Spiritual

FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD? Conclusion…


Spiritual Blog - Firewood

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU

 Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

 

Now for the conclusion of this thought and something that I believe is vital, encouraging, and beneficial for us to consider.  That is the Keeper of the Vineyard or Orchard’s Intercession.  I hope this helps us to realize that our Lord Jesus is making intercession for us and we need to repent and receive the Grace and Provisions of the Lord so that we can see His Promise fulfilled in our lives.

Notice that the Plea is for more Grace (v.8).  One more year!  The one that had done all the labor, with no credit pleads for more time.  Jesus, the one who brought us Salvation, is interceding with the Father for more time for us to become what He has desired.  It may not be one year, it may be twenty, thirty, or forty, but the plea is Grace!

Jesus declared in His prayer in John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil.”  Hallelujah!  Some believers are so involved and invested in themselves they are bearing no fruit.  I don’t want to be negative but what if this is your last opportunity to Bear Fruit?

The Keeper of the Vineyard or Orchard promises to do more work to help the tree produce.  Imagine that, Jesus is willing to invest Himself more than He already has to help us become fruit-bearers.  Notice in (v.8) – “I shall dig about it and dung it.”  I will bring heavenly fertilizer to it for nourishment.  I will prune out the dead and worthless branches.  I will do everything I can to enable it and encourage it to bear fruit!

The Grace of God is without measure and certainly far beyond any level of deserving, we might have.  We deserve judgment not mercy, but God continues to extend mercy to us.  Freely we have received, freely we should give.  Any fruit that is found will be the result of Grace, not self.  It will not be by our works but His.  It will not be by our ability but His.  It will be Him and Him alone, we will simply be willing participants in allowing the Life of the Vine to produce fruit in us.

Nothing is to be taken from the other trees and this tree cannot be allowed to drain the nourishment from others.  So, there will be more digging, more pruning, more fertilization, and more attention given to the root of the problem.  That may cause you to become disturbed and wonder what is going on in your life that so much upheaval, digging, and pruning is going on.  It is to enable you to Bear Fruit!  God is seeking Fruit not Firewood!

The Keeper’s Grace and Patience has a limit.  He agrees that this last effort is final as is seen in verse nine – “After that.”  How chilling are those words?  After that.  The tree may be completely unaware of the finality of the situation.  This is the Last, Second Chance and the Last Effort of Grace to gain fruitfulness.

It may come as a season of Affliction.  It may come through a soul-searching Sermon.  It may come through some Providential Incident.  No, I am not saying that God will send sickness on you.  That’s not God.  I am saying, He may pull back His hand and allow the devourer to attack for a time not to punish you but because of His incredible Love.  He wants each of us to Bear Fruit.  He wants us to Be Holy because He is Holy.  He wants us to Manifest Him to the World.  He wants us to be instruments in His hand and become His weapons of warfare in the pursuit of Destroying the Works of the Devil.

My cry is Lord – USE ME!  Help me Produce Fruit.  Help me to not ‘cumber’ the ground.  Help me be Like Jesus!  God is looking for Fruit not Firewood!  Will you be a fruit-bearer?  You can choose to be obedient and the Holy Spirit will lead you into the fields that are already white for harvest.  God will stir up the Gifts that are in you and enable you to bear fruit!

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

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FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD? Part Two…


Spiritual Blog - Fruit Trees

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU

 Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday in considering the Fig or Fruit Tree and consider another thought regarding this tree and something for us to consider regarding our own individual lives.

CONSIDER THE MASTER’S COMPLAINT… 

In Luke 13:7 we find that he had been seeking fruit for three years on this tree.  That’s a reasonable time when it comes to fruit trees.  In the statement of verse seven, we find several thoughts that bear examining.

The master demonstrates incredible patience.  Three years in a fruit orchard is costly and shows incredible restraint on the part of the master and keeper of the orchard.  That reminds me of the words of Peter in 2 Peter 3:9: “He is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.”  I would contend that the use of three years suggests a three-fold repeated failure on the part of the tree.  Even in that light, there is no judgment and it is given another chance.  Grace has been extended.

I can only imagine how much the heart of our Lord is grieved when He comes to our lives for fruit and finds barrenness.  I can only imagine how His heart is grieved if He comes to us and finds the gifts and blessings He has bestowed on us have been hidden or used on ourselves rather than producing fruit in others and the kingdom.  God is seeking fruit in our lives and He has made provision to enable us to bear fruit.  How long have you been in God’s orchard?  Are you a receiver only, drinking up the sap and sunshine of His gifts and grace but producing nothing for the kingdom?  Are you a Fruit bearer or Firewood?

A second thing I note in His words is the reality that His patience is being tested.  “Cut it down” is an arresting statement.  None of us wants our tree cut down in the prime of life.  None of us wants to face eternity having been deemed to be a non-bearing stick of firewood.  We want to be vessels and instruments He can us and we want to bear fruit for Him.

In Proverbs 13:12 we find a truth that we could apply to this situation, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”  Yes, it is talking about us but how about applying that to how God feels when He hopes for us to become what He has designed, and we continue to resist or misdirect His gifts and blessings?

Something that is very important to grasp is that the Trees in the Orchard of God are judged by their works, those outside by their nature.  Our natures have been transformed so now it is time to couple our faith and grace with our actions and bear fruit.  Fruit-bearing constitutes the only title we have to continue in the orchard. (James 2:24).  In life and in God, we find that Privileges abused are Privileges lost.  Remember the talents.   The one that hid the money lost it and suffered because of the inaction.  God is looking for more than a profession of our faith and belief that He is, He wants us to Bear Fruit

The third statement or question brings an unmistakable and unavoidable reality of the seriousness of this situation.  “Why does it even use up the ground?”  It is a waste of space would be another way of saying it.  In the KJV it says, “why cumbereth it the ground?”  Like one preacher said, “God won’t always allow cumberers to occupy His orchard.”  Every fruitless tree is in danger of being a ‘cumberer’ and demands the question, “Why allow it to remain?”

We cannot defend fruitlessness in our lives.  When someone eats the food, enjoys the housing, rides in the car, but produces nothing and contributes nothing we call them free-loaders.  The danger of free-loaders is they, like leaven, tend to taint the thinking of the producers.  In this case, the fruitless tree’s roots become entangled with the roots of the fruit-bearing and hinder them, stealing their nourishment.  The barren branches block out the sunshine from the fruit-bearing trees and hinder them.

The inconsistencies of professing Christians are a negative testimony to those who are on the outside looking in.  God help us to become fruit bearers, not firewood.  I will pause one more time and pick this up again tomorrow.  Hoping to encourage you to bear fruit and to the reality that you can bear fruit.

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

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FRUITBEARER or FIREWOOD?


Spiritual Blog - Fruit or Fire

Matthew 3:10 – “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  NASU 

Luke 13:6-9 – “And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.  7 “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’  8 “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'”  NASU

 

On December 3, 1978, I preached this message at the church I was serving as pastor in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.  I have used these thoughts in conversations and revivals through the years but felt directed by the Holy Spirit to use this in my devotional blog.  I sense that the Holy Spirit is desirous to remind us that the directive of “Be Ye Holy, for I am Holy” is still applicable and there is still a Harvest to be reaped.  You have a purpose in life and it is far more than simply evangelization but sharing your faith is certainly part of that purpose.

As a nation, the Jews were more highly favored than any nation.  The primary reason for that was they would be the instrument or nation through which God would bring the Seed of the Woman, Jesus, into the world to Save us!  God took them out of the land of Egypt and hand-planted them in the fertile field of Canaan (the Place of Promise).  He wants to do the same with our lives and take us from barrenness to fertility in Him.

He delivered them with incredible care and detail.  He invested Himself in their deliverance so powerfully that I believe it is within reason that He would expect them to bear fruit and fruit of the highest quality.  But, they continually grieved His heart and rebelled or disobeyed. In this account, we discover that God’s heart was grieved, and Jesus had sought for fruit for three years but found none in the Pharisees and Sadducees.  The loving and compassionate heart of our Lord interceded again and again.  Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 12:34: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” 

They were spared for a season to permit the digging of His Teachings and the work of the Holy Spirit and ultimately the proof of His resurrection to cause them to bear fruit.  Yet, they remained in unbelief and according to Romans 11:20, were cut off because of unbelief.  It is important to remember that God’s longsuffering has a limit and he will not allow weeds to grow in his vineyard and wheat field forever.

This account or parable conveys some very serious and soul-searching lessons for every Child of God.  I want to begin walking through some of them and hopefully, they will resonate with you and your surrender or recommitment to Him will occur.

CONSIDER THE TREE.

I want you to notice that it was the right kind of tree (a fruit tree) in the orchard.  It was a valuable tree because it was a precious fruit tree.  It would provide food.  The Fig Tree represents one who is born from above.  It represents one who has a new nature.  It represents one who is part of the family of God.  This tree is unique in that it had been a member of another family or planted in another orchard but now it is in the Family or Orchard of God.

Secondly, it is a tree of incredible privilege for it had been planted in God’s vineyard.  Fig trees did not grow by the wayside.  It had been hand-picked and specifically chosen then carefully planted.  It had been chosen, planted, supplied, and protected.  Hopefully, that will speak to each of us and remind us that we have been chosen by God (John 15:16).  We are the Lord’s planting!  He has chosen and ordained us that we should bring forth fruit!

Third, the tree is barren or fruitless.  Fruit was sought by the owner of the vineyard, but none was found.  What a disturbing prospect, a fruit tree in the orchard and no fruit.  Look around you in the church today and in the world today and you will readily acknowledge that it is not only possible but far too commonplace.  Too often we come, sing the songs, give our offerings, say the prayers and never produce fruit.  That is not God’s purpose!

Who is to blame for the fruitlessness?  Is it the keeper of the orchard?  It is the soil?  Is it the tree itself?  In this account, the problem was clearly in the tree.  I acknowledge that it is possible to be in a church where there is no nourishment and thereby no good soil but most of the time, there is enough good soil and spiritual nourishment to provide the nutrients for productivity.  Even, if there is not the tree is responsible to run its roots into the soil (the Word of God) and seek the nourishment provided therein by the Holy Spirit.

The tree was not planted to be an ornament. It was not planted so it could receive the care and nourishment being given it but to Bear Fruit!  It might appear to have life, it might have green leaves, it might have all the outward signs of being a Fruit Tree but if there is no Fruit it loses its purpose.  God grows Fruit Trees, not Fire Wood!

I will pause there and pick up this tomorrow and hopefully before I am through something will resonate with you and inspire you to revaluate your own life and become a Seeker of Him and a bearer of fruit.

God bless you richly as you enjoy this day!

 

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HOW LONG IS FOREVER?


Spiritual Blog - Eternity

Psalm 119:89-90 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.  90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.”  NASU

If we ever question the eternality of God or the faithfulness of His Promises, we open the door to doubt disbelief and defeat.  You may not understand the eternality of God, I confess I am at a loss for words at some of the questions about His eternality, but I believe He is.  I believe it for two specific reasons.  First, I have experienced His Saving Grace and He delivered me from some things and gave me a peace that transformed my heart and life.  I was a New Man or a New Creation.  I was not the same and never have been.  Second, I believe the biblical account and the Bible.  Second, I believe the Bible is the Word of God not that it simply contains the Word of God.  I believe it is Inspired not simply metaphorical or theoretical.

Therefore, if God’s Word is FOREVER settled in heaven and God is ETERNAL then why would I not trust Him and His Word.  When there was a falling away from Jesus over some of His teachings He turned to the disciples and asked, “Will you go away too?”  Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

Years ago, street witnessing with Teen Challenge in Dallas, Texas I found myself in a part of the city that we were told might be a mistake to go.  It was not intentional, but I simply followed where I felt the Spirit of God was leading me witnessing to anyone who would listen.  I suddenly realized that I was surrounded by about 20 young men and women who were not appreciative of this East Texas boy’s appearance in their part of the city and were hostile and heckling.  I began to preach to them and tell them of my conversion and how God had spared my life on numerous occasions up to that point.  I finally said, “If you are right and I am wrong, the life I now live is not a waste and I will have lost nothing.  But, if I am right and you are wrong, you will have lost your soul eternally.”  A hush fell on the crowd and I heard a voice from behind me speak.  That voice was quiet but there was power in it and I could tell that the crowd respected that voice.  The voice said, “You better listen to him!”  I turned to see the person and saw no one but knew he had been there.

I realize that testimony may seem out of place in this devotional about the eternality of God, but I suggest you consider Eternity.  We only live once in this life.  We only make one pass through this thing we call life.  We are born, live, and then die and once life on earth is over we must give an account of our lives and either His God’s welcome to enter or His rejection saying, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”  We are eternal beings housed in a human fleshly body temporarily.  We will either live forever or die forever in a living death that, according to the Bible, has such incredible torment it is beyond my ability to comprehend.  Life never ends if we accept Jesus and Dying never ends if we reject Him.

We are told in Psalm 90:2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”  The apostle John wrote in Revelation 1:4: “Grace to you and peace from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come…”  This universe is not eternal, it had a beginning. If you follow the theories of man that the earth created itself or has always been you have a problem with the Bible, especially Genesis 1:1.  However, if you believe that God is eternal and that He is the creator of all things you find wonderful peace in that passage.

In the natural, we would never accept a theory which suggested that an automobile simply came into existence in a junkyard as metal joined metal and became a frame, a body, a motor, a transmission, etc.  We would never believe that a finely tuned precision watch simply happened but when we look at the majestic structures in architecture we would never believe that it just happened.  No, we believe that there was a plan and workmen skilled in construction erected it.  When I look at the human body, I cannot fathom it simply happening.  When I look at the majesty of our world in nature, I cannot comprehend or believe that it just happened.  For me, the design suggests, No Demands, a designer.

The precision of the human body and the earth’s orbit defy the theories that it just happened.  I have said to atheists that they have more faith than I based on what they believe.  They are usually stunned by that statement, but I stand by it, in this sense.  For me to believe that this incredible machine called the human body simply evolved would require me to believe in random chance that has such precision and gives such attention to detail it would be far more difficult to believe than that it was by design.  When I consider the invisible barriers of the oceans and the way that our atmosphere provides the exact amount of all the gasses and elements required for human life I see the design.  If I see design, then I must see a designer.

So, if I believe God is eternal and His word is forever settled in heaven, Why would I not embrace His promises?  By that, I mean All of His promises!  God does not say things to make them true, He says them because they are truth.  Jesus, according to the Bible, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  God’s Word is forever settled in heaven.  Therefore, child of God, you have great and precious promises that you are leaving untapped because some man told you it was for another time.  God did not tell you that and Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32 resonate with me powerfully: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

I pray that you will receive His Promises and Provisions and embrace His eternality today.  May you find that that Truth liberates you and brings you a release you have never known and the confidence, peace, and assurance you have only dreamed of finding.

God bless you on this special day is my prayer and desire!

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WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN’ GOIN’ ON…


Spiritual Blog - Shakin

Hebrews 12:25-29 – “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”   27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.”  NKJV

No, I’m not talking about the song of yesteryear by Jerry Lee Lewis, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” I’m talking about the shaking God is about to and in some cases is doing.  The writer of Hebrews quoted a prophecy from Haggai 2 beginning at verse six.

6 “For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.”  NKJV

The warning is clear as is the solution.  He referred to previous judgments of God and plainly stated that those who rejected God did not escape nor shall we.  The people of Noah’s day did not escape.  Those building Babel did not escape.  Sodom and Gomorrah did not escape.  They all had a common thread, they rejected God unlike the city of Nineveh which repented upon hearing Jonah’s preaching.  The warning is clear, if we reject God we will not escape and I am totally convinced we are about to see a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” here in this present world including the United States of America.

This shaking will remove that which is not rooted and grounded in God’s Eternal Truth.  If we modify the Bible to fit our politically correct world interpretation that will be shaken.  If we dilute the message of the Cross to make it anything other than a foundational element in the redemption of man that will be shaken.  If we reject the truth that Jesus is the way, truth, life and the only door to God that will be shaken.  If we make our churches and ministries more of a social experiment than a spiritual hospital and university that will be shaken.  If we promote self that will be shaken.  I have talked with many today who are expressing being ‘fed up’ politically and political correctness and I usually say, “Do you think God is getting fed up with us?”  Have we become complacent and compromised our convictions for the sake of acceptance?  God is incredibly longsuffering as has been demonstrated over the generations but the Bible warns of a time when He will say ENOUGH and then look out for “A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Is Going to Happen.”

Can you be shaken?  Will you be shaken?  Will you find that what you have set your hand to is something that cannot be shaken?  All are questions we cannot fully answer until the shaking but things we should be considering as we move through life.  Shaking is coming and if we have run with the footmen and they have made us weary what will we do when horses come?  I plead for each of us to make it our ambition to only do what we see Him doing and only say what we hear Him saying.  Let us SEEK FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  May God be our Lord and our Savior!

God bless you richly as you go through this beautiful day!

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IT IS DEFINITELY, NOT MAYBE…


Spiritual Blog - Angels of Light

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – “…For Satan, himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”  NKJV 

Over the years I have had many conversations, heard much preaching, and listened to many discussions and speculations about the Man of Sin or the Antichrist.  Most of those describe him as a reprehensible and disgusting individual and he is for he is or will be evil to the core.  However, I fear that many miss an important reality regarding the devil and his Antichrist.

The Man of Sin will not come across as evil but good otherwise he would not be embraced by as much of the world as he will be.  He will come across as caring about people, problems, the environment, the world and truly desiring peace and presenting ideas that will awe much of the world.  He will possibly be nice looking and appealing physically, intellectually, politically, socially, economically and even religiously.  He will be disguised as an angel of light as is the devil.  He will be the epitome of a wolf in sheep’s clothing and deception will be his prime weapon.

Paul addresses the problem of false apostles and informs his audience to not be surprised that there are those who are not truly followers of Christ even if they are deceived and believe they are draw crowds and have a following. Why?  Because the devil himself transforms or disguises himself as an angel of light.  It does not say he can he says he does!

Therefore, when anyone deceived or diabolical strays from the biblical truth they participate in the disguise and/or deception.  Paul says, that in the end their works will be judged by God and their exposure will be sure, even if it is not in this life.  Leading others astray carries the heavy weight of judgment and I have always trembled when I preach or lead congregations that I do not present a false doctrine.  I have always pleaded with people to never take what I say as absolute truth but study, examine the scripture and determine if what I say is biblical and if it follows it and if not help me understand and reject it.

I am not surprised that we are seeing prominent ministers and ministries promoting a gospel I believe foreign to the Word of God.  They are calling things God calls abominations acceptable and thousands if not millions of followers are being swayed to follow a false doctrine in the name of compassion, political correctness, and tolerance.  They do not come across as evil and I do not believe that in most of those individuals their motive is evil but is a result of deception.  Sadly, as the Bible describes conditions of the Last Days some if not many will fall into deception and believe the lies of hell.

I have been castigated by well-meaning people who name the name of Christ over my stance on abortion, same-sex marriage, false religions such as Islam and other things.  They tell me that if I were truly a follower of Christ I would embrace differences and realize that God made the homosexual that way (which I do not believe) and that the narrowness of my Christian view that Jesus is the only way to God is not consistent with the Bible’s teaching on love thy neighbor.  I believe they are deceived and the lie of the disguised one, as with Eve in the Garden she saw the good in the tree and in seeking the good disobeyed the commandment of God.  Disguised as an angel of light the devil has for centuries been able to deceive in the name of humaneness, love and tolerance many.  They then become blind leaders of the blind and the ultimate end is both will fall in the ditch.

I love people and want to do good for all mankind whenever possible, but I never want to offer a kind of salvation that is contrary to the path described in the Bible, Jesus Christ!   I want to live in peace with all whenever possible, but I do not want to cast aside my conviction that the true path from darkness to light is through the Work of Christ on the Cross.  The devil is not always easily detectable and often very convincing and presents partial truths in such an eloquent and powerful manner many are deceived.  Do I have all truth?  No, but I have the one that has all truth living in my heart.

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

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LET THE RIVER FLOW…


Spiritual Blog - River of God

John 7:37-39 – “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  NKJV

 There is more that could be said that I have the time, space or even ability to say so let’s focus on that which is overflowing in my heart today.  Jesus addressed a thirsty crowd and His choice of words for in the ritual and celebration of the feast we have the water pouring ceremony and to a people of an arid region, the often scarcity and preciousness of water was on everyone’s mind.  The people understood that the water pointed to the Messianic Age and the Hebrews longed for the coming Messiah.  Jesus took their quest for the Messiah to drive home a powerful message.  They were observing water poured by the priest and no matter how pronounced we make that flow it is still incredibly limited.  It was symbolic but Jesus cries out something that went beyond any dream they could have short of the Messianic Age’s arrival.

Jesus cried out, “If you want God as a constant in your life and are, as David cried, like the small deer that is panting for God like the deer at the watering places then here is the path to that reality.  If you are thirsty, truly thirsty and consumed with desire for God then here is the means whereby you can climb that pinnacle and have that which you are longing.”  The solution is JESUS!  If we want what He is offering the two things must transpire:  Come to Him in repentance and faith and receive His Lordship and then Drink.  It is one thing to believe something real and another to embrace it so completely in your heart, mind, and life that you become one with it. That is what He is speaking of.  He is identifying thirst that compels one to action.

The promise that Jesus gave was that if they did this then the Living Water of God would, like an artesian well that would be a continual flow and the most natural picture was a river.  This spiritual flow from within the core of the being would be constant, consistent and continual.  The Bible says it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks and Jesus is talking about a heart that is so completely one with Him that only that life can proceed.

Then He explained how this could be and as John tells us, this was a reference to the Holy Spirit who was to be given in the days to come.  That time could not come until Jesus went to the Cross, rose from the dead and ascended to the Throne of Heaven Glorified.  Then the reality of Acts would be introduced in this world to believers.  The Holy Spirit’s indwelling in the heart and life would produce a continuous flow of God’s Living Water.

 I have people tell me they are filled with the Spirit but their lives are in shambles, out of their mouths proceed blessing and cursing and rather than manifesting Christ they manifest carnality.  I cannot believe that is the Holy Spirit for it is inconsistent with the Scripture and most assuredly inconsistent with this passage.  The Holy Spirit is our comforter and teacher, not our confuser!  He takes the deep things of God and communicates them to us and as His name declares He is Holy!  If anything comes from Him but that which is Holy He is no longer Holy and not the Spirit of God.  So, if things are flowing out of your heart or mouth that is not consistent with the Living Waters of God I suggest that you and I find an altar and once again lay our hearts on it asking God to let the river flow in our lives.  I long for the river!

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

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DON’T BECOME A BROKEN CISTERN…


Spiritual Blog - Cisterns

Jeremiah 2:13 – “For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water.”  NKJV

The prophet Jeremiah called weeping prophet because of his heartbreak over the condition of his beloved nation declared a strong word from the LORD regarding the State of the Nation.  The word was that the people, God’s people had committed to evils as an explanation for the predicament the nation faced.  They had forsaken God, the fountain of living waters and hewn themselves cisterns that were broken and incapable of holding water.

Some have asked what is virtually the chicken or the egg question as to which of these came first.  I do not for I believe that the natural result of allowing one’s heart to drift away from God is to do what Adam and Eve did in the garden and place self in the place of God.  I see much of this in today’s Christendom with the incredible rise of secularism and the drive to be consolatory to every religious view in existence.

It is one thing to be charitable to everyone and respect their views but to alter the framework of the Gospel to accommodate those opposing views can only produce a condition in which God is not the definitive voice of authority.  I have heard some nationally recognized preachers declare that although people who follow Islam or other religions do not accept Christ they too are accepted by God based on their beliefs.  If that were true then a person that believes that his God (self) deemed it acceptable to live in total debauchery and licentiousness would also get in based on his beliefs.

The fact that Jesus Himself declared that there was only one door through which we could gain access to the Father and that was Him is ignored, diminished or altered.  The fact of the requirement of the Blood of Christ shed for man’s sin is reinterpreted to mean that it is a way, not the way.  The human heart aside from the transforming work of Grace cannot house the Living Waters of God and become broken cisterns that can hold no life-giving water.  In John 7 when Jesus stood on the great day of the feast and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his INNERMOST BEING will flow rivers of living water.”   That river which continually flows only comes from believing in Jesus and a relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit.  It is by grace that we are saved and that through faith.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is not a way, a truth, or a life.

Attempting to be politically correct and modify the Bible to fit the secular and popular mindset of the day does not and cannot produce life it produces broken cisterns that cannot contain the living water.  God called this mentality and activity EVIL.  If we allow our hearts to drift from God and reject His place as Lord of All in our lives the natural and only result is that His place of Lordship and sovereignty will be replaced with something and at the heart of that something is SELF.

God shares His glory with no man and rejects as thieves any philosophy that attempts to enter through any means other than The Door, Jesus Christ.  I see a condition in our world where political correctness and the attempts to demonstrate compassion and Christian charity have resulted in ministers, churches and people call evil good and good evil.  If there is a singular reason that our nation and world is in the state it is in I would suggest it is what Jeremiah declared.  We have forsaken the LORD and His Living Waters and have become cisterns that are broken and cannot house His life-giving flow.  We are trying to put the New Wine into Old Wineskins and the New Wine will destroy the Old Wineskin.

It is time that we return to the LORD with a whole heart and as we return to Him in repentance and faith we will see God move on our behalf and then and only then will we see positive change in our world.

God bless you as you go through this day!

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EXPOSING THE DEVIL… (Conclusion)


Spiritual Blog - Exposed

2 Corinthians 2:11 – “…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”  NKJV

Joshua 9:3-4a – “But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors.”  NKJV

We have considered the reality that our victories invite a counter-attack by the forces of hell but we dare not stop there.  Next, I would like us to note that before the full frontal assault of the enemy, the inhabitants of the land in Joshua 9 attempted to deceive Israel into making a pact with them.  Cohabitation with and a Non-Aggression pact, with the devil, is impossible. He is not a covenant keeper and wants your destruction.

The Gibeonites knew that the overall picture was pretty dark for them and decided that rather than risk an attack that would likely end in defeat they would try deception.  They arrived on the scene from Gilgal and pretended to be from a very distant land, a land unknown to Joshua and Israel.  They came with all the visible signs of having been on a long journey. They were skillfully crafty, mentioning nothing of Jericho or Ai but talked about the Wilderness.  They also claimed to honor and respect the God of Israel.

If you can receive it, this exposes the devil’s tactics.  He knows, too well, that a believer who is totally committed to Christ will not be tempted or dissuaded by a frontal attack.  He knows that the child of God who is determined to press on and press into God’s Promise will not be stopped by an all-out assault so what does he do?

  • He suggests possible alliances that seem small and insignificant.
  • He talks to us about a certain area of our lives over which Jesus has given no specific command, a part so small and seemingly insignificant that it really won’t matter.
  • He challenges the need for total consecration in everything, after all, we are all human.
  • He warns us that overdoing it religiously and spiritually will result in being too heavenly minded to be any earthly good and will cause burnout.
  • He cautions us about becoming too narrow suggesting that we need to be more open to differing beliefs.
  • He suggests that there is no reason we should not indulge and even become a bit lazy occasionally for after all even Jesus drew aside to rest and relax. 

The enemy wants to steal our affection and move us away from our first love.  He wants to get us to lower our Christian standards and compromise our convictions even if it is occasional.  He comes and suggests that what the church really needs is a common sense approach and that we are in danger of being too radical in our faith and thereby turning people off.  He is often difficult to detect and he offers help but his objective is to shipwreck your life.  No wonder John warned us in 1 John 4:1 to “…try the spirits, whether they are of God…”

In this account we find Israel, for the first time, seeking to co-mingle with the enemy on Holy Ground.  They were doing what God told them not to do.  They were violating the principle of “coming out from among them and being separate spiritually”.  The Gibeonites crept in!  The found the door of gullibility and walked through.  Sheep, in the natural, are among the dumbest creatures in existence.  In verse 14 we read, “…they did not ask counsel at the mouth of the Lord…”  Big mistake!  Every alliance must be seasoned in prayer.  That is why I refuse to make decisions without first taking them to prayer.  If a deal is so good that I have to decide immediately and not given time to pray I pass.  The Bible tells us, “…there is a way that seems right to man but the ends are the ways of death.”  Gullibility will result in deception and place us in disobedience.

The Bible declares that the devil comes as an “angel of light” and is not always easily detected.  Remember the foolish virgins resembled the wise, the tares resembled the wheat, the voice of the hireling sounds much like the shepherd and the wayward meadow is laid out beside the king’s highway and only a soft shoulder separates them.  Does a small concession and pact matter?  The record gives a clear answer – YES!

Are we to attempt to match the devil in his subtle ways?  NO!  Do not trust your judgment, intellect or perceived spirituality.  Take the matter, every matter to God in prayer and if after prayer you are still in doubt – DON’T!  Be strong enough and brave enough to stand still and wait for the Lord for none that wait on Him are ashamed and that is the only way to outmatch and outmaneuver the devil.

If you have failed it is not over!   All is not lost!  The devil would have you believe so but that is a Lie from the Pit.  Joshua and Israel once realizing their error placed the Gibeonites in a position of menial laborers and subjects.  God took the scheme of the devil and turned it against the deceivers.  Let your mistakes drive you to the altar and allow the Spirit of God to administer forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and restoration.  God wants to warn you, wash you and welcome you!

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

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EXPOSING THE DEVIL… (Part Two)


Spiritual Blog - Exposed

2 Corinthians 2:11 – “…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”  NKJV

Joshua 9:3-4a – “But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors.”  NKJV

Paul declared in Corinthians that we are not ignorant of the devices of the devil so let’s study to show ourselves approved unto God workmen capable of exposing his tactics and possessing our promise.

First, I would like for us to take note that the victories of Israel brought about a combined, concentrated and concerted attack of enemy forces.  In Joshua 1:9 we find that description and revelation that the tribal warfare that had existed among the Canaanites had been laid aside and they joined forces against Israel.  Their petty squabbles and secondary issues were placed on the back burner as they joined forces against a common foe and they amassed an all-out effort to turn back Israel’s advance.   That helps us understand the Arab saying,  “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

It is important to remember that with every victory as a Christian in your personal life you are sending out an engraved invitation for a full-scale assault by the forces of hell.  Every time you experience blessing you are one step away from another attack from hell.  I do not say that to discourage but to enlighten you.  The devil may be a defeated foe but he has not quit, the fight.  Blessing and battle go hand in hand and instead of allowing fear to grip your heart rejoice!  It should be a joy to know that if we are pressed on every side we are in the heart of the battle and moving in the right direction spiritually.  If you are finding temptation almost more than you can bear then rejoice.  Remember the words of James, “Count it all joy when…”

I said that in a church once and had a person come to me afterward seeking to set me straight and said, “I don’t know what you are talking about, I haven’t been tempted in years!”  If that is you then I suggest that you run to the altar and ask Him to let you see yourself as the devil sees you and as He sees you.  The devil does not concern himself with what is not a threat to him.  Maybe you have matured to the place that you immediately resist temptation and it is almost as though it does not exist for you but if you are moving forward as a threat to the devil he tempts and sees to destroy.

The need for every believer and every church is to lay aside the secondary issues and launch a full-scale attack on the enemy repossessing and possessing that which he has stolen.  Unfortunately, too often, the church world is engaged in tribal warfare and too busy settling petty squabbles and splitting doctrinal hairs to engage the real enemy.  There must be jubilation in hell when the church becomes sectarianism protecting the place while the world plunges into darkness.  May God help us to never forget that nothing short of a full-scale united assault by all the people of God (Church) is needed.  It is time to pull down strongholds and set at liberty those who are bruised.  It is time to possess the promise and move into and onto our Canaan.

We are going to pause again and take this up next time as we look at the devil’s deception tactics.  

May the Lord bless you richly as you go through this day!

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