Matthew 8:28-34 – “When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29 And they cried out, saying, ” What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. 31 The demons began to entreat Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32 And He said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. 33 The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region.”  NASB

It is interesting to consider how many times, in the Word of God, people encountered Jesus only to turn Him away and lose their “Chance of a Lifetime.”  I can only imagine how the heart of God was grieved each time.  That grief was compounded as city after city and group after group rejected the offer of the Lord Jesus to experience God’s Abundant Life.

The very presence of Jesus spoke of the Abundant Love the Father had and has for the world.  John 3:16 is pounding in my ears as I consider this reality.  That truth was demonstrated and evidenced in the very person and presence of Jesus.  God is Love, and Love was walking in their midst, yet they repeatedly turned Love away.

In this incident, we find that Jesus had just ministered to several different and difficult cases, bringing the miraculous into the midst of those observing.  He had healed the Lepers, the Centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law and had quieted the storm on the sea. 

His followers observed and were amazed at the incredible power of God in the person of Jesus.  Now, He had come to the country of the Gadarenes and was met by two demon-possessed men.  Mark only identifies one, but Matthew tells us there were two.  These men had been bringing terror into the hearts and lives of those around them.  They were violent and dangerous.

The demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God and knew they were powerless in His presence because of His faith, not simply His divinity.  They requested, and Jesus granted that they enter the herd of hogs in the area and cast them out.  The keepers of the hogs went to the city and reported what had transpired.  They told of the exhibition of supernatural power and divine authority they had witnessed.  I am sure they said, “Something miraculous has transpired, come and see.”  Talk about advertising eyewitness testimony!

THE WHOLE CITY WENT OUT TO MEET JESUS.

According to the biblical account, there were about 2,000 hogs lost in this incident, but two souls (human beings) had been liberated from the power of darkness.  One would think that even with the financial loss, they would be ecstatic about the two men, but as the story progresses, we find that mammon was more important than people.  Is today really that much different?

Imagine this scene.  The Messiah had come to their country.  Talk about the opportunity of a lifetime.  Unfortunately, they did not come to see a savior. They came to see a sign.  They came out of curiosity.  They came because of carnal greed and concern for their livelihood.  Their focus was not salvation.  They came out of curiosity, question, and concern for their way of life.

In my years of Christian service, I have noticed that if something supernatural transpires, people will drive hundreds of miles to see what has happened.  It does not have to be a miracle; it may be an act of incredible evil through demonic, but the interest and curiosity peak, and people come in droves.  People are naturally “sign seekers” and “supernatural hunters.”

What an opportunity this city had.  The entire city was on the scene, and Jesus was in their midst.  This is an opportunity to hear the Messiah speak and work miracles in their midst.  This is their Day, their Opportunity.  The question is, what will they do with Jesus?

What were they thinking?  In this event, I saw the entire city come out to meet Jesus and see the supernatural occurrence.  I am pretty sure they were apprehensive, probably fearful, and curious. 

WHEN THEY SAW JESUS, THEY REALIZED THAT HE WAS DIFFERENT.

The presence of Jesus always brought light into the darkness and caused men to realize their sinfulness.  His Holiness made them uncomfortable, and it still does. I do not doubt that they conjured an image of Him in their minds as they came to the scene, but He was not what they expected.  Their curiosity morphed into fear and trepidation, and the conviction they were feeling made them incredibly uncomfortable.

Remember what the soldiers said to the rulers who had sent them to arrest Jesus.  As revealed in John 7:46, they returned and said, “…never man spake like this man….”  We have never heard anything like what He is saying, and we recognize a power in His words and an authority we have never witnessed before. 

I have little doubt they expected to see something spectacular and watch the show.  They were not expecting the moral and spiritual demands that His presence brought into their midst.  The holiness of Jesus touched them, and when God comes into the presence of sin, sin is made incredibly uncomfortable.

I suggest that it is impossible to come into the presence of Jesus and go away the same way you came.  You may not accept Him, but you are impacted eternally.  His presence brings the holiness of God into whatever situation He enters.  Jesus’ presence made them uncomfortable, and they reacted as carnal, sinful man often does in the presence of God.

THEY ASKED HIM TO LEAVE.

Their actions suggested that they preferred hogs to liberty.  They did not give Him the opportunity to teach them the truths of God and bring to them the Light of God’s Love; their fear and focus on the material drove them to reject Jesus.  They were uncomfortable in His presence, and His presence represented a loss of economic gain, so they asked Him to leave.

Jesus brought disorder to their order.  He brought the abnormal to their normal.  If He remained in their midst, there would be some changes required, and they wanted to stay in their comfort zones and their way of life.  His presence brought conviction to their hearts.  Conviction will either break us and bring us to Jesus or prompt us to build a wall, a barrier, and reject Him.  He had come to bring Liberty to these people; they missed the opportunity of a lifetime!  They turned Him away.

I suggest that they are not very different from people today.  Jesus has come time and again to people only to have them refuse to open the door.  He stands at the door and knocks today as He did then.  How often do people do what these people did and ask Him to “leave their coasts or region.”  They were like the person who told me, “Preacher, I cannot accept Jesus because if I do, I will have to stop doing what I like to do.”  He meant, “I enjoy sin and don’t want to stop.”  The Bible tells us that sin is pleasurable (Hebrews 11:26).

Jesus has come to us today. The only question is, “What Will We Do With Him?”  He has come to Save, Heal, Deliver, and bring us God’s Abundant Life.  He has come to provide whatever we need.  Opportunity is knocking at our door today.  The only question is, “What Will We Do With Jesus?”  I pray that we will say, “Enter, Lord Jesus.  I receive You and want to Live in Your Presence.”

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

Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”  NASB

As the song of years gone by, ‘Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die,’ we often live our lives with a sense of permanence that is deceptive.  Most people I have dealt with or worked with in my years of ministry seem to believe that they will have ‘more than enough tomorrows’ to do the things they either did not do or did not want to do today. 

Too often, people neglect the vital, focus on the important or trivial, and demonstrate little concern because they believe they will have time to do it later.  We call that Procrastination!

Any student of the Bible knows that there are a number of promises from God in His word that are seldom claimed, appropriated, and stood on in individual lives.  I have observed that too many live ‘beneath their privilege’ in God. 

I have had people tell me that I focus too much on God’s Promises, but I fully believe that God gave them because He wanted us to enjoy, appropriate, stand on, and live them in this world.  With each step closer to becoming ‘like Jesus,’ I believe we find more Spiritual Power in our lives, touch more Souls of men, and experience more Victory in our daily lives!

This Psalm is attributed to Moses.  He is interceding for God to remove the curse that every Israelite over twenty would die before the nation could enter the Land of Canaan.  He even identifies that most are dying at seventy, though some are reaching eighty years of age. 

If verse 10 could somehow be attributed to us as a gauge of longevity, it would produce an interesting possibility.  [80 years or 16 – 5-year segments].  I wonder how we would live if we evaluated our lives in 5-year increments?  How many have you lived?  How many do you have left?  (Please understand that I do not believe that this means we can only live 70-80 years, but I use it as an illustration).

Time is either the greatest asset or enemy that we have.  Paul urged his listeners to ‘redeem the time.’  Time is one thing we must learn to use effectively to become the most effective in our lifespan.  We are notorious ‘time wasters,’ at least most of us are.  In order to tap the resources available to us and utilize the ability and power God has given us, three things must take place.

1. PERCEPTION – – – We must Perceive.

• We must perceive ‘who we are.’ 

Initially, we were sinners in need of God.  We are created in the image of God, and as John 1:12 tells us, we are sons/daughters of God.  Romans 8:17 identifies that we are ‘heirs of God’ and Galatians 3:29 that we are ‘heirs according to the Promise.’  We read of the Promises of God in Deuteronomy 28 and find in Hebrews 8:6 that we have a ‘better covenant established on better promises.’

• We must perceive ‘where we are.’  

Or the condition or level of maturity in which we find ourselves.  Some of us are like the little boy who fell out of bed, and when asked why, he replied, ‘Because I stayed too close to the edge.’  Some of us have stayed too close to the condition we were in when we first came to Christ.

• We must perceive ‘where we are going.’  

That applies both spiritually and in this natural life.

• PREPARATION – – We must Prepare to get where we are going.

We must know the promises of the Book (Bible).  We must understand that the Bible is a tool, a weapon, a light, and a resource.

We must KNOW our inheritance as children of the Most-High God.  We must prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually.

• PROCEED – – We must Proceed on the Planned and Purposed way.

We must see our potential in God, understand and believe the possibilities, and trust God!  If God says we are to be a Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, Peter, or Daniel, why can’t we?  What made them unique was that they were fully surrendered and teachable.

We must believe we can be overcomers because God says we already are in Jesus.  We must believe that God can work miracles through us.  Remember who God says you are – – ‘A Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’   Remember that His charted destiny for you is to ‘do His will in this generation.’  Therefore, we must allow God to guide and guard our hearts, thoughts, and lives.  Remember, ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.’

So, as you go through the rest of your life, will you go as a Possibility or a Procrastinator?  The choice is yours.  

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

Revelation 18:9-10 – “And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of immorality and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘ Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ NASU

Okay, this will be a little different, and I am not trying to prove something about interpreting prophecy or defining end-time events, so stay with me, and you will see my purpose.

Recently, I heard someone using the Book of Revelation and calculating time, based on the formula that one day is one thousand years and determined that 1 hour would equal 41.67 years.  That same individual calculated the three ½ years or the 42 months that the Anti-Christ would have an unbroken treaty or pact with Israel as literal. 

My difficulty with that method is, that if an hour is calculated according to 1 day being one thousand years, then each month would have to be calculated the same way.  In my view, this illustrates the problem of trying to be too clever in interpreting God’s Word. 

Who determines which is figurative and which is literal?  I realize that God says some allegorical things using types and shadows, and some things are amazingly literal, and it is often challenging to determine which is which.  That is another reason for me to let the Scripture interpret Scripture and not insert Roy into the equation too much. 

What is my focus and purpose in saying this?  Simply that, we talk about TIME. 

How much TIME do you have left on this earth?  I do not know, you do not know, no one knows, but in 2 Corinthians 6:2, we read:  “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” NKJV Jesus impressed upon us the importance of the immediate in John 4:35 – “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” NASB

James 4:13-17 – “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” NASB

Jesus addressed the issue of not knowing how much time we have in His parable about the rich man who looked at his possessions and planned to build bigger and better barns to house his goods and planned on a life of ease and luxury.  Jesus said: “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’” (Luke 12:20-21)

My point is simple – – Your life is a vapor, and at any moment, it could be over, so the only sure course is to address the needs of your spirit man every day and at all times.  Do not worry about things you cannot control; focus on what you have before you RIGHT NOW! 

God has a plan for your life, and if you see some of the dire things in the Book of Revelation, you can face them with assurance in your heart that God is Omnipotent!  You can go home rejoicing if you are taken home before those events.  Either way, our ultimate end is to BE WITH THE LORD!  

God bless you as you go through your day!

Mark 4:21-25 – “Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?  22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.  25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”  NKJV

In considering the Speaking God and our ability to Hear God today, I want to introduce you to some familiar passages for your consideration and assurance. 

In John 16:7, Jesus informed His disciples, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, THE HELPER shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” 

Then, in Romans 8:14, the apostle Paul taught that it was the Christian norm to walk in the Spirit, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the Sons of God.”  Also, in 1 John 2:27, the apostle John declares, “You abide in Jesus, the anointing you received from Him (Holy Spirit) abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as He has taught you, you abide in Him.”  That, to me, is powerful.

We must Hear God so that we may walk in the reality of Fellowship and enjoy the fullness of His Protection, Provision, Guidance, and Grace.  Hearing God is vital and never optional.  I am reminded of a story that helps illustrate the necessity of Hearing God!

I do not ski, so I have to rely on what others tell me, but I am told that, in Colorado, one can see a skier wearing a red vest and a sign from time to time. The sign reads: “Blind Skier.”  It is difficult enough for a sighted person to ski, but blind skiers manage quite well. 

HOW or WHY?  Because that blind skier has to Trust his guide’s voice.  The guide is behind or before the blind skier, continually giving instructions.  (Simple but specific.)  They use two forms of communication:  Tapping the ski poles to let the Blind Skier know they are there and all is well and speech or verbal commands. 

The Only Responsibility the Blind Skier, has is to exhibit Complete Trust and Immediate Obedience to the instructions.  Can you see that in our spiritual walk?  Our responsibility is to Listen and Obey, but before we can Obey, we have to Listen, and to Listen, we have to Know the voice of our guide.

That brings us to another question: “How Can I know God’s Voice?” or “How Can I know it’s not the devil deceiving me?”  Please do not expect an exhaustive or exhausting answer, but let me suggest a few things that might benefit you.

LISTENING IS A LEARNED QUALITY.

God is a Father, and He is interested in being our Father.  Some are probably like I was. My concept of God was that he was “Boss, Judge, etc.”  I did not really see Him as the Loving, Caring Father.  Failure to see Him as a Loving and Caring Father hinders fellowship and hearing.  We learn to Hear.  Remember, Jesus said fifteen times, “He that has ears to hear, LET HIM HEAR.”  

That suggests two facts:  We have ears with which to hear, and we can choose to use those ears for hearing or not use them.  A baby, normally, is born with the inherent physical ability to hear but does not know what he hears.  Understanding or comprehension must be learned. 

Listening is the communication skill we practice most often, but usually, we do not do it right.  We Listen, but we do not Hear.  Do you realize that most of us spend 80% of our awake time communicating, but Listening is the one communication skill we are not taught?  Remember, if the capacity is there, the ability must be developed to be effective.

Hearing God must become vital to us and perceived as an absolute necessity if we Learn to Listen for His voice.  Until Hearing God is essential to us, we will not likely Hear God quickly, correctly, or regularly.  Jesus emphasized our need to Hear God, saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  [Matthew 4:4]. 

Jeremiah 29:11-12 says a powerful word to our lives, “I know what I have planned for you.  I have good plans for you.  I do not plan to hurt you. I plan to give you a good future.  Then you will call My name, you will come to me and pray to me, and I will LISTEN TO YOU.”  Can you follow that the extension of that would be that God will Listen and Speak to us?

To develop a Hearing Ear, there must be a deliberate effort to set our minds on God.  We must make a conscious choice to exercise our minds by focusing on God regularly and consistently.  We must carry that exercise of setting our minds on God to all aspects of our lives.  I saw a sign in a Health Club Gym that described what I am saying.

                   F – Frequency

                   I – Intensity

                   T – Time

The ability to Hear God is one that we must develop, and it is something the Holy Spirit is extremely interested in helping us develop.

God bless you as you embark on today’s journey in Christ.

Mark 4:21-25 – “Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?  22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.  25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”  NKJV

Regarding Hearing God Today, I feel compelled to raise a few issues with you to enhance our progress in this discussion.  Let me ask a few pertinent questions:

• Which would you Determine More Important – – The Author or the Book?
• Who would be the Best Possible Source to Interpret a Book – – The Author or Another?
• Which are we to Worship – – The Book or the God of the Book?
• How can we discover and know the Will of God for Most Things in Life Unless He reveals or tells them to us?
• Why has so much Division been caused by the Bible or in Bible Interpretation?  The Bible encourages and even commands us to be unified.
• How did Christians from earlier centuries make it?  Especially those before Guttenberg invented the Printing Press because the masses never owned a Bible.

I realized we could get into all kinds of arguments and discussions as a result of those questions, but can we not conclude that the Holy Spirit must somehow communicate the Will of God to the hearts and minds of people?

In John 16:13, we are told that the Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of Truth,” whose job is to guide us into all truth, and He Speaks.  Therefore, we can be confident that God is Still Speaking since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We can conclude that God’s children can Hear His Voice, for Jesus said, “My sheep shall hear my voice and know Me.”  We should expect God to communicate with us as we seek His will daily.  God has a Will and wants us to Know it!

One of the most repeated phrases of Jesus (15 times) He said, “He that has an ear let him hear…” The last seven (7) were in the Book of Revelation, and He added, “What the Spirit is saying…”  Jesus, speaking from heaven by the Holy Spirit to the heart and mind of man on earth.  In John 10, our Lord declared that His followers are those who Hear His Voice, and He knows us, and we follow Him. 

In Luke 8:21, Jesus said His family was “…those who hear the Word of God and do it.”  Additionally, our Lord taught that we (believers) are to live as He lived and minister as He ministered.  He then told us how He lived and ministered.  John 12:49, “For I did not speak on My own initiative, but The Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say and what to speak.”  In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus told Martha (the busy one) that only one thing was necessary: what Mary was doing, Listening to His Words!

The New Testament Picture reveals that the Holy Spirit lives IN the believer NOW and is to the believer All That Jesus was to His disciples.  Remember John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter), that He may be with you forever.”  Then, our Lord explained more fully that this Helper “is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not behold or know Him, but you know Him BECAUSE He abides with you and will be in you.  I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU AS ORPHANS.” [John 14:17-18a].

I will pause here and pick this up tomorrow.  God bless you, and may your hearing ears become very receptive. 

Mark 4:21-25 – “Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?  22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.  25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”  NKJV

My primary focus will be on verses 23-24 in this passage, but all of it is germane, as is all of the Scripture.  Throughout the Bible, the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of Hearing God!

In biblical history, we find numerous records where earthly kings would not make any move without first “hearing” a word from God through the prophets and seers.  In the New Testament, we are repeatedly reminded directly, by implication and suggestion, that Hearing God is vital for work, walk, and warfare in the believer’s life. 

Yet, the overwhelming majority of believers in our generation do not hear or know how to hear and often do not know that you can hear God now!  I am convinced the devil loves this and laughs at the failure of the church to emphasize Hearing God!

In 1 John 1:3, the apostle writes, “What we (apostles) have SEEN and HEARD we proclaim to you… THAT you… May have fellowship (koinonia = community) with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  [Emphasis mine].

A straightforward but essential question must be, “How can you have FELLOWSHIP with someone who does not communicate?”  That is a virtual impossibility.  The concept of Fellowship between God and man is woven intricately throughout the pages of the New Testament and is a vital part of the message of grace.  In Revelation 3:20, we find Jesus standing at the door and knocking, wanting to come in and have fellowship with us.  In John 14:23, we read that Jesus desires to come to us and make His home with us.

The Father’s heart, both natural and spiritual, cries out for Fellowship with His children.  He (God) wants to commune with and communicate with us in a true fellowship of love and for us to enjoy each other.  Hebrews 11:6 declares that “without faith (abiding trust), we cannot please (gratify completely) God.”  That is Fellowship. 

In Revelation 4:11, we find God’s declaration, “You created all things (including man), and for Your pleasure they were created.”  Romans 10:17 declares, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  That is communication and communing, which means Fellowship.  We know that faith, an essential element in pleasing God, comes by Hearing God Speak

Therefore, if I cannot or do not Hear God, I cannot have faith developed in my heart to that level and, therefore, cannot please God.  If I do not, please God, that will diminish the prospects of fellowship with Him.  We read in 1 Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.”  Therefore, if we cannot Hear God, we cannot fully fulfill our call from God.  That condition and situation leave us empty, unfulfilled, and often frustrated, producing the absence of peace and victory.

THE VITAL QUESTION:  “Does God Still Talk to Man Today?”  Some contend that God has said all He is going to say through the Scriptures.  Hear me carefully, please.  God will not write a new Bible, but He is a Speaking GOD and Communicates with us even today.  I am not suggesting that we all throw away our Bibles and run around with a “Thus saith the Lord.”  NO! 

I believe that anything God communicates to us today will fit squarely and perfectly in harmony with what He Has Said in the Bible.  Also, every word must be tested.  1 Corinthians 14:29 gives a guide that prophetic utterances are to be judged by the other prophets and, by consent, the Word of God.  Likewise, Matthew 18:16, a reference to Deuteronomy 19:15, teaches that it takes “two or three witnesses” to establish a word.

Hearing God is vital, but as in most things, caution must be exercised because of the deadliness of presumption. There must be order and a willingness to test and have our words tested through the Bible, God’s elders, and prophets.  I believe that we can Hear God Today and that God is still Speaking to His people in 2024 or wants to speak to us!

I must pause here and pick up next time as we continue to consider this Vital Essential of Hearing God in today’s world.  

God bless you as you embark on today’s beautiful and fruitful journey in Him!

Romans 12:6-21 – “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  NASB

Now, let us look at the conclusion of this study.

THE FINAL ADMONITIONS FOR LIFE

In the first part of verse sixteen, we are told, “Be of the same mind toward one another…”  We discussed that this could and should be viewed in the light of how we would feel and react to what we would desire if we were in the same situation. 

Then the sentence continues, “…do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly.”  That warning was repeated several times by our LORD in the Gospels.  We are never to have partiality or show favoritism in our relationships with others.  A man in a lofty economic status is no better or worse than a man in poverty. 

The so-called ‘beautiful people’ are not better than the ‘unwashed masses.’  God shows no partiality and judges the heart, not the bank account or the exterior.  Our response to everyone should be patterned after our Lord Jesus, not simply personal preference, or appearance.

We are then warned not to become “Self-Inflated” in our own eyes.  The Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.  No, it is not saying to be down on yourself, but the call is for humility.  The call is to remember that all we have comes from God.  Our talents and abilities came from Him. He equipped us, and although we had to work to hone those gifts, talents, and abilities, their root and source are Him!

In verse seventeen, we are given a much-needed warning –Never and the emphasis must be on NEVER pay back evil for evil.  An eye for an eye is an Old Testament Principle that was nailed to the Cross in the Sacrifice of Jesus.  We are to be those who forgive, not those who hold grudges, and we must remember that God said, “Vengeance is mine.”  It is not our right or place to be a judge, jury, and executioner.  We are not God.  We are to forgive and place them in His hands, and He will do what is right and needed.

We are to respect and honor what is Right publicly and privately.  Integrity must be a cornerstone in our lives.  Then, he says something that places a major emphasis on our determination and personal responsibility.  In verse eighteen, we are told, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” 

Some will not allow us to be at peace, but we must seek peace and extend the olive branch of peace to all men.  We must be those who practice “soft words” rather than “harsh words” of strife and discord. We must never be sowers of discord.  He then returns to the matter of personal revenge and says NEVER.  If you do, you hinder God’s wrath and judgment upon evil. 

Here is the most challenging part of this message: verses twenty and twenty-one are often bitter pills to swallow but swallow we must if we are to become what God desires and be “like Christ.” 

“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK, FOR IN SO DOING, YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Wow!  Lord, I react to this as I do to the admonition of James telling me to “count it all joy when trials come my way.”  This is so hard! 

If a person is an antagonist and has sought your physical, mental, emotional, or financial harm, extending a helping hand is next to impossible for most.  We must also be careful not to focus on the last portion of that directive and say, “Well, I’m heaping burning coals on their heads.”  We are, but not if the thought of burning coal is part of our thirst for vengeance or revenge.  No, that transpires when we release them to God, and He begins to deal with them.  In that dealing, the coals of conviction fall upon them, and they find it, as did Saul of Tarsus, “difficult to kick against the pricks.”

The last verse is powerful and should provide incredible comfort in our pursuit of godliness and righteousness.  “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”  I realize we often seem to be doing anything but overcoming when we seek to extend good to those bent on evil, harm, and destruction.  But it is a matter of Faith and Trust.  If we believe God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do – We Can Do This!

God bless you, and may the LORD help you become all you can be in Him and live those Life Principles in your daily walk.  Have a Great Day!

Romans 12:6-21 – “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  NASB

I want to delve into the following verses, beginning with verse nine, and consider some of the applications we are admonished to adopt into our lives and ministries.

LOVE – Complete Love God’s Way.

In verse nine, we are brought face to face with the repeated admonishment in Scripture to Love, and here, it gives an exciting addendum or addition.  We are to love without hypocrisy. 

Hypocritical Love?  What in the world is that?  He speaks of genuine love, not theoretical love or love out of necessity or obligation.  He is speaking of Agape.  That is the Greek word for love found in this passage.  It is love that loves regardless of external influences or stimuli.  It is allowing the Love of God to flow through us to others.  I suggest that kind of love is far rarer than we care to admit, and most of our love is conditional and dependent, at least to a degree, on “what’s in it for us.”

In this love, we are to abhor evil.  The word used in Greek is “apostugeo,“ meaning to detest utterly.  I have contended for years that too frequently, we in the Church and our individual lives do not truly detest and abhor sin as we should.  We have become anesthetized by modern television, the internet, interpersonal relationships, and a society that has become far more tolerant of sin than is healthy.  Too frequently, we are not disturbed by nudity on the screen, profanity in the movies or life, and the various lifestyles God calls abominable. 

I lament this in my own life, that I have been guilty of not abhorring sin to the point that I shun the very appearance of evil and turn the TV off or walk out of the movie theater or away from a conversation that is the base foundation.  We are to receive anyone who is willing to come, but we are not to be a part of the world.  There is a place and time to ‘come out from among them and be separate.’  We are admonished to be holy because He is holy.  No, I am not saying we become Pharisees, but sin should break our hearts.

We are to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping.  In simple terms, we should be touched by the blessings and troubles of our brothers and sisters in this life.  We are not islands, and what affects you does affect me in the sense that we are part of the same body.  Therefore, if you rejoice, I can share in your joy; if you weep, I can offer comfort in your sorrow.

We are to “be of the same mind toward one another.”  What does that mean? 

Let me offer this, and you evaluate it and come to your own conclusion.  In Barnes Notes, we read, “A literal translation of the Greek will give somewhat a different sense, but one evidently correct. “Think of, that is, regard, or seek after the same thing for each other; that is, what you regard or seek for yourself, seek also for your brethren. Do not have divided interests; do not be pursuing different ends and aims; do not indulge counter plans and purposes; and do not seek honors, offices, for yourself which you do not seek for your brethren, so that you may still regard yourselves as brethren on a level and aim at the same object.” The Syriac has well rendered the passage: “And what you think concerning yourselves, the same also think concerning your brethren; neither think with an elevated or ambitious mind but accommodate yourselves to those who are of humbler condition;” compare 1 Peter 3:8.

It would seem that the Golden Rule is at work at the heart of this admonition and the directive to “be of one accord or agreement.”   If I consider your situation in the light of how I would feel or respond, I am far more likely to be empathetic or sympathetic to your plight or embrace your blessing as a wonderful thing from the Lord.  I will not become envious or jealous but will, with a humble heart, give thanks to the Father from whom comes all gifts for His blessings on that person.

We have covered verses 6-16a, and now I want to open some beautiful truths and give some beneficial things we can incorporate into our daily lives.  In verses 6-12, we have a most potent guide to everyday living, and when embraced, it will bring incredible personal victory from sin and discouragement.  It will lead us to triumph rather than depression.

I will pause again and pick this up in the following devotional.

Until then, may the rich and bountiful blessings of the LORD be yours.  Have a fantastic day!

Romans 12:6-21 – “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  NASB

There is more here than could be addressed in a short time.  If we hit some high points, it might prove beneficial and become a catalyst for deeper study individually.  Both would be wonderful accomplishments. 

I want to take this step by step and begin with the first verse in our text, verse six.  I believe that God is very orderly and organized in what He does. He speaks words with meaning and purpose. How He organizes those words and the order in which they come forth are meaningful and essential. 

THE GIFTS AND THEIR EXERCISE.

This is a clear revelation that each of us has some gift(s), and we need to discover what they are.  That is insufficient for a gift; talent or ability is useless if it is not utilized, and therefore, we must also learn to operate or exercise those gifts, talents, and abilities for them to fulfill their purpose and design. 

Some do not believe in prophecy today, but this is the New Testament and the Covenant under which we readily identify that we are to live.  This was not spoken simply to the First Century Church but to all believers everywhere. 

Therefore, let those with the gift of prophecy utilize that gift, including preaching the Word of God.   Let those gifted with service engage in and learn to be the best stewards of their gift and serve.   Let those with the ability and gift to teach seize every opportunity and use every means to teach.  Let those with the gift of exhortation and inspiration find that stump or soapbox, stand on it, and proclaim their message.  Let those with the Gift of Giving, and this is a real gift. 

Some have been blessed with this gift, and God has seen fit to put in their hands that which they are to give and often in abundance.  A stingy person will not realize the magnificence of this gift and the open door it provides.  I have known people with this gift; the more they gave, the more they had to give, and the cycle continued to grow and grow.  Their heart was to give.

Some people in leadership positions do not have the gift, inclination, training, talent, or ability to lead but have somehow been pressed into that role.  Some have the Gift of Leadership that is overcome with timidity or the lack of self-confidence. They tend to hide in the shadows or, as with Saul, among the stuff.  They are little in their own eyes, one of the needed characteristics of outstanding leadership.  Not timidity and indecisiveness but humility. 

Those who are gifted with Mercy, and we should all be merciful, are encouraged to demonstrate the heart of God in Mercy and do so with overflowing joy and cheer.  That becomes infectious for those who observe this incredible and supernatural demonstration of God’s incredible Love and Mercy.

I will pause here and pick this up in the next devotional. 

Until then, may the LORD bless you and keep you, making His face shine upon you.  Have a fantastic day!

Proverbs – 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”  NKJV

The last portion of that verse should be both an encouragement and compulsion for every believer in our daily lives.  It clearly declares that it is the privilege and duty of every believer to reject the notion that evangelism or spreading the gospel is to be relegated to professionals or preachers. 

It is the expressed commission of every believer to “go ye therefore” and spread the news of the gospel and salvation that can only be found in Christ Jesus our Lord.  There are myriads of stories of people in history whom God has powerfully used in evangelism, and I wish to share one of those.

In the 1700s, there was a young black man named John Marrant.  He was born in New York, his father passed away when John was eleven, and his mother sent him to Charleston, South Carolina, to live with an older sister and learn a trade. 

Instead of following that course, he became skilled with the violin and French horn.  In a couple of years, he became a child prodigy, and as he recounted, “I was invited to all the balls and assemblies that were held in the town and met with general applause of the inhabitants.  I was a stranger to want, being supplied with as much money as I had any occasion for.”  His talent made a place for him and provided for him amazingly.

He and his traveling companion passed a crowded meetinghouse on his way to perform at a particular event. They observed an incredibly large crowd and saw “a crazy man was hallooing there.”  The crazy man was George Whitfield, a prominent religious leader in what is known as the “First Great Awakening.”  

Most people know some of the history of George Whitfield. It is estimated that he preached to as many as 10 MILLION people and over 18 Thousand sermons, averaging over 500 messages per year.  His meetings have reported that up to 500 people would fall to the ground prostrate under the power of his sermons and the power of God. 

Marrant’s friend dared him to disrupt the meeting by sounding out a loud blast with his French horn.  As he raised the horn to his lips, Whitefield saw him and said, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel!”  Marrant fell to the ground as though some unseen force had struck him down and lay there for over one-half hour.  Whitfield ministered to him as he came to, and after three days, John Marrant accepted Jesus as his personal savior. 

Marrant returned to his family to share his experience, and they rejected him.  He took a similar path as Moses and fled to the wilderness, where a Cherokee warrior befriended him. They spent ten weeks together hunting, fishing, and becoming fast friends. 

Eventually, they went to the warrior’s village, and he was immediately made a prisoner because the Cherokee were at war with the settlers. Marrant, though black, was clearly one of the settlers. 

The chief threatened his life, and Marrant spoke to the tribe in their language, sharing the gospel of Jesus according to Marrant:  “The king [the chief] himself was awakened [converted], and the others set at [spiritual liberty]. A great change took place among the people; the king’s house became God’s house; the soldiers were ordered away; and the poor condemned prisoner [John] had perfect liberty and was treated like a prince.  Now the Lord made all my enemies become my great friends.”  The chief gave him permission to evangelize the entire tribe, and he did so for nine weeks and also reached out to the Muskogees. 

It was said of Marrant that he was “A Negro in America…who spread the seed of Christianity among the Native American Indians before the birth of the American Republic.”

Later, Marrant worked as a carpenter on a plantation near Charleston, and his heart was broken for the spiritual condition of the slaves, as he preached to them, many were converted.  This resulted in terrible treatment for those who converted but remained faithful to Christ’s word and forgave those who abused them. 

When the American Revolution began, Marrant was captured by the British and forced into service in the British Navy.  After the war, he was ordained and continued his soul-winning in England, Canada, and finally back in the United States.  He died of an illness when he was 36, but his life left an indelible mark on multitudes.  He truly lived the admonition of Proverbs 11:30, that “He who wins souls is wise.” 

I have discovered that what holds our hearts also enters our conversation.  God help us to become so gripped with the joy of salvation that we cannot be silent but become those who fulfill this admonition of Proverbs 11:30.  

God bless you as you embark on this beautiful day in Jesus!