Life

THE CHRISTIAN FARMER…


Spiritual Blog - Farmer

Luke 6:31 – “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”  NASU

Wait, Roy, your title is “The Christian Farmer” and your text speaks of treating others the way you want them to treat you, is that consistent?  Absolutely, for it speaks of reciprocity or sowing and reaping and that is exactly what a farmer does.  He sows to reap and reaps to sow.  It is a continuous cycle and labor.  If we want a continual harvest, we must have a continual time of planting.  In the natural, there are seasons between planting time and harvest time, but the process is continual.  Each year the farmer prepares the soil and plants his seed with expectation.  Each year the farmer reaps his harvest and from that harvest provides for himself and gains new seed for planting the next year’s crop.

In the life of a believer, there must be sowing in order to have reaping.  The text addresses human relationships and the directive is unmistakable.  If we take the text in the context we discover some incredibly powerful directives and some dire warnings.  Jesus instructed that we are to LOVE our enemies.  We are to DO GOOD to those that hate us.  We are to BLESS those that curse us and take the high road when they attack us and rather than fight back we turn the other cheek.  Then we have this verse inserted between those directives and then his clarifications in the following verses.  If we LOVE those that love us, we have done nothing to exhibit Christian character and Christ to the world.  That’s what the world does and there would be no distinguishing marks between us and them, so why accept our message?  However, if we demonstrate LOVE toward our enemies, doing good to those who seek our harm, lending expecting nothing in return or demonstrating generosity we show a distinct difference between us and them.  Jesus said that this would be an identifier and as we remember his words, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” we can rejoice.  Yes, that passage was speaking of His crucifixion, but can it not be applied to lifting Him up through a display of His love and character to others?  YES, it can and YES it does!

A farmer is required to prepare his soil if he is to have a proper place to plant good seed and expect to reap a harvest.  A Christian must prepare his heart so that the Love of God can be shed abroad in it and that love can be exhibited and demonstrated before the world so as to produce a harvest.  The apostle Paul told us that we are ‘epistles known and read of men.’  The old saying, “You are the only Bible some people will ever read” should be always in the forefront of our minds as we deal with others.  It is not just the person we are dealing with directly that is affected but those that watch and hear of what we do.

Do you want people to be understanding of you, then sow understanding!  If you want people to be patient with you, then sow patience!  If you want people to come to your aid, then go to the aid of those in need!  In verse 38 of this chapter we find, “Give, and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”   Most of the time, we attribute the return as coming from God but who does it say will pour into your laps?  MEN!  Other people will respond to you in the way you respond to them.  You sow to your need and your desire and the harvest is IN KIND. 

Let me add one little addendum to this.  What if the person you are kind to is so hard of heart they ignore what you have done?  Will you still receive a harvest?  Yes, God will touch the hearts of others who observed your sowing and sow back to you.  In the Law of Harvest, we need to remind ourselves, of these things: You Reap WHAT you Sow, MORE than you Sow, and LATER than you Sow.  There is a growing time and an interval between the sowing and the reaping.  What you are reaping today may have been sown years before because, in life, unlike in the natural time is not a factor to determine the ripening of the crop, God’s timing is.

Let me conclude by saying, “You are Sowing.”  That is an absolute fact and reality.  You are Sowing!  What you are sowing, may not be what you want to reap but YOU WILL REAP, and the harvest will be in kind of what you have sown.  Therefore, look at your harvest or what is happening in your life and if it is not what you wish would be happening, especially in human relationships – Consider your Sowing and set your heart to Sow Seeds into others that will produce what you wish for yourself.   Simply, begin treating others the same way you want to be treated – ALL THE TIME!

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

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YOU BECOME WHAT YOU LISTEN TO…


Spiritual Blog - Listen

Mark 4:21-25 – “And He was saying to them, ” A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?  22 ” For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.  23 ” If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”  24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.  25 ” For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”  NASU

 

We’ve all heard the sayings:  You are what you eat.  You are what you think.  You are what you watch.  You are what you listen to.  Well, if you haven’t, you have now.  I’ve used this last warning to young people regarding the music they listen to almost incessantly.  Music is an incredibly powerful tool or weapon and has the power to shape moods and lives more than almost anything else we encounter in this life.  It is reported that the average American listens to music more than five hours each day.  I’m an exception to that rule because I do not.  It is not that I don’t like music and unlike some, who need music playing to do virtually anything, I perform better in peace and quiet.  There are times I, like the prophets of old, want music to help shape and set my mood.  I like worship and praise music in Church and in private because it provides a powerful springboard into the presence of God.  However, I do not want mindless repetition, I want substance.  (That is my preference, so don’t assume that I am blasting praise and worship in many churches today, I am not.) 

There are the “Big Five” set of musical preferences researchers discovered among adults.  They grouped them in the following classifications:

  • Sophisticated (classical). These sounds tend to be instrumental, complex, inspiring, intelligent, or basically classical music.
  • Unpretentious. They listed these as nice, simple bluegrass and country.  These tended, according to those polled, to be relaxing, romantic, and even sad.
  • Intense (shredded vocal cords and violent guitar). Identified as the distorted, electric, fast, loud, aggressive sounds of rock music.
  • Mellow (slow jazz). Very relaxing and romantic sounds, sometimes sad but characterized as R&B, Soul, and Soft Rock.  Some even said elevator music.
  • Contemporary. These included electric sounds that dominate a wide variety of genres from rap to electronica.

Do you see what is missing from that survey?  Christian or Gospel Music and its various genres.  How about Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts?  How about simply opening your mouth and allowing the Holy Spirit to sing through you?  That was missing because the survey was done by those involved in Psychiatry and Psychology dealing with human behavior.  Have you ever stopped to realize that most of the time we get some very strong impressions of people when we ask them what music they like?  We may be very wrong, but we make judgments or determinations based on music preferences.

What I want to address is the fact that the secular and the religious both acknowledge that “What You Listen to Shapes Who You Are.”  If you listen to the NEGATIVE all the time, your attitude tends to become negative and you find depression creeping in. You become dissatisfied and disillusioned.  You may even find that you become somewhat hostile, quick-tempered, and even excessively judgmental.  On the other hand, if you listen to the POSITIVE all the time, you will likely be more accepting and optimistic.  The danger in that is you may become utopian and fail to face some realities in life that demand rejection of some ideas, actions, and behaviors.  There is a balance in life.

Jesus warned those listening to “Take care or be careful what you listen to.”  His next statement cannot be disassociated because it is directly addressing the formulation of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.  He said, “By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.  For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”   WOW!  What I listen to provides the inspiration, wisdom, knowledge, and shapes my perspective.  It then propels me into action and provides a basis for my evaluation of everything in life.  My knowledge base increases, whether good or bad, through that which I allow to come into my ears, my head, and my heart.  If I follow the directive of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8-9 – “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  I grow rightly and become the person God has designed and desired me to be.

Be Careful What You Listen To because it either provides life or death.  That might mean you have to develop a new set of friends or provide parameters for them in your discussions.  You do not have to be the extreme Pessimist or Optimist but seek for Truth and feed your inner man with things that strengthen and build you up.  Know the evil, address it and know the truth and good and embrace it.

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

 

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THE POWER OF PRAYER…


Spiritual Blog - Prayer

Matthew 6:1-8 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.  2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  3 “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  8 “So do not be like them; for your, Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”  NASU

 

Jesus follows up this discourse with His recommended pattern of prayer known as “The Lord’s Prayer.”  But, back to my thought for today, “The Power of Prayer” or “The Power of Proper Prayer.”  I know some may wonder at that last phrase but consider with me the directive of our LORD regarding this and all matters of life.  MOTIVATION and MOTIVE are key elements in everything we do.  The Why is often as impactful as the What in life.  I not only believe in the power of prayer, but I have also experienced it firsthand in my life.

We have all know people who have or been guilty ourselves of the living out the warning in verse one and put on our religious masks.  Too many people, Christians are not excluded, have a morbid fear of being discovered for who they really are.  There is a conditioning in our society to “hide your flaws” because if people knew the real you, they would not like or accept you.  That happens in dating and some young men and women discover, after the wedding, WHO they married and are troubled by that discovery.  It happens in the world of business to the hurt of many.  It happens in Church too and that is tragic.  If we would remember and keep in the forefront of our minds, “GOD KNOWS” we would be less inclined to pretend and more inclined to reach out to each other for help in overcoming the demons we face in life.

As a minister and pastor (in the past), I have had people tell me, “I’m giving this anonymously” but then would be offended when I did not ‘toot their horn’ for the gift.  If we are living our lives ‘for God’, giving our Gifts ‘to God’, and praying ‘to God’ our lives, our gifts, and our prayers take on a completely different shape, most of the time.  It is not wrong to recognize what others do and not wrong to receive recognition and some accolades but if that is the objective it loses its power and potential.

Jesus instructed us to establish a “prayer closet” and develop the habit of prayer.  I love corporate prayer because, I know the power of agreement and I am frequently encouraged, inspired, and energized by the prayers of others, especially when I sense the genuineness of the heart.  Jesus said, “But you…”  That’s you and me!  “…when you pray…” That should be regularly.  “…go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”  He went on in the next verse and gave warning for the meaninglessness of long flowerily repetitious prayers that are more for those listening than for God’s ears.  I’ve instructed believers, especially new converts, to “keep it simple” in prayer.  Tell God what you want and need.  You don’t have to convince Him or enlighten Him as to your situation – HE KNOWS!  Jesus taught, and I believe that God is far more willing to forgive and answer our prayers than we realize.  Jesus declared in Luke 12:32 that It was His and Our Father’s good pleasure to provide our needs and beyond.  Jesus came to give us ABUNDANT LIFE! 

Prayer, genuine, heartfelt and Bible-based prayer is POWERFUL.  With that in mind consider His pattern of prayer:

“Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  10′ Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  11′ Give us this day our daily bread.  12’And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]  For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

May the LORD bless your richly and inspire you to spend time with Him in your closet of prayer.  Have a fantastic day!

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GOD WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY…


Spiritual Blog - Glory

Acts 12:20-24 – “Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country. 21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.” NKJV

 

            I had a man of God, Kim Clements, stand before me years ago in a public meeting and as he was ministering to people he said over and over, “Flattery, flattery, flattery,” then walked away.  Later I sensed the Holy Spirit saying, “God wants to warn you not to listen to the flattery that people have, are and will give you.  Keep your focus on Me and know that all that you have, all that you are, and all that you will ever be is dependent upon Me – THE LORD!”  I took that to heart and have always grown very uncomfortable when people begin to flatter me.  I know that sometimes it is a genuine expression of respect and they are giving me honor but I NEVER want to take credit for what God does through me.  As the song of old – “Without Him, I could do nothing.  Without Him, I’d surely fail.  Without Him, my life would be hopeless like a ship without a sail.”  I take that as a staple in my life.  I’ve had people tell me you need to learn how to take compliments and maybe I do but I am NEVER comfortable with words directed toward me for things God has done.

I believe the following quote by Vance Havner is totally accurate – “Popularity has slain more prophets of God than persecution ever did.”  I’ve seen preachers, individuals, businessmen, and most assuredly politicians succumb to this type of thing that cost Herod his kingdom and life.

I suppose that is one of the reasons that I have always tried to teach those I have led to “Follow me ONLY as I follow Christ.”  I’ve always told the Churches that I was privileged to lead that if they depend on me they will be disappointed because I am human just like them.  My philosophy has always been to get the focus of every person and congregation upon JESUS, not man.

I confess it is nice to hear complimentary words from time to time but sometimes those words or expressions go beyond what I’m comfortable with and feel that if I allowed them to continue I’d be treading on God’s turf and taking honor to myself that belongs only to Him.  I have great respect for many men and women of God and hold them in high esteem but I always keep in mind that they are human just like I.  I don’t want to find myself or any congregation in the condition of the Corinthian church who were saying, “I’m of Paul, I’m of Apollos, I’m of Peter, or I’m of Christ,” and thereby dividing the Body.  Christ is not divided and only Jesus died for us.  I cannot save anyone God can.  I am a member they are members of the Body of Christ just like everyone else.  Their gift and calling may place them in a position of public recognition but IT IS STILL CHRIST!  So long as we remember that we will be fine!

May God bless you as you go through your day!

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THE CHRISTIAN’S DILEMMA REGARDING GOVERNMENT…


Spiritual Blog - Government

I heard this again from the Lord recently.  I again asked the Lord, “What do Christians do when the leaders follow paths that violate your Word?”  He instructed my heart again this way.

SUBJECTION AND PRAYER:

Romans 13:1-7 – “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”  NASU

We are whenever and wherever possible to be subject to and obey the laws of the human government.  God does have all authority and He has a purpose for allowing leaders to be in place and sometimes that is simply to wake up the people from their slumber and apathy as has been the case time after time in Scripture.  Yet, when the laws of man violate the directive of the Lord we have to make a choice understanding the possible consequences from both man and God.

OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN:

Acts 5:27-32 – “When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, ” We must obey God rather than men. 30 ” The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 ” He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”   NASU

 When we have a directive from the Lord and human government instructs us to violate that we must make a choice.  To disobey human government could mean incarceration or possibly death.  But to disobey God is an even greater peril, at least for me. I’m not talking about opinion; I’m talking about a clear directive from the Lord and His word.  If God has directed us, as Christians, we have only one choice and that is obedience no matter the cost or repercussions.   What happens if Caesar asks for something that belongs to God?

RENDER UNTO CAESAR AND RENDER UNTO GOD:

Matthew 22:21-22 – “They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, ” Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”  22 And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.”  NASU

If the government asks us for something that belongs to God how shall we give it?  That would include everything from the above verses as well.  I cannot make government a god that would violate the Ten Commandments and clear directive of God that I have no other gods before Him.  I cannot give honor to something that is dishonorable and violates the sanctity of human life that would violate God’s revealed manner of life and principles.  I may have cause to fear them even if I am doing right because they are opposed to God and His way, therefore, I fear God, not man and the fear I have for God is a reverential fear not one of terror.

WHAT DO WE DO?  We pray for those in leadership.  We pray for their salvation.  We pray that they make the right decisions.  We pray that their decisions bring the people to a place of repentance and returning to God.  We pray that God gives His grace (mercy & divine enablement) to all those who follow Him to walk through the fire and not be burned; to walk through the flood and now drown.  We pray for our brothers and sisters as well as the lost and dying.  We pray for God’s Grace and Mercy to flood the land and maintain our integrity walking in the light of His Word and in total obedience to Him.

As you consider what you must do in life and that includes the physical, emotional, economic, spiritual, and political you MUST place God at the Head and demand that everything else is submissive to His Will, His Word, and His Way.

Matthew 6:25-34 – “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  26 ” Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?  27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?  28 “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

 Make this the rule of your life and you will NEVER go wrong.  Make this the cornerstone of your life and you will find that you have established a permanent residence in His Presence and He will guard and guide you.

Be Blessed with His Blessings!

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JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION…


Spiritual Blog - Question

John 5:6 – “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”  NKJV

 I never cease to be amazed at both the question and the answer in this account of Jesus healing the man at the Pool of Bethesda.  The account tells us a most amazing account of what took place at the Pool.  Multitudes of sick people would come or be brought there and that included people who were blind, lame, paralyzed and with other maladies.  The reason they were there was not to beg for food or money but because of the miraculous event that would transpire.  At a certain time an “Angel of God” would come down and stir the water and whoever stepped into the pool first after the water began stirring was completely healed.  It was a “first come first served” situation.  I can’t explain why this would be but it was.

We are informed by John that one of those at the pool was a man who had been lame for 38 years.  Now, it would stand to reason that someone brought him to the pool and apparently they would deposit him there and then depart leaving him to fend for himself.  Due to his condition, he was unable to get to the water before people who either had help or were in a more mobile condition so day after day, month after month, and year after year he faced the same disappointment.  The fact that he kept coming suggests that he never fully lost hope but when you listen to the question of Jesus and his response you see some of the problems and these problems translate into issues in many if not most of our lives.

Notice the question of Jesus – “Do you want to be made well?”  WHAT!  Jesus, I’ve been here for 38 years what do you think?  I would have thought that his immediate response would have been ABSOLUTELY but it wasn’t.  He began by making excuses as to why he had not been healed.

John 5:7 – “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.”

Woe is me!  He begins to lay blame on his family, his friends, and turn the focus on his circumstances, environment, and helplessness.  That was not the question.  Jesus didn’t ask and I have no doubt already knew the situation.  The question was simple:  “Do you want to be made well?”  I wonder how many times when God through the Holy Spirit or the Word asks us a similar question we take the approach of the Lame Man and justify, dignify, or excuse away our lack of the miracle.  Maybe it was a mindset that he needed within himself to justify his condition with his lack of help.  Maybe it made him feel better about his condition if he could transfer the blame for his lack of healing to others, conditions, or circumstances.  We do that.  But again, that was not the question.  The question was:  “Do you want to be made well?”

Jesus didn’t acknowledge or respond to his excuses and objections and instead of waiting for any further response said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”  (v.8)  IMMEDIATELY the man was made well, took up his bed and walked.  The miracle was not celebrated by the establishment of the religious hierarchy because it was on the SABBATH.  Taking up his bed violated the rules – – but what about the miracle of a man who had not been able to walk for 38 years now being able to walk?  SHOULD THAT NOT BE CELEBRATED?  Not to those with Religious Spirits!  You have to keep the rules to the letter of the law and if that meant the man remained a cripple so be it.  That is not compassion or love it is LAW!  It is a man-made ideology rather than a Celebration of God and His Power and Love!

So when the Holy Spirit asks you a question give the right answer don’t try to find all the reasons why it has not or cannot be – – Answer the question according to the very deep cry of your heart!   Say Yes to the Lord!

May the Lord bless you is my prayer!

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A KEY TO LIFE…


Spiritual Blog - Key

Psalm 16:7-9 – “I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. 8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.”  NASU

 

 In life, especially the Christian life, it is imperative that we learn what works and implement some keys for success in our lives.  Otherwise, we will be like the nation of Israel wandering in the wilderness and continue to lap the same mountain over and over without making any significant progress.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like dealing with the same problems over and over.  I prefer to learn from my mistakes and implement those lessons in my daily life and move forward to new experiences and new adventures.

Here the Psalmist gives us some wonderful keys to victory and success.  One of the first lessons that Christians should learn is the importance of PRAISE and BLESSING the LORD.  Jesus instructed us in Matthew 6:33, to “seek first God and His kingdom.”  He informed us that in so doing we would find the door open to the wonderful promises, blessings, and benefits of our relationship with Him.  Here the Psalmists gives us STEP ONE in a Life of Victory. 

In Verse 7 we read, “I will bless the LORD who has counseled me…”  There are two important pieces to this Step that I want us to consider.  First, Blessing the LORD or engaging in Praise and Thanksgiving.  We enter the Gates of God’s Throne Room with Thanksgiving and His Courts with Praise.  As we focus on Him in an attitude of gratitude we find that our troubles dim, and our hope and confidence rise to new levels.  Second, we recognize and experience the COUNSEL of the Lord.  That is one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit and is assuredly a reason for the Word of God, the Bible. In the second part of Verse 7, we discover an interesting experience that many seem to overlook, “my mind instructs me in the night.”   That may be through meditation, dreams, or night visions but as we are in bed there is the possibility of revelation from the LORD to help us understand what we are facing or the direction we should take.

In Verse 8 we read, “I have set the LORD continually before me…”  That is a purposing in our hearts to focus on God.  That is a determination to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  That is a conscious effort on our part to THINK ON THINGS ABOVE rather than things below.  It is our part in the process.  The second part of that verse gives us the benefit of that endeavor – “Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  The enemy would discourage us and cause us to give up on God and life, but if we know that God is as close as our right hand, and our conscious focus is Him continually we cannot forget Who we are and Whose we are.  It produces a boldness and confidence that can be found in no other way.

In Verse 9 we discover, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices…”  Wow!  Because we are focused on God and enter His presence with an attitude of gratitude and offer praise to His name we find JOY and GLADNESS arising in our hearts and the outflow of rejoicing not only helps us stay secure but inspires others around us.  The last part of that verse is incredible, “My flesh also will dwell securely.”  The Bible tells us that we are the creation of God and that in Him we live and move and have being.  We are informed that in Christ we are more than conquerors.  We discover that His angels have been given the assignment of protecting us and keep us from harm.  He is our healer, deliverer, provider, guide, friends, companion, and most importantly our Savior.  In our Flesh, we dwell securely knowing that although we are dealing with supernatural powers we can live victoriously IN OUR MORTAL BODIES. 

Therefore, I encourage you to determine that you will purposely fix your mind and heart on God, allow an attitude of gratitude to arise in your heart and the expression of that flow from your lips.  I know that if you will follow the simple prescription of our text you will find a new victory and a renewed joy in life.

God bless you as you enjoy this day!

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HOW SHOULD WE LIVE IN THIS WORLD?


Spiritual Blog - Live

Titus 2:11-3:1 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” NKJV

 

Paul gave some very detailed instructions to both Timothy and Titus regarding establishing the leadership in the churches that he oversaw as an apostle.  He also concluded his instructions in this chapter by addressing how everyone not just leaders should live in this present world.

  1. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
  2. Live soberly (has nothing to do with alcohol), righteously, and godly.
  3. Looking for the Return of Jesus. 

If our heart is to live a life that is pleasing to God it will cry out for righteousness and seek to live above the lusts of the flesh.  If we are focused on the Eternal Prize and Destiny we will be motivated to not only share our faith with others but to live exemplary lives in this present world.  There is an element of the work of grace and the work of self-discipline involved in what Paul tells Titus and thereby the entire church not only for that age but for all ages.  It is a classic example of God’s clear instructions on “how we should live in this present world.”

It is God’s desire to redeem us for every lawless deed and sin and purify us for Himself so that He can say of us MY PEOPLE and properly insert us into the framework of the Kingdom so that we can function according to the Grace Gifts that He has placed in our hearts and lives.  Living a godly life is never something to be apologized for.  Becoming a Pharisee and comparing ourselves with ourselves and with each other is.  We can never and will never EARN our redemption it is fully and completely Grace!  Therefore, we should always live in such a manner as to bring honor to God and His name!

Therefore, as you go through this day go through it with the knowledge that His Redemption was not earned but freely given as a gift.  That will help to keep your position and condition in perspective and keep you focused on one of our major purposes REACHING THE WORLD for Jesus!

May God be with you as you travel through the pathways of life!  Blessings!

 

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WHAT IS MAN?


Spiritual Blog - What is Man

Psalm – 8:3-5 – “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” NKJV

 

Today, in my time with the Lord before the sun rose I looked at the stars, planets that I could see and the moon shining so brightly I was in awe of God’s creation.  Quietness surrounded me and I could listen in the stillness to the Spirit of God whisper to my heart of God’s Love.  I am still trembling with joy and awe at the Majesty of God.  When you look at what He has done in the Universe – “What is man?”  We are so insignificant and minuscule but so valuable to God that He would give His only begotten Son that we could enter into Life Everlasting and spend eternity with them.  You are not unimportant though people may treat you that way and you may even view yourself that way.  God views you as worth the “Blood of Jesus.”  I can say that without fear of having to retract that statement by just looking at the Cross.  If it were not true Jesus would never have gone to the Cross, but He did.  He did not for God but for man. He went to the Cross for you and me.

Oh, we are so temporal while housed in this physical body and cannot see as the angels see but they know how much we mean to God.  The Scripture informs us in Luke 15:7 – “…that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” NKJV Heaven erupts when one human being is born again into the family of God.  That should tell you how important man is to the Father.

You may have little self-esteem, be steeped and mired in depression, and feel as though mankind has thrown you on the ash heap of life but God hasn’t.  You are important to God and if you will allow Him the Holy Spirit will come into your heart and instill within in a sense of worth that will lift you above whatever state of despondency you might be in and shroud you in peace, the peace that passes all human understanding.  You will be able to lift up your head and walk proudly knowing that you are a Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Not prideful, but with a sense of pride knowing that you belong to God and have nothing to be ashamed of.  You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ the Righteous.  That is a position and condition that cannot be ascended above.  It is the pinnacle!

So as you go through this day go with a sense of knowing that you belong to God and are valuable to Him.  Walk in peace and allow the Joy of the Lord to flood your heart!  May God be with you as you go through this day!  Blessings!

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DECEPTION…


Spiritual Blog - Deception

Genesis 3:4 – “But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.”  ESV

I often call Genesis the “Seed Book of the Bible” because in the first twelve chapters you find the foundation for virtually everything taught in the remainder of the Bible.  If one were to get a good handle on those chapters I am confident that much of the deception that has and does take place would be thwarted and we would see vast new doors of understanding opened to the Body of Christ.

DECEPTION did not begin in the Garden of Eden it began before that when Lucifer convinced one-third of the angelic hosts to rebel against God.  It was through deception that this transpired.  His work in the Garden is just a continuation of his very nature and character and sadly, Adam & Eve bought what he was selling and were deceived.  Their deception not only cost them but the human race and had God not been willing to allow Jesus to come to earth and go to the Cross we’d still be in the clutches of the devil.  There is a consequence to deception because it results in actions that as Paul equates in Galatians as “sowing” which produces a “harvest” that has to be reaped whether we want to or not.

Deception comes when we fail to keep our hearts open to the Word and the Spirit of God.  It comes when we neglect our study of God’s Word and prayer.  It comes when we allow the flesh to rule over the spirit.  It comes when we allow the lust or carnal desires to override the spiritual directives of the Spirit and Word of God.  It comes when we become “self-centered” and dethrone God while elevating ourselves to the Center of our Universe as Adam & Eve did.  In a sense, they voted God out and voted themselves in and as one of my friends described it, “They were born again backward.”  They opted to believe THE LIE rather than GOD who is TRUTH.  They opted to follow their own carnal desires and wisdom (so-called) rather than be obedient.  The fruit could have been a bridge over a stream that God said, “Do not cross!”  It didn’t matter it was a matter of obedience and they disobeyed because they were deceived.

I doubt that there has been a week pass in my Christian experience that I haven’t met and talked to someone who is in some kind of deception in some area.  That is probably applicable to me as well and as the Holy Spirit reveals to me any area of deception in my life I IMMEDIATELY repent and begin to diligent study to correct the error and become rightly aligned with the Word of God.  Do I have all truth?  NO!  Do I have all my doctrine right?  I WOULD SAY NO!  I would like to think I do, but from time to time I find that something I believe is not completely accurate and I have to allow my doctrine to be modified to accommodate what God says not what I want God to say.  I do not want to be like a preacher I heard once say, “I’ve been in the ministry for 30 years and I have not changed my doctrine or my message.”  I thought I have!  I would think that someone in that condition would rapidly become a Pharisee and I was one once and never want to return to that place of legalism.  I want to be like a piece of clay in the hands of the potter to be molded and shaped into whatever He desires for my life.  That has been an ongoing process and what and where I am today has evolved dramatically in some areas and remained pretty consistent in others.  I know in part and have a limited perspective but God sees everything from the beginning to the end whereas we see things from the end to the beginning.  There is a big difference!  One is foresight the other is hindsight.

So, as you go through the day allow the Holy Spirit to guide your footsteps and keep your heart and mind open to His expansion of truth in your life.  Blessings as you go through your day!

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