Luke 12:4-5 – “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” NKJV
I used to hear a saying: “They can kill me, but they can’t eat me” and thought, Yes, they can! It is not an image I care to allow in my consciousness, but cannibalism is still a 21st-century reality. But the FEAR OF MAN has such a paralyzing effect on many people from the White House to the Doghouse and everything in between. People are petrified of people if not physically emotionally and socially. The perception of others holds such sway on many lives they live in actionable paralysis and live miserably in fear.
Jesus addressed this here warning against the fear of man. He phrased it beautifully saying, in essence, “if they kill you that’s all they can do”. His message was plainly that man is not the one to be feared for man can only do you physical harm and since we know that death is not the end we need not fear. He speaks of whom we should fear (albeit reverentially). We are to fear the one who after having killed us has the power to cast us into hell. We should fear God! I am not suggesting a tormenting fear unless we are in rebellion against God for in that state, we should fear Him in trembling.
It is always good to be concerned about what people think so as not to become calloused and hard. However, we should never allow man’s perception to dictate our life’s path. It is never good to allow the desire to please men to dictate our stance, actions, or words. Then we are allowing them to ‘kill us’ spiritually and emotionally.
In life, our desire should be to please God and obey Him. We should not make, “I just tell it like it is” a justification for meanness, rudeness, insensitivity, or harshness. It is one thing, to be honest, and another to be calloused. Fearing man should never enter into the equation of our standing for God and right and Fearing God should always cause us to ‘speak the truth in love’ and with the ‘heart of God.’
If you are facing situations or dealing with people and find yourself fearful of the outcome or the result of people’s perceptions, then I desire to pray for your deliverance. “Father, I ask that you set my friends free of the fear of man and grant them the liberty to follow Your directives with peace and confidence.”
May the Lord be with you as you go through your day!
Psalm 58:6 – “Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!” NKJV
We are told that honest confession is good for the soul so let me confess; there have been times I wanted God to kick somebody’s behind for me, but He did not do it physically. I have even asked if He would let me do it and He would not. Okay, now that is out of the way let’s consider this verse and Psalm 58 as it relates to you and me as believers in the 21st century.
Is David really asking God to ‘break the teeth and fangs’ of the wicked? We find something similar in Psalm 3:7 and again I ask, is he asking God to kick some booty? I know people who believe that based on these passages and a few others in Scripture they can enlist God’s help in hurting those who hurt them and live wickedly. These same people want the Grace of the New Testament and the license of “an eye for an eye” of the Old. Sometimes people adapt scripture to fit their desire or belief rather than allowing scripture to guide their faith and conduct.
I would suggestthat if you will note the beginning of this Psalm that David was addressing those in positions of political and/or spiritual authority who were not presenting or promoting righteousness. He suggested this approach due to the wickedness of their heart. He noted that what they were saying and doing was poison and destructive.
When people either religiously or politically see wrong and sit in silence they are complicit and in a profound sense guilty of that very evil. I suggest that David was speaking metaphorically and asking God to ‘take away their power and authority’. If God renders them powerless, without influence or authority they will no longer be able to do their destructive works.
In that sense,I fully endorse praying this kind of prayer toward those who demonstrate wickedness in this world. I believe as in Ezekiel 33 that we are charged to ‘warn the wicked’ to turn from wickedness and if we do not do so we are guilty of their sin and the innocent blood will be on our hands.
Therefore, I believe it is fully in agreement with the Bible to ask God to render those desiring to do wickedness and destruction powerless. In fact, we Job declared in Job 29 of ‘breaking the fangs’ of the wicked and snatching victims from their teeth and considered it honorable to do so.
I realize that the Bible instructs us to pray for those in positions of authority and I do. But I also realize that the Bible instructs and permits me to pray against evil and I do. I have no hesitation to ask God to forcefully intervene against ‘sex offenders, sex traffickers, abortionists, and child molesters, terrorists and even oppressive government.’ How can I watch as evil is carried out and not do that which I know to do to stop and silence it?
Therefore, while I do not expect God to, physically ‘break out the teeth’ of the wicked I do ask Him to expose them and strip them of power. I have no qualms about asking God to intervene on behalf of His children when oppressed, targeted, bullied, and abused and ask Him to silence those guilty of such acts. I do not encourage anyone to view God as their bouncer or enforcer but rather as their shelter in the time of storm and wall of defense for He has declared He desires to be.
Please do not ask God to do physical violence upon those who seek your hurt. Instead, pray for their souls, pray against their works, and always maintain the right attitude. As you demonstrate His character, pray His promises, and stand on His principles you will see God move on your behalf and while those doing the deed may not see or understand others will, and lives will be touched.
Matthew 20:24-28 – “And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV
James and John’s mother was ambitious for her sons and wanted to ensure they had prominent cabinet positions in the coming kingdom. So, she went to Jesus to request that they be given the two most noticeable and prominent positions at his side. What is often missed is that she did not come alone for it is clear that James and John were there and desired the same thing as is revealed in verse 22. This caused no small stir among the other disciples and the dissension became so heated that Jesus stepped in and presented a principle of leadership that too many miss.
Jesus addressed the carnal desire for preeminence in the world and how those in power like to lord their position and authority over those under them. He then told them that leadership in the Kingdom of God cannot and would not take that path. The principle was simple but powerful and difficult:
Desire a position of authority?
Then you must demonstrate not only a willingness to serve and follow but you must actually do it. It is not enough to mentally ascribe to the principles and say all the right things about servant leadership you must BECOME a servant and serve.
That is something that few desiring to occupy a position of leadership in or out of the church find palatable. You want me to serve? I was asked to mentor a young man once who wanted to become a pastor. When I addressed this principle with him, he immediately informed me that those menial tasks I was assigning him were not befitting his education or calling and he would not do them. He could or would not accept the principle that Jesus laid out and considered his seminary training an immediate qualification for leadership in the congregation. He would not serve, and I could not allow him to lead.
Become like Jesus.
If Jesus was willing to and actually became a servant, then anything less from us is unacceptable.
In my years I have found both in the church and in secular business those who cannot follow make terrible leaders. A person with an entitlement or elitist mentality makes a horrific leader.
I served in the military with some who understood this principle and some who did not. I would have charged hell with those who did and resented those who did not. (I was not serving God during that time).
In business or in the church an individual that knows how to follow understands authority and cooperation whereas one who either will not, has not, or cannot follow only knows arbitrary power not leadership, community, or teamwork and either fail or become a doctorial tyrant and both are tragic.
If you want to ascend to a position of authority in the church or life learn to be a servant.
Proverbs10:8-12 – “The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. 9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.” NKJV
The foolishness of the heart is often revealed in the incessant blabber of the lips whereas the wise person desires to gain knowledge and instruction. Walking in one’s integrity is a walk that exudes from a sense of peace and security, whereas the wicked seek shortcuts and pervert justice and wisdom. The words from the mouth of the righteous bring peace, and hope and point to life whereas the mouth of the wicked propels toward destruction and often is accompanied by violence.
Sadly, I know some in Christendom who have taken what I call the ‘Three Money Approach’to sin. They refuse to see it, refuse to hear it, and refuse to denounce or speak against it! They pretend to see nothing, hear nothing, and offer no rejection of wickedness in our present world. That approach, in my view, expresses Hate, not Love. I know, I have made a very bold statement and desire to explain what I mean if you will afford me the opportunity.
If you recall the words of Solomon in Proverbs 13:24 we are told that the parent who refuses to discipline (the rod) hates the child. We also read in Proverbs 10:12 that hatred stirs up strife, but Love covers offenses. That is not a directive to ‘wink at sin’ but for forgiveness.
In Proverbs 8:13 we are told that the fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. I would ask, “If you saw a relative or friend destroying their life would it be a demonstration of love to remain silent and allow them to continue when you could give a warning?” Be careful that you do not come across as judgmental but use wisdom, compassion, caring, and love when you give the warning. Let the Holy Spirit make your words and attitude one of compassion, not judgment. I would suggest it could be argued that it is the opposite of love for if I see you in mortal danger and remain silent how can I argue that I am doing so out of Love?
I know many quote the passage in Proverbs 13:24 as “spare the rod and spoil the child” but it is stronger than that as you can read. It is spare the rod (refusing proper discipline) is evidence of hate, not love, and spoiling the child is a minor thing compared to the destruction that awaits. In Proverbs 23:13 we are told that in administering discipline to the child we prevent that child from death (spiritual and possibly natural). This can be expanded to all relationships.
As a Christian and a minister, I do not want to come across as all Hell Fire and Brimstone to the exclusion of Love and Grace. But there are times when I must sound the alarm, identify sin as sin, and warn of its destruction. If I ‘wink at sin’ and pretend it is not a big deal I open an unwanted door. That sin, whatever it might be or however small, can then grow uninhibited into a deadly cancer in the soul and my ‘Three Monkey Approach’ only brings death and destruction.
The Bible says that ‘faithful are the wounds of a friend’ (Proverbs 27:6). You may not like what I have to say, or I may not like being called out when wrong but if the objective is life and restoration then wound me, please!
The Three Monkey Approach creates a condition where the supposed pursuit of tolerance and acceptance becomes a death sentence. It reduces the church to a social club rather than a spiritual hospital and rehab center. If we genuinely Love one another, we will not be abusive, but we will not ‘wink at sin’ for the love that lives in us will overpower the desire to be accepted by all.
If you are my friend, please NEVER ‘wink at my sin’ but let your love for me compel you to speak truth to my life. I may not like it but if you love me, you will help me see the fallacy of my ways and lead me to the place where sins are covered. If you allow me to continue without objection you only bring me and possibly you trouble.
Oh God, please break our hearts over sin again! May the Lord be with you as you go through your day!
Revelation 3:16 – “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” NKJV
Disclaimer – –The Title is not my state of mind, but a reflection on how many people think today!
Through my years of serving as lead pastor and in Christian service, I have often met the objection or excuse from someone regarding a need in the church, “I would, but I’m just too busy.” I always opted to leave it at that and move on to someone who was less apathetic or self-absorbed. Before you castigate me for that statement let me suggest that busy people are often the ones who give the most time in volunteer work so is it busyness or something else that is the real issue?
I really cannot find any scripture to support Apathy or Self-Centeredness, but if you have them feel free to enlighten me. Now I must caution you they will need to be contextual not just an isolated passage such as the two I have heard used where a person angry at another quoted, “Judas went out and hanged himself… Go thou and do likewise.” Two isolated partial passages are used to convey the desired message.
The words of the LORD to the Church at Laodicea are arresting and I wonder how applicable they are to today’s church and Christians. He addresses them identifying the fact of their lukewarmness and then declares, “I will spew you out of my mouth.” He identified their attitude as totally unacceptable. The Bible tells us that whatever our hand finds to do to do it with our might and that would appear to be the opposite of lukewarm.
If we are Apathetic and our focus is on the Self, we will find that unless it directly impacts us, we are largely disinterested. Sin and man’s lost condition do not tug the heart as a daily rule and any conviction over that attitude is quickly dispelled with images of our selfish objectives.
We justify our inaction and apathy with the claim of Busyness in the interest of caring for our own and fail to remember that our LORD declared that if we ‘seek first’ the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to us. Therefore, from a biblical perspective, the best approach to life is:
God First and Foremost.
Others Second.
Self Last.
In every area of life, I have encountered Apathy. When people are apathetic political freedoms are lost. When people are apathetic relationally relationships are destroyed. When people are apathetic economic opportunity is lost. When people are apathetic spiritually souls are lost, and the abundant life promised eludes us.
I have long contended that when speaking to a crowd I thrive on two kinds of crowds: Those who are enthusiastically for me or against me. The crowd or audience that drains me is the apathetic crowd. I would rather watch grass grow than speak to that kind of audience. I suspect God feels the same and thus the reason for the warning and plea to the church at Laodicea.
May God stir your heart so that you are HOT rather than COLD and press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.
Be blessed and walk in the power provided by the Spirit of God.
Proverbs 11:24-25 – “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” NKJV
It is always fun to read the Old Testament and find a passage that has been defined in the New either by our Lord Himself or one of the apostles. There are two prominent New Testament Principles that can find their beginnings in this passage. The Law of Sowing and Reaping or Reciprocity and Giving. These are explicitly addressed in the New Testament.
Here the writer describes two kinds of people – Generous and Stingy. I have known people who were generous to a fault and some who pinched every penny so tightly it squealed when released. The latter would sometimes give but grudgingly and with much compulsion and convincing. The writer declares that one leads to an increase and the other to a lack. He reveals that the generous will prosper and the wonderful truth that the one that cares for others will be cared for by others.
Paul taught that God loves a cheerful giver, and some have attempted to expand this truth to make it an investment plan to provide riches for themselves. They omitted any consideration for the motive behind the giving or the purpose for the increase. That is why some who have attempted this principle became disillusioned and gave it up as a false doctrine. The Purpose is as important as the gift. What is the motivation behind the gift and the desire for any return? God is not interested in satisfying our personal greed or carnal appetites. He does what He does with purpose, and it is always focused on the redemptive.
The Law of Sowing and Reaping reveals a principle of farming that we reap WHAT we sow. If we plant watermelons, we will not reap cucumbers. If we plant peanuts, we will not reap carrots. WHAT we sow regardless of what that is will come back whether that is money, compassion, labor, etc.
We also reap LATER than we sow. No farmer plants seed one day and expects to get up the next morning to bring in the harvest. Time is important in the process. We also reap MORE than we sow. We plant a grain of corn, and it produces a stalk that produces ears of corn that have multiple grains. We plant a pea and reap a stalk that produces many pods with numerous peas in them. So, we reap what we sow, later than we sow, and more than we sow. The principles revealed here are the same.
Jesus addressed giving in numerous places and the Bible makes it clear that God is far more interested in the purpose and proportion than the amount. In Luke 6:38 Jesus spoke of this principle saying, “Give, and IT (whatever you give) will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put in your bosom. For with the same measure (proportion) you use, it will be measured back to you.”
The Law of Giving as described by Jesus reveals that WHAT we give is WHAT we get in return. The principle is advanced that the return will be WHAT we give and MORE than we give. I suggest that this principle can be immediate or over time, but it will be WHAT and MOREand be directly connected to the proportion of our giving.
If we give love, then love will come back to us. If we give mercy, then mercy will come back to us. If we give hate, then hate will come back to us. If we give a helping hand, then a helping hand will come back to us. As we cast our bread on the waters after many days it returns to us.
When Jesus sat near the offering bucket and watched those who had much put in their gifts, He was largely unimpressed but when the widow came and gave her all He was. He even declared that she had given more than all the others. MORE? Not in the amount but in the proportion.
I like to say, “If you didn’t notice it or feel it when it left you will likely not notice or feel it when it returns.” If it had no impact on you departing it will have no impact when it returns. If you give with a teaspoon, why expect a watering trough in return? I know the return is MORE than the outlay, but the proportion will still hold true.
I pray that God will inspire a spirit and heart of generosity in each of us. Blessings!
John 4:46-54 – “So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”
49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”
50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So, the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”
52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.” NKJV
I realize that the title of this devotional may cause questions after reading the text. So, let me explain my thought and hopefully, it will be both a blessing and benefit in your daily walk. I find it interesting to note that John is careful to remind his readers that this was a return to Cana of Galilee where Jesus had turned the water into wine. Some have suggested that this nobleman had attended the wedding I do not know but that is not the point. There are some things about this passage that should inspire our confidence in God’s Promises.
The man was not faithless otherwise he would not have come to Jesus to heal his child. The response of Jesus to this man’s request to come and heal his son is intriguing. Jesus responded to his plea for the healing of a child with, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”
If, as some have suggested, this was an indication of the absence of faith on the nobleman’s part then the rest of the passage would be negated. I believe that Jesus was challenging him and stretching him in that statement. It was not the absence of faith but a human condition in conjunction with his faith that many of us have experienced.
He had total confidence that “if” Jesus personally went to the child healing was guaranteed. He likely had no knowledge or understanding of how healing could transpire otherwise. He did not have a long history of miracles in his memory banks or experience to draw from. He believed Jesus could and therefore made his impassioned plea not once but twice.
Jesus, after the second plea, said, “Go your way; your son lives.” The next statement demonstrates the heart of the nobleman and should be our hearts. It says, “So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.” He did not continue to plea, pray, or attempt to persuade Jesus to do what he thought necessary HE BELIEVED! He not only believed in his heart but demonstrated the accompanying sign of obedience and departed from the physical presence of the LORD.
This is Faith not Faith in Faith! He simply believed what Jesus said and demonstrated the corresponding action to accompany that belief. That is faith in action! Had he simply had faith in faith he would not have been able to believe the word of Jesus and obey that word he would have continued to insist that Jesus come to his house and perform whatever ritual to bring about the healing. He had faith that demonstrated the response of obedience. As he went back home his servants met him and informed him the child was healed. His inquiry into the timing only further solidified his confidence in the Words of Jesus.
The key for us in receiving the promises of God is: BELIEVE the word of Jesus and ACT upon that word. Once we have HEARD His Promise, we can GO in confidence that we have the petition we asked for. I encourage you to read 1 John 5:14-15at this point.
God bless you as you go through your day and walk in faith! Blessings abundant is my prayer and desire!
Luke 10:16 – “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
One of the gravest problems in life is making rejection personal, even though sometimes it is. There are times when rejection is not you, but your beliefs. The rejecter cannot separate the two. They reject you along with your beliefs. That happened to our LORD, and He forewarned us that it would happen to us as well.
We have all heard about and maybe heard the words, “It’s not you, it’s me…” as the rejection edict was issued. There is probably an element of truth in that. But I would venture that most of the time it is both or neither.
Ideological beliefs and values held by each of us make associations and relationships with some people difficult, if not impossible. The Bible plainly declares that “two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement.” Some have taken that to mean Total Agreement on or in Everything. I do not see that in the passage. We may find it possible to build an alliance on particular issues based on agreement but on many other issues we are not in agreement. If our disagreement rises to the level of embittered animosity, then a relationship, partnership, or association would be impossible or destructive.
In our world of social media, I find that almost daily I am either approached by someone wanting to be my friend or rejected by someone who no longer wants to be a friend. I have learned, in life, and applied that to the world of social media that reaching out or rejection is usually not personal but ideological.
Although I have argued that you cannot separate what you believe from who you are a person who does not know you cannot reject your person. Therefore, they must reject your beliefs or words. If I took every rejection personally, I would be a basket-case and probably plunge into deep depression. We have a world today that is so performance-oriented and acceptance driven that rejection shatters their psyche and alterations in belief and public declarations ensue.
I have watched politicians when accused of something immediately apologize when an apology was not appropriate but the desire to be viewed as likable, and agreeable, and to appease the accusers drives them to take that path. Most of the time they are then viewed as weak, lacking personal conviction and courage to stand for their beliefs. It is then that attacks become more intensified. Sometimes that results in them becoming marginalized and ineffective.
I have seen the same thing in preachers who water down their message, violate their core convictions, and compromise the message they are about as useful to the kingdom as screen doors in submarines. They give the appearance of usefulness but have no practical value. I know that is harsh, but I believe it to be reality.
Among the reasons that rejection hurts are that we genuinely care about people and their opinions. However, another reason is we are ‘insecure’ about who we are. Because we are insecure rejection is devastating. Some derive their significance and sense of value and worth from acceptance and rejection dismantles their incredibly fragile psyche.
Feelings of insecurity can come from many roots including lack of preparation or talent. If we are convinced, we are unable or unprepared we lack confidence. That lack of confidence translates to insecurity, and then when our thoughts, words, or deeds are rejected we translate that to our inadequacy and personalize the rejection. We are shattered and for some recovery becomes virtually impossible.
Let me give you two or three passages that I believe can diminish the sting of rejection and empower you to achieve the goals and dreams of your heart.
Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Notice Paul addresses need, learning and contentment and THEN as a result of his life experiences and spiritual development he declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Rejection, pain, suffering, plenty, applause, and accolades all come into my view of life, and whether I am accepted or rejected I stand having LEARNED and know that in CHRISTI Can!
Philippians 4:19 he addresses the church being there for him and tells them that he is going to pray for them and out of his confidence in God, learned through his life experiences, he is going to pray for them and declares that “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
You may be rejected by man, but you have not been rejected by God because of your acceptance in Him. You cannot be rejected only your beliefs can. You are secure in Him and therefore In Him, you live and move and have your being. When rejection comes to you simply look to Him the author and finisher of your faith, bless those rejecting, and rejoice that the seed has been sown and now another will water, and ultimately God will give the increase.
I am dead in Christ and in that condition, rejection has no power over me. God bless you as you go through this day!
Jude 14-15 – “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” NKJV
I have found that when a word is repeated it is usually for emphasis and if it is repeated four times in on short passage the emphasis cannot be missed. Interestingly, Jude would identify this Enoch as the seventh from Adam in contrast to the son of Cain who was Adam’s Grandson. Although that is important it is not the most important, the message is.
Enoch prophesied about the condition of man. His saying, “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment…” should cause us to take note. He is speaking of a condition of man’s heart that has progressively grown darker through the ages and of a time when God’s patience will be exhausted. Judgment is coming. I realize that some do not like to hear about judgment, and I have even been told that judgment is such a negative it should be left to individuals in the privacy of their own thoughts, not for public consumption.
Notice what Enoch prophesied was about judgment. He declared that judgment is the direct result of something worthy of note. He says that God is coming to convict all who are ungodly for their ungodly deeds, committed in an ungodly manner, and for the things the ungodly have railed against God. It would go without saying that their attitude, words, and deeds are also directed toward those who follow God. I believe it is descriptive of a condition that becomes so prevalent in society nationally and internationally that God says ENOUGH!
In the next verses, he identifies them as grumblers and complainers who walk according to their own lusts. They are sensual and cause division and discord. He then urges those listening to build themselves up in their most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping their hearts in the love of God always looking to Jesus. He also identified the warning of our LORD that in the Last Time there would be mockers who would walk after their own ungodly lusts. Is that not a picture of our day?
From the political podium to the classroom to the pulpit we have people either promoting this attitude, excusing it, or ignoring it. Ungodliness cannot stand in the presence of God. When ungodliness is allowed to occupy the house God will move out. He will move back in if we will turn from ungodliness, but righteousness cannot cohabit with ungodliness. When we allow good to be called evil and evil good, we place ourselves in direct opposition to God and invite judgment.
If I read a passage and four times the Holy Spirit emphasizes the word ungodly, I am arrested, and my spiritual antenna rises to examine what the message is. It is time that we, the Body of Christ, diligently and earnestly seek the face of God and turn from all ungodliness. It is time that we consciously resist the devil and shun the very appearance of evil in our lives. It is time that we seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness. It is time that we return unto Him, and He will return unto us.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13 – “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” NKJV
While these verses are sufficient in themselves to identify the need to be concerned, aware and vigilant in our present world I want to advance a couple of simple thoughts. Paul spoke of the “mystery of lawlessness” that was already at work in his day and how can anyone deny has taken giant steps in ours? We focus on that verse and talk about the Holy Spirit, or the Church being removed so the devil will have no further restraint and then total chaos ensues on planet earth.
In this passage, the apostle warns of a time of incredible apostasy and warns that the Day of Christ would not come UNLESS there is a massive falling away and the man of sin is revealed. He spoke of a time in which Great Deception would be prevalent in the world and even in the church or especially in the church. He spoke of a time in which God would send or allow a strong delusion to permeate the religious world. In his counsel and warning to Timothy Paul spoke of “perilous times” coming in which evil men would grow worse and worse. Does that not remind you of this day?
Without getting into the debates about the Coming of the Lord, Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation or Millennialism let me ask this question, “When God lifts the restraints in this world do you really want to be around to witness it?”
We live in a world where there have been over about two billion abortions have transpired over the past 50 years. We live in a world where Islamic jihadists are brutally slaughtering Christians and anyone who will not convert to Islam at an alarming rate. We live in a world where “lives do not matter” or so it would seem to a growing number of people.
We are seeing the ever-increasing boldness of evil and watching as society has begun calling evil good and good evil. We live in a worldwhere some in Church leadership have adopted a coexistence policy to the point, that they no longer declare the ONLY PATHWAY to salvation as Jesus Christ. It is becoming an extremely dangerous world and in many parts of this planet, if you are a professing Christian, it is doubly dangerous.
What would it be like if there were no spiritual or moral restraints in this world? What would the world be like if people followed the evilness in their hearts and did or took whatever they wanted whenever they wanted?
There is coming a time exactly like that and although I refuse to adopt a mentality of Escapism. I am praying that God spares us from that horrific world. Knowing that the world of terror is coming is another reason to address the condition of our hearts. The restraints will be, and we may be witnessing the lifting of them now, so I urge you to rekindle the flame of your first love with God.
Roy's Covenant Corner 