"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10 KJV)."
Job suffered horribly. God trusted Job to remain true. Satan was convinced Job would curse God and die. The end of Job's story excites us. He endured and God gave him double what he lost.
Are we missing something in the excitement of Job's blessings? We love knowing God reversed the fortunes of Job. We lay claim to this as a promise God will do the same for us.
There's a nugget of truth in this verse we may be overlooking. Focus on the phrase "when he prayed for his friends." There's tremendous power in this statement.
God had instructed Job's friends to bring a sacrifice and Job was to pray for them. God required this because Job was accepted by God (Job 42:8). The word pray, as used in these verses, means to intercede. They brought their offering to Job. It was Job who was to intercede for their errant ways.
The word captivity in verse 10 means prisoner. Job was a prisoner to his suffering. God set Job free from the prison holding him captive when he interceded for his friends.
We pour our hearts out to God when we suffer, looking for God to intervene. Job's restoration came when he prayed for his friends. Is it possible that God would release us from the bondage of suffering if we were to start making intercessory prayers for our friends? Just my thoughts for today. God bless...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
God Appoints Our Leaders
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Ro. 13:1 KJV)."
Higher Powers
The word powers is the plural form of the word power used throughout this Bible verse. It means a magistrate, potentate, delegated influence, and authority. The word subject means to be under obedience.
"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers" means every person is to be obedient and/or to their governing authorities. This is a pretty strong statement being made by the Apostle Paul.
There's No Power But of God
The delegated authorities exist only because God allows them to.The authorities which exist do so only by the direct appointment of Jehovah God.
"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth (Pro. 8:15-16 KJV).
Our president, our congressman or woman, our senator, our governor, our state legislator, our mayor, our county councilman or woman, our Supreme Court justices, our federal judges, our local judges, each and every one of them can only do what they do because God permits them to.
What's A Christian To Do?
Our current government leaders can make no new laws which God hasn't allowed them to make. Does that mean Christians must agree the leaders decisions are right? Not at all.
The United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to exercise free speech. We Americans can say anything we want about anything or anybody we want. But does being a Christian grant us license to do so?
I don't agree with the current administration of the United States. I'm deeply concerned with the direction they appear to be taking us in. I possess serious misgivings concerning some of the laws being passed by this administration.
Are Christians surprised by the beliefs, speech, and activities of not only this administration, but previous ones as well? You shouldn't be. God is in control. They do what they do only by God's permission. It means they're doing exactly what God wants them to do. This is a hard concept to grasp. This concept is exactly what Paul is telling us in Romans 13:1.
So what are Christians supposed to do? If you must speak out, speak out. Yet do so in a manner that isn't derogatory or defaming. Speak and act in a manner which will bring glory and honor to God.
The most important thing Christians can do right now is pray. I don't mean talk about it. I mean on-your-face, on-your-knees, pouring you heart out to God. We must pray for our leaders whether we agree with what they're doing or not. We must pray for our leaders even if we don't like them. We must continue to pray for our leaders even as they keep passing legislation contrary to Christian beliefs and doctrine. God bless...
Higher Powers
The word powers is the plural form of the word power used throughout this Bible verse. It means a magistrate, potentate, delegated influence, and authority. The word subject means to be under obedience.
"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers" means every person is to be obedient and/or to their governing authorities. This is a pretty strong statement being made by the Apostle Paul.
There's No Power But of God
The delegated authorities exist only because God allows them to.The authorities which exist do so only by the direct appointment of Jehovah God.
"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth (Pro. 8:15-16 KJV).
Our president, our congressman or woman, our senator, our governor, our state legislator, our mayor, our county councilman or woman, our Supreme Court justices, our federal judges, our local judges, each and every one of them can only do what they do because God permits them to.
What's A Christian To Do?
Our current government leaders can make no new laws which God hasn't allowed them to make. Does that mean Christians must agree the leaders decisions are right? Not at all.
The United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to exercise free speech. We Americans can say anything we want about anything or anybody we want. But does being a Christian grant us license to do so?
I don't agree with the current administration of the United States. I'm deeply concerned with the direction they appear to be taking us in. I possess serious misgivings concerning some of the laws being passed by this administration.
Are Christians surprised by the beliefs, speech, and activities of not only this administration, but previous ones as well? You shouldn't be. God is in control. They do what they do only by God's permission. It means they're doing exactly what God wants them to do. This is a hard concept to grasp. This concept is exactly what Paul is telling us in Romans 13:1.
So what are Christians supposed to do? If you must speak out, speak out. Yet do so in a manner that isn't derogatory or defaming. Speak and act in a manner which will bring glory and honor to God.
The most important thing Christians can do right now is pray. I don't mean talk about it. I mean on-your-face, on-your-knees, pouring you heart out to God. We must pray for our leaders whether we agree with what they're doing or not. We must pray for our leaders even if we don't like them. We must continue to pray for our leaders even as they keep passing legislation contrary to Christian beliefs and doctrine. God bless...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Book Review, Wild at Heart
Wild at heart is well-written and easy to read. The message is interesting and easy to understand. I found this book difficult to put down. The revelation of God creating men to be wild and masculine is challenging, inspiring, and provocative. I was compelled to look deep into my own heart while reading this book.
John Eldredge presents the material in a progressive manner. You are led to not only search your heart, but to take decisive action to begin healing your heart if it is wounded.
Revealing the secret of a man's soul appeals to those men, and women, who seek for the truth of what the Bible says about men and masculinity. I found the message of Wild at Heart timely for the men of today. I rate this book five out of five stars. I highly recommend this book to every man to read, then to act upon what is read.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Conforming and Transforming
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Ro. 12:2 KJV).
The Apostle Paul starts this chapter in Romans with the words, "I beseech you." He is literally begging the believers of the Roman church, and consequently believers of our time, to present themselves a holy, living sacrifice to God. It's our reasonable service as Christian believers.
Paul then follows with the text of Romans 12:2. What does it mean to not be conformed to this world? The Amplified answers this question clearly. "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]. To quote a local radio preacher, "Let the Bible speak."
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our mind? This word transformed literally means changed. Paul is telling believers to not conform to their culture, (whoops) world, but to change from it.
Change is always a hot topic in politics. We all wanted change in the 2008 American presidential election. Change will be a hot topic again for the 2010 American congressional election. The politicians can preach change, but the preacher of the Gospel shouldn't?
Why is change an extremely dirty word when used to describe Christian conversion? Even the Amplified Bible defines this word transformed as changed. We want the benefits of salvation, but we also want the pleasure of satisfying the desires of our flesh with the vices of this world.
How then are we to be transformed, changed? This change takes place by the renewing of our minds. What is renewing the mind? The Amplified Bible answers this question quite well also, "but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideas and its new attitude]."
The transformation of Christian conversion takes place because the thought process is transformed. New, pure thoughts are introduced. Old attitudes are replaced by new ones. This transformation happens when we put on Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2Co. 5:17 KJV)."
The Bible is very clear that change must take place when one puts on Christ. Paul wrote the words of Romans 12:2 to the church, not to the unbelieving world. Believers are to be different than unbelievers. Our thoughts, our ideas, and our attitudes are supposed to be different than the unbelievers.
I've heard the argument all my life the change is to be internal. Who and what you are on the inside will manifest itself on the outside. Can you imagine Christ doing some of the things we do today without batting an eye? Yea, I know, we live in a different culture.
Conforming and transforming. It's simple. How can we be transformed into the likeness of Christ (that is what the word Christian means) and still be conformed to our culture, (whoops) excuse me, world? Just my thoughts for today. God bless...
The Apostle Paul starts this chapter in Romans with the words, "I beseech you." He is literally begging the believers of the Roman church, and consequently believers of our time, to present themselves a holy, living sacrifice to God. It's our reasonable service as Christian believers.
Paul then follows with the text of Romans 12:2. What does it mean to not be conformed to this world? The Amplified answers this question clearly. "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]. To quote a local radio preacher, "Let the Bible speak."
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our mind? This word transformed literally means changed. Paul is telling believers to not conform to their culture, (whoops) world, but to change from it.
Change is always a hot topic in politics. We all wanted change in the 2008 American presidential election. Change will be a hot topic again for the 2010 American congressional election. The politicians can preach change, but the preacher of the Gospel shouldn't?
Why is change an extremely dirty word when used to describe Christian conversion? Even the Amplified Bible defines this word transformed as changed. We want the benefits of salvation, but we also want the pleasure of satisfying the desires of our flesh with the vices of this world.
How then are we to be transformed, changed? This change takes place by the renewing of our minds. What is renewing the mind? The Amplified Bible answers this question quite well also, "but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideas and its new attitude]."
The transformation of Christian conversion takes place because the thought process is transformed. New, pure thoughts are introduced. Old attitudes are replaced by new ones. This transformation happens when we put on Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2Co. 5:17 KJV)."
The Bible is very clear that change must take place when one puts on Christ. Paul wrote the words of Romans 12:2 to the church, not to the unbelieving world. Believers are to be different than unbelievers. Our thoughts, our ideas, and our attitudes are supposed to be different than the unbelievers.
I've heard the argument all my life the change is to be internal. Who and what you are on the inside will manifest itself on the outside. Can you imagine Christ doing some of the things we do today without batting an eye? Yea, I know, we live in a different culture.
Conforming and transforming. It's simple. How can we be transformed into the likeness of Christ (that is what the word Christian means) and still be conformed to our culture, (whoops) excuse me, world? Just my thoughts for today. God bless...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Good Samaritan
"Go then and make disciples of all the nations (Mt. 28:19 AMP)."
I read an article about the death of a homeless man this morning. The man lost his life trying to intervene in a domestic dispute. The portion I read telling how seven people walked away from a dying man pierced my heart.
You might be asking, "What's this have to do with Matthew 28:19?" Hold on and I'll get there.
Nearly all are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. We all nod our heads in agreement when we hear it spoken that we are to love our neighbors. We all are quick to condemn the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan.
How many of us, myself included, will quickly pass judgment on the seven people who walked away from the dying man in the news article? How many of us, including myself, will quickly condemn them to eternal damnation for their lack of concern and compassion? Yet, how can we, myself included, lay a claim to innocence?
Are we not all guilty of the same indifference, lack of concern, and lack of compassion? Souls are passing into eternity every day. People are around us every day who are hurting, dying inside by the troubles and trials of life. Are we not guilty of walking away from them in their time of desperation?
We're there now. Allow me to bring in the command of Christ to go and make disciples (Mt. 28:19). We have a commanded duty as Christians to share the Gospel wherever we're at. That's what the word go means in Matthew 28:19.
We're surrounded by dying souls, laying face down in the ditches of sin. How can we stand and render judgment on seven people who walked away when we do the same thing by not sharing the Gospel?
O God, we need Christians who are willing to speak the Word. Who, Lord, who is crying for the lost? Who, Lord, who weeps for the hungry? Who, Lord, who hurts for the poor? Who, Lord, who is breaking for the broken? Who, Lord God, who is willing to give all to reach one lost soul? God bless...
I read an article about the death of a homeless man this morning. The man lost his life trying to intervene in a domestic dispute. The portion I read telling how seven people walked away from a dying man pierced my heart.
You might be asking, "What's this have to do with Matthew 28:19?" Hold on and I'll get there.
Nearly all are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. We all nod our heads in agreement when we hear it spoken that we are to love our neighbors. We all are quick to condemn the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan.
How many of us, myself included, will quickly pass judgment on the seven people who walked away from the dying man in the news article? How many of us, including myself, will quickly condemn them to eternal damnation for their lack of concern and compassion? Yet, how can we, myself included, lay a claim to innocence?
Are we not all guilty of the same indifference, lack of concern, and lack of compassion? Souls are passing into eternity every day. People are around us every day who are hurting, dying inside by the troubles and trials of life. Are we not guilty of walking away from them in their time of desperation?
We're there now. Allow me to bring in the command of Christ to go and make disciples (Mt. 28:19). We have a commanded duty as Christians to share the Gospel wherever we're at. That's what the word go means in Matthew 28:19.
We're surrounded by dying souls, laying face down in the ditches of sin. How can we stand and render judgment on seven people who walked away when we do the same thing by not sharing the Gospel?
O God, we need Christians who are willing to speak the Word. Who, Lord, who is crying for the lost? Who, Lord, who weeps for the hungry? Who, Lord, who hurts for the poor? Who, Lord, who is breaking for the broken? Who, Lord God, who is willing to give all to reach one lost soul? God bless...
Monday, April 26, 2010
God's Great Mercy
"O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies (Da. 9:18 NKJV)."
I had the privilege to sit at the table, across from a young man and his wife. They were transients, homeless, passing through. They were taking advantage of a free, warm meal. They shared their story with me as they were eating.
The young couple were recently homeless and living in their car. At this point, they hadn't had a shower in a week. They didn't have any food. What money they had, or get, goes into the gas tank of the car. I couldn't help but see the look of sheer panic in their eyes as I listened to them.
Another worker and myself found them a place where they could shower. Through careful questioning, I learned they possessed a little single-burner campstove on which they could cook. We made sure they ate till they were filled. We supplied them with about a weeks worth of food.
With the shelters in our area are already at capacity, we set about finding them a place where they could park their car and not worry about having to drive from parking lot to parking lot every couple of hours. They then left our facility to face a life of uncertainty and struggle.
I will never forget the look in the eyes of that young couple for as long as I live. The eyes of sheer despair pierced deep into my core. I was instantly reminded of the verse, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels (Heb. 13:2 NKJV)."
The couple could have been angels. No matter, they were homeless, scared, and in desperate need of assistance. They are now gone. It's not likely we'll ever see them again. I can only pray I gave them nearly as much as they gave me.
You might be asking how a homeless couple could give anything? Their situation and story so moved me to my core that I couldn't help but think of my own circumstances. They gave me this truth; I am blessed. It's only by the grace and mercy of God that their situation isn't my situation.
It is precisely what this couple gave me that leads me to this prayer of Daniel 9:18 today. I am blessed, not because of any righteous deeds I have done. I am blessed because God is merciful. I am blessed because God is gracious. I don't pray to God because of anything good that I do. I pray because God is grace and mercy.
I offer prayer today for the young couple. I thank God for bringing them to my table. They have taught me a tremendous truth. By the grace and mercy of God I am blessed. By the grace and mercy of God I have redemption through the blood of the Lamb. By the grace and mercy of God I will one day rise and be transformed into His eternal likeness. God bless...
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
I had the privilege to sit at the table, across from a young man and his wife. They were transients, homeless, passing through. They were taking advantage of a free, warm meal. They shared their story with me as they were eating.
The young couple were recently homeless and living in their car. At this point, they hadn't had a shower in a week. They didn't have any food. What money they had, or get, goes into the gas tank of the car. I couldn't help but see the look of sheer panic in their eyes as I listened to them.
Another worker and myself found them a place where they could shower. Through careful questioning, I learned they possessed a little single-burner campstove on which they could cook. We made sure they ate till they were filled. We supplied them with about a weeks worth of food.
With the shelters in our area are already at capacity, we set about finding them a place where they could park their car and not worry about having to drive from parking lot to parking lot every couple of hours. They then left our facility to face a life of uncertainty and struggle.
I will never forget the look in the eyes of that young couple for as long as I live. The eyes of sheer despair pierced deep into my core. I was instantly reminded of the verse, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels (Heb. 13:2 NKJV)."
The couple could have been angels. No matter, they were homeless, scared, and in desperate need of assistance. They are now gone. It's not likely we'll ever see them again. I can only pray I gave them nearly as much as they gave me.
You might be asking how a homeless couple could give anything? Their situation and story so moved me to my core that I couldn't help but think of my own circumstances. They gave me this truth; I am blessed. It's only by the grace and mercy of God that their situation isn't my situation.
It is precisely what this couple gave me that leads me to this prayer of Daniel 9:18 today. I am blessed, not because of any righteous deeds I have done. I am blessed because God is merciful. I am blessed because God is gracious. I don't pray to God because of anything good that I do. I pray because God is grace and mercy.
I offer prayer today for the young couple. I thank God for bringing them to my table. They have taught me a tremendous truth. By the grace and mercy of God I am blessed. By the grace and mercy of God I have redemption through the blood of the Lamb. By the grace and mercy of God I will one day rise and be transformed into His eternal likeness. God bless...
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Open Your Mouth
"I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it (Ps. 81:10 KJV)."
Egypt is a metaphor for sin to the present-day Christian believer. It is God who has delivered us from the bondage of sin by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16 KJV)."
It is God who leads us through the wilderness of this present world to a land of promise, to a mansion of mansions, to an eternity with Him. To those of us who are still breathing, we're not there yet. We're pilgrims and strangers in this world through which we journey.
The God who frees us from our sin, "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out," grants us this absolute promise:
"Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."
Go ahead, think about it. Open your mouth wide. God will fill it. What are you hungry for? What are you searching for? What are you lacking? This is an absolute promise that God will fill it, grant it, or give it.
I don't know what you may want, but I'm hungry for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I don't desire this for myself. This world is a dark, chaotic place, rapidly becoming void of anything godly. This earth was void and dark in the beginning. "And the Spirit of God moved (Ge. 1:2)." Yes, the Spirit hovered, brooded over the dark void of this earth.
I don't know about you, but I hunger for the Spirit of God to move, to hover, and to brood over this dark void earth has become. One more time, Holy Spirit; flow one more time. God bless...
Egypt is a metaphor for sin to the present-day Christian believer. It is God who has delivered us from the bondage of sin by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16 KJV)."
It is God who leads us through the wilderness of this present world to a land of promise, to a mansion of mansions, to an eternity with Him. To those of us who are still breathing, we're not there yet. We're pilgrims and strangers in this world through which we journey.
The God who frees us from our sin, "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out," grants us this absolute promise:
"Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."
Go ahead, think about it. Open your mouth wide. God will fill it. What are you hungry for? What are you searching for? What are you lacking? This is an absolute promise that God will fill it, grant it, or give it.
I don't know what you may want, but I'm hungry for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I don't desire this for myself. This world is a dark, chaotic place, rapidly becoming void of anything godly. This earth was void and dark in the beginning. "And the Spirit of God moved (Ge. 1:2)." Yes, the Spirit hovered, brooded over the dark void of this earth.
I don't know about you, but I hunger for the Spirit of God to move, to hover, and to brood over this dark void earth has become. One more time, Holy Spirit; flow one more time. God bless...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Confession, A Form of Worship
"And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh 9:2 KJV)."
The word separated literally means to divide or separate.The word confessed is what makes this verse interesting. We automatically think repentance when we read this verse. Repentance is applicable here. However, let's dig deeper...
The word confessed comes from the Hebrew root meaning to use the hand, to throw at or away, to revere or worship with extended hands, or to bemoan by wringing the hands. The definition then goes on to list these words:
What greater form of worship could there be than to acknowledge God is the Savior when we extend ourselves to him in confession and repentance every day? We are acknowledging the sovereignty of God and his power to cleanse us from all sin when we confess our iniquities to Him.
I encourage all to take a moment of time today to separate themselves from the chaos of the day, from the people around you. Get alone with the Creator of everything. Extend your hands to him in surrender, confessing all faults and shortcomings. What greater worship is there than to give your life to the Lord? God bless...
The word separated literally means to divide or separate.The word confessed is what makes this verse interesting. We automatically think repentance when we read this verse. Repentance is applicable here. However, let's dig deeper...
The word confessed comes from the Hebrew root meaning to use the hand, to throw at or away, to revere or worship with extended hands, or to bemoan by wringing the hands. The definition then goes on to list these words:
- cast (out)
- (make) confess (-ion)
- praise
- shoot
- (give) thank (-ful, -s, -'giving)
What greater form of worship could there be than to acknowledge God is the Savior when we extend ourselves to him in confession and repentance every day? We are acknowledging the sovereignty of God and his power to cleanse us from all sin when we confess our iniquities to Him.
I encourage all to take a moment of time today to separate themselves from the chaos of the day, from the people around you. Get alone with the Creator of everything. Extend your hands to him in surrender, confessing all faults and shortcomings. What greater worship is there than to give your life to the Lord? God bless...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Lord of Hosts, God of War
"Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies (Isa. 1:24 KJV)."
This verse references God as the 'LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel'. The word hosts means a mass of people organized for war. A one-word definition would be army. The mighty One of Israel, Jehovah, is the LORD of armies.
What is the purpose of an army? Is it to fight? How then could a loving God Almighty be a God of armies? How could a loving, peaceable God be a God of war?
"And there was war in heaven (Rev. 12:7 KJV)."
"That old serpent, called the devil: ... he was cast out into the earth (Rev. 12:9 KJV)."
"And I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Lu. 10:18 KJV)."
War began when Lucifer rebelled against God. Lucifer lost the battle in Heaven. He was cast to the earth. He launched another offensive against God in Eden with the deception of Eve.
Satan may have thought he'd won when Christ took his last human breath on the cross. We know, however, ultimate victory was declared when Christ rose from the dead. The devil must be aware of his final demise, yet he continues to battle.
We love to read of and hear sermons about the spiritual armor of Ephesians 6. We get excited when we read and hear of the Apostle Paul having fought a good fight (2Ti. 4:7). Do we understand the concept that our God is a God of war? Do we comprehend that those whom God has chosen are called to fight? Paul does refer to those whom God chooses as soldiers (2Ti. 2:4).
The chosen ones of God, the people who are called by his name, the redeemed of the Lamb, are in a fight for eternity. The destination of our eternal soul hangs in the balance of victory or defeat.
Christ won complete and perfect victory at Calvary. The war, however, still rages in our minds because the enemy is a master deceiver. We must keep fighting the good fight. We must keep the faith and finish the course. Defeat should not be an option.
Prayer is communication with the Commander, the LORD of hosts. Prayer is where we receive our orders. God did not call us as soldiers to fight his war without equipping us with a weapon. He has given us, and we should learn to use, the Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is quick, powerful, and sharp (Heb. 4:12).
This verse references God as the 'LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel'. The word hosts means a mass of people organized for war. A one-word definition would be army. The mighty One of Israel, Jehovah, is the LORD of armies.
What is the purpose of an army? Is it to fight? How then could a loving God Almighty be a God of armies? How could a loving, peaceable God be a God of war?
"And there was war in heaven (Rev. 12:7 KJV)."
"That old serpent, called the devil: ... he was cast out into the earth (Rev. 12:9 KJV)."
"And I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Lu. 10:18 KJV)."
War began when Lucifer rebelled against God. Lucifer lost the battle in Heaven. He was cast to the earth. He launched another offensive against God in Eden with the deception of Eve.
Satan may have thought he'd won when Christ took his last human breath on the cross. We know, however, ultimate victory was declared when Christ rose from the dead. The devil must be aware of his final demise, yet he continues to battle.
We love to read of and hear sermons about the spiritual armor of Ephesians 6. We get excited when we read and hear of the Apostle Paul having fought a good fight (2Ti. 4:7). Do we understand the concept that our God is a God of war? Do we comprehend that those whom God has chosen are called to fight? Paul does refer to those whom God chooses as soldiers (2Ti. 2:4).
The chosen ones of God, the people who are called by his name, the redeemed of the Lamb, are in a fight for eternity. The destination of our eternal soul hangs in the balance of victory or defeat.
Christ won complete and perfect victory at Calvary. The war, however, still rages in our minds because the enemy is a master deceiver. We must keep fighting the good fight. We must keep the faith and finish the course. Defeat should not be an option.
Prayer is communication with the Commander, the LORD of hosts. Prayer is where we receive our orders. God did not call us as soldiers to fight his war without equipping us with a weapon. He has given us, and we should learn to use, the Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is quick, powerful, and sharp (Heb. 4:12).
I encourage all who follow Christ to put on the armor of Ephesians 6. I encourage all to endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ (2Ti. 2:3). I encourage and admonish all who fight the good fight to not get tangled up with the affairs of this present life (2Ti. 2:4).
The moment will come when we rise victorious as we look directly into the eyes of Jesus Christ. The moment will come when we relish the victory when we hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant". God bless...
Friday, April 16, 2010
Propagating A Lie
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1Jn. 4:1 KJV)."
This is one Bible verse we hear quoted often. How often do we heed its advice? Someone tells us a tidbit of information. We take it, spin it our way, then tell it to someone else. Could this verse also be telling us to verify what we hear as truth before we pass it on?
Propagating A Lie
We live in a culture that defines conservative Christianity as right-wing fanaticism. We assist in strengthening this definition when we take a piece of information and spread it without verifying the truth.
We are bound as Christians to not only speak the truth, but to also verify knowledge we possess or obtain as truth. Our credibility as witnesses is damaged when what we speak is proven to be untrue. How can we expect to reach the lost when our witness has no credibility?
We are propagating a lie when we spread information which can be proven untrue. We must verify truth to speak truth. Let us not place our faith in every spirit or piece of information before testing it for truth.
Babbling For the Gospel
"But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness (2Ti. 2:16 AMP)."
Without verification for truth, the words we so easily pass on could be interpreted as empty, useless babbling. We should make a point to heed this advice given to Timothy by the Apostle Paul. If we can't verify what we hear as truth, we should avoid it.
The last statement of this advice given by Paul is precisely what I'm talking about. We damage our credibility as Christian witnesses when we propagate unverified information. The result can only be leading people more and more into ungodliness.
Something to think about and pray about for today. God bless...
This is one Bible verse we hear quoted often. How often do we heed its advice? Someone tells us a tidbit of information. We take it, spin it our way, then tell it to someone else. Could this verse also be telling us to verify what we hear as truth before we pass it on?
Propagating A Lie
We live in a culture that defines conservative Christianity as right-wing fanaticism. We assist in strengthening this definition when we take a piece of information and spread it without verifying the truth.
We are bound as Christians to not only speak the truth, but to also verify knowledge we possess or obtain as truth. Our credibility as witnesses is damaged when what we speak is proven to be untrue. How can we expect to reach the lost when our witness has no credibility?
We are propagating a lie when we spread information which can be proven untrue. We must verify truth to speak truth. Let us not place our faith in every spirit or piece of information before testing it for truth.
Babbling For the Gospel
"But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness (2Ti. 2:16 AMP)."
Without verification for truth, the words we so easily pass on could be interpreted as empty, useless babbling. We should make a point to heed this advice given to Timothy by the Apostle Paul. If we can't verify what we hear as truth, we should avoid it.
The last statement of this advice given by Paul is precisely what I'm talking about. We damage our credibility as Christian witnesses when we propagate unverified information. The result can only be leading people more and more into ungodliness.
Something to think about and pray about for today. God bless...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Light of Day and Night
"The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun (Ps. 74:16 KJV)."
The earth was without form. The earth was void and dark. The Spirit of God moved. Then God spoke, "Let there be light." God divided the light from the darkness. He spoke again, calling light Day and darkness Night. This was the first day.
God made two great lights. He made the sun to light the day. He made the moon to reflect the light of the sun to light the night. God saw that what he'd made was good.
The day is God's. The night belongs to God. The sun rises at his command. The sun sets at his direction. Nothing we can ever do can change this immutable fact. God spoke physical light into this world.
Nearly two thousand years ago, God brought another Light to this earth. The Spirit of God moved, overshadowing Mary. The Messiah, Emmanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world as the true Light.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1Jn. 1:5 KJV)."
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth (1Jn. 1:6)."
"Abide in me, and I in you (Jn. 15:4 KJV)."
If Christ dwells in a temple of flesh, then the true Light dwells in a temple of flesh. We cannot walk in the Light and live in darkness. The true Light illuminates every facet of our being, chasing away all darkness.
Isaiah said, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light (Is. 9:2 KJV)." How sad are the words, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (Jn. 1:5 KJV)?"
I encourage all of us to walk in the light as he is in the light (1John 1:7). We were all sometimes darkness. If Christ abides in us, we are light in the Lord. "Walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:8 KJV)." God bless...
The earth was without form. The earth was void and dark. The Spirit of God moved. Then God spoke, "Let there be light." God divided the light from the darkness. He spoke again, calling light Day and darkness Night. This was the first day.
God made two great lights. He made the sun to light the day. He made the moon to reflect the light of the sun to light the night. God saw that what he'd made was good.
The day is God's. The night belongs to God. The sun rises at his command. The sun sets at his direction. Nothing we can ever do can change this immutable fact. God spoke physical light into this world.
Nearly two thousand years ago, God brought another Light to this earth. The Spirit of God moved, overshadowing Mary. The Messiah, Emmanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world as the true Light.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1Jn. 1:5 KJV)."
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth (1Jn. 1:6)."
"Abide in me, and I in you (Jn. 15:4 KJV)."
If Christ dwells in a temple of flesh, then the true Light dwells in a temple of flesh. We cannot walk in the Light and live in darkness. The true Light illuminates every facet of our being, chasing away all darkness.
Isaiah said, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light (Is. 9:2 KJV)." How sad are the words, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (Jn. 1:5 KJV)?"
I encourage all of us to walk in the light as he is in the light (1John 1:7). We were all sometimes darkness. If Christ abides in us, we are light in the Lord. "Walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:8 KJV)." God bless...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My Prayer For Today
My devotional for today is a simple listing of verses from Psalms rendered as a prayer. All verses are from the King James Version.
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Ps. 139:14)."
"Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (Ps. 139 :6)."
"But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute (Ps. 141:8)."
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path (Ps. 142:3)."
"Wash my throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me (Ps. 51:2-3)."
"O GOD, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is (Ps. 63:1)."
"Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water (Ps. 65:9)."
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more (Ps. 71:14)."
I pray this prayer today in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. God bless...
Monday, April 12, 2010
Humbling, Seeking, and Turning
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2Chr. 7:14 KJV)."
This verse is often quoted as a call to prayer for God's people. This verse contains an if/then conditional clause. The if portion of the clause requires specific action to move into the then portion of the clause. The words humble, pray, seek, and turn are all words requiring action. Let's take a look at each word.
The word humble literally translates to bend the knee. Bending the knee, or bowing, is a physical sign of subjection or surrender to a higher authority. The first portion of the if/then clause is subjecting ourselves in total, unconditional surrender to God.
I will combine the words pray and seek. The word pray means pray. The word seek means to search out specifically in worship or prayer. The second condition of the if/then clause is to seek God's face in prayer to search out His will.
The final condition of the if/then clause is the word turn. This word literally means to turn back. When put into the context of the phrase, "turn from their wicked ways", it means to repent, or turn back and away from sin.
This oft-quoted verse calling God's people to prayer is straightforward. We are to bend the knee, subjecting ourselves in total surrender to God's authority. This is humbling ourselves. We are to pray, searching out the face of God for His will. This is seeking. We are to repent of our wicked ways. This is turning.
When the conditions of the if portion of the clause are met, we move forward to the then portion. Then God will hear. Then God will forgive. Then God will heal. Remember, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (Jas. 5:16 KJV)." God bless...
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thinking and Reminiscing
Reminiscing
Today is celebrated as Good Friday. We celebrate and reminisce of the crucifixion of Christ on the cross of Calvary. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jn. 6:16 KJV)."Christ gave all. He is the final sacrificial Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The blood of the Lamb is applied to the door posts of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Such a tremendous concept it is of so much love Jesus Christ was willing to die for my sin. What can I ever do to deserve such a gift?
Thinking
You may be thinking, "oh boy, here we go, works!" Salvation is by faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word. The Word is from God, of God, and is God. James said, "Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (Jas 2:18 KJV)."
Your works may not save you, but I contend they may very well help you to stay "saved". "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." We cannot earn salvation by works, but God does require us to love him with everything we are and possess. Like it or not, this often requires work. Go ahead, tell your spouse you love them and never do anything to show it.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Lu. 9:23 KJV)." We're saved by faith. Jesus clearly states here that if we're planning on following him, we're to deny ourselves. Self-denial requires discipline and work. It's very difficult for the flesh to surrender ownership of self. Doing so requires a tremendous amount of faith.
Jesus clearly says if we're to follow him we are to "take up our cross daily." You can call it what you want to, but taking up a cross daily implied action. Taking a stand for anything requires discipline and work. You must have faith in the belief that any stand you take for anything is for the right cause.
Jesus said, "and follow me." If you plan to follow anything, you're going to have to move to do it. Following requires action. Following requires work. However, following someone you've never seen requires faith.
I didn't walk in his steps and hear the words he spoke to the multitudes. I didn't see him open the ears of the deaf and give sight to the blind. I didn't see him cleanse the lepers and heal the lame. I wasn't there when he rose Lazarus from the dead.
I wasn't at Calvary when Christ hung on the cross. I didn't see the blood-covered body sag into lifelessness when he said, "It is finished." It's by my faith I believe he did these things. It's by my faith I believe he walked the face of this earth. It's by my faith I believe he became the final sacrifice for sin.
It's my faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that requires me to take action for Jesus Christ. It's my faith that causes me to do the works for Christ. It's my faith that causes me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and might. It's my faith that causes me to take a stand with Jesus Christ. It is my faith that causes me to follow him.
Without the faith I possess in the blood of Christ shed at Calvary, there would be no purpose for doing the works God has chosen for me to do. Yes, my salvation is by faith. Yes, my faith has caused me to take action. Yes, by faith I believe Christ rose from the dead. No, I didn't personally see it, but by faith I believe it. And it's by my faith that I too will one day arise and will look into his face and see him as he is. God bless...
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