Month: March 2019

BECOMING PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT… (Part Two)


Spiritual Blog - Different

Matthew 5:38-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’  39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  41 “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.  42 ” Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.  

43 ” You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  NASU

 

 Let’s take up the question we concluded in the last devotional, “What is Distinctive about Genuine Christianity?”  I mentioned that if we are to find any helpful answers and come to some concrete conclusions regarding that question we must look at the Early Church or the Early Christians.

One of the distinctive things I immediately see in them was that they “Specialized in Brotherliness.”   By that, I mean that they out-loved their pagan neighbors.  They practiced what Jesus taught in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 ” By this, all men will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”  He echoed that in John 15:12 and John 15:17. Our Lord spoke about Love in such a way that His followers knew it was the telling evidence of their salvation.  I am never more disturbed than when I see or hear believers blasting other believers rather than loving them.  Love covers a multitude of sins and if we learn to love and practice loving we will find common ground as believers.  No, I did not say compromise your convictions but let Love rule the heart and thereby the actions and relationships.

They were taught by our Lord that Love was the mark which identified them as Christians and the distinction was that if a person did not love they were not to be identified as followers of Christ.  I know that there is not a more powerful influence in the world than Love!  No wonder, the apostle Paul prayed for the Thessalonians believer in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for one another and for all people.  He witnessed the fact that they were doing just that.  In Hebrews 13:1 the plea is to “let brotherly love continue.”  Then the incredibly powerful and arresting words of John in 1 John 3:14 reminds us, “We know we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren.  He that does not love his brother abides in death.”  How could that be any clearer?  Love drew people to Christ and the Church and still does!

Another distinctive characteristic of the Early Church was the Loved Outsiders.  The words of Jesus in verse 43 of our text highlights this requirement and objective of our Lord for us.  In Matthew 19:19 we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves and that is repeated in Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; and Galatians 5:14, leaving us with a clear understanding that this is not optional.  In Romans 13:10 we find, “Love works no ill to his neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the Law.” 

Love bridged the gaps and divides. Our world today is incredibly divided on many fronts. The chasms that divide us are deep and wide and that is also evidenced in the world of Christianity.  There are gaps to be bridged between men, between races, social classes, political ideologies, and doctrinal differences.  The early church’s uniqueness and distinctive characteristic were that they love every Human Soul!

They even loved their enemies.  How we need that message today.  There is something in the unregenerate heart that not only does not love it does not want to love those perceived as an enemy.  I heard a preacher say of another preacher, “I could not love him, even if I wanted to.”  What?  Even if you wanted to?  That means you have chosen to hate and refuse to extend forgiveness and love.  That is completely other than Christlike.

If modern day Christians loved as the Bible directs us to love our world would be evangelized by now.  The Bible through the words of Jesus tells us that we are to “Love our enemies.”  The staggering and sobering reality is that if we do not then we are not identified as Christians by the Bible.  Protest if you please, but I do not want to stand before God at the end of my journey and try to explain why I did not love.  You are never asked to endorse sinful or vile lifestyles.  You are never asked to condone sin, but you are commanded to Love.

Jesus practiced what He preached.  Remember His prayer on the Cross, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  I remind you of Stephen when he was being stoned and prayed, “Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge.”  True Christian Love loves those of like precious faith, Christians or the brethren.  We love those not in the Body of Christ and we love our enemies and we Love God!

I will pause again here and address this a little further in another devotional.  May God bless you richly as you enjoy the day He has made and given to us to enjoy!

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BECOMING PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT…


Spiritual Blog - INfluence

Matthew 5:38-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’  39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  41 “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.  42 ” Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.  

43 ” You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  NASU

 

Consider the last portion of verse 47 – “what more are you doing than others?”  I am always amazed at how Jesus waded through the veneer and superficial and aimed at the heart of the matter in His dealings with people.  He continually displayed the ability to penetrate the hardest of hearts with His searching, penetrating and probing questions and statements.

In the passage of our text we get a glimpse of how He looked at love and the actions of the world He challenged His followers with the incredible question of verse 47 – “What more are you doing than others?”  He reminded them and us that if we love only those who love us and only do for those who can repay or reciprocate, “What are we doing more than others?”  As I like to phrase it, “How are we different from the world?”  The implied truth is that as a follower of Jesus, a Christian we are expected to do more!

As I study the life of Jesus, in the New Testament, and His disciples I quickly realize that they were different.  They did more than others!  The practiced what He preached and lived the precepts of God’s Word demonstrating God’s Grace and Love. There was a marked difference between the followers of Christ and those in the world.  They were different.  Not because of how they dressed or what they did not do, but what they did.

I challenge you to remember that our Lord Jesus came to earth at a cost to Himself beyond our ability to comprehend or understand.  He came to do something for us that we could never do for ourselves.  It was, as the Bible declared, “for the Joy that was set before Him” that He came.  He endured the Cross, despising the shame because His mission was the Redemption of mankind.  I must ask, “What difference has the Cross made in you?”  I remember after being saved a few weeks some people that I worked with said, “You are different.”  I did not beat them over the head with the Bible, but my personality, my character, and my view of life had changed.  I was a New Person and they noticed.

It is evident from the Bible that Christians are different and if you allow me to suggest, special.  The question that must be asked is “What makes Christians different and/or special?”  If there was nothing different or special about the followers of Christ, then our testimony would be powerless and our lives meaningless.  If there is no difference, then our Christianity is valueless and disappointing to us and God.

It is extremely clear that the difference between a Christian and a person who is not is pronounced and visible in our world as it was in that day.  Our society has been so leavened by the teachings of Christianity that there are those who are yet unsaved who are “Christian in some of their attitudes.”  But, even in light of that reality, there is something distinctively different in those who know Jesus as Savior and those who do not.

Let me give you an illustration that I heard decades ago.  There was a young girl in India and her impression of Christians is particularly germane and powerful. She was asked to describe a Christian and she said, “The people who are different.”  They could be taken in a myriad of directions but Christianity, to her, made people different in a positive way.  Just as there is a difference between the person who is saved and the one lost there is a kinship between believers.  Genuine Christians are more alike than any group in the world.  I realize that our sectarian and denominational divides often place believers at odds with each other but if we take that which makes us the same and strip away our man-made differences we are very much alike.  The more we become like Him the less our man-made differences matter and separate.

I will conclude with a question that will lead me into the next devotional.  “What is Distinctive About Genuine Christianity?”  I believe that to have any hope of answering that question and avoiding legalism or sectarianism we must turn to the Early Church and study them.  I have said for years that if we want what they had we must do what they did, and I will add, be what they were.

I will pause here and address this further in another devotional.  May God bless you richly as you enjoy this beautiful day He has given us.

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IF WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – What Do They See? (Part Three)


Spiritual Blog - Light

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  NASU

 

We have considered this matter of being the Light of the World and addressed the matter of the Purpose of Light and the reality that our daily lives must be rooted and grounded in God and His word.  We also considered the need for our testimony to have its foundation and basis Jesus and the Bible.  Today I want us to take one more step into this subject and hopefully bring everything together so that you can be even more inspired to be the Light of the World.

OUR LOYALTIES SHOULD BE FOUND FIRMLY FIXED IN HIM. 

The Bible tells us that a double-minded man is unstable in everything.  It is my conviction that the Will of God is the most important thing we can know and pursue in life.  I do not believe the Will of God is mysterious or complicated.  It is my conviction that God wants us to know His will for our lives and places desires and interests in our hearts that reveal to us our purpose.  I believe that in His Will one finds fulfillment and contentment like in nothing else.  If you hate what you do, you probably are not pursuing the Purpose of God for your life.

God’s Will should always be superimposed over our wills.  Jesus said, in the Garden, “Not as I will but Your will be done.”  God’s Purpose is more important than our personal or selfish desires.  We are to be faithful to God in times of plenty and in times of lack.  We are to be faithful in times of ease and times of turmoil and trouble.  We are to be faithful in victory and in defeat.  We express to others our true feelings and view of God through our faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

Jesus said, “You are the Light of the World.”  He did not say, “Maybe, you can become the Light of the World.”  He said YOU ARE!  You are emanating some kind of image and projection to those around you, what are you projecting?  What kind of light are you?  What kind of light am I?

Let me tie all that we have been saying for the past couple of days together in this way and hopefully encourage you.  Dare to step out of the traditional mold and seek Him first and foremost.  Become willing to be Light.  Become willing to risk standing on His Promises.  Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your Life into a radiant light that penetrates the darkness and points to the Cross.

I pray that each of us will allow the Holy Spirit to enable us to become people whose lives, loyalties, labors, and testimonies produce the light needed to point others to Jesus.  I pray that we will allow the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to produce, in us, a life that expresses a total commitment to God.  May we never be self-willed and self-centered but totally devoted to our Lord!

As believers, as Christians, we are the Light of the World.  Our lives are to be filled with the Light of God pointing to His Love, Mercy, and Grace.  When others see us, What Do They See?  Where would our light lead them if they followed us?  May the Lord help each of us to seek to be Lights of Love and Life shining into this darkened world!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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IF WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – What Do They See? (Part Two)


Spiritual Blog - Light

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  NASU

 

Yesterday we began addressing the issue of being the Light of the World and addressed, in brief, the question of “What is the Purpose of Light?”  Today I want us to take another step or leap into this topic and address a few more thoughts regarding this reality.  If we are the Light of the World, then:

OUR LIVES SHOULD REVEAL JESUS CLEARLY. 

I would suggest that is not possible without daily and regular communion with Him in prayer, meditation, and studying the Word of God.  We cannot know someone we spend no time with.  I believe that for us to know the heart and mind of God it is imperative that we spend time with Him.  We do that by prayer and studying the Word of God.  We then meditate upon what we have read and what we have prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit to communicate His heart to us.  You cannot give what you do not have, and you cannot be light if you have no light within.

Additionally, I suggest that unless our daily activities are in harmony with His Word we well convey an image of God that is contradictory to the Bible and contrary to His revealed person.  When people interact with us or observe our lives (light) do they see evidence of a genuine New Creation or an Imitation?  In 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 we find, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”  Friedrich Nietzsche the German philosopher said, “If you want me to believe in your Redeemer, you are going to have to look a lot more redeemed.”  That statement or challenge should be taken to heart by all who follow Christ.  Do we give evidence of our redemption?

Do they see the Living Savior in our lives or simply a set of doctrinal or sectarian rules and regulations?  Does the life and love of our Savior emanate from us and capture their hearts and attention?  If we live as Pharisees and Sectarians we will be repulsive to those in the darkness but if the Life and Love of God emanate from us in our actions, words, deeds, and lives we will be like honey to flies and a flame to moths.  Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Me.”

If we are the Light of the World how much darkness do, we dispel?

OUR TESTIMONY SHOULD HAVE ITS CORE AND FOUNDATION IN HIM.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 that our prime responsibility and objective was to “Seek God first and foremost.”  In 1 John 3:8 we are told that the express purpose of Jesus was to “Destroy the works of the devil.”  Jesus said told us that the works that He did we would do and greater works than those because He would go to the Father.  He has, so are we doing what He did and even greater works?  How much light do we give the world?

If we acknowledge Him as supreme above all things and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, we can project the Light of God’s Love so that “every knee will bow to Him.”  Our lives should be rooted and grounded in God’s World and saturated with Love.  Love, the Bible tells us, “covers a multitude of sins.”  The profession of our faith must be able to stand the examination of our lives.  Our walk and our talk must be consistent.  So again, I ask, if we are the Light of the World, how much light do they see?

I will pause again here and address this in brief tomorrow.  But until then remember you are the Light of the World and what people see in you is a reflection upon our Lord Jesus Christ so be careful how you walk and talk.

God bless you as you enjoy this marvelous day He has given us!

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IF WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – What Do They See?


Spiritual Blog - Light

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  NASU

 

That is a question I heard in my spirit while praying years ago.  When we begin to think about this statement of Jesus, “You are the light of the world” what comes to mind?  For me, it is arresting and quite staggering.  It imposes upon my heart and mind, a reality that is inescapable.  We are being watched and we are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, it is imperative that we manifest Him and become sources of light that draws and points to Him.

Years ago, someone said to me, “You are the only Bible some will ever read.”  They also said, “If you were on trial for being a Christian would they find enough evidence to convict you?”  Both questions drove home the point of this verse.  I am to be the Light of the World, so what do those seeing my light see?

If we are the Light of the World that suggests that something is emanating from us and the light that shines forth from within us through us must be light that points to God.  Some may never read the Bible and therefore we become the source of their perception of God and Christianity.  We are light, but what kind of light?  We do give a testimony, but what kind of testimony?  If we are the Light of the World, how much light do we give off and how much do we have?

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIGHT?

One of the purposes of light it to penetrate the darkness and illuminate.  It is to reveal what is hidden.  It is to give comfort and hope for traversing the path we are seeking to trod.  We should understand that without God, man is lost and hopeless.  He is without light.  He lives in spiritual darkness until the Light of God comes and reveals the truth and thereby shows him a better way, no the Only Way to Life!

Another reality is that those of us who have accepted Jesus as our personal savior have been led by the light to the Light of His Word into Spiritual Freedom.  We, therefore, are possessors of light and as God’s flashlights we are to shine into the darkness of this world and reveal Him to the lost.  We have the Hope of Salvation and the Light in us reveals Him and in Him there is life.

Our lives should point to or manifest the True Light (Jesus) so people can come to true freedom in salvation.  Light is to be a signal or a warning of danger and of safety.  Our lives could truly be compared to the little lights in God’s Lighthouse warning of danger and demonstrating the Safety that is in Him.  We are not to be guides of blindness but of light.  Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” and He said, “I am the Light of the World.”  Here he tells us that His Light in us makes us extensions of His Lighthouse!  So, again, what Light do they see in you and me?

 Let me end this portion of this discussion with three questions.

  1. Can they (the lost) see God in our daily actions?
  2. Is He (Jesus) manifest in my conversation and life?
  3. Is He (Jesus) projected by my attitudes, seen in my convictions, and the center of my life-view and world-view?

 If we are the Light of the World, how much light do they have?

I want to pause here and discuss this more tomorrow but until then, remember you are the Light of the World so Let Jesus Shine Through You!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

 

 

 

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FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD? Conclusion…


Spiritual Blog - Firewood

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU

 Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

 

Now for the conclusion of this thought and something that I believe is vital, encouraging, and beneficial for us to consider.  That is the Keeper of the Vineyard or Orchard’s Intercession.  I hope this helps us to realize that our Lord Jesus is making intercession for us and we need to repent and receive the Grace and Provisions of the Lord so that we can see His Promise fulfilled in our lives.

Notice that the Plea is for more Grace (v.8).  One more year!  The one that had done all the labor, with no credit pleads for more time.  Jesus, the one who brought us Salvation, is interceding with the Father for more time for us to become what He has desired.  It may not be one year, it may be twenty, thirty, or forty, but the plea is Grace!

Jesus declared in His prayer in John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.”  Hallelujah!  Some believers are so involved and invested in themselves they are bearing no fruit.  I don’t want to be negative but what if this is your last opportunity to Bear Fruit?

The Keeper of the Vineyard or Orchard promises to do more work to help the tree produce.  Imagine that, Jesus is willing to invest Himself more than He already has to help us become fruit-bearers.  Notice in (v.8) – “I shall dig about it and dung it.”  I will bring heavenly fertilizer to it for nourishment.  I will prune out the dead and worthless branches.  I will do everything I can to enable it and encourage it to bear fruit!

The Grace of God is without measure and certainly far beyond any level of deserving, we might have.  We deserve judgment not mercy, but God continues to extend mercy to us.  Freely we have received, freely we should give.  Any fruit that is found will be the result of Grace, not self.  It will not be by our works but His.  It will not be by our ability but His.  It will be Him and Him alone, we will simply be willing participants in allowing the Life of the Vine to produce fruit in us.

Nothing is to be taken from the other trees and this tree cannot be allowed to drain the nourishment from others.  So, there will be more digging, more pruning, more fertilization, and more attention given to the root of the problem.  That may cause you to become disturbed and wonder what is going on in your life that so much upheaval, digging, and pruning is going on.  It is to enable you to Bear Fruit!  God is seeking Fruit not Firewood!

The Keeper’s Grace and Patience has a limit.  He agrees that this last effort is final as is seen in verse nine – “After that.”  How chilling are those words?  After that.  The tree may be completely unaware of the finality of the situation.  This is the Last, Second Chance and the Last Effort of Grace to gain fruitfulness.

It may come as a season of Affliction.  It may come through a soul-searching Sermon.  It may come through some Providential Incident.  No, I am not saying that God will send sickness on you.  That’s not God.  I am saying, He may pull back His hand and allow the devourer to attack for a time not to punish you but because of His incredible Love.  He wants each of us to Bear Fruit.  He wants us to Be Holy because He is Holy.  He wants us to Manifest Him to the World.  He wants us to be instruments in His hand and become His weapons of warfare in the pursuit of Destroying the Works of the Devil.

My cry is Lord – USE ME!  Help me Produce Fruit.  Help me to not ‘cumber’ the ground.  Help me be Like Jesus!  God is looking for Fruit not Firewood!  Will you be a fruit-bearer?  You can choose to be obedient and the Holy Spirit will lead you into the fields that are already white for harvest.  God will stir up the Gifts that are in you and enable you to bear fruit!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD? Part Two…


Spiritual Blog - Fruit Trees

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU

 Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday in considering the Fig or Fruit Tree and consider another thought regarding this tree and something for us to consider regarding our own individual lives.

CONSIDER THE MASTER’S COMPLAINT… 

In Luke 13:7 we find that he had been seeking fruit for three years on this tree.  That’s a reasonable time when it comes to fruit trees.  In the statement of verse seven, we find several thoughts that bear examining.

The master demonstrates incredible patience.  Three years in a fruit orchard is costly and shows incredible restraint on the part of the master and keeper of the orchard.  That reminds me of the words of Peter in 2 Peter 3:9: “He is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.”  I would contend that the use of three years suggests a three-fold repeated failure on the part of the tree.  Even in that light, there is no judgment and it is given another chance.  Grace has been extended.

I can only imagine how much the heart of our Lord is grieved when He comes to our lives for fruit and finds barrenness.  I can only imagine how His heart is grieved if He comes to us and finds the gifts and blessings He has bestowed on us have been hidden or used on ourselves rather than producing fruit in others and the kingdom.  God is seeking fruit in our lives and He has made provision to enable us to bear fruit.  How long have you been in God’s orchard?  Are you a receiver only, drinking up the sap and sunshine of His gifts and grace but producing nothing for the kingdom?  Are you a Fruit bearer or Firewood?

A second thing I note in His words is the reality that His patience is being tested.  “Cut it down” is an arresting statement.  None of us wants our tree cut down in the prime of life.  None of us wants to face eternity having been deemed to be a non-bearing stick of firewood.  We want to be vessels and instruments He can us and we want to bear fruit for Him.

In Proverbs 13:12 we find a truth that we could apply to this situation, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”  Yes, it is talking about us but how about applying that to how God feels when He hopes for us to become what He has designed, and we continue to resist or misdirect His gifts and blessings?

Something that is very important to grasp is that the Trees in the Orchard of God are judged by their works, those outside by their nature.  Our natures have been transformed so now it is time to couple our faith and grace with our actions and bear fruit.  Fruit-bearing constitutes the only title we have to continue in the orchard. (James 2:24).  In life and in God, we find that Privileges abused are Privileges lost.  Remember the talents.   The one that hid the money lost it and suffered because of the inaction.  God is looking for more than a profession of our faith and belief that He is, He wants us to Bear Fruit

The third statement or question brings an unmistakable and unavoidable reality of the seriousness of this situation.  “Why does it even use up the ground?”  It is a waste of space would be another way of saying it.  In the KJV it says, “why cumbereth it the ground?”  Like one preacher said, “God won’t always allow cumberers to occupy His orchard.”  Every fruitless tree is in danger of being a ‘cumberer’ and demands the question, “Why allow it to remain?”

We cannot defend fruitlessness in our lives.  When someone eats the food, enjoys the housing, rides in the car, but produces nothing and contributes nothing we call them free-loaders.  The danger of free-loaders is they, like leaven, tend to taint the thinking of the producers.  In this case, the fruitless tree’s roots become entangled with the roots of the fruit-bearing and hinder them, stealing their nourishment.  The barren branches block out the sunshine from the fruit-bearing trees and hinder them.

The inconsistencies of professing Christians are a negative testimony to those who are on the outside looking in.  God help us to become fruit bearers, not firewood.  I will pause one more time and pick this up again tomorrow.  Hoping to encourage you to bear fruit and to the reality that you can bear fruit.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD?


Spiritual Blog - Fruit or Fire

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU 

Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

 

On December 3, 1978, I preached this message at the church I was serving as pastor in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.  I have used these thoughts in conversations and revivals through the years but felt directed by the Holy Spirit to use this in my devotional blog.  I sense that the Holy Spirit is desirous to remind us that the directive of “Be Ye Holy, for I am Holy” is still applicable and there is still a Harvest to be reaped.  You have a purpose in life and it is far more than simply evangelization but sharing your faith is certainly part of that purpose.

As a nation, the Jews were more highly favored than any nation.  The primary reason for that was they would be the instrument or nation through which God would bring the Seed of the Woman, Jesus, into the world to Save us!  God took them out of the land of Egypt and hand-planted them in the fertile field of Canaan (the Place of Promise).  He wants to do the same with our lives and take us from barrenness to fertility in Him.

He delivered them with incredible care and detail.  He invested Himself in their deliverance so powerfully that I believe it is within reason that He would expect them to bear fruit and fruit of the highest quality.  But, they continually grieved His heart and rebelled or disobeyed. In this account, we discover that God’s heart was grieved, and Jesus had sought for fruit for three years but found none in the Pharisees and Sadducees.  The loving and compassionate heart of our Lord interceded again and again.  Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 12:34: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” 

They were spared for a season to permit the digging of His Teachings and the work of the Holy Spirit and ultimately the proof of His resurrection to cause them to bear fruit.  Yet, they remained in unbelief and according to Romans 11:20, were cut off because of unbelief.  It is important to remember that God’s longsuffering has a limit and he will not allow weeds to grow in his vineyard and wheat field forever.

This account or parable conveys some very serious and soul-searching lessons for every Child of God.  I want to begin walking through some of them and hopefully, they will resonate with you and your surrender or recommitment to Him will occur.

CONSIDER THE TREE.

I want you to notice that it was the right kind of tree (a fruit tree) in the orchard.  It was a valuable tree because it was a precious fruit tree.  It would provide food.  The Fig Tree represents one who is born from above.  It represents one who has a new nature.  It represents one who is part of the family of God.  This tree is unique in that it had been a member of another family or planted in another orchard but now it is in the Family or Orchard of God.

Secondly, it is a tree of incredible privilege for it had been planted in God’s vineyard.  Fig trees did not grow by the wayside.  It had been hand-picked and specifically chosen then carefully planted.  It had been chosen, planted, supplied, and protected.  Hopefully, that will speak to each of us and remind us that we have been chosen by God (John 15:16).  We are the Lord’s planting!  He has chosen and ordained us that we should bring forth fruit!

Third, the tree is barren or fruitless.  Fruit was sought by the owner of the vineyard, but none was found.  What a disturbing prospect, a fruit tree in the orchard and no fruit.  Look around you in the church today and in the world today and you will readily acknowledge that it is not only possible but far too commonplace.  Too often we come, sing the songs, give our offerings, say the prayers and never produce fruit.  That is not God’s purpose!

Who is to blame for the fruitlessness?  Is it the keeper of the orchard?  It is the soil?  Is it the tree itself?  In this account, the problem was clearly in the tree.  I acknowledge that it is possible to be in a church where there is no nourishment and thereby no good soil but most of the time, there is enough good soil and spiritual nourishment to provide the nutrients for productivity.  Even, if there is not the tree is responsible to run its roots into the soil (the Word of God) and seek the nourishment provided therein by the Holy Spirit.

The tree was not planted to be an ornament. It was not planted so it could receive the care and nourishment being given it but to Bear Fruit!  It might appear to have life, it might have green leaves, it might have all the outward signs of being a Fruit Tree but if there is no Fruit it loses its purpose.  God grows Fruit Trees, not Fire Wood!

I will pause there and pick up this tomorrow and hopefully before I am through something will resonate with you and inspire you to revaluate your own life and become a Seeker of Him and a bearer of fruit.

God bless you richly as you enjoy this day!

 

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HOW LONG IS FOREVER?


Spiritual Blog - Eternity

Psalm 119:89-90 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.  90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.”  NASU

If we ever question the eternality of God or the faithfulness of His Promises, we open the door to doubt disbelief and defeat.  You may not understand the eternality of God, I confess I am at a loss for words at some of the questions about His eternality, but I believe He is.  I believe it for two specific reasons.  First, I have experienced His Saving Grace and He delivered me from some things and gave me a peace that transformed my heart and life.  I was a New Man or a New Creation.  I was not the same and never have been.  Second, I believe the biblical account and the Bible.  Second, I believe the Bible is the Word of God not that it simply contains the Word of God.  I believe it is Inspired not simply metaphorical or theoretical.

Therefore, if God’s Word is FOREVER settled in heaven and God is ETERNAL then why would I not trust Him and His Word.  When there was a falling away from Jesus over some of His teachings He turned to the disciples and asked, “Will you go away too?”  Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

Years ago, street witnessing with Teen Challenge in Dallas, Texas I found myself in a part of the city that we were told might be a mistake to go.  It was not intentional, but I simply followed where I felt the Spirit of God was leading me witnessing to anyone who would listen.  I suddenly realized that I was surrounded by about 20 young men and women who were not appreciative of this East Texas boy’s appearance in their part of the city and were hostile and heckling.  I began to preach to them and tell them of my conversion and how God had spared my life on numerous occasions up to that point.  I finally said, “If you are right and I am wrong, the life I now live is not a waste and I will have lost nothing.  But, if I am right and you are wrong, you will have lost your soul eternally.”  A hush fell on the crowd and I heard a voice from behind me speak.  That voice was quiet but there was power in it and I could tell that the crowd respected that voice.  The voice said, “You better listen to him!”  I turned to see the person and saw no one but knew he had been there.

I realize that testimony may seem out of place in this devotional about the eternality of God, but I suggest you consider Eternity.  We only live once in this life.  We only make one pass through this thing we call life.  We are born, live, and then die and once life on earth is over we must give an account of our lives and either His God’s welcome to enter or His rejection saying, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”  We are eternal beings housed in a human fleshly body temporarily.  We will either live forever or die forever in a living death that, according to the Bible, has such incredible torment it is beyond my ability to comprehend.  Life never ends if we accept Jesus and Dying never ends if we reject Him.

We are told in Psalm 90:2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”  The apostle John wrote in Revelation 1:4: “Grace to you and peace from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come…”  This universe is not eternal, it had a beginning. If you follow the theories of man that the earth created itself or has always been you have a problem with the Bible, especially Genesis 1:1.  However, if you believe that God is eternal and that He is the creator of all things you find wonderful peace in that passage.

In the natural, we would never accept a theory which suggested that an automobile simply came into existence in a junkyard as metal joined metal and became a frame, a body, a motor, a transmission, etc.  We would never believe that a finely tuned precision watch simply happened but when we look at the majestic structures in architecture we would never believe that it just happened.  No, we believe that there was a plan and workmen skilled in construction erected it.  When I look at the human body, I cannot fathom it simply happening.  When I look at the majesty of our world in nature, I cannot comprehend or believe that it just happened.  For me, the design suggests, No Demands, a designer.

The precision of the human body and the earth’s orbit defy the theories that it just happened.  I have said to atheists that they have more faith than I based on what they believe.  They are usually stunned by that statement, but I stand by it, in this sense.  For me to believe that this incredible machine called the human body simply evolved would require me to believe in random chance that has such precision and gives such attention to detail it would be far more difficult to believe than that it was by design.  When I consider the invisible barriers of the oceans and the way that our atmosphere provides the exact amount of all the gasses and elements required for human life I see the design.  If I see design, then I must see a designer.

So, if I believe God is eternal and His word is forever settled in heaven, Why would I not embrace His promises?  By that, I mean All of His promises!  God does not say things to make them true, He says them because they are truth.  Jesus, according to the Bible, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  God’s Word is forever settled in heaven.  Therefore, child of God, you have great and precious promises that you are leaving untapped because some man told you it was for another time.  God did not tell you that and Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32 resonate with me powerfully: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

I pray that you will receive His Promises and Provisions and embrace His eternality today.  May you find that that Truth liberates you and brings you a release you have never known and the confidence, peace, and assurance you have only dreamed of finding.

God bless you on this special day is my prayer and desire!

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WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN’ GOIN’ ON…


Spiritual Blog - Shakin

Hebrews 12:25-29 – “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”   27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.”  NKJV

No, I’m not talking about the song of yesteryear by Jerry Lee Lewis, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” I’m talking about the shaking God is about to and in some cases is doing.  The writer of Hebrews quoted a prophecy from Haggai 2 beginning at verse six.

6 “For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”  NKJV

The warning is clear as is the solution.  He referred to previous judgments of God and plainly stated that those who rejected God did not escape nor shall we.  The people of Noah’s day did not escape.  Those building Babel did not escape.  Sodom and Gomorrah did not escape.  They all had a common thread, they rejected God unlike the city of Nineveh which repented upon hearing Jonah’s preaching.  The warning is clear, if we reject God we will not escape and I am totally convinced we are about to see a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” here in this present world including the United States of America.

This shaking will remove that which is not rooted and grounded in God’s Eternal Truth.  If we modify the Bible to fit our politically correct world interpretation that will be shaken.  If we dilute the message of the Cross to make it anything other than a foundational element in the redemption of man that will be shaken.  If we reject the truth that Jesus is the way, truth, life and the only door to God that will be shaken.  If we make our churches and ministries more of a social experiment than a spiritual hospital and university that will be shaken.  If we promote self that will be shaken.  I have talked with many today who are expressing being ‘fed up’ politically and political correctness and I usually say, “Do you think God is getting fed up with us?”  Have we become complacent and compromised our convictions for the sake of acceptance?  God is incredibly longsuffering as has been demonstrated over the generations but the Bible warns of a time when He will say ENOUGH and then look out for “A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Is Going to Happen.”

Can you be shaken?  Will you be shaken?  Will you find that what you have set your hand to is something that cannot be shaken?  All are questions we cannot fully answer until the shaking but things we should be considering as we move through life.  Shaking is coming and if we have run with the footmen and they have made us weary what will we do when horses come?  I plead for each of us to make it our ambition to only do what we see Him doing and only say what we hear Him saying.  Let us SEEK FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  May God be our Lord and our Savior!

God bless you richly as you go through this beautiful day!

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