Dear Readers,
I will not be posting my devotionals for a few days as I will be busy preparing for outreach ministry and will also be out of town.
Please use this time to think about what God is saying to you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Come out of the World
Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 6
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In reading this passage of Scripture, we see the apostle plead with those to whom he is ministering. He hold nothing back! He is completely open as he describes the life he experiences for the Lord--full of valleys and mountaintops. All of this to tell the Corinthians that today is the day of Salvation and you must repent (turn away from) all those things that have kept them as part of the world.
What union can light have with darkness? What business can you have with the world? None, save that you reach out to the world with the news of Jesus as Paul did to the Corinthians. Christians today have much to repent over. We have allowed ourselves to become desensitized to the sins of the world and we have soiled our faith by the filth of everything around us. If we are to be effective in convincing others to come to Jesus Christ, we must first go to him ourselves and be cleaned off.
Today, make it your prayer to be cleansed. Like David following the conviction of Nathan over Bathsheba, Cry out to the Lord in repentance for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. Only then will we enjoy the true fellowship with the Lord as Paul had and will we be able to reach out to the world.
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In reading this passage of Scripture, we see the apostle plead with those to whom he is ministering. He hold nothing back! He is completely open as he describes the life he experiences for the Lord--full of valleys and mountaintops. All of this to tell the Corinthians that today is the day of Salvation and you must repent (turn away from) all those things that have kept them as part of the world.
What union can light have with darkness? What business can you have with the world? None, save that you reach out to the world with the news of Jesus as Paul did to the Corinthians. Christians today have much to repent over. We have allowed ourselves to become desensitized to the sins of the world and we have soiled our faith by the filth of everything around us. If we are to be effective in convincing others to come to Jesus Christ, we must first go to him ourselves and be cleaned off.
Today, make it your prayer to be cleansed. Like David following the conviction of Nathan over Bathsheba, Cry out to the Lord in repentance for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. Only then will we enjoy the true fellowship with the Lord as Paul had and will we be able to reach out to the world.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The High Price of Indifference
Today's Reading: Numbers 33:1-4
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As I read these first few verses of Numbers 33, my first reaction is to praise God for his faithfulness to the Israelites. He had rescued them from the oppression of the Egyptians and miraculously paved the way for their deliverance. In the midst of this celebration, however, there is also a great sense of loss for the Egyptians. Can you imagine everyone having to bury their firstborn child? It is horrific.
The hardest realization for the Egyptians is that it all could have been avoided. What if Pharaoh's heart had yielded? What if the people of Egypt had said, "enough! We yield!" None of this would have been necessary. Unfortunately, the hearts of sin did not yield and most of the people of Egypt became indifferent. As a result, they had to be rudely awakened by so much loss and suffering.
Many people today choose to turn a def ear and a blind eye toward the cause of faith in the world. There are people oppressed by sin, persecuted for the faith, and lawmakers wildly forsaking the God of the people. While people remain indifferent to these things, God will not long wait before he brings judgement. Those who choose to be blind to the suffering will soon bring the suffering upon their own heads.
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As I read these first few verses of Numbers 33, my first reaction is to praise God for his faithfulness to the Israelites. He had rescued them from the oppression of the Egyptians and miraculously paved the way for their deliverance. In the midst of this celebration, however, there is also a great sense of loss for the Egyptians. Can you imagine everyone having to bury their firstborn child? It is horrific.
The hardest realization for the Egyptians is that it all could have been avoided. What if Pharaoh's heart had yielded? What if the people of Egypt had said, "enough! We yield!" None of this would have been necessary. Unfortunately, the hearts of sin did not yield and most of the people of Egypt became indifferent. As a result, they had to be rudely awakened by so much loss and suffering.
Many people today choose to turn a def ear and a blind eye toward the cause of faith in the world. There are people oppressed by sin, persecuted for the faith, and lawmakers wildly forsaking the God of the people. While people remain indifferent to these things, God will not long wait before he brings judgement. Those who choose to be blind to the suffering will soon bring the suffering upon their own heads.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Your Turn
Today, I have a sectional council meeting in Kansas City, so I ran out of time to post my devotional this morning....However, you can still work through your own experiment in devotion.
Select a passage of Scripture to read through. Ask God to tell you what that passage means for you today. Listen for his voice....
I pray God blesses you as you seek him in his word!
Select a passage of Scripture to read through. Ask God to tell you what that passage means for you today. Listen for his voice....
I pray God blesses you as you seek him in his word!
Monday, August 31, 2009
"I give you my word."
Today's Reading: James 5:12
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How many times have you been disapointed by someone breaking their word to you. Perhaps they agreed to go someplace with you and after eagerly anticipating the event, they let you down.
Recently I was called upon as a pastor to welcome a ministerial celebrity to my community. I confess, I was nervous about how such an event would go over in my small town. After a great deal of adu and commotion, the day finally came and several people gathered in a park to await his arrival. After a long time of waiting (several hours past due), a person comes to tell us that the man could not make it after all. The city was very disappointed and it gave a bad reputation to the person who was supposed to come since he made such a fuss about people being there to greet him.
James instructs us to let our word be true. Simply, he states, "Let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no." This is not easy to do. However, many people depend on the validity of our word. If you cannot follow-through on your word, than it is better not to promise anything at all.
_______________________
How many times have you been disapointed by someone breaking their word to you. Perhaps they agreed to go someplace with you and after eagerly anticipating the event, they let you down.
Recently I was called upon as a pastor to welcome a ministerial celebrity to my community. I confess, I was nervous about how such an event would go over in my small town. After a great deal of adu and commotion, the day finally came and several people gathered in a park to await his arrival. After a long time of waiting (several hours past due), a person comes to tell us that the man could not make it after all. The city was very disappointed and it gave a bad reputation to the person who was supposed to come since he made such a fuss about people being there to greet him.
James instructs us to let our word be true. Simply, he states, "Let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no." This is not easy to do. However, many people depend on the validity of our word. If you cannot follow-through on your word, than it is better not to promise anything at all.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The God of Salvation
Today's Reading: Romans 10
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This chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans is a fantastically informative passage regarding Salvation. It answers many of the challenging questions about righteousness, what must be done to be saved, the process of evangelism, and informs about those who never get to hear.
First of all, people need to call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Can we earn Salvation? Absolutely not... however, we do have a part to play as God works out his Salvation in us.
When I was a young boy I went to a water park in the Wisconsin Dells. I was so excited to see all the amazing water slides and see the rush of the water. It was a boy's dream come true. There was this one pool area where they had floating pads you could walk across. I was having so much fun that I failed to pay attention to where I placed my foot and I fell into the pool. As I tried to swim toward the pads, I realized the current from the water slides on the other side of the pads was too strong for me to swim against. I didn't think of going the other way, I just kept pushing against the current. Eventually, I tired out and I started to sink...trouble indeed! When I finally ran out of strength, I looked up to see a life guard standing on the pads near where I was failing to swim against the current. He reached down and extended his long flotation device in my direction. All I had to do was grab on to the flotation device. As I grabbed on, he pulled me against the current and onto the pads. I had been saved.
When that life guard reached out to me, he saved me. I didn't save myself, but I did have the choice to grab on or keep struggling. My choice to accept the help of the lifeguard did not mean I saved myself. . . If the lifeguard had not been there I would have drown, so I did not save myself, but I did have the choice to accept the saving.
Likewise, God requires us to call upon him for our Salvation. He has already purchased our freedom, and extends Salvation to us freely like my lifeguard's flotation device, but we must choose to grab on.
Because there is a choice involved in Salvation, God has called us to be the ambassadors of his Word. Therefore, we have the responsibility to tell people about our spiritual Lifeguard. Paul writes that faith comes from hearing this word. Thus, people need to hear about the help that is available instead of just drowning. God commissioned us to be his voice.
Although we have a responsibility to share our faith with others, God still works sovereignty to save people. Paul's closing words in this chapter remind us that God can miraculously reveal himself to anyone in any way. This means even if we are not able to reach them, God can.
________________________
This chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans is a fantastically informative passage regarding Salvation. It answers many of the challenging questions about righteousness, what must be done to be saved, the process of evangelism, and informs about those who never get to hear.
First of all, people need to call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Can we earn Salvation? Absolutely not... however, we do have a part to play as God works out his Salvation in us.
When I was a young boy I went to a water park in the Wisconsin Dells. I was so excited to see all the amazing water slides and see the rush of the water. It was a boy's dream come true. There was this one pool area where they had floating pads you could walk across. I was having so much fun that I failed to pay attention to where I placed my foot and I fell into the pool. As I tried to swim toward the pads, I realized the current from the water slides on the other side of the pads was too strong for me to swim against. I didn't think of going the other way, I just kept pushing against the current. Eventually, I tired out and I started to sink...trouble indeed! When I finally ran out of strength, I looked up to see a life guard standing on the pads near where I was failing to swim against the current. He reached down and extended his long flotation device in my direction. All I had to do was grab on to the flotation device. As I grabbed on, he pulled me against the current and onto the pads. I had been saved.
When that life guard reached out to me, he saved me. I didn't save myself, but I did have the choice to grab on or keep struggling. My choice to accept the help of the lifeguard did not mean I saved myself. . . If the lifeguard had not been there I would have drown, so I did not save myself, but I did have the choice to accept the saving.
Likewise, God requires us to call upon him for our Salvation. He has already purchased our freedom, and extends Salvation to us freely like my lifeguard's flotation device, but we must choose to grab on.
Because there is a choice involved in Salvation, God has called us to be the ambassadors of his Word. Therefore, we have the responsibility to tell people about our spiritual Lifeguard. Paul writes that faith comes from hearing this word. Thus, people need to hear about the help that is available instead of just drowning. God commissioned us to be his voice.
Although we have a responsibility to share our faith with others, God still works sovereignty to save people. Paul's closing words in this chapter remind us that God can miraculously reveal himself to anyone in any way. This means even if we are not able to reach them, God can.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Comfort: Pass it On
Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
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In this passage, Paul gives a wonderful description of how comfort is passed along within the Body of Christ. Like the golden rule, when God has given us some form of comfort during a trial, we must pass that comfort along to others when they need it. In other words, we become the extension of God's hand in the life of others when we share the comfort we have received.
While ultimately, we are learning to depend on God, this is an example of the broader working of the full body of Christ. Not only do we depend on God, but in part, we depend on one another in the Church. More often than not, anything you are experiencing has already been experienced by someone in the Church. If we allow ourselves to be transparent with one another, we can also comfort one another and prevent people from falling victim to the attacks of the enemy.
__________________________
In this passage, Paul gives a wonderful description of how comfort is passed along within the Body of Christ. Like the golden rule, when God has given us some form of comfort during a trial, we must pass that comfort along to others when they need it. In other words, we become the extension of God's hand in the life of others when we share the comfort we have received.
While ultimately, we are learning to depend on God, this is an example of the broader working of the full body of Christ. Not only do we depend on God, but in part, we depend on one another in the Church. More often than not, anything you are experiencing has already been experienced by someone in the Church. If we allow ourselves to be transparent with one another, we can also comfort one another and prevent people from falling victim to the attacks of the enemy.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Doing what the Lord Requires
Today's Readings: Numbers 32
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The ringing phone startled me out of my deep sleep. I tried to shake off the confusion as I peered at the blurry blue digital clock on my night stand. "two a.m., Who could be calling at this hour?" As I picked up the phone I heard the shaky voice of a dear friend. The person on the line was ill and desperately needed prayer. I calmly offered reassurance of God's presence and ability to heal, said a prayer, and let my friend rest. Even though I desperately wanted to go back to sleep, I spent time in continued intercession for my friend's health. A few hours later, the phone rang again and my friend needed more prayer. Again, I offered my voice to God.
That night I did not get a lot of sleep. Although I am the kind of person that needs a lot of rest, I sacrificed my desire for the sake of my calling. As a pastor, I have a God-given responsibility to care for the sheep of my flock and all those in need. This responsibility does not start at 9 am and end a 5 pm. Instead, the responsibility is constant. It means responding to the late night phone calls, the knocks on the door by strangers, the little "inconveniences" that mark the pastorate. This is a part of my calling and obedience to God is paramount.
In Numbers 32, there was a difference between the desire and the responsibility of the Israelites. Some of the people did not want to cross the Jordan River. Instead, they wanted to raise their livestock and build cities on the "safe" side of the river. They had to be instructed that failure to follow God's plan resulted in devastation for an entire generation of Israelites.
One interesting point of this passage rests in the fact that following God's plan didn't mean their desires had to be ignored. Ultimately, many of the people got their desires answered, but they first had to obey God. The people had to go to battle and fight as part of God's will first, then God would provide for them according to his promise.
Whether you are getting woken up by calls for prayer in the middle of the night or you are waiting for the fulfilment of a promise from God, the responsibility to obey God is paramount. Our desire must be to serve God and follow his plan first and foremost. Everything else will fall into place as a side effect of honoring God. God will bless his people and bless obedience.
__________________________
The ringing phone startled me out of my deep sleep. I tried to shake off the confusion as I peered at the blurry blue digital clock on my night stand. "two a.m., Who could be calling at this hour?" As I picked up the phone I heard the shaky voice of a dear friend. The person on the line was ill and desperately needed prayer. I calmly offered reassurance of God's presence and ability to heal, said a prayer, and let my friend rest. Even though I desperately wanted to go back to sleep, I spent time in continued intercession for my friend's health. A few hours later, the phone rang again and my friend needed more prayer. Again, I offered my voice to God.
That night I did not get a lot of sleep. Although I am the kind of person that needs a lot of rest, I sacrificed my desire for the sake of my calling. As a pastor, I have a God-given responsibility to care for the sheep of my flock and all those in need. This responsibility does not start at 9 am and end a 5 pm. Instead, the responsibility is constant. It means responding to the late night phone calls, the knocks on the door by strangers, the little "inconveniences" that mark the pastorate. This is a part of my calling and obedience to God is paramount.
In Numbers 32, there was a difference between the desire and the responsibility of the Israelites. Some of the people did not want to cross the Jordan River. Instead, they wanted to raise their livestock and build cities on the "safe" side of the river. They had to be instructed that failure to follow God's plan resulted in devastation for an entire generation of Israelites.
One interesting point of this passage rests in the fact that following God's plan didn't mean their desires had to be ignored. Ultimately, many of the people got their desires answered, but they first had to obey God. The people had to go to battle and fight as part of God's will first, then God would provide for them according to his promise.
Whether you are getting woken up by calls for prayer in the middle of the night or you are waiting for the fulfilment of a promise from God, the responsibility to obey God is paramount. Our desire must be to serve God and follow his plan first and foremost. Everything else will fall into place as a side effect of honoring God. God will bless his people and bless obedience.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wisdom from Proverbs
Today's Readings: Proverbs 24
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It is always enjoyable to spend time reading the proverbs. Perhaps the fact that one can easily relate to them make the proverbs familiar reading. Having read the first proverb of this chapter, I already relate to the author. "Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble." I have witnessed this verse in action many times.
When I was a freshmen in college, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices for social interaction. Attending a secular university paved the way for encountering many types of people, the wicked and the righteous. Given my very conservative views, I was often scorned and not very popular. Consequently, there were time when I envied the ways of the righteous. I was jealous that they could do whatever they wanted and "get away with it." They had all the popularity, friends, and status in the school. They had all the friends.
One time in a moment of weakness, I tried to hang out with "in crowd." I hoped this would give my popularity a leg up. Instead, it became one of the most awkward moments in my life. I witnessed their depravity, the wickedness in their hearts, and all the trouble they caused. These people weren't enviable, they were miserable. Their popularity stemmed only from the fact that misery loves company. . . and they had a lot of company!
In that moment, I learned the truth behind the proverb. If you envy the wicked and desire their company, it will only bring misery. Eventually, you too will plot violence and stir up trouble. Instead, pray for them, and rest in the happiness of your faith. They me be surrounded by more people and seem to have more fun, but you have fulfillment and the greatest company of all!
_______________________
It is always enjoyable to spend time reading the proverbs. Perhaps the fact that one can easily relate to them make the proverbs familiar reading. Having read the first proverb of this chapter, I already relate to the author. "Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble." I have witnessed this verse in action many times.
When I was a freshmen in college, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices for social interaction. Attending a secular university paved the way for encountering many types of people, the wicked and the righteous. Given my very conservative views, I was often scorned and not very popular. Consequently, there were time when I envied the ways of the righteous. I was jealous that they could do whatever they wanted and "get away with it." They had all the popularity, friends, and status in the school. They had all the friends.
One time in a moment of weakness, I tried to hang out with "in crowd." I hoped this would give my popularity a leg up. Instead, it became one of the most awkward moments in my life. I witnessed their depravity, the wickedness in their hearts, and all the trouble they caused. These people weren't enviable, they were miserable. Their popularity stemmed only from the fact that misery loves company. . . and they had a lot of company!
In that moment, I learned the truth behind the proverb. If you envy the wicked and desire their company, it will only bring misery. Eventually, you too will plot violence and stir up trouble. Instead, pray for them, and rest in the happiness of your faith. They me be surrounded by more people and seem to have more fun, but you have fulfillment and the greatest company of all!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Just War
Today's Reading: Numbers 31
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In this passage, God sends the nation of Israel to war against the Midianites. God gives the Israelites victory, but the commanders and their men take plunder and bring back the women and children against the wishes of the Lord. As a result, atonement must be made for their actions.
War is never easy, never longed for, and should never be politically acceptable. However, at times circumstances necessitate the viciousness of war. Righteous Soldiers never enter combat wanting to kill and destroy, but they know war requires the sacrifice and violence to bring about a lasting peace.
War is ugly, it stands against what we "accept" as civilians, however, the ugliness is part of the process toward peace. Unfortunately, too many people fail to see the productivity of war and try to politicize the fighting before the war is over. As a result, Soldiers are left restricted and unable to complete the process of winning the war.
In Vietnam and partially in Iraq and Afghanistan, people do not want to commit to winning the war because it is not politically acceptable to do so. People want to be like the commanders of Israel and only finish part of the war. The reality is, God called the Israelites to complete the battle, the atonement would follow the victory. You cannot win a war while trying not to offend the enemy. Instead, defeat the enemy (even though it is ugly at times) and then rebuild after the victory.
God wanted Israel to completely destroy the Midianites. Likewise, in our battles against sin, God wants us to completely destroy the enemy. We cannot combat sinfulness while we harbor pockets of hidden sin in our lives and expect to win the war.
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In this passage, God sends the nation of Israel to war against the Midianites. God gives the Israelites victory, but the commanders and their men take plunder and bring back the women and children against the wishes of the Lord. As a result, atonement must be made for their actions.
War is never easy, never longed for, and should never be politically acceptable. However, at times circumstances necessitate the viciousness of war. Righteous Soldiers never enter combat wanting to kill and destroy, but they know war requires the sacrifice and violence to bring about a lasting peace.
War is ugly, it stands against what we "accept" as civilians, however, the ugliness is part of the process toward peace. Unfortunately, too many people fail to see the productivity of war and try to politicize the fighting before the war is over. As a result, Soldiers are left restricted and unable to complete the process of winning the war.
In Vietnam and partially in Iraq and Afghanistan, people do not want to commit to winning the war because it is not politically acceptable to do so. People want to be like the commanders of Israel and only finish part of the war. The reality is, God called the Israelites to complete the battle, the atonement would follow the victory. You cannot win a war while trying not to offend the enemy. Instead, defeat the enemy (even though it is ugly at times) and then rebuild after the victory.
God wanted Israel to completely destroy the Midianites. Likewise, in our battles against sin, God wants us to completely destroy the enemy. We cannot combat sinfulness while we harbor pockets of hidden sin in our lives and expect to win the war.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Testing the Spirits
Today's Readings: I Cor. 12:1-11; I John 4:1; and I Thes. 5:21
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In these verses, God gives his Church instructions regarding spiritual gifts and their uses. God does equip the church with his Holy Spirit to minister to the Body of Christ through their use for the common good.
In many churches, however, the use of the gifts have been hijacked by personal agendas or misguided people with good intentions, but a lack of biblical order. The Bible makes it clear that there is a pattern and an order that governs the use of the gifts. Not only is there an order that should be followed, there is also a responsibility to confirm the use of the gifts by "testing the spirits." This test confirms that what is happening is really of God. God will never contradict Scripture or his character. Consequently, if a prophecy or interpretation should ever disagree with Scripture, it cannot be of God.
I often receive words of prophecy or exhortation via e-mail from respected ministers around the world. On most occasions, these messages align with Scripture and I can receive them as a word from the Lord. However, there are times when even respectable and dependable ministers make mistakes. On these occasions, I read through their message and I compare what they say to Scripture and to what I know in my Spirit to be God's way of moving.
For my devotional time today, I encountered a prophecy from a respected leader that just did not sit well with my spirit. I went through line by line and tested each statement against the Word of God and against what I believed to be the character and will of God as he has revealed consistently through history. I know it is long, but I want to show my work below: My thoughts are the ones in color interjected between the original prophetic word:
Please note the reference and all names within have been removed so as not to offend the particular ministry. i am not critiquing a minister, just testing a word!
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I am a watchman and try to watch carefully for patterns and trends that affect each of us. The enemy loves to change times and laws.Therefore, he will use worldly structures and controls to hinder Kingdom advancement. TRUE
Praying for Supply Lines to Open, Economic Shifts to Occur, and the KINGDOM TO ADVANCE! If you have not been able to watch this month'sXXXXXXXXXXX class, "XXXXXXXXXXXX", you can still register to watch that "on demand" through August 30. Go to our webstore to purchase that e-ticket. If God is giving this as a word, there should not be a charge to his people for the word of the Lord....Christ instructs us that the messages are for the common good of the body, not the financial good of one ministry. We have some great leaders to help you in the future to understand the faith realm God is calling us to NOW! For our next class we have invited XXXXXXXXXXXX, a minister leader in XXXXXXX and a market leader with XXXXXXXXXXX. We will be discussing trade structures. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, another business leader, recently shared some financial insights that I will share below.The Word from XXXXXXXXX..
I want to encourage you to re-read what the Lord spoke to me while we were at the XXXXXXXXXXXXXX conference in XXXXXXXX. I want to be sure we are processing the word correctly. This is a good thing...making sure we process God's words correctly...I'm just not sure they are doing so this time.Therefore, what God said was: "Watch for an economic shift by the end of this month. Between August 24 and October 17, there will be great changes in the financial system. Be aware that the banking system ha snot finished making its changes. We will start into an accelerated shift in structure. The government is in an open rearrangement." (Seethe full word below.)
I do not believe that the Lord is talking about a big Stock Market Crash or a Bank Run. This could happen, but that is not the overall issue to understand. There is a full rearrangement of the economic system going on worldwide. If you have not read XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, there are chapters in each book on wealth that could help you. Here is one perspective that is important for you to understand. Even though the dollar is changing and fluctuating, this is a time your dollar could really work for you to acquire resources. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. While God wants good stewardship, we are NOT to be concerned with wealth building! This is a prosperity message that is dangerous because it places the focus of Christians on making MONEY not on GOD and His work... Remember the Word in Jeremiah 17, cursed is the man who trusts in man. Money is from man, not God. I don't accumulate a lot of money (especially now) but I am provided for beyond my needs because God is faithful to give what I need when I need it. I don't pursue wealth, it comes to me by God's blessing when he wants me to have it. Many banks have resources they have acquired from loss. These resources could be redeemed by those who have extra dollar buying power. You could seek to acquire resources. Some banks must move now to alleviate themselves from the over abundance of failed loans and corresponding properties. This could be a catalyst for Kingdom advancement. However, no one seems to have extra dollars to "take the land". This is a misapplication of Scripture. The Israelites took the Promised land because God gave it to them and they had to be obedient to trust him for it. They had to be obedient to march into the land trusting that God would take care of the enemy. Furthermore, when they did fight, It was God that won the battles at Jericho and who caused the sun to stand in the heavens. WE are to trust GOD, not to take upon ourselves the burden of financial aggression. If we look at the "giant" that is controlling economic structures and choose to shrink back, then we could lose ground and miss an opportunity to advance now. Also, this could leave an open door for a thrust from a dark side to control the land and The Devil can do NOTHING apart from what God allows him to do. Our trusting God to provide for us in his way and his time will not be considered "inaction" of which the devil can take advantage. Even if worldly property and institutions are consumed by the enemy, God cannot be defeated, nor can we as his heirs. God will give us Kingdom authority regardless of what we physically possess. During the Tribulation, when the 144,000 sealed Jews will remain, do you think it will be by prosperity they will succeed...because they own a bunch of buildings and lands, or do you think it will be by the supernatural power of God... after all at some point the very ability to buy and sell will be in the hands of the enemy... our accumulating wealth will not change that.keep the land from being occupied with those who hold God's plan.
So here is what I have done personally: I cashed in my retirement and paid off debts; Paying off debt is the best investment you can make. Since the Bible confirms we are to owe no man anything, this is a word from the Lord.
I gave to the future of the land; I helped some others advance; I made sure the XXXXXXXXX accounts were up to date; I helped two children advance; we analyzed foreign currency, such as the Australian Dollar, Euro, Turkish Lira, etc., to see how currencies are moving world-wide.
I do not think that this is a reactive type of prophetic word - just a word to be prepared by October 17. The economic structure as we have known it will not be same, so if you are buying stocks on the same basis and understanding of a system of yesteryear, you will probably not see the return you are looking for. You should be cautious in this endeavor anyway! The Bible says to avoid quick gain... Stocks promise high yield, but come with high risks...I believe there are more stable forms of investing God's money.I always like to get perspectives from others. Yesterday, I visited with a successful business friend of mine, XXXXXXXXXXX, who gave the following wisdom:"There is a way out of this famine supernaturally and what the Lord has begun He will finish. <--- that was the best truth yet! It is supernatural and it is the Lord. He did tell me to prepare myself to negotiate very shrewdly and consider all options! I know that I must let go of some assets and if this requires drastic cuts that is OK. Bankruptcy may be an option to be evaluated and considered.This line worries me...Bankruptcy is an institution of the world that allows people to forgo paying off their debts and keeping their words as good stewards of their finances because they are looking for a way out. I really do not believe that running to bankruptcy is a very biblical thing to do. Bankruptcy ruins your financial standing and as a Christian you are still obligated to keep your financial word and pay off your debts....TRUST GOD FOR PROVISION SUPERNATURALLY I feel we must understand and know all options in order to see our way into the future and receive strategy to take a key turn.BUT BEHIND EVERY STRATEGY IS GOD...He is to whom we should be looking!
I believe it is a time to expect the supernatural and place a high demand on the Spirit of God to move. YES! Absolutely! I hear the Lord reminding me of a word you gave last year around September that said we must move and do something even if we make a mistake. This is a mentality of 'I refuse to stand still and perish in the famine.' The example you gave was climbing up on the high board and jumping when you did not know how to swim. Passion must still be tempered by WISDOM....
I hear the Lord saying, 'Out of desperation comes creativity, and for a season I will be like an artist that paints a new picture with many colors.' My normal personality is to focus in on 1 or 2 things to maximize profits, and now I am painting all over the canvas to find the new. I am not sure what I will create. Hope that makes some sense!
I feel we should move in the entrepreneurial anointing and pioneer.....there is not a path to follow that has been cut out for the season ahead. Therefore, we must open the way.WRONG! God will open the way before us and He will plow out a path... don't go path finding on your own...wait until you see the path God has created for you! The bible is full of people who jumped ahead of God and got in big trouble. . . Anyone remember King Saul, he was nervous because the prophet wasn't showing up and his army was growing restless. Saul took it upon himself to make the sacrifice...for his actions, God chose a new king!We have to cut the path and be the forerunners in this season so others may follow. God is the only one people should be following...Follow me as I follow God. If people see us doing anything, it will be us following God. Businesses must be birthed and others are being linked into their destiny and choices will be presented. If we will dig the well, God will fill it with water for us to drink from in the future. Again, this is getting ahead of God... Don't just assume you can do something on your own and then ask God to bless your efforts. God will only bless what we do when we do what he has told us to do. Isaac ran into many problems when digging wells. It was only when he returned to his father's (Abraham's) wells, the ones God instructed to be built, that he had success. And don't forget Saul from above as another example of this point.
I also hear that many 'churchy people' or 'religious people' will not be able to see the new thing God is doing to impact the world. The wealth is there to be transferred. AGAIN, do not be pursuing wealth, be pursuing God. But we must see and move in His timing. True and in his WAY and his DIRECTION! Businesses are coming forth that 'church people' will say,'You should not have linked up there and you can't take money out of that arena.' However, the Lord is saying, 'Align and watch Me give you entry way to fields you have never entered before!'"Just make sure your alliances are biblical...Be not unequally yoked applies to all facets of our lives, including business...That is Scripture.
Here Are Some Points to Watch NOW! The way the Church gathers and strategizes is very key for days ahead! Here are some points for us to embrace at this time in history:Shifting, Changing Laws! The enemy loves to change times and laws.Therefore, he will use worldly structures and controls to hinder Kingdom advancement. We must stay active in Civil Government.I agree, but we must also be in the business of changing hearts above changing laws. If we don't change the heart, it will not matter what the Law is. Sinners break laws...Therefore, you must convert the sinner before you convert the law. Frankly, if you change every one's hearts, the laws won't matter and they will change on their own! How we vote is how we are visited in the future. Politically motivated shift sin laws and governmentally influenced ventures and investments will produce blame and create power wars that divide and control certain institutes of societies. all the more reason to focus on the heart over the law.
Changing Supply Lines! Go back and review the Gold Market in every decade so you can find your pattern for the shift that will take place in currency in each season! Money, economic regulations, and changing financial structures do not affect the Kingdom, but do affect how we build the Church in days ahead. The church is part of the kingdom. Still, God will provide for the church within the framework of his Kingdom plan. If he does not, then the asset shift we must be prepared for (as he mentioned earlier) will be the giving up of our grandiose buildings and lavish wastefulness in a return to small group churches meeting in homes or caves. Unregulated derivatives will continue for a while longer. This will cause the Banking System to change drastically and expand the supply of money and credit. This creates another bubble waiting to burst. For instance, in the United States,individual States are losing revenue and beginning to cut services.Some effects from this are: the poor will get poorer; a decline instate workers; a cut in medical services; a lack of Medicaid funding for the elderly; a decline in education decline; a potential for violence; and the exhaustion of unemployment benefits. Yes, so change people's hearts! God can provide for us despite all these things because our hope is in him, not the systems. When he does provide for us, people will be curious about the God who supplied for us and will come to him for salvation.(after all, the poor will always be among us.)
Slavery structures must be reviewed. Watch your debt structure!Develop a plan for debt management and alleviation.GREAT! Ask for favor with institutes.WRONG, ask for favor with GOD...he'll handle the rest. Watch governmental manipulation beginning from July 2009.Many institutions will attempt to manipulate debt to make money. Debt produces poverty. We must watch debt patterns in our lives, counties,cities, and nations.
Changing Economic Structures Worldwide! Inflation could happen at anytime, so always have a plan for inflation. Consider your ways! Have plans to diversify your investments and resources. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Do not have a basket so "tight" that you cannot remove or add or redirect resources into Kingdom purposes and plans; your funds must not be so restricted that you cannot move in God's timing of shifts. For instance, keep watching and moving your natural resources, gas and oil to gold and silver stocks at the appropriate timing. This person sounds WAY too invested in things of the world. Watch the emerging markets of China and India. (I am sold on watching this!) Watch products that enhance the land such as fertilizer and other agricultural-related ventures. Biotech developmental groups are always key for us to watch. His Kingdom is a sure thing in times of shifting economic trials!The church is not now, has it ever been, nor should it ever be a guide to investing in things other than GOD! .. . Beware of quick gain! Trust in God and lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven!!!!!
Restoring Waste Places! Carefully watch the cities where bulldozers begin to demolish old structures. Watch as the Repairer of the Breach calls us into a rebuilding season. Certain cities must be transformed.
Realignment of Nations! There will be "chess move" made by Russia and China to counteract the dollar base of world currency over the next 18months. This will affect many systems, but will fall short in complete governmental dominance and control. Israel will become more and more the center of discussion and division in nations in days ahead. China is attempting to create a new reserve currency. China is gathering and securing gold resource throughout the world. The effect will be that anew world currency base is developing.Inevitable conclusion based on the Revelation.
A Major Shift in Training in God's Kingdom Plan. We must develop creative skills! We must become sensitive to the problems of people.We must address every obstacle as a challenge with a solution that is available. AKA the people, not money We must not fear causes because we know the Spirit can produce results through us.
We must be motivated by a covenant expression of God's plan in the earth through His vision rather than through money.If he would have said this at the beginning, he would not have needed to print everything before this point? We must be adaptable and observant to the changes around us. We must see the world around us differently, ask a lot of questions, and synthesize things from an intuitive perspective. We must become a fluent, flexible and imaginative people who are not afraid to be original and divergent in our thinking processes. So long as we are not divergent from God's plans.
We Must Align and Be Trained for the Future! God has a battle array and an order that will reflect His holiness in days ahead. We will have a new vocabulary, a new presentation of identity, and a new dimension of authority as we enter the next season. i don't understand this.. Our identity in Christ is unchanging, so I don't know what he is talking about... Furthermore, there is "nothing new under the sun." So again, I just don't get this paragraph. New trainingstructures are being developed to help God's people understand theircovenant blessing and spiritual inheritance.
___________________________________
In these verses, God gives his Church instructions regarding spiritual gifts and their uses. God does equip the church with his Holy Spirit to minister to the Body of Christ through their use for the common good.
In many churches, however, the use of the gifts have been hijacked by personal agendas or misguided people with good intentions, but a lack of biblical order. The Bible makes it clear that there is a pattern and an order that governs the use of the gifts. Not only is there an order that should be followed, there is also a responsibility to confirm the use of the gifts by "testing the spirits." This test confirms that what is happening is really of God. God will never contradict Scripture or his character. Consequently, if a prophecy or interpretation should ever disagree with Scripture, it cannot be of God.
I often receive words of prophecy or exhortation via e-mail from respected ministers around the world. On most occasions, these messages align with Scripture and I can receive them as a word from the Lord. However, there are times when even respectable and dependable ministers make mistakes. On these occasions, I read through their message and I compare what they say to Scripture and to what I know in my Spirit to be God's way of moving.
For my devotional time today, I encountered a prophecy from a respected leader that just did not sit well with my spirit. I went through line by line and tested each statement against the Word of God and against what I believed to be the character and will of God as he has revealed consistently through history. I know it is long, but I want to show my work below: My thoughts are the ones in color interjected between the original prophetic word:
Please note the reference and all names within have been removed so as not to offend the particular ministry. i am not critiquing a minister, just testing a word!
___________________________________________________
I am a watchman and try to watch carefully for patterns and trends that affect each of us. The enemy loves to change times and laws.Therefore, he will use worldly structures and controls to hinder Kingdom advancement. TRUE
Praying for Supply Lines to Open, Economic Shifts to Occur, and the KINGDOM TO ADVANCE! If you have not been able to watch this month'sXXXXXXXXXXX class, "XXXXXXXXXXXX", you can still register to watch that "on demand" through August 30. Go to our webstore to purchase that e-ticket. If God is giving this as a word, there should not be a charge to his people for the word of the Lord....Christ instructs us that the messages are for the common good of the body, not the financial good of one ministry. We have some great leaders to help you in the future to understand the faith realm God is calling us to NOW! For our next class we have invited XXXXXXXXXXXX, a minister leader in XXXXXXX and a market leader with XXXXXXXXXXX. We will be discussing trade structures. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, another business leader, recently shared some financial insights that I will share below.The Word from XXXXXXXXX..
I want to encourage you to re-read what the Lord spoke to me while we were at the XXXXXXXXXXXXXX conference in XXXXXXXX. I want to be sure we are processing the word correctly. This is a good thing...making sure we process God's words correctly...I'm just not sure they are doing so this time.Therefore, what God said was: "Watch for an economic shift by the end of this month. Between August 24 and October 17, there will be great changes in the financial system. Be aware that the banking system ha snot finished making its changes. We will start into an accelerated shift in structure. The government is in an open rearrangement." (Seethe full word below.)
I do not believe that the Lord is talking about a big Stock Market Crash or a Bank Run. This could happen, but that is not the overall issue to understand. There is a full rearrangement of the economic system going on worldwide. If you have not read XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, there are chapters in each book on wealth that could help you. Here is one perspective that is important for you to understand. Even though the dollar is changing and fluctuating, this is a time your dollar could really work for you to acquire resources. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. While God wants good stewardship, we are NOT to be concerned with wealth building! This is a prosperity message that is dangerous because it places the focus of Christians on making MONEY not on GOD and His work... Remember the Word in Jeremiah 17, cursed is the man who trusts in man. Money is from man, not God. I don't accumulate a lot of money (especially now) but I am provided for beyond my needs because God is faithful to give what I need when I need it. I don't pursue wealth, it comes to me by God's blessing when he wants me to have it. Many banks have resources they have acquired from loss. These resources could be redeemed by those who have extra dollar buying power. You could seek to acquire resources. Some banks must move now to alleviate themselves from the over abundance of failed loans and corresponding properties. This could be a catalyst for Kingdom advancement. However, no one seems to have extra dollars to "take the land". This is a misapplication of Scripture. The Israelites took the Promised land because God gave it to them and they had to be obedient to trust him for it. They had to be obedient to march into the land trusting that God would take care of the enemy. Furthermore, when they did fight, It was God that won the battles at Jericho and who caused the sun to stand in the heavens. WE are to trust GOD, not to take upon ourselves the burden of financial aggression. If we look at the "giant" that is controlling economic structures and choose to shrink back, then we could lose ground and miss an opportunity to advance now. Also, this could leave an open door for a thrust from a dark side to control the land and The Devil can do NOTHING apart from what God allows him to do. Our trusting God to provide for us in his way and his time will not be considered "inaction" of which the devil can take advantage. Even if worldly property and institutions are consumed by the enemy, God cannot be defeated, nor can we as his heirs. God will give us Kingdom authority regardless of what we physically possess. During the Tribulation, when the 144,000 sealed Jews will remain, do you think it will be by prosperity they will succeed...because they own a bunch of buildings and lands, or do you think it will be by the supernatural power of God... after all at some point the very ability to buy and sell will be in the hands of the enemy... our accumulating wealth will not change that.keep the land from being occupied with those who hold God's plan.
So here is what I have done personally: I cashed in my retirement and paid off debts; Paying off debt is the best investment you can make. Since the Bible confirms we are to owe no man anything, this is a word from the Lord.
I gave to the future of the land; I helped some others advance; I made sure the XXXXXXXXX accounts were up to date; I helped two children advance; we analyzed foreign currency, such as the Australian Dollar, Euro, Turkish Lira, etc., to see how currencies are moving world-wide.
I do not think that this is a reactive type of prophetic word - just a word to be prepared by October 17. The economic structure as we have known it will not be same, so if you are buying stocks on the same basis and understanding of a system of yesteryear, you will probably not see the return you are looking for. You should be cautious in this endeavor anyway! The Bible says to avoid quick gain... Stocks promise high yield, but come with high risks...I believe there are more stable forms of investing God's money.I always like to get perspectives from others. Yesterday, I visited with a successful business friend of mine, XXXXXXXXXXX, who gave the following wisdom:"There is a way out of this famine supernaturally and what the Lord has begun He will finish. <--- that was the best truth yet! It is supernatural and it is the Lord. He did tell me to prepare myself to negotiate very shrewdly and consider all options! I know that I must let go of some assets and if this requires drastic cuts that is OK. Bankruptcy may be an option to be evaluated and considered.This line worries me...Bankruptcy is an institution of the world that allows people to forgo paying off their debts and keeping their words as good stewards of their finances because they are looking for a way out. I really do not believe that running to bankruptcy is a very biblical thing to do. Bankruptcy ruins your financial standing and as a Christian you are still obligated to keep your financial word and pay off your debts....TRUST GOD FOR PROVISION SUPERNATURALLY I feel we must understand and know all options in order to see our way into the future and receive strategy to take a key turn.BUT BEHIND EVERY STRATEGY IS GOD...He is to whom we should be looking!
I believe it is a time to expect the supernatural and place a high demand on the Spirit of God to move. YES! Absolutely! I hear the Lord reminding me of a word you gave last year around September that said we must move and do something even if we make a mistake. This is a mentality of 'I refuse to stand still and perish in the famine.' The example you gave was climbing up on the high board and jumping when you did not know how to swim. Passion must still be tempered by WISDOM....
I hear the Lord saying, 'Out of desperation comes creativity, and for a season I will be like an artist that paints a new picture with many colors.' My normal personality is to focus in on 1 or 2 things to maximize profits, and now I am painting all over the canvas to find the new. I am not sure what I will create. Hope that makes some sense!
I feel we should move in the entrepreneurial anointing and pioneer.....there is not a path to follow that has been cut out for the season ahead. Therefore, we must open the way.WRONG! God will open the way before us and He will plow out a path... don't go path finding on your own...wait until you see the path God has created for you! The bible is full of people who jumped ahead of God and got in big trouble. . . Anyone remember King Saul, he was nervous because the prophet wasn't showing up and his army was growing restless. Saul took it upon himself to make the sacrifice...for his actions, God chose a new king!We have to cut the path and be the forerunners in this season so others may follow. God is the only one people should be following...Follow me as I follow God. If people see us doing anything, it will be us following God. Businesses must be birthed and others are being linked into their destiny and choices will be presented. If we will dig the well, God will fill it with water for us to drink from in the future. Again, this is getting ahead of God... Don't just assume you can do something on your own and then ask God to bless your efforts. God will only bless what we do when we do what he has told us to do. Isaac ran into many problems when digging wells. It was only when he returned to his father's (Abraham's) wells, the ones God instructed to be built, that he had success. And don't forget Saul from above as another example of this point.
I also hear that many 'churchy people' or 'religious people' will not be able to see the new thing God is doing to impact the world. The wealth is there to be transferred. AGAIN, do not be pursuing wealth, be pursuing God. But we must see and move in His timing. True and in his WAY and his DIRECTION! Businesses are coming forth that 'church people' will say,'You should not have linked up there and you can't take money out of that arena.' However, the Lord is saying, 'Align and watch Me give you entry way to fields you have never entered before!'"Just make sure your alliances are biblical...Be not unequally yoked applies to all facets of our lives, including business...That is Scripture.
Here Are Some Points to Watch NOW! The way the Church gathers and strategizes is very key for days ahead! Here are some points for us to embrace at this time in history:Shifting, Changing Laws! The enemy loves to change times and laws.Therefore, he will use worldly structures and controls to hinder Kingdom advancement. We must stay active in Civil Government.I agree, but we must also be in the business of changing hearts above changing laws. If we don't change the heart, it will not matter what the Law is. Sinners break laws...Therefore, you must convert the sinner before you convert the law. Frankly, if you change every one's hearts, the laws won't matter and they will change on their own! How we vote is how we are visited in the future. Politically motivated shift sin laws and governmentally influenced ventures and investments will produce blame and create power wars that divide and control certain institutes of societies. all the more reason to focus on the heart over the law.
Changing Supply Lines! Go back and review the Gold Market in every decade so you can find your pattern for the shift that will take place in currency in each season! Money, economic regulations, and changing financial structures do not affect the Kingdom, but do affect how we build the Church in days ahead. The church is part of the kingdom. Still, God will provide for the church within the framework of his Kingdom plan. If he does not, then the asset shift we must be prepared for (as he mentioned earlier) will be the giving up of our grandiose buildings and lavish wastefulness in a return to small group churches meeting in homes or caves. Unregulated derivatives will continue for a while longer. This will cause the Banking System to change drastically and expand the supply of money and credit. This creates another bubble waiting to burst. For instance, in the United States,individual States are losing revenue and beginning to cut services.Some effects from this are: the poor will get poorer; a decline instate workers; a cut in medical services; a lack of Medicaid funding for the elderly; a decline in education decline; a potential for violence; and the exhaustion of unemployment benefits. Yes, so change people's hearts! God can provide for us despite all these things because our hope is in him, not the systems. When he does provide for us, people will be curious about the God who supplied for us and will come to him for salvation.(after all, the poor will always be among us.)
Slavery structures must be reviewed. Watch your debt structure!Develop a plan for debt management and alleviation.GREAT! Ask for favor with institutes.WRONG, ask for favor with GOD...he'll handle the rest. Watch governmental manipulation beginning from July 2009.Many institutions will attempt to manipulate debt to make money. Debt produces poverty. We must watch debt patterns in our lives, counties,cities, and nations.
Changing Economic Structures Worldwide! Inflation could happen at anytime, so always have a plan for inflation. Consider your ways! Have plans to diversify your investments and resources. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Do not have a basket so "tight" that you cannot remove or add or redirect resources into Kingdom purposes and plans; your funds must not be so restricted that you cannot move in God's timing of shifts. For instance, keep watching and moving your natural resources, gas and oil to gold and silver stocks at the appropriate timing. This person sounds WAY too invested in things of the world. Watch the emerging markets of China and India. (I am sold on watching this!) Watch products that enhance the land such as fertilizer and other agricultural-related ventures. Biotech developmental groups are always key for us to watch. His Kingdom is a sure thing in times of shifting economic trials!The church is not now, has it ever been, nor should it ever be a guide to investing in things other than GOD! .. . Beware of quick gain! Trust in God and lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven!!!!!
Restoring Waste Places! Carefully watch the cities where bulldozers begin to demolish old structures. Watch as the Repairer of the Breach calls us into a rebuilding season. Certain cities must be transformed.
Realignment of Nations! There will be "chess move" made by Russia and China to counteract the dollar base of world currency over the next 18months. This will affect many systems, but will fall short in complete governmental dominance and control. Israel will become more and more the center of discussion and division in nations in days ahead. China is attempting to create a new reserve currency. China is gathering and securing gold resource throughout the world. The effect will be that anew world currency base is developing.Inevitable conclusion based on the Revelation.
A Major Shift in Training in God's Kingdom Plan. We must develop creative skills! We must become sensitive to the problems of people.We must address every obstacle as a challenge with a solution that is available. AKA the people, not money We must not fear causes because we know the Spirit can produce results through us.
We must be motivated by a covenant expression of God's plan in the earth through His vision rather than through money.If he would have said this at the beginning, he would not have needed to print everything before this point? We must be adaptable and observant to the changes around us. We must see the world around us differently, ask a lot of questions, and synthesize things from an intuitive perspective. We must become a fluent, flexible and imaginative people who are not afraid to be original and divergent in our thinking processes. So long as we are not divergent from God's plans.
We Must Align and Be Trained for the Future! God has a battle array and an order that will reflect His holiness in days ahead. We will have a new vocabulary, a new presentation of identity, and a new dimension of authority as we enter the next season. i don't understand this.. Our identity in Christ is unchanging, so I don't know what he is talking about... Furthermore, there is "nothing new under the sun." So again, I just don't get this paragraph. New trainingstructures are being developed to help God's people understand theircovenant blessing and spiritual inheritance.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Trust and Obey (Medium Reading)
Today's Medium Reading: Psalm 119
_____________________________
Today I ready Psalm 119 in the paraphrased Living Bible. I felt this text provided an easier read for the longest psalm in Scripture, yet it also was a rewarding flow.
Many theologians have looked at Psalm 119 and tried to analyze a common theme. The length of the psalm makes it difficult to assign one particular observation. However, the general observations within the text are: the greatness of the law, the happiness of obedience, closeness to God, the desire for protection, and the desire for help.
As I read the psalm, I asked God to give me insight into the understanding of the passage and an application for me today. In answer to my prayer, God showed me an underlying theme in the Psalm.
The psalmist talks about his struggle to submit to the Law of God. He confesses that he has needed to be punished by God in order to truly appreciate the Law. He admits to walking away from God at times. Furthermore, he knows walking with God is the only way to true happiness. In verses 1 through 6 he writes of the happiness found in adherence to the law--the freedom from guilt.
While it is true, the psalmist wants to walk for God, he also reveals the difficulty of so doing. He describes his enemies, persecutors, and those who lay traps for him. He complains about feeling mocked by those who do not follow God. By his own prayer, we observe he was in poor health, oppressed, and angry with the people around him. There is a revealed fleshly side to the person who wants and proclaims to only obey the law.
In many respects, the psalmist is not that different than people today. We profess to want to follow God, we know that is the best for our lives, and yet we continually struggle with our flesh. In our flesh, we consider the opinions of man over those of God. We have a tendency to worry too much about our own well being. Furthermore, we allow anger and bitterness to rise in our hearts against those who have offended us.
If we are truly to follow God, we must give up everything to be his disciples. In the Gospels, Jesus makes it clear that if we do not completely surrender to God by dying to self, we are not fit to be his disciples. As the psalmist prays to God, he reveals his own heart and the baggage to which he is clinging. All the psalmist must do, all we must do, is let go and give our hurts, our desires, our struggles to Jesus.
Jesus will take away our burdens and the condemnation. Like the psalmist writes, we will experience the happiness and lack of guilt when we follow God in total surrender.
_____________________________
Today I ready Psalm 119 in the paraphrased Living Bible. I felt this text provided an easier read for the longest psalm in Scripture, yet it also was a rewarding flow.
Many theologians have looked at Psalm 119 and tried to analyze a common theme. The length of the psalm makes it difficult to assign one particular observation. However, the general observations within the text are: the greatness of the law, the happiness of obedience, closeness to God, the desire for protection, and the desire for help.
As I read the psalm, I asked God to give me insight into the understanding of the passage and an application for me today. In answer to my prayer, God showed me an underlying theme in the Psalm.
The psalmist talks about his struggle to submit to the Law of God. He confesses that he has needed to be punished by God in order to truly appreciate the Law. He admits to walking away from God at times. Furthermore, he knows walking with God is the only way to true happiness. In verses 1 through 6 he writes of the happiness found in adherence to the law--the freedom from guilt.
While it is true, the psalmist wants to walk for God, he also reveals the difficulty of so doing. He describes his enemies, persecutors, and those who lay traps for him. He complains about feeling mocked by those who do not follow God. By his own prayer, we observe he was in poor health, oppressed, and angry with the people around him. There is a revealed fleshly side to the person who wants and proclaims to only obey the law.
In many respects, the psalmist is not that different than people today. We profess to want to follow God, we know that is the best for our lives, and yet we continually struggle with our flesh. In our flesh, we consider the opinions of man over those of God. We have a tendency to worry too much about our own well being. Furthermore, we allow anger and bitterness to rise in our hearts against those who have offended us.
If we are truly to follow God, we must give up everything to be his disciples. In the Gospels, Jesus makes it clear that if we do not completely surrender to God by dying to self, we are not fit to be his disciples. As the psalmist prays to God, he reveals his own heart and the baggage to which he is clinging. All the psalmist must do, all we must do, is let go and give our hurts, our desires, our struggles to Jesus.
Jesus will take away our burdens and the condemnation. Like the psalmist writes, we will experience the happiness and lack of guilt when we follow God in total surrender.
Keeping Your Word (Light Reading)
Today's Light Reading: Numbers 30 (Vows)
_________________________________
In reading through this passage, God gives pretty stern instructions regarding the keeping of vows. While he does provide a few safeguards for women making vows, God makes it clear that he expects vows to be taken seriously.
Humanity must have a hidden need buried deep within the soul. This need causes people to feel they have to validate their commitments by arbitrarily making vows. I have known several people who have made vows that God did not require of them. I even knew a minister who made a vow to keep preaching as a show of his obedience to God. In reality, God wanted him to stop preaching! It turned out to be a very ugly situation to say the least.
When we turn our attentions to Scripture we see another example of making a hasty vow in the person of Jephthah. In Judges 11 we learn the story of this mighty warrior who felt the need to prove his appreciation to God by vowing to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house. Of course, Jephthah never considered the first thing out of the house would be his beloved daughter rushing to greet her returning father. Again, good intentions resulted in an ugly situation.
God does not want people to make careless vows. In Ecclesiastes, He instructs that we should not make any vow than make a vow we cannot fulfill. Furthermore, the only vow God really wants from us is the vow of our faith in him. This vow requires no other proof of fidelity than our placing our lives into his hands.
_________________________________
In reading through this passage, God gives pretty stern instructions regarding the keeping of vows. While he does provide a few safeguards for women making vows, God makes it clear that he expects vows to be taken seriously.
Humanity must have a hidden need buried deep within the soul. This need causes people to feel they have to validate their commitments by arbitrarily making vows. I have known several people who have made vows that God did not require of them. I even knew a minister who made a vow to keep preaching as a show of his obedience to God. In reality, God wanted him to stop preaching! It turned out to be a very ugly situation to say the least.
When we turn our attentions to Scripture we see another example of making a hasty vow in the person of Jephthah. In Judges 11 we learn the story of this mighty warrior who felt the need to prove his appreciation to God by vowing to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house. Of course, Jephthah never considered the first thing out of the house would be his beloved daughter rushing to greet her returning father. Again, good intentions resulted in an ugly situation.
God does not want people to make careless vows. In Ecclesiastes, He instructs that we should not make any vow than make a vow we cannot fulfill. Furthermore, the only vow God really wants from us is the vow of our faith in him. This vow requires no other proof of fidelity than our placing our lives into his hands.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Burdens or Blessings?
Today's Readings: Numbers 28 -29 (Instructions Concerning Offerings)
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Modern Christians often neglect paying any attention to biblical feasts. We happily embrace Paul's concept of freedom and abandon any formal recognition of God's instructions in these two chapters of Numbers. I confess, as I read through the chapters my mind screamed, "I can barely keep on top of prayer and scriptures reading, how was anyone supposed to keep track of so many obligations and events?!" I know I am not the only one with these thoughts...
The long list of sacrifices and feasts seem to me to be a great burden of responsibility. While God had revealed himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God's reigning relationship with the "nation" of Israel was relatively young at this point in history. It seems like an unfair introduction: "Hi, I'm your God, now do all this stuff..."
As I thought more about God's instructions to the Israelites, however, I realized God was not trying to overburden his people. As I asked God to convey to me the meaning of the passage, He showed me the analogy that this was his form of a "Master's Commission" on worship. The People of Israel were coming from a diverse religious background. Released from the tyranny of Egyptian oppression, the Israelites were saturated with Egyptian polytheism and steeped in their practices of idolatry. If the LORD was going to be the God of Israel, his people needed to know how to worship him in, what Jesus would later define as, "spirit and truth." God wanted to provide his children with a starting point for worshipping him. A means for them to begin the process of focusing on him, his character, and his will. A means for the people to recognize their shortcomings, seek atonement, and praise the LORD.
This type of "schooling" was absolutely necessary for the people of Israel. How else could they build a foundation for understanding their God? How else could they prepare the way for the Messiah, who would build the ultimate platform for understanding God?
The list of obligations in Numbers 28-29 were God's way of leading his people into blessing. When we worship God, we are blessed by the ministry of his presence. Today, we are not bound by these obligations because the pattern or model of worship has been established by Jesus Christ. He taught us how to internalize the spirit of worship without the necessity for the outward rituals. Furthermore, he provided the final sacrifice for the atonement of sin. However, there is much to be learned by the contemporary Church from these offerings and feasts.
Many churches today seem lost in the act of worshipping God. The heart of worship has been lost as people seek to generate an emotional experience around music, visual arts, or liturgy. Worship comes from the attitude of the heart, not the action of the body. Therefore, all that we do can be worship to God. For churches that have lost sight of true worship, a review of these instructions can be a healthy way to understand the God behind the activities.
____________________________________________________
Modern Christians often neglect paying any attention to biblical feasts. We happily embrace Paul's concept of freedom and abandon any formal recognition of God's instructions in these two chapters of Numbers. I confess, as I read through the chapters my mind screamed, "I can barely keep on top of prayer and scriptures reading, how was anyone supposed to keep track of so many obligations and events?!" I know I am not the only one with these thoughts...
The long list of sacrifices and feasts seem to me to be a great burden of responsibility. While God had revealed himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God's reigning relationship with the "nation" of Israel was relatively young at this point in history. It seems like an unfair introduction: "Hi, I'm your God, now do all this stuff..."
As I thought more about God's instructions to the Israelites, however, I realized God was not trying to overburden his people. As I asked God to convey to me the meaning of the passage, He showed me the analogy that this was his form of a "Master's Commission" on worship. The People of Israel were coming from a diverse religious background. Released from the tyranny of Egyptian oppression, the Israelites were saturated with Egyptian polytheism and steeped in their practices of idolatry. If the LORD was going to be the God of Israel, his people needed to know how to worship him in, what Jesus would later define as, "spirit and truth." God wanted to provide his children with a starting point for worshipping him. A means for them to begin the process of focusing on him, his character, and his will. A means for the people to recognize their shortcomings, seek atonement, and praise the LORD.
This type of "schooling" was absolutely necessary for the people of Israel. How else could they build a foundation for understanding their God? How else could they prepare the way for the Messiah, who would build the ultimate platform for understanding God?
The list of obligations in Numbers 28-29 were God's way of leading his people into blessing. When we worship God, we are blessed by the ministry of his presence. Today, we are not bound by these obligations because the pattern or model of worship has been established by Jesus Christ. He taught us how to internalize the spirit of worship without the necessity for the outward rituals. Furthermore, he provided the final sacrifice for the atonement of sin. However, there is much to be learned by the contemporary Church from these offerings and feasts.
Many churches today seem lost in the act of worshipping God. The heart of worship has been lost as people seek to generate an emotional experience around music, visual arts, or liturgy. Worship comes from the attitude of the heart, not the action of the body. Therefore, all that we do can be worship to God. For churches that have lost sight of true worship, a review of these instructions can be a healthy way to understand the God behind the activities.
Introduction to the Pastor's Desk
Welcome to the Pastor's Desk...
My name is Pastor Josh and I am not a traditional blogger by any means. However, I pastor an intimate church in Concordia, Missouri, named Faith Assembly. My desire is to foster personal devotion on a daily basis. To help set the example for my church, I decided I needed a place to post my thoughts in response to my daily Bible reading and prayer time. This allows others to see how I interact with God, receive encouragement, and learn how to interact with God themselves.
During this next season of my life, I will attempt to blog on a daily basis. Hopefully, with the forgiveness of a day or two here and there, I will remain faithful to posting.
You can use this blog for your daily devotional or as inspiration to spend your own time interacting with God.
My name is Pastor Josh and I am not a traditional blogger by any means. However, I pastor an intimate church in Concordia, Missouri, named Faith Assembly. My desire is to foster personal devotion on a daily basis. To help set the example for my church, I decided I needed a place to post my thoughts in response to my daily Bible reading and prayer time. This allows others to see how I interact with God, receive encouragement, and learn how to interact with God themselves.
During this next season of my life, I will attempt to blog on a daily basis. Hopefully, with the forgiveness of a day or two here and there, I will remain faithful to posting.
You can use this blog for your daily devotional or as inspiration to spend your own time interacting with God.
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