Set a hundred-fifty feet apart in a straight line, there were three fifteen-foot-tall stone lighthouses at Nauset Beach on the north Atlantic coast, which became known as “The Three Sisters of Nauset.” Many shipwrecks occurred at this location, so the three towers were built to warn sailors of the hazard. In the storm it was difficult to see any single lighthouse. The three lighthouses set in a row gave opportunity to see one if not the others. In the same way God has gives us lighthouses to understand his will. When these three luminaries are aligned they appear to us as one distinct light for safe direction to navigate God's will for our lives.
Holy Spirit – When king Belteshazzar sought understanding of his dream, for he perceived it to be a message from God, he inquired of Daniel the prophet, for he recognized, “... that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you” (Daniel 5:14 NKJV). The Holy Spirit himself can bring messages to us by dreams, visions, prophetic words, divine leading and any other way He chooses to, for He is God. All of the Spirit’s communication with us gives us divine direction in accordance with the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). As believers we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to give us the light of God’s will in a matter.
How does the Holy Spirit communicate with us personally? In the Spirit filled believer, the Holy Spirit has the ability to lead, guide and speak to us through our spirit's conscience, devotion and intuition. We are most familiar with His “still small” inner voice (I Kings 19:12). If you could describe it, it would sound like your spirit having an internal conversation with your soul. You are not talking to yourself. This is intercourse with the Holy Spirit. When we walk in obedience to this direction we are aligning ourselves with the will of God for our lives. If the Holy Spirit's voice was all we had and was properly discerned, it would be enough. But He gives us more light for our journey.
Word of God – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). The revealed Word of God is found in the Holy Bible. With the Holy Spirit ministering through God’s Word to us and through us to others, we are able to obtain terrific insight. What oil is to a lamp, or a battery is to a flashlight, so the Holy Spirit is to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is the power source of the Scriptures. In the darkness of ignorance that we all have concerning God’s will, the believer can find God’s Word to be a lamp near his feet illuminating his next step, and a light shining down the path to his future as he walks in obedience to its direction. Those who do not have the light of God’s Word in their lives find themselves groping in the dark, trying to feel their own way through existance.
We take the Word of God as His law for us to follow. “For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The moral law of God is still valid for new covenant believers in that obedience to it is an expression of true love for God and love for each other (Luke 10:27). Again, each of God’s holy ordinances becomes a low beam to help our near sightedness with the immediate decisions we must make, and the whole of Scripture becomes a farsighted high beam to help us set our course for safely reaching God’s destiny for our lives. The Bible is not afraid to show us the results of the lives who followed God's Word by faith, and those who did not.
Godly Examples – Now, if the first lighthouse is the Holy Spirit, and the second lighthouse is the Word of God, then what is the third? I’ve heard it said that the final lighthouse is our feelings and the emotional response we give to the other two lights that help us know we are in God’s will. But the “If it feels good, do it” philosophy is nothing more than reconstituted romanticism. I’ve heard others suggest it is the circumstances and situations of life that lend us guidance. Accepting circumstances contrary to the Word of God is not God’s perfect will for His children. While it may be true that we feel good about the direction we are taking, and while life's circumstances may even be playing out toward a divine direction, these would tend to be very unstable indicators of God’s will. Our emotions may lie to us, and we may even encounter adverse circumstances while moving in obedience to God’s will. Although emotions and circumstances may confirm God’s direction, I would not put a great deal of stock in these as instruments of guidance.
Next to God’s Spirit and God’s Word, the most trustworthy light for our path are the lives of many godly men and women who have gone before us. In all of the Gospels, Jesus repeated this phrase, “Follow me” (John 1:43). Of all the examples of godly living, the primary example is the life of Christ. Jesus is God who wrapped Himself in the flesh of human life for a time to set for us the flawless example of living out God’s perfect will, “that we should follow in his steps” (I Peter 2:21). Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of what God can do with a man fully yielded to the Spirit. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Christ is the perfect example, but we also have many other godly examples in Scripture and history of men and women who sacrificed to serve for the sake of the call of God on their lives. “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Paul boldly declared to other believers, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). So add to your devotional reading the biographies of believers who remained faithful and true to God’s divine direction to the end. Personally, I prefer reading "dead authors", because they can’t backslide. “But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). These three lighthouses will show clearly the way God has for us to go, and help us to walk in the prophetic.
We’ve all heard the legendary story of that thick foggy night when the Chief Officer of a tramp steamer was peering over the side of the bridge. Suddenly, to his intense surprise, he saw a man leaning over a rail, only a few yards ahead of him and on a collision course. “You confounded fool!” the Chief Officer roared, “Where do you think your ship is going. Don’t you know I have the right of way? Move!” Out of the gloom came a sarcastic voice, “This ain’t no blinkin’ ship. This here’s the lighthouse. You move!” When we are properly aligned with the lighthouses of God’s will, we will avoid life's shipwrecks and be able to observe Him move on our behalf.
When God moves in our favor, one preacher explained, He will work in one of three ways. God may intervene swiftly and supernaturally on our behalf to change our circumstances for His glory. This may come as a miracle act or event. Secondly, God will often choose to interact to meet our needs, by saying “If you will do this, I will do that.” This looks very much like a partnership between us and God. Although God is God and can do as He will, at times He chooses to cooperate with us to see a thing through. Finally, God’s will may be to inner-act within us. In so doing, God’s kind intention is not to change the circumstances, though we may pray in that way. When God inner-acts, He doesn’t alter your circumstances, rather He intends to change you in the circumstances. Knowing what God is up to can help us deal rightly with our times. Here God doesn’t calm the outward storm. He calms you in the storm. He’s changing your character. Apply yourself to seek to know God's will for your life today!
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hitting the Mark
Sin means to miss the mark. At the cross, Jesus Christ removed the sin issue from our lives. Through faith in Christ we are no longer condemned, and yet we daily struggle with sin in our lives. As I prayed and studied this out, I thought about six stages of spiritual growth and development for hitting the mark of God’s will in the believer’s life. I do not intend to make this into a “works doctrine”. It is in Christ and Christ alone that we have victory over sin. But with all of the spiritual weapons we have at our disposal, we must develop a skill set that demonstrates our proficiency in achieving mastery over sin - in other words, spiritual discipline.
A disciple is a student who learns and increases in knowledge, by listening, practicing, developing the habits of, and becoming accustomed to the ways of his teacher. As one scholar put it, “Disciples are made, not born.” Jesus spent three years of His earthly ministry making disciples. Then He commanded His disciples to go and teach all nations in the same way (Matthew 28:19). In this analogy I like the archer's arrow to the Word of God and the bow to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Taking Up Your Bow & Arrows – What if in the very first stage of our spiritual development, we recognize that we have a bow and arrow, but we never willfully pick them up or by faith attempt to do anything with them. Have we missed the mark? The Word of God is our ammunition, and the Spirit of God is our bow. If we never implement what has been given to us, we have missed the mark purely from not even trying. How many believers never truly take the Word of God in hand and search out the deep things of God? How many believers having the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, do not seek out an intimate relationship with Him?
When we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, He gives us everything we need to live out the life He has designed for us. Peter taught, “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” (II Peter 1:3). Everything we need to live the Christian life is already in us through Him.
Jesus said, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The fact that our salvation is paid for does not mean we are without obligation. We must take what God has given us and do something with it that truly honors Him. Christ is calling us to daily utilize our intelligence, gifts, talents, resources, time and abilities to glorify Him.
Please realize, if Satan can’t steal our salvation, then his next best strategy is to keep us so overwhelmed by the worries and the cares of this world (Luke 8:14) that we wind up being completely ineffective and unproductive for the kingdom of God (II Peter 1:8).
Taking Shots – In the second stage of spiritual development we pick up the bow and arrow, but attempt to use it randomly, firing off arrows here and there in an aimless manner. We are shooting at anything that moves, and not at the mark. All of this is like taking spiritual potshots. We’ve missed the mark, because although we now have the Word of God in our hand and the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have no clearly defined purpose or direction for our lives, and in this way we are quite dangerous to ourselves and others around us, but not dangerous for the Lord or against His enemy. We might accidently hit the mark, or accidently hit each other, but most of the time we just miss the mark.
Paul recognized how a new believer without spiritual guidance could find himself in this situation. He likened this to two other athletic endeavors. “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (I Corinthians 9:26). The runner doesn’t run with an uncertain direction, but races for the finish line. The boxer does not waste his energy on swinging without the intention of striking his opponent decisively. The wasted effort would sap all of the athlete’s strength. Too many believers are living aimless Christian lives without a true sense of their divine purpose.
Taking Aim – We are finally finished playing around with the bow and arrow, and eye the target, take aim, draw back the bow and fire. The first arrow is over range. The next falls down range. Another arrow goes to the left, the next veers to the right. We couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. At this stage we are trying to use the Word and operate in the Spirit for the right reasons and in the right way, but we are yet unskilled and untrained. Although we are to be commended for our efforts, we are far off the mark. Please remember, missing the mark for the believer does not equal condemnation, but it is keeping us from achieving God’s highest and best for our lives. Our failed attempts are a good thing in the sense that they teach us that we don’t know what we are doing. Realize that there is more to this than meets the eye, and we need help.
Where can we find the kind of help we need to learn to be on target with our Maker Creator’s design? The Psalmist declared, “My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). The Lord is ready to help us with whatever we need.
One of the first lessons we must learn is how to dial in our aim, by becoming intimately acquainted with our bow. Remember our bow is the Holy Spirit. Become sensitive to the Spirit of God, Who dwells within our human spirit. He is the presence and the power of God with us and in us. Just like our arm and bow must become one, so we must become one with the Spirit. In overcoming sinful behaviors, Paul gave this advice. “[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh … If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). It is difficult to do two things at the same and get good at either one. So we must concentrate on walking in the Spirit, instead of obsessing over sinful behaviors. One will overtake the other.
At this stage we don’t know everything, but the one thing we must know is how to love others as Jesus loved (I John 3:16). Although you may not have studied the whole Bible yet, and certainly haven’t perfected your skills, if you will strive to love, you will not be far off the mark.
Training and Skill Building – At the fourth stage we submit to formal training. We take an archery class at the junior college or the YMCA. In class we learn everything from the history of archery to some basic techniques in handling the bow and arrow. We are now taking archery more seriously, and even investing in some of our own equipment. We have become an enthusiast of the sport, and actually watch it on TV. We even go out and practice once or twice a week. But those who compete in the sport professionally are so much better than us. “How did they get to that level?” we wonder. In this spiritual analogy, we are becoming followers, but haven’t reached the proficiency of those we are learning from, because there is still so much more. This where we realize the importance of good spiritual leadership.
Training is important, and the expectation is certainly there in other areas of life. Why do we think the Christian life will just happen to us? Listen to what Paul said about spiritual training. “… Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next” (I Timothy 4:7-8 NLT). In other areas of life there are coaches, teacher, professors, mentors, personal trainers, sponsors, accountability partners. In discipleship we will need to submit ourselves to spiritual authority.
Every believer is not a disciple, because every believer doesn’t submit themselves to fully following in the Master’s footsteps. Our salvation in Christ is God’s free gift to us, but becoming a true disciple of Christ will cost us everything! Jesus didn’t pull any punches when said, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Are we ready for this?
Christ has blessed us with spiritual leadership in the church to functionally equip us for His service (Ephesians 4:11-12). These officers of the church are positioned to disciple and train the believers to multiply effective ministry.
Achieving Mastery – Have you ever watched Olympic Archery on television? Those guys are good! What do you think it would take to reach that level of expertise? It takes many hours of daily training and practice to achieve mastery of a sport like that. Even after submitting to a team coach, and also the tutelage of a personal trainer, just to qualify for an Olympic team would be an achievement in itself, let alone winning a gold medal. Why would we think it would be any less difficult to walk in the fullness of all that God has for us?
Paul again shares with us a tremendous insight about how a runner trains for his race. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible … But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (I Corinthians 9:24-25, 27). In the same way any athlete would train for their sport.
Mastery is the key to success in our spiritual walk. The fundamental principle of mastery has to do with becoming self-controlled in every area of our lives. Temperate means to be curbed, restrained in ones behavior. In a figure drawn from the Greek athletic games, the athletes in preparing themselves for their events willfully abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence. It was all part of putting forth a quality performance, so as to win, and not allow anything to disqualify them from the prize.
Now at this stage of mastering archery we are hitting the mark more than we are missing. We haven’t achieved perfection, but we’ve developed award winning skill. In competition we have our sights set on the ultimate goal, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith …” (Hebrews 12:2). Remember, we have this one goal, to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
At this higher level of performance, sin is not so much a matter of overcoming a habitually addictive lifestyle that holds us back, but rather to the master archer it is very small incremental adjustments that improve quality and technique. Archery has become an art of skillful detail. A bad shot is no longer bad simply because we missed, for we may have hit the mark, but violated a rule in the process, which is known as a fault. We could hit the mark, but accidently crossed the line with our foot. As it relates to spiritual conduct, this might be like speaking the truth, but without a loving attitude (Ephesians 4:15). The rules of the game are not meant to inhibit performance, but rather to enhance our ability to more accurately and consistently hit the mark. In athletic competition not following the rules is cause for disqualification.
Considering External Forces – To this point we have spent all of our time training in an enclosed arena, under controlled circumstances, take fixed targets and we decide to take our bow and arrow to the woods to do some real sportsman like hunting. Warning – we are entering an entirely different environment. When they refer to hitting the “bull’s eye”, now they really mean a bull’s eye. We will be targeting live game in the great outdoors. When we take aim and fire we miss, because we must shoot ahead of the moving target. We have great aim, but a twenty mile an hour gust of wind crosses our trajectory and we miss again. This is really frustrating, because in the arena we are an expert, but in the field there are new and different influences on our marksmanship. If we do not learn to take all of these external forces into consideration and adapt to our environment, we will miss the mark, like a rookie.
Can we see that we are now out in the real world? We're not sheltered in the church or a live-in recovery program. We aren’t cloistered at a church retreat, monastery or even isolated in a prison. We are in the world, but not of it, daily facing temptations and distractions that can hold us back, slow us down and impede our progress in accomplishing our goals. We must become spiritually disciplined to keep our focus and attention on the prize.
We are responsible to take all of our skills and abilities, and apply them to living in the real world. External forces may include, but are not limited to others around me, Satan’s temptations, fleshly desires and worldly influences. “… Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). To be released from all of these encumbrances gives us flexibility, agility and freedom of movement to adjust and adapt to various circumstances, and useful for the Master’s service in any situation. A simple rule of thumb is this, “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Conclusion
Can we see now what makes sin a sin? God isn’t out to ruin our enjoyment in life, but He is longing for us to come into the fullness of all that he has for us. Christ freely offers us new life in Him. What do we plan to do with this? Will we try to live the new life in our old way, or will we pursue the perfect purposes of God for our lives? We were chosen for salvation. Now, how will we choose to live?
There seems to be an imbalance in an overemphasis of grace today, to the denial of holiness. Grandma said, “Grace does not get rid of works; it produces them. It doesn’t make them unnecessary; it makes them possible.” We can confess our faith all we want, but we demonstrate our faith by what we do. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). We don’t want to just call ourselves Christians. We really want to live the Christ life!
A disciple is a student who learns and increases in knowledge, by listening, practicing, developing the habits of, and becoming accustomed to the ways of his teacher. As one scholar put it, “Disciples are made, not born.” Jesus spent three years of His earthly ministry making disciples. Then He commanded His disciples to go and teach all nations in the same way (Matthew 28:19). In this analogy I like the archer's arrow to the Word of God and the bow to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Taking Up Your Bow & Arrows – What if in the very first stage of our spiritual development, we recognize that we have a bow and arrow, but we never willfully pick them up or by faith attempt to do anything with them. Have we missed the mark? The Word of God is our ammunition, and the Spirit of God is our bow. If we never implement what has been given to us, we have missed the mark purely from not even trying. How many believers never truly take the Word of God in hand and search out the deep things of God? How many believers having the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, do not seek out an intimate relationship with Him?
When we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, He gives us everything we need to live out the life He has designed for us. Peter taught, “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” (II Peter 1:3). Everything we need to live the Christian life is already in us through Him.
Jesus said, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The fact that our salvation is paid for does not mean we are without obligation. We must take what God has given us and do something with it that truly honors Him. Christ is calling us to daily utilize our intelligence, gifts, talents, resources, time and abilities to glorify Him.
Please realize, if Satan can’t steal our salvation, then his next best strategy is to keep us so overwhelmed by the worries and the cares of this world (Luke 8:14) that we wind up being completely ineffective and unproductive for the kingdom of God (II Peter 1:8).
Taking Shots – In the second stage of spiritual development we pick up the bow and arrow, but attempt to use it randomly, firing off arrows here and there in an aimless manner. We are shooting at anything that moves, and not at the mark. All of this is like taking spiritual potshots. We’ve missed the mark, because although we now have the Word of God in our hand and the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have no clearly defined purpose or direction for our lives, and in this way we are quite dangerous to ourselves and others around us, but not dangerous for the Lord or against His enemy. We might accidently hit the mark, or accidently hit each other, but most of the time we just miss the mark.
Paul recognized how a new believer without spiritual guidance could find himself in this situation. He likened this to two other athletic endeavors. “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (I Corinthians 9:26). The runner doesn’t run with an uncertain direction, but races for the finish line. The boxer does not waste his energy on swinging without the intention of striking his opponent decisively. The wasted effort would sap all of the athlete’s strength. Too many believers are living aimless Christian lives without a true sense of their divine purpose.
Taking Aim – We are finally finished playing around with the bow and arrow, and eye the target, take aim, draw back the bow and fire. The first arrow is over range. The next falls down range. Another arrow goes to the left, the next veers to the right. We couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. At this stage we are trying to use the Word and operate in the Spirit for the right reasons and in the right way, but we are yet unskilled and untrained. Although we are to be commended for our efforts, we are far off the mark. Please remember, missing the mark for the believer does not equal condemnation, but it is keeping us from achieving God’s highest and best for our lives. Our failed attempts are a good thing in the sense that they teach us that we don’t know what we are doing. Realize that there is more to this than meets the eye, and we need help.
Where can we find the kind of help we need to learn to be on target with our Maker Creator’s design? The Psalmist declared, “My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). The Lord is ready to help us with whatever we need.
One of the first lessons we must learn is how to dial in our aim, by becoming intimately acquainted with our bow. Remember our bow is the Holy Spirit. Become sensitive to the Spirit of God, Who dwells within our human spirit. He is the presence and the power of God with us and in us. Just like our arm and bow must become one, so we must become one with the Spirit. In overcoming sinful behaviors, Paul gave this advice. “[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh … If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). It is difficult to do two things at the same and get good at either one. So we must concentrate on walking in the Spirit, instead of obsessing over sinful behaviors. One will overtake the other.
At this stage we don’t know everything, but the one thing we must know is how to love others as Jesus loved (I John 3:16). Although you may not have studied the whole Bible yet, and certainly haven’t perfected your skills, if you will strive to love, you will not be far off the mark.
Training and Skill Building – At the fourth stage we submit to formal training. We take an archery class at the junior college or the YMCA. In class we learn everything from the history of archery to some basic techniques in handling the bow and arrow. We are now taking archery more seriously, and even investing in some of our own equipment. We have become an enthusiast of the sport, and actually watch it on TV. We even go out and practice once or twice a week. But those who compete in the sport professionally are so much better than us. “How did they get to that level?” we wonder. In this spiritual analogy, we are becoming followers, but haven’t reached the proficiency of those we are learning from, because there is still so much more. This where we realize the importance of good spiritual leadership.
Training is important, and the expectation is certainly there in other areas of life. Why do we think the Christian life will just happen to us? Listen to what Paul said about spiritual training. “… Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next” (I Timothy 4:7-8 NLT). In other areas of life there are coaches, teacher, professors, mentors, personal trainers, sponsors, accountability partners. In discipleship we will need to submit ourselves to spiritual authority.
Every believer is not a disciple, because every believer doesn’t submit themselves to fully following in the Master’s footsteps. Our salvation in Christ is God’s free gift to us, but becoming a true disciple of Christ will cost us everything! Jesus didn’t pull any punches when said, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Are we ready for this?
Christ has blessed us with spiritual leadership in the church to functionally equip us for His service (Ephesians 4:11-12). These officers of the church are positioned to disciple and train the believers to multiply effective ministry.
Achieving Mastery – Have you ever watched Olympic Archery on television? Those guys are good! What do you think it would take to reach that level of expertise? It takes many hours of daily training and practice to achieve mastery of a sport like that. Even after submitting to a team coach, and also the tutelage of a personal trainer, just to qualify for an Olympic team would be an achievement in itself, let alone winning a gold medal. Why would we think it would be any less difficult to walk in the fullness of all that God has for us?
Paul again shares with us a tremendous insight about how a runner trains for his race. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible … But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (I Corinthians 9:24-25, 27). In the same way any athlete would train for their sport.
Mastery is the key to success in our spiritual walk. The fundamental principle of mastery has to do with becoming self-controlled in every area of our lives. Temperate means to be curbed, restrained in ones behavior. In a figure drawn from the Greek athletic games, the athletes in preparing themselves for their events willfully abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence. It was all part of putting forth a quality performance, so as to win, and not allow anything to disqualify them from the prize.
Now at this stage of mastering archery we are hitting the mark more than we are missing. We haven’t achieved perfection, but we’ve developed award winning skill. In competition we have our sights set on the ultimate goal, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith …” (Hebrews 12:2). Remember, we have this one goal, to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
At this higher level of performance, sin is not so much a matter of overcoming a habitually addictive lifestyle that holds us back, but rather to the master archer it is very small incremental adjustments that improve quality and technique. Archery has become an art of skillful detail. A bad shot is no longer bad simply because we missed, for we may have hit the mark, but violated a rule in the process, which is known as a fault. We could hit the mark, but accidently crossed the line with our foot. As it relates to spiritual conduct, this might be like speaking the truth, but without a loving attitude (Ephesians 4:15). The rules of the game are not meant to inhibit performance, but rather to enhance our ability to more accurately and consistently hit the mark. In athletic competition not following the rules is cause for disqualification.
Considering External Forces – To this point we have spent all of our time training in an enclosed arena, under controlled circumstances, take fixed targets and we decide to take our bow and arrow to the woods to do some real sportsman like hunting. Warning – we are entering an entirely different environment. When they refer to hitting the “bull’s eye”, now they really mean a bull’s eye. We will be targeting live game in the great outdoors. When we take aim and fire we miss, because we must shoot ahead of the moving target. We have great aim, but a twenty mile an hour gust of wind crosses our trajectory and we miss again. This is really frustrating, because in the arena we are an expert, but in the field there are new and different influences on our marksmanship. If we do not learn to take all of these external forces into consideration and adapt to our environment, we will miss the mark, like a rookie.
Can we see that we are now out in the real world? We're not sheltered in the church or a live-in recovery program. We aren’t cloistered at a church retreat, monastery or even isolated in a prison. We are in the world, but not of it, daily facing temptations and distractions that can hold us back, slow us down and impede our progress in accomplishing our goals. We must become spiritually disciplined to keep our focus and attention on the prize.
We are responsible to take all of our skills and abilities, and apply them to living in the real world. External forces may include, but are not limited to others around me, Satan’s temptations, fleshly desires and worldly influences. “… Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). To be released from all of these encumbrances gives us flexibility, agility and freedom of movement to adjust and adapt to various circumstances, and useful for the Master’s service in any situation. A simple rule of thumb is this, “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Conclusion
Can we see now what makes sin a sin? God isn’t out to ruin our enjoyment in life, but He is longing for us to come into the fullness of all that he has for us. Christ freely offers us new life in Him. What do we plan to do with this? Will we try to live the new life in our old way, or will we pursue the perfect purposes of God for our lives? We were chosen for salvation. Now, how will we choose to live?
There seems to be an imbalance in an overemphasis of grace today, to the denial of holiness. Grandma said, “Grace does not get rid of works; it produces them. It doesn’t make them unnecessary; it makes them possible.” We can confess our faith all we want, but we demonstrate our faith by what we do. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). We don’t want to just call ourselves Christians. We really want to live the Christ life!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Speaking Prophetically
“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
I Corinthians 14:3
This day I choose to prophesy. I have decided to stop speaking out of my own thoughts and opinions, and speak prophetically over my life and the lives of others around me. I have been created with the ability to form words that have the power to change lives and circumstances. The dynamic of the Holy Spirit dwells within me, discerning the heart of God over a matter or a person. I choose to prophesy.
I don’t know what you think of prophecy. Some relegate it strictly to foretelling the future. That is true, but that is not all it is. In a broader understanding, prophecy means to say before. Whenever I speak the word and the will of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I am operating in the gift of prophecy. Others see the gift of prophesy only as someone who might speak out over the congregation saying “Thus saieth the Lord …” Then they say to themselves “I can do that,” or “I won’t do that, so I must not have the gift of prophesy.” But, truth be told, we have the opportunity to speak prophetically every day. Whenever we refer to a person not according to what they were, or what they are, but to see them in light of what they will be with respect to God’s plan and purpose for their lives, that is prophecy. When I talk about my personal situation out of faith, based on the blessing and favor of the Lord over my life, I am prophesying.
The Apostle Paul desired that all believers would prophesy. And he set forth criteria in his letter to the Corinthians for New Testament prophecy. You can recognize prophetic words that are flowing from the throne of God, because they will always edify, exhort and comfort. This day I choose to speak prophetically
I choose to edify. To edify is to building up. The act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness and holiness is a person who is operating out of their prophetic ability. We need to speak God’s good, acceptable and perfect will over our lives, and the lives of those around us, in a constructive manner. A builder builds by design and with purpose. We need to tap into God’s Word as the Creator’s divine blue print for our lives. He is building us to be the temple for His dwelling. Treating yourself and others as the temple of the Holy Spirit is an issue of respect for God’s work in each of us!
I choose to exhort. Exhorting is to address by admonishing or instructing for the purpose of persuading through arousing and stimulating the call of God on each of our lives. When we speak over the lives of others it is for the purpose of helping them. Building them up, not tearing them down. Whether by sermon, or lesson, or counsel, our words can be constructive or destructive. Either by the spoken or the written word, choose to constructively exhort. Over all the things that we can receive through our eyes and ears, filter out everything that does not edify. Think on these things …
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I choose to comfort. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to His disciples as the Comforter. Comfort is a calming and consoling, solace. You will recognize comfort for its refreshing, encouraging, and consoling qualities. We must seek to find the words that will bring the Lord’s comfort and encouragement. When we comfort we are operating out of the Spirit of Christ, for “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Oh, that we would choose to use our words in such a way that when we speak over ourselves and the lives of others that our words would release the purposes of God for His glory!
“Bless and curse not.”
Romans 12:14
I Corinthians 14:3
This day I choose to prophesy. I have decided to stop speaking out of my own thoughts and opinions, and speak prophetically over my life and the lives of others around me. I have been created with the ability to form words that have the power to change lives and circumstances. The dynamic of the Holy Spirit dwells within me, discerning the heart of God over a matter or a person. I choose to prophesy.
I don’t know what you think of prophecy. Some relegate it strictly to foretelling the future. That is true, but that is not all it is. In a broader understanding, prophecy means to say before. Whenever I speak the word and the will of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I am operating in the gift of prophecy. Others see the gift of prophesy only as someone who might speak out over the congregation saying “Thus saieth the Lord …” Then they say to themselves “I can do that,” or “I won’t do that, so I must not have the gift of prophesy.” But, truth be told, we have the opportunity to speak prophetically every day. Whenever we refer to a person not according to what they were, or what they are, but to see them in light of what they will be with respect to God’s plan and purpose for their lives, that is prophecy. When I talk about my personal situation out of faith, based on the blessing and favor of the Lord over my life, I am prophesying.
The Apostle Paul desired that all believers would prophesy. And he set forth criteria in his letter to the Corinthians for New Testament prophecy. You can recognize prophetic words that are flowing from the throne of God, because they will always edify, exhort and comfort. This day I choose to speak prophetically
I choose to edify. To edify is to building up. The act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness and holiness is a person who is operating out of their prophetic ability. We need to speak God’s good, acceptable and perfect will over our lives, and the lives of those around us, in a constructive manner. A builder builds by design and with purpose. We need to tap into God’s Word as the Creator’s divine blue print for our lives. He is building us to be the temple for His dwelling. Treating yourself and others as the temple of the Holy Spirit is an issue of respect for God’s work in each of us!
I choose to exhort. Exhorting is to address by admonishing or instructing for the purpose of persuading through arousing and stimulating the call of God on each of our lives. When we speak over the lives of others it is for the purpose of helping them. Building them up, not tearing them down. Whether by sermon, or lesson, or counsel, our words can be constructive or destructive. Either by the spoken or the written word, choose to constructively exhort. Over all the things that we can receive through our eyes and ears, filter out everything that does not edify. Think on these things …
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
I choose to comfort. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to His disciples as the Comforter. Comfort is a calming and consoling, solace. You will recognize comfort for its refreshing, encouraging, and consoling qualities. We must seek to find the words that will bring the Lord’s comfort and encouragement. When we comfort we are operating out of the Spirit of Christ, for “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Oh, that we would choose to use our words in such a way that when we speak over ourselves and the lives of others that our words would release the purposes of God for His glory!
“Bless and curse not.”
Romans 12:14
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Spiritual Songs
Now, I am not a song writer, but there have been times when I am singing in the spirit, and the Holy Spirit will give me the interpretation of the song that I am singing. They have never been published, but I have used them for years in personal worship. This one I want to share with you today
I was vacuuming the church sanctuary on a Monday morning and there was no one else around. The Hoover has a nice hum to it. I would take the pitch of the vacuum's hum and sing and worship in unknown tongues. Once while vacuuming and worshipping, these words came to me in an unbroken flow.
"Fall on this Rock and be broken.
Fall on this Rock and surrender.
For without Me you can do nothing.
For without Me you can do nothing.
For I have anointed you.
I have appointed you,
For this time,
And this hour,
And this place.
That if you will be found in Me,
Humbly bow down to Me.
If you will surrender,
Then I, I will remember."
Perhaps the Lord would minister this word to your heart today.
I was vacuuming the church sanctuary on a Monday morning and there was no one else around. The Hoover has a nice hum to it. I would take the pitch of the vacuum's hum and sing and worship in unknown tongues. Once while vacuuming and worshipping, these words came to me in an unbroken flow.
"Fall on this Rock and be broken.
Fall on this Rock and surrender.
For without Me you can do nothing.
For without Me you can do nothing.
For I have anointed you.
I have appointed you,
For this time,
And this hour,
And this place.
That if you will be found in Me,
Humbly bow down to Me.
If you will surrender,
Then I, I will remember."
Perhaps the Lord would minister this word to your heart today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A New Mind
The very first word of the good new preached by Jesus was “Repent!” (Matthew 4:17). F. F. Bruce described repentance as involving a turning with contrition from sin to God. He said “The repentant sinner is in the proper condition to accept the divine forgiveness." (The Acts of the Apostles [Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97.) This is so true, but what we see of Biblical repentance has more to do with changing your mind, or way of thinking and understanding. We need a new mind!
Paul reminded us in I Corinthians 2:16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Our lives are filled with our own ways of thinking. We base our understanding of things on personal life experience, education and our emotions. By using this particular mode of thinking and judging, our perspective on life are limited and often flawed. If this is true, then the choices we make with this rational can turn out to be big mistakes. As a new man, I have the ability now to put on a new mind - the mind of Christ.
In Christ Jesus I have the opportunity to set aside my old way of thinking and begin to reason from Jesus’ own way of thinking. Paul again instructs us by saying, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Now, this is a process. Although we have newly revived spirits, it takes time and effort to change our way of thinking. We have two helpers. There is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, who now lives within our spirits, and we have the Word of God which comes to us from without through a variety of different ways.
My grandmother told me about Dutch spring cleaning. When she was a little girl, every spring the family would empty the house of everything – and I do mean everything. Then they would scrub the inside of the house from floor to ceiling, and every cupboard and corner. After this they would white wash paint the interior walls. Finally they cleaned everything they had taken outside the house, than brought them back in one by one. Now they brought in only the things that they were going to keep. These had to be useful and beneficial, for they lived very simple lives on that old Indiana farm. What didn’t come back into the house got trashed, given away or sold. Imaging if we let the Holy Spirit scrub our souls with the Word of God and give us a good “brain washing,” in a manner of speaking. That is to cleanse our thought life by the “washing of water by the word” (Eph.5:26). This includes clearing up confusing and misleading ideas even about who God is.
My wife’s grandparents also did something similarly in Ohio. She remembered that throughout the year they were very careful about what they brought into the house, because sooner or later they would have to deal with it. We must also continually guard our minds for thoughts and influences that we will later have to deal with.
If the air and the water are polluted and can have unhealthy effects on us, how much can our thoughts be polluted by the negative ungodly influences of this fallen world? My car radio is set on KYCC, KLOVE and 770AM. These are Christian music and Bible teaching stations that lift my spirit and help to fill my mind with godly thoughts. Still I have to judge and discern biblical truth from error in all of that, and not take it at face value.
It is my job to put on a right mind. “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on … an helmet, the hope of salvation” (I Thes. 5:8). God provides His Word to me. It is a protective helmet over the thoughts of my mind. But I must take it off the shelf and actively apply it to my life. Listen to it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Teach it. Live it!
Paul reminded us in I Corinthians 2:16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Our lives are filled with our own ways of thinking. We base our understanding of things on personal life experience, education and our emotions. By using this particular mode of thinking and judging, our perspective on life are limited and often flawed. If this is true, then the choices we make with this rational can turn out to be big mistakes. As a new man, I have the ability now to put on a new mind - the mind of Christ.
In Christ Jesus I have the opportunity to set aside my old way of thinking and begin to reason from Jesus’ own way of thinking. Paul again instructs us by saying, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Now, this is a process. Although we have newly revived spirits, it takes time and effort to change our way of thinking. We have two helpers. There is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, who now lives within our spirits, and we have the Word of God which comes to us from without through a variety of different ways.
My grandmother told me about Dutch spring cleaning. When she was a little girl, every spring the family would empty the house of everything – and I do mean everything. Then they would scrub the inside of the house from floor to ceiling, and every cupboard and corner. After this they would white wash paint the interior walls. Finally they cleaned everything they had taken outside the house, than brought them back in one by one. Now they brought in only the things that they were going to keep. These had to be useful and beneficial, for they lived very simple lives on that old Indiana farm. What didn’t come back into the house got trashed, given away or sold. Imaging if we let the Holy Spirit scrub our souls with the Word of God and give us a good “brain washing,” in a manner of speaking. That is to cleanse our thought life by the “washing of water by the word” (Eph.5:26). This includes clearing up confusing and misleading ideas even about who God is.
My wife’s grandparents also did something similarly in Ohio. She remembered that throughout the year they were very careful about what they brought into the house, because sooner or later they would have to deal with it. We must also continually guard our minds for thoughts and influences that we will later have to deal with.
If the air and the water are polluted and can have unhealthy effects on us, how much can our thoughts be polluted by the negative ungodly influences of this fallen world? My car radio is set on KYCC, KLOVE and 770AM. These are Christian music and Bible teaching stations that lift my spirit and help to fill my mind with godly thoughts. Still I have to judge and discern biblical truth from error in all of that, and not take it at face value.
It is my job to put on a right mind. “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on … an helmet, the hope of salvation” (I Thes. 5:8). God provides His Word to me. It is a protective helmet over the thoughts of my mind. But I must take it off the shelf and actively apply it to my life. Listen to it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Teach it. Live it!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Other Prodigal
Many of us have prodigals in our lives. A prodigal is one who wastefully squanders what he has. The prodigal that we are most familiar with is the younger son who prematurely took his share of his father’s estate and carelessly consumed it all on immoral living. This led to poverty and the awakening of his conscience to repent and return his father’s house. But did you know there is more than one way to wastefully squander what you have in relation to the father? Did you know there was another prodigal?
The elder son was every bit as much a prodigal as the younger son. Although he never left home, never took advantage of his father, worked hard and was always obedient, he was a prodigal none the less. Clearly and almost justifiably, he was enraged at his father hosting a barbeque to welcome home the younger son. The elder son was jealous, bitter, resentful and unforgiving. But that isn’t what made him a prodigal.
At the appeal of his father to join the party, the elder son accused the father of NEVER throwing a party for him and his friends. The father never celebrated his faithful service. Never gave him so much as a goat, let alone the fatted calf. It is the father’s reply that reveals to us the reality that the elder son in his own way is a prodigal, too.
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31)
The elder son didn’t squander money, or consume rebellious living. The elder son wasted time and opportunity while sitting in the father’s house doing nothing. “ALL THAT I HAVE IS YOURS!” This was a true statement, for in the distribution of the father’s estate it would have been customary to will 1/3 to the younger son and 2/3 to the elder son. After the younger took his share and took off, the rest would befall to the elder son. While the younger squandered, the elder maintained the status quo. He lived a “get by” kind of life. He didn’t do too much. He didn’t do too little. Mediocrity might be the best description.
What hit me right between the eyes was this is like so many Christians today. We posses ALL the resources and assets of the kingdom of God. All that the father has is ours, now! We have the truth of the Word, the privilege of prayer, victory of the cross and the blood of Christ, resurrection power, the authority of the name of Jesus, protected with the armor of God and the constant abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide. What an utter waste if we relegate all of our divine inheritance into just showing up at church and paying our tithe. What a wasteful squandering of kingdom authority!
The five virgins were left behind for not being prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. The goats were separated from the sheep for doing nothing to help their brethren. The servant was judged by his master for burying his talent. He was convicted for being lazy. The seed sown among thorns produced no fruit due to the worries and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
While we are here, we have kingdom work to do, in kingdom authority. We are here to work the works of God while it is yet day, not bide our time to until we can get rescued out of here! Freely you have received freely give!
The elder son was every bit as much a prodigal as the younger son. Although he never left home, never took advantage of his father, worked hard and was always obedient, he was a prodigal none the less. Clearly and almost justifiably, he was enraged at his father hosting a barbeque to welcome home the younger son. The elder son was jealous, bitter, resentful and unforgiving. But that isn’t what made him a prodigal.
At the appeal of his father to join the party, the elder son accused the father of NEVER throwing a party for him and his friends. The father never celebrated his faithful service. Never gave him so much as a goat, let alone the fatted calf. It is the father’s reply that reveals to us the reality that the elder son in his own way is a prodigal, too.
“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:31)
The elder son didn’t squander money, or consume rebellious living. The elder son wasted time and opportunity while sitting in the father’s house doing nothing. “ALL THAT I HAVE IS YOURS!” This was a true statement, for in the distribution of the father’s estate it would have been customary to will 1/3 to the younger son and 2/3 to the elder son. After the younger took his share and took off, the rest would befall to the elder son. While the younger squandered, the elder maintained the status quo. He lived a “get by” kind of life. He didn’t do too much. He didn’t do too little. Mediocrity might be the best description.
What hit me right between the eyes was this is like so many Christians today. We posses ALL the resources and assets of the kingdom of God. All that the father has is ours, now! We have the truth of the Word, the privilege of prayer, victory of the cross and the blood of Christ, resurrection power, the authority of the name of Jesus, protected with the armor of God and the constant abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide. What an utter waste if we relegate all of our divine inheritance into just showing up at church and paying our tithe. What a wasteful squandering of kingdom authority!
The five virgins were left behind for not being prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. The goats were separated from the sheep for doing nothing to help their brethren. The servant was judged by his master for burying his talent. He was convicted for being lazy. The seed sown among thorns produced no fruit due to the worries and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
While we are here, we have kingdom work to do, in kingdom authority. We are here to work the works of God while it is yet day, not bide our time to until we can get rescued out of here! Freely you have received freely give!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Knowing God
How well do you know God? You may know about Him from what others have said. You may have done your own study and research on God, and have an academic knowledge of Him. You may even have intimate knowledge of Him based on your own personal relationship with Him.
There is yet another dimension to knowledge. It comes from the little Greek prefix “epi” as in “epi-gnosis,” which is to super-impose knowledge and thereby come to a complete and precise understanding. This knowledge is not general or informational. We have the opportunity to increase in correct spiritual knowledge (epi-gnosis) about God which is supernaturally imposed .
The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17 for believers, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epi-gnosis) of him.” We can study Him and know Him by His Word, the Holy Bible. But add to that the dimension of the indwelling presence of the God's Holy Spirit in our lives as believers. With the Spirit’s help, by giving gifts of wisdom and revelation, we can “know him better” (NIV).
When I learned about this kind of knowledge (epi-gnosis) - the super-imposition of understanding - it reminded me of my souvenir collection. Whenever I go on a trip I try to find the cheapest souvenir. I discovered for fifty-one cents I can get a smashed penny. Into the machine I put my two quarters and a copper penny which already has the image of President Lincoln. After I crank the handle it comes out of the machine thinner, stretched and with the new image of a landmark. Although there is the faint and distorted old image of Mr. Lincoln on the back, the new impression on the front is now prominent. Is that what happens when we come to the knowledge of Christ? When we seek God by the Spirit and the Word, we want to know and understand who Jesus is to us. We want to discover what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives. This kind of seeking changes us as God stamps His divine image on our lives! The dominant image then becomes “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). With this new understanding of our relationship with God, our true identity is solidified. His life becomes our life. His identity becomes our identity. His nature becomes our nature. His love becomes our love. By putting our faith in Him, we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).
This super-imposition is about searching out the things of God through His Spirit within us until we become a part of Him; a partner with Him, and become a full participant in Him. Knowing the truth about God has the power to change our lives. Not through mere informational or intellectual ascent, but by the Spirit's gift of revelation knowledge. In seeking the Lord, we are being impressed upon by the Holy Spirit to come to the full and complete “knowledge (epi-gnosis) of the Son” (Eph. 4:13).
There is yet another dimension to knowledge. It comes from the little Greek prefix “epi” as in “epi-gnosis,” which is to super-impose knowledge and thereby come to a complete and precise understanding. This knowledge is not general or informational. We have the opportunity to increase in correct spiritual knowledge (epi-gnosis) about God which is supernaturally imposed .
The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17 for believers, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epi-gnosis) of him.” We can study Him and know Him by His Word, the Holy Bible. But add to that the dimension of the indwelling presence of the God's Holy Spirit in our lives as believers. With the Spirit’s help, by giving gifts of wisdom and revelation, we can “know him better” (NIV).
When I learned about this kind of knowledge (epi-gnosis) - the super-imposition of understanding - it reminded me of my souvenir collection. Whenever I go on a trip I try to find the cheapest souvenir. I discovered for fifty-one cents I can get a smashed penny. Into the machine I put my two quarters and a copper penny which already has the image of President Lincoln. After I crank the handle it comes out of the machine thinner, stretched and with the new image of a landmark. Although there is the faint and distorted old image of Mr. Lincoln on the back, the new impression on the front is now prominent. Is that what happens when we come to the knowledge of Christ? When we seek God by the Spirit and the Word, we want to know and understand who Jesus is to us. We want to discover what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives. This kind of seeking changes us as God stamps His divine image on our lives! The dominant image then becomes “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). With this new understanding of our relationship with God, our true identity is solidified. His life becomes our life. His identity becomes our identity. His nature becomes our nature. His love becomes our love. By putting our faith in Him, we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).
This super-imposition is about searching out the things of God through His Spirit within us until we become a part of Him; a partner with Him, and become a full participant in Him. Knowing the truth about God has the power to change our lives. Not through mere informational or intellectual ascent, but by the Spirit's gift of revelation knowledge. In seeking the Lord, we are being impressed upon by the Holy Spirit to come to the full and complete “knowledge (epi-gnosis) of the Son” (Eph. 4:13).
Monday, May 18, 2009
Is God Dead?
The cover of Time Magazine, April 8, 1966 featured three disturbing words. “IS GOD DEAD?” Although the vast majority of American’s say they believe in God, the real question is what do they believe about God? The article sited several ideas from “on the street” interviews.
- Scientist - “God, if anything, is hydrogen and carbon. Then again, he might be
thermonuclear fission, since that’s what makes life on this planet possible.”
- Prostitute – “God will get me out of this filth one day. He is a God of mercy, dressed all in
white and sitting on a golden throne.”
- Cleaning Lady – “God is a ghost floating in space.”
- Screenwriter – “God is an infantile fantasy, which was necessary when men did not
understand what lightning was. God is a cop-out.”
- Janitor – “God is like a fiery flame, so white that it can blind you.”
- Seminary Student – “God is all that I cannot understand.”
- Another Scientist – “God is the totality of harmony of the universe.”
- Playwright – “It is the voice which says, ‘It’s not good enough’ – that’s what God is.”
- Civil Servant – “God is a lot like he was explained to us as children. As an older man, who is
just and who can get angry at us. I know this isn’t the true picture, but it’s the only one I’ve
got.”
What is wrong with this picture? Things haven’t changed much over the years. Too many people are coming to God with their own ideas about who He is. He is not who we think He is. He is not who other people say He is. God is who He said He is. God is not dead, but if people put faith is a confused misunderstanding of God, I’m afraid they will be terribly disappointed.
In his book, “When God Doesn’t Make Sense,” Dr. James Dobson said, “There is no greater distress in human experience than to build one’s entire way of life on a certain theological understanding, and then have it collapse at a time of unusual stress and pain.” Did God fail, or did an individual’s misconception of God fail?
Who is God? What is His true identity? A person can be identified by personal I.D., fingerprints, blood type, dental records, or DNA. God’s identity is to be discovered in a diligent search for Him in the pages of the Bible, with the help of the Holy Spirit. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah saying,
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will
be found of you.” (Jeremiah. 29:13)
Our faith is only as good as the God we put our trust in. My book, "IDENTIFYING GOD" is designed to be a training course in identity. The study series begins with identifying God. In order to know who we are, we must first know who God is and why He made us - what our purpose is in Him. After identifying God, we can identify the believer. When we understand what the ministry of the believer is, we can then identify the ministry of the Church, and begin working together as one.
I am a fellow seeker, a fellow struggler. This has been a personal study for me that I would like to share with you. My search begins by understanding the knowledge of truth. The direction that my study takes investigates the meaning of the seven proper names for God from Old Testament Hebrew. These can help us to define the nature, character and authority of God. You will also gain a perspective of the kind of relationship that He wants to have with us. From this vantage point, you will get a clear perspective of who Jesus Christ is in relation to God. Finally, you will meet the Holy Spirit and discovery His divine attributes and manifestations.
These lessons are intended to be an introduction to the unique and personal relationship God wants to have with each of us. It is not my intention to be exhaustive, as the mystery of who God is must become a lifelong pursuit. If time spent in my book helps you to get off to a great start in your faith, or fills in the gaps of a partial understanding of the Lord, and thereby improves your relationship with Him, than the many hour spent in study and preparation have been worth it all.
May you be blessed and greatly rewarded in your diligent pursuit of the true and living God.
Check out my book "IDENTIFYING GOD at www.edhan-idgod.vpweb.com
- Scientist - “God, if anything, is hydrogen and carbon. Then again, he might be
thermonuclear fission, since that’s what makes life on this planet possible.”
- Prostitute – “God will get me out of this filth one day. He is a God of mercy, dressed all in
white and sitting on a golden throne.”
- Cleaning Lady – “God is a ghost floating in space.”
- Screenwriter – “God is an infantile fantasy, which was necessary when men did not
understand what lightning was. God is a cop-out.”
- Janitor – “God is like a fiery flame, so white that it can blind you.”
- Seminary Student – “God is all that I cannot understand.”
- Another Scientist – “God is the totality of harmony of the universe.”
- Playwright – “It is the voice which says, ‘It’s not good enough’ – that’s what God is.”
- Civil Servant – “God is a lot like he was explained to us as children. As an older man, who is
just and who can get angry at us. I know this isn’t the true picture, but it’s the only one I’ve
got.”
What is wrong with this picture? Things haven’t changed much over the years. Too many people are coming to God with their own ideas about who He is. He is not who we think He is. He is not who other people say He is. God is who He said He is. God is not dead, but if people put faith is a confused misunderstanding of God, I’m afraid they will be terribly disappointed.
In his book, “When God Doesn’t Make Sense,” Dr. James Dobson said, “There is no greater distress in human experience than to build one’s entire way of life on a certain theological understanding, and then have it collapse at a time of unusual stress and pain.” Did God fail, or did an individual’s misconception of God fail?
Who is God? What is His true identity? A person can be identified by personal I.D., fingerprints, blood type, dental records, or DNA. God’s identity is to be discovered in a diligent search for Him in the pages of the Bible, with the help of the Holy Spirit. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah saying,
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will
be found of you.” (Jeremiah. 29:13)
Our faith is only as good as the God we put our trust in. My book, "IDENTIFYING GOD" is designed to be a training course in identity. The study series begins with identifying God. In order to know who we are, we must first know who God is and why He made us - what our purpose is in Him. After identifying God, we can identify the believer. When we understand what the ministry of the believer is, we can then identify the ministry of the Church, and begin working together as one.
I am a fellow seeker, a fellow struggler. This has been a personal study for me that I would like to share with you. My search begins by understanding the knowledge of truth. The direction that my study takes investigates the meaning of the seven proper names for God from Old Testament Hebrew. These can help us to define the nature, character and authority of God. You will also gain a perspective of the kind of relationship that He wants to have with us. From this vantage point, you will get a clear perspective of who Jesus Christ is in relation to God. Finally, you will meet the Holy Spirit and discovery His divine attributes and manifestations.
These lessons are intended to be an introduction to the unique and personal relationship God wants to have with each of us. It is not my intention to be exhaustive, as the mystery of who God is must become a lifelong pursuit. If time spent in my book helps you to get off to a great start in your faith, or fills in the gaps of a partial understanding of the Lord, and thereby improves your relationship with Him, than the many hour spent in study and preparation have been worth it all.
May you be blessed and greatly rewarded in your diligent pursuit of the true and living God.
Check out my book "IDENTIFYING GOD at www.edhan-idgod.vpweb.com
Saturday, May 9, 2009
PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF ED HAN
There are miracles everywhere that need to tell their story of the life changing power of Jesus Christ. Let these excerpts from my life inspire you to share what the Lord has done for you!
Salvation
At nine years old, I was seated second row from the back with my mother at church. The minister was presenting a chalk talk about Jesus’ crucifixion at Mount Calvary. When the lighting changed, from the drawing of that rugged hill appeared a portrait of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The minister asked if anyone wanted to receive Christ for salvation. Something struck me deep inside. I didn’t know much at that young age, but I knew I was a sinner and I needed a savior. I raised my hand in response to his invitation, but he didn’t see me. Driving home in the family’s VW van on that summer Sunday morning in 1971, I asked my mother, “What do you do after you raise your hand?” As soon as we got home, she took me in the back room, sat me on the end of the bed, and explained God’s love for me in sending His Son to suffer and die that I might be saved. Then she led me in a prayer to receive Christ as my Savior. I experienced an immediate change deep in my conscience, as I became aware of the still small voice of the Spirit guiding me.
My father was furious when he heard the news. “A boy can’t understand that kind of commitment!” But day by day he began to witness a life that was truly changed by the power of God. He began to see it in my servant’s heart and loving attitude. About a year later my parents divorced. I felt confused, but not alone. I hungered for fellowship with God, and prayed every day to draw closer to him. In the summer months I would hop on my bike and ride to the Christian bookstore in the mall, where they had gospel tracks, Jesus pencils and non-stop Christian music playing. I would spend hours in the store. People were friendly, and I felt closer to God there than at home surrounded by my family’s crisis.
Calling
My grandparents were faithful servants of the Lord, who superintended the Gospel Rescue Mission. I was twelve when I announced to my grandmother I had been reading a New Testament Living Bible, and I felt like God was calling me into the ministry. She was quick to explain how God used Jesus to teach the teachers in the temple even at my age. “If God could use Jesus,” she proclaimed “then God can use you!” I received her words of wisdom, and made a commitment to dedicate myself to the Lord’s service.
It wasn’t long after that when my grandfather approached me saying, “The preacher for tonight’s service can’t make it. Do you want to bring the message tonight?” Before I really thought about what he was asking I said yes. The only Bible verse I really knew was John 3:16, so I read the verse a few times and prayed for the Lord to help me. That night I was nervous. When my grandfather introduced me I started in to my message. I don’t remember what I shared, but he said the longer I preached the louder I got. Three decisions for Christ were made that night. I thank God that he can use anybody – even me.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
By the age of sixteen, I was doing everything I knew to do to serve the Lord. Taking my Bible to school, I had many opportunities to witness to teachers and students on campus every day. When summer rolled around I hooked up with a school friend and we started a visitation ministry in our youth group. We were so thrilled with how God was using us to minister that we stopped by the high school for a prayer meeting. It was a summer evening and there was nobody around. As it was turning dark, we sat in the grassy quad area and prayed. I think I spoke about every praise phrase I knew, expressing my heartfelt thanks to the Lord. When I said the “amen,” my friend began to pray. While he was talking to the Lord, the Lord was talking to me. “Did you say everything you wanted to say?” To be honest, there was more in me than I had the ability to express. I felt like a bottle, sealed tight and all shaken up with carbonation, just waiting to explode. Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke again in a whisper from within me, “I have a gift for you.” A Bible verse immediately came to mind “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” (Romans 8:26). Then I knew what He was talking about. As soon as my friend was through praying, I asked him to pray for me to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
He took my hands and prayed. Then he began to speak over me in a language I couldn’t understand. That same still small voice spoke to me again, “Speak this sound and I will give you the rest.” The Spirit gave me a short “i” sound. I felt foolish to speak it out, but I stepped out in faith anyway. When I spoke it out a fluid language began to flow from me. In a matter of seconds I was singing in a language I had never learned. It was dark out now and my eyes were closed. But inwardly I was being flood with light. I walked away from that experience with a peace and joy in the Lord I had never known before.
I can only say that from that moment on the power of the Holy Spirit began to operate in my life. I can’t say what happens to others, but for me, when I received the power of the Spirit all of the gifts of the Spirit became operational through me. I could tell stories about how every one of the gifts from I Corinthians 12:8-10 began to function in me as the Spirit led.
Street Evangelism
Hanging out with a friend one night, shortly after I had received the Spirit’s power, we drove down the Avenue where the young people would cruise. He suggested we get out on the street and witness to them about Christ. I had shared my faith many times, but going out on the rough streets was a new experience. We parked at a fast-food place and prayed. We grabbed our Bibles and headed down the street. It seem like the street was full of youth, but when we walked down the street no one was out. We crossed the street and headed back, and I thought we were home free, when we encountered a group of partying teens. I took about three steps in front of my friend and walked right on by. Basically, I chickened out. When my friend pasted them, one guy yelled out, “Hey, is that a Bible in your hand?” My friend froze. He looked at me, than looked at them. Then he turned around and followed me.
We got back to the car, and it was quiet all the way home. We parked in front of my house, and then broke down weeping and praying for God to give us boldness to reach our generation for Christ. In our failure God emboldened us with a commission to take that street for Christ. For the next two years we went out faithfully every Friday night, and took many more friends with us to reach out to lost young people in our city. Some lives where changed for Christ, but mostly we were changed as we realized God was able to use us if we were willing to serve.
Business –Yellow Pages
I’d been in the ministry for twelve years, but had no business experience, when my wife and I had an opportunity to acquire a yellow page publication. I had worked in sales with the publisher a year and a half when he was going to sell one of his directories. He accepted our offer, and we were soon to be in business. About two weeks prior to launching out on our own, the boss said, “I can’t sell the book.” At this news my heart sank. He went on to explain, “But you are the only one who knows. At the distribution of my last book, I am going to send out thank you letters to our clients. All you have to do is send a follow up letter explaining you are the new phone book in town, and pick up where I left off.” He wasn’t selling the phone directory to us. He was giving it to us.
We did as he instructed and God blessed us beyond our expectations. I asked God why He would honor us in such a way. I believe He said it was His gift to us for years of faithful service for Him. At that point we felt lead to do something we had never done before. We began to tithe in faith, not what we earned from advertising sales, but rather tithe based in what we needed. This we did for our first full year in business. Our revenue doubled over the next five years. It was at that time that another publisher offered to buy the phone book for ten times what the original published offered to sell it to us for. We believe God honored His Word of blessing in putting Him first in our business. We have since carried these lessons with us into our insurance business and other ministry endeavors.
Writing
I was just coming out of a dry season in my spiritual life. I have always tried to be faithful and committed in the Lord’s service. My wife’s sister had a word from the Lord for us. “New beginnings. New ministry.” We graciously received it and put it on the “prayer shelf” for further consideration. Several weeks later there came a prophetic word from an evangelist who called me out during a service in an unusual way. This prophecy confirmed the first message. Then, a New Year message from another evangelist urged us to prayerfully write down the ten things God wanted to do through us in 2007. The next morning I set out to complete this task. When I wrote down number 4 “write a book,” the whole idea of it immediately began to unfold. A couple of Sunday nights later a ministry friend was our guest speaker. When I went to greet him before the service, he said, “I had a dream about you. I was with you while you were teaching, and all of a sudden light flooded the room.” These prophetic words inspired the spiritual direction for my first book.
I can’t make prophetic words come to pass, but I can prepare myself for their fulfillment, and obey the Spirit’s leading. Then I had to get to work. I have to thank my beloved wife Lorri and all of our eight children for their patient understanding, as time was taken from them to accomplish the first of many manuscripts.
My book, “Identifying God” is an introductory study especially for seekers and new believers on the nature, character and authority of the God of the Bible. I am currently working on book two, “Identifying the Believer” which should be self-published like the first book by the end of this year. May these writings bless the body of Christ, and be a legacy of our family faith and trust in Christ Jesus.
Business Men’s Fellowship
After the completion of my first self-published book, the Lord laid on my heart to get in touch with the chapter president of Business Men’s Fellowship and find out when and where the next meeting was to be held. When he explained the meetings had been disbanded, I told him we had to get started again, because the Lord told me to get involved. We then began to contact the business people that we knew to gather them together and share the vision. BMF is thriving in a down economy and a hard hit community, because God’s plan is to “prosper … and to give us a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
During a prayer retreat with BMF leadership, the Lord laid something new on my heart. “Take another business man and go for a prayer walk in one of the business districts.” The first one that came to mind was the Avenue I use to witness on when I was a teenager, known as “the Miracle Mile.” With Answer Magazines in hand we walk and pray from storefront to storefront each week, simple introducing ourselves thus … “I’m Ed and this is Jack. We are with the Business Men’s Fellowship. We are not selling anything. But is there anything we can pray with you about?” Business people have been warm and inviting when they realize we have come to bring hope to a hurting community. We have prayed with people in their stores and on the streets to know the Lord and for God to help meet their needs.
We’ve got a lot to give, and this is the time when people are open and they need it the most. We have “The Answer” that people are looking for. Thank you for the privilege of share God’s grace and power to use me, as he wants to use you, too.
To be continued ...
Salvation
At nine years old, I was seated second row from the back with my mother at church. The minister was presenting a chalk talk about Jesus’ crucifixion at Mount Calvary. When the lighting changed, from the drawing of that rugged hill appeared a portrait of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The minister asked if anyone wanted to receive Christ for salvation. Something struck me deep inside. I didn’t know much at that young age, but I knew I was a sinner and I needed a savior. I raised my hand in response to his invitation, but he didn’t see me. Driving home in the family’s VW van on that summer Sunday morning in 1971, I asked my mother, “What do you do after you raise your hand?” As soon as we got home, she took me in the back room, sat me on the end of the bed, and explained God’s love for me in sending His Son to suffer and die that I might be saved. Then she led me in a prayer to receive Christ as my Savior. I experienced an immediate change deep in my conscience, as I became aware of the still small voice of the Spirit guiding me.
My father was furious when he heard the news. “A boy can’t understand that kind of commitment!” But day by day he began to witness a life that was truly changed by the power of God. He began to see it in my servant’s heart and loving attitude. About a year later my parents divorced. I felt confused, but not alone. I hungered for fellowship with God, and prayed every day to draw closer to him. In the summer months I would hop on my bike and ride to the Christian bookstore in the mall, where they had gospel tracks, Jesus pencils and non-stop Christian music playing. I would spend hours in the store. People were friendly, and I felt closer to God there than at home surrounded by my family’s crisis.
Calling
My grandparents were faithful servants of the Lord, who superintended the Gospel Rescue Mission. I was twelve when I announced to my grandmother I had been reading a New Testament Living Bible, and I felt like God was calling me into the ministry. She was quick to explain how God used Jesus to teach the teachers in the temple even at my age. “If God could use Jesus,” she proclaimed “then God can use you!” I received her words of wisdom, and made a commitment to dedicate myself to the Lord’s service.
It wasn’t long after that when my grandfather approached me saying, “The preacher for tonight’s service can’t make it. Do you want to bring the message tonight?” Before I really thought about what he was asking I said yes. The only Bible verse I really knew was John 3:16, so I read the verse a few times and prayed for the Lord to help me. That night I was nervous. When my grandfather introduced me I started in to my message. I don’t remember what I shared, but he said the longer I preached the louder I got. Three decisions for Christ were made that night. I thank God that he can use anybody – even me.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
By the age of sixteen, I was doing everything I knew to do to serve the Lord. Taking my Bible to school, I had many opportunities to witness to teachers and students on campus every day. When summer rolled around I hooked up with a school friend and we started a visitation ministry in our youth group. We were so thrilled with how God was using us to minister that we stopped by the high school for a prayer meeting. It was a summer evening and there was nobody around. As it was turning dark, we sat in the grassy quad area and prayed. I think I spoke about every praise phrase I knew, expressing my heartfelt thanks to the Lord. When I said the “amen,” my friend began to pray. While he was talking to the Lord, the Lord was talking to me. “Did you say everything you wanted to say?” To be honest, there was more in me than I had the ability to express. I felt like a bottle, sealed tight and all shaken up with carbonation, just waiting to explode. Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke again in a whisper from within me, “I have a gift for you.” A Bible verse immediately came to mind “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” (Romans 8:26). Then I knew what He was talking about. As soon as my friend was through praying, I asked him to pray for me to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
He took my hands and prayed. Then he began to speak over me in a language I couldn’t understand. That same still small voice spoke to me again, “Speak this sound and I will give you the rest.” The Spirit gave me a short “i” sound. I felt foolish to speak it out, but I stepped out in faith anyway. When I spoke it out a fluid language began to flow from me. In a matter of seconds I was singing in a language I had never learned. It was dark out now and my eyes were closed. But inwardly I was being flood with light. I walked away from that experience with a peace and joy in the Lord I had never known before.
I can only say that from that moment on the power of the Holy Spirit began to operate in my life. I can’t say what happens to others, but for me, when I received the power of the Spirit all of the gifts of the Spirit became operational through me. I could tell stories about how every one of the gifts from I Corinthians 12:8-10 began to function in me as the Spirit led.
Street Evangelism
Hanging out with a friend one night, shortly after I had received the Spirit’s power, we drove down the Avenue where the young people would cruise. He suggested we get out on the street and witness to them about Christ. I had shared my faith many times, but going out on the rough streets was a new experience. We parked at a fast-food place and prayed. We grabbed our Bibles and headed down the street. It seem like the street was full of youth, but when we walked down the street no one was out. We crossed the street and headed back, and I thought we were home free, when we encountered a group of partying teens. I took about three steps in front of my friend and walked right on by. Basically, I chickened out. When my friend pasted them, one guy yelled out, “Hey, is that a Bible in your hand?” My friend froze. He looked at me, than looked at them. Then he turned around and followed me.
We got back to the car, and it was quiet all the way home. We parked in front of my house, and then broke down weeping and praying for God to give us boldness to reach our generation for Christ. In our failure God emboldened us with a commission to take that street for Christ. For the next two years we went out faithfully every Friday night, and took many more friends with us to reach out to lost young people in our city. Some lives where changed for Christ, but mostly we were changed as we realized God was able to use us if we were willing to serve.
Business –Yellow Pages
I’d been in the ministry for twelve years, but had no business experience, when my wife and I had an opportunity to acquire a yellow page publication. I had worked in sales with the publisher a year and a half when he was going to sell one of his directories. He accepted our offer, and we were soon to be in business. About two weeks prior to launching out on our own, the boss said, “I can’t sell the book.” At this news my heart sank. He went on to explain, “But you are the only one who knows. At the distribution of my last book, I am going to send out thank you letters to our clients. All you have to do is send a follow up letter explaining you are the new phone book in town, and pick up where I left off.” He wasn’t selling the phone directory to us. He was giving it to us.
We did as he instructed and God blessed us beyond our expectations. I asked God why He would honor us in such a way. I believe He said it was His gift to us for years of faithful service for Him. At that point we felt lead to do something we had never done before. We began to tithe in faith, not what we earned from advertising sales, but rather tithe based in what we needed. This we did for our first full year in business. Our revenue doubled over the next five years. It was at that time that another publisher offered to buy the phone book for ten times what the original published offered to sell it to us for. We believe God honored His Word of blessing in putting Him first in our business. We have since carried these lessons with us into our insurance business and other ministry endeavors.
Writing
I was just coming out of a dry season in my spiritual life. I have always tried to be faithful and committed in the Lord’s service. My wife’s sister had a word from the Lord for us. “New beginnings. New ministry.” We graciously received it and put it on the “prayer shelf” for further consideration. Several weeks later there came a prophetic word from an evangelist who called me out during a service in an unusual way. This prophecy confirmed the first message. Then, a New Year message from another evangelist urged us to prayerfully write down the ten things God wanted to do through us in 2007. The next morning I set out to complete this task. When I wrote down number 4 “write a book,” the whole idea of it immediately began to unfold. A couple of Sunday nights later a ministry friend was our guest speaker. When I went to greet him before the service, he said, “I had a dream about you. I was with you while you were teaching, and all of a sudden light flooded the room.” These prophetic words inspired the spiritual direction for my first book.
I can’t make prophetic words come to pass, but I can prepare myself for their fulfillment, and obey the Spirit’s leading. Then I had to get to work. I have to thank my beloved wife Lorri and all of our eight children for their patient understanding, as time was taken from them to accomplish the first of many manuscripts.
My book, “Identifying God” is an introductory study especially for seekers and new believers on the nature, character and authority of the God of the Bible. I am currently working on book two, “Identifying the Believer” which should be self-published like the first book by the end of this year. May these writings bless the body of Christ, and be a legacy of our family faith and trust in Christ Jesus.
Business Men’s Fellowship
After the completion of my first self-published book, the Lord laid on my heart to get in touch with the chapter president of Business Men’s Fellowship and find out when and where the next meeting was to be held. When he explained the meetings had been disbanded, I told him we had to get started again, because the Lord told me to get involved. We then began to contact the business people that we knew to gather them together and share the vision. BMF is thriving in a down economy and a hard hit community, because God’s plan is to “prosper … and to give us a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
During a prayer retreat with BMF leadership, the Lord laid something new on my heart. “Take another business man and go for a prayer walk in one of the business districts.” The first one that came to mind was the Avenue I use to witness on when I was a teenager, known as “the Miracle Mile.” With Answer Magazines in hand we walk and pray from storefront to storefront each week, simple introducing ourselves thus … “I’m Ed and this is Jack. We are with the Business Men’s Fellowship. We are not selling anything. But is there anything we can pray with you about?” Business people have been warm and inviting when they realize we have come to bring hope to a hurting community. We have prayed with people in their stores and on the streets to know the Lord and for God to help meet their needs.
We’ve got a lot to give, and this is the time when people are open and they need it the most. We have “The Answer” that people are looking for. Thank you for the privilege of share God’s grace and power to use me, as he wants to use you, too.
To be continued ...
Monday, May 4, 2009
House of Prayer
"I am setting My house in order.
You set your house in order.
My house is a house of prayer.
I want your house to be a house of prayer."
I received this word from the Lord in a still small voice, while worshipping at church Sunday morning. Now, I always want to weigh carefully such words to be certain they are truly biblical, and not my own random thoughts. This word has a real Bible basis!
Isa 56:7 "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people."
Mar 11:17 "And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Personally, I pray alot. I have journaled for years, and I strive to "pray without ceasing" (I Thes. 5:17), that is to live in a state of devoting my thought life to the Lord in prayerful conversation. But I have to honestly admit, I can see where issues have come up, and I have been more inclined to act on my own understanding, rather than seek spiritual guidance. "Everything by prayer" (Phil. 4:6) was the Apostle Paul's instruction. Everything means EVERYTHING! There is nothing in the Christian life too trivial to pray about.
I learned a long time ago, about the sin of prayerlessness, and sinning in my prayer. Let me explain. James said “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (Jam. 4:2). I understood that when I fail to pray about a matter, in my prayerlessness, I am saying to God with my silence, “I don’t need Your help. I can handle this situation myself.” I don’t ever want to send this message to God. I want to trust and believe Him for everything. I need God’s intervention even if I don’t think I need help. John Wesley said, “God does nothing, except in response to answering prayer.” We all know God can intervene, but I believe he chooses not to until we invite him into our circumstances.
The other issue James addresses is regarding sin in our prayers. How can you sin when you are praying? “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss” (Jam. 4:3). This has to do with asking out of selfish motives. We must hold the will of God before us at all times. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Joh. 14:13). Our proper motivation in whatever we ask is to glorify God – nothing more or less. The word “amiss” reminds me of the original meaning of the word “sin”, which is to miss the mark. What is the mark? The bull’s eye is God’s will. If we will pray in accordance with the Word and the Spirit, in the love of Christ, to Glorify God, how could we miss?
Today begins a week of prayer in our fellowship (http://www.lakeviewassembly.com/), and the National Day of Prayer (http://www.ndptf.org/) on Thursday. Let us attend the House of Prayer in intercession, and let us make each of our homes places where prayer is the standard of life and living!
Friday, April 24, 2009
10,000 Times 10,000
Please don’t try to make a doctrine out of this. It is a spiritual principle, and not intended to be an exegetical study.
I was in a prayer meet most of the day last Saturday with some of the leaders of the Business Men’s Fellowship. Most of the day we had twelve men in constant prayer to seek God’s direction for the ministry. Twelve was also a significant number to Jesus. Though He had many disciples, He specifically called out twelve. What was the point of twelve? This Scripture came to my remembrance.
“How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?” Deuteronomy 32:30
I recognize that this passage refers to the favor of the armies of Israel against their enemies. But I have often found that Old Testament physical warfare has correlations to New Testament spiritual warfare. One Israelite warrior had tremendous favor on the battlefield against the enemies of the Lord. So what did that have to do with Jesus ordaining twelve with apostolic authority. I’m no “math wiz”, so bear with me. It seems the favor increases ten times with each warrior, etc.
Then it hit me …
1 vs 1,000
2 vs 10,000
3 vs 100,000
4 vs 1 Million
5 vs 10,000,000
6 vs 100,000,000
7 vs 1 Billion
8 vs 10,000,000,000
9 vs 100,000,000,000
10 vs 1 Trillion
11 vs 10,000,000,000,000
12 vs 100 TRILLION
I have no idea how many godly angels or fallen demonic spirits exist in the kingdom of God. John the Revelator said, “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11). That number alone looks like 100 million and then some.
In prayerful authority we walk in spiritual power over the forces of darkness! Jesus told these same disciples, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). We really don’t need a mathematical formula to realize that just a room full of Spirit filled believers who come together to pray in faith and agreement with the Lord’s will, do so in authority over ALL spiritual forces! But the shear numbers gave me a vivid picture of what ALL really means. The theory (not doctrine) is that Jesus called out 12, because 12 possessed total domination over any, every and all spiritual powers. It only took 12. Twelve was enough. If this is true, then the principle is unchanged for us in our day. We must gather to pray! As the National Day of Prayer approaches on Thursday May 7, let us put into perspective, the power of prayer to affect the will of God in the earth! Let us pray!
I was in a prayer meet most of the day last Saturday with some of the leaders of the Business Men’s Fellowship. Most of the day we had twelve men in constant prayer to seek God’s direction for the ministry. Twelve was also a significant number to Jesus. Though He had many disciples, He specifically called out twelve. What was the point of twelve? This Scripture came to my remembrance.
“How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?” Deuteronomy 32:30
I recognize that this passage refers to the favor of the armies of Israel against their enemies. But I have often found that Old Testament physical warfare has correlations to New Testament spiritual warfare. One Israelite warrior had tremendous favor on the battlefield against the enemies of the Lord. So what did that have to do with Jesus ordaining twelve with apostolic authority. I’m no “math wiz”, so bear with me. It seems the favor increases ten times with each warrior, etc.
Then it hit me …
1 vs 1,000
2 vs 10,000
3 vs 100,000
4 vs 1 Million
5 vs 10,000,000
6 vs 100,000,000
7 vs 1 Billion
8 vs 10,000,000,000
9 vs 100,000,000,000
10 vs 1 Trillion
11 vs 10,000,000,000,000
12 vs 100 TRILLION
I have no idea how many godly angels or fallen demonic spirits exist in the kingdom of God. John the Revelator said, “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11). That number alone looks like 100 million and then some.
In prayerful authority we walk in spiritual power over the forces of darkness! Jesus told these same disciples, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). We really don’t need a mathematical formula to realize that just a room full of Spirit filled believers who come together to pray in faith and agreement with the Lord’s will, do so in authority over ALL spiritual forces! But the shear numbers gave me a vivid picture of what ALL really means. The theory (not doctrine) is that Jesus called out 12, because 12 possessed total domination over any, every and all spiritual powers. It only took 12. Twelve was enough. If this is true, then the principle is unchanged for us in our day. We must gather to pray! As the National Day of Prayer approaches on Thursday May 7, let us put into perspective, the power of prayer to affect the will of God in the earth! Let us pray!
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