Spiritual

SOME SCOFF AT RIGHTEOUSNESS NOW BUT ONE DAY…


Spiritual Blog - Righteousness

Isaiah 13:11 – “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”  NKJV

 

Throughout human history, men have scoffed at God’s Word and His call to righteousness and holiness.  They have designed their own paths and smugly laughed in the shadows thinking they were getting away with their devices.  Most of those did not and do not believe God is GOD and some even have an attitude that they are gods.  That may last for a time but there will come a time when God says, ENOUGH and then this passage will come into full view for all the world to see.

There will be a judgment of the entire world for evil.  Today, we have evil rampant and fills the news and internet that many are literally becoming afraid to venture beyond the four walls of their homes.  Some will no longer travel on commercial conveyances for fear of lurking danger and the diabolical acts of terrorist and depraved humanity.  We have large groups of people aligning themselves with a religious belief that they are doing the bidding of God in eradicating all who will not convert to their belief system.  We have entire nations turning the backs on the moral principles taught in the Bible and establishing man and the flesh as the supreme director of their lives.  We have those who call good evil and evil good, subverting the truth of God and advancing the lie of the devil as that which is to be believed and accepted.  We have legislative and governmental edicts that wage war on morality and strip people of their dignity, property and lives.

They may appear to succeed for a time but there will come a day, and I believe that day is soon when God says ENOUGH.  In that day, He will punish the world for its evil and punish individual wickedness for their lives and actions.  There will come a time when the arrogance of the proud will be reduced to shambles and the haughty will stand in fear and trembling as they witness what God is doing.  Yes, there will be a day when “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is LORD.”  No, Jesus will not destroy the Bible and call for everyone to convert to Islam or any other religion, as some Islamic jihadist have declared, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is the Door and the only access to the Father and Eternal Life.  God is Holy and will not accept that which defiles winking at sin and excusing ignorance.

There is a shaking coming to the world and America will not be exempt.  God’s wrath is going to overflow toward evil, wickedness, iniquity, pride, arrogance and haughtiness.  If we humble ourselves He will receive us, comfort us and draw us into His bosom to comfort us.  If we repent of our transgressions He will pardon.  If we forsake the old path of sin and follow the new path of righteousness and life He will guard and guide our lives.

Never despair over the seeming prosperity of the wicked and the fact they seem to go unscathed when they blatantly defy God, the Bible and all sense of moral principles.  They may scoff at righteousness now but ONE DAY!  One day God will demand account and I would not want to be in their shoes at that time.

God bless you as you go through this day.  Call upon Him and He will answer you!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

GOD’S WATCHMEN…


Spiritual Blog - Watchmen

Isaiah 56:10-12 – “His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.  11 Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory.  12 “Come,” one says, “I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant.”  NKJV

Isaiah is describing a very sad condition when

Isaiah is describing a very sad condition when ‘watchmen’ do not do what they are called to do.  Ezekiel identified God’s call for His people to be ‘watchmen on the walls’ and to warn of danger.  Israel has always had many enemies and many cities including Jerusalem had high thick walls to keep the enemies out but walls could be breached therefore the need for early warning of impending danger or attack.  Israel’s guards stood upon the walls and in the towers and sounded the alarm if danger neared.  The Hebrew word for ‘watchman’ is [tsapah] which means, “To lean forward, to peer into the distance; by implication means to observe, behold, spy out, wait for, and keep watch.”

Isaiah described the negligence of God’s appointed watchmen calling them “blind, ignorant and dumb dogs”.  They were giving no warning but rather they were sleeping and exercising greed.  He was speaking of shepherds or leaders, those charged with the oversight and care of the flock or people.  They were self-centered, caring for their own desires, positions, pocketbooks, etc. rather than the people.  They were becoming intoxicated with pleasure ignoring danger and thereby failing God and the people.

Some tell me, “Roy, a Christian should never be involved in politics.”  Let me ask, “Does politics affect your life or livelihood?”  God has given us LIFE both spiritual and natural and if we are going to be good stewards of that life we must, as leaders, be on the alert for danger and sound the alarm when it is impending.  Failure to do so places us in the category Isaiah described and you can rest assured God was not pleased with those ‘watchmen’.

When I have presented this argument some have countered saying, “Well that was Old Testament and we are under the New so it does not apply today.”  We are to walk in love and obey those that have the rule over us.  Yes we are and yes we do but we are also commissioned to watch over the flock of God.  Acts 20:28 declares, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  Therefore, pastor you are a watchman whether you want to be or not and have a responsibility to yourself, your congregation and God to SOUND THE ALARM on all fronts when there is impending danger and that includes the political.  In a measure, every believer is to be a “watchman” and warn of impending danger.

We need to recognize we are in a WAR and that root of that war being played out in the natural is a SPIRITUAL WAR.  We are not warning with flesh and blood but flesh and blood are being used in this warfare.  Flesh and blood are imposing danger upon lives and unless there is a warning cry many will be overcome and destroyed by that evil imposed.  1 Peter 5:6-9, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7. Casting all your anxiety (care) on Him, because He cares for you.  8. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  9. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren around the world.”  BE ON GUARD and if you SEE SOMETHING then SAY SOMETHING!

We can rest in the assurance given by the Psalmist in 121:4-5, “…He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD watches over you – – the LORD is your shade at your right hand…”  Beloved, if we are going to be good stewards of this life God has granted us both natural and spiritual we must be vigilant, alert, on guard and sound the alarm when we see impending and imposing danger coming.  If it is simply a bad political policy or a life or death danger we must SOUND THE ALARM.  We must both WATCH and PRAY!

            God bless you as you go through this day!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

DELIVER ME AND GIVE ME WILL POWER, OH LORD…


spiritual blog - Abstain

1 Peter 2:11-12 – “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”  NKJV

 

I know of a situation where a man who was often caught succumbing to fleshly temptation blamed God for his problem.  He said, “God made me this way and if He wants me to abstain then He needs to deliver me.”  My response is, SERIOUSLY?  You actually want to blame God for your failures! 

I believe, have learned, and demonstrated in my life that there is a need for God’s deliverance but there is also a need for discipline and willpower.  In truth, God delivered us when he saved us but if we are going to walk out that gift in this earthly life we will have to exercise discipline, restraint, and willpower.  God will not force you to be chaste or practice fidelity but will help you if you truly want His help.

The urgency of Peter in this cannot be overlooked.  He says, “…I beg you…”  I am not just suggesting but pleading with you that YOU ABSTAIN.  Notice, he did not say, “I plead with you that you be delivered from fleshly lusts but that YOU ABSTAIN…”  The part we play in this is inescapable.  Peter reminds us of the ETERNAL and the fact that we are only here on this planet temporarily.  The clear message is that we are passing through headed to our heavenly home where that type of behavior would be completely foreign, therefore it should be foreign to us here.

He also reminds us that by so doing we will present conduct that is recognized by those outside the faith and then when we decry evil they have something to base our words on.  Our honoring of the directives of the LORD and keeping ourselves free from fleshly lust gives authority to our words and may well be the catalyst that opens the eyes of someone outside the faith.  However, if we are not chaste, and do not abstain from fleshly lusts but live just as the world in the pursuit of passion and infidelity our words have no impact and are like rain falling on a tin barn.

I have long prayed for the LORD to give me the courage, determination, strength and willpower to “resist the devil” in all things and at all times.  Someone said, “You’d better not pray that way because when you do it is like asking for patience.  You will be tested.”  Although there is truth to that I have found that when my heart overflows with a desire to live pleasingly to the LORD and the want to with regard to resistance to fleshly temptations regardless of their nature, GOD HELPS ME!  Through the years, I have learned that those who fall prey to fleshly lusts are seldom caught off guard in the heat of the moment.  If they honestly backtrack they find that they opened little doors here and there and invited the temptation to either come or continue.  Maybe it was flattery.  Maybe it was the thought of momentary pleasure.  Maybe it was deception but regardless of the root, the door was left open at least a little.

That is another reason we are told to “resist the devil and he will flee from us.”  Do not allow thoughts or visuals to have a welcome place in your mind.  When on a tour in Israel our guide told us to hide our belongings before leaving the bus saying, “What the eye cannot see the heart will not lust after.”  That applies in virtually all areas of life.  If we do not allow our minds eyes or natural eyes to entertain a temptation the heart will not long for it.  Therefore, we need not only the deliverance of the LORD but the strength, determination, and dedication to exercise willpower.

May the LORD be with you as you go through this day in His strength!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

SECTARIANISM – The Problem…


Spiritual Blog - Principles

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 – “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?”  NKJV

 

I purposefully used the word Sectarianism rather than Denominationalism because most find it more distasteful.  There is an extremely large percentage in Christendom who identify with one denomination or another and some are far more exclusive and separatist than others.  My question is, “If we are IN CHRIST, believers and partakers of His divine grace are we not members of THE BODY OF CHRIST?”  If we are members of Christ’s Body does not make us brothers and sisters in the faith?

Sectarianism or Denominationalism is a reference to a group, often incredibly large, who unite under a common faith or doctrine.  Most organize and have a legal hierarchy of rules and regulations for participation and membership.  The tendency for most denominations is to separate themselves from others and emphasize their differences and exclusiveness.  I wonder how this squares with the prayer of Jesus in John 17, “that we all be one”.

Knowing that I am on thin ice with many let me proceed to the passage listed in our text.  Paul addressed the Church at Corinth with a very strong rebuke.  He said, “I could not speak to you as spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”  Wow!  How would you like to have a recognized and respected leader of the Church come into your congregation and make that assertion?  He went on to say, “I fed you with milk and not solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are not able…”  Paul, you are about to be run out of town on a rail.  He then said, “…for you are carnal.”  What?  I thought they came behind in no spiritual gift?  How is this church with the gifts being identified as CARNAL? 

His explanation was, “…where there is envy, strife, divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?  For when one says, ‘I am of Paul’, and another “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?”  Paul recognized that the separation and exclusivism the Corinthians were practicing, much like today’s Christian world, was an evidence of carnality, not spirituality.  It was an evidence of man’s preference, not God’s grace and presence.  It was a source of envy, strife, quarrels and divisions rather than a unifying in Him.

I do not mind you being a member of a denomination nor do I believe God does.  However, I do have a problem and believe God does, with exclusivism to the point of relegating all other believers to second-class citizens of the faith if they do not ascribe to your particular doctrinal tenets.  The apostle reminded the Corinthians that he and Apollos were simply the messengers through whom they had been introduced to Christ.  In Christianity, there is planting, watering, and harvesting and we each have a work to do and should be diligent in the pursuit of that assignment.  I am reminded of the disciples coming to Jesus in Mark 9 saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your Name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”  They felt good about and maybe even a bit smug in their reporting to Jesus, after all, he was not of their particular brand.  Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.  For he who is not against us is on our side…”  Jesus’ clear message was not that there would not be false teachers, prophets, and preachers but that simply because someone was not of your particular brand does not exclude them from the Family of God and the Body of Christ.

If we, as believers spent less time being concerned with our brand, label or tag than we are the Gospel of Christ and rejoiced when others of faith were laboring in the field of life seeking to reach others with the message of the Cross we would see far more in the way of spiritual renewal than we now see.

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

0 CommentsLeave a comment

THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE CHURCH…


Spiritual Blog - Cross

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”  NKJV

 

I am fully aware of the directive and declaration of Hebrews 6 that we are to move beyond discussing the “elementary principles of Christ” and move on to spiritual maturity.  It is clear that believers are to “grow in grace” and move from spiritual infancy through adolescence into maturity.  I fully agree.  However, if we omit one of if not the central message of the church, “The Cross” we err.

We cannot grow in grace until we are in grace.  The apostle Paul nor the other apostles and disciples ever forgot the central message of the gospel.  They continually returned to the preaching of the Cross.  In fact, Paul declared in Romans 10, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent…” (10:14-15). Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved it is the power of God.

I love seeing things I have not seen in Scripture.  I love when I am meditating on the Word of God or in prayer to have the Holy Spirit pull back the veil and allow me to see that which is beyond what I have seen.  I love it when I move beyond the “milk” into the “meat” of God’s word.  I love it when I am in a time of praise and worship and the heavens come down and glory fills the place.  I love it when I sense the divine presence of God so powerfully that I feel I could hold it in my hands.  Yet, if the angels in heaven are overwhelmed with joy when one sinner repents how can I have less a response and desire to see people come to the foot of the Cross and receive the Lord Jesus as their personal savior?

When I talk about the Cross being the central message of the Church some will say, “All you evangelists are the same.  Salvation, salvation, salvation.  That’s all you think or know.”  That is an assumption that evangelist is my gift and if it is I can accept that so thank you but the message God has burned in my heart is not a singular message of salvation but salvation is a part of what I preach, therefore I’m not sure the distinction fully applies.  If Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and the significant charge He gave to the disciples was to “go into all the world and preach” should it not be our message too?  If Jesus is the Door to salvation should we not be attempting to bring people to the door?  Of course, we should seek to equip and train believers for the work of ministry but it is like fishing I don’t clean fish before I catch them. 

I have been in some churches multiple times and have yet to hear them present the message of the Cross.  I have been in others and they never present anything else.  I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in and as Paul on the Road to Damascus, a light shined in my heart.  I knew that I knew that I knew my sins were forgiven.  I met Jesus at the foot of Calvary and thank God he drew me to Him and when I called out to Him, He came to me in Grace, forgiving my sins and washing me whiter than snow.

Never be afraid or ashamed to share your faith.  Never be ashamed of the Cross.  You may never have a great revelation that awes people but if you have been to the Cross and met Jesus there, you have experienced the most important part of your Christian walk.  I am less concerned with impressing people on earth than I am about introducing people to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

            God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Jesus!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

DID YOU HEAR WHAT PAUL SAID???


sPIRITUAL blog - Bond Servant

Romans 1:1-7 – “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  NKJV

 

Through the years, I have noticed and been guilty of reading the Bible from strictly a Western mentality.  I have contended for years that if we truly want to understand what is being said we have to understand what it meant to those who read and heard in that day.  Here in Romans Chapter 1, we find some powerful statements by the apostle Paul.

BONDSERVANT – The word is “Doulos”, which often is translated servant, but if we render it properly it means SLAVE.  It identifies one who is totally the property of his master and when Paul uses it here it is not for show but for defining purpose.  Those who heard his declaration understood that he was calling himself a SALVE of Jesus Christ and that his life was no longer his in any way but entirely the property of the LORD Jesus.  We say that but do we mean that?  He was “willingly” a slave to the LORD.

CALLED TO APOSTLESHIP – The word is “apostolos” which signifies a messenger or envoy.  He is one who has been sent on a confidential errand.  Here it goes far beyond that and means an “extraordinary messenger” sent on behalf of the Master of the Universe, God Himself.  The fact that Paul said he had been “called” to be an apostle signifies that he understood that He was joined to Jesus just as the Twelve had been.  He was truly a messenger with authority.

SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL – This is important in that Paul is not just separated “from” the world but “to” the Gospel.  He has identified a specific work and a work to which he is separated.  The Gospel is his life, calling and purpose and as a SLAVE his purpose that which the LORD determines not his preference nor is it optional.  He has chosen to be exclusively committed to the purposes of God regardless of where that might lead or what the result might be.

Paul identifies this “gospel” which is timeless in the heart of God, promised through the prophets of old and is now coming to fruition.  The commitment to the “gospel” is paramount in the mind and heart of this apostle.  He has a purpose, assignment and mission in life and later would declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

Paul’s life and ministry are marked by his singular commitment and dedication to his calling.  He refused to be dissuaded or diverted but set his heart to fulfilling the wishes of his LORD and MASTER to whom he considers himself a “willing slave.”  A slave for life by virtue of his choice to be completely bound by the Master’s desire.  That is an incredibly powerful message and testimony.  “I have totally committed my life, will, and desire to Him.  It is no longer my rights but His desire that controls my life and purpose.  I must decrease but He must continually increase.”   If that were the heart of each of us today, TOTALLY, we would see a revival like we have not heretofore seen.  I have not yet attained but I am, like Paul, pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of Jesus.

God bless you as you reaffirm your commitment and embark on the journey of this day!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

GRACE GIVING – – Part III


Spiritual Blog - Grace Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also.”  NKJV

 

             We have considered three of the pieces of evidence that one is engaged in Grace Giving so let’s consider others as well.  We know we are engaged in Grace Giving when…

  • We Give Willingly – [2 Corinthians 8:10-22]

There is a tremendous difference between PROMISE and PERFORMANCE.  The Corinthians had boasted to Titus a year earlier what they would do (v. 6) but had done nothing.  In [vv.10-12] Paul addresses WILLINGNESS because Grace Giving must come from the heart.

In my years of ministry, I have endured many offering appeals that were what I call auction offerings and coercions not examples of Grace Giving.  I have listened to heart-wrenching tales of dire need and forced myself to laugh at tired old jokes to somehow make it easier to part with my offering.  I have been scolded, shamed and almost threatened and I confess none of those stirred me to give more than I had planned to give and in honesty I have given less than I planned as a result and my becoming disgusted with what I considered a carnal approach.  We must be careful not to confuse WILLING with DOING.  If the “willingness” is sincere and in the will of God, there will be a corresponding “doing”.  Paul did not say that “willingness” was a substitute for “doing.”

I am convinced that God sees the “Gift of the Heart” as well as the “Gift in the Hand.”  If the heart wanted to do more but could not, God sees the heart.  I believe that God is more interested in the “proportion” than the “portion.”

  • We Give By Faith – [2 Corinthians 8:13-24]

Please understand I am not talking about writing a check on funds you do not have and say, “I’m giving by faith.”  I question if that is faith or presumption.  Rather step out in faith with the promise and as He puts it in your hands give it.

Grace Giving is an adventure of faith and incredibly exciting.  When we learn to give “by grace through faith” just as we were saved we will begin to experience a wonderful liberation that transcends circumstances and frees us from the hold of things in our lives.  Instead of things possessing us we will control them and we will find a development of a wonderful new set of values and priorities.  Grace Giving enriches us as we enrich others.  Grace Giving transforms us to be more like Jesus in our lives.

             May the LORD open the wonderful world of Grace Giving in your life and allow you to know the joy and thrill of His Grace in Giving!   May His Abundant Blessings by yours always!

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

GRACE GIVING – – Part II


Spiritual Blog - Grace Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also.”  NKJV

 

             Today I’d like to pick up where we left off last time and consider the Evidence that surfaces when we enter into GRACE GIVING.  I truly hope these are beneficial in your consideration of Giving and the Grace of God.  We know we are engaged in GRACE GIVING when…

  • We Give In Spite of Circumstances. [2 Corinthians 8:1-2]

The churches Paul used as an example were in Macedonia and had or were experiencing severe difficulties.  In fact (v.2) he identifies that they not only were in affliction but a “great trial of affliction”.  They were in “deep poverty” a term used to describe a beggar who has absolutely nothing and no hope of getting anything.  Out of the lack they gave.  Do you remember the widow with her two mites that Jesus took note?  GRACE GIVING.

Their situation may have been, in part, caused by their following Christ.  They may have lost jobs, etc. as a result of their confession of Jesus.  However, the beautiful thing is their circumstances did not prevent them from “giving what they had”.  What did Peter tell the beggar at the Gate Beautiful?  “Such as I have, I give…”  They gave JOYFULLY and LIBERALLY.  Imagine that!  Great affliction and deep poverty plus GRACE equals abundant joy and amazing liberality.  That makes no sense to the natural mind.

When you have experienced the Grace of God in your life you WILL NOT use difficult circumstances as an excuse or justification to not give.  Giving becomes an act of faith and a demonstration of confidence in God and His word.  If we remember that God is still in control and He truly owns the cattle on a thousand hills and is the one who gives bread to the eater and seed to the sower we can give as He directs knowing HE CAN and HE WILL provide.

  • We Give Enthusiastically – [2 Corinthians 8:3-4]

I ask, “Is it possible to give generously and not give enthusiastically?”  Maybe but incredibly infrequently.  The Macedonian church needed no prompting or reminders, they begged to be included. (v.4).

Their giving was completely voluntary and spontaneous.  It was Grace, not Pressure that prompted their giving.  We sometimes fail to understand that Grace not only frees us from sin but it frees us from ourselves.  The Grace of God opens both the heart and the hand.

  • We Give As Jesus Gave – [2 Corinthians 8:5-9]

Jesus is ALWAYS the preeminent example for us to follow whether in service, suffering or sacrifice.  The Macedonians gave themselves to others as Jesus. [v.5]. The Macedonian’s giving was motivated by LOVE. 

What a rebuke to the church at Corinth that was enriched with spiritual blessings and gifts. (1 Corinthians 1:4-5).  They were so wrapped up in their gifts they neglected the Grace of the Spirit.  Oh, how we need balance in our lives.  Let me offer this word of caution.  You may have incredible spiritual gifts but that can never become a substitute for generous giving.

Paul made sure that the Corinthians understood he was not ordering them to give.  He was contrasting the attitudes of the believers in Macedonia with those in Corinth.  His message was that Grace Giving is an evidence of love.

Let’s pause here and pick this up again in the next devotional.  May the LORD encourage your heart and quicken your spirit to allow His Grace to permeate your entire being.  Blessings as you go through this day!

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

GRACE GIVING…


Spiritual Blog - Grace Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also.”  NKJV

 

Charity, generosity, and giving are an integral part of the biblical message and mandate.  I would suggest that it is impossible to study the Bible without being confronted with the subject of giving.  In considering the historical setting for this passage, we realize that one of the major ministries or efforts of Paul’s third missionary journey was gathering special relief offerings for the poor Christians in Judea.  He had done this before as we see in Acts 11 and now he feels directed of the Spirit of God to do it again.  It is interesting to note that Paul cited a forgotten beatitude in Acts 20:35, “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  I would suggest there was more than just gathering relief funds in Paul’s efforts and can see at least three additional desires in his heart.

 

  • He wanted this offering to Strengthen the Unity of the Church as the Gentile congregations shared with the Jewish congregations across the sea.
  • He wanted this Evidence for the Jewish churches to prove that neither he nor the Gentile congregations were enemies.
  • He Hoped that the Generosity of the Gentiles would silence the apparent jealousy of the Jewish Christians.

 

The problem surfaced that the church at Corinth was not doing its part.  They had made promises but failed to keep them.  In fact, an entire year had been wasted (v.10).  What caused the delay?  It was the spiritual condition of the church at Corinth.  Their spiritual temperature was incredibly low.  A rule of thumb, I have found, is when a church is not spiritual they are not generous.  Likewise, when a person’s spiritual temperature is low their generosity also lessens.  Another cause was the invasion of the Judaizers, who frequently siphoned off as much money as they could.  So Paul saw a problem.  He addressed it using nine (9) different words to refer to this offering, but the one used most was GRACE.  He informed them that “giving” was truly a ministry of GRACE and FELLOWSHIP.  (v.4)  The ministry of helping others is vital but its motivation must be from the Grace of God.  I have witnessed and participated in GRACE GIVING and there is nothing which provides more joy and strength to the life and church than this.   

            Let me pose a question for your consideration:  “How Can We Know We Are Practicing Grace Giving?”  I did not ask how we can know we are giving but our giving is GRACE GIVING.  Paul uses several pieces of evidence which are evidenced when our giving is motivated by GRACE.

Although I hesitate to do so, I will pause here and consider these pieces of evidence in our next devotional.  Until then, may the LORD give you an overflow of His grace, peace, provision and power!  Blessings abundantly!

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

PREPARATION PRECEDES BLESSING…


Spiritual Blog - Ditches

2 Kings 3:16-19 – “And he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ 17 For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ 18 And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.”  NKJV

 

Everyone who recalls this account in the biblical record knows that the result was more than just providing water for Israel and Judah but when they prepared as directed by the prophet God worked an amazing miracle.  Not only did water flow into the ditches but when the Moabites looked at the ditches filled with a liquid substance they saw it as blood.  They thought the nations of Israel, Judah and Edom had turned on each other and the slaughter immense and rushed in to claim the spoils of victory.  That was their tragic mistake and were soundly defeated just as the prophet declared but, had they not done the preparation there would have been no blessing of victory.

There are other accounts in the Bible that clearly illustrate the need or requirement to make preparation to receive the blessings of the Lord.  The idea is rooted in the principle of “sowing and reaping”, the “law of harvest” and “giving and receiving”.   Remember in 2 Kings the widow who cried out in her dire circumstance to Elisha, he asked what she had in the house and her reply was a jar of oil.  He instructed her to gather all the vessels she could find in the house and from neighbors and as she complied the oil flowed until the vessels were filled.  She could have limited the blessing by limiting her obedience.

How about Naaman the Syrian when the prophet instructed him to dip seven times in the Jordan?  He resisted, at first, but then complied and when he did his healing became a reality.  Had he allowed his prejudice, pride, and expectation to prevent him from following the instructions and preparing for the blessing he would have died a leper in Syria!  Isaiah informed us that there had to be one who would PREPARE the way of the LORD and in Matthew we read that John the Baptist was that voice and John said, “I am not the Christ, but I am sent before Him… He must increase but I must decrease.”  John’s obedience and preparation paved the way for Messiah to be received and recognized.

There is no reconciliation without repentance, no healing for the blind man instructed to wash in the pool of Siloam and there is no blessing for you and me UNLESS we PREPARE a container in which to receive that blessing.  The Blessing is from the LORD but the obedience is our part of the equation.  The Law of Sowing and Reaping comes into play in all aspects and dimensions of life.  I heard something in my spirit about 2016 and beyond that, I will share.  I know some do not believe anyone can hear from God and I do not declare this was an audible voice but it was real in my heart and mind so I proceed.

Years ago, I was facing an imposing financial need of $500.00 to pay an obligation that was due and promised.  I realize that amount in today’s society might be considered a pittance but I had $55.00 to my name.  The Holy Spirit witnessed to my heart to “tithe on my need”.  That would mean placing $50.00 in the offering and retaining $5.00 to feed my family and care for our needs for the week.  I wanted to obey but my reason prevented me from doing so on Sunday morning and I kept the $50.00 in my pocket.  That night in the service I was so overwhelmed with the urgency and desire to obey that I literally threw the money in the offering.  I was elated and troubled at the same time.  The next day I ran an errand downtown and a person walked up to me, reached out to shake my hand and said, “Thank you for your faithfulness.”  They placed a piece of paper in my hands and I waited until I was alone to look at it and realized it was a check.  The amount was $550.00.  I cannot describe the emotion and awe I sensed in my heart.  God had done exactly what He said and had I not made the preparation through obedience I would not have received the blessing.

I sense in my spirit and believe that the Holy Spirit has spoken to my heart that the first 100 days of 2016 will determine and shape the next 1,000 days.  That what we do in the first 100 days will be preparation for the next 1,000.  Exactly what that means to each person will be different but I sense we are being told to MAKE PREPARATION in Obedience and then observe how He does what He does as a result.

  God bless you as you obey the Voice of the Spirit of God and prepare your hearts for his overflowing blessings and promises.   

2 CommentsLeave a comment