Life

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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YOU CAN’T BE A LIGHTHOUSE USING A PEN LIGHT…


Spiritual Blog - Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  NKJV

 

Donna Fargo had a song that fits this thought, “You Can’t Be A Beacon.”  Let’s take the directive, revelation, or commission of the Lord Jesus that we are to be the “Light of the World” and evaluate it using the simple message of that song.  Reviewing the lyrics we find it begins with the chorus:

You can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine.

            You can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine.

            There’s a little light in all us by God’s design

            But you can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine.

             The first verse draws some interesting analogies revealing that we ask for truth but fail to live truthfully.  We want to be forgiven but fail to forgive.  Verse two asks how we can ask children, to be honest, and truthful when they are witnessing the opposite in us. How can we try to teach them spiritual or moral vision when we group around in blindness?  After each verse, the chorus is echoed that we “can’t be a beacon if our light don’t shine.”

Think about that.  Jesus said, “You ARE the light of the world…”  He did not say, you should be He said YOU ARE.  But if our commission is to be lighthouses for the world how can we provide that service and ministry if we are walking around with weak candles or penlights?  Jesus, illustrated His truth asking, how a city that is on a hill could be obscured from view.  He went on to remind us that people do not light lamps to hide them under a covering.  They light lamps to put them on lampstands in order to provide light and clarity to all in the house.  He then powerfully stated, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3 that we are “epistles or letters know and read of men.”  Our lives, deeds, words, and actions present the gospel and as representatives and manifestations of our Lord, we are the Jesus the world sees.  I am not suggesting that we are flawless but we should seek to be “Lights for the World” pointing them to Christ and giving them cause to glorify the Father in heaven.  That is a very real and purposeful reason for us to “walk carefully and circumspect” before all men, in all things, and at all times.

It is as I remain conscious that my life is the reflection of God that the world sees I am far more careful about how I walk, talk, and act.  Some argue that they have liberty to do various things and disregard the impact it might have on a weaker brother or an unbeliever but I suggest that if our lives are to be Lights to the Word pointing to Christ we must, at times, forgo our liberty for the sake of another.  We do not want to become offenses even though we cannot keep people from being offended.  If my light is not shining I cannot be a beacon so seek to “Let your Light Shine like a Lighthouse!”

            God bless you as you embark on this day’s journey!

 

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GRANDMA’S CHOCOLATE CAKE…


Spiritual Blog - Chocolate Cake

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  NKJV

 

Through the years, I have heard interesting interpretations of various passages of scripture in which people struggle and, often misunderstand.  I am not trying to elevate myself as some biblical genius but I have discovered, in myself, and others that sometimes we fail to read what is said and read what we wanted a passage to say.  I am not suggesting the misreading was malicious but because we do not always “mediate” on a passage and as Charles Finney contended, “come at it from all sides until we have exhausted our ability to see various facets of the passage.” 

I have ministered to families and individuals in the midst of terrible tragedy and have them or someone who genuinely cared about them declare, “Well, we know that all things are for the good.”  That is not what that passage said and if we adopt that philosophy we develop a fatalistic mindset that will potentially shipwreck our faith and cause us great harm and unnecessary discomfort in life.

Let’s examine the passage slowly and see if we come to a different conclusion than the aforementioned interpretation.   Paul begins, “And we know…”  He is saying that this understanding is common knowledge and something that can be arrived at with reason and logic.  I would suggest he is addressing it as though he did not need to go into detail for the understanding was commonly understood and the view conveyed commonly accepted.  What do we know?  We know, “that all things…”  Everything in life is included in ALL THINGS.  What about all things that we know?  We know that all things, “work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose…”  Now that is an interesting thought needing further examination and illustration.

I cannot imagine telling a parent who had just lost a child in a terrible tragedy that the loss was good or for the good.  I cannot imagine telling a grandparent who had just arrived on the scene of the loss of their daughter and three grandchildren that the event was good or for the good.  I cannot imagine telling a man who had just lost his job and now faces the terrible prospects of not being able to provide for his wife and children that it was good or for the good.  If you came to me in those situations and said, “Well it’s all for the good” I would probably not be a good audience.  I prayed about this and the Lord helped me with an illustration that enabled me to not only understand this passage but embrace it in all things and at all times.

GRANDMA’S CHOCOLATE CAKE:

My mother and grandmother used to bake and they baked their cakes from scratch.  They would assemble various ingredients to be included in the chocolate cake and then go through a process of blending them together to achieve the finished product of that moist delicious chocolate cake.  I won’t try to list all the ingredients but go through enough we can see what I am illustrating.

There would be flour.  Now, I don’t know about you but if you placed a bowl of flour in front of me and said, “This is good”, suggesting that I eat the cake in installments, I would protest and argue that the flour is not good.  If you cracked a few eggs, put them in a bowl and offered them to me as an installment of the cake, I would not consider that good.  Nor would I want the baking powder, salt, sugar, or even the bitter chocolate used to make the cake in installments and would not consider most of them good in and of themselves.  So they would begin the process of taking the individual items and blend them together in a mixing bowl which we can call life.  They took the flour, eggs, butter, sugar, salt, chocolate, milk, and more and placed them individually in the bowl and took the mixer or mixing spoon and beat them into submission until one item became completely intermingled with the other.  Once they had achieved the desired mix and texture, they would pour the ingredient into the baking dish and place it in the oven to come under high heat for a period of time.  Isn’t that just like life?  Event after event comes to us and over time each of those events becomes intermeshed with our lives until we are a compilation of those experiences and events.  That would seem enough, right?  But not then the Lord allows us to be placed in the oven and heated.

It is after the cooking that Grandma would take out the finished product, the chocolate cake and put the icing on it and serve it.  That was the GOOD and it only became good by WORKING TOGETHER all the ingredients into a single mixture.  That is LIFE!  That is all things working together for good.  That is God taking the good and the bad in life and blending in us that which shapes and molds us into that finished product the world can see that walks as a manifestation of Jesus.  All things are not good but they are WORKING TOGETHER to produce that which is good.  God will use everything in life to bring mold and shape us into that which He desires us to be.

            God bless you and know that God is working for your good!

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BEING RIGHT IN OUR OWN EYES Does Not Make Us Right…


Spiritual Blog - Right

Judges 17:5-6 – “The man Micah had a shrine, and made an ephod and household idols; and he consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  NKJV

 Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  NKJV

 

When we have as the only basis for guiding or controlling our actions our own desires we are in a very dangerous situation.  When that is the condition of the world the opportunity for evil and calamity is increased exponentially.  Today, we are nearing if not squarely in that place with the continual assault on Christianity, the Bible, and our shifting moral moorings in this land and world.  When people call “good evil and evil good” we should realize that the potential for incredible darkness and corruption has an open door.

It is one thing to choose to do wrong and another to choose not to do what is right.  When people make the determination of what is right and wrong based on their personal benefit without regard for the rights of others the descent into total depravity and self-centeredness is impossible to avoid.  When people can decide, based on personal desire, lust, greed, or ambition the outcome cannot be wholesome or godly.

In today’s world, we are told that abortion is right because it is a woman’s body and her right to decide what to do with her own body must be protected.  What about the right of that baby in the womb?  Who speaks for that life?  We have experienced over 50 MILLION abortions in the United States of America largely based on the attitude of doing what is right in our own eyes rather than considering what God has to say about life, all lives!  We have reached a condition in America where Political Correctness allows for the trampling and redefining marriage, a biblical concept between one man and one woman and people are forced to accept a lifestyle or even do things to facilitate that lifestyle in total violation of their personal convictions.  Those who advance that idea are doing what is right in their own eyes and demanding that we agree, even when they are wrong.

Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”  Proverbs 3:5-7 instructs us to wholeheartedly trust God and reject the temptation to trust our own understanding, feelings or desires.  We are to fear God and depart from evil, and not adopt the mentality that we are “wise in our own eyes” or “do what is right in our own eyes.”  Adolf Hitler professed to be a God-fearing Christian and said in “Mein Kampf”, “Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord.”  Right in his own eyes!

In today’s Postmodernism Christianity has been redefined to mean that Christians can and should mix New Age Eastern Mysticism with Christianity.  We are being told by those inside and outside Christendom that all cultures were created by God, therefore, pagans can worship their former gods because in doing so they are really worshipping the true God.  Today, anything is acceptable to get people in the pews, even compromising the Gospel.  Psychology is mixed with Christianity in the sense that people are told, “I’m Okay, you’re okay” and we simply need to be “positive” and have a “good self-image.”  We are told that “all men are basically good” forgetting the biblical teachings about the depravity of man and the need for a savior.

If we do that which is right in our own eyes we make ourselves god(s) and in so doing separate ourselves from God in an act of rebellion as did Adam and Eve in the Garden.  We make self the center of our universe and in that place we become our own savior and relegate the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross to meaninglessness.

That is not the Gospel message from the Bible and I will declare the fallacy of that mentality and call it what it is, Heresy!   God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Him rejoicing in His Salvation!

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GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD… Not Big Daddy.


Spiritual Blog - God

Revelation 1:12-20 – “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.  18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.  19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.  20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”  NKJV

 

Through the years I’ve heard people refer to God as “Big Daddy” and while I completely understand and agree that God is our Father, He is still God!  When I think about this text and how John the Revelator, a close associate and disciple of Jesus responded when he realized He was in the Presence of God.  It was not a flippant or casual, “Hey Bro. how are you doing?”  It was “prostrating himself before the LORD with trembling and fear.”  He knew he was in the presence of GOD and that was not taken lightly by the apostle.

If, an apostle who leaned on Jesus’ chest during the Last Supper and a man who was one of the three who were the closest to the LORD, responded in this manner who are we to think we will just casually march into heaven and not stand in awe?  Few of us, if any, would enter the presence of earthly dignitaries such as kings or presidents with a flippant attitude but would enter with some trepidation.  We are not talking about an earthly King but the LORD OF LORDS and KING OF KINGS. We are talking about the Creator of all in existence.  We are talking about the Savior of our Souls.  We are talking about JEHOVAH GOD! 

I can only imagine standing before His throne and although we have heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of your Lord” we will, without a doubt, find the experience of His presence so overpowering we will respond as John on Patmos.  Yes, He has instructed us to “come boldly before the throne of grace” but He did not instruct us to come with an attitude that forgets WHO HE IS.  Those receiving crowns will cast them at His feet in reverence and awe.  When I pray and petition the Father through Jesus I always keep in mind that I am entering the presence of the ALMIGHTY. 

I am troubled by something that may give you no pause or concern.  I am troubled when people speak of or act toward God without demonstrated recognition that HE IS GOD!  We are not and will never be on His level.  We are created beings, He is uncreated.  We live and move and have our being only by and through Him.  Psalm 33:8, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him!”  Psalm 110:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever!”  In Leviticus 9:22-24 we find Israel falling on their faces in fear, reverence, respect, awe, and wonder knowing that God was in their midst.  God is an awesome God and we must never forget HE IS GOD!

Let me suggest that everyone who declares they will march right up to the throne and demand answers to the questions of life are in for a rude awakening when they stand before the Throne.  HE IS GOD!   What does that mean to you?  HE IS GOD!  How does that tug at your heart strings?  HE IS GOD!  Yes, our God is an awesome God and HE REIGNS!

God bless you and I will continue allowing the Holy Spirit to expand the reverence I have for God and while I long to see Jesus face to face in Heaven, I know that as John crumbled before Him, so will I.  THEN, He will lift us up and we will embark on the journey of eternity in His Presence evermore!

God bless you is my prayer and desire!

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THE QUESTION REVEALS THE HEART…


Spiritual Blog - Doubt

Mark 4:35-41 – “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”  36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”  41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”  NKJV

 

Which question, you ask?  The one the disciples asked or the ones Jesus asked.  Both, but specifically the one they asked in the midst of the storm.  Their response is largely the response many have when facing a crisis.  I have encountered and even exhibited the attitude, “Why me, Lord?” or “Why not me, Lord?”  I have ministered to people that voiced a variation of, “If God cared, He wouldn’t allow this!” 

In this account, there are a number of things very important to note.  The first, Jesus said, “Let us cross over to the other side.”  Jesus had given direction and His question in response to their question indicates they should have maintained their confidence in His instructions.  Go to the other side.  In life, God gives has given us a directive to “Go into all the world and share the Good News.”  There is no mention that it will be smooth sailing along the journey but that does not detract from the directive.  We are told that to “resist” the devil and that indicates on suggests we will have devils we need to resist.  Life is not always easy and the fact that we have been born again into Christ Jesus does not mean we will live a trouble free existence and that God will be at our beck and call in every situation.  There are some things that we must determine we will weather the storm no matter what and exercise His authority, given to us as we STAND.

Their question moved from the responsibility of TRUST to an accusation that since there was a storm and Jesus was sleeping, He had failed and was uncaring.  No, just because you have a crisis does not mean God does not care, it means you have a crisis.  It means you have the opportunity to demonstrate your confidence in Him and His Promises.  It is an opportunity for you to experience His miraculous or exercise your spiritual authority and faith.   Jesus challenged their accusation or assertion that He did not care by shifting the focus where it belonged, on their lack of TRUST or FAITH.  He challenged their demonstration of fear knowing and exposing to them that Faith and Fear cannot harmoniously dwell in the same heart and mind.  Fear has torment but Faith has peace. 

It is not necessarily the outcome that is the most important but the attitude.  I had the terrible duty to perform a funeral service for a mother and three children who died as the result of carbon monoxide affixation in a faulty vent of a mobile home.  The grandmother met me at the trailer and beat me in the chest asking, “Why, preacher? Why?”  Why is the wrong question, in my view!  Why opens the door to suggest that God failed and somehow did not care or care enough.  Why opens the door to bitterness.  There are some situations in life that why cannot address and in the lives of believers why is only valid if it motivates us to amend our lives to seek God more fully and commit ourselves more deeply.  Why, questions God’s character and motive, as the serpent did with Eve in the Garden.  No, the question is not why, but what do we do now?

Jesus is still quieting the storms when we call upon Him but His desire, more than removing storms from our paths is the condition of our hearts and our complete confidence in Him, His Word, and His Promises.  We know who we have believed and are convinced and confident that He can and will keep that which we have committed to Him eternally.

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

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ONE VERY POWERFUL WORD – “Mother…”


MOTHER'S DAY

Luke 1:26-38 – “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”  NKJV

 

I have been asked and asked others, “What is it about Mother that the very word holds such a special and treasured place in your heart?”   We do not have an exhaustive list, unlimited time, or ability to fully innumerate why but let me suggest a few considerations.

When I think of Eve being described as the “Mother of all Living” and then turn to the New Testament and see the events of Luke 1 where Mary is informed of God’s choice for her to be the human vessel through which the Christ would be born, I see something that speaks to my heart.  Then when I view my own mother and relationship with her I find some things that are almost beyond words but know that the idea and image of MOTHER is one of the most powerful words in my vocabulary.  It stirs feelings and devotion in me like few other words if any other word beyond Jesus or God.

I realize that some who read this may not have had or may not have a good and healthy relationship with the woman who birthed them into this world.  I did and my heart is saddened for anyone not having a loving relationship with a godly mother.  That nurturing relationship is priceless and today, I desire to give tribute to all mothers.  My mother has received her promotion to her eternal reward and is sorely missed.  I would not bring her back if I could because her body was twisted with arthritis and her legs no longer supported her preventing her from active mobility she had always enjoyed and treasured.  I would not bring her back because her mind was no longer the sharp mind we grew up knowing and her short-term memory was greatly diminished but her love never faded and the light in her eyes always brightened when we would walk into the room.

My mother sacrificed unselfishly and without complaint to provide for her children.  She was a gentle spirit but if you touched her cubs she was a she-bear and would have given her life without hesitation to protect her children.  We grew up having little of this world’s goods but she always made sure we had food to eat, clothes to wear, and would find a way to put a few coins in our pockets when we needed them.  She instilled in us a pride of family, and along with our father taught us the value of a dollar and demonstrated a work ethic that has proven invaluable in life.  She was our greatest supporter and rooted for us, encouraging us to never give up and always strive for success.  She believed in us and encouraged us to believe in ourselves.  She believed in God and demonstrated godliness in her walk and encouraged us to place our confidence in Him.  I remember as I prepared to go to Houston to fly to boot camp her stopping at a local general store to get something.  She found a small pocket Bible to give to me and of all the things I kept during my time in the military including Vietnam that Bible was a constant companion.  It was not read but treasured as a connection to my mother and her faith.

As I grew up, married and children came into our home, she was always willing and ready to offer help in any manner possible.  Her love for family was demonstrated in her grandchildren and I know my children treasured her more than words could express.  MOTHER is a word that conveys to me love, nurture, provision, wisdom, protection, guidance, and faith.  Today, if you have a living mother make her know how much you value her.  If you have a strained relationship I urge you to seek to heal those wounds.  If your mother has departed this life remember her input into your life and strive to live that life she would be proud of.

I conclude with this tribute to mothers.  Click on the link and watch the video presentation under two minutes.   God bless you and God bless Mothers everywhere!

 https://www.guideposts.org/video/inspirational-stories/mothers-day-tribute

 

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FESTERING WOUNDS NEVER HEAL…


Spiritual Blog - Festering Wounds

Matthew 18:15-20 – “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’  17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 

18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”   NKJV

 

I have been on both ends of this process and in some of those times, I have found that everything was a terrible misunderstanding and openness and honesty brought resolution quickly and decisively.  I have seen other situations where there were confrontation and one or both sides of the issue refused to accept any wrong or blame and the wound festered to the point that the animosity defiled many, splitting churches and families.  I have seen other situations where no attempt was made to “clear the air” and the wound or perceived wrong was allowed to fester to the point it became a spiritual gangrene and brought about spiritual death or dearth.

Jesus gave us a very simple, difficult, but clear process to “clear the air” and “achieve reconciliation and restoration” between BROTHERS.  This process is specifically directed toward the relationship and interaction between believers.  You have no leverage with the world in this matter and the moral foundation would likely be much different and their recognition of the authority of the church or the Lord vastly different.  One of the reasons this is often not practiced in the church today is because we fail to recognize spiritual authority and live as isolated individualist accountable only to ourselves and, in our minds, God.

Whether the sin is actual and factual or perceived the division and wound is the same initially.  The instruction is clear.  If a brother or sister wrongs you or is perceived to have wronged you, you are to “go to them privately.”  There is no publicizing of this, no forming cliques and choosing sides as a forerunner to the coming war of attitudes, words, and feelings.  You open your heart with “total honesty” and allow them the opportunity to respond, either with clarification or repentance.  Your foundational purpose MUST BE RECONCILIATION and RESTORATION.  If you are seeking to prove you were wronged and somehow damage them in the eyes of others, your effort should not take place and will result in exacerbating the situation not resolving it.

You go to the one who has or you perceive has wronged you.  If they reject you then you are to take “one or two” more, that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”  Again, those you take with you cannot be someone who is already prejudiced or biased in your favor but honorable, godly people from the faith who will objectively hear the matter.  If he/she still refuses to hear or respond, THEN it is to be presented to the Church and this is where Church Discipline, which is rarely witnessed comes into play.  If they reject the private plea, the secondary plea with the witnesses and the church then they are to be shunned.  You may say, “That is harsh.”  It is, but the objective is reconciliation and the unrepentant who is guilty of wrong will cause division and discord not harmony and will become like cancer in the body.

An interesting part of this process is found in verses 18-20 and the “binding and loosing” mentioned by the Lord Jesus is directly related to this process.  The heart of God is and the heart of the church should be reconciliation.  The apostle Paul deals with this matter later and expands it to reveal that this may only be a temporary arrangement and if the person repents they are to be restored.

NEVER, allow wounds to fester.  ALWAYS, seek to resolve differences and do so with an open heart and a willingness to achieve reconciliation.    God bless you as you go through this wonderful day and if you have unresolved differences with any other believer, I encourage you to seek to be reconciled.  

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SOUNDING THE ALARM…


Spiritual Blog - Horses

Jeremiah 12:5 – “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you,  tThen how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?”  NKJV

 

As I was lying in bed and thinking about America, the world, predictions of the Anti-Christ being revealed and the Coming of the Lord, this is what I heard in my spirit.  I sensed that the Spirit of God was giving me instructions and warning concerning our political, social, economic, and moral climate in this nation and in much of the world.

Some things have recently transpired on the political scene that causes jubilation in the hearts of some and deep consternation and even fear in others.  What has been transpiring in the primaries politically could be compared to running with footmen or infantry.  This is true in the social climate, economics, religiously, and even on a moral front.  What we have been facing, while troubling and, at times, extremely difficult and taxing is FOOTMEN.  The mounted troops, armored forces or big guns have not been rolled out and if we are wearied to the point of throwing in the towel running with the footmen that are problematic.

The Lord asked through the prophet, “If this has caused you such consternation and despair that you are weary, what will you do when it gets really bad?”  How will you “mount up with wings as the eagles?  How will you run and not be weary?  How will you walk and not faint?”  How, if you are wearied by these small arms attacks?  How will you “having done all to stand, stand, therefore?” How, if you are wearied by the little foxes that spoil the vine.  If we are wearied and put into despair in a time of peace where we face little or no persecution contend when the enemy comes in like a flood with the heavy artillery?  We read in Proverbs 24:10, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”  In verse 19 of that chapter, we find, “Do not fret because of evildoers, or be envious of the wicked; for there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

The issue is whom or what do we place our trust.  If we trust our ability, natural weapons, natural wisdom rather than placing our complete confidence and reliance on the LORD we are subject to weariness and despair.  However, if we remember that God is God we can run through a troop and leap over a wall knowing that in Christ we can do all things and that our God NEVER fails.

I know the Spirit of God was addressing both the current condition and giving me a warning about what is to come in this nation.  Darkness is beginning to cover the land and there are sinister forces at work to “fundamentally transform” this nation into something other than a nation whose God is the LORD and one who has as their motto and guide, “In God we trust.”  The erosion of morality, the move toward political correctness and tolerance at the expense of biblical conviction is an epidemic.  What we have seen thus far is the tip of the iceberg and “perilous times” are coming to our nation.  The question is not will it come but what will be the condition of our hearts when it comes.

I want to be one who is not wearied by running with the footmen and one who can contend with horses able to mount up with the wings of eagles, run and not be weary and walk and not faint.  I pray that the LORD of Hosts instills in each heart a holy boldness and confidence to STAND after having done all to stand.

God bless you richly is my prayer and lead you forth from victory to victory in Christ!

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UNDERSTANDING OUR ROLE AND GODS…


Spiritual Blog - House

Psalm 127:1-2 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.”  NKJV

 

Through my years of Christian ministry and service, I have heard the statement, “doing a work for God” used and even “growing a church for Jesus” as though we were the ones building the church or doing the work independently of God.  I know that was not the heart of what was being said but in a very real way it detracts from the reality of the roles of man and God in the Kingdom Purposes.

If you remember in Matthew 16 when Jesus questioned the disciples as to who the people thought He (Jesus) was and then Peter’s response when they were asked, “Who do you say I am.”  Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”  Jesus responded to that revelation saying, “…upon this rock (truth) I will build My church; and the gates (powers) of hell will not overpower it.”  The thing we MUST always keep in mind is it is HIS CHURCH and HE IS THE BUILDER.  That makes the statement of the Psalmist even more powerful when He declares that UNLESS the Lord builds the house it is an exercise in futility to attempt to do so.  That UNLESS the Lord guards the city the watchmen waste their time watching and warning of danger.  It is FUTILE to worry and fret over life’s problems and obstacles because UNLESS God is on the Throne of our lives we can change nothing.  But, when we know He is Building, Watching, Guarding, and Guiding we can sleep the sleep of peace.

Many have become frustrated over the lack of growth in a local congregation and pastors have resigned or been shown the door thinking that if they just had the right program or personality they would have the dynamic growth equated with success.  Could it be that they were not allowing God to build the house in His way and time?  Could it be that the purpose of God was not or is not to make every local church a mega-church?  Could it be that our definition of success, often defined in numbers and dollars is not God’s definition?

I truly believe that God has called me to be a “Watchman on the Walls” spiritually for our nation but I waste my time if that conviction is not coupled with the confidence that God is the one truly watching and I am just echoing or reporting what He is saying, seeing, and revealing.  I truly believe that God calls people to lead congregations and far too often that individual departs that local community before the time of God’s choosing because of a failure to fully grasp that building the church is not man’s responsibility but is the work of Christ Jesus our Lord through the Holy Spirit.  Yes, He inspires men and women, programs, pathways, and endeavors but at the end of the day IT IS HIS CHURCH and He is the BUILDER.

             Our nation is experiencing dark days and will likely experience even darker days in the months to come and we can lament over the problems, conditions, attitudes, and direction and we should be grieved and pray.  But, unless we couple our lamentations with confidence that God is the one truly guarding the city or nation we err and become troubled in heart, mind, and soul needlessly.  Without God, we can do nothing but with God we can do all things!  There is not mountain too high, no river too wide no problem too great, or enemy too powerful that He cannot handle.  Therefore, if we can come to grips with our role as messengers, representatives, and manifestations of Him and His purposes and His as the Builder and Guard we will find the peace that passes understanding and enjoy the success He has purposed.  Never deem success in number, noses, or dollars but look for the depth of spiritual commitment in lives being impacted for God’s Kingdom.  I am not making an excuse for no progress but suggesting that we look to the source not try to be the source.

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

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