This morning I was thinking about a co-laborer in Christ. In my thoughts I was correcting this person for an error in a judgmental attitude, when the Lord broke in with “Helen, you know if you saw ______ you wouldn’t say these things.” He was right. I had seen her just last week and said nothing. The Lord brought another co-laborer to mind whom I had also felt was practicing in the same error, and yet I knew that I would not say anything to her as well. Though I have been raised to speak what is on my mind, I also value my relationships and see the good in these two people. Valuing them, and seeing their worth is what kept me from speaking what was on my mind and this became the basis of today’s lesson.
What is in our mind is not necessarily what is in our heart. In thinking about the 2 co-laborers I find that I didn’t have the “heart” to speak to them about what I considered offensive behavior. It hasn’t been a matter of right or wrong, but a matter of heart. This is what the Lord was pointing out when He said I wouldn’t actually say those things to the people whose behavior I found offensive. He then cautioned me to stop “practicing” those thoughts else they would enter my heart. Once my heart agreed to these thoughts it would be only a matter of time before I would find a way to speak them out. Though we are given a new heart when we follow Jesus, our mind needs to be “transformed” or it will pollute our heart from its input (Rm 12:2).
It is written that, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov 23:7 KJV). Our heart has a voice, generating thoughts to our mind. Jesus tells us that, “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matt 5:22). If we value our brothers and sisters in our hearts we will not label them as fools or worthless. This valuing of people protects our heart from receiving unkind thoughts towards them.
I have heard Christians say that, they might as well go ahead and commit the sin they are thinking in their minds because they are already judged by God as guilty. If this were so why would Paul ask us to capture our thoughts so that we could be obedient to Christ in our thinking? (2 Cor 10:5) Paul saw that there is a process whereby our thoughts can be stopped before they pollute our hearts. Because the thoughts in our mind can be from our enemy, satan, we often find ourselves at war with him in the battlefield of our minds.
In Genesis we read an account of God speaking to Cain about his thoughts. God noticed that Cain’s face was downcast when his sacrifice was rejected. Cain was also very angry (see Gen 4:5-7). His wrong thoughts were not just fleeting thoughts; they had entered into his heart where they could motivate Cain to action. God warned Cain that “if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” God was giving Cain the same chance to change his mind, and to repent of what was in his heart, that He gives to us today. Had Cain “captured” his thoughts and made them be obedient to God, he wouldn’t have murdered his brother Abel.
We must guard what enters into our hearts, for it is from the heart that the issues of life come (Pr 4:23). It is from the heart that the mouth speaks proud, boastful and unkind thoughts (Mt 12:34). We are told that it is the spirit of a man that searches the thoughts out (1 Cor 2:10-12). When our spirit listens to God’s Spirit within us, we have the added bonus of His perspective. If we are soft to His touch, He will mold us by His Spirit through forsaking wrong thoughts so that we do no wrong actions. But if we are firm in the convictions of our wrong thoughts, we will eventually do them. For this reason God works with us continually to bring to the light the errors of our thinking and washes us daily by His Word so that we might become the righteousness of Christ. He reminds us of the value He puts in others so that we can share in His thoughts of good towards them. Today, let us affirm the goodness in others that will protect our hearts from devaluing them. Perhaps, if they are in error, the Lord will give us a kind word by which to encourage them. Amen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Eternal Love
It’s Thanksgiving Eve and I’m already listening to Christmas songs. I love to sing along and feel the Holy Spirit as rejoicing comes out of my heart. Today while singing the Lord began talking to me about my children’s generation. They are in their 30’s and have seen a lot of changes in their short lives. Many come from divorced homes and do not want to go through marriage because they feel it will end in pain and suffering. With these thoughts the Lord said “I have set the stage.” Here are the thoughts that followed;
“In a time of intense coldness the younger generation is looking for warm hearts. Though they are afraid to take the risk to love, they yearn after true love. Married couples, and couples with families are a testimony of this love. The younger generation are on the outside, looking in, and because it is so cold where they are, they want to be warm.
“True love is eternal and comes from God. Their relationships will work if they give their lives to Me. So I have set the stage for Christian families to tell the cold ones how to get warm . . . how to enter into a Life where love is eternal.”
While the Lord was speaking, a longing built up in me, breaking out through tears, sobbing, and wailing. I could hear and feel the suffering of those shut off from eternal Love. “They think it is a dream,” said the Lord. “It’s a dream that is real.”
Yes, this is a time when the hearts of men grow cold (Mt 24:12) and our enemy wars against relationships. But what our enemy meant for bad, God will use for good. Godly love, whether in a marriage, or in a friendship, is strong and endures. Love sends its roots down deeper as we press ourselves into God during the cold, dark nights. Day comes in the morning and refreshes us with light and warmth. The younger generation needs to see the resiliency of our relationships. They are looking for love, and we are its testimony. May you be encouraged this Thanksgiving to share, give, and receive love from the bountiful source, God our Father. Amen.
“In a time of intense coldness the younger generation is looking for warm hearts. Though they are afraid to take the risk to love, they yearn after true love. Married couples, and couples with families are a testimony of this love. The younger generation are on the outside, looking in, and because it is so cold where they are, they want to be warm.
“True love is eternal and comes from God. Their relationships will work if they give their lives to Me. So I have set the stage for Christian families to tell the cold ones how to get warm . . . how to enter into a Life where love is eternal.”
While the Lord was speaking, a longing built up in me, breaking out through tears, sobbing, and wailing. I could hear and feel the suffering of those shut off from eternal Love. “They think it is a dream,” said the Lord. “It’s a dream that is real.”
Yes, this is a time when the hearts of men grow cold (Mt 24:12) and our enemy wars against relationships. But what our enemy meant for bad, God will use for good. Godly love, whether in a marriage, or in a friendship, is strong and endures. Love sends its roots down deeper as we press ourselves into God during the cold, dark nights. Day comes in the morning and refreshes us with light and warmth. The younger generation needs to see the resiliency of our relationships. They are looking for love, and we are its testimony. May you be encouraged this Thanksgiving to share, give, and receive love from the bountiful source, God our Father. Amen.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Devotion
Sometimes we read about Christians whose lives display the favor of God. We pray for that to come into our lives as well so that we can enjoy God’s blessings and provisions for ourselves and our ministries. A few weeks ago I was reading about the great work done by Ezra. He was the leader in rebuilding God’s temple during a time of dispersement and severe trial for the Israelites. What made Ezra so successful during every step of this project was that the hand of the Lord, and His favor, was upon Ezra (Ez 7:6; 9 28; 8:18 and 8:31). We read that there was a reason God’s hand of favor was on Ezra; he had devoted himself to the study and observation of the law, and it was his practice to teach it (Ez 7:10). Today’s lesson is about devotion, and the interpretation of various meanings which are found in the Hebrew and Greek translations.
The word “devotion” is used to depict many aspects of behavior and thinking. King David was a man who knew the value of devoting himself to God. In Ps 86:2 we read that he sought God for protection on the basis of his devotion to Him. This use of the word refers to David’s holiness; godliness, piety, goodness, and being a saint. The descriptions that fit David’s use of “devotion” indicate a style of life and not a quick attitude of his mind and heart.
Ezra’s use of the word “devotion” is described as a preparation of his heart which would enable him to stand upright, or to establish. It indicates attention to the individual steps necessary to accomplish godliness in his life. We find a similar encouragement in the New Testament where Paul exhorts us to put on the armor of God. The word “preparation” is used as the method by which to add protection to our feet, symbolizing the out-working of living and teaching the Gospel. This use of the word “preparation” indicates that we should “make ready, provide for, or prepare” and is the same process by which a person becomes devoted to God and the life and works He calls us to.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy he asks that Timothy devote himself to the reading of scriptures, exhortation and doctrine. This use of devotion represents giving attendance to by holding something in one’s mind, adhering to it, and applying oneself to it. In the letter to Titus Paul encourages that Christians be devoted to good works. Here he is referring to an authoritative stance of practicing their works as people who are presiding over them. Just as we are servants who stand before God and are accountable to Him for our works (see parable of the Minas), so we are delegated authority by Him to do our works for His glory through our attention to and maintenance of our actions.
There are many more references to devotion in the scriptures that could add to this lesson. For we who are seeking God’s favor and blessing in our lives it is a worthy study, for it teaches us what kind of people we should be, and this will please God. The attitudes of the mind and heart are very important and become the basis of our character and the works we do. We see that we need to pay attention to what God says, and make plans with Him to accomplish it (the preparations of a man’s heart belong to God; Proverbs 16:1). Our plans will come from a place of familiarizing ourselves with God’s words (study), obedience (personal application), and teaching others (ministry). Our desire for a successfully finished project or work will cause us to take careful steps, in our preparation personally, and to preside over those works with the authority delegated to us by God. Being a person devoted to God will infiltrate our whole life . . . yet isn’t that what we want? I believe that is what God wants for us, and is the recipe for favor and blessing in our lives. Amen
The word “devotion” is used to depict many aspects of behavior and thinking. King David was a man who knew the value of devoting himself to God. In Ps 86:2 we read that he sought God for protection on the basis of his devotion to Him. This use of the word refers to David’s holiness; godliness, piety, goodness, and being a saint. The descriptions that fit David’s use of “devotion” indicate a style of life and not a quick attitude of his mind and heart.
Ezra’s use of the word “devotion” is described as a preparation of his heart which would enable him to stand upright, or to establish. It indicates attention to the individual steps necessary to accomplish godliness in his life. We find a similar encouragement in the New Testament where Paul exhorts us to put on the armor of God. The word “preparation” is used as the method by which to add protection to our feet, symbolizing the out-working of living and teaching the Gospel. This use of the word “preparation” indicates that we should “make ready, provide for, or prepare” and is the same process by which a person becomes devoted to God and the life and works He calls us to.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy he asks that Timothy devote himself to the reading of scriptures, exhortation and doctrine. This use of devotion represents giving attendance to by holding something in one’s mind, adhering to it, and applying oneself to it. In the letter to Titus Paul encourages that Christians be devoted to good works. Here he is referring to an authoritative stance of practicing their works as people who are presiding over them. Just as we are servants who stand before God and are accountable to Him for our works (see parable of the Minas), so we are delegated authority by Him to do our works for His glory through our attention to and maintenance of our actions.
There are many more references to devotion in the scriptures that could add to this lesson. For we who are seeking God’s favor and blessing in our lives it is a worthy study, for it teaches us what kind of people we should be, and this will please God. The attitudes of the mind and heart are very important and become the basis of our character and the works we do. We see that we need to pay attention to what God says, and make plans with Him to accomplish it (the preparations of a man’s heart belong to God; Proverbs 16:1). Our plans will come from a place of familiarizing ourselves with God’s words (study), obedience (personal application), and teaching others (ministry). Our desire for a successfully finished project or work will cause us to take careful steps, in our preparation personally, and to preside over those works with the authority delegated to us by God. Being a person devoted to God will infiltrate our whole life . . . yet isn’t that what we want? I believe that is what God wants for us, and is the recipe for favor and blessing in our lives. Amen
Monday, November 15, 2010
Showing the Father's nature
Have you ever read a prophecy that just sort of fell flat? When I find this “flat” feeling in me I tell the Lord I’m sorry, for I believe I should receive from all men and women what the Lord is speaking through them. Today the Lord posed a question to me about these prophecies; “Do you know why they disappoint you?” I had to admit I didn’t. His response was this; “Because they don’t reveal My nature.” Immediately I thought of the Bible and how the scriptures acquaint us with God. Here is the rest of what the Lord had to say on this subject;
“If a man does not get to know My nature his prophecies will not reveal it. He will only speak about what he does know, or what he believes. In the Old Testament and New the prophets were called ‘holy’. They were set apart to Me to get to know Me. Slowly, over time and through trials, chatenings, and overcoming obstacles, these men came to know Me and My nature, though none knew Me totally. They were dedicated to Me, unconcerned with their popularity or wealth. I was their portion and they were strongly bonded to My will. My voice thrilled them because by My voice they could know Me."
"I give the opportunity for all men to overcome, to open the door so that I and My Father might sup with him (Jn 14:23 & Rev 3:20). As often as we sup together, that much more will a man know My Father’s nature. I came to reveal the Father to Man (Jn 16:25). Therefore, let those who prophesy show forth the Father to this world through what they speak.” Amen. Let the prophets know the Lord.
“If a man does not get to know My nature his prophecies will not reveal it. He will only speak about what he does know, or what he believes. In the Old Testament and New the prophets were called ‘holy’. They were set apart to Me to get to know Me. Slowly, over time and through trials, chatenings, and overcoming obstacles, these men came to know Me and My nature, though none knew Me totally. They were dedicated to Me, unconcerned with their popularity or wealth. I was their portion and they were strongly bonded to My will. My voice thrilled them because by My voice they could know Me."
"I give the opportunity for all men to overcome, to open the door so that I and My Father might sup with him (Jn 14:23 & Rev 3:20). As often as we sup together, that much more will a man know My Father’s nature. I came to reveal the Father to Man (Jn 16:25). Therefore, let those who prophesy show forth the Father to this world through what they speak.” Amen. Let the prophets know the Lord.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Establishing God's kingdom around us
Today I will be continuing the lesson on establishing God’s kingdom. Yesterday I wrote about establishing the kingdom “within” us. The outward working of the kingdom comes as we partner with God’s plans for us. This morning I was led to read about Jehoash, the king of Israel (2 Kings 13:14-20). Johoash was king during the time of Elisha, and sought Elisha before the prophet’s death. During his visit, Elisha instructed the king to take up a bow and arrow and shoot out through his east window. Elisha placed his hands on the king’s hands and together they shot the arrow out the window. This prophetic action symbolized king Jehoash’s victory over his enemy, the Arameans.
Next Elisha instructed king Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows. The king struck three times, indicating three battle victories. Elisha lamented “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” Total victory did not come until a later king, Jeroboam II. After the Jehoash’s visit, Elisha died.
This story is an example to us, as the Old Testament scriptures often are (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:6 & 11). We face an unseen enemy, but our battles are real in this life. Just like king Johoash we have been given authority, and the Word of the Lord to us is that we will be more than conquerors (Rom 8:28-39). We may be facing hardship, perils, illnesses, or struggles against personal impurity. There are false brethren and false teachings . . . so many battles that, if we were to face them all at once, we might lose heart. Though there are many battles that make up a total victory, God gives us help in the times of our troubles (Ps 46:1).
For king Jehoash, Elisha was his help. Elisha’s hands upon the king’s hands symbolized God’s governance over the matters of the kingdom, directing Jehoash to victory for Israel. Just as the Lord gives us a Word of victory and guides us in our struggles, so the Lord gave Jehoash victory according to the king’s arrow strikes; three times the battles were won. However, there would be more than three battles to gain the total victory. The opportunity for further ground strikes was not given, and Elisha the prophet died.
When the Lord is with us in our times of trouble we feel secure, as if that is how it always will be. Surely since the Lord spoke victory over us we believe we will prevail against our enemies. Yet there are those days when it takes more enthusiasm, yes, genuine zeal to win our battles. I have met Christians that stopped drinking but continued smoking, and died of cancer. I have met Christians who have stopped looking at pornography yet still lusted with their eyes, and fell in adultery. Though God directs us towards victory, our heart has to be united in the efforts against the enemy. Perhaps that is what the Lord was looking for when Elisha asked the king to strike the arrows on the ground; a heart dedicated to winning each battle. If we find compromise in our hearts we need to set aside any secondary gain we might want from our enemy. The pleasures of this life will undermine the zeal with which we enter our battles, and we will lose.
When a man succeeds in winning his personal battles the Lord will join him with others in doing exploits for His kingdom (Dan 11:32b). It is God’s hope that we will win over the earth’s kingdoms for the Lord, and Jesus works in us for this purpose (1 Cor 15:24-25). During these battles we find ourselves facing huge issues in our churches, and in Christianity as a whole. If our hearts have not been tried and proven victorious in our personal battles, then we will fail in the corporate battles. We will betray our brethren for pre-eminence. We will intimidate and hinder those whom God would use so that we can be in control . . . and the list goes on.
Those who do not have the heart to win the personal battles appointed to them will cause the greater battles to be lost. The prophet Malachi speaks of a time of distinction appointed to God’s servants, where those who fear the Lord and honor His name will discern “between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (Mal 3:17-18) On the heels of discernment comes healing and freedom. What follows is victory as God’s people “trample down the wicked.” (Mal 4:2-3).
The Apostle Paul speaks of this same victory when he writes that “The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet.” (Rom 16:20) He is writing to the Romans about people who “are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” (Rom 16:18). The distinction between those who served the Lord, and those who served themselves was made apparent by Paul’s letter to the Romans. The letter was like Elisha’s hands upon the king’s as he shot the arrow. Paul directed the saints in Rome towards victory, yet the battle was theirs to fight.
God promises us discernment because we will need it. He will not leave us during our battles, but without discernment we will fail to win victory. A heart intent on winning against corporate enemies of the Church will welcome God’s keen eye. But a man whose heart is intent on preservation of his life and its comforts will not lay himself down to the hard battles won only by the counsel of discernment. He will preserve destructive relationships for the promise of promotion and financial gain, and betray the faithful to secure his own position. When the Lord places us in the position of receiving discernment, He is directing us towards victory. Yet it is a solemn testing ground wherein we make the decision to serve God and leave our own agendas behind.
Many of the battles to establish God’s kingdom are lost because the inner kingdom’s battles have not yet been won in the hearts of His people. Today let us to be enthusiastic, yes, zealous for victory against our enemy. Then we will see the changes we are looking for around us as God’s kingdom’s victories work outward. Amen.
Next Elisha instructed king Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows. The king struck three times, indicating three battle victories. Elisha lamented “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” Total victory did not come until a later king, Jeroboam II. After the Jehoash’s visit, Elisha died.
This story is an example to us, as the Old Testament scriptures often are (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:6 & 11). We face an unseen enemy, but our battles are real in this life. Just like king Johoash we have been given authority, and the Word of the Lord to us is that we will be more than conquerors (Rom 8:28-39). We may be facing hardship, perils, illnesses, or struggles against personal impurity. There are false brethren and false teachings . . . so many battles that, if we were to face them all at once, we might lose heart. Though there are many battles that make up a total victory, God gives us help in the times of our troubles (Ps 46:1).
For king Jehoash, Elisha was his help. Elisha’s hands upon the king’s hands symbolized God’s governance over the matters of the kingdom, directing Jehoash to victory for Israel. Just as the Lord gives us a Word of victory and guides us in our struggles, so the Lord gave Jehoash victory according to the king’s arrow strikes; three times the battles were won. However, there would be more than three battles to gain the total victory. The opportunity for further ground strikes was not given, and Elisha the prophet died.
When the Lord is with us in our times of trouble we feel secure, as if that is how it always will be. Surely since the Lord spoke victory over us we believe we will prevail against our enemies. Yet there are those days when it takes more enthusiasm, yes, genuine zeal to win our battles. I have met Christians that stopped drinking but continued smoking, and died of cancer. I have met Christians who have stopped looking at pornography yet still lusted with their eyes, and fell in adultery. Though God directs us towards victory, our heart has to be united in the efforts against the enemy. Perhaps that is what the Lord was looking for when Elisha asked the king to strike the arrows on the ground; a heart dedicated to winning each battle. If we find compromise in our hearts we need to set aside any secondary gain we might want from our enemy. The pleasures of this life will undermine the zeal with which we enter our battles, and we will lose.
When a man succeeds in winning his personal battles the Lord will join him with others in doing exploits for His kingdom (Dan 11:32b). It is God’s hope that we will win over the earth’s kingdoms for the Lord, and Jesus works in us for this purpose (1 Cor 15:24-25). During these battles we find ourselves facing huge issues in our churches, and in Christianity as a whole. If our hearts have not been tried and proven victorious in our personal battles, then we will fail in the corporate battles. We will betray our brethren for pre-eminence. We will intimidate and hinder those whom God would use so that we can be in control . . . and the list goes on.
Those who do not have the heart to win the personal battles appointed to them will cause the greater battles to be lost. The prophet Malachi speaks of a time of distinction appointed to God’s servants, where those who fear the Lord and honor His name will discern “between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (Mal 3:17-18) On the heels of discernment comes healing and freedom. What follows is victory as God’s people “trample down the wicked.” (Mal 4:2-3).
The Apostle Paul speaks of this same victory when he writes that “The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet.” (Rom 16:20) He is writing to the Romans about people who “are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” (Rom 16:18). The distinction between those who served the Lord, and those who served themselves was made apparent by Paul’s letter to the Romans. The letter was like Elisha’s hands upon the king’s as he shot the arrow. Paul directed the saints in Rome towards victory, yet the battle was theirs to fight.
God promises us discernment because we will need it. He will not leave us during our battles, but without discernment we will fail to win victory. A heart intent on winning against corporate enemies of the Church will welcome God’s keen eye. But a man whose heart is intent on preservation of his life and its comforts will not lay himself down to the hard battles won only by the counsel of discernment. He will preserve destructive relationships for the promise of promotion and financial gain, and betray the faithful to secure his own position. When the Lord places us in the position of receiving discernment, He is directing us towards victory. Yet it is a solemn testing ground wherein we make the decision to serve God and leave our own agendas behind.
Many of the battles to establish God’s kingdom are lost because the inner kingdom’s battles have not yet been won in the hearts of His people. Today let us to be enthusiastic, yes, zealous for victory against our enemy. Then we will see the changes we are looking for around us as God’s kingdom’s victories work outward. Amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Violent men take the kingdom of God
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Mt 11:12). An important part of this statement is “men” and this is what the Holy Spirit drew my attention to this morning. Many of us wonder when God will bring His kingdom down onto the earth, yet from this statement we see that we, men and women, have a very active, forceful part in establishing God’s kingdom.
Our enemy hinders us, and in Daniel 7 we read where satan was “waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.” (Dan 7:21-22) If we find ourselves embroiled in a fierce warfare with our enemy it may seem that waiting on God is the only option we have. How do we find the balance between these two verses that instruct us to be forceful, and yet place the victory squarely upon God’s actions?
Let us begin by looking at the “kingdom within.” Jesus told His disciples that the kingdom would not come with observation because it was within them (Lk 17:21). The Holy Spirit works in every believer to establish God’s kingdom inside first, and it is that outward working of the inner kingdom of God that takes over this world, establishing God’s kingdom outwardly. Satan may hinder what we do, but he does not have authority over who we are inside. What keeps us from being destroyed by our enemy before we can do any earthly good? Jesus prayed a prayer of protection over His disciples before He left this world, asking the Father to “protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave Me – so that they may be one as we are one.”(Jn 17:11) This appears to be a bid for the unity of the Body of Christ, which indeed we pray for. However, if each believer is to be one in the manner Jesus is speaking of, each member would be one with Jesus, just as Jesus is one with the Father. And this is what protects us; our unity with Jesus, His will and His purposes for our lives. This is difficult if we do not entirely surrender our lives over to Him, yet wanting to labor for Him in His kingdom.
When the Israelites were given the Promised Land, they did not wait for God to get it ready for them before they entered. God instructed them to go into the land and take it. The wars that ensued show us that the kingdom of Israel was taken forcefully from their enemies. God worked with the Israelites side-by-side in their battles until the realization of His promise. His words had not produced an intellectual exercise in them, whereby they found lessons to believe or people to listen to. His words produced faith, and true faith produced action . . . forceful action.
At times we are inactive because it is the action on God’s part that makes our faith come alive, and without His action we actually begin to doubt. When doubt is full-blown it renders us inactive. Yet even small actions on our part will kindle the flames of faith in our hearts, and after the trial of waiting, our stewardship will be proven to be faithful and God will bring His help. Prolonged inaction tends to cause us to be dull, forgetful of God’s promises, and prone to being side-lined by worldly comforts.
I would like to encourage you today to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your lives, setting up His kingdom all the more “within” and finding His works that will set up His kingdom around you. God bless, Helen
Our enemy hinders us, and in Daniel 7 we read where satan was “waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.” (Dan 7:21-22) If we find ourselves embroiled in a fierce warfare with our enemy it may seem that waiting on God is the only option we have. How do we find the balance between these two verses that instruct us to be forceful, and yet place the victory squarely upon God’s actions?
Let us begin by looking at the “kingdom within.” Jesus told His disciples that the kingdom would not come with observation because it was within them (Lk 17:21). The Holy Spirit works in every believer to establish God’s kingdom inside first, and it is that outward working of the inner kingdom of God that takes over this world, establishing God’s kingdom outwardly. Satan may hinder what we do, but he does not have authority over who we are inside. What keeps us from being destroyed by our enemy before we can do any earthly good? Jesus prayed a prayer of protection over His disciples before He left this world, asking the Father to “protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave Me – so that they may be one as we are one.”(Jn 17:11) This appears to be a bid for the unity of the Body of Christ, which indeed we pray for. However, if each believer is to be one in the manner Jesus is speaking of, each member would be one with Jesus, just as Jesus is one with the Father. And this is what protects us; our unity with Jesus, His will and His purposes for our lives. This is difficult if we do not entirely surrender our lives over to Him, yet wanting to labor for Him in His kingdom.
When the Israelites were given the Promised Land, they did not wait for God to get it ready for them before they entered. God instructed them to go into the land and take it. The wars that ensued show us that the kingdom of Israel was taken forcefully from their enemies. God worked with the Israelites side-by-side in their battles until the realization of His promise. His words had not produced an intellectual exercise in them, whereby they found lessons to believe or people to listen to. His words produced faith, and true faith produced action . . . forceful action.
At times we are inactive because it is the action on God’s part that makes our faith come alive, and without His action we actually begin to doubt. When doubt is full-blown it renders us inactive. Yet even small actions on our part will kindle the flames of faith in our hearts, and after the trial of waiting, our stewardship will be proven to be faithful and God will bring His help. Prolonged inaction tends to cause us to be dull, forgetful of God’s promises, and prone to being side-lined by worldly comforts.
I would like to encourage you today to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your lives, setting up His kingdom all the more “within” and finding His works that will set up His kingdom around you. God bless, Helen
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Power is in the Word
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom 1:16) In this hour of our lives when we are searching for the power of God, is it possible that we have over-looked the source of true power? The word of God holds true power to change lives. Jesus said that we are changed by God’s Word, and we know Him as the Sower of the seed; God’s Word. He looks for a harvest of fruit from the seed of God’s word sown in the hearts of men. This is not only our salvation, but the enduring fruit of those who abide in His vine.
Jesus said much to encourage His disciples to hear and obey God’s words. He also asked them to plant the seeds of His words in others. If a farmer tilled his soil and read up on the many different techniques of planting seed, however did not actually plant seed, he would not have a harvest. Even if he taught others how to plant seed, but did not have seed to plant, he himself would not have successfully been a part of changing one life. The power is in the seed, the Word of God.
Our enemy wants us to do everything except mention God’s word. He cajoles us into thinking if we are nice to someone, they will be impressed with our Christianity. He wants us to believe that our sacrificial giving will cause others to be reached for Christ. But it’s the words from God’s mouth that Jesus lived by, and it is this same Word that He passed on to us. Jesus was the Manna in the wilderness, and He is the hidden manna in Revelation (Rev 2:17), given to us who receive a new name, a new life in Him.
Perhaps we don’t realize that, when we come to Jesus and receive a new life in Him, He wants to talk to us. Jesus wants to speak into our lives, and through our lives to others. He wants to teach us about His Father, the One whose words Jesus lived by. There is a great richness that awaits us, if we will listen to Him. Through this richness we give the Word of God to others.
God made a covenant that reaches out to us. It is a covenant of richness in the Word and the Spirit. The Lord spoke these words to Jeremiah, the prophet; “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer 31:33-34)
God is telling us that He wants to write on our hearts. Let us come aside today and listen to what our wonderful God has to say. This will change us, and His word through us will change others. Amen.
Jesus said much to encourage His disciples to hear and obey God’s words. He also asked them to plant the seeds of His words in others. If a farmer tilled his soil and read up on the many different techniques of planting seed, however did not actually plant seed, he would not have a harvest. Even if he taught others how to plant seed, but did not have seed to plant, he himself would not have successfully been a part of changing one life. The power is in the seed, the Word of God.
Our enemy wants us to do everything except mention God’s word. He cajoles us into thinking if we are nice to someone, they will be impressed with our Christianity. He wants us to believe that our sacrificial giving will cause others to be reached for Christ. But it’s the words from God’s mouth that Jesus lived by, and it is this same Word that He passed on to us. Jesus was the Manna in the wilderness, and He is the hidden manna in Revelation (Rev 2:17), given to us who receive a new name, a new life in Him.
Perhaps we don’t realize that, when we come to Jesus and receive a new life in Him, He wants to talk to us. Jesus wants to speak into our lives, and through our lives to others. He wants to teach us about His Father, the One whose words Jesus lived by. There is a great richness that awaits us, if we will listen to Him. Through this richness we give the Word of God to others.
God made a covenant that reaches out to us. It is a covenant of richness in the Word and the Spirit. The Lord spoke these words to Jeremiah, the prophet; “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer 31:33-34)
God is telling us that He wants to write on our hearts. Let us come aside today and listen to what our wonderful God has to say. This will change us, and His word through us will change others. Amen.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Recording God's Word
As a prophet part of my time is spent recording God’s word, and then how it comes to pass. This is the example we have in both the Old and New Testament of the Bible. In reading what is recorded for us by others we learn from what God says and does . . . we learn about His nature. We see that King David used his psalms to proclaim God’s mighty works. In Psalm 22 we read that a seed will serve God, and they will tell future generations about God’s righteousness (vs 30-31). I have often wondered who in our generation is recording God’s words and works for the future generation.
Sea of Glass is a web site dedicated to the recording of God’s word through only one person; myself. If I went back through the annals of my life, I could record the coming to pass of many prophecies and what I learned about God’s nature. Though I have recorded these things, I wonder if others record the prophecies they see God bring to pass in their lives. And finally, I wonder how we will pass these words and acts of God on to future generations. How will we compile them, and pass them along as part of our faith?
Part of the problem with recording prophecy is the increasing unbelief in which it is received. There is an angst permeating Christianity concerning prophecy, and it comes at a time when the Spirit of Prophecy is moving amongst the believers. The distrust of prophecy and subsequent unbelief is a spiritual onslaught perpetrated by the enemy of our souls. The stirring up of prophecy by God’s Spirit is from Him and is for preparation of each person, and for His people as a whole.
We overcome the world by our faith (1 Jn 5:4), and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). Overcoming and hearing God cannot be separated. We may read about what God has said, which is recorded for us by men moved by the Spirit of Prophecy, or we may “hear” what God is saying, by the same Spirit (1 Pet 1:21). Though we have trials, they are to work faith in us, which is most precious (1 Pet 1:7).
In Revelation 12 we read about a woman giving birth to a man-child. He and his fellow siblings all have the Testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy (12:17). However, satan is poised in a position to devour the man-child, and then to pursue the siblings with war. This is a spiritual picture of the times we live in, and how satan hates and seeks to destroy those who have the Spirit of Prophecy. He positions himself in our brethren, amongst friends and family members to tear down faith and destroy the words God speaks. So in a time like this, it is all the more important to encourage each other in the rhemas word of God and watching for it to come to pass. If we can stand, we will see victory. And if we see victory, we will have much to tell the following generations.
God has fought mightily for me and my family. His great acts are not over. We live in an exciting time and serve and exciting God. I’d like to encourage you to share the testimonies of overcoming with each other, and to keep a written record of what God has done in your lives and the lives of those you’ve prayed for. One thing I invite you to join me in is prayer for a corporate written account of these acts so that we might pass them along to others, now, and in the times to come. Thank you, and God bless.
Sea of Glass is a web site dedicated to the recording of God’s word through only one person; myself. If I went back through the annals of my life, I could record the coming to pass of many prophecies and what I learned about God’s nature. Though I have recorded these things, I wonder if others record the prophecies they see God bring to pass in their lives. And finally, I wonder how we will pass these words and acts of God on to future generations. How will we compile them, and pass them along as part of our faith?
Part of the problem with recording prophecy is the increasing unbelief in which it is received. There is an angst permeating Christianity concerning prophecy, and it comes at a time when the Spirit of Prophecy is moving amongst the believers. The distrust of prophecy and subsequent unbelief is a spiritual onslaught perpetrated by the enemy of our souls. The stirring up of prophecy by God’s Spirit is from Him and is for preparation of each person, and for His people as a whole.
We overcome the world by our faith (1 Jn 5:4), and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). Overcoming and hearing God cannot be separated. We may read about what God has said, which is recorded for us by men moved by the Spirit of Prophecy, or we may “hear” what God is saying, by the same Spirit (1 Pet 1:21). Though we have trials, they are to work faith in us, which is most precious (1 Pet 1:7).
In Revelation 12 we read about a woman giving birth to a man-child. He and his fellow siblings all have the Testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy (12:17). However, satan is poised in a position to devour the man-child, and then to pursue the siblings with war. This is a spiritual picture of the times we live in, and how satan hates and seeks to destroy those who have the Spirit of Prophecy. He positions himself in our brethren, amongst friends and family members to tear down faith and destroy the words God speaks. So in a time like this, it is all the more important to encourage each other in the rhemas word of God and watching for it to come to pass. If we can stand, we will see victory. And if we see victory, we will have much to tell the following generations.
God has fought mightily for me and my family. His great acts are not over. We live in an exciting time and serve and exciting God. I’d like to encourage you to share the testimonies of overcoming with each other, and to keep a written record of what God has done in your lives and the lives of those you’ve prayed for. One thing I invite you to join me in is prayer for a corporate written account of these acts so that we might pass them along to others, now, and in the times to come. Thank you, and God bless.
Monday, November 1, 2010
What makes warfare difficult?
What makes war difficult? Or, better worded, what makes spiritual warfare hard? It is difficult because those who are our enemies, who hurt and wound us, are the same people we are supposed to love. Jesus said that a man’s enemies would be the members of his own household (Mt 10:36), and that the wounds He suffered were received in the “house of (His) friends.” (Zech13:6). In the face of emotional pain and suffering the command to love our enemies (Mt 5:44) can be paralyzing. When we put aside our offense and anger, and every negative emotion that rises up in us, it seems that love would be passive and let the one wronging us have his way.
October 30th I related 2 dreams. The one dream, from 12/24/08/ depicted a war scene in which good Christian men stood their ground ineffectively. They had on helmets but no other protection. In reading this dream over it is clear to see that the enemy was wounding and killing the faithful Christians by using already wounded or (spiritually) dead Christians against them. In other words, it was as Jesus said, that those who stood on the battle field found themselves pitted against friends from the house of the Lord. I wondered at this picture, how the soldiers seemingly had on the helmet of salvation but no other protection . . . and the Lord began speaking to me about our protection.
First, the Lord said that the church’s concept of loving their enemy wasn’t His concept of love. Love does not give a wrong-doer his way, nor remain silent when injustice is done. This isn’t fitting with God’s character. When we look at the Bible we see that loving our brother should cause us to “snatch others from the fire and save them,” hating the garment spotted by their corrupted flesh (Jude :23). We are asked to admonish, correct and even rebuke those who are straying. Yet when someone errs, wrongs us, and goes astray why is our first reaction that we need to forgive them, and turn the other way. This is where we lose the battles and become ineffective on the battlefield.
I’d like to suggest that forgiveness is an expression of God’s love which we bear inside, and is a very active part of calling a person back into relationship with God. As Christians we are little Christs. We are the expression of Jesus’ life here on the earth and proof that He lives on in the lives of His believers. We should have the wisdom, discernment, and governing ability that was given to the first Christians so that we can preserve the Faith whole and pure. The battlefield is where this is tested. When we cede our position to those who are abusive or in error, we lose the battle. Our protection is the discernment, wisdom, intelligence, and standard of excellence we walk in every day. If we require these things of ourselves, we will notice when our enemy is using others to come against God’s standards.
It takes exercise to remain fit, and it takes being exercised by obedience to God’s word to be fit for spiritual warfare. When we look at the character of God it is plain to see that He both loves us and holds us responsible for our behavior. We also can love a man and hold him responsible for his behavior. God’s wisdom works to preserve our soul, which often includes corrections and “time outs”. We also have the same wisdom and can do more to preserve a man’s soul through correction ministered in love than through smooth words of “it’s all right, we all do the same thing.” God tries us to see if we’re ready for promotion, not treating us all the same but giving to each a reward commensurate with his works (see the parable of the talents). We too should not promote someone just to show we are in support of them and what they are doing, but should have a standard for anyone entering ministry and a mentoring path for them to make sure they meet their goal.
I have mentioned examples of wisdom and of having godly standards, all being expressions of God’s love. Forgiveness is also an expression of God’s love, working actively with the wrong-doer to restore him to Christ. There may be many, many other components of protection that would help us to stand our ground effectively in God’s kingdom. But it is a sure thing that without God’s love being expressed through us in ways that preserve the faith and restore men to God, we will lose the battles appointed to us. Let us all encourage one another today as we see the battles at hand. Amen.
October 30th I related 2 dreams. The one dream, from 12/24/08/ depicted a war scene in which good Christian men stood their ground ineffectively. They had on helmets but no other protection. In reading this dream over it is clear to see that the enemy was wounding and killing the faithful Christians by using already wounded or (spiritually) dead Christians against them. In other words, it was as Jesus said, that those who stood on the battle field found themselves pitted against friends from the house of the Lord. I wondered at this picture, how the soldiers seemingly had on the helmet of salvation but no other protection . . . and the Lord began speaking to me about our protection.
First, the Lord said that the church’s concept of loving their enemy wasn’t His concept of love. Love does not give a wrong-doer his way, nor remain silent when injustice is done. This isn’t fitting with God’s character. When we look at the Bible we see that loving our brother should cause us to “snatch others from the fire and save them,” hating the garment spotted by their corrupted flesh (Jude :23). We are asked to admonish, correct and even rebuke those who are straying. Yet when someone errs, wrongs us, and goes astray why is our first reaction that we need to forgive them, and turn the other way. This is where we lose the battles and become ineffective on the battlefield.
I’d like to suggest that forgiveness is an expression of God’s love which we bear inside, and is a very active part of calling a person back into relationship with God. As Christians we are little Christs. We are the expression of Jesus’ life here on the earth and proof that He lives on in the lives of His believers. We should have the wisdom, discernment, and governing ability that was given to the first Christians so that we can preserve the Faith whole and pure. The battlefield is where this is tested. When we cede our position to those who are abusive or in error, we lose the battle. Our protection is the discernment, wisdom, intelligence, and standard of excellence we walk in every day. If we require these things of ourselves, we will notice when our enemy is using others to come against God’s standards.
It takes exercise to remain fit, and it takes being exercised by obedience to God’s word to be fit for spiritual warfare. When we look at the character of God it is plain to see that He both loves us and holds us responsible for our behavior. We also can love a man and hold him responsible for his behavior. God’s wisdom works to preserve our soul, which often includes corrections and “time outs”. We also have the same wisdom and can do more to preserve a man’s soul through correction ministered in love than through smooth words of “it’s all right, we all do the same thing.” God tries us to see if we’re ready for promotion, not treating us all the same but giving to each a reward commensurate with his works (see the parable of the talents). We too should not promote someone just to show we are in support of them and what they are doing, but should have a standard for anyone entering ministry and a mentoring path for them to make sure they meet their goal.
I have mentioned examples of wisdom and of having godly standards, all being expressions of God’s love. Forgiveness is also an expression of God’s love, working actively with the wrong-doer to restore him to Christ. There may be many, many other components of protection that would help us to stand our ground effectively in God’s kingdom. But it is a sure thing that without God’s love being expressed through us in ways that preserve the faith and restore men to God, we will lose the battles appointed to us. Let us all encourage one another today as we see the battles at hand. Amen.
prayer for victory
How do we pray when we are distressed? Psalm 18 has been a prayer that offers repeated help to me when in times of trouble. Today I want to break down the components of Psalm 18, for it has patterns we see in all the Psalms, though perhaps not in its entirety as we see here, and it offers guidelines for our own prayers for victory.
1. Relationship – (vs 1) “I love you”. Here is where we decide whether to love, or to blame God.
2. Who God is – (vs 1b-2) “strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, & stronghold. Affirming God’s nature helps us to have faith in Who He is.
3. What God has done – (vs 3-6) “saved me from my enemies . . . death”. Remembering what He has done gives us motivation to press in to Him for more.
4. How God provided help – (vs 7-16) was motivated by His anger at abuse towards David, came down to settle the matter, protected His workings with a cloak of darkness, routed the enemy, and saved David. Note that in this section the Lord “laid bare” the foundations of the earth. God let His foundations, or His plans, be exposed concerning David. God’s plans were that David would be king. Recounting God’s works encourages us that He is more than able to do on our behalf what He has done in the past, and that we have a plan for our lives.
5. David’s problem – (vs 17-18) Enemies too powerful and strong for him. They also attacked him at a time of weakness. Being honest with God is a necessary part of our petition for help.
6. God’s help – (vs 18b-19) Support provided by God, David being brought into a better place. When God gets involved we end up better off, not just going through the trial, but afterwards.
7. Why God helped David – (vs 19b-24) “He delighted in me.” God dealt with David according to his faithfulness towards God and God’s expectations of him. We stand in God’s love of us (something imperative for us to believe during our troubles) and in the righteousness of Christ, with our obedience to the truth as we know it.
8. God’s character – (vs 25-27) He is faithful to the faithful, blameless to the blameless, pure to the pure, but to the crooked He is shrewd. God saves the humble but brings down the proud. God’s thoughts towards us are good and proceed from His holiness, but we will not see it that way if our heart is “crooked” and our mind is full of prideful thoughts.
9. The benefit to David – (vs 28-29) God turns his darkness into light (brings understanding, direction, discernment knowledge) and keeps his lamp burning. David can scale a wall and advance against a troop, going above and beyond what a normal man can do. The very weapons we need to defeat our enemies are provided to us by the Lord, and on top of that, supernatural strength to overcome.
10. More about God’s character and His benefit to David – (vs 30-36) Repeating these themes shows an on-going relationship between David and the Lord. God’s “way is perfect”, His “word is flawless”, He is a shield & a rock who arms David with strength and makes his way perfect (here we see that the process of knowing God and being helped by God transforms David’s ways from one who was being overcome to one who is perfect, overcoming his enemies). God enables him to stand on the heights (to see things from God’s vantage point) and is taught how to war successfully. God “stoops down to make me great,” and makes David’s stand a more secure place (our faith often wavers when we do not sense that God is with us in our troubles. This wavering gives us a sense of tottering on a narrow precipice, or insecurity). Relationship with the Lord develops through our dependence on Him and our willingness to lay aside our weakness for His strength.
11. Victory – (vs 37-38) Enemies were overtaken, destroyed, crushed, and bowed at David’s feet. The victories are permanent, and the relationship to our enemies forever changed.
12. Praises & acknowledgements of God’s enabling power – (vs 39-50) This shows God’s partnership with David. David uses “you” 5 times to mention what God did, and tells how the Lord subdued his enemies, causing them to be in submission to him. He praises God. The way to avoid pride is to give credit for the enabling power of God in our lives. This also shows how much we value the Lord and His help.
1. Relationship – (vs 1) “I love you”. Here is where we decide whether to love, or to blame God.
2. Who God is – (vs 1b-2) “strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, & stronghold. Affirming God’s nature helps us to have faith in Who He is.
3. What God has done – (vs 3-6) “saved me from my enemies . . . death”. Remembering what He has done gives us motivation to press in to Him for more.
4. How God provided help – (vs 7-16) was motivated by His anger at abuse towards David, came down to settle the matter, protected His workings with a cloak of darkness, routed the enemy, and saved David. Note that in this section the Lord “laid bare” the foundations of the earth. God let His foundations, or His plans, be exposed concerning David. God’s plans were that David would be king. Recounting God’s works encourages us that He is more than able to do on our behalf what He has done in the past, and that we have a plan for our lives.
5. David’s problem – (vs 17-18) Enemies too powerful and strong for him. They also attacked him at a time of weakness. Being honest with God is a necessary part of our petition for help.
6. God’s help – (vs 18b-19) Support provided by God, David being brought into a better place. When God gets involved we end up better off, not just going through the trial, but afterwards.
7. Why God helped David – (vs 19b-24) “He delighted in me.” God dealt with David according to his faithfulness towards God and God’s expectations of him. We stand in God’s love of us (something imperative for us to believe during our troubles) and in the righteousness of Christ, with our obedience to the truth as we know it.
8. God’s character – (vs 25-27) He is faithful to the faithful, blameless to the blameless, pure to the pure, but to the crooked He is shrewd. God saves the humble but brings down the proud. God’s thoughts towards us are good and proceed from His holiness, but we will not see it that way if our heart is “crooked” and our mind is full of prideful thoughts.
9. The benefit to David – (vs 28-29) God turns his darkness into light (brings understanding, direction, discernment knowledge) and keeps his lamp burning. David can scale a wall and advance against a troop, going above and beyond what a normal man can do. The very weapons we need to defeat our enemies are provided to us by the Lord, and on top of that, supernatural strength to overcome.
10. More about God’s character and His benefit to David – (vs 30-36) Repeating these themes shows an on-going relationship between David and the Lord. God’s “way is perfect”, His “word is flawless”, He is a shield & a rock who arms David with strength and makes his way perfect (here we see that the process of knowing God and being helped by God transforms David’s ways from one who was being overcome to one who is perfect, overcoming his enemies). God enables him to stand on the heights (to see things from God’s vantage point) and is taught how to war successfully. God “stoops down to make me great,” and makes David’s stand a more secure place (our faith often wavers when we do not sense that God is with us in our troubles. This wavering gives us a sense of tottering on a narrow precipice, or insecurity). Relationship with the Lord develops through our dependence on Him and our willingness to lay aside our weakness for His strength.
11. Victory – (vs 37-38) Enemies were overtaken, destroyed, crushed, and bowed at David’s feet. The victories are permanent, and the relationship to our enemies forever changed.
12. Praises & acknowledgements of God’s enabling power – (vs 39-50) This shows God’s partnership with David. David uses “you” 5 times to mention what God did, and tells how the Lord subdued his enemies, causing them to be in submission to him. He praises God. The way to avoid pride is to give credit for the enabling power of God in our lives. This also shows how much we value the Lord and His help.
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