Month: August 2016

LET ME GIVE YOU WHAT I BELIEVE IS “God’s Message to the Church Today.”


Spiritual Blog - Church

Matthew 16:13-19 – “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.  19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  NKJV

 

I would also suggest reading Matthew 24:14 along with Acts 3:17-26 as the foundation for my conviction as to what God is saying to today’s church.  Looking back over my life I realize that over two-thirds of my life have been spent in Christian ministry.  That is significant only in light of the fact that I have served long enough to have seen some major changes and shifts in the overall Christian community.  It is also long enough to come to the conclusion that the Work and Purpose of the Church are so large that none of us see it fully.  It is truly multi-sided and multi-dimensional and unfortunately we see in part.

I have long been concerned about the divisions and sects within the Christian world dividing up into “camps” and making those particular truths embraced as the whole truth.  I believe that has been a significant detriment to the progress and development of the Church Jesus spoke of as His Church.  I believe it has caused us (the Christian family) to miss much of what God is doing and wants to do in today’s world.  Let me give a caution and comfort – that is not altogether our fault.  We have had some help in developing that type of thinking.  The devil promotes separation, fragmentation, and division and in nudging people that direction he has, at times, weakened the thrust and effort of the Church both local and universal.

Obviously, that is not God’s desire and God did not inspire fragmentation.  Jesus made it clear in John 17 that the desire of God is UNITY.  By no means would I want anyone to assume that I mean wholesale acceptance of everything taught and done in the name of Christ.  But, UNITY OF SPIRIT is not only desirable but a requirement for the Church to be that which Jesus purposed.  I believe there is a unity being developed, almost unseen, across the land.  Many are beginning to realize that although we may not agree on all points, this thing is much larger than any of our individual visions or understanding and there might be something we have not yet seen.  Grace is becoming a dominant force and that is awesome!

Let me illustrate it this way:  No two members of any local congregation express themselves in the same way.  In the human body, the right-hand and left-hand look alike and have the same basic function, but they fulfill their main function from opposite directions.  If your big toe could see it would have an entirely different perspective of the entire body than would the nose because of its unique position in and on the body.  We are not the same, do not think the same, and our experiences and understanding are different on many things.  That does not mean we are not of the same body only different parts of that body.

You may remember the story of the five blind men who were allowed to examine an elephant and then asked to describe the animal.  The first man felt the leg and said, “It is like a round pillar.”  The next man felt the tail and described the elephant as a “rope.”  The third felt the elephant’s massive side and described it as a “Great Wall.”  The fourth felt the tusks and said, “It is like a Spear.”  The fifth felt the ear and said, “He is like a Giant Leaf.”  They were all right but their descriptions and perceptions were limited and therefore incomplete.  We see in part and if you add my part to your part we have a much larger part to work with. 

I believe that God is focused on THE CHURCH today and is in the process of “restoring that which has been lost.”  There are some things the Church has allowed to become dormant or has lost and God is bringing those to light.  In many ways, the Church has lost its direction, abdicated its position, misunderstood its potential and been stripped of its power.  That is changing or will change!  Tragically, some in the Body of Christ have lost consciousness of Who We Are and What the Church is supposed to be.  Some are still in the wilderness and God has been engineering our walk to bring us to the Jordan but rather than cross over we have been waiting for a bridge or a boat to get us to the other side.  God wants to bring us to that place where we are truly THE BODY OF CHRIST in this present world and living the words of 1 John 4:17, “…as He is, so are we in this world.”  Not someday but today!

I have more I wish to present but will pause here until next time and pray that God will guard and guide you as you proceed through this day walking in victory!   Blessings abundant is my desire for each of you!

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AN ARMY VICTORIOUS IN BATTLE – The Church…


Spiritual Blog - Army of God

Ephesians 6:14-20 – “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —  19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NKJV

 

I am convinced that God is raising up a New Breed of Spiritual Warrior in our times.  They will be filled with compassion but they will be Warriors extremely sensitive to the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual Warfare is a reality that cannot be divorced from the Church or our Christian walk in today’s world.  The apostle Paul understood that the battle rages in that unseen world but he also knew and taught that it is vital that the Church and Christians learn how to use the weapons of warfare and understand the devices of the devil and God’s divine strategy ON EARTH. 

Have you ever wondered why the Church local often seems so vulnerable to the attacks of the devil?  Let me capsulize it this way:  “You don’t put armor on wounded soldiers, infants or children.”  Remember the caution or objective Paul addressed in Ephesians 4:13, “…’til we all come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God to a PERFECT MAN…”  An army that is strong and effective only entrusts armor to the most healthy and well-trained not the weak and wounded.

Spiritually, the Church needs the “Man or Woman of Armor” to step forward.  Who is this?  This is the person who is consistently led by the Spirit of God.  The simple reality is that people who are led by God’s Spirit manifest God’s power!  The Church is sometimes weak because we have been willing to send children and the wounded into battle rather than those of full stature who are adorned with Spiritual Armor.  If you study the Bible and history you realize that, in a very real sense, God’s Kingdom rests in the hands of Fragile People!  No, God is not fragile but we are flawed vessels and dare not fail to remember that.  Additionally, if we do not know what is required how will we ever be what has been declared and do what is required?

There are characteristics of the Triumphant or Victorious Army I would like to consider:

  • The Victorious Warrior waits for a Certain Sound.

In Paul’s statement of 1 Corinthians 14:18 I believe the implication is DO NOT go into battle UNTIL you hear a SURE SOUND.

  • The Victorious Warrior depends on Definable Leadership.

Look around and ask, “Where are and who are the generals in the Church today?”  It is important that the troops know why they are dying in battle and maintaining a total confidence that their leaders are getting their marching orders from God.  It is imperative that the vision is presented clearly so that everyone knows what is at stake.

  • The Victorious Warrior depends on the Strategy of the Holy Spirit.
  • The Victorious Warrior requires Adequate Resources.
  • The Victorious Warrior must exhibit Proper Discipline.
  • The Victorious Warrior or Army MUST provide a place of healing for the Wounded Warriors.
  • The Victorious Warrior or Army is built on Trust.

           Unfortunately, we have factions in the world of Christendom that are warring against each other rather than warring against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness.  Your Brother in Christ is not your enemy.  There is no Spiritual Armor to fight brothers in Christ who hold a different understanding of some things spiritual.  When we fight among ourselves we become weak and defeated.  We have to learn to Trust.  The flesh will make mistakes and human beings will come to wrong conclusions but if we trust CHRIST IN US we can trust the Holy Spirit to LEAD US INTO ALL TRUTH!

What is at stake?  Eternity!  When I visit a church or am invited to speak I always look for “Who is truly in Charge.”  Why?  Because I want to know if a man is in charge or if God is?  What is at stake?  Abundant Life!  Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came to give us Life and that Life would be Abundant.  Much of the church world is devoid of government and order and our independence sometimes relegates us to a weakness that results in unnecessary defeats.  According to the Bible we, God’s People are HEIRS OF THE EARTH.  (Romans 4:13, 18; Galatians 3:29).  No, I do not mean a takeover by Christians but that we, as believers, are to LIVE A BOLD WITNESS in our generation.  We must recognize the real enemy and attack any force that withstands or seeks to delay the purposes of God on this earth.  We must wage war against anything that seeks to disqualify Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone.  We must wage war against anything that seeks to disjoint or prostitute the Church Jesus is building.  We must make the Voice of the Church heard again in the world!

If you are a Wounded Warrior call the Medics do not attempt to conceal your wounds and wear masks.  If you are still a child or a teenager spiritually, run to those who can mentor and equip you for service.  If you are healthy, whole, and equipped spiritually refuse to complain and become engaged in the WAR.  The Medics should focus on the Wounded. The Fathers are to teach the Children.  The Warriors are to Prepare for Battle.

God has and is developing a Mighty Victorious Spiritual Army!  God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

 

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WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU SAY CHURCH?


Spiritual Blog - Church

1 Peter 2:9-10 – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”  NKJV

 

Without getting too detailed, the Greek word for out is “ek” and the word translated called is “kalesantos”.  The Greeks put them together to form another word “ekklesia” which means, CALLED OUT and refers to an assembly or gathering of people that has been called together.  That is the Church.  In Matthew 16:18, Jesus spoke to Peter and said, “…on this rock I will build My church…”  We, believers, are the “called out” or CHURCH of Jesus Christ.  But what do we see or think when we say the word Church?  When we hear the word Church what is the mental imagery or descriptive term that comes to mind?  I believe that is important.

When we talk about the FUNCTION of the Church we refer to it as a Body. When we talk about responding to God in praise and worship we call it a Temple.  When we focus on fellowship and relationships within the Church local we call ourselves a Family.  If we speak of the Church as it relates to God’s Government and Kingdom we call it a Nation or a Holy Nation.  When we focus on our tenets or beliefs we call it the Household of Faith.  When we speak of the spiritual battles we encounter we call ourselves an Army.  Therefore, what we see or think when we say Church is important.  It identifies Focus, Function, Ministry and Purpose.

The Old Testament Prophets spoke boldly regarding the conditions of our generation.  Their prophetic utterances often addressed the circumstances or conditions of our lives as this particular moment in time.  There is an incredible declaration found in Amos 3:7 which tells us that God will do nothing that He does not first reveal to His prophets.  That would indicate it is important for us to grasp what the prophets have declared and follow the directions given by the Holy Spirit through them.

  • Micah’s cry was for Justice and Mercy and continually urged God’s people to pay careful attention to the Will of God.
  • Zephaniah’s prophetic message was Restoration and a Pure Language [Zephaniah 3:9]. Remember God’s action at the tower of Babel and the confusion of the languages.  This prophet spoke of a time when God’s people would hear a PURE SOUND that they would recognize, know and understand.
  • Haggai called God’s covenant people His Signet Ring, His Standard, and His Witness to mankind. [Haggai 2:23]
  • Zechariah foretold a time when the nations would come to the Anointed Places of Worship. [Zechariah 1:14-17; 2:11]
  • Habakkuk instructed us to write the vision and publish it. [Habakkuk 2:2]
  • Malachi gave details on how to finance God’s Plan. [Malachi 3:8-12]. Then he prophesied of Family Restoration both natural and spiritual. [Malachi 4:6]

Those are just a few of the prophet directives from the ancient prophets.  The prophets Joel and Ezekiel had a message that was somewhat different.  Joel warned of War [Joel 3:9].  Of all the Old Testament prophets Joel saw most clearly the connection between a spiritual outpouring from God and the power to wage war against evil on the earth.  Joel’s prophecy spoke of the releasing of the Holy Spirit powerfully upon all flesh enabling God’s people to both prophesy and wage spiritual warfare.  Ezekiel saw a spiritual army [Ezekiel 37].  It is my conviction that God is raising up an Army of spiritual warriors in our time and as we near the end it will become more powerful and numerous.  Both Joel and Ezekiel envisioned a time when God’s Church would both HEAR God and wage Warfare with HIS WORD.  They spoke of and foresaw an Army that was Mighty and Victorious in Battle.  If we need anything today it is for the Church to become the Army of God and pull down strongholds.

May the Lord help us to hear and heed the voice of the prophets and make ourselves available to the Holy Spirit as soldiers in the Army of the Lord in this generation! Blessings as you go through this wonderful day!

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GOD’S COVENANT COMMUNITY – The Church – – Is This Us?


Spiritual Blog - Covenant

Ephesians 4:11-17 – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —  16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”  NKJV

 

We talked about the Great Harvest of the Last Days last time and I must state at the outset that IF there is going to be a harvest of the magnitude the Bible speaks of there are some critical factors involved.  What does that mean to the Church local?  What does it mean with regard to Leaders and/or Laborers?  What do we need to know to be prepared for our participation in this Harvest?  One of the obvious factors is if there are going to be multitudes “born again” and brought into the Church local the influx of souls will bring an increase of problems.  Don’t become alarmed, the problems can be good problems rather than problems of discord, but that will come as well.  If you will recall in Acts 6 when the number of disciples multiplied so did the problems facing the church.  That begs the question, “What is the Church local to do?”  We must become a people “equipped and trained” for the work of ministry because ministry will be the theme of the Church in those days.

Equipping and Training cannot be the work of ONE MAN or “The Pastor.”  That would guarantee both the smallness of the congregation and the failure of its purpose.  That we do not want!  The congregation will NEVER become EQUIPPED if we have one man standing in the sacred desk for one hour per week teaching and preaching.  Sadly, too much of the church world is satisfied with “one hour weekly” and as a result, they are “weak” spiritually.  I find it amazing that one of the only organizations in the world that would accept that approach is the Church local.  Virtually every organization in existence demands more and to be a part of many of them there is the requirement of discipline and even discipleship or training and development of skills.

Have you ever wondered why organizations or groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons grow and become numerically strong in a community?  They are disciplined and disciple.  They have a vision, which I believe is incorrect, but they have a vision and have joined themselves to that vision with total commitment and the result is outreach and growth.  Someone said to me, “Sincerity with commitment and diligence brings results.”  There is a lot of truth in that statement.

There is a flaw in some of the church world today that has moved the Church local from becoming an institution rather than a community and the results of that are problematic.  Too much of the church world is satisfied or believes that “Pulpit Pastoring” is the right path rather than “Personal Pastoring” which would involve and demand small groups or groups in the church where there are captains of 10, 50 and 100.  Do not take those to be numerically specific for that which the Bible speaks of also has captains of thousands.  We have divided the church between clergy and laity and never the twain shall meet.  We hire a pastor for him to do the spiritual lifting for us and we are content to let “Clerical George” do it for us.  That is not his job, biblically.  Imagine the military functioning that way!  There would be utter chaos and the ability to engage an enemy would be impossible.  Paul addressed the need for the congregation to be EQUIPPED to function according to gifts and callings rather than positions and titles.  We become a Program rather than a Purpose focused on People.  Sadly, some are so desirous of having a “mega church” they turn the Church local into an Assembly Line rather than seeing to Assembly the living stones in their place and equip them to function in their purpose.

Someone said to me recently, “The church more nearly resembles an orphanage than a family.”  That is tragic and got my attention.  We will never become what God wants unless we are “put together” or “assembled” and “equipped.”  Our focus should be MINISTRY, not simply PREACHING.  Nothing wrong with preaching it is wonderful and powerful but our purpose must be to MINISTER.

If we do not SEE the problem we will never take steps to correct the problem.  Moses was guilty of following the ONE MAN culture or spiritual leadership and his father in law chastised him.  Jethro told Moses, “You are going to wear yourself and the people out doing it this way.”  In Exodus 18 the advice was clear and powerful.  In Numbers 11 and Deuteronomy 1 God gave Moses that same directive.  There were to be Two Changes immediately.

  • Moses was to cease being a ONE MAN SHOW utilizing the path of “Corporate Teaching.” He was to select individuals and individually train them the principles God had taught him.  Then, he would release them to function in ministry.  He was to train them in God’s Word, the Way of God, and teach them the Work or Assignment God had given.  He was teaching them to take Personal Responsibility and in so doing opened the door for them to find the resources personally to meet their needs.
  • Moses would select men with particular heart characteristics and place them as leaders over 10, 50, 100 and 1000’s. These men would hear the cases and address the needs of the people and the only cases brought to Moses were those so complex and complicated they could not arrive at a solution.

Interestingly the Disciples fell into the same trap and finally had to appoint deacons to do the everyday things so they could focus on the word and prayer!  When they did and got things in order the Church exploded and there were structure and preparation to take care of that growth.

Church if we are going to be prepared for the Harvest we must follow the prescription of Moses, the Disciples and make Ephesians 4 a cornerstone in our local fellowship’s purpose and function.

            God bless you as you embark on today’s journey!

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GOD’S COVENANT COMMUNITY – The Church…


Spiritual Blog - Covenant

Ephesians 4:11-17 – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —  16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”  NKJV

 

I would suggest that you read the first ten verses of this Chapter before launching very deeply into this consideration.  I’m not sure what many think of when they hear the word “church” or “ministry.”  Additionally, I am concerned after years of discussion with preachers and parishioners about what I perceive as “A” if not “THE” Problem in the Church today.  The more I study the Bible the more I am convinced that God’s plan and purpose were for us to have and be a “Covenant Community.”  It is not a simple issue but one that is potentially very complex but a complete understanding is not only possible but probably if we open-heartedly study the New Testament Church and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our steps in discovery.

Although I am not trying to be prophetic or controversial in what I’m going to say, I’ve had some tell me that it is, so you decide.  I have little interest in titles or accolades only truth and reaching the objective God has placed before us.  It is my conviction that these are times for “reevaluation” and “reexamination” of what we believe and why we do what we do as the Body of Christ.  It is my hope that in so doing we will discover the truth and be able to implement God’s plan for the Church and become His Covenant Community in our communities.

I am totally convinced that unless and until the local expression of the Church becomes a “Covenant Family”, it can never become a “Covenant Community” and impact its spiritual environment.  In that light until and unless we become a Covenant Family which grows into a Covenant Community we will never fulfill the desire of God to become the Church that Jesus came to build which operates in His power and love transforming entire communities with the Gospel of Christ.  If you follow what I am advancing you will understand that I believe the Bible teaches that for us to be the Church Triumphant we must become the Church of Covenant and Commitment.  Now, before someone misunderstand let me emphatically declare, “Jesus WILL have a church in this present world that WILL pull down strongholds.”  The only question is not if it will be but will we be a part of it?

If we are going to become what God has designed and desired in our present world, I am convinced there must be some major changes in our understanding of what the Church really is and our individual involvement in that functioning organism, THE BODY OF CHRIST.  It seems that we have misunderstood the role of the “master craftsmen” whose assignment is to place the “living stones” into their particular and proper place according to the architect’s plans. Who is the architect?  The Lord Jesus Christ! 

Most churches local do not have a “clear vision” of their purpose and as a result, often have people pulling in different directions pursuing their individual visions rather than inserting their vision into the Vision of the Whole.  If we are to become a “Covenant Family” which grows into a “Covenant Community” there must be COMMITMENT not only to God but to the purpose of the Family and Community spiritual.  It can never be a casual association but one deeply rooted in commitment.  Do we have that in most local congregations?  You tell me.

Much of the church believes that we are living in the Last Days and unfortunately many of those focus on the negative of those times rather than seeing the positive.  The Bible does speak of a time when men’s hearts would fail them for fear of what they saw coming on the earth.  We know that the Bible speaks of the love of many growing cold and even falling away.  YET, that same Bible speaks of a Great Harvest and Ingathering of souls into the kingdom!  [Examine Matthew 13:17-20; 29.]  I have long contended that a successful church is not identified simply numerically but has other definitive signs of success.  We are told in verses 13-16 of our text that the Church Jesus is building will come to FULL STATURE in Christ.  In Ephesians 5:25-27 we discover a church that is without SPOT or WRINKLE and in Romans 16:20 we read that the Church is a SHARP THRESHING INSTRUMENT which moves mightily against the forces of darkness.  I don’t know about you but that excites me!

There is so much I wish to say or convey but must use restraint in a daily devotional, so I will pause here and wait until next time to take another step into the discovery of God’s Covenant Community and the Local Church.

            God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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CREATIONIST Unapologetically…


Spiritual Blog - Creation

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  NKJV

 

I had a minister tell me that he believed in God but could not accept the account of Genesis 1:1 as the explanation of the universe’s existence.  I cannot fathom how one can discount the BEGINNING and hope to attain the END spoken of in Scripture.  The Bible declares and I believe that GOD CREATED everything.  If I disbelieve the first declaration of the Bible how can I believe the remaining proclamations?  If I lose faith at the outset, at what point will my faith be solidified and grounded?

Creationism is not an inconsequential topic in the Word of God.  It is found in numerous passages, stated in varying ways but the clear message is GOD is the Creator of all that is.  That requires faith to believe but so do the theories of evolution and its variations.  In the Book of Genesis, we find that God not only created the heavens and the earth but all that lives on the earth including man.  I suggest that you read (Psalm 90:2; 95:5; Isaiah 42:5; 45:18; John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16).  In this world there is design and any rational mind will recognize that design implies a designer.

Most credit Charles Darwin with originating the thought or theory of evolution, but if you examine historical records you will realize that this thought existed long before Darwin’s work in 1859, “The Origin of the Species.”  Some of the proponents of theories contrary to the Genesis account were:

  • Anaximander (610-546 BC) who introduced the theory of “spontaneous generation.”
  • Diogenes (412-323 BC), advanced the idea of primordial slime.
  • Empedocles (495-455 BC), introduced the theory of survival of the fittest and natural selection.
  • Democritus (460-370 BC), taught the mutability and adaptation of the species.
  • Lucretius (99-55 BC), believed that all life sprang from mother earth rather than a specific deity.

           After the birth of Christ, others advanced the theories to which Charles Darwin ascribed including Bruno, Leibnitz, and Buffon who taught that man ascended from the apes.  Then you have Swedenborg’s nebular hypothesis which was an early “big bang” theory and Kant.  Man has long sought to discount and remove God from the equation.  Much of that stemmed from a desire to remove the moral code of the Bible as a guide for life but some of it was simply disillusionment and scientific error.

           The Founding Fathers were well acquainted with the various theories long before Darwin brought them together in his book where they gained incredible acceptance.  Our Founding Fathers spoke openly about God and Creation and that is evident in the Constitution as well as in their various writings on matters biblical.  Thomas Paine, probably the most antireligious of the Founders addressed leaders in France in 1798 and denounced their educational system for teaching students that man was the result of prehistoric cosmic accidents and had developed from some other species.  He said, “It has been the error of schools to teach astronomy and all the other sciences and subjects of natural philosophy as accomplishments only, whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the Author of them, for all the principles of science are of Divine origin.  Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles; he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discoveries to the Author.  When we examine an extraordinary piece of machinery, an astonishing pile of architecture, a well-executed statue, or a highly finished painting…our ideas are naturally to think of the extensive genius and talent of the artist.  When we study the elements of geometry, we think of Euclid.  When we speak of gravitation, we think of Newton.  How, then, is it that when we study the works of God in creation, we stop short and do not think of God?… The evil that has resulted from the error of the schools in teaching natural philosophy as an accomplishment only has been that of generating in the pupils a species of atheism.  Instead of looking through the works of creation to the Creator Himself, they stop short and employ the knowledge they acquire to create doubts of His existence… But infidelity, by ascribing every phenomenon to properties of matter, conceives a system for which it cannot account and yet it pretends to demonstration.”  WOW!  What a statement!

           Daniel Webster addressed the issue of God as the First Cause of all things and Thomas Jefferson eloquently declared, “The movements of the heavenly bodies, so exactly held in their course by the balance of centrifugal and centripetal forces; the structure of the earth itself with its distributions of lands, waters, and atmosphere; animal and vegetable bodies examined in all their minutest particles; insects – mere atoms of life – yet as perfectly organized as man or mammoth; the mineral substances, their generation and uses; it is impossible, I say, for the human mind not to believe that there is in all this design, cause, and effect upon an Ultimate Cause – a Fabricator of all things, from matter and motion – their Preserver and Regulator while permitted to exist in their present forms – and their Regenerator into new and other forms.”  Many other of the Founders echoed the same beliefs in the Divine as Creator.  Ecclesiastes 1:9 informs us that there is nothing new under the sun, and that is absolutely true.  John Quincy Adams summed it up saying, “It is so obvious to every reasonable being that he did not make himself, and the world which he inhabits could as little make itself, that the moment we begin to exercise the power of reflection, it seems impossible to escape the conviction that there is a Creator.”  AMEN!

I believe the Bible account and through the study of science and the limitations God put on the interaction of species as well as the intricacies of the human body and much more, I cannot believe there is no God.  Rather, I BELIEVE IN GOD and HE IS CREATOR!

           God bless you as you embark on today’s journey!

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LORD, GIVE ME GUMPTION TO FUNCTION WITH UNCTION… (Round 2)


Spiritual Blog - Courage

2 Corinthians 4:1 – “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”  NKJV

 

Not only is this ministry entrusted to each of us GLORIOUS and something that should inspire us in the face of any and all trials, there is more.  Consider with me some additional aspects to this ministry or assignment we have been given by the LORD.

  • OUR MINISTRY IS, TO GOD, A VALUABLE TREASURE – – (4:7-12).

Paul was a master teacher and his instructions were always detailed and incredibly complete.  He takes an orderly path that is easy to follow moving from the Glory of the New Creation (Salvation) to the Humility of the Clay Vessel (man).  He teaches without hesitation that a believer is simply a “Jar of Clay.”  It is not the pot but the treasure in the pot that makes it valuable.

God made each of us unique and in our uniqueness, He has enabled us to accomplish that which He has called us to do.  What I am assigned will not work for you because you were not made for my calling nor I yours.  We see that amplified in Acts 9:15, “He (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles.”  I am totally convinced that no believer should ever complain to God because of any seeming lack in their gift(s) or abilities, limitations or handicaps.  God made you for His purposes!  If you will examine Psalm 139:13-16 you will discover that our genetic structure is in the hands of God and each of us must accept himself to be himself.

The most important thing about a vessel is that it must be CLEAN, EMPTY, and AVAILABLE for service.  Each of us should have as our spiritual objective to be “a vessel of honor, sanctified [set apart], and meet for the master’s use, and prepared for every good work.”  [2 Timothy 2:21].  We are vessels and as earthen vessels, we must depend on God’s Power and not our own.  The vessel by itself is nothing but filled with the Power of God is incredibly valuable and useful.  Paul never feared trials, because he was totally confident that God would guard His treasure.  God is not glorified in our super-human efforts but in our trusting Him in the midst of weakness.

  • OUR MINISTRY BURSTS FORTH FROM A CONFIDENCE IN FAITH – (4:13-18).

I find the phrase “spirit of faith” interesting and realize that it means “attitude or outlook of faith.”  It is a view from faith.  Paul was not referring to the gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:9 but of the attitude the believer should possess and manifest daily.  He clearly identified with the Psalmist in 116:10, “I believed, and therefore I have spoken.”  I believe that any true witness for God is based on Faith in God and this faith comes from God’s Word (Romans 10:17). 

The apostle Paul was confident, but about what?  He had no fear of what life or death might bring to him.  He had trials and affirmed that his confidence in God (Faith) had brought him through in victory each time.  He had some incredible assurances.

In (v.14) we discover that he has completely sure of his ultimate victory in Jesus.  After all, if Jesus had conquered death, why should Paul fear anything?  It has been said that until a person is prepared for death he is not prepared for life.  Paul was also sure that in his service God would be glorified (v.15).  This verse parallels Romans 8:28 beautifully.  Paul was also certain that his trials were working for him, not against him. (vv.16-17).  As Christians, in a very real sense, we live one day at a time.  We move from glory to glory and victory to victory in Jesus.  Someone said to me once, “I’m storing up grace for emergencies.”  I do not believe that possible but believe that there is sufficient grace when grace is needed. (Hebrews 4:16).  There is an old adage that says:  “Yard by yard, life is hard but inch by inch, life is a cinch.”  Notice in (v.17) Paul says his trials are “light afflictions” and momentary but it is working for him producing ETERNAL BENEFIT.” 

Paul was 100% convinced the invisible world of God was real.  A.W. Tozer said that the invisible world described in the Bible is the ONLY REALY WORLD that exists.  The heroes of faith achieved what they achieved because they SAW THE INVISIBLE. They saw the world that can only be seen by faith or through faith.

  • OUR MINISTRY IS POWERFUL BECAUSE WE HAVE A FUTURE AND A HOPE – (5:1-8).

Yes, we are looking for a city and longing for heaven but while we are here we have work to do and we can tackle the assignments given us with confidence that God will never forsake us and we have a future and a hope.  We KNOW God and His Word.  We GROAN for completion through the Spirit of God.  We are CONFIDENT that what He has begun in us He will complete.

God bless you as you embark on today’s journey!

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LORD, GIVE ME GUMPTION TO FUNCTION WITH UNCTION…


Spiritual Blog - Function

2 Corinthians 4:1 – “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”  NKJV

 

Actually, I would hope that you will take the time to read Chapter 4:1 through Chapter 5:8 because it is the foundation of what I want us to consider for this devotional.  As I examine scripture and read the writings of the various contributors to the Old and New Testaments I find that it is never difficult to discover what was in the apostle Paul’s mind at any given time.  He reveals it in verse 1 and again in verse 16… DO NOT LOSE HEART!  In the KJV it is rendered “we faint not.”  The literal rendering is “we do not lose heart.”  Even the casual reader of the New Testament would find it difficult to miss the many reasons for discouragement in Paul’s life.  However, He refused to quit.  He did not spend time lamenting his difficulties and complaining as we often do but in the midst of his difficulties sought to encourage and inspire others to Function with Gumption and Unction.  I ask that you consider, briefly, some of Paul’s encouragements and the basis for his encouragement.

  • OUR MINISTRY IS A GLORIOUS MINISTRY – – [2 Corinthians 4:1-6]

The literal rendering of Paul’s declaration is, “Therefore, seeing we have THIS KIND of ministry.”  [Emphasis mine].  What kind of ministry?  This was described in detail in the previous chapter:  “A glorious ministry that brings men life, salvation, and righteousness; a ministry that is able to transform men’s lives.”  WOW!  Who would not want that kind of ministry and result?  Paul makes it clear that this kind of ministry is a “gift of God” and is received because of God’s Mercy and Grace not because of something we are or do.

Let me suggest that the view your ministry will help to determine how you will fulfill it.  If you look at your service to the LORD as a burden rather than a privilege you will be a drudge and do only that which is required or deemed necessary.  If you consider it a tremendous privilege, you will develop a very positive attitude and that will result in some powerful consequences in your life, walk, and work.  Do we see what God sees in the assignments given to us?

Consider Paul’s approach to the ministry assigned him.  He declared in 4:1 that it kept him from quitting.  He acknowledges trials and that some of them almost brought him to despair 4:8.  Even with the incredible gifts and experience he was still human and faced trials.   One of the keys that kept him going was his confidence that “faithful is He who calls you, Who also will do it.”  He walked in confidence that God’s Call also included God’s Provision and Grace.  The divine call always includes the divine enablement.  God WILL NEVER desert us!  In vv 2-4 Paul reveals this kept him from deception, saying, “But we have renounced the hidden things because of shame, not walking in the craftiness of adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 

 Have you ever wondered why false teachers were so successful in attacking Paul and other disciples or apostles?  The simple but incomplete answer is, the mind of the sinner is blinded by the devil.  Fallen man finds it easier to believe a lie than the truth.  Consider vv 3-4 to verify that reality.  Satan uses, among other things, religious teachers to deceive people.  The deceived deceiving the gullible, and it still happens today.

This ministry kept Paul from self-promotion as seen in vv 5-6 – “We preach not ourselves.”  If a ministry is focused on “look at me” that ministry is one to be wary of.  Paul practiced and we need to strive for Genuine Humility.  He did not trust himself – (1:9).  He did not commend himself – (3:1-5).  He did not preach himself – (4:5). He sought to lead people to Jesus and build them up in their faith not amass a personal following. 

 I pray that the Lord with help each one who is a minister or anyone who is considered laity to realize that your assignment is a Glorious Ministry because it is His Ministry!  I will pause here and pick up next time considering the Gumption to Function with Unction.

May the Lord richly bless you is my prayer and desire!

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MISGUIDED FOCUS…


Spiritual Blog - Wrong Focus

Psalm 62:9-10 – “Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapor. 10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.”  NKJV

 

In our present political climate in America, I hear a lot about which candidate will lead us forth into better days and this scripture has been coming to mind each time.  I am very involved in politics and sounding the alarm about the condition of our nation and the world, however, I am 100% convinced that if we focus only on the political we will miss the mark.  No man or woman is going to provide that which we need other than by the guidance of the Spirit of God.

I laughed the other day when I remembered reading this passage some time back, for I read it wrongly and the thought of at men were giving God the vapors made me laugh.  However, that may be accurate on many fronts but is not what this scripture says.  Rather, the Psalmist was warning us that whether men of low or high in socioeconomic status they were nothing more than a vapor and cannot be fully relied on.  He was also warning us that shrewd business dealings or political wrangling would amount to less than nothing and produce no long-term benefit.  In the previous verses, the Psalmist called for everyone to TRUST God AT ALL TIMES and continually pour our hearts out to Him.

In verses 11-12, the Psalmist identifies the true source of Power and Mercy.  Our hope is in God and if we trust the arm of flesh in any manner we will find ourselves trusting vanishing vapors.  If you recall when James was warning against boasting about our human plans he said in James 4:14, “…you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  Also, the parable Jesus gave of regarding the rich man who had an abundance and vocalized his elaborate plans for expansion.  Jesus said in Luke 12:20, “…Fool!  This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?”  He followed that up by reminding us the TRUE SOURCE of our supply – GOD!

Tragically, too often, we tend to trust our abilities, our financial plans or our political allegiances and alliances.  If we depend on what we can do we will fail but if we turn our hearts to God and what He can do we will find the pathway to victory open wide.  So, it is important that we keep our focus rightly aligned and always remember that whether men of high or low status they are not our solution or hope.  God is our only true source.

God bless you and may He lead you forth into His victory in this hour. 

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THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN Produces Hypocrites…


Spiritual Blog - Traditions of Men

Matthew 15:7-9 – “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

 8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'”  NKJV

 

The Pharisees accosted Jesus over the issue of ceremonial washing of the hands before eating.  The Pharisees religiously adhered to the Mosaic Law and the addendums added to that law by the religious leaders.  They kept not only the Law but the fences that had been erected or enacted to keep people from getting close enough to the law to break it.  Commandments of Men not directives of God.  Jesus, as was his manner, did not let that go unnoticed but turned the tables on them pointing out the hypocrisy of following the Commandment of Men in contrast to the Law of God.  He addressed numerous things and then quoted Isaiah, as is seen in our text which addressed the critical issue, the heart, and the mouth.

We have all seen situations where people proclaim something but their lives negate what their words have spoken.  It is one thing to proclaim or claim something and quite another to verify that proclamation through actions.  Remember Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who called Him Lord would enter heaven.  He identified the problem was their lives did not back up their proclamations.  In 1 John 2:9 we are warned that one can say they are a Christian but if their heart is filled with hate their lives and condition of heart negate their declaration.  In James 1:26 we are told that if any person considers themselves to be religious but are unable to control their tongue are living in deception.  Titus 1:16 informs us that it is possible to claim to know God, but live in such a manner as to deny Him.  That is what Jesus was speaking of where people make a claim but their words are negated by their lives.  Following the Commandments of Men produces a false sense of righteousness because it allows one to “keep a list” and compare ourselves with others and have a false sense of security and righteousness.

Later in Jesus’ dealing with the Pharisees and teaching those following Him, he said in verse 10, “…Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”  Couple that with His declaration in Matthew 12:34, “Brood of vipers!  How can you being evil, speak good things?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  Then in the next verse, He said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”  Clearly, words are important, but they must be HEART WORDS and LIFE WORDS not just lip service words.

We can go through the motions and make all the proclamations we desire but if it is not from the heart and directed by the Spirit of God it will be nothing more than tinkling symbols and sounding brass or as we would say in East Texas, “rain on a tin barn.”  Noise and nothing more!  I have no desire to pretend anything in life and especially not in matters of faith.  I want to be genuine, having a genuine relationship with the LORD, and manifest Him to the world in my words, my walk, and my warfare.  Jesus said in John 4 that God’s desire and demand is for men and women to worship Him “in spirit and truth.” 

The Pharisees were challenged by the LORD on more than one occasion for their “teaching the commandments of men and their placing demands on people that they themselves were not willing to do.”  Jesus called the doctrine and philosophy of the Pharisees as “leaven” and identified that it would permeate good doctrine and pollute or pervert it making it other than the directive of God.

We need to guard against following the Commandments of Men and strive to find the Heart and Precepts of God in all things and at all times.  Purity of heart will reject corruption and the very appearance of evil. Purity of heart will place no burdens on men that God has no place.  Purity of heart will exhibit love and longsuffering demonstrating patience and forgiveness.  We should all be careful as to what we say and seeking to ensure that our words match our lives.

            God bless you as you go through this day in Jesus!

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