only the truth that comes from You. Help me to be frugal in my approach to life. Save me from overindulgence of every kind. In the holy name of Christ Jesus I ask it. Amen and Amen
There are many people in this world that are only interested in self gain and self recognition. That is a shame because they are going to miss God's best for their life. It is important that we remember that God's ways of blessing are contrary to the world's ways. The Bible says to gain, we must give; to be lifted up, we must be made low; to be the greatest, we must first be the least. Having success God's way will last much longer in our lives and more importantly our success will bring glory and honor to the Lord for His blessings. (Matthew 19:28-30) (Mark 9:35) (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
I hope this story ministers to your heart to be quick to give and serve because in doing so you will receive much more than you had ever given before.
RESCUE AT SEA
Author Unknown
Years ago, in a small fishing village in Holland, a young boy taught the world about the rewards of unselfish service. Because the entire village revolved around the fishing industry, a volunteer rescue team was needed in cases of emergency. One night the winds raged, the clouds burst and a gale force storm capsized a fishing boat at sea. Stranded and in trouble, the crew sent out the S.O.S. The captain of the rescue rowboat team sounded the alarm and the villagers assembled in the town square overlooking the bay.
While the team launched their rowboat and fought their way through the wild waves, the villagers waited restlessly on the beach, holding lanterns to light the way back. An hour later, the rescue boat reappeared through the fog and the cheering villagers ran to greet them.
Falling exhausted on the sand, the volunteers reported that the rescue boat could not hold any more passengers and they had to leave one man behind. Even one more passenger would have surely capsized the rescue boat and all would have been lost.
Frantically, the captain called for another volunteer team to go after the lone survivor. Sixteen-year-old Hans stepped forward. His mother grabbed his arm, pleading, “Please don't go. Your father died in a shipwreck 10 years ago and your older brother, Paul, has been lost at sea for three weeks. Hans, you are all I have left.”
Hans replied, “Mother, I have to go. What if everyone said, 'I can't go, let someone else do it?' Mother, this time I have to do my duty. When the call for service comes, we all need to take our turn and do our part.” Hans kissed his mother, joined the team and disappeared into the night.
Another hour passed, which seemed to Hans' mother like an eternity. Finally, the rescue boat darted through the fog with Hans standing up in the bow. Cupping his hands, the captain called, “Did you find the lost man?” Barely able to contain himself, Hans excitedly yelled back, “Yes, we found him. Tell my mother it's my older brother, Paul!”
Dear Father,
Help me never to teach or serve in Your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for You. Help me to stay away from stupid myths, concocted by human imagination, and follow only the truth that comes from You. Help me to be frugal in my approach to life. Save me from overindulgence of every kind. In the holy name of Christ Jesus I ask it. Amen and Amen
Humility Part 4 of 5
HUMILITY Part 4 of 5
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
A story is told of a knight who returned to his castle at evening. He was a mess. His armor was dented, his helmet out of shape, and his face bloody, and his horse was limping. The lord of the castle asked, “What has befallen you, Sir Knight?” The knight answered, “O, sire, I have been laboring in your service, fighting and harassing your enemies to the west.” “You’ve been what?” cried the nobleman, “but I don’t have any enemies to the west!” “Oh,” said the knight. After a moment he said, “Well, I think you do now.”
The person who is afraid to risk failure seldom has to face success. Faith = risk. When we risk, we should expect to make mistakes of commission. A mistake of commission happens when we are doing what should be done but don’t get the results we want. For example, a point guard may drive the paint toward the basket but miss the lay up. Mistakes of omission happen when we are not doing something we should be doing. A center may fail to block out an opponent as his teammate puts up a shot. Most coaches don’t want their players to be afraid to act – they want their players to be doers. James encouraged us to “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). The greatest mistake of all is not taking action when action is needed. Drive the paint. Block out your adversary. The person that makes the most mistakes usually prevails, if those mistakes aren’t careless.
You can make mistakes and not be a failure if you give it your full effort. Effort includes both preparation and execution. You are never a failure if you give it your all, unless you blame others for your mistakes. That is where humility comes in – taking responsibility for all your actions. When you place blame, you’re making excuses; when you’re making excuses, you can’t evaluate yourself; and without self-evaluation, failure is inevitable.
You are going to make mistakes. Just make sure you make the right mistakes. Try again after each defeat.
Heavenly Father, I want to be a doer who loves you with every fiber of my being. Walk with me today as I serve you out of a grateful heart. Help me not to be afraid of making the right mistakes.
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
A story is told of a knight who returned to his castle at evening. He was a mess. His armor was dented, his helmet out of shape, and his face bloody, and his horse was limping. The lord of the castle asked, “What has befallen you, Sir Knight?” The knight answered, “O, sire, I have been laboring in your service, fighting and harassing your enemies to the west.” “You’ve been what?” cried the nobleman, “but I don’t have any enemies to the west!” “Oh,” said the knight. After a moment he said, “Well, I think you do now.”
The person who is afraid to risk failure seldom has to face success. Faith = risk. When we risk, we should expect to make mistakes of commission. A mistake of commission happens when we are doing what should be done but don’t get the results we want. For example, a point guard may drive the paint toward the basket but miss the lay up. Mistakes of omission happen when we are not doing something we should be doing. A center may fail to block out an opponent as his teammate puts up a shot. Most coaches don’t want their players to be afraid to act – they want their players to be doers. James encouraged us to “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). The greatest mistake of all is not taking action when action is needed. Drive the paint. Block out your adversary. The person that makes the most mistakes usually prevails, if those mistakes aren’t careless.
You can make mistakes and not be a failure if you give it your full effort. Effort includes both preparation and execution. You are never a failure if you give it your all, unless you blame others for your mistakes. That is where humility comes in – taking responsibility for all your actions. When you place blame, you’re making excuses; when you’re making excuses, you can’t evaluate yourself; and without self-evaluation, failure is inevitable.
You are going to make mistakes. Just make sure you make the right mistakes. Try again after each defeat.
Heavenly Father, I want to be a doer who loves you with every fiber of my being. Walk with me today as I serve you out of a grateful heart. Help me not to be afraid of making the right mistakes.
Fearing God Part 3
March 1, 2007
Fearing God (Part Three)
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of God is the foundation for developing a godly character. I believe the leadership crisis we are facing today in America is really a crisis of character. There never has been a time in our history when we had perfect leaders. But the difference today is that many "leaders" deny there is anyone to whom they are accountable.
The result: Arrogance, being above the law and outright deceit all mark many of our political, civic and spiritual leaders. All of this is because men no longer fear God, and they are convinced they can get away with most anything. If we aren't accountable for our lives to God then why be accountable to our fellow man for our actions today?
Exodus 18:21 points out that fearing God is a prerequisite for leadership. Moses has been taking care of the children of Israel when Jethro, his father-in-law, says, "Moses, you are going to wear yourself out, and your family, too. You're going to wear the nation of Israel out" (see v. 18). From sunrise to bedtime, people were lined up to see Moses about civil disputes and leadership problems because Moses had the corner on truth. He was a candidate for dying of a heart attack.
So Jethro, in verse 21, gives Moses some advice that saves Moses' life: "Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens."
Why did he prescribe leaders like that? You had to trust them. No bribes here. No compromise with darkness.
What would happen in Washington if our leaders there practiced the fear of God? What about the leaders in your church? And what about the leaders of your home?
We need to learn to fear God.
Suggested Prayer:
Ask God to help you and your mate be the God-fearing leaders of your home.
Discuss:
Are you being faithful in the small tasks God has appointed you over? Have you compromised lately?
Psalm 66:16-20
Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Fearing God (Part Three)
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of God is the foundation for developing a godly character. I believe the leadership crisis we are facing today in America is really a crisis of character. There never has been a time in our history when we had perfect leaders. But the difference today is that many "leaders" deny there is anyone to whom they are accountable.
The result: Arrogance, being above the law and outright deceit all mark many of our political, civic and spiritual leaders. All of this is because men no longer fear God, and they are convinced they can get away with most anything. If we aren't accountable for our lives to God then why be accountable to our fellow man for our actions today?
Exodus 18:21 points out that fearing God is a prerequisite for leadership. Moses has been taking care of the children of Israel when Jethro, his father-in-law, says, "Moses, you are going to wear yourself out, and your family, too. You're going to wear the nation of Israel out" (see v. 18). From sunrise to bedtime, people were lined up to see Moses about civil disputes and leadership problems because Moses had the corner on truth. He was a candidate for dying of a heart attack.
So Jethro, in verse 21, gives Moses some advice that saves Moses' life: "Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens."
Why did he prescribe leaders like that? You had to trust them. No bribes here. No compromise with darkness.
What would happen in Washington if our leaders there practiced the fear of God? What about the leaders in your church? And what about the leaders of your home?
We need to learn to fear God.
Suggested Prayer:
Ask God to help you and your mate be the God-fearing leaders of your home.
Discuss:
Are you being faithful in the small tasks God has appointed you over? Have you compromised lately?
Psalm 66:16-20
Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The reason I live
The Reason I live
To serve God as we live, one chief purpose we have in life.
Theology affect me-ology.
Psalm 139 => tell us alot about God and alot about us.
1) Psalm 139 : 1 to 3
V1. O Lord You have searched me and known me, V2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. V3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
God knows everything about us, our character, all our conduct, our path that we walk.
2) Psalm 139 : 5, 6
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
God is always with me.
Even death and darkness cannot hide God from us.
3) Psalm 139 : 13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
God has a plan for me. God You are in control on the direction of my life.
For thou has possessed my reins ‘the rope in horse’ mouth to control it.
Every cell in our body is a micro-universe.
How marvellously we have been created. Every minute 3 million cells die and have been replaced , this shows that we are precious to Him.
4) Psalm 139 : 16, 18
V16. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
V18. If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
God helps me constantly in His heart.
We are always around God’s mind and His heart.
God created us to love Him so that He can love us in return.
‘To love Him is to let Him love me.’
To serve God as we live, one chief purpose we have in life.
Theology affect me-ology.
Psalm 139 => tell us alot about God and alot about us.
1) Psalm 139 : 1 to 3
V1. O Lord You have searched me and known me, V2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. V3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
God knows everything about us, our character, all our conduct, our path that we walk.
2) Psalm 139 : 5, 6
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
God is always with me.
Even death and darkness cannot hide God from us.
3) Psalm 139 : 13
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
God has a plan for me. God You are in control on the direction of my life.
For thou has possessed my reins ‘the rope in horse’ mouth to control it.
Every cell in our body is a micro-universe.
How marvellously we have been created. Every minute 3 million cells die and have been replaced , this shows that we are precious to Him.
4) Psalm 139 : 16, 18
V16. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
V18. If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
God helps me constantly in His heart.
We are always around God’s mind and His heart.
God created us to love Him so that He can love us in return.
‘To love Him is to let Him love me.’
Humility Part 3 of 5
HUMILITY Part 3
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)
Thinking rightly and accurately about ourselves is an important key to breakthrough living. Self-awareness is being able to look ourselves in the mirror and not just see the blemishes! We are so prone to count our vices and overlook our virtues. Of course it is not easy to admit our defects, but it seems even harder to accurately see our God-given strengths. To “right size” ourselves is imperative. We seem to have a strange double standard. We count as a vice or “character defect” anything we have ever done… only once! Yet we count as a virtue or asset only those qualities we display all the time. Humility is not ignoring my strong points. It is recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord – strengths and weaknesses alike.
The process of developing closeness to the Almighty and others includes making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. As we undergo a detailed study and compile an itemized list, we often record more faults than virtues. Yet an accurate and balanced inventory is necessary. A true comprehensive inventory includes both assets and liabilities.
Why this difficulty with accurate inventory and honest self-awareness? Could it be that we don’t think we are consistently and unconditionally loved by God? Most of us accept and love our children no matter how many faults or how many virtues they possess. We just love them. If we believe that God is our Father, surely he loves his children that much more. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:11 that if we know how to give good gifts to our children, surely God our heavenly Father is even more generous.
Lord, you called me to be honest and straight. Help me to see myself accurately as you see me.
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin
HUMILITY vs. Pride
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking his will for every decision
“I will…”
Give credit to those who have made me successful.
Praise my parents, teachers, mentors and coaches.
Not think more highly of myself than I ought to think.
Take responsibility for all my actions.
Try again after each defeat.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)
Thinking rightly and accurately about ourselves is an important key to breakthrough living. Self-awareness is being able to look ourselves in the mirror and not just see the blemishes! We are so prone to count our vices and overlook our virtues. Of course it is not easy to admit our defects, but it seems even harder to accurately see our God-given strengths. To “right size” ourselves is imperative. We seem to have a strange double standard. We count as a vice or “character defect” anything we have ever done… only once! Yet we count as a virtue or asset only those qualities we display all the time. Humility is not ignoring my strong points. It is recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord – strengths and weaknesses alike.
The process of developing closeness to the Almighty and others includes making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. As we undergo a detailed study and compile an itemized list, we often record more faults than virtues. Yet an accurate and balanced inventory is necessary. A true comprehensive inventory includes both assets and liabilities.
Why this difficulty with accurate inventory and honest self-awareness? Could it be that we don’t think we are consistently and unconditionally loved by God? Most of us accept and love our children no matter how many faults or how many virtues they possess. We just love them. If we believe that God is our Father, surely he loves his children that much more. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:11 that if we know how to give good gifts to our children, surely God our heavenly Father is even more generous.
Lord, you called me to be honest and straight. Help me to see myself accurately as you see me.
Rick Joyner Week 9
Rick Joyner's Word for the Week - Week 9
February 26, 2007
Taking the Land, Part LXVIby Rick Joyner
As we have discussed, we tend to think of righteousness in terms of morality, which is of course the most basic part of it. However, in the teachings of Scripture, a huge part of the teachings on righteousness are about management—being a good steward of what we have been entrusted with. Righteousness is also caring enough for the things we have been entrusted with to manage them right. This is so important that in the Parable of the Talents, the Lord taught that we would either hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" (see Matthew 25:21 NIV) or "You wicked, lazy servant" (see Matthew 25:26 NIV), depending on how well we have managed what has been entrusted to us. Therefore, we want to give attention to sound management principles.
The first principle was our emphasis last week, which was remaining humble enough before the Lord to be teachable, and continually seeking His grace and wisdom to manage what He entrusts to us. Every great leader and manager I have ever met was continually studying leadership and management, reading books on the subjects, or going to seminars taught by those who had proven success in these areas. That is the kind of humility that God gives His grace to.
In Scripture, there are four types of grace. The first is "common grace" which is given to all. These are such things as our natural talents. A brain surgeon may be an atheist, but his skills still come from God. If you needed brain surgery, would you want someone to operate on you who is considered one of the best, but who happens to be an atheist, or a Christian intern? The common grace is offered to all, believers and unbelievers, as He explained in Matthew 5:45, "...for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
After common grace, we have "saving grace," which is the grace to receive salvation in Christ. This is a grace, and not something we earned. No one comes to the Son unless the Father draws him. It takes grace from God to receive salvation.
The next level of grace in Scripture is called "special grace," which is a special empowering from the Lord for special deeds. We see special fillings, or a special empowering, coming upon the disciples in the Book of Acts to do certain exploits, just as we do throughout the Old Testament. This is why we may feel the faith and have the power to heal cancer one day, and the next cannot heal a headache. As we grow in faith, this special grace can become more permanent in our lives, but often we are not trusted with the permanent "special grace" because pride gets in so easily. Therefore, the Lord has to keep us in touch with how utterly dependent we are on Him to do His works until He can trust us not to stumble in pride.
The fourth grace in Scripture is called "the great grace of God." This should be our ultimate pursuit, and it is something that very few in history seem to have been trusted with. We will study this in more depth as we seek to understand the true riches of the kingdom, but this is basically our goal—to be like Christ and do the works that He did.
Now to back up a bit—even though common grace is given to all men, we must esteem it as grace from God, and esteem it enough to manage it well. What are the natural gifts or talents that He has entrusted to us? How have we developed them? Are we deriving the maximum benefit from them? Even though these are "natural talents," they are gifts from God, and we should honor and esteem them enough to develop and use them with care. Remember, to be careful is to be "full of care" for what has been entrusted to us. To be careless is to "care less."
The good steward will be the one who cares for his master's resources that he has been entrusted with—including our natural talents.
You may have heard me lament before how I get irritated at times when people ask me to lay hands on them and impart to them my writing gift. I realize many have the right attitude about this and are seeking a spiritual impartation, which it is right to esteem enough to seek, but many just want a cheap, easy way to begin writing which does not take any work on their behalf—it just gets imparted. I have spent more than forty years developing the writing gift that I have, and I still do not feel that I am that good at it, and have to work hard to make even a Word for the Week such as this to be clear and make sense. This writing skill is a common grace, which many unbelievers have in a much greater way than I do.
The real difference that my writing can make is in what I say, which comes from what I have been given the grace and vision to see and understand. This, too, comes from quite a bit of work in caring enough to learn the ways of the Lord, and to read, study, and listen to others who have walked with Him. I have had quite a few supernatural experiences in which I think I was given almost instant understanding of things that I feel would have taken me many years to learn on my own. However, even these would not have made sense to me if I had not had the hunger for understanding, which caused me to build a broad foundation of knowledge. I consider the special revelations to be "special grace," or at times possibly even a touch of the "great grace," but they are given to us when we have been faithful with what might be considered "common grace."
Nevertheless, it is grace from God and should be honored as such.
I love the supernatural works of God. As the Scripture teaches, this world is but a shadow of the spiritual realm (see Colossians 2:17). The great miracles in Scripture were but a tiny release of the power of the kingdom of heaven to touch the earth. There is a deep yearning for the supernatural in every human being because we were created to have fellowship with God who is Spirit. The "new creation" man is also supposed to be a "new species" that bridges the natural and supernatural realms until we are more at home in the Spirit than we are the natural. However, the natural is a shadow of the spiritual realm, and it is in this realm where we actually learn many of the ways of the Spirit. It is super-natural by the way.
When our home really is in heaven with the Lord, we can be trusted with much more of the natural wealth and resources because even the greatest of these will always pale before the true riches of the kingdom. So we are seeking a balance of caring for them enough as something the Lord has entrusted to us, but at the same time not setting our hearts on them, but on the Lord.
I have met many doctors who are excellent professionals. They are always reading, studying, and keeping up with the latest research in their fields, and generally do an excellent job.
However, occasionally, we may meet a doctor who is a true healer. To them this is not just a job or a profession, but they are moved out of compassion, and their reward is not just money, but seeing their patients get better.
I greatly appreciate cancer doctors who have devoted themselves to fighting this terrible enemy, caring enough to go through all of the schools and training they have gone through. However, there is a spiritual gift of healing, an authority, which is going to be given to some in the near future who will be able to heal every cancer patient they pray for. They will not have gone through years of school for this, but it will be a "special grace" imparted to them by God. This is better than those who have a great medical practice built on their natural gifts and knowledge; these with the spiritual gifts will most of the time have spent as much time and effort in pursuing the Lord as those with the natural gifts have spent pursuing knowledge in their particular fields.
These spiritual gifts are free, but they are not cheap. We cannot earn them with any amount of effort, but there is still a foundation of diligence and caring enough to seek something diligently, which is required to be trusted with them. The Lord will bless many things that He will not inhabit. We must rise above just seeking the blessings of the Lord and seek to be His dwelling place. Many people, and even movements, have been blessed by the Lord for periods of time, but what He is seeking is a dwelling place. The Son of man still does not have a place to lay His head, a place where He can be the Head, but there is a people being prepared. This is worthy of more attention and devotion than any doctor ever gave to their degree. Do you hear the call?
February 26, 2007
Taking the Land, Part LXVIby Rick Joyner
As we have discussed, we tend to think of righteousness in terms of morality, which is of course the most basic part of it. However, in the teachings of Scripture, a huge part of the teachings on righteousness are about management—being a good steward of what we have been entrusted with. Righteousness is also caring enough for the things we have been entrusted with to manage them right. This is so important that in the Parable of the Talents, the Lord taught that we would either hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" (see Matthew 25:21 NIV) or "You wicked, lazy servant" (see Matthew 25:26 NIV), depending on how well we have managed what has been entrusted to us. Therefore, we want to give attention to sound management principles.
The first principle was our emphasis last week, which was remaining humble enough before the Lord to be teachable, and continually seeking His grace and wisdom to manage what He entrusts to us. Every great leader and manager I have ever met was continually studying leadership and management, reading books on the subjects, or going to seminars taught by those who had proven success in these areas. That is the kind of humility that God gives His grace to.
In Scripture, there are four types of grace. The first is "common grace" which is given to all. These are such things as our natural talents. A brain surgeon may be an atheist, but his skills still come from God. If you needed brain surgery, would you want someone to operate on you who is considered one of the best, but who happens to be an atheist, or a Christian intern? The common grace is offered to all, believers and unbelievers, as He explained in Matthew 5:45, "...for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
After common grace, we have "saving grace," which is the grace to receive salvation in Christ. This is a grace, and not something we earned. No one comes to the Son unless the Father draws him. It takes grace from God to receive salvation.
The next level of grace in Scripture is called "special grace," which is a special empowering from the Lord for special deeds. We see special fillings, or a special empowering, coming upon the disciples in the Book of Acts to do certain exploits, just as we do throughout the Old Testament. This is why we may feel the faith and have the power to heal cancer one day, and the next cannot heal a headache. As we grow in faith, this special grace can become more permanent in our lives, but often we are not trusted with the permanent "special grace" because pride gets in so easily. Therefore, the Lord has to keep us in touch with how utterly dependent we are on Him to do His works until He can trust us not to stumble in pride.
The fourth grace in Scripture is called "the great grace of God." This should be our ultimate pursuit, and it is something that very few in history seem to have been trusted with. We will study this in more depth as we seek to understand the true riches of the kingdom, but this is basically our goal—to be like Christ and do the works that He did.
Now to back up a bit—even though common grace is given to all men, we must esteem it as grace from God, and esteem it enough to manage it well. What are the natural gifts or talents that He has entrusted to us? How have we developed them? Are we deriving the maximum benefit from them? Even though these are "natural talents," they are gifts from God, and we should honor and esteem them enough to develop and use them with care. Remember, to be careful is to be "full of care" for what has been entrusted to us. To be careless is to "care less."
The good steward will be the one who cares for his master's resources that he has been entrusted with—including our natural talents.
You may have heard me lament before how I get irritated at times when people ask me to lay hands on them and impart to them my writing gift. I realize many have the right attitude about this and are seeking a spiritual impartation, which it is right to esteem enough to seek, but many just want a cheap, easy way to begin writing which does not take any work on their behalf—it just gets imparted. I have spent more than forty years developing the writing gift that I have, and I still do not feel that I am that good at it, and have to work hard to make even a Word for the Week such as this to be clear and make sense. This writing skill is a common grace, which many unbelievers have in a much greater way than I do.
The real difference that my writing can make is in what I say, which comes from what I have been given the grace and vision to see and understand. This, too, comes from quite a bit of work in caring enough to learn the ways of the Lord, and to read, study, and listen to others who have walked with Him. I have had quite a few supernatural experiences in which I think I was given almost instant understanding of things that I feel would have taken me many years to learn on my own. However, even these would not have made sense to me if I had not had the hunger for understanding, which caused me to build a broad foundation of knowledge. I consider the special revelations to be "special grace," or at times possibly even a touch of the "great grace," but they are given to us when we have been faithful with what might be considered "common grace."
Nevertheless, it is grace from God and should be honored as such.
I love the supernatural works of God. As the Scripture teaches, this world is but a shadow of the spiritual realm (see Colossians 2:17). The great miracles in Scripture were but a tiny release of the power of the kingdom of heaven to touch the earth. There is a deep yearning for the supernatural in every human being because we were created to have fellowship with God who is Spirit. The "new creation" man is also supposed to be a "new species" that bridges the natural and supernatural realms until we are more at home in the Spirit than we are the natural. However, the natural is a shadow of the spiritual realm, and it is in this realm where we actually learn many of the ways of the Spirit. It is super-natural by the way.
When our home really is in heaven with the Lord, we can be trusted with much more of the natural wealth and resources because even the greatest of these will always pale before the true riches of the kingdom. So we are seeking a balance of caring for them enough as something the Lord has entrusted to us, but at the same time not setting our hearts on them, but on the Lord.
I have met many doctors who are excellent professionals. They are always reading, studying, and keeping up with the latest research in their fields, and generally do an excellent job.
However, occasionally, we may meet a doctor who is a true healer. To them this is not just a job or a profession, but they are moved out of compassion, and their reward is not just money, but seeing their patients get better.
I greatly appreciate cancer doctors who have devoted themselves to fighting this terrible enemy, caring enough to go through all of the schools and training they have gone through. However, there is a spiritual gift of healing, an authority, which is going to be given to some in the near future who will be able to heal every cancer patient they pray for. They will not have gone through years of school for this, but it will be a "special grace" imparted to them by God. This is better than those who have a great medical practice built on their natural gifts and knowledge; these with the spiritual gifts will most of the time have spent as much time and effort in pursuing the Lord as those with the natural gifts have spent pursuing knowledge in their particular fields.
These spiritual gifts are free, but they are not cheap. We cannot earn them with any amount of effort, but there is still a foundation of diligence and caring enough to seek something diligently, which is required to be trusted with them. The Lord will bless many things that He will not inhabit. We must rise above just seeking the blessings of the Lord and seek to be His dwelling place. Many people, and even movements, have been blessed by the Lord for periods of time, but what He is seeking is a dwelling place. The Son of man still does not have a place to lay His head, a place where He can be the Head, but there is a people being prepared. This is worthy of more attention and devotion than any doctor ever gave to their degree. Do you hear the call?
James Goll:" When God seems silent - He is still active and at work"
James Goll: "WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT--HE IS STILL ACTIVE AND AT WORK"
"Your dry season is God's way of building character and preparing you for bigger and greater things."
HE DID NOT ANSWER WITH A WORD"Wet seasons" are times of blessing, times of growth, and expansion of fruitfulness and promotion. "Dry seasons" are seasons of pruning and preparation in anticipation of the next wet season.
Dry seasons are the times of the cross, and wet seasons are the times of resurrection life. In order to build healthy, balanced Christian lives, we need both.
My personal background and experience in the youth choir loft
I was a singer from a young age, often positioned in the loft, patiently looking down on the congregation, as the pianist, organist, and pastor on the platform would perform opening rituals. Many times, I was the one who began the service.
Standing in the darkened loft alone with no instrument, I would sing, "The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silent before Him." And then the service would proceed. I sang that Sunday after Sunday until my voice began to change. I still remember the Sunday I quit. I sang high and then suddenly low in one phrase. I was so embarrassed that I did not come down from the balcony, but stayed up in the loft. That Sunday I received one of my first lessons in silence.
No Words for Me--Where Was Guidance When?
When I entered into a traveling ministry years later, I traveled all over North America and visited several other countries, releasing prophetic words to people everywhere I went. I spoke thousands of prophetic words of encouragement to individuals, congregations, leaders, cities, and nations.
Yet during all those years of releasing public prophetic words to others, I rarely, if ever, received a public prophetic word myself. It was especially painful that all my ministerial buddies were getting three and four prophetic words, public affirmations, direction, etc.--and I was not. I did not understand it. God seemed silent.
Times of the Dark Night of the Soul
God does speak. He has spoken to us many times in the past, and He will continue to speak to us in the future. But many times as a family, it has seemed as though God was silent. Where was His miracle work? Where was His hedge of protection? Where was the God of supernatural encounters? Where was God when I needed Him?
We have experienced days, weeks, and yes, months when God "seemed" silent. The word "seemed" is very important here. God may seem silent at times, but He is always active. God is always at work. Yet He does not always tell us what He is doing at the time. All we can do is recall His past faithfulness in speaking to us and trust that He will do so again according to His own timetable.
Lessons From a Desperate Mother
Matthew 15:21-24, "Jesus...withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.' But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, 'Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.' But He answered and said, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'"1. Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem to Tyre and Sidon.2. A Canaanite woman came out to meet Him.3. She lifted a cry for "mercy" for her demonized daughter.4. Jesus did not answer her a word.5. The disciples said, "Send her away--she's obnoxious!"6. Jesus said, "I came to the Lost House of Israel."
HOW DO WE RESPOND?
"A man can live with his existence if he has a 'why' for his existence."
You can make it through almost anything if you know why. The day came when even Jesus Himself had a dry season. Throughout eternity, the Son of God had enjoyed unbroken fellowship with His Father. Never had Jesus known the silence of His Father--until He went to the cross. As all the sin of the human race from every generation came crashing down on Jesus' shoulders at Calvary, and He felt His Father turn His face away. In anguish He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).
As far as we know from Scripture, Jesus never received an answer. The One who allows us to experience dry seasons knows Himself exactly how it feels to go through such a time. I draw comfort and encouragement from this. Jesus knows how we feel when God seems silent, and He can help us get through it.
Jesus Was Given Fully to the Issue of "Why." "Why have You forsaken Me?" are the words of Jesus on the cross.
HANDLING THE "HOW & WHEN" QUESTIONS
Lessons from the Pool of Bethesda
John 5:1-9, "After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, (waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.)
A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, 'Do you wish to get well?' The sick man answered Him, 'Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.'
Jesus said to him, 'Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.' Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day."
1. The man was sick for 38 years.
2. He was lying by the pool--waiting...
3. The first one in the waters after they were stirred is healed.
4. Multitudes in desperation are there!
5. The man asked, "How do I get in? When will the angel come?"
6. Jesus came and asked a question, "Do you want to get well?"7. The man's response comes from the fatigue factor of delay--"I have no one to help me into the pool.
"When Others Got In and Were Healed...
1. When others were healed, did he (you) rejoice?
2. What did that do to your faith?
3. He didn't get himself there. He couldn't get himself out. He couldn't get into the pool.
When the Waters are Stirred and Nothing Happens
1. Look past the outward...Look into the heart.
2. Why are you (they) still here?
3. The unshakable Kingdom is being established.
When the Enemy Comes...
1. "You don't deserve revelation!"2. "God doesn't want to endorse you!"3. "Does God know where I live?"4. "Forget you guys! Hang it up!"
PERSPECTIVE IN THE MIDST OF THE VALLEY
Why Isn't God Speaking and Why Is There a Withholding of Revelation?
Years ago in Kansas City, I had the privilege of being exposed to realms of the prophetic that were absolutely profound. The top seers, statesmen, dreamers, prophetic teachers, and prophetic intercessors were all in a strange collegiality together. People came from all over the world to see who we were. I was younger and gifted and less secure in my identity in Christ.
As I shared earlier, I did not get the confirmation that I thought I deserved and needed. I began asking the "why," "how," and "when" questions. From my perspective, compared to all those I was walking with at that time, God seemed silent.
As I searched out these questions, I realized the following:
1. I was relying too much on an external witness.
2. It was not my "Kairos" moment yet. Strategic timing had not yet come for my individual life.
3. My expectations were misplaced, too high, or off base.
4. I was chasing for words from men and not the Word itself. Human words fail, but God's Word never fails.
5. There were spiritual warfare attacks--deaf and dumb spirits hindering mine and others' ability to hear, speak, release, and receive.
Responses to Dry Seasons
Frustrated over the whole business, I remember saying, "Lord, I don't need to play this game any more. You are my source!" Did I still care? Yes. Did I still have needs? Yes. But I was finished with chasing men for words. And that is when things began to change.
1. Stick with what we already know--What was the last thing the Lord said?
2. You might be in a test--What do you believe?
3. Don't doubt in darkness what you have seen or heard in times of light.
4. Don't compare yourself to others!
5. Be childlike...don't be overly complicated!
6. Don't expect everything to be so dramatic! Don't be a prophetic junky!
7. How about the person sitting next to you?
8. Walk by faith--not by sight.
9. Learn the lessons of guidance.
GOD'S PURPOSES IN TIMES OF SILENCE
How to Respond When Offended!
Matthew 15:25-28, "But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' And He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' But she said, 'Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus said to her, 'O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed at once."
1. Bow low. Worship.
2. Receive a revelation of dependency--"Lord, have mercy on me!"3. Keep your heart clean--more opportunities for offenses will come!4. God offends the mind to reveal the heart.5. Be tenacious! Do not let go.6. Receive your inheritance!7. Rejoice and know your victory is another person's test.
God Is on the Other Side!
Your dry season is God's way of building character and preparing you for bigger and greater things. He has promised that He will never leave you or forsake you. When God seems silent, believe that He guides you even from His silence.
1. Believe He guides: He has guided me in the past!He is guiding me now! He will guide me in the future!
2. Be sensitive to others. Create within yourself a capacity for compassion.
3. God is more than a jukebox machine ready to play your favorite tune.
4. Learn how to hear God for yourself.
5. Trust Me! You have a Father!
6. Identify with Jesus on the cross.
7. Silence is an invitation to greater union with Christ!
James W. GollEncounters Networkwww.jamesgoll.comEmail: info@encountersnetwork.com
"Your dry season is God's way of building character and preparing you for bigger and greater things."
HE DID NOT ANSWER WITH A WORD"Wet seasons" are times of blessing, times of growth, and expansion of fruitfulness and promotion. "Dry seasons" are seasons of pruning and preparation in anticipation of the next wet season.
Dry seasons are the times of the cross, and wet seasons are the times of resurrection life. In order to build healthy, balanced Christian lives, we need both.
My personal background and experience in the youth choir loft
I was a singer from a young age, often positioned in the loft, patiently looking down on the congregation, as the pianist, organist, and pastor on the platform would perform opening rituals. Many times, I was the one who began the service.
Standing in the darkened loft alone with no instrument, I would sing, "The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silent before Him." And then the service would proceed. I sang that Sunday after Sunday until my voice began to change. I still remember the Sunday I quit. I sang high and then suddenly low in one phrase. I was so embarrassed that I did not come down from the balcony, but stayed up in the loft. That Sunday I received one of my first lessons in silence.
No Words for Me--Where Was Guidance When?
When I entered into a traveling ministry years later, I traveled all over North America and visited several other countries, releasing prophetic words to people everywhere I went. I spoke thousands of prophetic words of encouragement to individuals, congregations, leaders, cities, and nations.
Yet during all those years of releasing public prophetic words to others, I rarely, if ever, received a public prophetic word myself. It was especially painful that all my ministerial buddies were getting three and four prophetic words, public affirmations, direction, etc.--and I was not. I did not understand it. God seemed silent.
Times of the Dark Night of the Soul
God does speak. He has spoken to us many times in the past, and He will continue to speak to us in the future. But many times as a family, it has seemed as though God was silent. Where was His miracle work? Where was His hedge of protection? Where was the God of supernatural encounters? Where was God when I needed Him?
We have experienced days, weeks, and yes, months when God "seemed" silent. The word "seemed" is very important here. God may seem silent at times, but He is always active. God is always at work. Yet He does not always tell us what He is doing at the time. All we can do is recall His past faithfulness in speaking to us and trust that He will do so again according to His own timetable.
Lessons From a Desperate Mother
Matthew 15:21-24, "Jesus...withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.' But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, 'Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.' But He answered and said, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'"1. Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem to Tyre and Sidon.2. A Canaanite woman came out to meet Him.3. She lifted a cry for "mercy" for her demonized daughter.4. Jesus did not answer her a word.5. The disciples said, "Send her away--she's obnoxious!"6. Jesus said, "I came to the Lost House of Israel."
HOW DO WE RESPOND?
"A man can live with his existence if he has a 'why' for his existence."
You can make it through almost anything if you know why. The day came when even Jesus Himself had a dry season. Throughout eternity, the Son of God had enjoyed unbroken fellowship with His Father. Never had Jesus known the silence of His Father--until He went to the cross. As all the sin of the human race from every generation came crashing down on Jesus' shoulders at Calvary, and He felt His Father turn His face away. In anguish He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).
As far as we know from Scripture, Jesus never received an answer. The One who allows us to experience dry seasons knows Himself exactly how it feels to go through such a time. I draw comfort and encouragement from this. Jesus knows how we feel when God seems silent, and He can help us get through it.
Jesus Was Given Fully to the Issue of "Why." "Why have You forsaken Me?" are the words of Jesus on the cross.
HANDLING THE "HOW & WHEN" QUESTIONS
Lessons from the Pool of Bethesda
John 5:1-9, "After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, (waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.)
A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, 'Do you wish to get well?' The sick man answered Him, 'Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.'
Jesus said to him, 'Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.' Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day."
1. The man was sick for 38 years.
2. He was lying by the pool--waiting...
3. The first one in the waters after they were stirred is healed.
4. Multitudes in desperation are there!
5. The man asked, "How do I get in? When will the angel come?"
6. Jesus came and asked a question, "Do you want to get well?"7. The man's response comes from the fatigue factor of delay--"I have no one to help me into the pool.
"When Others Got In and Were Healed...
1. When others were healed, did he (you) rejoice?
2. What did that do to your faith?
3. He didn't get himself there. He couldn't get himself out. He couldn't get into the pool.
When the Waters are Stirred and Nothing Happens
1. Look past the outward...Look into the heart.
2. Why are you (they) still here?
3. The unshakable Kingdom is being established.
When the Enemy Comes...
1. "You don't deserve revelation!"2. "God doesn't want to endorse you!"3. "Does God know where I live?"4. "Forget you guys! Hang it up!"
PERSPECTIVE IN THE MIDST OF THE VALLEY
Why Isn't God Speaking and Why Is There a Withholding of Revelation?
Years ago in Kansas City, I had the privilege of being exposed to realms of the prophetic that were absolutely profound. The top seers, statesmen, dreamers, prophetic teachers, and prophetic intercessors were all in a strange collegiality together. People came from all over the world to see who we were. I was younger and gifted and less secure in my identity in Christ.
As I shared earlier, I did not get the confirmation that I thought I deserved and needed. I began asking the "why," "how," and "when" questions. From my perspective, compared to all those I was walking with at that time, God seemed silent.
As I searched out these questions, I realized the following:
1. I was relying too much on an external witness.
2. It was not my "Kairos" moment yet. Strategic timing had not yet come for my individual life.
3. My expectations were misplaced, too high, or off base.
4. I was chasing for words from men and not the Word itself. Human words fail, but God's Word never fails.
5. There were spiritual warfare attacks--deaf and dumb spirits hindering mine and others' ability to hear, speak, release, and receive.
Responses to Dry Seasons
Frustrated over the whole business, I remember saying, "Lord, I don't need to play this game any more. You are my source!" Did I still care? Yes. Did I still have needs? Yes. But I was finished with chasing men for words. And that is when things began to change.
1. Stick with what we already know--What was the last thing the Lord said?
2. You might be in a test--What do you believe?
3. Don't doubt in darkness what you have seen or heard in times of light.
4. Don't compare yourself to others!
5. Be childlike...don't be overly complicated!
6. Don't expect everything to be so dramatic! Don't be a prophetic junky!
7. How about the person sitting next to you?
8. Walk by faith--not by sight.
9. Learn the lessons of guidance.
GOD'S PURPOSES IN TIMES OF SILENCE
How to Respond When Offended!
Matthew 15:25-28, "But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' And He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' But she said, 'Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus said to her, 'O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed at once."
1. Bow low. Worship.
2. Receive a revelation of dependency--"Lord, have mercy on me!"3. Keep your heart clean--more opportunities for offenses will come!4. God offends the mind to reveal the heart.5. Be tenacious! Do not let go.6. Receive your inheritance!7. Rejoice and know your victory is another person's test.
God Is on the Other Side!
Your dry season is God's way of building character and preparing you for bigger and greater things. He has promised that He will never leave you or forsake you. When God seems silent, believe that He guides you even from His silence.
1. Believe He guides: He has guided me in the past!He is guiding me now! He will guide me in the future!
2. Be sensitive to others. Create within yourself a capacity for compassion.
3. God is more than a jukebox machine ready to play your favorite tune.
4. Learn how to hear God for yourself.
5. Trust Me! You have a Father!
6. Identify with Jesus on the cross.
7. Silence is an invitation to greater union with Christ!
James W. GollEncounters Networkwww.jamesgoll.comEmail: info@encountersnetwork.com
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