IT IS NOT JUST ANOTHER BOOK…


Spiritual Blog - Bible

Hebrews 4:12-13 – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  NKJV

 

I had a pastor from a mainline denomination tell me that he considered the Bible just another good book of history, poetry, metaphors, and fables.  He did not consider it particularly inspired and most assuredly did not embrace the inerrancy of Scripture.  He had no interest in studying the Greek or Hebrew and had no interest in the customs of the day in which the Bible was penned.  He felt that he could quote any of the classics pieces of literature and have as much effect on people as the Bible.  That is a view held by more ministers that I have met through the years than I’d like to acknowledge.  If that is being projected from the pulpit is it any wonder why the moral fiber of our nation and world is in the state it is in?

The Bible is not just another book or even another good book it is the Voice of God to man!  The writer of Hebrews under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit declares that it is ALIVE.  Why could he say that?  He could say that because you cannot dissect the written word of God from God and God is very much alive.  In fact, the Bible identifies Jesus as THE WORD that became flesh.  We know that the prophet Jeremiah declared a message from God that He was watching over His word to perform it.  Isaiah declared that the word that proceeds from God will not return to Him without fulfilling and accomplishing that for which it was sent.

Here the writer of Hebrews declares that it is not only ALIVE but it is POWERFUL and describes it as sharper than any sword created by man with the ability to divide soul (mind, will and emotions) for the spirit (the very life of man, that connects him to God).  It can divide the joints and marrow of the bones and an even more arresting declaration it can DISCERN the thoughts and intents of the heart.  David expounded that truth in Psalm 139 declaring that God knows everything and nothing can be hidden.  He acknowledged that God knows and understands his thoughts even before they are recognized in the mind.  He declares that there is nowhere to hide from God and in that vein from God’s word.

The writer of Hebrews affirms that truth declaring that no creature is hidden from the sight of God and EVERYTHING is exposed before Him and ALL MANKIND will give account to the LIVING GOD and be judged by His LIVING WORD.  Therefore, this is not just another book it is THE LIVING WORD OF GOD.  I must advance a warning that if all you have is the letter you will come up short of the prize of God.  If you will recall in John 5 when Jesus had healed the man at the Pool of Bethesda the Pharisees and Sanhedrin were up in arms.  Jesus in His discourse told them that because they did not have the LIVING WORD abiding in them because they failed to recognize, acknowledge and believe in the Christ.  He told them that although they were diligent in their searching the Scriptures and study of God’s word they were coming up short. They searched to find life but missed the Gateway to God, Jesus.

The LIVING WORD testifies of the CHRIST and it is by having the WORD OF GOD (Christ) in our hearts that we have access to life.  It is through the Grace of God that we are saved.  The LIVING WORD testifies of Him and points the way to Him.  I value studying the Bible but encourage you to never allow it to be just another book and never rely on the letter but seek the LIVING LORD of the LIVING WORD to LIVE in our hearts.

            God bless you as you walk before Him in this present world!

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GOD APPROVED WORKMEN…


Spiritual Blog - Approved

2 Timothy 2:14-19 – “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”  NKJV

 

Some see no value in the study of the Word or any seeking to understand the original language and I understand that not everyone has the opportunity, diligence or tools to do so but it is important that we heed the warning of verse 14 in our pursuit of verse 15.  If we engage in profane and idle babblings as described in verse 16 arguing over things not of redeeming value we diminish the power of the Gospel which is the power of God to salvation.  If we are so superficial in our discussion of God’s word that we are unable to give an answer for the reason of the hope that is in our hearts we give the devil place to discredit the Gospel message.

I am not suggesting that every become a Greek and Hebrew scholar or even go out and purchase the expensive tools to examine the original language in your studies but be diligent in applying line up line and precept upon precept in our studies.   I am suggesting that we allow the Holy Spirit whom Jesus said would guide us into all truth to take the word and help us connect the dots in such a manner as to cut straight through the false arguments with the Word of God.

In verse 23 Paul warns to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes over Scripture.  Too frequently I have encountered those who profess Christ who wants to major on their pet doctrines and split hairs on things that do not determine salvation and redemption.  While those are important for walking out and working out their salvation and may be genuine objects of observation for them they will only confuse and dissuade non-believers.  Early in my Christian experience, I was given the following advice that I have used as a guide, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”  That was spoken to me as I was attempting to debate minor points to persuade people to adopt my views at the time, and I was quite the Pharisee.

When we are presenting the Gospel it is wise to remember we are handling the Living Word of God which leads to Eternal Salvation.  It is more precious than fine gold and to handle it carelessly can do more harm than good.  Quoting isolated passages without being able to connect the dots may cause great confusion in a novice’s or non-believer’s heart.  If we take the counsel of Peter and understand that prophecies and the Word of God should not be isolated and attempts to interpret isolated passages is not only dangerous it leads to error.  It will be a lifetime study that carries us through the interpretation of Scripture for every passage must be considered in light of every other passage in the Word of God.  In that, we find that what we now understand may be modified as we gain additional light through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and diligent study.  Never become closed minded but keep yourself pliable so the potter can mold us into that vessel He desires.

            God bless you as you go through this day!

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CHRISTIANITY IS NOT A PATCHWORK LIFE…


Spiritual Blog - Patchwork

Luke 5:36-39 – “Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old.  37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined.  38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.  39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.'”  NKJV

 

Most of us have dealt with people and may have ourselves sought to ‘turn over a new leaf’, ‘get our acts together’ or our ‘ducks in a row’ thinking that when we do we will be acceptable to God.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been told by someone they will turn to God when they can ‘do a little better’ or ‘be a little better.” 

This is largely what the Scripture is addressing here in this text.  The Christian life is not adding a patch of new to the old.  It is not trying to take the new wine of God’s grace and put it in the unregenerate nature.  The newness of God’s Grace would completely destroy the old carnal nature and are totally incompatible.  We cannot add church to our daily schedule and somehow make everything okay.  This not patching up our life but receiving a ‘total transformation’ of our lives.  It is becoming a new creation in Christ.

If we receive the LIFE that Jesus is offering in the new wineskin of regeneration both the wine and wineskin are preserved and benefit derived from that experience and relationship.  If we try to just add God to all the other in our lives we will find that we end up with emptiness and chaos.  If we taste of the new life in the Spirit of God we will not long for the old life that we were living before we encountered Christ in the new birth.

Christianity is not a patchwork it is a transformation.  Unfortunately, many continue to try to add something of God to the old man and become frustrated and disheartened.  That is one reason that some are discouraged spiritually and some have thrown in the towel declaring “this doesn’t work.”  They have not been taught and have not realized that Christianity is not a patchwork.  It is not mending the old garment.  It is not trying to keep the old wineskin and somehow contain the new wine of the Spirit of God.  IT IS TOTAL TRANSFORMATION.  It is being translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light.  It is being BORN AGAIN and then walking in the newness of that life.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  When I hear people talk about New Year’s Resolutions or turning over a new leaf I often cringe.  I can understand the objective and desire to do better and be better but you will never accomplish that will willpower alone you can only do it by the Transformation through the Grace of God by faith.  Stop trying to make your Christian Walk a patchwork quilt and allow the Holy Spirit to give you a brand new garment or wineskin so He can pour into you the New Wine of God’s Grace!

God bless as you go through this day!

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THE ONLY BIBLICAL COMPARISON ALLOWED…


Spiritual Blog - Comparisons

Philippians 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  NKJV

 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 – “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us — a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”   18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”  NKJV

 

It is intrinsic in the fallen nature of man to COMPARE.  We compare our positions, possessions and even our person to others both to see where we stack up and to justify ourselves.  I grew up hearing, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”  Sadly, it may be greener or appear greener but the state of the grass in your neighbor’s yard or life is not your responsibility.

Tom T. Hall wrote a song titled, “Me and Jesus” and while I do not wholly ascribe to the message of the song I am drawn to the thought presented by Paul in Philippians that we are to ‘work out our own salvation’ not as he told the Corinthians and ‘compare ourselves with others.’  Salvation is, always has been and always will be personal.  You can grow up in a devout family, go to church every time the doors are open, never allow profanity to escape your lips and outwardly do all the right things but that will not buy you a ticket to heaven.  You can compare yourself with others and have your list of comparison and the plusses on your list far exceed the minuses and that will not justify you.  You can look at others and see their flaws and declare as the publican, “Thank God I’m not like them…” and you will not find acceptance on the basis of your commission or omissions in life.

There is only one door to heaven and that is through the Cross and the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the door and no entrance to God is found but him.  Therefore, if we would spend more time working on our own yard we would notice how green our neighbors are.  In that sense, it is important that develop our personal relationship with God and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and in that sense – Me and Jesus have our own thing going and have it all worked out.

Salvation is by Grace through Faith and NEVER by Works that we have done or by Comparison of ourselves with others.   God bless you as you enjoy this day in Him!

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GENEROSITY…


Spiritual Blog - Generosity

Proverbs 11:24-25 – “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.  25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”  NKJV

 

It is always fun to read in the Old Testament and find a passage that has been defined in the New either by our Lord Himself or one of the apostles.  There are two prominent New Testament Principles that can find their beginnings in this passage.  The Law of Sowing and Reaping or Reciprocity and Giving.  These are explicitly addressed in the New Testament.

Here the writer describes two kinds of people – Generous and the Stingy.  I’ve known people who were generous to a fault and some who pinched every penny so tightly it squealed when released.  The latter would sometimes give but grudgingly and with much compulsion and convincing.  The writer declares that one leads to increase and the other to lack.  He reveals that the generous will prosper and the wonderful truth that the one that cares for others will be cared for by others.

Paul taught that God loves a cheerful giver and some have so expanded this truth to make it an investment plan to provide riches for themselves with no consideration for the motive behind the giving or the purpose for the increase.  That is why some have attempted this principle became disillusioned and gave it up as a false doctrine.  The Purpose and Motivation are as important as the gift.  What is the motivation behind the gift and the desire for any return?  God is not interested in satisfying our personal greed or carnal appetites.  He does what He does with purpose and it is always focused on the redemptive.

The Law of Sowing and Reaping reveals a principle of farming that we reap WHAT we sow.  If we plant watermelons we will not reap cucumbers.  If we plant peanuts we will not reap carrots.  WHAT we sow regardless of what that is will come back whether that is money, compassion, labor, etc.  We also reap LATER than we sow.  No farmer plants seed one day and expect to get up the next morning to bring in the harvest. Time is important in the process.  We also reap MORE than we sow.  We plant a grain of corn and it produces a stalk that produces ears of corn which have multiple grains.  We plant a pea and reap a stalk that produces many pods with numerous peas in them.  So we reap what we sow, later than we sow and more than we sow.  The principles revealed here is the same.

Jesus addressed giving in numerous places and the Bible makes it clear that God is far more interested in the purpose and proportion than the amount.  In Luke 6:38 Jesus spoke of this principle saying, “Give, and IT (whatever you give) will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put in your bosom.  For with the same measure (proportion) you use, it will be measured back to you.”  

           The Law of Giving as described by Jesus reveals that WHAT we give is WHAT we get in kind in return and the principle is advanced that the return will be WHAT we give and MORE than we give.  I suggest that this principle can be immediate or over time but it will be WHAT and MORE and be directly connected to the proportion of our giving.  If we give love then love will come back to us.  If we give mercy then mercy will come back to us.  If we give hate then hate will come back to us.  If we give a helping hand then a helping hand will come back to us.  As we cast our bread on the waters after many days it returns to us.

When Jesus sat near the offering bucket and watched those who had much put in their gifts He was largely unimpressed but when the widow came and gave her all He was.  He even declared that she had given more than all the others.  MORE?  Not in the amount but in the proportion.  I like to say, “If you didn’t notice it or feel it when it left you will likely not notice or feel it when it returns.”  If it had no impact on you departing it will have no impact when it returns.  If you give with a teaspoon why expect a number 3 wash tub return?  I know the return is MORE than the outlay but the proportion will still hold true.

            I pray that God inspire a spirit and heart of generosity in each of us.  Blessings!

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FAITH OR FAITH IN FAITH…


Spiritual Blog - Faith

John 4:46-54 – “So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”  

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”  

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”  

52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.  

54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.”  NKJV

             I realize that the title of this devotional may cause questions after reading the text so let me explain my thought and hopefully, it will be both a blessing and benefit in your daily walk.  I find it interesting to note that John is careful to remind his readers that this was a return to Cana of Galilee where Jesus had turned the water into wine.  Some have suggested that this nobleman had been in attendance at the wedding I do not know but that is not the point.  There are some things about this passage that should inspire our confidence in God’s Promises.

The man is not faithless otherwise he would not have come to Jesus to heal his child.  The response of Jesus to this man’s request to come and heal his son is intriguing.  Jesus responded to his plea for the healing of a child with, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will be no means believe.”  If, as some have suggested, this was an indication of the absence of faith on the nobleman’s part then, the rest of the passage would be negated.  I believe that Jesus was challenging him and stretching him in that statement.  It was not the absence of faith but a human condition in conjunction with his faith that many of us have experienced.  He had total confidence that “if” Jesus personally went to the child healing was guaranteed.  He likely had no knowledge or understanding of how healing could transpire otherwise.  He did not have a long history of miracles in his memory banks or experience to draw from.  He believed Jesus could and therefore made his impassioned plea not once but twice.

Jesus, after the second plea, said, “Go your way; your son lives.”  The next statement demonstrates the heart of the nobleman and should be our hearts.  It says, “So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.”  He did not continue to plea, pray or attempt to persuade Jesus to do what he thought necessary HE BELIEVED.  He not only believed in his heart but demonstrated the accompanying sign of obedience and departed from the physical presence of the LORD.

This is Faith not Faith in Faith!  He simply believed what Jesus said and demonstrated corresponding action to accompany that belief.  That is faith in action!  Had he simply had faith in faith he would not have been able to believe the word of Jesus and obey that word he would have continued to insist that Jesus come to his house and perform whatever ritual to bring about the healing.  He had faith that demonstrated the response of obedience.  As he went back home his servants met him and informed him the child was healed.  His inquiry into the timing only further solidified his confidence in the Words of Jesus.

The key for us in receiving the promises of God is:  BELIEVE the word of Jesus and ACT upon that word.  Once we have HEARD His Promise we can GO OUT in confidence that we have the petition we asked.   I encourage you to read 1 John 5:14-15 at this point.

God bless you as you go through your day and walk in faith!  Blessings abundant is my prayer and desire!

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TRUE WORSHIP…


Spiritual Blog - Worship

John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  NKJV

             Going through the motions even emotions in a corporate gathering does not necessarily mean you have truly worshipped.  You may have gotten goosebumps and been overcome with emotions but that does not necessarily mean you truly worshipped.  You may have conducted an elaborate service with all the pomp and ceremony with beauty and pageantry but that does not necessarily mean you truly worshipped.  You may physically go without food in the name of worship but that does not necessarily mean you truly worshipped.  It may have only been form and ritual producing no real life spiritually.

This woman was expressing her confusion and concern over the differing methods and manners of worship between her people and the Jews and Jesus addressed True Worship.  If we understand His words in verse 24, “God is Spirit…”  we will be better able to grasp what He is saying in verse 23, “…true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…”

In Matthew 15:9 Jesus addressed ceremonial attempts at worship declaring, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.”  He quoted the prophet Isaiah in Matthew 15:8, “These people draw near Me with their mouth, and honor, me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”

God is Spirit.  He is not confined to a body as we and is everywhere present all the time.  It is in our spirit that we relate to God and as Romans 8:16 declared it is the Holy Spirit that bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.  In John 3:5 we find the declaration of our LORD that in order to enter the Kingdom we must be “born of water and the Spirit.”  Remember the words of Jesus in John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” 

It is out of the innermost being (spirit) that we truly connect with God.  As God permeates our hearts (spirits) we find that our souls (mind, will and emotions) are deeply affected and our bodies are brought into alignment with the desire of the heart.  No wonder David the man God identified as a man after His own heart would pray in Psalm 51:10-11, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (right) spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”  He goes on to cry out for the Joy of God’s Salvation to be rekindled in his heart.  He understood that he connected to God at the deepest level in his spirit and therefore sought to Worship God in Spirit and Truth.

Jesus’ statement to this woman dispels the idea that worship can only take place in a House of Worship (Church Building).  It is from the heart (spirit) that true worship flows and that flow should be continual, consistent and even constant.  We are told to pray without ceasing and the message of the Bible is also to Worship God without ceasing.

It is not external stimuli that enables you to worship but the condition of your heart.  It is the life within your spirit that comes from connection with the Spirit of God that produces worship.  Wherever you are, whenever you are and in whatever circumstances you find yourself seek, to Truly Worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords the Giver of Life.

May God be with you as you go through this day and teach you to truly worship!  Blessings abundant is my prayer and desire for you!

           

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LIFE Is The Objective…


Spiritual Blog - Life

Luke 12:23 – “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.”  NKJV

             I realize that I have lifted a sentence from a passage and if not careful will violate the context of the text and I would never want to be guilty of that.  Jesus is talking about worry and being overly concerned about the natural provision required to sustain life as we know it.  He reminds those in His audience of the value God places on man and the detail with which God cares for His creation.  In verse 31 He gives the incredibly important directive, “BUT, seek the kingdom of God and all (first per Matthew) and all that which is needed will be added…”  He reminds us of the care the Father has for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.  He reminds us that we can’t enhance our physical appearance by fretting over it.  We may cause it to deteriorate but not enhance.  (My thoughts). 

Jesus always focused on Life and without fail brought His listeners face to face with the reality that it was not encompassed by the activities of the flesh.  In verse 15 of this chapter, He reminds us that one’s life is not what you have materially.  In John 10 He reminds us of the objective of the enemy of our souls and the purpose and desire of God for us.  He said, “I am come, that they may have life and that they may have it (LIFE) more abundantly.”

Therefore, if Life is not possessions, what we eat, drink or wear, where we live or what we drive some are without a definition of life.  Life is more than breathing and having brain activity that would qualify by the medical definition.  If we were simply inhabitants of these physical bodies with no eternal soul or spirit that can communicate with God life would be all those things.  But we are LIVING SOULS housed in tabernacles of clay, therefore, LIFE is spiritual and other worldly.

The Holy Spirit called the Comforter has been dispatched by the LORD to teach us the truths of Christ.  In John 6 Jesus taught those listening that LIFE comes by the Spirit not the flesh and that His words were spirit and life.  It is by believing Him, repenting of our rebellion and sin that the Holy Spirit is able to infuse the Life of God into our eternal souls and transform us on the inside in our spirit man giving us LIFE through the new birth.  Our bodies continue to decay and die but our spirits have begun an eternal immortal journey that, if we are saved, will find us spending eternity in the presence of God Almighty.

Life, real life as contrasted to physically being alive by all earthly definitions is eternal.  God so values life that He has made provision for us to have it eternally and in the here and hereafter abundant.  If you view life as possessions, food, clothing, housing, transportation, status or anything of the carnal world you are talking about existence, not life.   Life is relationship with God.  Life is freedom from sin.  Life is communion with the Father.  Life is living presently in His Kingdom though our spirits.  The Bible says in 1 John 4 that “As He (Jesus) is so are we in this present world.”  HOW IS HE?

The answer to that question will cause faith to soar in your heart and give you a holy boldness you never knew.  I urge you to examine and answer that question.  As you do I know your life will become more demonstrably abundant!

            God bless you as you go through this day!

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HANDLING REJECTION…


Spiritual Blog - Rejection

One of the gravest problems is making rejection personal and sometimes it is.  There are times when rejection is not you but your beliefs and because the person or persons rejecting cannot separate the two they reject you along with your beliefs.  That happened to our LORD and He forewarned that it would happen to us as well.

We’ve all heard about and maybe heard the words, “It’s not you, it’s me…” as the rejection edict is issued.  There is probably an element of truth in that but I would venture that most of the time it is both or neither.  Ideological beliefs and values held by each of us make associations and relationships with some difficult if not impossible.  The Bible plainly declares that “two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement.”  Some have taken that to mean TOTAL AGREEMENT on EVERYTHING and I do not see that in the passage.  We may find it possible to build an alliance on particular issues based on agreement but on many other issues we are not in agreement.  If our disagreement rises to the level of embittered animosity they a relationship, partnership or association would be impossible or destructive.

In our world of social media, I find that almost daily I am either approached by someone wanting to be my friend or being rejected by someone who no longer wants to be a friend.  I have learned, in life, and applied that to the world of social media that the reaching out or rejection is usually not personal but ideological.  Although I have argued that you cannot separate what you believe from who you are a person who does not know you cannot reject your person but must reject your beliefs or words.  If I took every rejection personally I would be a basket-case and probably plunge into deep depression.  Our world today is so performance oriented and acceptance driven that rejection shatters their psyche and alterations in belief and public declarations ensue.

I have watched politicians when accused of something immediately apologize when an apology was not appropriate but the desire to be viewed as likable, agreeable, and to appease the accusers drives them to take that path.  Most of the time they are then viewed as weak, lacking personal conviction and courage to stand for their beliefs and the attacks become more intensified until the candidate is so marginalized they are ineffective.  I have seen the same thing in preachers who so water down their message, violate their core convictions and compromise the message they are about as useful to the kingdom as screen doors in submarines.  They give the appearance of usefulness but have no practical value.  I know that is harsh but I believe it to be reality.

Among the reasons that rejection hurts is that we genuinely care about people and their opinions.  However, another reason is we are ‘insecure’ in who we are and because we are insecure rejection is devastating.  Some derive their significance and sense of value and worth from acceptance and rejection dismantles their incredibly fragile psyche.  Feelings of insecurity can come from many roots including lack of preparation or talent.  If we are convinced we are unable or unprepared we lack confidence and that lack of confidence translates to insecurity and then when our thoughts, words or deeds are rejected we translate that to our inadequacy and personalize the rejection.  We are shattered and for some recovery becomes virtually impossible.

Let me give you two or three passages that I believe can diminish the sting of rejection and empower you to achieve the goals and dreams of your heart.

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

             Notice Paul addresses need, learning and contentment and THEN as a result of his life experiences and spiritual development he declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Rejection, pain, suffering, plenty, applause, accolades all come into my view of life and whether I am accepted or rejected I stand having LEARNED and know that IN CHRIST I CAN.

Then in Philippians 4:19 he addresses the church being there for him and tells them that he is going to pray for them and out of his confidence in God, learned through his life experiences, he is going to pray for them and declares that, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You may be rejected by man but you have not been rejected by God and because of your acceptance in Him YOU cannot be rejected only your beliefs can.  You are secure in Him and therefore IN HIM you live and move and have your being.  Therefore, when rejection comes to you simply look to Him the author and finisher of your faith, bless those rejecting and rejoice that the seed has been sown and now another will water and ultimately God will give the increase.

I am dead in Christ and in that condition rejection has no power over me.   God bless you as you go through this day!

 

 

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WARNING WITH EMPHASIS…


Spiritual Blog - Warning

Jude 14-15 – “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”  NKJV

 

I have found that when a word is repeated it is usually for emphasis and if it is repeated four times in on short passage the emphasis cannot be missed.  It is interesting that Jude would identify this Enoch as the 7th from Adam in contrast to the son of Cain who was Adam’s Grandson.  Although that is important it is not the most important, the message is.

Enoch prophesied about the condition of man.  His saying, “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment…” should cause us to take note.  He is speaking of a condition of man’s heart that has progressively grown darker through the ages and of a time when God’s patience will be exhausted.  Judgment is coming.  I realize that some do not like to hear about judgment and I’ve even been told that judgment is such a negative it should be left to individuals in the privacy of their own thoughts, not for public consumption.

Notice what Enoch prophesied was about judgment and that judgment is the direct result of something worthy of note.  He says that God is coming to convict of all who are UNGODLY for their UNGODLY deeds, committed in an UNGODLY manner and for the things the UNGODLY have railed against God.  It would go without saying that their attitude, words, and deeds are also directed toward those who follow God.  I believe it is descriptive of a condition that becomes so prevalent in society nationally and internationally that God says ENOUGH. 

In the next few verses, he identifies them as grumblers, complainers who walk according to their own lusts.  They are sensual and cause division and discord.  He then urges those listening to build themselves up in their most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit and keep their hearts in the love of God always looking to Jesus.  He also identified the warning of our LORD that in the Last Time there would be mockers who would walk after their own UNGODLY lusts.  Is that not a picture of our day?

From the political podium to the classroom to the pulpit we have people either promoting this attitude, excusing it or ignoring it.  Ungodliness cannot stand in the presence of God.  When ungodliness is allowed to occupy the house God will move out.  He will move back in if we will turn from ungodliness but righteousness cannot cohabit with ungodliness.  When we allow good to be called evil and evil good we place ourselves in direct opposition to God and invite judgment.

If I read a passage and four times the Holy Spirit emphasizes the word UNGODLY I am arrested and my spiritual antenna rises to examine what the message is.  It is time that we, the Body of Christ, diligently and earnestly seek the face of God and turn from all ungodliness.  It is time that we consciously resist the devil and shun the very appearance of evil in our lives.  It is time that we seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.  It is time that we return unto Him and He will return unto us.

            God be with you as you go through this day!

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