Description : Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that
the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For
he that is dead is freed from sin (Romans 6:6-7, KJV).
There comes a
time when a person must make a personal decision to be completely crucified with
Christ if he or she is going to experience complete victory. A partial
crucifixion is only a partial death, which means there is something still alive
that should not be. Those things that are contrary to God’s very nature and His
Word should no longer have part in us; much less be part of us. The things of
the old nature are meant to be crucified along with the old man. Trying to keep
those things alive is like trying to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a dead
rat. We must quit trying to give life to something that is not supposed to
survive.
One decision we all must make is to allow Jesus to increase in
us. This means that His very nature becomes ours. Along with it, it is the
change of perspective. We can no longer look at things from fallen man’s point
of view, and expect to be Christ-like. We must allow the transfiguration of our
thought processes to take place in order for His thoughts to become our
thoughts. Sit down and ask the Lord to show you attitudes that need to be
changed. Time to be honest. How we think and what we think often determine the
outcome of a given situation. It affects how we handle circumstances and how we
relate to other people. It affects our attitudes, and attitude gives color to
perspective. Yet perspective gives color to attitude –they reciprocate.
Perspective also gives tint to our emotions. One feeds into the other. There is
a huge difference between an emotional reaction and a spiritual response. A
spiritual response requires a complete crucifixion!
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book;
“Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!!
If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road
map to success!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Prophecy?
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Revelation 1:3, KJV).
Prophesy in the life of the believer can be an excellent thing when it is properly studied and applied. Even our opening text tells us that we are blessed when we read, hear, and keep those things written in Revelation. Of course, this would also apply to the entire Word of God. When a believer approaches prophecy –written or spoken and it is truly of God, excellence will follow. However, it can move from being excellent to merely being good when it is not studied at the proper time, and/or when it is not properly applied. It is one thing to do a good thing, it is quite another to do the right thing. When everything is led of the Lord, it will be right.
When we approach prophecy, we need to keep first things first. The first thing is to pray and ask the Lord His will concerning our next move. In this case, does He even want us to study it at this time? The reality is that unless we are taught of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, it will be a fruitless effort for the most part. If God wants us to focus on something different from prophecy, prophecy can become a distraction. The Lord is constantly working in our lives (see Philippians 1:6), and the more we submit to His desires the quicker He is able to bring us to maturity. That means even end time prophecy can become a diversion from those things the Lord really wants to reveal to us, which includes things about ourselves we do not want to see. In some cases, the Lord may want to build a better Biblical foundation before taking someone into the deeper things of God -first things first! Even the Apostles had to apply this principle.
Acts 1:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (KJV). Part of end time prophecy is the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. In this passage of Scripture, we find that Jesus is giving His disciples a set of instructions –wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the midst of His instruction, the disciples ask Him about the restoration of Israel. His response was simple, that’s not for you to know at this time, receive power first, so you are able to be My witnesses. This is not to say that the disciples should never receive instruction in this area, in fact, they already had (i.e. Matthew 24; Luke 21). However, this is not the time for that. As believers, we need to consult the Lord before going any further. As we do, we will find prophecy will be an excellent thing in our lives.
Prophesy in the life of the believer can be an excellent thing when it is properly studied and applied. Even our opening text tells us that we are blessed when we read, hear, and keep those things written in Revelation. Of course, this would also apply to the entire Word of God. When a believer approaches prophecy –written or spoken and it is truly of God, excellence will follow. However, it can move from being excellent to merely being good when it is not studied at the proper time, and/or when it is not properly applied. It is one thing to do a good thing, it is quite another to do the right thing. When everything is led of the Lord, it will be right.
When we approach prophecy, we need to keep first things first. The first thing is to pray and ask the Lord His will concerning our next move. In this case, does He even want us to study it at this time? The reality is that unless we are taught of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, it will be a fruitless effort for the most part. If God wants us to focus on something different from prophecy, prophecy can become a distraction. The Lord is constantly working in our lives (see Philippians 1:6), and the more we submit to His desires the quicker He is able to bring us to maturity. That means even end time prophecy can become a diversion from those things the Lord really wants to reveal to us, which includes things about ourselves we do not want to see. In some cases, the Lord may want to build a better Biblical foundation before taking someone into the deeper things of God -first things first! Even the Apostles had to apply this principle.
Acts 1:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (KJV). Part of end time prophecy is the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. In this passage of Scripture, we find that Jesus is giving His disciples a set of instructions –wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the midst of His instruction, the disciples ask Him about the restoration of Israel. His response was simple, that’s not for you to know at this time, receive power first, so you are able to be My witnesses. This is not to say that the disciples should never receive instruction in this area, in fact, they already had (i.e. Matthew 24; Luke 21). However, this is not the time for that. As believers, we need to consult the Lord before going any further. As we do, we will find prophecy will be an excellent thing in our lives.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Do You Share?
If you choose to be obedient to the commands of Jesus, one of the hardest things that you need to do as you walk through this life is to share the Gospel with people. In particular, people that you know and come into contact with often. This includes, family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
You know it is your job to share your faith with these people, but you get nervous because you don’t want to be thought of as a religious wacko or nut case. We have all seen way too many examples of morons out there acting like a bunch of bozo’s thinking that they are doing the Lord a favor by sacrificing themselves on the alter of persecution “for the Lord”. In reality most of them are driving people farther from the Savior than they were before they came across this “martyr in his own mind”. Let’s forget about those folks for a while, and focus on the real world. You have family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors that do not know the Lord, and if they were to die today they would end up in hell. This is a terrible fate that we don’t want for anyone, much less a loved one. But yet we let time go by and death draw all the more near and never utter a word about the Savior they so desperately need. The purpose of this article is to motivate you to stand up boldly for your faith, and to share the gospel lovingly and honestly in a way that people will appreciate. We will focus on your neighbors, however the information presented can be used to share the gospel with anyone. When you share your faith with your neighbor you should always prepare for the encounter with prayer and Bible study. Then just go and talk to them like you normally would. You don’t just walk up to them and ask how much money they have in their bank account, or how much they weigh. Those questions are way to personal to start out a conversation with, and it is the same with sharing the Gospel. You don’t just start out by saying, “if you don’t trust Jesus as your Savior, you’ll go to hell for eternity”. Start the conversation with normal, everyday chitchat about the weather, the ball game, or how the kids are doing. Then take the leap to jump from natural things to spiritual things. Deliberately bring up your faith, or what you learned reading your Bible recently by interjecting it into the conversation. You will be able to tell by their reaction as to whether or not they are open to spiritual things. If they are open then ask them questions about their own faith. Let them talk. This is the key to having anyone like you; let them talk about themselves for a while. We will deal with those that are not open to spiritual things later. After they are talking for a while, and you are listening intently you will get a good impression as to whether or not this person has a Biblical understanding of salvation by grace through faith, not of works. Then you will know how to steer the conversation. If they don’t have a biblical understanding of salvation, you can chime in with some verses of scripture that will help to guide them. Use Bible verses that will straighten out the areas that are incorrect in there thinking. Let them go on for a while, but when it is your turn to talk take them straight to sin. Teach them in a conversational manner what sin is. Use the Ten Commandments as a mirror so they can see for themselves that they are sinners too. Explain to them how God is perfect and holy and just. How He must punish sin wherever it is found. Don’t be shy here. You must get them convinced that they are sinners and worthy of death and eternal punishment before the good news that Jesus died for them will make sense. If they do not show outward signs of sorrow over their sins go back and show them God’s commandments again, and help them see how horrible they really are in God’s sight. After they are convinced that they are sinners and how they deserve to be sent to hell, teach them that God doesn’t want to send people to hell so he made a way for them to be forgiven. Ask them if they know what God did for them. This is when you can sometimes see the light come on. Someone’s face will light up and say “hey! I knew that, Jesus died on the cross” and they will tell you that they just never heard the gospel put quite like that before. Share with them a few more scriptures about Jesus being the only way to God, how He was born of a virgin, then lived a sin free life then died on the cross to save them from the penalty that they owe by virtue of being a sinner. Then he rose again to give us everlasting life. Continue the conversation by asking them if they will make that commitment to trust Jesus as their Savior. Share with them how to pray for forgiveness of their sins by confessing them to God. Then encourage them to spend some time alone, talking to God and getting their heart right before Him. Share with them what David said in Psalm 51 so they can see what a sinful man says to a Holy God. Then you can thank them for being so kind as to let you share your faith with them. Make sure they know that you aren’t pressuring them to go to your church, but that they should try to find a Bible-believing church to be part of so they can grow in their faith. And of course, make sure they know that you are available to try to answer any questions they might have about spiritual things. But, if the person is not interested in spiritual things then you will need to be very courteous and to maintain the friendship and good standing between you. Consider the Parable of the sower; you have encountered someone with thorny ground. The ground is so thorny that the word can’t take root but gets choked out. You need to turn the thorny ground into good ground. You need to plow up the thorny ground and fertilize and water and plant fresh seed until his heart is fertile and ready to receive the word. Only then will the fruit spring up and increase. There are many ways to start the process of tilling this person’s soil. Obviously prayer is our best weapon, however it is not our only weapon. You should always be ready to help this neighbor with a chore, or have a kind word for them when needed. Showing them the example of a servant that Jesus left for us. Your life should be an example of Christ. And it should be obvious to your neighbors. If your neighbors have to guess whether you are a Christian or not, you need to do a better job. Another way I like to reach out to those people with thorny ground is to send them anonymous gospel mailers. Put a tract and/or a letter in the mail to them that explains the Gospel in a direct way. Anonymous gospel mailers should not be wishy-washy. They should be eye-catching, interesting, and to the point. After you have done these things for a while, go have another shot at it. Test the waters to see if they are now more open to the things of God. Don’t get so caught up in showing them your lifestyle, and ministering to his physical needs that you forget about his spiritual condition. If all his physical needs are met, yet his spiritual needs are not he will be in big trouble on the day he goes to stand before God. Don’t let this happen! Now you have a quick Biblical strategy for how to share the Gospel with a neighbor, now go find one and practice on them. |
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
So You Want To Help?
It is the heart of a Christian to help people. It is the Good Samaritan in us. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.” (Luke 10:33 NKJV)
We are rightly motivated to sacrifice for others as our Savior did for us. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
From a secular or spiritual perspective, there can be nothing wrong in helping another person in need, even a known sinner. That’s what we believe, but we’re wrong. Help, even with the best of intentions, can be deadly. Not only to the sinner, but to those who help.
The spiritual key is whether or not the sinner will repent of their sin. If that is the case, we are to do everything we can to lead them from the darkness of their sin to the Light of the Lord. But if they will not repent, we are to leave them. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
As with all applicable commandments, leaving the sinner is done not to hurt them, but to lovingly shame them into turning from their sin so they may be saved. “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
This may sound harsh, perhaps even judgmental, but it’s not. We are not to judge people as it is not our right. "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
But, and this is where so many go wrong, we are to judge all things. “But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” (1 Corinthians 2:15)
This seeming nuance is spiritual dynamite, as we are told not to judge the person, but only the sin. That is hard for the secular to tolerate, as our society is being covertly programmed to be permissive and tolerant of even aberrant behavior. But the spiritual among us understand the loving motivation of what God commands, and for that we will never apologize.
We are to help those in need, especially those with needs of the soul. But we are not to tolerate continued sin, as in doing so we help the sinner to remain comfortable in his wretched condition. In contrary to our intentions, we then become sin’s facilitator. And it doesn’t matter if such a person is a stranger or a family member. God’s law is God’s law. “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner— not even to eat with such a person.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
And if we will not listen to God’s guidance? The following is a biblical doctrine often ignored and/or misunderstood by even those of devout faith. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:9-11) As a lay minister and counselor, these three verses take my breath away. We people of faith in trying to help sinners be reclaimed are walking a tightrope most of us don’t know we’re on.
God is saying that unless we are careful to adhere to His Word, we, even in trying to express our faith through a helpful witness, may make the sins of others our sins. And while I speak for no one other than myself, on Judgment Day I will have enough to be concerned with without having to answer for the sins of others. That is why the Bible warns us to only help sinners as God commands.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk" We are rightly motivated to sacrifice for others as our Savior did for us. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
From a secular or spiritual perspective, there can be nothing wrong in helping another person in need, even a known sinner. That’s what we believe, but we’re wrong. Help, even with the best of intentions, can be deadly. Not only to the sinner, but to those who help.
The spiritual key is whether or not the sinner will repent of their sin. If that is the case, we are to do everything we can to lead them from the darkness of their sin to the Light of the Lord. But if they will not repent, we are to leave them. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
As with all applicable commandments, leaving the sinner is done not to hurt them, but to lovingly shame them into turning from their sin so they may be saved. “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
This may sound harsh, perhaps even judgmental, but it’s not. We are not to judge people as it is not our right. "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
But, and this is where so many go wrong, we are to judge all things. “But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” (1 Corinthians 2:15)
This seeming nuance is spiritual dynamite, as we are told not to judge the person, but only the sin. That is hard for the secular to tolerate, as our society is being covertly programmed to be permissive and tolerant of even aberrant behavior. But the spiritual among us understand the loving motivation of what God commands, and for that we will never apologize.
We are to help those in need, especially those with needs of the soul. But we are not to tolerate continued sin, as in doing so we help the sinner to remain comfortable in his wretched condition. In contrary to our intentions, we then become sin’s facilitator. And it doesn’t matter if such a person is a stranger or a family member. God’s law is God’s law. “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner— not even to eat with such a person.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
And if we will not listen to God’s guidance? The following is a biblical doctrine often ignored and/or misunderstood by even those of devout faith. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:9-11) As a lay minister and counselor, these three verses take my breath away. We people of faith in trying to help sinners be reclaimed are walking a tightrope most of us don’t know we’re on.
God is saying that unless we are careful to adhere to His Word, we, even in trying to express our faith through a helpful witness, may make the sins of others our sins. And while I speak for no one other than myself, on Judgment Day I will have enough to be concerned with without having to answer for the sins of others. That is why the Bible warns us to only help sinners as God commands.
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Doctrine of Being Saved From Sin
Biblical doctrine about sin goes like this:
Mk: 16:15-18: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18: They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Rom: 6:3-14: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7: For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8: Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10: For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom: 8:3-5: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
How could it be put any plainer? This is what God did for us. This knowledge was why Christians used to stand out from the rest. They used to be the cream of the crop. Now an attitude of “we are human” has reigned in its stead and we (Christians) have been reduced from being children of the living God sitting in high places back to the human condition again.
The mind-set above is from God. It is biblical and it is the truth that will set you free. The strength to walk in righteousness comes from God’s precept in these scriptures, not from cutting everyone a break by says, “We are only human.”
Mk: 16:15-18: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18: They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Rom: 6:3-14: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7: For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8: Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10: For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom: 8:3-5: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
How could it be put any plainer? This is what God did for us. This knowledge was why Christians used to stand out from the rest. They used to be the cream of the crop. Now an attitude of “we are human” has reigned in its stead and we (Christians) have been reduced from being children of the living God sitting in high places back to the human condition again.
The mind-set above is from God. It is biblical and it is the truth that will set you free. The strength to walk in righteousness comes from God’s precept in these scriptures, not from cutting everyone a break by says, “We are only human.”
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
There Will Be Trials
To those who assume the Christians who are looking to be blessed of God according to the many promises in the Bible are looking for heaven on earth, I would say, “We are not looking for heaven on earth. We are looking for what has been promised.”
2Cor: 1:20: 20: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
This means Christians are to ask for and expect help, healing, guidance, protection, deliverance and victory.
2Pet: 1:3-4: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It’s believing the promises that helps Christians escape the high pressures in life that cause people to make wrong choices.
1Pet: 1:3-7: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5: Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
There are trials, problems, long suffering to endure. As Christians, our job is to believe what God has revealed and what He has promised and do what He has said to do. His job is to prepare us for eternal life--conforming us into the image of His Son.
We must not expect to be exempt from suffering and trials for they are growing pains. But we must believe God and expect to receive what He has promised. Many trials are because we are believing and the devil wants us to give up believing.
Jas: 1:2-4: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The good news is that our trials and sufferings are all well worth it, because they will be used to our good--if we love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
Rom: 8:26-29: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27: And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1Pet: 4:1-2: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2: That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
And He meets our needs in the midst of the test, trials, and temptations. He administers, strength, comfort, joy, and encouragement. Remember He has not left us orphans, He has sent His Spirit.
Jn: 14:16-18: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17: Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Instead of I will not leave you comfortless in Vs 18, the Amplified Bible says; I will not leave you orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless] and it spells out what the comforter does. He is the Christian’s advocate, intercessor, standby, helper, counselor, and strengthener.
Praise the Lord, you will find that God has all bases covered.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk" 2Cor: 1:20: 20: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
This means Christians are to ask for and expect help, healing, guidance, protection, deliverance and victory.
2Pet: 1:3-4: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It’s believing the promises that helps Christians escape the high pressures in life that cause people to make wrong choices.
1Pet: 1:3-7: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5: Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
There are trials, problems, long suffering to endure. As Christians, our job is to believe what God has revealed and what He has promised and do what He has said to do. His job is to prepare us for eternal life--conforming us into the image of His Son.
We must not expect to be exempt from suffering and trials for they are growing pains. But we must believe God and expect to receive what He has promised. Many trials are because we are believing and the devil wants us to give up believing.
Jas: 1:2-4: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The good news is that our trials and sufferings are all well worth it, because they will be used to our good--if we love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
Rom: 8:26-29: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27: And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1Pet: 4:1-2: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2: That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
And He meets our needs in the midst of the test, trials, and temptations. He administers, strength, comfort, joy, and encouragement. Remember He has not left us orphans, He has sent His Spirit.
Jn: 14:16-18: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17: Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Instead of I will not leave you comfortless in Vs 18, the Amplified Bible says; I will not leave you orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless] and it spells out what the comforter does. He is the Christian’s advocate, intercessor, standby, helper, counselor, and strengthener.
Praise the Lord, you will find that God has all bases covered.
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
You Are Soooo Valuable
A farmer found an egg in the bush around his house and placed it among other eggs. After some weeks, the egg hatched into an eaglet and grew among many chicks. The eaglet jumped highest, flew longer distance and was the champion of village competitions. Then one day, an older eagle looked down from the sky. He made the dive, picked up the young eagle by its claws, soared high in the air and let it go. The young eagle realized it was time to fly or die!
Friend, there are so many people who are scratching the dust like chicken when their place is in the sky soaring with the eagles. You are a very special, valuable and worthy person. It doesn’t matter what others have said you are. And even the self-imposed shackles around your life can never remove your worth.
Whose report about yourself will you believe?
Here are four reasons that undoubtedly make you special:
Reason # 1: God Knows Every Detail About You
Even before you were born, God knew you.1 He knows your name, desires, dreams. He even knows the number of hairs on your head.2 Every day of your life was recorded in his book.3 “I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”4 The fact that God knows you make you very special.
Reason # 2: You Are Unique
None in the billions of people in the world has your fingerprint or DNA. None has your exact talents, gifts and abilities. None has gone through the same experiences you have. Your uniqueness makes you special, needed and valuable. You do not have to act, speak, dress or live like anyone else. Never compare yourself with others. Be the better you, not a copy of another.
Reason # 3: Only You Can Make The Contribution You Can Make
You were not an accident. You were born in a time such as this for a purpose. There is a contribution that God wants you to make in your family, community, nation and world.5 Unless you rise up to complete your mission, something will be a miss in the world. A drop in the ocean, makes part of the ocean.
Reason # 4: You Have The Freedom To Chose
You are not a robot to do as programmed. God has given you the freedom to choose the kind of life you want to lead. He has done his best to show the best way to live your life. He made you and knows how best you can become all you can be. That’s why he gave you the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible is God’s manual for knowing yourself, so you can accomplish his will for your life.
Friend, there are so many people who are scratching the dust like chicken when their place is in the sky soaring with the eagles. You are a very special, valuable and worthy person. It doesn’t matter what others have said you are. And even the self-imposed shackles around your life can never remove your worth.
Whose report about yourself will you believe?
Here are four reasons that undoubtedly make you special:
Reason # 1: God Knows Every Detail About You
Even before you were born, God knew you.1 He knows your name, desires, dreams. He even knows the number of hairs on your head.2 Every day of your life was recorded in his book.3 “I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”4 The fact that God knows you make you very special.
Reason # 2: You Are Unique
None in the billions of people in the world has your fingerprint or DNA. None has your exact talents, gifts and abilities. None has gone through the same experiences you have. Your uniqueness makes you special, needed and valuable. You do not have to act, speak, dress or live like anyone else. Never compare yourself with others. Be the better you, not a copy of another.
Reason # 3: Only You Can Make The Contribution You Can Make
You were not an accident. You were born in a time such as this for a purpose. There is a contribution that God wants you to make in your family, community, nation and world.5 Unless you rise up to complete your mission, something will be a miss in the world. A drop in the ocean, makes part of the ocean.
Reason # 4: You Have The Freedom To Chose
You are not a robot to do as programmed. God has given you the freedom to choose the kind of life you want to lead. He has done his best to show the best way to live your life. He made you and knows how best you can become all you can be. That’s why he gave you the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible is God’s manual for knowing yourself, so you can accomplish his will for your life.
Starting today, say to yourself what God says about you. Seek Him to know more about yourself. Read His Word to know what he says about you. And your life will be tremendously changed.
And after you have known how valuable you are, help another person know how valuable they are.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Purity
It often seems to me that purity is a subject that is unfathomable to most christians. Yet we know it should be central in our lives. Happily the Bible is very clear as to how we can experience purity of life that is acceptable to God.
The answer essentially,is that it is a gift. As we have received salvation,so we receive purity. Purity is not something we do,it is something we are. Titus says that Jesus gave Himself for us,to redeem us and purify us to Himself. Peter wrote that we have purified our hearts by our obedience to the truth. It is purity of heart that is acceptable to God. One of the results of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2 was a pure heart for the believers.
It is not often noticed that Peter confirmed that in Acts chapter 15. Speaking of his visit to the house of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion,he says;'so God, who knows the heart,acknowledged them,by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,and made no distinction between us and them,purifying their hearts by faith'. A pure life springing from a pure heart was an important foundation in the experience of the early Christians. It can be our foundation also,if received by faith.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
The answer essentially,is that it is a gift. As we have received salvation,so we receive purity. Purity is not something we do,it is something we are. Titus says that Jesus gave Himself for us,to redeem us and purify us to Himself. Peter wrote that we have purified our hearts by our obedience to the truth. It is purity of heart that is acceptable to God. One of the results of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2 was a pure heart for the believers.
It is not often noticed that Peter confirmed that in Acts chapter 15. Speaking of his visit to the house of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion,he says;'so God, who knows the heart,acknowledged them,by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,and made no distinction between us and them,purifying their hearts by faith'. A pure life springing from a pure heart was an important foundation in the experience of the early Christians. It can be our foundation also,if received by faith.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Holiness Is What I Long For
Holiness is not so hard! Am I being flippant about a sacred subject? Definitely not. I have 100% Bible back up! Lets look at Isaiah 36v8:
And a highway shall be there,and a way,and it shall be called the highway of Holiness;the unclean shall not pass over it,but it shall be for the redeemed.And the simple ones and fools shall not err in it and lose their way.
Even fools shall not lose their way on the Holy highway.
To our human mind it seems that Holiness is very difficult,a well nigh impossible goal. Especially when we think of God's command:'be you Holy as I am Holy'.
The blessing is,God only asks of us,that which He gives gives grace to accomplish.
It helps to remember that we have a Holiness expert in us and with us. His name is the Spirit of Holiness,the Holy Spirit. Our own personal Holiness fitness coach,the third person of the Godhead.
Through Him we have become partakers of the Divine nature. And what is the Divine nature? Holiness.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
And a highway shall be there,and a way,and it shall be called the highway of Holiness;the unclean shall not pass over it,but it shall be for the redeemed.And the simple ones and fools shall not err in it and lose their way.
Even fools shall not lose their way on the Holy highway.
To our human mind it seems that Holiness is very difficult,a well nigh impossible goal. Especially when we think of God's command:'be you Holy as I am Holy'.
The blessing is,God only asks of us,that which He gives gives grace to accomplish.
It helps to remember that we have a Holiness expert in us and with us. His name is the Spirit of Holiness,the Holy Spirit. Our own personal Holiness fitness coach,the third person of the Godhead.
Through Him we have become partakers of the Divine nature. And what is the Divine nature? Holiness.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Being Obedient
Interesting to note that King Saul seemed to start out well, following God,
making good decisions, but came to a point when he went his own way, making some
decisions which he would of had to of known were not in keeping with God's plan.
The outcome was that God anointed another man for King, which was David. It did
not go well for Saul. He was not able to retain his position, though he tried,
using every resource he had, but God had already decided. It was over.
There are many things to be learned from all this, but the one word which immediately comes to mind is 'obedience.' God watched King Saul become willing to brush aside the directives of authority and law and in that there could be no compromise. God's word stands.
I think a lot of people today believe that God's word, as recorded in the Bible, does not hold weight. If they don't say that outright, the way they live their lives certainly makes a statement. It would be good to remember that Jesus said he did not come to do away with the law. He came to take away the separation there was between the human race and God. Sin was standing between us and God. God is pure and holy and He knows everything that is inside of us. He wanted a way for us to come to Him. When we come to God and ask forgiveness for the sin in our lives with the knowledge and faith in our hearts that Jesus was a sacrifice for us, we are washed, we are cleansed. We stand before God pure. And God's Holy Spirit is there for us to help us, to guide us. God then doesn't want us to walk back into the world and become immersed in it and become lax about the idea of staying pure. He wants our love, our 'obedience' our commitment. He expects it to be that way, because it is what He wants for us. He knows what is right for us. God loves a heart that is searching for Him, for His direction, at all times. People are fond of saying that God doesn't favor one over another. But in my opinion, though I know God loves us all with a love that is beyond expression in language, He clearly has favorites. And I believe that is anyone who loves Him first, with all their heart. It will mean a life of obedience to God's word, and He will bless that.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
There are many things to be learned from all this, but the one word which immediately comes to mind is 'obedience.' God watched King Saul become willing to brush aside the directives of authority and law and in that there could be no compromise. God's word stands.
I think a lot of people today believe that God's word, as recorded in the Bible, does not hold weight. If they don't say that outright, the way they live their lives certainly makes a statement. It would be good to remember that Jesus said he did not come to do away with the law. He came to take away the separation there was between the human race and God. Sin was standing between us and God. God is pure and holy and He knows everything that is inside of us. He wanted a way for us to come to Him. When we come to God and ask forgiveness for the sin in our lives with the knowledge and faith in our hearts that Jesus was a sacrifice for us, we are washed, we are cleansed. We stand before God pure. And God's Holy Spirit is there for us to help us, to guide us. God then doesn't want us to walk back into the world and become immersed in it and become lax about the idea of staying pure. He wants our love, our 'obedience' our commitment. He expects it to be that way, because it is what He wants for us. He knows what is right for us. God loves a heart that is searching for Him, for His direction, at all times. People are fond of saying that God doesn't favor one over another. But in my opinion, though I know God loves us all with a love that is beyond expression in language, He clearly has favorites. And I believe that is anyone who loves Him first, with all their heart. It will mean a life of obedience to God's word, and He will bless that.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Are We There Yet?
“I’m not there yet.” is a common answer given when a Christian is admonished to do what the Bible teaches them to do--especially in the area of faith.
This excuse is accepted by the church in general, but in reality, it won’t fly. Getting you to where you ought to be is part of God’s plan of salvation. In fact, you can’t go until you get there.
That’s right. For those who say, “I’m not there yet,” I say, then get saved or receive the Lord, or repent and ask forgiveness or whatever terms you use for entering into God’s plan.
Because when God called for repentance and believing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in order to be reconciled to Him and be His child again, He was getting you ready. Once you do that, you are ready to hear, receive, and do what the Word of God teaches you to do.
Through your acceptance of the work of the cross, God prepared your heart to trust and obey Him. That’s what you need to be ready. You need to know that God is your Father, Jesus is your Lord, and you are saved by grace and have entered into a new life--a life of faith in God.
To be reconciled to God means that you have been brought back into right relationship with Him and that is a Father/child relationship. In America, many children do not obey their father, but in God’s kingdom, His children obey Him. They don’t think about it. They don’t decide whether they will or won’t, they obey Him because He is Father--He is their caregiver, their guardian, and authority.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
This excuse is accepted by the church in general, but in reality, it won’t fly. Getting you to where you ought to be is part of God’s plan of salvation. In fact, you can’t go until you get there.
That’s right. For those who say, “I’m not there yet,” I say, then get saved or receive the Lord, or repent and ask forgiveness or whatever terms you use for entering into God’s plan.
Because when God called for repentance and believing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in order to be reconciled to Him and be His child again, He was getting you ready. Once you do that, you are ready to hear, receive, and do what the Word of God teaches you to do.
Through your acceptance of the work of the cross, God prepared your heart to trust and obey Him. That’s what you need to be ready. You need to know that God is your Father, Jesus is your Lord, and you are saved by grace and have entered into a new life--a life of faith in God.
To be reconciled to God means that you have been brought back into right relationship with Him and that is a Father/child relationship. In America, many children do not obey their father, but in God’s kingdom, His children obey Him. They don’t think about it. They don’t decide whether they will or won’t, they obey Him because He is Father--He is their caregiver, their guardian, and authority.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
I Have a Responsibility to Judge
If a person is doing wrong and if we tell them they are doing wrong we are not judging that person but we are judging that persons behavior, attitudes. It is true that there are certain forms of judgment that we should not make.Biblical correction is not judging. Correcting or advising someone when they do wrong is not judgment, as the Bible says that we should correct, rebuke and be bold to those who are sinning in the wisdom of God. Rebuking a sinner, exposing corruption, correcting someone in love or disciplining ones children, teaching him good ways, good morals is not judging wrongfully.
Jesus did not intend to forbid judgments of all kinds. We can judge others in the interest of true justice without any kind of hypocrisy and according to the righteous guidelines that God has given us. We need to judge our self first to see if we are guilty of that sin and are capable of judging what we preach or teach. One should not judge based on silly rules, customs and traditions but there is nothing wrong in judging right or wrong with the help of the holy spirit and according to scriptures in a right way with good motivations. If there were no judgment, all the prisons would be empty and all kinds of criminals with violence were on loose and would have posed serious threats to everybody’s life, and morals and without judging we would never able to identify what is good, wrong, evil, immorality or bad and most of us would have chosen a wrongful path misinterpreting of the verse “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1. The evil and wicked people would use it to avoid being challenged in their wrong doing. If we don't warn someone in error to turn from evil ways , we are partly responsible. These are the scriptures which will help us with judging, correcting others so that they may follow Godly path.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Jesus did not intend to forbid judgments of all kinds. We can judge others in the interest of true justice without any kind of hypocrisy and according to the righteous guidelines that God has given us. We need to judge our self first to see if we are guilty of that sin and are capable of judging what we preach or teach. One should not judge based on silly rules, customs and traditions but there is nothing wrong in judging right or wrong with the help of the holy spirit and according to scriptures in a right way with good motivations. If there were no judgment, all the prisons would be empty and all kinds of criminals with violence were on loose and would have posed serious threats to everybody’s life, and morals and without judging we would never able to identify what is good, wrong, evil, immorality or bad and most of us would have chosen a wrongful path misinterpreting of the verse “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1. The evil and wicked people would use it to avoid being challenged in their wrong doing. If we don't warn someone in error to turn from evil ways , we are partly responsible. These are the scriptures which will help us with judging, correcting others so that they may follow Godly path.
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment John 7:24
'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Leviticus 19:15
Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Deuteronomy 16:18
If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults—take them to the place the LORD your God will choose. Deuteronomy 17:8
But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Judges 2:19
I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites Judges 11:27
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God. 2 Samuel 23:3
'Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. Jeremiah 21:12
Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1
If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. Ecclesiastes 5:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things Philippians 4:8
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours. 1 Kings 3:9
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers Proverbs 21:15
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. Genesis 18:19
He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil, this is the man who will dwell on the heights,whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him. Isaiah 33:15-16
Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. Leviticus 18:5
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 corinthians 6:11
Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty Exodus 23:7
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. Exodus 23:7
But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things Acts 18:15
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. Romans 2:16
I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say 1 Corinthians 10:15
And he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears Isaiah 11:3
He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil Job 36:10
He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17
He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Proverbs 13:18
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. Proverbs 15:12
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14
Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight. 1 Timothy 1:18
I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. Job 29:14
. It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5
I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: "You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. Nehemiah 13:25
You must purge the evil from among you. Deuteronomy 19:19
So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:3
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:15
'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. Ezekiel 33:8
You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit Acts 7:51
Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-16
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 1 Corinthians 5:3
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:1-2
'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers. Matthew 21:13
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34
You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Psalm 52:3
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23
These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction. Isaiah 30:9
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Galatians 6:6
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 3:21
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach Romans 12:7
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness Titus 2:7
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him 2 John 1:10
He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. 2 Chronicles 22:3
This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong. Proverbs 30:20
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. Ecclesiastes 8:11
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 2 Thessalonians 3:9
Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. Proverbs 23:14
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it Jeremiah 6:10
'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Leviticus 19:15
Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Deuteronomy 16:18
If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults—take them to the place the LORD your God will choose. Deuteronomy 17:8
But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Judges 2:19
I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites Judges 11:27
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God. 2 Samuel 23:3
'Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. Jeremiah 21:12
Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1
If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. Ecclesiastes 5:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things Philippians 4:8
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours. 1 Kings 3:9
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers Proverbs 21:15
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. Genesis 18:19
He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil, this is the man who will dwell on the heights,whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him. Isaiah 33:15-16
Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. Leviticus 18:5
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 corinthians 6:11
Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty Exodus 23:7
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. Exodus 23:7
But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things Acts 18:15
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. Romans 2:16
I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say 1 Corinthians 10:15
And he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears Isaiah 11:3
He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil Job 36:10
He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17
He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Proverbs 13:18
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise. Proverbs 15:12
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14
Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight. 1 Timothy 1:18
I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. Job 29:14
. It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5
I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: "You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. Nehemiah 13:25
You must purge the evil from among you. Deuteronomy 19:19
So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:3
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:15
'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. Ezekiel 33:8
You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit Acts 7:51
Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-16
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 1 Corinthians 5:3
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:1-2
'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers. Matthew 21:13
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34
You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Psalm 52:3
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23
These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction. Isaiah 30:9
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Galatians 6:6
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 3:21
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach Romans 12:7
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness Titus 2:7
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him 2 John 1:10
He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. 2 Chronicles 22:3
This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong. Proverbs 30:20
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. Ecclesiastes 8:11
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 2 Thessalonians 3:9
Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. Proverbs 23:14
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it Jeremiah 6:10
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Be on the lookout for my new highly anticipated book; “Don’t Let the 4 Wheels F.O.O.L. You”!!! If you have ever felt as though society has counted you out! You won’t want to miss this inspirational road map to success!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Children Will Grow Your Church
I have people ask me all the time, "What's the one thing I can do to make my church grow fast! (to save souls and win the harvest of course...if you're trying to look good on a report or resume...give up on growing a church...God WILL NOT bless it)?" I tell them, "Find the best youth pastor you can and give them the most money in the budget!" Most pastors look at me like I'm crazy, but it's true. Look up stats on how many people go to college and never come back to church after the age of 18. Now THAT will shock you. 77% of Americans get saved before the age of 21. We have to find ways to get these kids early, get the Word instilled in them so they CAN'T leave it, even if they want to! You will always have some that will leave, and we will spend hours and hours praying them back in, but I have seen time and time again with my own eyes, kids that grow up in church stay in church.
This is also the fastest way to grow your youth group. Think about it: every year around August, youth groups lose a significant number of kids going to college, BUT they are getting new kids coming up from children's church.
Want to win young families and young couples? Have events for kids...they can't drive themselves! Parents have to come. You may even win neighbors and grandparents when they come to watch plays and musicals.
We could learn something from McDonalds. They put playplaces at the FRONT of their buildings, but they sell hamburgers...makes no sense! What happens when kids drive by... "Mom, let's eat there!"
Just a thought...wonder what would happen if we put OUR playgrounds in a place that everyone who drove by could see them? Get them in the building, then teach them the way to heaven...
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
This is also the fastest way to grow your youth group. Think about it: every year around August, youth groups lose a significant number of kids going to college, BUT they are getting new kids coming up from children's church.
Want to win young families and young couples? Have events for kids...they can't drive themselves! Parents have to come. You may even win neighbors and grandparents when they come to watch plays and musicals.
We could learn something from McDonalds. They put playplaces at the FRONT of their buildings, but they sell hamburgers...makes no sense! What happens when kids drive by... "Mom, let's eat there!"
Just a thought...wonder what would happen if we put OUR playgrounds in a place that everyone who drove by could see them? Get them in the building, then teach them the way to heaven...
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Bitterness
If you ask me, forgiveness
is the hardest command in the Bible, period. I have no quarrels with, ‘Thou
shall not kill.’ It’s a reasonable thing to ask. I won’t argue with laws that
prohibit stealing or adultery either. These ideas seem very practical. It’s
surprising to me that ‘Thou shall not bear false witness’ would make the top
ten but I’m willing to cooperate nevertheless. But forgiveness? Okay, I’ll give
folks a pass when they make fun of my wheelchair. And I’ll get over it should someone
ding the door of my van. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere.
There is a problem with drawing lines however, and I feel it is my duty to tell you that whatever you are unwilling to let go of you must carry. The burden is all yours and it gets extremely heavy at times. I should also caution you that these burdens tend to be jam packed with bitterness, and bitterness is a monster which will manifest itself in all kinds of ugly ways. It will affect your relationship with God and with other decent people in your life. They may not want to hang with you much anymore as bitter people aren’t known to be fun company. They tend to be very unpleasant and difficult. The only out God offers from bitterness is forgiveness. Trust me on this one, it is the only true out we have.
Jesus taught that we should make things right with our brother before bringing our gifts to the altar. I am of the conviction that this is because bitter hearts are a rip-off to God. We shortchange Him in our worship experience and cheapen His sacrifice to us. A heart full of grace is one that has a generous amount to pour out. If your heart is full of bitterness you haven’t much to give, not anything God would want anyway. It’s not that He is impressed with the size of our offerings but the purity of them is of great concern to Him. He doesn’t want us to get shortchanged either. He wants us to enjoy the ultimate worship experience and bitterness clearly gets in the way of that.
I base my thinking on many passages throughout the Bible but what immediately comes to mind is the sad story of Cain and Abel. This is the first account we have in scripture of gifts being brought to the altar. Cain held back, Abel did not. Cain had issues with his brother, Abel did not. Abel’s offering was respected, Cain’s was not. Cain grew angry, Abel did not. There is an undeniable pattern here which must not be ignored. After his little charade at the altar Cain’s countenance dropped like an anchor. He turned into a complete sourpuss. The Lord told him the fix; if he moved in a righteous direction his offerings would be accepted. If not, sin would come a knockin’. But Cain paid no attention to God’s counsel and allowed his bitterness to fester against his brother. Bitterness killed Cain and Cain killed Abel. End of story.
You may also want to consider the tragic tale of Job. This righteous man had fallen victim to a long series of unfortunate events, plus he was surrounded by a circle some real irritating “friends”. With each chapter things just grow bleaker and bleaker. You really start to feel bad for the sorry sap and wonder why God doesn’t step in at some point and bail poor Job out. He had to fight bitterness as if he were battling the final stages of cancer. Yet Job becomes a shining example of one who warred against bitterness and won. He doesn’t win until the very end of the last chapter, chapter 42. How does he get the victory? He prays for those misguided chums who made his life miserable. Then the Lord blessed Job more than he’d ever been blessed before. And he lived happily ever after.
Bible expositor John Courson refers to forgiveness as a safeguard for our mental health and emotional stability. This is true. As a youth pastor I have seen bitterness destroy too many lives. There are those I have pleaded with, almost to the point of tears, to be reconciled with family members or loved ones they were hurt by. Yet they chose to hold onto the offense. Sadly they grow more miserable by the day; they are snappy, irritable and harsh toward others. These are the ones that are always complaining, griping and pouting because they have no friends. Furthermore, it is a wonder to them that God does not hear their prayers. The fact is unforgiveness does hinder our prayers. Jesus gave us a model for prayer which includes the line, “Forgive us as we forgive others.” This wasn’t just randomly thrown in there for purposes of sentimental rhetoric. It was included as a condition for our own forgiveness. It is there for us to check our own hearts, and to free us of the baggage that comes with bitterness. It is there to remind imperfect people that anything we might have on our brother, God has a whole lot more on us. After teaching the disciples to pray Jesus immediately elaborated on the issue of forgiveness saying, “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.” (See Matthew 6:14-15). This divinely inspired footnote to the Lord’s Prayer should tell us that forgiveness is serious business and vital to our spiritual well being.
Our expectations are completely out of whack if we think God should forget our numerous offenses when we’re not willing to extend lesser grace to others. Jesus makes this clear in the parable of the unfaithful servant. You remember this heartless guy don’t you? He was ready to pound his debtors face in because the guy owed him some chump change. This came immediately after he was forgiven an enormous debt that would have taken more than a lifetime to pay off. Jesus explains at the end of this parable that it is the unforgiving one that really pays in the end. I know this first hand. I paid handsomely when I allowed bitterness to rule my heart. I held onto the offenses of others for many years. It ate me alive. Things didn’t change until I gave my heart to Christ. Since then, I have lived happily ever after.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
There is a problem with drawing lines however, and I feel it is my duty to tell you that whatever you are unwilling to let go of you must carry. The burden is all yours and it gets extremely heavy at times. I should also caution you that these burdens tend to be jam packed with bitterness, and bitterness is a monster which will manifest itself in all kinds of ugly ways. It will affect your relationship with God and with other decent people in your life. They may not want to hang with you much anymore as bitter people aren’t known to be fun company. They tend to be very unpleasant and difficult. The only out God offers from bitterness is forgiveness. Trust me on this one, it is the only true out we have.
Jesus taught that we should make things right with our brother before bringing our gifts to the altar. I am of the conviction that this is because bitter hearts are a rip-off to God. We shortchange Him in our worship experience and cheapen His sacrifice to us. A heart full of grace is one that has a generous amount to pour out. If your heart is full of bitterness you haven’t much to give, not anything God would want anyway. It’s not that He is impressed with the size of our offerings but the purity of them is of great concern to Him. He doesn’t want us to get shortchanged either. He wants us to enjoy the ultimate worship experience and bitterness clearly gets in the way of that.
I base my thinking on many passages throughout the Bible but what immediately comes to mind is the sad story of Cain and Abel. This is the first account we have in scripture of gifts being brought to the altar. Cain held back, Abel did not. Cain had issues with his brother, Abel did not. Abel’s offering was respected, Cain’s was not. Cain grew angry, Abel did not. There is an undeniable pattern here which must not be ignored. After his little charade at the altar Cain’s countenance dropped like an anchor. He turned into a complete sourpuss. The Lord told him the fix; if he moved in a righteous direction his offerings would be accepted. If not, sin would come a knockin’. But Cain paid no attention to God’s counsel and allowed his bitterness to fester against his brother. Bitterness killed Cain and Cain killed Abel. End of story.
You may also want to consider the tragic tale of Job. This righteous man had fallen victim to a long series of unfortunate events, plus he was surrounded by a circle some real irritating “friends”. With each chapter things just grow bleaker and bleaker. You really start to feel bad for the sorry sap and wonder why God doesn’t step in at some point and bail poor Job out. He had to fight bitterness as if he were battling the final stages of cancer. Yet Job becomes a shining example of one who warred against bitterness and won. He doesn’t win until the very end of the last chapter, chapter 42. How does he get the victory? He prays for those misguided chums who made his life miserable. Then the Lord blessed Job more than he’d ever been blessed before. And he lived happily ever after.
Bible expositor John Courson refers to forgiveness as a safeguard for our mental health and emotional stability. This is true. As a youth pastor I have seen bitterness destroy too many lives. There are those I have pleaded with, almost to the point of tears, to be reconciled with family members or loved ones they were hurt by. Yet they chose to hold onto the offense. Sadly they grow more miserable by the day; they are snappy, irritable and harsh toward others. These are the ones that are always complaining, griping and pouting because they have no friends. Furthermore, it is a wonder to them that God does not hear their prayers. The fact is unforgiveness does hinder our prayers. Jesus gave us a model for prayer which includes the line, “Forgive us as we forgive others.” This wasn’t just randomly thrown in there for purposes of sentimental rhetoric. It was included as a condition for our own forgiveness. It is there for us to check our own hearts, and to free us of the baggage that comes with bitterness. It is there to remind imperfect people that anything we might have on our brother, God has a whole lot more on us. After teaching the disciples to pray Jesus immediately elaborated on the issue of forgiveness saying, “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.” (See Matthew 6:14-15). This divinely inspired footnote to the Lord’s Prayer should tell us that forgiveness is serious business and vital to our spiritual well being.
Our expectations are completely out of whack if we think God should forget our numerous offenses when we’re not willing to extend lesser grace to others. Jesus makes this clear in the parable of the unfaithful servant. You remember this heartless guy don’t you? He was ready to pound his debtors face in because the guy owed him some chump change. This came immediately after he was forgiven an enormous debt that would have taken more than a lifetime to pay off. Jesus explains at the end of this parable that it is the unforgiving one that really pays in the end. I know this first hand. I paid handsomely when I allowed bitterness to rule my heart. I held onto the offenses of others for many years. It ate me alive. Things didn’t change until I gave my heart to Christ. Since then, I have lived happily ever after.
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)