Author: rbeaird

TIME TO GET DRUNK…


spiritual blog - drunk

Ephesians 5:15-21 – “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” NASU

 

Hopefully, my title will not cause a mass exodus from my friend’s list on Facebook or cause anyone to refuse to read what I am about to write.  Read the passage before you jump to any conclusions as to what I am going to say.  That is always the safest course of action in any situation.  We need to become people who “Hear the conclusion of the whole matter,” before we render judgments.

Paul tells the Ephesian church and the church today that they and we are to take care “how we walk” or “live” this spiritual life in the flesh.  He warns us against being “unwise” while reminding us of the condition of the hour regarding evil and wickedness.  He admonishes us to “understand” or “discern” what the Will of the Lord is.  Then he says something that is almost totally off the topic he is discussing and says in verse eighteen – “Do not get drunk with wine…”  Had he stopped there one would have to conclude that there was a problem with drunkenness in the Ephesian church but he continued and said in contrast, “Be filled with the Spirit…”

He identified some characteristics of a Spirit-filled Life in the next verses that are worthy to be considered:

  • Speaking to one another in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.
  • Sing and make melody with your heart to the Lord.
  • ALWAYS giving thanks for ALL THINGS in the Name of the LORD.
  • Be subject to one another in the Fear or Reverence of Christ.

If I truly consider what he is saying then I immediately recognize that adoration, praise, and worship is vital to the Spirit-filled life.  It is important that we rejoice in the Lord and from many other passages in the Bible I would suggest that this should be not just an occasioned occurrence but a daily one.  We notice additionally that it is important to have “An Attitude of Gratitude” in our daily lives and be thankful for All Things not just Some Things!  Then we come to a place that most either have a problem with or resist and that is “being subject to one another” but doing so in reverence to Christ.

We seem to have an innate fear of subjecting ourselves to anyone for fear that they will abuse us in some way.  I suggest that if the church practices mutual subjection in reverence and fear of Christ there will be No Lording it over anyone but there will be a mutual desire to protect and defend each other from the enemy and forces of evil.  There will be a caring for each other that seeks the best good of that individual rather than a Lordship Position.  There will be the rise of humility and servanthood rather than abuse and lordship.

Begin with the first part and “Get Drunk on the Spirit” and “Jesus” and the rest will follow naturally.  So I declare that today is a good day to GET DRUNK in the Spirit or on the Spirit of God.

May God bless you as you go through your day!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

BUT IF GOD…


spiritual blog - god

Matthew 6:28-34 – “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!  31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  NASU

 

When I look around and view God’s Creation with all the spectacular beauty and intricate detail I am deeply moved!  It is amazing to see how God cares for the flowers, trees, grass, landscape, animals, etc. within His creation.  Considering that man is the highest of his earthly creation and that Jesus went to the Cross for mankind I must immediately conclude that “if God cares so much for those things, how much more does He care for us.”

Here Jesus instructs us NOT TO WORRY about such simple although necessary things as clothing.  He then paints the word picture of how even the flowers that grow by the way-side care arrayed in more glory than even Solomon.  He then reminds us that if God cares so much for simple flowers HOW MUCH MORE will He care for you and me?  He gives a gentle chastisement regarding our FAITH and TRUST and instructs us to STOP WORRYING about “food, clothing, houses, etc.” because if and that is important – “If we seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, then all those things will be taken care of.”  He tells us to Cease Fretting about tomorrow, that has not yet come to pass, and know that He will take care of it when it does.  He reminds us that today has enough challenges of its own to be concerned about so stay in the present.

The Key is to “put God first” and “put dismiss worry.”  If you can’t change it and you know that it will take the divine intervention of God – – Why Are You Taking Responsibility For It?  You are assuming a position, condition, and responsibility that does not belong to you and the end result can only be frustration and even the diminishing of your faith and confidence.

So as you go through your day, walk with your focus firmly fixed on God and His purposes and trust Him to do what He has promised to do.  He will not fail nor will He disappoint.

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

0 CommentsLeave a comment

CAN’T FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT IN GOD…


spiritual blog - faith it

Acts 19:11-20 – “God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18 Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”  NASU

 

I have used this passage in preaching and teaching to illustrate the truth and drive home some points about “Second Hand Faith.”  What I mean is that we can imitate what someone else has done expecting to get what they and become incredibly disappointed.  I had someone tell me, “Well, we just need to fake it ‘til we make it.”  That might work in some areas of life but not in the realm of faith.

This account illustrates that point powerfully, in my view.  God was using Paul to perform some ‘extraordinary miracles’.  I really don’t know what that entailed but for the Holy Spirit to prompt the descriptor of extraordinary to the miracles being performed they must have been extremely incredible and eye-catching.  That prompted some of the Jewish exorcists to attempt to mimic Paul and I find it almost laughable that they would attempt to perform an exorcism with the words, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”  I can imagine the devils laughing at them if not openly, secretly.

The Seven Sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, attempted this, and I can envision a Keystone Cops type scene or someone trying to baptize a house cat resulting.  When they attempted this, the evil spirit turned on them and spoke incredible reality and makes my point.  It said, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”  Then the evil spirit prompted the man in whom it inhabited to physically attack them and overpower all seven.  In fact, the Bible says they were left ‘naked and wounded’.  How’s that for faking it ‘til you make it in the spirit realm and in faith.  It didn’t turn out well then and won’t produce results now.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.  It is like having a title deed to a piece of property or a written guarantee.  It is not speculative but definitive.  It is a commodity of heaven.  It is the conviction or absolute confidence that those unseen or yet to be realized in the natural things or events are Assured!  That’s not faking it.  Had Peter and John been ‘faking it’ at the Gate Beautiful the lame man would not have walked.  They would not have had the opportunity to keep repeating a charade and attempting ‘til it happened they had one shot and that shot required Faith, not Fantasy or Imitation.

How do we develop faith? According to Romans 10:17 it comes by HEARING, and hearing comes by THE WORD OF GOD!  I argue that Faith is a commodity of heaven and originates with God and as He speaks, and man hears faith is received.  When man acts upon what He has heard with confidence that it is true faith is released back to God.  When man acts on the promises of God, God responds by confirming His word and fulfilling His promises.  Faith then goes full circle of beginning with God and ending with God and we are the flow through channels.

If you do not have Faith for a particular thing or need, call others to join you in prayer and come into agreement with them.  The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.  We are the Body of Christ and not isolated islands.  We need each other and as we pray one for another God responds.  Does it really matter if it was your faith or the faith of another that touched the throne of God and brought about the desired result?  Don’t pretend, but confess to God your doubt and fear and He will send the Holy Spirit to minister to you.  Hold up the hands of your brothers and sisters in Christ and together we will overcome.  Remember a three-fold cord is not easily broken.  Don’t let your pride keep you for asking for help.  Don’t try to fake it ‘til you make it but call on Him who can make it happen!

God bless you as you walk in His Light and Love!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

OUR WORTH TO GOD…


spiritual blog - loved

Luke 12:4-7 – “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 warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!  6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.  7 ” Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”  NASU

 

I have had times when I felt so valueless that I could not fathom God or anyone viewing me as worth anything.  I was about as low as any man could go and I shudder to think of where that might have lead were it not for divine encounters and wonderful friends who helped me change my outlook.  I have often used this passage to convey to others and encourage myself regarding God’s view of man and our worth to Him.  It is not the best necessarily but one that conveys a comparison to which we can relate.

Imagine keeping up with the number of hairs on our heads and the constant change in that number.  Consider the small birds and how insignificant they seem.  Consider the lilies of the field and all of God’s creation and then remember that it was not for them that Jesus came to die, but for us, mankind.  We are the creations of God that were made in His image and likeness.  We are the creations that God designed for fellowship with our Creator as is revealed in the Garden of Eden.  We are heirs of God and joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That is amazing!

I have, in times past, related some of my childhood experiences to illustrate this truth and it has been of great benefit and encouragement to me.  I was very sickly as a child and my parents were in the doctor’s office virtually every week trying to get me help.  The doctor could not determine exactly what the problem was but gave my parents little hope that I would ever reach my teens much less live into my twilight years.  My parents were troubled and heartbroken at the prospect of losing their middle child and second son.

Let me digress a bit and say, that I never remember hearing my earthly father tell me that he loved me until I was an adult and in the ministry.  That was not how he was raised.  Men did not express or display their emotions, except possible anger.  Yet, I never questioned that he loved me.  I longed to hear the words but knew from events in life that I was loved.

Back to my childhood illnesses.  One summer my mother took my siblings and me to East Texas to care for her parents and over that two-week period, I got better.  That caused my father to go to the doctor and ask, “If Roy was in East Texas not Pasadena, Texas would he get better?”  The doctor obviously could not answer that definitively but said, “He might.”  My father immediately had my mother take me and my sister and spend a month in East Texas and I got significantly better.  My father quit his job with the Good Year Rubber Plant in Pasadena, Texas, the best job he had or would ever have and moved the family to East Texas.  Within a few months, I got completely well. The atmosphere was killing me and the love of my father for his child saved my life.

Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 11:13 and Matthew 7:11 that if we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit and what is good to those that ask Him.  Consider the incredibleness of what God did as revealed in John 3:16. The incredible and boundless love of God and the placement of value on man revealed in His act of allowing His only begotten Son to die for man is nothing short of amazing.  The Love of Jesus demonstrated in His willingness to endure the Cross and purchase our salvation is nothing short of amazing.  No, I cannot question or doubt the love God has for me and in that love, I realize that He deemed me worth the Blood of Jesus.  I did not say worthy but worth!  That’s how much we mean to Him!

Never, and I mean never doubt God’s Love!  The next time the devil tries to beat you up or someone tries to tear you down and make you feel worthless remember what God has said and done and run to the Cross and receive His mercy and renewal.  Rise up and resist the devil and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and rejoice in His Love!

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

 

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

WHAT A QUESTION – Do You Wish To Get Well?


spiritual blog - question

John 5:2-9 – “Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [ waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?”  7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, ” Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.”  9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.”  NASU

 

From the first time I read this verse until now, this question has always amazed me.  Here is a man that had been lame for 38 years.  Think about that?  He had been brought to the Pool of Bethesda for a very long time.  The remarkable thing about his recurring trek to this pool was that on occasion an angel would stir the waters and the first one in the water was healed.  The fact that he was there indicated that he wanted to be healed.

Jesus asked, “Do you wish to get well?”  I would have expected him to shout at the top of his lungs, “Yes, Lord, Yes!”  But rather than respond with a simple yes, he began to offer excuses as justifications as to why he was not healed.  His answer reflects somewhat of a “woe is me” attitude.  It was a backdoor response saying, “Yes, but.”  I can almost hear, in his response an accusation toward the LORD by insinuating, “It’s not my fault.  I’m lame and nobody is here to help me get to the water.”  I would suggest that rather than expectation he was living in exasperation.  I would also suggest that he had become accustomed to disappointment that he feared to answer the question in the affirmative fearing another letdown.

I find it difficult to criticize him because after 38 years his hope most assuredly had waned.  He still had a flicker of hope or he would not have been at the pool, but that light was growing incredibly dim.  I would also suggest that he did not truly know who was asking him the question.  In that light, he may have been somewhat aggravated that anyone seeing his condition would even ask that question.

Sometimes the LORD seems to allow us to come to the end of our hope and rope so that He can demonstrate His incredible love, grace, mercy, and power.  I wonder how many times the Holy Spirit whispers to us, “Do you want?” and we, out of fear, disappointment, or self-defense give excuses rather than give a straightforward answer.  Too often we tend to justify our lack rather than face reality and openly admit that what we want seems impossible and out of our reach.

Jesus did not chide him for his failure to answer definitively and in the affirmative, but said, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.”  Jesus saw the desire in him and after asking a question that had to cause him to look deep inside himself offered him that which he had not been able to attain.  In the Bible, Jesus, from time to time, asked people, “What do you want?” or “What do you want Me to do for you?”  Most of the times they responded with definitive requests, but it appears, that this man needed something beyond physical healing.  He needed what everyone needs, a Savior and a refreshing of hope.  I suggest that based on Jesus words to him later.  In verse 14 Jesus found him in the temple and said, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.”  Jesus was addressing the man’s spiritual condition as well as his physical malady.

God’s greatest concern is not our physical well-being but our spiritual health.  He is concerned about us physically else the promises would not be in the Bible and He would not have endured the stripes for our healing as spoken of in Isaiah.  Jesus’ focus is the whole man, body, soul, and spirit.  So, today, “Do you wish to get well?”  It doesn’t matter if your issue is physical or spiritual the question remains the same.  The song, “Touching Jesus” comes to mind as I write, and it is my cry and prayer to “touch the hem of His garment” and not only touch Him but have Him touch me and touch you.

God bless you as you reach out to Jesus and find He is reaching out to you!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

EXACT TRUTH – A Prime Objective of the Church…


spiritual blog - truth

Luke 1:1-4 – “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”  NASU

 

The KJV phrases it “the certainty” and the NASU says, “exact truth.”  Both convey the idea of completeness and comprehensive veracity.  We could attempt to dissect this passage and easily become bogged down in the minute and miss the magnificent.  For example, we could struggle with who this Theophilus is and his role in the early church.  However, the word translated Theophilus means “a friend of God”.  It could be a literal man or Luke could have been addressing anyone anywhere who is a friend of God.  I am not suggesting this was not a person but offering that as a possibility.  The title “most excellent” suggests it is a literal person and that would probably relate to the character of this individual.  Whether it is to an individual of rank and distinction or to all people who are lovers of and friends of God matters little in delving into the truth Luke presents.

In today’s world as in Luke’s world, there are many voices claiming to have “the truth” and set themselves up as arbiters of God’s truth rejecting anyone who does not come into alignment with their philosophy or doctrine.  Luke’s stated objective is to compile a narrative of the things accomplished in the life of our Lord and the apostles.  He seeks to present it as a reporting of the words of those who were eyewitnesses and participants in the miracles and ministry of Jesus.  That is in contrast to the many voices giving hearsay and speculation.  His objective is Truth!

He writes as an investigative reporter and seeks to detail the events, miracles, doctrines, and ministry of our Lord in an orderly fashion so that the reader would know truth, and have a foundation.  He seeks to detail his findings in consecutive order so as to build a foundation for ‘exact truth’ or the ‘certainty’ of the Life and Ministry of Jesus.  That is important because, as Paul warned of the danger of being caught up in fads and being ‘blown about by every wind of doctrine’ that comes down the pike.

That is why we need the five-fold ministry gifts in the local church and the church universal.  Their purpose is to ‘equip the saints for the work of ministry’.  Their function and assignment are to build up the body of Christ enabling us to attain the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God.  Their purpose and function are to enable us to grow to spiritual maturity rather than, in childishness, blow around like a boat in a windstorm.  The purpose of Truth is to Liberate and then to Enrich so that we can mature and grow to maturity in all aspects of our lives.

Sound Doctrine tears down sectarian walls and barriers.  None of us have a corner on truth in our limited finite minds and understanding.  Truth is like a cut diamond and has many facets.  The only way to see ‘exact truth’ and have absolute certainty is to view it from above.  From heaven’s perspective, we can see the many facets of truth and in that truth find liberation.  In that truth, we are open to things that are new to us in our sectarian doctrinal positions.  No, I am not suggesting that you abandon the truths you have learned but always be open to expansion of your doctrinal position to embrace God’s Truth.

If the Bible declares something to a part of the New Covenant, why do we reject it?  I have people argue against various things such as the miraculous quoting I Corinthians 13:10-13, “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Let me ask a probing question and one that is a constant challenge for me personally.  Is that which is perfect the canonization of the Bible?  Has knowledge been done away with?  Is not knowledge expanding exponentially every year?  Has the Body of Christ reached maturity individually and collectively?  Do we see clearly and understand all things?  Are we unified?  If the answers are no, then I must conclude that ‘that which is perfect’ is something more than just having our King James Bibles.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  We also read in Hebrews 13:8 that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”  Therefore, we can take the Truth of God’s Word and appropriate or claim it for our lives in the present.  That is Good News!

God bless you as you enjoy His blessings and guidance on this day!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

PHYSICIANS TO THE WELL?


spiritual blog - physicians

Mark 2:15-17 – “And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. 16 When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, ” Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  NASU

 

My brother wrote a poem about “Fishing in the Live Well” regarding the ministry of the Church that fits this perfectly.  I don’t have the words of that poem, but the thought was that too often we are fishing in the live well of the boat rather than fishing in the vast ocean of humanity.  I preached a message years ago about being “keepers of the aquarium” to highlight what I believe our text addresses, being physicians to the well not to the sick and lost.

Many churches have altar calls for salvation at the end of their services but there are no lost there.  The fish are not in the boat they are in the sea of humanity.  Yes, there are lost that come to the church service and we must never forget to address them, but if we are truly Physicians of Value and Fishers of Men we must go where the fish are and for the most part, the lost are not in a Sunday Church Service.

Before, I anger anyone, and you feel I am attacking pastors, preachers, and churches, I am not, I am one.  I am simply calling attention to the words of Jesus regarding being around, talking to and even associating with those who are lost, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous but sinners, to repentance.”  I am not suggesting that you hang out with them in the bars or strip joints but that you go where they are in the highways, byways, and hedges.

I truly believe that if the Church, the Body of Christ, Believers were to leave the confines of the four walls of their local sheep shed (Church Building and Service) and talk to people one on one seeking to discover their needs we would have a far greater impact than simply having Sunday services.  We need the fulfillment of the prayer Jesus taught the disciples, “…thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”  No, I did not say, do away with the Sunday meeting, although sometimes it might be well to dismiss it and send everyone into the highways, byways, and hedges seeking the lost.  The Church should be a hospital, not a Country Club.  In hospitals, there are pain, suffering, and things that are not pleasant.

I had a cousin that lived in the Houston area who practiced just what I’m talking about.  His own brothers were unaware of the impact he had had on the lives of the downtrodden.  When he died, there were literally hundreds of people who had been beggars, alcoholics, drug addicts, thieves, and as one said, “I was a vagabond.”  They came to his memorial and one after the other told his family of the impact of my cousin on their lives and how his love and willingness to fish in the sea of humanity had brought them to salvation and saved their lives both naturally and spiritually.  That kind of life makes me rejoice and weep at the same time.  I rejoice because of the demonstration of God’s love and weep because too often I am not demonstrating that level of commitment and obedience to the heavenly call.

We have a choice, as in everything in life, to be those who actively seek to fulfill the Great Commission, or we can Fish in the Live Well of our boats and be Physicians to the Well.  There is a need for ministry to the healthy but there is also a need for the healthy to minister to the sick.  Please don’t think me talking down to you, because I am preaching to me as much or more than to anyone else.  I want More and More of God’s Love to be shed abroad in my heart and I want to be More and More like Jesus in all that I do.

My prayer today is, “Lord, help me to become a Physician of Value spiritually and go into the highways, byways, and hedges and find those hurting and dying and lead them to the Rock that brings life.  That is, You Lord!  Help me not only equip the saints for the work of ministry but throw out the lifeline to those struggling on the sea of life.” 

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

 

1 CommentLeave a comment

THE SUSTENANCE OF LIFE…


spiritual blog - bread alone

Matthew 4:1-4 – “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'”  NASU

Someone asked me, “Why was Jesus tempted by the devil?”  There are many ways to approach that issue but one, which has comforted and encouraged me is He is our Example and Pattern for life.  He was tempted for multiple reasons, not the least of which was to validate his tried holiness and purity before the Father.  That is the legal aspect of His life and ministry in which through His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension he stripped the devil of his legal hold on mankind and opened the door for salvation for ‘whosoever will’.

But, back to my first thought of Jesus living as our example and pattern.  In this passage, the devil, as do too many trying to make a religious point, misquoted Scripture or misapplied it.  He is the master twister and counterfeiter.  Jesus was naturally hungry after a 40 day fast.  Therefore, the devil took advantage of natural desire, need, and inclination to eat and satisfy that hunger.  He took a point that he knew Jesus had the power to do and suggested that he simply satisfy his natural and legitimate craving and need in a supernatural manner.  Jesus was not fooled.

The LORD said, “It is written…”  I like that because that gives us a clear pathway for finding a defense against the temptations of life and the devil.  The Word of God!  We can go to the logos and from the Bible find answers to life’s problems and how to handle life’s difficult situations.  What does God say?  That is one of the first things that comes to my mind when I encounter a time of difficulty, temptation or trial.  Not just what would Jesus do but what does the Word of God say on this matter?  What does the Bible say about yielding to temptation and what are the promises of God that can be applied to this situation?

Jesus said, speaking to the natural need, desire, craving, and want, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  It is not the natural, that sustains us but the supernatural.  It is not the natural that gives us strength but the divine.  It is not what man can produce in an attempt to satisfy his cravings, longings, needs, desires, or wants, it is God!  That may sound overly simplistic but if you remember Jesus said, in Matthew 6 regarding life and how to approach it, “Don’t worry about life!”  He anchors His words with this incredible truth and rock to which we can anchor our lives, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  That’s the key!  God is to be our focus, not our needs and if we pursue Him, He will sustain us.

I am not suggesting that the Bible, by name, deals with every situation you encounter, but that it speaks to Life and how to Live!  Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!”  In Matthew 6:7 there is a powerful reminder that God is never unaware of our needs.  That leads to the example or pattern for prayer that Jesus gave His disciples and to each of us who are modern-day disciples.  Our focus is first and foremost, God and His Name, Kingdom, and Purpose.  It is secondly, on our needs both in natural provisions and divine forgiveness and the need to be forgiving.  It identifies God’s power and ability to keep us and sustain us and keep us from temptation and evil and highlights the greatness of God’s Love and Power.  Hallelujah!

My hope and prayer for each of us are that we will develop a lifestyle in which God is first in everything.  He is our first thought.  He is our first source of help.  He is our Lord as well as our Savior.  If we put God first He will hear from heaven, heal our land and our lives, and provide that which we need to live, love, and labor in His kingdom.

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

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

A BEAUTIFUL GUIDE FOR LIFE – (Part 3)


spiritual blog - guidance

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.”  NASU

 

We have covered verses 6-16a and now it is my hope to open some beautiful truths and give some beneficial things we can incorporate into our daily lives.  I believe that in verses 6-12 we have a most powerful guide to daily living and when embraced will bring incredible personal victory of sin and discouragement.  It will lead us to triumph rather than depression.

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 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 admonition 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 the 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 and 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 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 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 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 give respect and honor to what is Right both 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 difficult part of this entire 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 one who has sought your harm physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially 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 coals 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 that many times it seems that we are 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!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

A BEAUTIFUL GUIDE FOR LIFE – (Part 2)


Spiritual Blog - Life.PNG

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.”  NASU

 

Back to our discussion of God’s Guide for Life as found in this passage.  Last time we highlighted some of the aspects of the Gifts and their Usage.  Today I’d like to delve into the next 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 interesting addendum or addition.  We are to love without hypocrisy.  Hypocritical Love?  What in the world is that?  He is contrasting hypocritical love to genuine love, not theoretical love or loves 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 the Greek is “apostugeo” and means to detest utterly.  I have contended for years that too frequently, we in the Church, and in 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.  We are, too frequently, not disturbed by nudity on the screen, simulated sex acts, profanity in the movies or in life, and the various lifestyles that 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 base.  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, 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 and 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 in 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 humble heart give thanks to the Father from whom comes all gifts for His blessings on that person.

I want to discuss this just a bit more and will pick up with verses 16b-21 in tomorrow’s devotional.   Until then, may the rich and bountiful blessings of our LORD be upon you and may your day be filled with gladness and no sadness.

0 CommentsLeave a comment