Month: February 2016

TELL THEM WHO I AM – Part 2…


 

Exodus 3:13-16 – “Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

 14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.'”  NKJV

  

In our last devotional we began looking at some things from Exodus Chapter Three which hopefully will help us to KNOW God more deeply not just KNOW ABOUT Him.  We covered two of the truths revealed.  He “IS”.  The existence and reality of God must be a cornerstone of our approach to spiritual life and life in general.  He “Sees”.  The reality that God SEES EVERYTHING must also be a foundational principle in our lives.  There is no place we can hide and nothing is done that is not observed by our creator.  Those can be troubling but should be comforting if the desire and pursuit of our life are Him first and foremost.  Now let’s consider a few more things that will help found in Exodus 3 and 4.

  • He HEARS – [v. 7] – – He is not an inanimate object nor an absentee landlord creating us and leaving us to flounder in our own messes.

Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the LORD, and He heard me…”

Psalm 34:15 – “… His ears are open to their (righteous) cry…”

Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to Me, and I will answer you…”

John 14:3-14 – “…Ask anything in My Name, I will do it.”

1 John 5:14-15 – A powerful promise regarding prayer and God hearing our prayers.

He is the HEARING GOD!

  • He KNOWS – [v. 7] – – Your Plight has not escaped His notice.

Matthew 6:8 – He knows what you have need of BEFORE you even ask.

Psalm 139:4 – Even before there was a word on our tongues He KNOWS.

Psalm 139:1 – He has searched and know us at all times.

He KNOWS!  We can trust Him!  We must also realize that He acts in His perfect timing, not our determination of when something is required.

  • He Comes to DELIVER – [V. 8] – – This is a Covenant Promise. When we KNOW Him we know he never goes back on His Word or His Covenant.  He is the God who Delivers and does not have a Plan B.  He knows, sees, hears and delivers!
  • He SENDS FORTH – [v.10] – – Consider Moses: Before he received the call and God sent Him forth as the deliverer he spent 40 years training in Egypt and another 40 in the Wilderness.  God engineered the situation to get Moses out of Egypt and then the wilderness to get Egypt out of Moses.  In Acts 13:12 we see an example of God’s sending forth.  “Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them…”   Before the call came the preparation and then the Sending Forth.  God calls, develops, and then sends forth.
  • He is WITH those He send forth – [v. 12] – – He will never leave us nor forsake us.
  • He Desires WORSHIP – [v. 12]
  • He is ALL WE NEED when we NEED IT – [v. 14] – – “I AM Who I Am.”
  • He INSTRUCTS – [v. 15] – – As we learn the particulars of the Covenants we see a revelation of God and His character that should inspire, encourage, and embolden us in our walk and warfare.
  • He is ORDERLY – [v. 16] – – In the New Testament we see Jesus feeding the multitude at the end of the day. Someone suggested that had He performed this miracle earlier before He had taught them they would have been a mob and sat where they pleased but at the end of the day, He had them arranged in companies where orderly progression could transpire.  In His order, He unleashes and releases His Power.  I am totally convinced that following God’s Plan is a catalyst to releasing His Power and Provisions.
  • He PROSPERS – [v. 21] – – Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke, “It is My Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” We learn that God is laying up the wealth of the wicked for the just and John prayed that we “prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers.”  Prosperity begins on the inside.
  • He Uses WHAT WE HAVE – [4:2] – – God is able to do mighty things through that which we have providing we do not reach a place that we think we have it and cease our total dependence upon Him.
  • He is the God of MIRACLES – [4:6-9]

As we develop a relationship with God where we KNOW Him we find something interesting in those God chooses to use and it reveals the heart of the Father.

 

Moses – Empty of Self.  He kept making excuses why he was not qualified.  David – Was not looking for the Job or assignment as King but was a hardworking humble shepherd.  Joshua – Willingly followed the lead of Moses as a faithful servant providing service, assistance and aide.

It is when we lose our “self-sufficiency” that we move into His sufficiency.  It is when we decrease He increases.  It is when we empty out of self we find room to be filled with Him.  God is not seeking those who are “self-seeking” but for those who will “seek first Him and His Kingdom.”

Who is He?  He is the Covenant making and Covenant keeping Creator of All Things!  This God is the God who CAN, who DOES, and who WILL.    May he empower and encourage you as you venture into His wonderful world this day!  Blessings!

 

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TELL THEM WHO I AM…


 

Exodus 3:13-16 – “Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” 

14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.'”  NKJV

 

In 1989, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that my message to the Church and the World was, “Tell Them Who I Am.”  That echoed in my head and heart for weeks and has now echoed for years.  When I first heard this I thought, but that’s what I’ve been doing but felt the urging of the Holy Spirit that I was to consider and reconsider what I had and was saying.  I knew, after prayer, that He was telling me that the desire of the Father was that we KNOW Him not just KNOW ABOUT Him.  He was not interested in our knowledge but our hearts.  He was desirous of a continuing relationship based on both head and heart.  I sensed the LORD saying to me, “When My people KNOW ME, fear will be banished.  When My people KNOW ME they will be able to Trust My Provision, Love, and Timing.  When My people KNOW ME they will be able to exercise the Victory of Calvary, establish My Covenant, set the captives free and walk in the Abundant Life I gave and give.”

             It was then, in a much deeper way, that I realized that God’s motivation was LOVE!  I could see that demonstrated throughout His Covenant(s).  I saw, in an expanded way, the Lovingkindness (HESED) of God.  I saw His faithful love in action.  I saw his Unconditional Love (AGAPE) in a more powerful manner.  Tragically, we think in human terms and when God seeks to elevate us above the natural into the eternal (spiritual) we frequently fail to make the leap.  As I prayed and mused on what I was sensing in my heart I saw the “Binding Love” of God in His Covenant(s).  God has bound Himself in Love to us so that we can become ONE with Him.  It is through His LOVE demonstrated in His Covenant(s) that we see the TOTAL COMMITMENT of God to us.  That turned my world and thinking upside down.  Some will say, “But I’ve always seen that.”  I thought I had too, but it did something inside that I find difficult to explain and created a longing for more and more of Him than I had ever experienced.

In Exodus Chapter Three we find a number of things about God in His dealing with Moses that can and hopefully will help us to KNOW HIM and more deeply relate to Him on a personal level.

  • HE IS – [v. 6] – – He is not “A” god but “THE” God. The Bible offers crystal clarity that we MUST believe that He is.  If we do not believe He is we have no basis of faith and no common ground for developing a meaningful relationship.  Everything begins with God and from that beginning we find His Covenant, through which comes His Provisions and we are transformed.
  • HE SEES – [v.7] – – EVERYTHING. The Bible reveals that His eyes run to and from through the entire Earth to show Himself strong.

Psalm 34:15 – “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous…”

Psalm 33:18 – “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him…”

Job 36:7 – “He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous…”

Psalm 139:12 – “…darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.

 NOTHING escapes His notice!  He is the ALL SEEING GOD!  He is Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent Creator of all living!

I apologize that I only touched on the surface and have much more I’d like to share prayerfully and will continue in the next post on “Tell Them Who I Am.”   Until then, may the LORD bless and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you, and give you peace.   Have a fantastic day in Him!  Blessings Abundantly!

 

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INCOMPREHENSIBLE…


Spiritual Blog - Incomprehensible

Romans 11:33-36 – “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 “For who has known the mind of the LORD?  Or who has become His counselor?”  35 ‘Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”  NKJV

 

The incomprehensibility of God has caused some to be unwilling to embrace His reality and existence.  They want an ordered detailed explanation for everything and yet they will accept theories of Science and Evolution as realities when yet unproven.  I find that incomprehensible.  When I look at any human being, the creatures on earth, the atmosphere around our planet, and the order of the Universe I find it IMPOSSIBLE to believe it just happened.  I cannot explain the eternality of God and the devil has attempted to shipwreck my faith more than once on that front but then I consider my own body and my world and find it IMPOSSIBLE to believe anything but Divine Creation.

I can relate to the speaker’s declaration that, “It is incomprehensible to believe in the existence of God, but I find it even more incomprehensible to not believe in His existence.”  I may not be able to explain everything with proofs most require but I have experienced Salvation and know the transformation of my own life.  I have experienced divine healing in my physical body.  I have witnessed lives completely transformed and a person who could only be described as a reprobate transformed into a wholesome, godly, honest, and dependable person.  I heard a medical doctor say that before Medical School he was an atheist.  He said that in Medical School he found so many unexplainable things about the human body he became a guarded skeptic.  He said that after a few years performing delicate surgeries and seeing what he saw in the human body and how things interrelated he determined it was IMPOSSIBLE for that to have just happened or evolved and the design he witnessed demanded the existence of a designer.  He became a believer and has lived with a settled faith for decades.

I make no attempt to make the INCOMPREHENSIBLE simple and comprehensible for that would take an intellect and experience greater than I possess.  I know that I was once lost in sin and on that faithful night at my sister’s home at the kitchen table all alone in Palestine, Texas the Lord Jesus forgave me of my sins and transformed my life.  I was changed and things happened in me and in my life that I cannot explain but know they are real.  I recently read that a man who has translated 17 books of the Bible for the Vatican has declared that the language of Genesis where the “Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters” is Starship and the “let us make man in our image” the Elohim refers to DNA cut from the Elohim.  He was arguing that we exist because of an experiment by extraterrestrial visitors from outer space.  You may believe that if you choose but I believe, “In the beginning God…”  I believe John 3:16 and fully believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the Image and Likeness of the Eternal God and that Jesus, the Son of  God who came, died, rose again and has now ascended to heaven is or has made preparation for me to spend eternity with Him in heaven.  It may be Incomprehensible to the human mind and reason but it is Incomprehensible to my heart and spirit to not believe in the existence of God.

God bless you as you go through this wonderful day!

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VALENTINE’S DAY…


Spiritual Blog - Valentine

Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.”  NKJV

 

Today, millions all over the world celebrate this holiday, a day that focuses on Romantic Love.  The Bible is not silent on the matter of romantic love and the power of all kinds of love.  Romantic love will and has literally driven some mad and will cause people to do things they would never have thought possible to please the object of their affection.

I realize that Valentine’s Day was not originally a Christian Holiday and although its origin is associated with Saint Valentine its roots are largely rooted in the Greco-Roman pagan fertility festivals and a medieval notion that birds paired off to mate on February 14th each year.  The tradition of exchanging cards, candy or other tokens probably originated in England and France during the 14th and 15th centuries but became incredibly popular in the United States in the 20th century.  Whether you participate in this holiday and the traditions of Valentine’s Day is up to you and a decision you must make based on your personal convictions.

However, on this occasion when so much focus is on love and especially romantic love I want to address the power of LOVE.  Jesus said that the greatest demonstration of love was to lay down one’s life for their friends. (John 15:13)  Paul addressed Love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, saying, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” NIV.  He goes on to say in verses 4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…”  NIV

Paul addressed marital love in Ephesians 5 telling the husbands to demonstrate the same love toward the wife as Christ does for His church.  It is to be a love that is exemplified in 1 Corinthians 13 and Proverbs 31.  We are advised or commanded in Colossians 3:14 to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”  Then in John 3:16 we have the picture of perfect and ultimate love.  In 1 John 3:16 we read, “This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (NIV)  In 1 John 4:18 we are told of the power of love, “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (NIV)

So on this day in which millions focus on love and celebrate love and all its qualities and benefits I encourage you to turn your heart first to the LORD, then to that one God has given you, then to your children, your family, and your friends.  Let us demonstrate the Love of God to all men.

Blessings as you celebrate this beautiful day in Christ our Lord!

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DOES JESUS CHOOSE SIDES???


Spiritual Blog - Question

Luke 11:37-44 – “And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. 38 When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. 

39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.  40 Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?  41 But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.

42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.  43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.  44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.”  NKJV

 

Yes, Jesus does choose sides!  I love this story which depicts how our LORD views pomp, ceremony, and outward show.  It reveals how Jesus views our man-made traditions that are not consistent with the Heart and Spirit of His Word.  The Pharisee, not unlike many even in our modern times, was all about appearance.  His focus was dotting all the ceremonial I’s and crossing the T’s religiously and doctrinally.  He was far more interested in the visible than the invisible; the outward rather than the heart.

When Jesus accepted his invitation to break bread with him he was shocked that Jesus did not participate in the ceremonial washing before eating.  Jesus used this as an opportunity to teach spiritual truth regarding the difference between the external (visible or ceremonial) and the internal (heart).  He addressed the fact that putting on a show, giving the appearance of righteousness, spiritual correctness, and piety, while the inside was full of wickedness and sin, was WRONG.  Jesus did not, at that point, call him a hypocrite but addressed the incorrectness of his views and actions.

Jesus continued by addressing the religious correctness and outward show of tithing on EVERYTHING but failing with regard to justice, doing the right thing out of love for God.  He did not say he was wrong for doing the things he did with regard to giving saying, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”  He addressed the public show and taking the most visible position and then called him a hypocrite.

Which side does Jesus choose?  The INSIDE!  He chooses the inside (heart) rather than the outside and if we remember in 1 Samuel 16:7, the LORD spoke to Samuel saying, “Do not look at his appearance, because I have refused him.  For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  Oh, how guilty we are!  We are often impressed with the visible rather than the heart.  We are impressed with the oratorical ability, the fine dress, the fancy car, the accumulation of wealth, the size of the congregation but too often fail to take note of the condition of the heart.

You can look like you are a devout believer.  You can look charitable.  You can look successful and may well be by man’s standards, but if in our hearts we are full of dead men’s bones we come short of God’s Glory.  Jesus is looking for hearts that are pure before Him and when He finds such hearts He will develop hands that heal, help and lift up.  Which side does Jesus choose?  He always chooses the INSIDE!

God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Him!

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THE KEY – Where Is Your Focus???


Spiritual Blog - Focus

Matthew 14:22-33 – “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”  NKJV

 

I can only imagine how the disciples felt and what was going on in their minds when they were in the middle of the lake, without their leader and turbulence arose and they feared for their lives.  According to Jewish and Roman calculations, there were four watches in the night.  The first began at 6 PM, the second at 9 PM, the third at Midnight, and the fourth at 3 AM.   It was in the wee hours of the morning that they disciples were in troubled waters and saw what they considered an apparition or omen of their impending death.  What they saw was not a ghost or vision but Jesus literally “walking on the water” and He called out to them, “…Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.”  I have no doubt that Peter’s response was rooted in his fear, question and doubt about what they were seeing and experiencing.  He said, “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 

Jesus bade Him, “Come.”  Peter had two options at that point, he could stay in the boat with his fear, doubt and questions or get out of what little comfort zone the boat provided and do the impossible and unthinkable.  If this was, in fact, an apparition and he moved from the boat to the boisterous water he would drown.  However, if this was, in fact, Jesus he would not only witness a miracle but be a part of it.  Peter opted to get out of the boat and turned his focus to Jesus and as he stepped out of the boat the water, under his feet, was firm enough for him to stand.  It was still water but had no effect on him.  He began walking toward Jesus.  Had the story ended there we would be rejoicing but it did not.

As Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus to what was happening around him, nature took over and gravity began to pull his body into the sea.  It was at that moment, Peter cried out in desperation, “Lord, save me!”  He allowed his circumstances to shift his focus and fear gripped his heart, subverting his faith.  If we are going to “walk on water” figuratively in the spirit realm we cannot allow circumstances to draw our focus away from God and His Promises.  If we do, we will sink.  If we are going to operate in the world of the supernatural and enforce the victory of Calvary we cannot allow our focus to shift from Jesus.  It is Christ in us, the hope of Glory.  In Him, we live and move and have our being.

God bless you as you get out of your boat and walk on the waters of life.  Blessings!

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TRYING TO FIND MY MINISTRY OR PLACE OF SERVICE…


Spiritual Blog - Ministry

Matthew 9:35-38 – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.   36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”  NKJV

 

I often bite my tongue when someone says that to me as a justification for doing nothing.  I cannot count the number of times I’ve had someone tell me they were trying to find the will of God for their lives, their ministry niche or place of service.  I understand the desire to be obedient and consider it a commendable trait, but in light of the above passage and the expressed desire of the Lord to “seek and save the lost” how is it possible to find nothing to do in the Kingdom?

In my years serving as a lead pastor, I’ve had people come to me wanting something to do and when I suggested something beneath their perception of their gift, value or worth they were offended.  There have been times when a young person would come to me expressing a desire to enter the ministry and wanting me to be their mentor, I would assign them cleaning duties.  Some were offended and left, some grudgingly did the assigned tasks and others, without hesitation or complaint took on the task and did it with excellence.  The latter developed into servants God has used in wonderful ways.

How many people do you know who are lost?  How many do you suspect are lost?  How many of those have you entered into a conversation about their eternal destiny?  If there is a plenteous harvest lacking only laborers, why are our churches not more full each Sunday?  If we are to go into our Jerusalem, branch out to our Judea, and ultimately to the uttermost part of the earth or our world how is it that we can’t find anything to do or that we are willing to do?  Jesus said in John 4:35, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”  The Bible tells us that “TODAY is the day of salvation and NOW is the accepted time.” 

I do not like manipulation and realize that what I’m saying could be considered such but if we truly want to be used of God there is plenty to do.  If we want to win souls for the Kingdom the harvest is plenteous.  If our motive is serving God and our fellow man then whatever our hand finds to do we will do it with our might and consider no task beneath us.  I was taught in the early stages of my pursuit of Christian Ministry to be willing to do whatever was set before me.  I was taught that if my assignment was cleaning the toilets I was to be the best toilet cleaner possible.  No matter what my assignment was, if I did it as unto the LORD I would seek to be the best possible at that work.  That is why, when I worked in secular employment I sought to be the best employee the company had because I considered my labor as unto the LORD and understood that if I claimed to be a Christian my actions reflected on my LORD.

If you are trying to find your ministry or place of service, go to your leadership and volunteer for whatever is needed.  If that is your niche God will make it prosper and thrive.  It may be that in your humility and service promotion comes to that which is your true gift, call, and niche.  We are epistles known and read of men, therefore, let’s present them the best view of Christ and Christianity we can.

God bless you as you go through this day!

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JUDGING – We All Do It…


Spiritual Blog - Judgment

Matthew 7:1-5 – “Judge not, that you be not judged.  2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  NKJV

 

If we only consider this passage it would be sufficient to give us a beautiful guide for life regarding JUDGING but the Bible is not silent on this issue and addresses it in the light of the reality that we all do and at times must JUDGE.  If we read John 7:24 we find the words of our Lord, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” NKJV.  Then in Matthew 7:16 we find our Lord addressing this saying, “You will know them by their fruits, grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?” NASB

Just as in giving, the measure we use is the measure we receive.  In this passage, there is a Life Lesson – “If you do not want to be judged, do not judge.”  Then, we see the Lord’s understanding that Judgment is a part of life and we will find ourselves in times of necessity and times of choice, bias, or prejudice practicing Judgment.  Regardless of the motivation for JUDGING Jesus declares, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  That is arresting or should be.

I began my walk in Christian service in a church which, at that time, was quite judgmental with regard to a number of things.  I acknowledge, it was not the realized motivation of their hearts to be self-righteous but that was the result.  There was a desire to walk in holiness and be pleasing to God but in the process, some fell into the trap of comparing themselves with others and like the publican beat their chests and said, “I thank God, I’m not like them.” 

It is impossible to examine the fruit of a tree and not make a determination as to the quality of the tree.  However, in our examination, we need to be careful that we are not judging a particular tree or its fruit focusing on something minute and incredibly small while overlooking our attitude that is a large impediment.  Jesus even called it hypocritical for someone to self-righteously go to another and offer to help them CLEAN UP THEIR LIFE while we have a log in our own eyes preventing us from clearly seeing their hearts.

There are lifestyles and practices that bother me, as a Christian but before I judge another I want to be sure that my judgment is righteous and has a singular motivation to bring that person to the Light of God’s Love and Grace so they can see the need.  If my motivation is not redemption but rather a demonstration of self-righteousness then my judgment will result in equal and measured judgment from God.

We judge every day, whether we admit it or not.  Therefore, I declare that since you will not go through life free of any attitude or action of judgment, seek to be sure that your heart is pure, your motivation is godly and your judgment is righteous.  I tremble when I read the words of Paul in Romans 14:10-12, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.   11 For it is written:   “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me,  And every tongue shall confess to God.”   12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” NKJV

May the LORD help each of us to consider our brother and sister and if we find someone “caught in a fault” we seek to restore them.   God bless you as you go through this beautiful day in His Love!

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REWARDS OF GIVING…


Spiritual Blog - Giving

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”  NKJV

 

There are two paths in giving and sometimes one or both are overlooked by many followers of the Bible and those professing Christ as their Savior.  I am going to venture out into a realm that can possibly put me in direct conflict with the philosophy and beliefs of some.  What I have to say will resonate with some, be eye opening to others, challenging to a few and potentially infuriating to another group.  I have no malice in what I’m saying, no ax to grind and hopefully will provide a thought or thoughts which will benefit you in your spiritual walk and development.  I am a seeker of truth and want all that I do and/or say to be pleasing to the Father and beneficial to those seeking Him and His Kingdom.

I see two pathways regarding giving taught in the Bible and both are practiced by believers around the world.  They both speak to “The Reward” of Giving and speak to something that needs to be addressed in churches all across this land.  Both are powerful but one is relegated to the Natural or “this life” and the other affects both worlds, “the natural” and “the spiritual.”  Both provide reward and depending on your purpose will be attractive to you.

There is the giving that focuses on “What is in The Hand” and giving that focuses on “What is in The Heart.”   One speaks of the act the other the motivation.  Both definitively impact your life.  I will address both types of giving and allow you to determine which is for you and which is desired by the Father, taught by our Lord Jesus and the better way.

WHAT IS IN THE HAND, GIVING – – Matthew 6:1

This is addressed in the Bible in many ways but in Matthew 6:1 we read, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them.  Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”  Jesus goes on to advise that if you make a public show of what you are doing your reward is what people think of you and that is it.  I believe in the Law of Sowing and Reaping and Reciprocity.  The Law of Multiplication is in effect and practiced both inside and outside the Church.

Some in the Church have almost made giving a “Retirement” or “Wealth Producing” Plan rather than an act of love for God, His people, and the Kingdom.  In this type of giving it is designed to GET or focused on the RETURN, not the need.  If I pray to be seen of men that is my reward.  If I labor to be seen by men that is my reward.  If I live a clean life to be seen of men that is my reward.  If my motivation is recognition then my giving is WHAT IS IN THE HAND, GIVING, and the recognition is my reward.

WHAT IS IN THE HEART, GIVING – – Mark 12:43

This is also addressed in the Bible in many ways and in Mark 12 Jesus positioned Himself near the treasury and watched what people gave there was a reason.  He watched those who had much as they brought their gifts and then the widow with her two mites and His response was surprising then and now to many.  He said, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury, for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

God’s focus and the Giving that results in a REWARD from the Father have the  focus on the MOTIVATION behind the giving and the PROPORTION.  Her giving was motivated by her love of God, expressed her faith in His promises and was, in a real sense, giving herself in totality to God.  Most of us have experienced times when the Holy Spirit prompted our hearts to give an amount that was more than most would consider reasonable but out of our LOVE we gave in obedience.  I believe that is what David is specifically addressing in the Psalms when he declared, “I was young and now am old, and I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread.”

A seasoned minister once spoke to me about giving and said, “Son, if you don’t notice it when it leaves, you won’t notice it when it comes back.”  He then quoted Luke 6:38 and said, “Live by this truth and know that God takes into account your motive as well as the amount and always considers the proportion.”  That took root in my heart and I have sought to live by that principle in giving.

Someone told me that we are to “give to get, to give to get.”  I believe we are to “give to live” and our giving is to be an expression of our love and confidence in God.  I have had people seek to donate to the church but with conditions and I have usually refused those gifts.  I’m not talking about giving for a cause or needy family and designating it for that purpose but I’m talking about the desire to control.  If I give, it is unto God and if those that receive the gift misuse it that is between them and God my motivation was to honor God and address a perceived need and prefer to give anonymously.

God bless you and may you be enriched in your life in all things.

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SIXTY-NINE JONATHAN EDWARDS RESOLUTIONS…


Spiritual Blog - Jonathan Edwards

Here is a listing of the 69 Resolutions which were made by Jonathan Edwards and worthy of our consideration as believers.  I have not modified the content only the presentation.  May they prove to be beneficial and a blessing to you as you read and consider.  I realize the list is long and you may want to read them in segments over time.  After I read them, I decided to post them in this devotional for your perusal.  God bless!

 

Jonathan Edwards [1716], Letters and Personal Writings (WJE Online Vol. 16) , Ed. George S. Claghorn

RESOLUTIONS

 

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the forementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30, [1723].

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

 

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10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any1 theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself (as much happiness, in the other world,) as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor

 

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to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the Golden Rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Proverbs 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining and establishing2 peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. [Dec. 26, 1722.]

34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. [Dec. 18, 1722.]

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. [Dec. 19, 1722.]

 

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37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. [Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.]

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. [Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.]
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no: except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. [Jan. 7, 1723.]

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. [Jan. 11, 1723.]

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this12th day of January, 1722—23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were anyway my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12. [Jan. 12th, 1723.]

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. [Jan. 12, 1723.]

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. [Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.]

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable,

 

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even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. [Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.]

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. [May 26, 1723.]

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. [July 5, 1723.]

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. [July 8, 1723.]

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. [July 8, 1723.]

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. [July 8, 1723.]

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, resolved to endeavor to imitate it. [July 8, 1723.]

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. [July 8, 1723.]

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. [June 9 and July 13, 1723.]

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. [May 27and July 13, 1723.]

 

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59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill-nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. [May 12, July 11, and July 13.]

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. [July 4 and 13, 1723.]

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it–that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. [May 21 and July 13, 1723.]

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully “as unto the Lord, and not to man; knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” [June 25 and July 13, 1723.]

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. [Jan. 14 and July 13, 1723.]

64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered,” of which the Apostle speaks [Romans 8:26], and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalms 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. [July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and everything, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th sermon on the 119th Psalm. [July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect,

 

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and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. [July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.]

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. [Aug. 11, 1723.]

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.

 

 

I have read these and although and since I am not 100% sure what he means on a few points I will not speculate as to his meaning.  I will leave the interpretation to you and have found these to be largely beneficial and worthy objectives for the Christian life.  The bottom line is that each of us should have a resolve to daily become more like Christ and less like us as we were in the world.

 

May the Lord richly bless you as you read, contemplate and venture into the life that is set before you on planet Earth!  I pray that the LORD enable you to live the abundant life not just exist on this planet.  God bless!
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