Author: rbeaird

GENUINE IMITATION FAITH…


Spiritual Blog - Faith

1 Timothy 1:3-7 – “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”  NKJV

 

Have you ever struggled with the matter or exercise of FAITH?  Of course, you have!  We know, without question, that God wants us to have and exercise FAITH.  He wants our exercise of faith to be simple and uncomplicated.  I contend that it is NEVER God who complicates the matter of FAITH.  “It’s Complicated” will not be an acceptable justification to Him.

FAITH is a commodity or subject more talked about in many Christian circles than virtually anything else.  There are probably as many theories about faith, it operation, and exercise as there are people.  Sadly, too often, what we hear and see is confusion and what I would call “Genuine Imitation Faith.”  The world, as we know it, is full of imitation and the best way to identify an imitation or counterfeit is to know the genuine.

My disclaimer – – I do not have all the answers and sometimes wonder if I have any, but a number of years ago the LORD began to deal with me regarding faith.  I was arrested in prayer and reading and heard in my inner being the Holy Spirit say, “Seek Genuine Unfeigned Faith.”  That led me to many hours of prayer, study, meditation and consideration of FAITH and my source and resource have been God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, my teacher, and guide.  Have I uncovered all the answers?  No, I continue to ‘see in part’ and ‘know in part’ but I am seeking and finding answers more and more all the time.  As I considered the matter of FAITH a number of questions were written down for study, examination and the hope of finding answers.

  • What is faith?
  • How does faith operate?
  • Who has or can have faith?
  • Can faith be produced by man?
  • Can faith be developed and grow?
  • Does faith ALWAYS get the desired results?
  • Why do some seem to move more freely and easily in the realm of faith than others?

           That is not an exhaustive list but provided a basis for years of study and opened doors I had never seen before.  I found some of the answers wonderfully rewarding and some incredibly disturbing as they challenged my previous theological and doctrinal beliefs.  So, these questions and more have weighed heavily on my heart for years and one of the discoveries was:  “Truth must get into your spirit, not just your intellect.”  God is a Spirit and operates in the Spirit realm, speaking to our spirits, TRUTH!  Be assured that the devil will stop at nothing to hinder, destroy or delude our faith.  God, on the other hand, has made provision for our understanding, embracing, and exercising faith!

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The devil wants to counterfeit and God desires the genuine!  I found an immediate conclusion concerning faith in Scripture.  Hebrews 11:6, “Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.”  Therefore, it becomes obvious that the devil would do all he could to prevent us from receiving and walking FAITH.  He is a master deceiver and would like nothing more than to deceive us into accepting the IMITATION rather than pressing into the GENUINE.  That, in a nutshell, identifies the importance of faith in our lives.

Time will not permit me to fully elaborate on my discoveries so I will pause here and pick this up in the next devotional.  Until then, may God open new doors of understanding for you so that His Faith is shed abroad in your hearts and minds in a powerful way!  God bless you richly as you go through this day!

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DO YOU FIND IT HARD TO WAIT???


Spiritual Blog - Waiting

Psalm 62:1-8 – “Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. 

3 How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah 

5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  7 In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 

8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”  NKJV

 

One of the most quoted passages among the Christians I know is Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  NKJV.  Quoting it is one thing, practicing it quite another.  I have become convinced by study, observation and personal experience that most of us are very bad at WAITING.  I am reminded of a sign I saw once, “Lord, give me patience… And I want it right now!!!”  It is very difficult to wait in a microwave word with lightning fast computers, smartphones, fast food, etc.  We live in a society where photographs are now largely digital providing instant feedback, freeways have express lanes, and virtually everywhere you go there is a drive-through for quick service.  We want what we want yesterday if not sooner!  I heard the story of a man who would demand his wife buy seedless grapes. She argued that the grapes with seeds had more flavor but he was too impatient to remove the seeds.  We want things easy, quick and convenient.   I had a person tell me once, “I have patience, it’s the waiting that I have a problem with.”

That hurts!  I confess I would rather do almost anything than wait.  I do not wait well and standing in line is one of my major torments.  In fact, many would rather do it wrong than wait. We hate waiting and that is problematic in developing a relationship with God that produces faith and spiritual victory.  That being said, I have found that WAITING is the rule rather than the exception in life.  The exception is the OPEN DOOR.  Just because a door is closed does not mean that we are out of the will of God or that door is not God’s will, it sometimes means it is not God’s time.  Waiting may be exactly what God wants you to do at that moment.

I know people who are so impatient and driven to be in control they cannot remain in one lane while driving and will change lanes twenty times in the span of a few miles simply trying to get ahead of one car.  They make no real progress but impatience grips them.  In life, we probably face more red (stop lights) and yellow (caution lights) than we do green (go lights).  If you have been in the military you are familiar with the saying, “hurry up and wait.”  In life, we wait, wait, and wait.  What we need to learn is that WAITING ON GOD is supposed to be resting rather than worrying or fretting.  Some people have gotten good at faking waiting!  They are torn up inside but put on that plastic front that says they are at peace when anything but peace is in their heart or mind.

Genuine patience is something that is acquired through learning to fully and completely trust God.  Genuine patience enables us to enjoy TRUE PEACE at all times and in all things. That makes the Psalm of our text so powerful.  It offers us helpful guidance for VICTORIOUS WAITING in and on the Lord!  The truth is, we do not need lengthy teaching on the Art of Waiting, we need long practice times!  Most of us know about waiting, what we need to do is WAIT!

I will tap the brakes here and pause until the next devotional and hopefully offer some helpful insight into both the benefit and practice of waiting.  God bless you and keep you as you embark on today’s journey!

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MY FAITH, THE BIBLE, and ABORTION…


Spiritual Blog - Bible

Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.”  NKJV

 

Now that I have possibly offended some who will challenge my statement and find any connection of abortion to murder unacceptable, I ask that you give me the opportunity to explain my conviction in this area.  I readily acknowledge that the Bible does not specifically discuss abortion.  I recognize that some argue that since it is not specifically mentioned there is no prohibition scripturally but I would suggest that we must also consider the Bible specific and explicit commandments regarding the “killing of innocent people.”  Of course, the argument would immediately come back that the “baby in the womb” or “fetus” as they would prefer, is not a “human being” but simply a blob of tissue like a tumor and has no standing in the human family UNTIL it is fully birthed.  Tragically, we are aware that even then, some find it acceptable to snuff out the life of that baby born through a botched abortion.

I have sought to examine the Bible’s definition of a “person” and “life”.  In the historic research, I have found that a number of ancient societies opposed abortion and when I consider the Hebrews as a people they had a very powerful biblical foundation for opposition.  We know, from Genesis 1:27 that we (human beings) are created in the image and likeness of God.  I find no place in scripture where the determination of a “person” is dependent upon age, stage of development, mental, physical or even social skills.  It is, as I understand the Bible, conferred or endowed by God at the moment of creation.  It is my conviction that that moment of creation can be nothing other than conception for that is when that life begins which becomes that baby born into society.

We find a Hebrew word in Exodus 21,‘yeled’ which refers to the unborn but includes young children and even refers to teens and young adults, at times.  The Hebrews did not have a separate word for unborn children. We do, and largely the word fetus was and is used to justify our consideration of an unborn child as something other than a ‘human being’.   I cannot do that!  I view the unborn child like I do pregnancy, you cannot be almost pregnant or a little pregnant you either are or you are not and that unborn creation in the womb is either a child, a human being or it is not.  Thus, we see the divide in the interpretation of life, but what is God’s definition of life?  That is or should be the determining factor in determining our attitude toward abortion.

Job, in Job 10, described the way God created him BEFORE he was born.  That something in my mother’s womb was not a blob of tissue that might one day become Roy Beaird, it was the child that would be named Roy Beaird.  God spoke to Isaiah in Isaiah 44:2 saying, “This is what the Lord says – He who made you, who formed you in the womb.”  That cannot be construed to mean that Isaiah was not a human being created by God until he was fully birthed.  He was a human being, a created being in the womb.  David declared in his prayer and praise before God in Psalm 139:13-15 that God formed his inward parts while in his mother’s womb and proclaimed that he, David, was fearfully and wonderfully made.  In verse 16, David proclaims, “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”  How can I not believe that that life in the womb is a created being, a human being, and a living creature?  I believe!

When we consider the twins in Rebekah’s womb the Bible refers to them saying, “The babies struggled (jostled) each other within her.”  (Genesis 25:22).  God even said in verse 23, “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.”  How can I not conclude that that being in the womb is a Living Human Being?  Also, we dare not forget the words of Gabriel to Mary concerning Jesus, telling her she would be “with child”, not with something that might someday be a child but she was WITH CHILD!

The command, “You shall not murder” was sufficient for every Hebrew understood that the life in the womb was a person, an innocent person and to abort that baby could be murder in God’s eyes.  Psalm 127:3-5 informs us that, “…Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward…”  Therefore, as I would oppose the murder of any innocent human being I oppose abortion for that defenseless life in the mother’s womb is God’s creation the same as you and I and that life is precious in the sight of God and must be protected.

You may disagree but I urge you to prayerfully consider God’s attitude toward life before you toss aside my plea to protect the babies, born or unborn.  God bless you is my desire and prayer!

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POLITICS AND RELIGION…


Spiritual Blog - Faith and Politics

1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Avoid every kind of evil.”   NIV

 

Through the years, I have had well-meaning and genuinely concerned believers including preachers tell me, “Roy, you need to stay out of politics after all ‘Separation of Church and State.’   Remember politics is a dirty business and we are to avoid evil.”  I found some misunderstandings as well as truth in what they stated.  Let me explain from my understanding of the Bible and Life.

Jesus was criticized for associating with politicians and non-believers, even to the point they questioned his morals and called him a drunk and glutton.  I am convinced that He was never drunk and physically fit so neither charge could be appropriately made to stick.  Jesus, in many ways, was political.  Before you turn me off let me explain.

  • He was involved in the Real World.

He came to earth to be involved in the oppressed and politically corrupt world and was fiercely brave in His willingness to address the corruption, challenge the political correctness, and identify the sin of the world He had entered.  He did not hide behind the four walls of a church building, nor restrict His associations to those who believed and desired righteousness.  He was out and about in the real world dealing with real people with real problems.  He was truly one who KEPT IT REAL.

  • He did not hold his tongue regarding the cultural issues of His day.

He never held a political office but spoke with prophetic authority to the social and political issues of His day.  He was so bold and exposed corruption to the degree He was considered a major threat to the “status quo” and they sought to eliminate Him.  He addressed fair wages, unjust trade, oppression of the widows and even economic injustices.   Remember His actions in the temple with the “moneylenders?”

  • He had a political agenda.

Before you cry foul, let me explain that His political agenda was not of this world but He addressed real needs of real people and that included exposing the corruption of those in power.

We have been called to be “lights shining in the darkness” and we cannot do that hiding behind the confines of the church walls or limiting ourselves to associations with fellow believers where there are no threats.  If we are going to be “watchmen on the walls” and sound the alarm we have to be out where the danger is.  Yes, our objective is to “win souls to Christ” but once won still have to exist or live in this present world.

If the government of man “seeks righteousness” we can bless it.  If the government commits a wrong act we must “rebuke” it like Nathan the prophet did with David (2 Samuel 12:1-4).  If the government is “idolatrous and wicked” like that of Ahab and Jezebel we are obliged to respond like Elisha (2 Kings 9:1-37).  If the government is “stubborn and cruel” we are charged to not only sound the alarm but seek to liberate the captives as did Moses.  (Exodus 1-5).  If the government could be identified as a “good pagan government” like Nebuchadnezzar then like Daniel we can participate and through our faithfulness and righteousness along with sound counsel win the King to God.  If the government is “efficient but unrighteous” like the Roman Empire we respect it but separate ourselves from its wicked ways.  If the government is “corrupt” we are obliged to expose it even when that places our own safety in peril.

The idea of “Separation of Church and State” has come to mean that the church cannot be involved in government more than it means the government cannot mandate its edicts to the church.  Both are wrong!  The Church is separate from the State but that does not mean God is separate from either.  The founding fathers sought the influence of the Bible and the guidance of religious leaders in their deliberations as they sought to form the Republic.  As believers, we should be bold enough to speak truth, explain how programs are beneficial or detrimental both biblically, morally, factually, socially, and economically.  If we are silent, they deem that as consent or weakness and seek further erosions in our rights and liberties.  If we are to “warn the wicked” we must sometimes stand on the rooftop and shout the message.  In so doing we may save some from the sure destruction and win them to Christ.

            God bless you as you go through this day!

 

 

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GOD’S VIEW OF APATHY…


Spiritual Blog - Apathy

Revelation 3:14-17 – ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”  NKJV

 

Apathy is defined as, absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.  It is a lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving and exciting and is easily identified as indifference.  The attitude that is pervasive in the apathetic is, “I don’t care.”  However, in today’s society is has morphed into “It doesn’t matter.”  I have dealt with people that justified their failure to be involved or engaged in various aspects of life, ministry, labor, or service by saying, “I’m just not motivated.”  I sometimes wonder if they are saying, “I’m not persuaded that this is important or should concern me.”  But, beyond that and even more reflective is that it screams, “I don’t care.”

The apostle John heard the message to the Church at Laodicea where Jesus clearly addressed His view on “apathy.”  It was described as being disgusting and distasteful as a lukewarm drink of water on a hot day.  I like tea and want it to either be hot or iced but never lukewarm.  Apathy is one of the most destructive forces in the Church today.  No, it is one of the most destructive forces in the world today.

When “apathy” is present in the heart and mind it conveys the message that the one who is apathetic is saying to the world, “Thanks, but no thanks.”  It is empty, void of substance and emotion and is life in a motionless state just drifting along with no real purpose.  There is no vision, drive, or dream it is just drifting with the current whatever that current might be or wherever it might lead.  Apathy seeks the easy way out and desires a life of ease without responsibility or accountability.  It is living life with a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the doorway to the heart.  When “apathy” exists a sense of “entitlement” and the expectation is a “free ride” and suggests that it is our responsibility to convince or persuade them to become involved.  The goal is not rewarding or motivating enough because the apathetic have long drifted along reaping the benefits of the labors of others so why be involved?  The “apathetic” are stuck in their disinterest and thus, the common cry of today WHATEVER surfaces time and again.

Those entrapped with apathy will often fight you as hard to remain apathetic as you fight to motivate them.  They have their myriad of justifications that are really excuses as to why they sit back and watch the world go by showing little or no interest in the outcome or actions.  If a person is apathetic long enough they find breaking free from that prison almost impossible and fear of trying grips their hearts. They justify their condition and whenever we can justify the place or state we are in we feel comfortable remaining there, it is safe.  I had a person who had spent years in “apathy” ask, “How do I care again?”

My suggestion is, consider what God says about things that matter.  Once we begin to understand that the things God cares about are important and worth the effort then we must learn to enter “the rest wherein the weary are made to rest.”  We must learn to “take His yoke upon us” and realize that we are laborers together with Him.  So we can “care again” and we can enter the pursuit of life knowing we are not alone.  It is important that we understand His protection, provision, power, and person and then turn our focus outward to “community.”  As our focus changes so will our hearts.

You cannot be apathetic in life and walk in the fullness of faith.  If we believe the Bible, truly believe the Bible we realize that we have a mission and a commission that touches more than simply preaching the Gospel.  We must invest ourselves in life!

            God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Him.

Spiritual Blog - Apathy 1

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PERMANENT RESIDENCE – In His Presence…


Spiritual Blog - Presence

Psalm 139:7-12 – “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.”  NKJV

  

Many have known the exuberance, peace, and refreshing of the presence of God so real and powerful it was beyond description.  Unfortunately, we often equate that kind of experience with what being “In His Presence” really is and seek the feeling rather than the peace of knowing.  I like feeling good but I want to have more than my feelings or emotions as my guide or the determination of my condition spiritually.  Isaiah made an incredibly powerful statement in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  From the first time I read that to this day, it still resonates and grips my heart in a most powerful way.  PERFECT PEACE that is what the promise is for keeping our “minds fixed on God” and “trusting Him.”  PERFECT PEACE!  Remember what our LORD in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…”  The apostle Paul echoed and expanded that truth in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  PERFECT PEACE is a peace that is beyond human comprehension or ability to produce.  IT IS A DIVINE IMPARTATION that can only be experienced IN CHRIST and is not dependent on the emotions.

We know from numerous passages as well as Acts 7:48, that God does not dwell in houses made with hands but in human hearts!  We are encouraged in Psalm 100:2, “Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into His presence with singing!”  Then James tells us in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  The Psalmist declared in Psalm 145:18, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”  I contend that God has made provision for us to have PERMANENT RESIDENCE in His Presence.  We may not be emotionally overflowing at all times but we are at all times IN HIS PRESENCE and that knowledge should afford us INCREDIBLE PEACE.  No, it gives us PERFECT PEACE, a peace that is beyond human understanding and a peace the world neither understands nor can duplicate.

I encourage you rather than seeking an emotional experience that brings an outward demonstration seek HIM and in Him know PERFECT PEACE and walk daily in that confidence that HE IS THERE and will never leave nor forsake us.  Take the words of Isaiah to heart and allow the Holy Spirit to move you into the pursuit and reality of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 where we SEEK FIRST God and His Kingdom and in so doing walk in PERFECT PEACE and enjoy His BOUNTIFUL PROVISIONS.

            God bless you as you make Jesus’ Presence your Permanent Residence!

 

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KEEPING IT REAL…


Spiritual Blog - Keep It Real

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”  NKJV

 

I never cease to be amazed at people being driven to “toot their own horn” and proclaim their superiority or success.  Every time I hear someone proclaim their own greatness, even when they may not have used those specific words I think of what the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “…and what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  You and I have the abilities we have because God granted us the gift(s) or talent(s).  Yes, we honed it and worked to develop it but we did not originate it,  WE RECEIVED IT.  Therefore, we should always remember from whence our ability came and give honor to whom honor is due.

I am a firm believer in the declaration of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  I believe the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:26, “…with God all things are possible.”  I believe the report found in Romans 8:37, “…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  I believe and proclaim the promise of our LORD from John 14:12, “…he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to My Father.”  I stand firmly on the declaration of John in 1 John 4:17, “…as He is, so are we in this world.”

I hear let’s “Keep It Real” and sometimes that is an excuse to be crude, rude, vile corrupt, insulting, and excuse our humanity. That may be deemed “keeping it real” but if we truly want to KEEP IT REAL we will follow the prescription of Scripture and be who God declares us to be and always HONOR HIM realizing that nothing we have was not received.  We should always keep in the forefront of our minds the reality that should God remove His fingers from the organ of life we would cease to exist.  If God lifted His protection we would be crushed by the enemy of our souls.  Should God’s countenance not smile on us we would find life unbearable.  Yes, some are more talented in areas than others and excel in those talents.  Some have gifts that enable them to advance in many areas of life to a degree others cannot achieve but NEVER should one allow deception to suggest that they achieved on their own and due to their own ability.  That is arrogance and presumption to a level I cringe when I hear it.  Please do not assume that I am saying you do not have to hone, develop and work on your gifts and talents.  Of course, you do.  If God gives you something and you squander it or fail to develop it you are a slothful servant and a good steward and that ability or talent will not propel you to the heights God intended and you desire.

May the Lord be with you as you go through this day honoring Him for His bountiful blessings.

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THREE OPTIONS IN LIFE – Watch, Wait, or War…


Spiritual Blog - Choices

Acts 5:33-39 – “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God.”   NKJV

 

In virtually every dimension of life, we have at least three options when confronted with something we either do not agree with or question.  We can WATCH and observe any new bits of information or clarification.  We can WAIT and see how it plays out if that is possible without grave danger.  We can go to WAR and seek to destroy that which we disagree or question.  I have observed all three on many fronts.  I always take to heart the words of Gamaliel and apply it in every situation I can.

I have seen new fads, doctrines, or modes of worship or action seek to have inroads in churches I have served.  Whenever possible, I would research it prayerfully to discover all I could about it and the originators of the fad, doctrine or mode and WATCH without making a big deal.  There were times I could not simply WATCH for that which was seeking an inroad was diametrically opposed to the written word of God.  There were times I would seek to WAIT and see if it fizzled out as a passing fad or if this was truly something God was birthing and the words of Gamaliel applied, “…if this is of God, you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God” and none of us want to be guilty of fighting against God.  There is a time to WAR and eradicate heresy quickly and swiftly seeking to do so without damaging tender plants in God’s garden.

In life, it is wise to WATCH the attitudes and actions to gain more knowledge of the purpose, source and intent.  It is often prudent to WAIT and observe how things shake out, when possible.  Then as the writer of Ecclesiastes informs, there is a time to WAR when doing less would be detrimental to tender plants, you personally, and those or that for which you are responsible.  If you go to WAR go with God’s weapons and with the intent to preserve and when possible restore.  But, before you go to WAR be sure that war is necessary and you are not “fighting against God” seeking to eradicate what you do not like rather than that which is destructively evil and harmful.

No wonder our Lord instructed us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” in our dealings in this world.  If we react we can negatively impact lives and do far more harm than following the directive of Scripture in letting both grow until harvest lest we root up the wheat with the tares.  This is not an easy decision and one that must find its foundation in the study of God’s word and intercessory prayer.

God bless you richly is my prayer.  Have a fantastic day!

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MESSAGE THAT IS TOO SELDOM PREACHED…


Spiritual Blog - Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  NKJV

 

Fearing that my title will convey the idea that I think myself spiritually superior.  I do not!  I feel as the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”  I am ever reminded of my human frailty and the kinks in my armor so, please do not take what I’m saying as speaking from a condescending tone.  It is an impassioned plea for all of us who name the name of Christ to realize that God expects and demands something of us that sometimes finds itself other than the modern narrative of Christianity.

Holiness should not be an antiquated word or objective in the hearts of believers.  Yes, I agree we need to move beyond the legalism of some groups who misguidedly make holiness largely external with a laundry list of things we are not and cannot do.  But, we dare not allow it to become defined by modern private moralistic notions that are not always consistent with scripture.  I have seen polls that indicate many who call themselves evangelicals are either in agreement or not disturbed by the modern ideas regarding divorce, spousal abuse, extramarital sex, pornography, materialism and even some biases and prejudices.  Many will give a head nod to the idea of the Bible calling us to be holy but it is only a mental assent, not practical application.

I am totally convinced that we, believers, must, as individuals and collectively recovery or rediscover the biblical idea and concept of holiness.  That concept covers private morality and every other aspect of life.  It is a message that needs to be restored to the message and mission of the church for believers.  If we, who stand in the pulpit, fail to preach something it will become forgotten, discarded, and abandoned in principle if not practice.  Peter was simply relating what God said to Israel in Leviticus 11:44 and God is a God who does not change.  He is holy and demands holiness in our lives in order to have a relationship with Him.  He cannot and will not tolerate sin.

The biblical terms “holy” and “holiness” [qadosh, hagios] carry an incredibly strong connotation to moral purity but it could be argued those are secondary.  The primary implication and directive of God’s call for us to BE HOLY convey the idea of being SET APART or DEDICATED to God.  Remember He said, “I will be your God, and you will be My people.”  [Leviticus 26:12; Hebrews 8:10]  Even before the Bible addresses morality it calls for our unique relationship with God, from which moral purity springs and as a basis to live, survive, and thrive.  Before God called us to be “good”, He called us to be “holy.”  I believe it is vital that we view HOLINESS through the prism of RELATIONSHIP to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Galatians 2:20 the apostle Paul declared, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”  Is Christ holy?  Of course, He is and if He lives in me then my holiness springs from my relationship with Him.  In Colossians 3:3, the apostle declares that we have been “seated with [God] in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”  The powerful word of the apostle John in 1 John 4:17 rings in my consciousness, “…as He is, so are we in this world.”  AS HE IS.  How is He?  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He is the sinless Son of God.  He is eternal righteousness.  “So are we, IN THIS WORD…”  Not when we get to heaven but IN THIS WORLD. 

Therefore, God is asking more than mere morality.  He is asking for our lives in totality.  That is a more genuine picture of holiness than simply focusing on the external and following a legalist list of “do’s” and “don’ts”.  He is asking us to become radical in totally giving our lives to Him.   To be a disciple of Jesus requires that we “die to self”.  Remember the words of Mark 8:35-36, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” 

Being Holy as He is Holy is about more than moral purity it is about complete surrender and walking the Light of His Word, Love, Person, and Power.  Only biblical holiness will be a safeguard against modernism and the modern concept of moralism and propel forward in the process of becoming the Church Jesus came to build.

            God bless you as He guards and guides you through this wonderful day!

 

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POLITICS, RELIGION, AND LIFE…


Spiritual Blog - Politics

Daniel 2:20-22 – “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.  21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understand. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.”  NKJV

 

Many have been the times someone attempted to shame me into remaining silent on matters political, saying, “You know religion and politics don’t mix.”  Others, chide me saying that we are biblically and constitutionally bound by “Separation of Church and State.”  I question both those assertions and hopefully in the next few paragraphs I can explain why I disagree and/or question those positions.  I fully agree that the Constitution mandates that the federal government NEVER be allowed to infringe on our Freedom of Religion and the founding fathers sought diligently to prevent the federal government from choosing a particular denomination or sect as the State Religion or Church.  However, I disagree that they desired no influence from Christianity or the Bible in the forming of the functioning of government.  If they had they would not have included prayer, encouraged the Bible to be taught in public school, or recognized the desirable influence of the Bible and Christian religion in the lives of citizens and the function of government.

But, the foundational reason I believe that it is not only permissible but mandated for me to be involved in politics, speak out on matters social, economic, moral, spiritual, and political is rooted in the fact that I HAVE A LIFE and that life is rooted in my faith.  Matthew 6:33 instructs us to, “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”  That is to be FIRST and ABOVE all things so my first allegiance is to God.  Yet, I am “in this world, although not of it” according to the Bible and I am an “epistle known and read of men” in my words, deeds, and lifestyle.  I am the sum total of all the various dimensions and aspects of my life and I do believe that politics affects my life, therefore, I cannot divorce a portion of my life from the rest and be a real person.

I would ask if I am being a “good steward” in life if I ignore what is happening politically.  The edicts, decrees, and laws enacted in this nation have a direct impact on each of our lives individually and collectively and either enhance or restrict our God-given rights, privileges and liberties, therefore, they impact my life in all aspects.  If I am to “seek first” the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ignore unrighteousness in government I am remiss in my action and attitude.  Also, if I am commissioned by God, and I believe we all are, to “warn when we see danger” and sit silent and allow destruction and evil to reign without warning or speaking against it, we are guilty of the blood of those affected by the evil.  If we warn and they do not heed we are absolved but if we fail to warn we are guilty.

James Madison, one of our founding fathers, declared, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”  Men are not angels and contrary to the belief of some, man is not inherently good, and outside of Christ is depraved, and as a result man, without sufficient information, motivation, and a warning will frequently take the wrong path socially, morally, spiritually, and politically.  Thus, another reason I believe I am not only within my rights biblically but would be failing in my duties were I to sit silently on political and social matters.  If a matter is immoral, dare I do not warn of the danger and destruction?

However, my major purpose is not the government but God.  I realize that I can argue until I’m blue in the face about political or social issues and change few minds UNLESS I am successful in leading them to Christ and seeing a change in hearts.  So, while I will warn of the dangers lurking in various laws, policies, agendas, ideologies, and matters political I will always have as my first priority and objective, THE GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST.  I know that a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still, therefore, I must not simply seek to change someone’s mind on matters political or social but I must seek to expose them to the One who can change their hearts.  Sometimes, the only open door I have to get their attention spiritually is by discussing matters political.  I will warn and I will proclaim the Good News and in so doing will not only have satisfied the directive of a “watchman on the walls” but will plant seeds that could lead to eternal life.

            God bless you and God bless America!

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