Author: rbeaird

GOD’S PLAN IS INTRICATE…


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Exodus 2:1-10 – “And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. 2 So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. 3 But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. 4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. 

5 Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. 6 And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 

7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” 

8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. 9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”  NKJV

 

The nation of Israel was in Egyptian bondage and the fear of the Pharaoh was that they would become so numerous and strong they would or could eventually overthrow his kingdom.  He decreed that all newborn males were to be killed.  God enabled the Hebrew woman to give birth before the government healthcare workers could arrive and Moses’ mother had him and hid him until it was impossible to continue without exposure.  So, the account in our text reveals the intricate detail with which God plans our lives and His purposes.  Moses, had he been found by any other, would have been slaughtered.  God knew the heart of the princess and knew the need to train Moses and give him prominence so he could become the deliverer of God’s people.  It was no accident that he was placed in the Nile when and where he was placed.  It was no accident that Pharaoh’s daughter would be there and her heart would be touched by this infant.  It was no an accident that he was raised as her son in the palace with the tutelage and opportunities afforded this child.  It was by design!  So when you think that things are just happening in your life, you might want to consider Moses and allow the Holy Spirit to take your circumstances, experiences, and situation to mold you into that which He has planned and purposed.  Remember the words of the apostle Paul, “All things WORK TOGETHER for the good…”  Not that every individual thing is good in itself but it is working to produce the finished product that is good.

Moses’ experience in the desert in the land of Midian was not by accident.  His connection to his father in law was not a happenstance occurrence.  It was part of God’s intricate plan to not only bring Moses to the place of trust but to teach him how to survive in a hostile natural environment as well as open the door for the future counsel Jethro would provide in establishing a chain of leadership and ministry.  God allowed Moses to spend 40 years learning what he learned in Egypt and 40 years eliminating the ways of Egypt from him in the desert so he could serve 40 years as the deliverer of Israel and lead them to the edge of the Place of Promise.  The plan of God is inspiring and the reality that Moses could have gotten off the track at any juncture and did, at times, should cause us to seek the face of God for guidance daily.  The further off track you get the harder it is to get back on track so if you only get off track one day it will not be as difficult to get back on track than if you are off track for years.

God has promised to never leave us and to guide us therefore, it is imperative that we believe His promise and receive His help in our daily walk.  May the Lord richly bless you as you embark on today’s portion of your journey.  Blessings!

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THE END IS DETERMINED BY THE BEGINNING…


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Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  NKJV

 

             Many people have questions and even doubts about how all that we see began and yet cling to a hope of an eternal heaven.  I find that a bit problematic on one hand and understandable on another.  I don’t know HOW God did what He did I simply believe and accept that HE DID.  I can understand the questions and debates as to the age of the earth based on interpretations of Genesis and scientific explanation and biblical possibilities.  I understand the concern and questions sometimes resulting from reading the ensuing verses in Genesis’ first few chapters but the bottom line, for me is I BELIEVE GOD DID IT.  He Created the heavens and the earth.  Without that, as my foundation, I have no basis for believing in an Eternal Heaven and Eternal Life.  That is my personal view, yours may differ.

I know in solving problems in life that beginning with a wrong or false premise will not produce a right result.  Oh, admittedly, we may change course in the middle of the stream and modify our initial presupposition and ultimate come to a right conclusion in many things.  However, in matters of God and the spiritual if we do not or cannot believe God’s first declaration as recorded in the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the Bible how can we trust Him elsewhere?  How can I have faith and confidence in a person or being that presents a flawed or false premise or foundational basis?  How can I have confidence that God’s Word is Infallible, Inspired, and One who does not Fail if I question the beginning?  How can I trust the many declarations of the LORD regarding our Hope and Future, if I cannot believe His first declaration about the origin of it all?

It is impossible for me not to believe that what we see in the universe was the result of CREATION.  The almost incalculable number of required happenings for it to have just happened or evolved from nothingness to what we see would require more faith than I can muster in resting my faith in CHANCE.  I could rather believe that the book “Pilgrims Progress” was the result of John Bunyan securing a railroad car full of printer’s type and taking a shovel tossing those tiles into the air and them falling perfectly into alignment and arrangement producing the novel.  That would be beyond ludicrous and, for me, so is believing the human body simply evolved or the universe that is held perfectly in place somehow just happened with not thought or design.  That may cause someone to view me as Karl Marx viewed Christians and believe that my faith is simply the result of my religious opiate.  I BELIEVE GOD!

There are many things about God, creation, and life that I find impossible to explain but when I view the universe and the intricate and detailed systematic arrangement and function I BELIEVE.  When I view and examine the scientific and medical detailing of the incredibleness of the human body, the operation of the organs, the flow of blood, and so much more I find it impossible to believe that we are the result of some single-celled organism that crawled out of the sea, grew legs, and became a humans  No, when I review what is known about the human body and its function I BELIEVE.  When I reflect back on my personal experience on that eventful night at my sister’s kitchen table in Palestine, Texas and how my life was totally transformed I BELIEVE.  I refuse to allow the questions I cannot answer shipwreck my faith for I have enough evidence in nature, the universe, the Bible, Science, and experience to solidify my faith that IN THE BEGINNING GOD.

I pray that the LORD will help you move beyond the often unanswerable questions and anchor your hope and confidence in the truth of Genesis 1:1 that “IN THE BEGINNING GOD…”  May you walk in His grace, enjoy His peace, experience His fullness and faithfulness and receive his forgiveness.   God bless you richly as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey!

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BUT I CAN’T SEE THAT, LORD It is in My Blind Spot… [Round Three]


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Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” NKJV

 

We have asked the questions, “Are you Consistent?” and “Are You Self-Controlled?”  Now let’s ask the third question and see where the Lord will take us in the examination of that issue regarding BLIND SPOTS in our lives.

  • DO YOU THINK INDEPENTLY?

Psalm 1:1 declares, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful…”  People who study such matters regarding thinking and independent thinking tell us that the real key as to whether a person ‘conforms’ to the pressures of the group or ‘resists’ such pressure is whether it comes from “inner personal convictions” or from “external mores of his/her peer group.”

Any individual who has a strong and healthy ‘self-image’ is capable of resisting incredible peer pressure when the group is engaging in behavior that is contrary to his/her personal convictions and desires.  That does not mean they become immediate outcasts from the group but have the ability to resist.  The person with the ‘inner strength’ to say NO when he/she senses the need is often the one seen by the group as a potential or actual leader.

There are basically two groups who do not think for themselves.  The Classic Conformist and the Classic Non-Conformist.  Some people live in what can only be called a “convoy mentality” where they go with the flow and follow the crowd. That can be and often is incredibly dangerous.  Psalm 1 gives a perfect portrayal of those who are externally controlled.  There are three words in the Psalm that we need to consider:  Walk, Stand, and Sit.  I believe they reveal the progression away from godly principles that we need to be aware of.

WALKING, as viewed by the Psalmist is a deliberate choice.  We choose to allow the ungodly to influence us or we reject that influence.  It is a choice!  We do not have to Walk in or be overly influenced by their counsel.  We do not have to stand or be identified with their ideology, actions, or purposes.  We do not have to sit or become one of them.  It is a choice and the Holy Spirit will enable us to resist if we ask Him.

Let me offer this and hope that it resonates with you.  Once we have broken the barrier of walking with them, it is easier to feel comfortable standing with them.  Standing denotes an attitude of accepting or at least condoning their values.  This standing is a deliberate choice of our will.  The behavior that finally results in worldly involvement surfaces when we sit down to relax and engage as full members of the group.  What God wants for His children is INDEPENDENCE from the influence of all that does not glorify Him.  He wants and demands an absolute dependence upon Himself and has promised to go with us and never leave us.  We will not be forsaken.

There are a number of other questions that might help identify ‘blind spots’ or potential ‘blind spots’ in our lives that I will offer but not go into detail.  Consider these:

Can you handle negative criticism?  Do you use disappointments creatively?  Can you discipline without overly demonstrating a show of authority?  Are you a peacemaker?  Can you handle difficult situations?  Are you a motivator?  Can you accept disagreement objectively?  Do you maintain long-term friendships?  Do you depend on approval from others?  Those are just a few and certainly not an exhaustive list of questions we might ask.

God wants us to be more than conquerors and overcomers through Him and desires to enable us to develop mentally, emotionally, and spiritually so that we become Mature Believers manifesting Him to the World powerfully.

God bless you as you go through this day in Him!

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BUT I CAN’T SEE THAT, LORD It is in My Blindspot… [Round Two]


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Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” NKJV

  

We asked the pointed question last time, “Are You Consistent?”  Now let’s move to another question that hopefully will help us to identify potential BLIND SPOTS and deal with them.

  • ARE YOU SELF-CONTROLLED?

The Phillips Translation of Romans 8:28 reads, “Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to His Plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.”  That passage, in no translation, says that ALL THINGS ARE GOOD in and of themselves but that the Ultimate End, the Finished Product, the Work of God in the process is GOOD!  A genuine evidence of our walk in the Spirit is the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes the quality of SELF-CONTROL or TEMPERANCE.  Have you ever asked yourself why it is a mark of distinction to manifest a controlled life?  What is meant by self-control?  When is or can self-control be taken to the extreme?

When we turn to God’s Word regarding this matter we find that the ‘self-control’ referred to in the Bible is the quality of abiding or resting in God.  When the world is being torn apart, when tensions and trials persist with a vengeance and men’s hearts are failing them, the Spirit of God enables the believer to demonstrate a peace and tranquility that is beyond the comprehension of the world.  The Child of God understands that what men might mean for evil, God will turn for good!  God can and will use every circumstance in our lives in order to perfect us and transform us into the image of His Dear Son. That is wonderful and glorious!

One of the chief reasons that any spiritual leader or anyone for that matter must exhibit the Fruit of Self-Control is to preserve stability.  People are looking for reality and they experience realities in everyday life:  The Reality of Job Insecurity, Family Issues, Financial Difficulty, Feelings of Inadequacy, the Uncertainty of the Future and the reality of the Past.  Those pressures and realities are common to every one of us.  But, if we are going to become overcomers and more than conquerors we must learn how to react in time of crisis.  The true measure of maturity is not what we do when all is going as planned and the seas are calm but what we do when the storm rolls in and the winds howl frightfully.

When you are faced with a sudden catastrophe such as; you didn’t get the anticipated job or promotion, your finances are totally depleted, a sudden health issue arises, your business collapses and your friends forsake you what do you do?  It is what you do and how you react in that time of crisis that reveals who and where you are spiritually  FAITH truly trusts at all times and in all things.  God does not change and if He does not change can we say as Job, “Though He slay me, I will trust Him.”

What are the biblical instructions for times of crisis?  1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your care on Me for I care for you.”  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest.”  In the turbulence, it is our responsibility to exhibit “self-control”, not only to help ourselves but to give stability to those around us.  As believers we are to OVERWHELM an unbelieving world with the calm, tranquil peace that only the Holy Spirit can give.  We need to live above our circumstances when things are going terribly wrong.  We need to be lights shining in darkness for those who are drifting on the raging seas of life.  They need to see God in us and through our actions and reactions.

Can you see any area(s) where you might not be exhibiting “self-control” and “temperance”?  If so, what do you think God would have you do about it?  I cannot stop there but must say a little more on this matter so we will pause here and pick up next time with another question in our quest to discover and deal with ‘blind spots’ in our lives.

God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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BUT I CAN’T SEE THAT, LORD It is in My Blindspot…


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Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” NKJV 

 

Have you ever taken a road trip with 5 or 6 people in a small car?  Even a short trip can seem like an endless journey.  I heard about a man that took a trip with his family (6 people) in an economy car.  They were packed in like sardines and he could not see out the back of the car through the rearview mirror and found getting the kids to move in unison was an impossibility.  He had to completely trust his oldest son to tell him when it was safe to move in and out of traffic or change lanes.  The son realized that it was incredibly difficult for his father to rely on the instructions of a teenager so he said, “Dad, you have to believe me!”  That was a real lesson in trust!  The boy was his father’s eyes.  He was able to see the blind spots because he could see things from a different perspective.  We all have BLIND SPOTS and need someone to help us identify them.  Our family and friends can often see things in our lives much clearer than we and we can see things in others they cannot see.  The motivation of identifying and ministering to ‘blind spots’ is a key factor but the fact they are there is inescapable.

An illustration Scripture that I have often used is that of Nathan the prophet and David the King.  It would seem absolutely unnecessary that David should need to hear the story of Nathan to recognize his own depravity and failure but he did.  How could anyone and especially someone who fears God deliberately send another man to his death?  But, that is precisely what David had done with Uriah, when he (David) had a sexual liaison with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife.  Nathan did not approach David in a direct frontal confrontation.  That might have been fatal considering what David had done.  He used a third party illustration to get David’s attention and also avoid the king’s emotional blind spot.  Nathan related a parable of a rich man with many sheep and a poor man with only one.  In Nathan’s story the rich man stole the poor man’s lone sheep and David became irate at the injustice.  David immediately declared that the man who had done such a thing should surely be put to death.  [2 Samuel 12].  His sense of justice overwhelmed him.  At that point, Nathan pointed his finger in the king’s face and said, “You are the man!”  As he chastened David, the king immediately recognized and repented of his sin.  It took courage for Nathan to approach David, but he knew that God could not and would not condone David’s sin, therefore in obedience to God, with a heart of love, and a desire to see restoration and reconciliation he risked his life to expose David’s ‘blind spot.’

I have multiple objectives in this devotional or series of devotionals that will arise out of this thought but the prime is enabling us to identify our BLIND SPOTS either through hearing the Holy Spirit directly or opening our hearts to hear the wounds of a friend.  Let me ask a question and give an illustration(s) and scripture references which, hopefully, will enable each of us to confront or develop those areas in our lives which the Holy Spirit opens to us.  My motive is not judgmental but for the purpose of helping each of us identify our BLIND SPOTS and fill those voids and cavities in our lives with truth and righteousness.  Are you game?  Let’s begin with the question(s):

  • ARE YOU CONSISTENT?

That is incredibly important in life especially spiritually.  James 1:8 declares that a ‘double-minded man’ is unstable in ALL not some of his ways!  Let me relate what I heard some years ago about a preacher regarding the bad habit of being inconsistent.  He said that he was rushing home one day, after having dropped off the older children at school and the pre-school child was riding in the backseat.  The child could see the dashboard of the car.  The preacher’s mind was somewhere else and he was speeding down the highway anxious to get home and move on to other things.  His little boy taught him a less he never forgot.  The little lad spoke up and said, “Dad, you are going 80 miles per hour!”  The preacher was shocked.  He didn’t realize that the child could understand a speedometer but tried to remain calm and casual said, “So?”  The lad said, “but the speed limit is 50.”  After getting over the shock that the child understood miles per hour and speed limits the Spirit of God gripped his heart.  The child had exposed a ‘blind spot’ in his nature about consistency or the lack thereof.  He realized that he apparently thought or believed that it was okay to do something wrong (speeding) so long as he did not get caught.  The truth that came to light was he was teaching his child a “double standard” by his actions.  It was not deliberate or premeditated but the message was being conveyed all the same.  He was, by his actions, teaching his child to say one thing and do another.  His actions were conveying the message that talk does not have to be congruent with actions.  Simply, he was teaching, “Do as I say, not as I do!” 

Can you see the problem?  Let me ask, can you see any areas where you are inconsistent in your life?  What do you think God would have you do about that?  We cannot stop here so we will pause and let each of us meditate on that thought and pick up where we left off next time.  

May the Lord richly bless you, guarding and guiding you as you embark on this day’s leg of your life journey!

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WHAT DO WE DO IN TIMES OF TROUBLE???


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Prescription – – The Book of Joel.

             Almost three decades ago in a time of prayer, the Holy Spirit gave me a directive as I was praying and inquiring of  the Lord as to what I needed to do regarding issues I was facing in my life and the church.  Let me share what I heard and the thoughts that came to my mind, which produced some victories.

  • TIMES OF DIFFICULTY

In Joel 1 I saw a description of conditions that warrant drastic action and create a desperate need to hear a word from God.  I was in a time of difficulty that desperately needed an answer from God.

Joel and the nation were in a very serious time of difficulty and in Joel 1:2 reveals that the plight was of such nature they had nothing to compare it to.  There was no precedent to refer to.  In (v.3) we discover that this situation would serve as a warning and a guide for successive generations.  Next, (v.4) reveals the siege of the enemy that left only life but little else.  It was a definitive and concerted attack of the enemy not simply a matter of coincidence.  It was a designed and well-orchestrated attack.  Then (v.10) the destruction of the fields, land, grain, new wine, and oil was being affected.  This could be equated to not only economics, but relationships, and ministry being devastated.  THAT IS A DIRE and DIFFICULT SITUATION.

  • THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN

In Joel 1:13 we hear the admonition for the specific action to be taken by those affected and afflicted.  Notice the progression:  Spend the night in sackcloth (fasting and prayer).  Then follow the admonition of the Scripture regarding other things and call for congregation or community to a time of fasting, weeping, and mourning.  REPENTANCE!  Then he expands and calls for an ALL NIGHT PRAYER MEETING or to do what we used to call “Pray Through”.

In Joel 2:12 the process is continued and results in total victory and full deliverance.  They were to ‘return to God’ with all their hearts and in their praying, fasting, and weeping acknowledge God’s sovereignty.  The call was for them to ‘rend their hearts’ not just their garments.  If Fasting and Prayer do not impact the heart it is an exercise that has limited benefit.

  • THE PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE

In Joel 2:18 we see the beginning of Promise of God in response to their action listed above.  In (v.18) we see God’s zeal being revealed to those so troubled.  In (v.19) God restores the grain, new wine, and oil.  That is both the economics as well as the anointing of God.  In (v.20) God intervened against the attacking enemy.  In (v.22) protection from the devouring beasts of the field.  In (v.23) the early and latter rains would come to provide that which is needed for harvest.  In (v.25) God’s promise was the restoration of that which had been stolen (eaten by the locust).  Then in Joel 2:28-3:2 their action and God’s response would result in a Worldwide Revival.    I sensed that God was not only seeking to address my situation but to address the need of the world and the Harvest of God in these last days.

  • PROCLAMATION TO BE PROCLAIMED DAILY

We see it in Joel 3:9 and it begins: “Prepare for war!  Wake up the mighty men!  Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up!  10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears; Let the weak say, [I AM A MIGHTY MAN.]  Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there.  Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD! 

” It shall come about in that day that the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah will flow with water.  And a spring will go out from the house of the LORD.”  [Joel 3:18]

This may or may not resonate with you but I ask you to consider what was happening in Joel and allow the Holy Spirit to use the directive to those people through Joel to lead you forth to a renewed victory!

May the Lord be with you on this great day in Christ!

 

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TEMPTATION – – Does It Have a Purpose? [Part Two]


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James 1:2-8 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  NKJV

 

Let me begin by asking, “How many of you have been tempted?”  Now, “How many have been tempted in any area and failed or succumbed to the temptation?”  I’m sure everyone has and when that resulted you were probably flooded with guilt or you shrugged it off saying, ‘Well, I’m only human.’

TEMPTATION is something that every human being encounters.  It does not respect age, gender, position, or ethnicity.  There is nothing we can do to prevent temptation from attempting to rear its head and that head is sometimes quite ugly.  IT COMES!  Let me offer an illustration that I have used for years about the teenager being left at home alone.  The car was in the driveway and the keys laying in a bowl on the kitchen counter.  Temptation!  The young man said, “Dad, while you were away I came very close to breaking my promise to you that I would not drive the car.  You left the keys on the kitchen counter and I even carried them in my pocket for 3 days fighting temptation.”  The father responded, “Son, there is nothing like temptation to show you what you will do if given the opportunity.”  TEMPTATION can be viewed from several perspectives and we usually view it from only one, the negative.

TEMPTATION from the devil’s perspective is an opportunity to defeat the purpose of God.  Truthfully, he can only succeed in tempting us in those areas we have something in common with him.  In John 14:30, Jesus told the disciples that the devil was coming but he had no claim on Jesus.  Jesus told them that there was nothing in Him that belongs to the devil and therefore the devil had no power over Jesus.

TEMPTATION from man’s perspective is a severe test and an attempt to destroy faith and commitment.  Man views it as a BAD THING!  Man sees temptation only in the light of it pulling and tugging at his own evil thoughts and wishes.  James 1:13-15 declares, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” 

TEMPTATION from God’s perspective is that it can be and often is a valuable and vital service in the lives of men.  It shows three things about us:  what we are, where we stand, and what we will be in the future.  TEMPTATION is a factor in both the psychological and spiritual growth process that every human being must go through ‘IF’ they are to become mature individuals capable of living a full, meaningful and victorious life.  In that light, TEMPTATION’s real purpose is ALWAYS to trigger a choice and provoke a definitive stand or action!  Consider the illustration of the teenager and the car keys again if you will.

The keys presented a temptation that forced him to make a very difficult but vital decision.  He had to obey or disobey.  To disobey would be to commit an act of irresponsibility that would make it easier to do similar things in the future.  To obey would help create a pattern for mature and wise decisions in the future and make it easier to resist temptation and produce victory and liberty.  TEMPTATION could be called a dividing line between innocence and awareness.  Temptations come and ALWAYS present a lesson to be learned.  Our choices in temptation clearly demonstrate whether the lesson has been learned or must be repeated, “The Wilderness Principle.”  How many times did Israel take another lap around the mountain?

For example, we teach children not to cross the street alone but temptation comes into play the moment the child has the opportunity to disobey.  There is no one around to see, the street beckons and promises intriguing adventure.  The response to temptation will determine if the child can be trusted to play near the street or if more supervision and training are required.  Thus, how we face temptation affects every area of our personal life.

May the Lord help us to realize and learn the lessons rather than becoming stuck in an almost perpetual process of repeating or “making laps around the mountain.”  God bless you richly as you face today with confidence and boldness in Jesus!

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TEMPTATION – – Does It Have a Purpose?


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James 1:2-8 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  NKJV

 

Another passage I suggest is 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  I have learned and believe there are some clear promises in God’s word that we can expect as a part of our Spiritual Inheritance in Jesus.

GUIDANCE – – The Holy Spirit will guide us into all Truth. (John 16:13)

            INSTRUCTION – – The Holy Spirit will teach us God’s Truth.  (John 16:13)

            PROVISION – – God will supply all our needs. (Philippians 4:19)

            COMFORT – –  We will never be left comfortless. (John 14:18)

            DEFENSE – – The Battle is not ours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

The Bible also informs that when we do not know how to pray as we should, the Holy Spirit will make intercession for and through us.  God’s word warns that it is because of a ‘lack of knowledge’ and/or ‘understanding’ that people are defeated and destroyed.  We have the incredible promise that ‘IF’ we walk in the Light as He is the Light we can ask what we will and expect an answer.  Please understand, I believe the Bible teaches that it is imperative that both the motive and request are wholesome and pure.  If we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, the Bible informs us IT IS DONE!  Therefore, it is incredibly important for us to know:

THE WILL OF GOD.

            THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH HE WORKS.

            WHAT GOD IS DESIRING TO DO IN US.

             That is no small undertaking and without His help impossible!  One principle which affects us greatly in our walk and warfare and one that is often overlooked or completely misunderstood is TEMPTATION.  I refer to it as the “Wilderness Principle” and in that, it is important that we become aware of:

 

            THE PURPOSE OR WORK OF TEMPTATION.

            HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S PROMISES.

            HOW TO STAND STEADFAST IN THE MIDST OF A PROBLEM.

            HOW TO ENTER INTO GOD’S PROVISIONS.

Again, no small undertaking and without God’s help impossible!  I believe the Bible clearly teaches that God’s desire for us is CONFORMITY with the Person and Image of Christ Jesus our Lord.  He wants us to know, enjoy, and live what I would call FULL SALVATION and COMPLETE DELIVERANCE.  He wants us to enjoy, on a daily basis, His ABUNDANT PROVISIONS and to continually walk in Victory pulling down strongholds.

Life is a process that begins in infancy, progresses through adolescence, and to fullness in adulthood.  Our Spiritual Life and Walk involves numerous tests and various encounters which help to develop our character and give us a mark, a barometer, and/or an identity point which enables us to recognize where we stand spiritually.

Hebrews 4:6 informs us “My people perish for a lack of knowledge…”  That is a powerful truth for if we do not KNOW God’s Will, we cannot DO God’s Will.  If we do not UNDERSTAND what He is doing, we may resist and rebel when we should be resting and learning.  BUT, if we understand the Principles of God we know not only what to look for but what to do.  Victory comes in understanding and obedience.  Thus James’ exhortation to “…count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations…”  Honestly, that is not difficult it is impossible WITHOUT some understanding of the Purpose of Temptation in our lives and without the careful guidance and assistance of the Holy Spirit.

I dare not stop there but will pause in this devotional and pick up in the next more on Temptation’s Purpose and Function in the life of the believer.   God bless you richly as you embark on this leg of Life’s Journey. 

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THE REAL THING…


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Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”  NKJV

This world is full of fads, gimmicks, and imitation and we are constantly bombarded with marketing ploys to get us to buy, use, or try various products.  Everywhere you turn you discover someone is claiming to have invented, discovered or developed a sure-fire, quick, easy, simple remedy or answer for whatever you face or need.  It is nothing short of miraculous!  I don’t think I have turned on the T.V. in the past 6 months without seeing some recommended method of weight loss.  There are probably as many diets out there as there are people and each one ‘guaranteed’ to work and many of them suggest you can eat whatever and as much as you want with no increase in physical activity and you will have the abdomen of a 20 something exercise freak.  Yeah, I have some prime Pacific Oceanfront property here in North Texas I’d like to sell you at a very reasonable price too.  We live in a microwave world where everything is INSTANT or desired to be so.  There is the continual push to invest no time, money, effort, energy and often no thought and still achieve success.  If you want to know the secret of their success just send $25.00 and you will find out.  Yep, they get enough people to send money they succeed.

Coke has long promoted the idea that it is “The Real Thing”, but Dr. Pepper implies that by drinking their product your life will be fuller and more exciting and Pepsi lays claim to an entire generation.  Imagine that, soft drinks with the power to so totally transform your life that you instantly become the most popular and successful person around with just one sip.  Of course, I am speaking with tongue in cheek but I would like to introduce you to a fact, truth, and source that WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!  No, I am not selling something it is free but not cheap! 

What I am talking about has the potential to:

 

Transform you from rags to riches.  (If not literally, definitely spiritually.)  Transform you from bondage to ultimate freedom. Transform you from a state of gloom to Joy Unspeakable.  Transform your mind so that you function better.  Transform your thoughts so that you think cleaner.  Transform your outlook so that Live is sweeter and more positive, filled with hope.  Transform you so completely that your Peace is complete and your Joy is full.

This truth, when applied will usher you into a realm where you have realized victory over the devil and you can even look forward to spiritual encounters because of the freedom, hope, and power this source provides.  Let me introduce you to the real – “REAL THING.”  It is found in the verse above and it is eternal.  Once God declares His Will and Word, that revelation becomes established forever!  Matthew 24:35 declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away but My words shall not pass away.”  Isaiah 40:8 informs us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

  • GOD’S WORD IS AN ETERNALLY SETTLE FACT.

It is unchanging from generation to generation.  People change, ideologies change, traditions change but GOD does not change.  James 1:17 emphasizes that truth and tells us that in Him there is “…no variation or shadow of turning.”  God’s Word does not change but is a true constant in our world and lives.

  • THE BASIS AND RELIABILITY OF GODS’S WORD IS GOD’S INTEGRITY.

In verse 90 of Psalm 119, we find that God’s faithfulness continues from generation to generation and never ceases.  The Psalmist tells us that God established the earth, and it abides and abides for God’s pleasure and according to His desire.  It is not subject to man it is subject to God and when God makes a promise that promise is as good as God Himself and He does not lie.

  • GOD’S WORD IS UNFALTERING AND UNFAILING.

Satan has tried to destroy it time and again but failed and fails miserably every time.  The Word is infallible, indispensable and indestructible.  It is the INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.  The Word can no more fail than God can cease to exist.

  • GOD’S WORD IS LIBERATING.

When we allow it to truly become “a lamp” as verse 105 describes it lights our pathway and when we hide or inscribe it on our hearts it becomes a treasure and guides us in our walk, work, and warfare.  It liberates!   Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” 

Thus we realize the need to study and the value of the inspired word of God for in God’s Word we have:

Redemption from destruction. (v.92)  Revival, Refreshing, and Renewal. (v.93)             Wisdom. (v.98)  Insight. (v.99)  Understanding. (v.100)  Spiritual backbone and resistance. (vv.101-104)  Steadfastness. (v.102)  Guidance and a clear path to travel. (v.105)  Faith and Complete Trust and Peace. (v.109)

             The Real Thing is God and His Word or Truth!  Make it your own and you will walk in its provision, power, and peace.   May the Lord be with you as you embark on today’s leg of your spiritual journey.

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MANIFESTATION OF ABUNDANT JOY – [Part III]…


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Philippians 2:1-11 – “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  NKJV

 

We talked about Humility and the Submissive Mind but another characteristic of the Person of Joy is…

  • He Serves Others – – [Philippians 2:7].

If we think of others only in an abstract sense that is totally inadequate and will not produce Joy or Victory.  We have to get down to the nitty-gritty of SERVICE.  I heard about a famous philosopher who wrote volumes about educating and training children but neglected his own.  It was easy for him to love children abstractly but when it came to the practical he failed.  Jesus not only thought of others HE SERVED.

It is reported that during the Civil War, General George B. McClellan was put in charge of the Army of the Potomac, mainly because public opinion was on his side.  He fancied himself as a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the platitudes and accolades when people called him a “Young Napoleon.”  Yet, history reveals that his performance was far less than spectacular and President Lincoln commissioned him General-In-Chief hoping for some positive action, but McClellan still procrastinated.  On one occasion President Lincoln and two of his aides went to visit McClellan only to find that he was absent from his post to attend a wedding.  They waited for over an hour for the General to return and when he did, he failed to acknowledge the presence of the President and went upstairs and did not return to see the President.  Half an hour later President Lincoln sent the servant up to advise the General that he and the others were waiting only to be informed that the General had gone to bed and could not be disturbed.  The men with President Lincoln were irate but Mr. Lincoln simply got up and went home saying, “This is not the time of making points of etiquette and personal dignity.  I would hold McClellan’s horse if only he will bring us success.”  That is a demonstration of an attitude of humility that is worthy of note.

  • He Sacrifices – – [Philippians 2:8].

Many people are willing to serve so long as it does not cost them anything.  However, when the price becomes large, they quickly lose interest.  Jesus, we are told in verse 8, “became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.”  Jesus did not die as a martyr but as savior.  Dr. J.H. Jowett said, “Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.”  Someone said, “If there is to be blessing there must be bleeding.”  I heard of a missionary to Brazil that as he made through the markets during a religious festival notices a booth with a large sign above it – “CHEAP CROSSES” and he thought to himself, “That is what many Christians are looking for.  Our Lord’s Cross was not cheap so why should mine be so.”

  • He Glorifies God in All Things and at All Times – – [Philippians 2:9-11].

Our ministry and labor are not competition with each other but for the glory of God and if we are truly doing what we do for His glory we care not who gets the credit or recognition.

1 Peter 5:6 declares, “Humbles yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”  Remember Joseph served for 13 years before God promoted him to 2nd in command in Egypt and David was anointed King as a child but endured years of hardship before he occupied the throne.  There is incredibly Joy in the person of a Submissive Mind because his Joy comes out of service to God and others.  Real Joy comes from Glorying God in Who We Are and What We Do!

God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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