Month: October 2017

PROGRESSION and PERSISTENCE…


Spiritual Blog - God

Matthew 7:7-11 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  NASU

 

The more I study the Word of God the more I am convinced that Progression and Persistence are interwoven in virtually everything and every truth and principle of the Bible.  Some read verse 7 and think that this is simply a three-fold description of prayer or three aspects of prayer but I suggest that it is an expression of Progression and a call to Persistence by our Lord.

It does reflect degrees of prayer.  It is within the realm of reason to argue that seeking goes beyond simply asking and the emphatic knocking or pounding on the door goes beyond seeking.  You may disagree and that is okay.  I suggest that this is a recognition of the progression in prayer and the need for persistence as verses 9-11 reveal.  This is amplified in Luke 11 where the writer includes an example of persistence in the words of our Lord before He says the things recorded in Matthew 7.  The friend who comes knocking on the door at midnight asking for food or anything does not receive by simply asking but by persistence.  He refuses to give up and the depth of his desire and the urgency of his need is revealed to the friend from whom he is making his petition, “asking, seeking, and knocking.”

There are many examples of persistence in the Bible including Luke 18 where the widow’s persistence awarded her a right judgment and the granting of her petition.  I do not suggest that God is an “unjust judge” and that we can wear Him out to the point that He gives up and gives in granting our petition.  Progression comes from our recognition of the need and the urgency of the matter as well as our ever-growing recognition of our true source, God.  Persistence develops a resolve within our hearts that cries out to God, the world, and the devil, I BELIEVE and will not cease UNTIL I have received.  In a very real sense, it is inspirational and helps fight off the temptation to grow despondent and plunge into despair.

Persistence focuses on God and is a vehicle whereby we develop faith in the Character of our Lord.  It also, by its very nature draws us nearer and nearer to Him thereby developing a closeness with Him.  Additionally, it opens the door for God to demonstrate His supernatural power and His Agape Love.  It helps us become aware of the spiritual conflict and the spiritual weapons God has provided for us.  For some, if the answer does not come quickly they tire of the struggle and give up resigning themselves to defeat.  Prayer is warfare!  Progression helps us to move through the various levels of the conflict and struggle in life and Persistence is necessary to break through to victory.

How many successful business people do you suppose there are who tried something once and it succeeded?  How many do you suppose there are that had to progress from one level to another and persist UNTIL they had their breakthrough?  It matters not if it is business, politics, sports, or relationships we move from level to level, dimension to dimension, and if we persist we have the possibility of success and achieving that which we desire.  There is a passage in 1 John 5 that stays with me constantly and has become a cornerstone in my prayer life and my approach to the struggles of life.  It reads, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”   How do I develop confidence that my prayer will be answered?  I must determine His will.  How do I determine His will?  One certainty is that I must PERSIST in His Presence and seek His precepts and purposes in His Word and that is a work of Progression spiritually.  Once, I have progressed in my understanding and relationship to the place that I KNOW something is His Will, then no matter what comes I can PERSIST because I KNOW that my requests are being heard in Heaven and if they are being Heard or Received the answer is forthcoming.

What happens if God does not answer immediately?  Does that mean He is saying no?  Remember Daniel and the angel said, “We heard you the first day, but were opposed by satanic forces.”  It was 21 days later that the answer came and we may have to pray 21 years but if we are crying out to God from a pure heart and pray according to His will and purpose quitting is not an option and persistence is mandatory.  The words of Galatians 6:9 come to mind where we are encouraged to NEVER GIVE UP.  If we are pursuing God’s purposes and praying His plan and purpose (His Will) we must Persist for if we give up and quit, we prevent our harvest from coming.  I want God’s Harvest for my life and for yours.  THEREFORE, Never, Never, Never, Quit.  Pray the Word, Pray the Promises, Pray the Prophecies, and Pray the Purposes of God consistently and persistently.

God, bless you richly is my desire and prayer!

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THE DIVINE LAW OF CHARITY…


Spiritual Blog - Corners of Your Fields

Leviticus 19:9-10 – “Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10’Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the LORD your God.”  NASU

 

It is impossible even in a cursory reading of the Bible to fail to notice that God is a Giving God and has a heart of charity.  The Bible overflows with scriptures references to giving to the poor and needy and having a charitable spirit and attitude.  This passage, one of the earliest regarding the Law and Spirit of Charity gives a clear example of the expectation of our Heavenly Father regarding our caring for those less fortunate.

Notice, the directive, “…when you reap the harvest of your land, you SHALL NOT REAP to the very corners of your field…”  Yes, this is speaking about farming but, as with most passages in the Bible, it goes far beyond farming.  This is a principle of life that we are to leave “handfuls on purpose” for those who are needy and less fortunate.  That principle is or should be carried forth into every facet of our lives.  Proverbs 11:24 speaks to this principle, “There is one who scatters and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.”

When we consider what God has given us in the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross how can we not recognize that we are simply stewards and not owners and gladly share a portion (the corners of our fields) with those in need?  I contend that God not only desires for us to be givers but expects it of us.  Matthew 6:2 did not say IF YOU GIVE but rather WHEN YOU GIVE.  He also desires that we give for the right reasons.  The motive is always important to God and as we study His Word we find that He pays more attention to the heart than the act. He also notices the proportion more than the amount.  Remember the widow with her two mites and Jesus said, “She gave more than all because she gave all…”  In truth, giving is an act of worship because it demonstrates our love for, confidence in, and thankfulness toward God and His provisions for us.  He even says in Proverbs 19:17 that when we give to the poor we are lending to the Lord and God never fails to repay.

Spiritual Blog - Corners

This truth extends far beyond money or possessions but sharing love, compassion, concern, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, friendship, and more.  It covers every area of life or should.  If we have the heart of the Father and the heart of Jesus we will be charitable.  Luke 6:38 gives us the principle in a powerful package, “Give, and IT (whatever you give) will be given to you.  They (people) will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”  [Emphasis and notation mine].  The principle is that if we develop a Heart of Charity and follow God’s Laws of Harvest or Charity we will reap.  When we demonstrate the heart of God in leaving handfuls on purpose, God will enlarge our fields, expand our borders, increase our ability to give and we can carve out larger corners of our fields for the needy.

Giving and Charity expresses the heart of God and demonstrates our confidence in God and His Promises.  It is both an act of worship and a Christian responsibility that moves the heart of God and opens new doors for ministry and entrance into the Abundant Life that Jesus came to give.

God, bless you as you open your hearts and your hands as the Spirit of God directs!

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TRUST – – Part 2…


Spiritual Blog - Trust

Psalms 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”  NASU

Isaiah 12:2 – “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”  NASU

Picking up where we left off I have found that there are five separate words translated TRUST in Scripture.  Let’s consider them:

  • Psalm 22:8 – – “He Trusted on the Lord.”  The word is [galal] = to roll.

It speaks of Christ in the hours of His crucifixion and David wrote, “He rolled Himself on the Lord.”  He TRUSTED and that is a picture of ‘complete confidence and dependence.’

  • Job 35:14 – – “Therefore trust thou in Him…”   The word is [chul] = to wait or stay upon.  It depicts confidence and patience.  Elihu said to Job – – ‘Wait for Him.’
  • Job 35:15 – – “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

In answering his friends, Job used the Hebrew word for Hope – [yachal].  Even in the face of death Job would not give up his Hope, Confidence, and Trust in God.

  • Psalm 91:4 – – “He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust…”  The word is [chasah] = To flee for refuge.
  • The most frequently used word is [batach] = to confide in or lean upon.

Therefore, TRUST seems to be a rolling of our needs upon God followed by a patient waiting upon, Him to act and is hope even when things seem to be hopeless and means to flee to God and His promises for refuge when doubt and fear make a frontal assault.

We find that David and Isaiah are both correct!  Their difference is not in the fact that they trusted it is WHEN they trusted.  We all have TRUST inherent in our natures.  We could not live without it.  Consider the chair you are sitting in as you read this.  You trust it to hold you up and not let you crash to the floor.  You didn’t think about it you simply sat down in it demonstrating your trust!

The issue is not TRUST but the object of our TRUST.   2 Corinthians 1:9 advises that we are to trust God not self and 1 Timothy 6:17 warns not to trust riches but God.

Dwight L. Moody said:

  • Trust Self and you are doomed to disappointment.
  • Trust Friends and they will leave you.
  • Trust Money and you’ll have it taken away.
  • Trust Reputation and some slanderous tongue may blast it.
  • Trust God and you will never be confounded in time or eternity. 

Excellent advice!  We should TRUST God’s self-existence and eternality.  We can assuredly rest in his dependability and infallibility.  We can confidently depend upon His Omnipotence for you see God is not only ALIVE but ACTIVE!  His love, mercy, grace, and peace is extended to us and we can REST in Him.

          May God be with you as you go through your day!

 

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TRUST….


Spiritual Blog - Trust

Psalms 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”  NASU

Isaiah 12:2 – “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”  NASU

As I study Scripture I sometimes find statements by different people that seem diametrically opposite and yet are so intricately linked it is amazing.  I find these two passages fascinating.  David, the man God described as being ‘after His own heart’ and the prophet Isaiah who gave us a prophetic picture of the Messiah that is incredible both spoke about FEAR and TRUST.  Yet, it was David that said, “when I am afraid, I will trust’ and Isaiah that said, “I will trust and not be afraid.”  I would have thought it would be the exact opposite but both provide some valuable insight.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “All who get on board Heaven’s train will arrive in heaven, but those who join David in this incidence will ride third class and those who walk with Isaiah will ride first class.”  I didn’t say that Spurgeon did and it opens the door for us to examine FEAR and TRUST.   If you can accept it I suggest that ‘Trust is not a product of fear; it is a preventative.’

Let me give you a couple of illustrations I heard years ago that helped and help me.

There was an airliner flying in a terrible storm and the passengers began to panic in fear.  The stewardesses were reaching for airbags because terror had gripped all the passengers. Some cried, some cursed, and some prayed but everyone but one lady in first class was terror struck.  When asked why she was not fearful she replied, “My husband is the pilot of this plane and he is well qualified to get us to the airport.”  She trusted!

It is reported that Stonewall Jackson and his sister-in-law were in a small boat crossing the river below Niagara Falls and his sister-in-law became fearful and began questioning the ability and decisions of the boatswain.  Jackson informed her that unless she felt she was better qualified to handle the boat than the man she was to sit down and be quite.  He trusted!

            TRUST – – According to Webster’s is ‘assured reliance on the character, strength, or truth of someone or something and lists confidence and dependence as synonyms.’  Isaiah was saying, “I will have assured reliance on the character, strength, and truth of the Almighty and will not be afraid.”  Therefore, FAITH in the general usage of scripture is ‘trusting God’s testimony.’  It is ‘receiving all that God has revealed to us.’

FAITH is not an Old Testament word it is used only twice but TRUST is used over 140 times and yet Hebrews 11 credits many Old Testament characters with faith and lists them in Faith’s Hall of Fame.  They had ‘complete reliance’ on God and that affected their attitudes and actions demonstrating FAITH of the highest order.

I want to delve into this a little deeper and will pause now and pick this up on the ‘morrow.  Blessings as you go through your day!

 

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FRUSTRATION BECOMES VICTORY….


Spiritual Blog - Frustration

Habakkuk 1:1-4 – “The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw.  2 How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save.  3 Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness?  Yes, destruction and violence are before me;  Strife exists and contention arises.  4 Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted.”  NASU

 

Have you ever looked at what is happening in this world and wondered, “What is God doing?”  Have you ever been perplexed about injustice, war, murder, drunkenness, drug addiction, abortion, etc.?  Have you ever been deeply concerned because of the world you are living in?  THEN, let me introduce you to the prophet Habakkuk for he shared those sentiments and concerns.

Habakkuk lived about 600 BC in a time when the Jewish nation of Judah was declining at an alarming pace.  Injustice, immorality, and violence were prevalent like today’s world.  If you read the newspapers you realize that crime, sin, and injustice are rampant in our world.  Continually we have reports of ‘bad things,’ happening to ‘good people,’ and sometimes want to just throw up your hands and cry out, “Why isn’t God doing something?”  That is exactly how Habakkuk felt.  He was watching the disintegration of his nation a nation he loved.  He was in a position to see the enemy Babylon developing and becoming more and more of a threat.  His nation was oblivious to the danger reveling in ‘selfish absorption’ like today.

Jehoiakim was King in Judah and he had burned Jeremiah’s scroll.  As the Word of God was read to the king he took his knife and cut it into pieces then burned it.  This transpired at the time Nebuchadnezzar was about to take Judah captive.  Habakkuk saw this transpiring with a heart full of grief.  He could not believe that God was allowing this to transpire seemingly inactive.

Campbell Morgan said of this – – “Men of faith are always men who have to confront problems. Those who are not believers do not have to worry about these problems. If there is not God, then whatever transpired cannot be blamed on or attributed to Him, so why worry or fret.  War is war and crime is crime.  But those of us who have faith in God, who believe in Jesus Christ, have to wrestle with some very difficult problems.  How can a God of love permit those things to happen?  How can a God of justice and holiness not judge those who are committing such evil and heinous acts?”

The name Habakkuk means ‘to wrestle or to embrace’.  He certainly reached out to embrace God and without question wrestled with some very difficult problems in his day.  How do you explain evil in this world if we believe in a God of love, mercy, and justice?  Habakkuk did what many do today he tried to rationalize God for a human perspective and ultimately leveled three accusations toward God.

  1. He Accused God of Being INDIFFERENT – – (v.2)

          Basically saying, God, I’m praying but you are doing NOTHING!    Therefore he assumes that God is indifferent. 

  1. He Accused God of Being INACTIVE – – (vv.3-4)

          God answered him in verses 5-11 by telling him – I am working and in fact, I’m doing things so great and wonderful that you would not believe if you were told what they are.  He then acknowledged that He was going to use the Babylonians to chastise His people for their sin. 

  1. That Resulted in Him accusing God of being INCONSISTENT – – (vv. 12-17)

          How could a Holy God use a wicked nation like Babylon to chastise Israel?  Habakkuk faced a dilemma and became despondent, discouraged, and depressed.

             Before you criticize the prophet to vehemently realize that we sometimes fall into this trap and I’ve heard people say, “How long do I have to pray about this?”   I often have to deal with people questioning God over evil’s existence.  So what did Habakkuk do?  In Chapter Two we find him going to his ‘watchtower’ or place of prayer and there God opened His eyes and heart to see what was going on.  God gave Habakkuk three assurances that we need to hear and heed.  In Chapter 2:4 we find the promise of God’s Grace.  In Chapter 2:14 we find the promise of God’s Glory and in Chapter 2:20 we find God’s Government.  God tells the prophet, “I’m on the throne and I’m still God.”

So when the temptation to fret over wickedness in this world presses upon your mind lift up your eyes and lift up your heart knowing that God’s Grace is sufficient, His Glory will radiate, and His Government will rule.

            Blessings as you go through your day!

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WHATEVER HITS THE FAN…..


Spiritual Blog - Hits the Fan

Luke 13:1-5 – “Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?  3 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  4 “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?  5 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”  NASU

 

Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.  Life is not equal or always fair in the sense of our human understanding.  Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people.  We cannot control every event of life and accepting Jesus as our Savior and living an upright life WILL NOT make you immune to trouble and inequity.  It will give you a solace, and hope of eternity that is steadfast but will not eliminate all your problems in life.

If you live expecting all your troubles to disappear because you are a Christian you are going to be extremely disappointed and disillusioned.  James even advised that we were to ‘count it all joy’ when trouble comes and we are told not to consider the fiery trials that come our way ‘strange’ or ‘unusual’.  Trials in and of themselves are not necessarily good but all the events and experiences of life are ‘working together’ to mold us for good. It is the finished product that is in God’s heart, not the immediate or temporary.

If you are one given to asking, “Why me?” maybe you should begin asking, “Why not me?”  We have all experienced or witnessed good people facing bad things and bad people enjoying good things come their way.  Some people seem to be able to fall into cesspools and come out smelling like roses.  Stop trying to rationalize everything and turn your heart and mind to God.  Rejoice in His gift of salvation.  Be thankful for what you have and determine to live above and beyond all the negative becoming stronger and more resolute in your faith. There is not and will not be an ‘even distribution’ in life but there is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that never ends.

May God be with you as you go through your day.  Be blessed! Be free!

 

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FINALITY, FUNCTION, AND FAITH….


Spiritual Blog - Life

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 – Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 4 He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. 5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.  6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”  NASU

             Too often people live as though our actions have little or no consequence and we have an endless amount of time on this earth.  Both assumptions are wrong!  Here in six short verses, a wealth of wisdom and a beautiful guide for life is presented.  Charity, caring, sharing, and compassion are not overlooked by God and as we extend our love and faith in true Christian Charity we find the Law of Sowing and Reaping coming into play in our lives.

Some things cannot be altered in life and words once released cannot be recalled.  The pain is sometimes permanent although they may be forgiven.  Yes, we can repent and be forgiven but some actions and words have a lasting consequence.  We need to always be careful what we say or do and realize it can and likely will have long-term consequences.

Timidity will keep us from action and in life if we stop moving we die.  Fear of failure when allowed to control guarantees failure.  If we do not attempt because of fear we will not enjoy the fruit of success.  Fear paralyzes!  Therefore be diligent as verse six declares and work early and late because you never know which effort will be the most effective or productive or if both may be.  If we continue to pursue the purposes of God in our lives we will open the door to success but if we allow fear to bring idleness we will surely fail.

My prayer for each of you is success.  I pray that God give you the courage and faith to venture into the unknown and unseen climbing to the pinnacle of accomplishment in the pursuit of God’s purposes!  May God be with you as you go through your day!  Blessings abundantly!

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