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Which Word Will Dominate Your Life In 2016?
There are a lot quizzes and games on Facebook, and each one is without error; if you believe everything they say.
A fairly recent one is floating around, “Which Word Will Dominate Your Life In 2016?”
Call me gullible, but I had to try it.
And was I ever glad I did!
Our word, for Phyllis and I, is HAPPINESS. Every day of the year we’re going to have happiness. Yep, happiness.
I read it on Facebook.
I’d like to ask you the same question, with a bit of a twist. No, I don’t have any special quiz or “push this button and discover…”, but it’s something you can use to help you stay on the right course throughout 2016.
“Whose word will dominate you in 2016?”
Let’s try a few different words, inserting some of the most popular ones into the scenarios.
The Media: It doesn’t matter which station, channel, blog, or newspaper. No one simply reports any longer. Basic reports do not sell subscriptions. If Media dominates you, no matter which way you lean, you’re still leaning. And he who leans while he walks will have a very difficult time walking straight.
The Politicians: As everyone knows, 2016 is an election year. A lot of words are being tossed around, with each one carefully chosen to affect your thinking, and voting. If you’re dominated by the word of the politician, be prepared to vote for your candidate and maybe not your conscience. The politician is fishing for your vote. Instead of listening to what they SAY, look at their record. What HAVE they accomplished before they started campaigning? How are they managing THEIR lives? Can you trust them with yours?
The Preachers: I kind of hated to include this group; after all, they are my own kind. And while MOST preachers are honest and sincere, there are some who will confuse you and put you into greater bondage rather than freedom. So if the word of a preacher, whether a big name, little name, or no name preacher, dominates you in 2016, you’ll probably wind up not hearing exactly what you need to be hearing.
It’s human nature, and you and I are human, to search out things and people who AGREE WITH US. So typically, we gravitate to those who preach the things we want to hear.
The Bible refers to it as having “itching ears”. Wrong thing to be dominated by.
There are a number of others words we allow to dominate us; like entertainment, work, hobbies, sports, fitness, and even such wholesomeness as family. They all can be fine words, if kept in proper perspective; never our master.
But the word that SHOULD DOMINATE our 2016 and beyond is God’s Word!
To live, to live pure, to live pure, compassionate and productive lives, we must have God’s Word!
It needs to DOMINATE our thinking and our actions.
Here are some words to get you started.
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:9-11 ESV)
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 ESV)
“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV)
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32 ESV)
The year has just begun, and it could very well be your best year ever! Not because I said so; and not because some politician, television station, or slick tongued preacher gave you “a word” (for your generous donation of $50).
No, we have a more sure word (2 Peter 1), and the more you and I pay attention to it, the more abundant our life will be.
What word will dominate you this year?
I hope it’s God’s word.
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Plastic Politicians
A number of years ago I worked at an injection molding company. My job was fairly monotonous, because most of the time my machine was set to automatic. I pushed the start button, the hot plastic was injected into the mold, and while the plastic was hardening in the mold I trimmed the last part made, and placed it in the packing crate. I had nothing to do or say about the size, color, or texture of the part. It was predetermined by the mold, the technician, foreman and material handler. Yet I had some control over how the finished product looked.
A little while ago, while watching the contest between the Steelers and the Bengals, a political campaign commercial caught my eye.
Not because there was anything particularly great about the candidate; no, the commercial simply reminded me of all the rest. That’s what caught my eye.It reminded me of my old plastic job. Just as every part that dropped out of the mold was the same as the rest, it seems every politician is the same.
Plastic politicians.
There’s always a lot of criticism about politicians, as if they have any say about how they’re created. Sure, the machine operator can vary the amount of trimming, wrap them each in different colored paper, but they’ll still be the product of the mold, foreman, technicians, and material handlers.
The American people. The voters, the media, the DNC and RNC, the whole political system.
Even IF a different breed of candidate makes it through the molding process and still maintains their individuality, fat chance they have of implementing anything that goes against the grain of the system.
It’s the same thing, every two years.
I haven’t given up on this great nation, not at all. But my faith is no longer in the plastic politicians. After all, they can only be trimmed so much.
No, if something good is going to happen in this nation it must begin outside of the political process.
We can’t expect the part to change the mold.
To change the part, the mold, foreman, technician, and material handler must change their views.
I believe that’s called revival.
“…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
“…and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…” (1 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV)
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If I Won The Lottery
Okay, Powerball participants and enthusiasts, let’s talk about something you and I both like.Money. Lots and lots of money. Approximately eight hundred million dollars worth of money.
What would you do with that much money? Can you count that high? I’m not sure I can. I really can’t fathom just how much money that is. Hard to wrap my brain around it.
Know what I mean?
I’d kind of like to try, though.
Let’s see. I could buy a his and hers Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, for a cool $4.2 million a piece. Here’s a picture of the little jewel, shown with real diamonds in the paint.
The ridiculously monstrous engine, 4.8L V8 with over 1000 hp will flat outrun and outmaneuver anything else on the road.That leaves $791.6 million.
Oh, I’d better deduct half the winnings to pay Uncle Sam, 10% tithe to the church, another 20% for other charitable donations, and we’re sitting on $151.6 million.
I’m sure my wife and I could build a dream home for $6.6 million, dropping the total to $145 million.
I’d better watch it, we’re getting kind of low on funds.
How much is $145 million?
Well, in terms of miles it’s approximately 5,800 trips around the world. Or, if you’d prefer to take a slightly more exotic trip, you could go to the moon and back 300 times and still not reach the 145 million mile mark.
Let’s look at $145 million using McDonald’s $1 menu hamburgers as our unit of measure. Supposing each hamburger is 3 inches high. If you had 145 million hamburgers, and you could stack them against the tallest building in the world (the Burj Khalifa, which is 2,717 feet tall), you’d have enough hamburgers for more than 13,340 such buildings.
That’s a lot of hamburgers!
$145 million is an extraordinary amount of money, in just about everyone’s mind. And though I like money, yes, lots of it, something inside my heart waves the caution flag when I begin to dream my “if I won the lottery” dream.
“A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.” (Proverbs 28:19 NLT)
“Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.” (Proverbs 28:22 NLT)
“Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.” (Proverbs 28:25 NLT)
People have said to me, “When I strike it rich, I’m gonna give a lot to the church, and to the poor.”
That’s great, but if it’s hard to give away a dollar, where will they find the strength to give away a thousand, or more?
People can be overtaken by the love for money and still be dirt poor. Folks just like you and I have been known to listen to the “promises” a bank full of money can make. “If you can save this much, or that much, you’ll be set for life!”
Somehow, the bank full of money is never enough.
I know there are quite a number of people who play the lottery simply for entertainment. Every so often they toss in a few bucks just to see what could happen. You know, kind of like buying a raffle ticket at a church bazaar.
But there are some to whom it’s not a game. It’s an addiction. Tickets are purchased before bills are paid. The chance to hit it big looms large in their mind every payday, so a trip to their favorite place to play is a necessity. To me, that’s more than sad.
I understand those compelling, driving urges, for I discovered some time ago just how easy it is to develop an addiction. Whether it’s an addiction to drugs, porn, , or even fantasy football, an addiction can take over a person’s life. What may have started as a little pastime fun, turns into a full time master.
A master who wants only one thing; everything.
I’d like to win $800 million, but I won’t. I’ve been told I have to play to win. So…
But I feel like I’m rich, anyway. No, I don’t have extra hamburgers to stack against the buildings in Dubai, but my God meets ALL our needs according to His riches in glory.
I don’t have enough loot to “bless” my wife with such a hot sports car, but He’s able to make all His grace abound toward me, so I can have His abundance to meet every challenge.
I give, and it’s given to me, pressed down, shaken together, and running over; for the way I give it’s given to me.
Although I’m certain I could find some great uses for the lottery money, I’m really enjoying the liberty I’ve found in Christ, Who’s able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all I ask or even think.
So when I choose to honor the Lord with what I have, and anything I gain, it’s exciting to see just how He makes my storehouses, cupboards, bank accounts, and gas tanks not only full, but overflowing!
There isn’t any “if I won the lottery” for me. Not when God’s promises are a sure thing; for they are “Yes! And amen!” In Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)
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God’s Economy
Well, those Chinese are at it again. Messing with our stock market. Dow closed some 300-400 points down. Again!
It’s kind of nerve wracking, isn’t it?
Up, down, buy, sell, trade; good grief!
There are so many things which affect the stock market. Economies of other nations, friend or foe, can directly or indirectly have a bearing on how our stocks are traded.
I’m not an economist, nor do I pretend to be a wise trader. Other people do that stuff for me. I’m no where near the likes of Warren Buffet, Dave Ramsey, or anyone else who’s known for their expertise in the realm of finances.
But I have learned a few things.
God’s economy does not depend upon the NYSE. It’s not governed by the Federal Reserve Board. Neither threats of war nor promises of peace affect the flow of God’s resources.
Sure, like everyone else, I want to see the stock market do well. And I hate to see others lose lots of money when things take a dive.
But Jesus warned us about the craziness of trusting in the uncertainty of riches. Paul told those who would listen that the love of money is the root of all evil. Peter reminded us that everything we see will one day be destroyed by a fantastic fire.
So what about God’s economy? How can I live in this world, with its ups and downs, yet still tap into the blessings of God?
First thing to understand: God is not a counterfeiter! Nor is He stingy. He’s also not a hoarder, or a person who thinks only about His own wants and needs.
God is RICH to ALL who call upon Him! (Romans 10:12)
Even if all 7 billion people cried out to God for the exact same thing, at the exact same time, He would have more than enough to meet everyone’s need; with gobs to spare!
He is RICH!
The number one way to connect to God’s economy is to nurture your heart until it becomes like His. In other words, learn how to release your grip on money and things, and become a giver like God.
A person who is tight fisted will never open their hand wide enough to receive from God, or anyone else.
When your arms are wrapped tightly around your possessions, whether it be stuff, family, money, or whatever; you’ll never be in position to embrace God’s provision.
Giving is how the kingdom of God operates. Giving by faith, and as the Lord directs.
Here are a few passages which will help explain what I’ve just said:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Very familiar passage, but look down the page just a few short verses.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)
I’m not even going to mention the principle of tithing. Honor the Lord with what you have and what you get. Honor? Well, how would the Lord use your stuff? What would Jesus do with your paychecks, and with your savings account?
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV)
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17 ESV)
The Lord will repay, and He NEVER reneges on a promise.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-10 ESV)
I’ve written a book, available in both eBook and paperback versions, titled “Breaking the Spirit of Poverty with the Spirit of Generosity.” It’s not a get rich quick, or at all, kind of book; but it’s loaded with principles and examples of how to live according to God’s economy, even when the world around you is going insane.
It’s available at Amazon.com, or you can go to the “Our Books” page, click the picture of the book, and be ushered to the exact product page. For a quick easy connection, click the “Link To Amazon” link below.
There are several reasons why Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than receive.” I believe the main one is that it’s the doorway for you and I to participate in His economy.
Here’s what the book cover looks like:
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Lightning Man
I learned something today that has set my mind to thinking.Our President, Mr. Barak Hussein Obama, has a biblical first name. You’ll find it in Judges 4 and 5.
Barak. It means “lightning” or “lightning flash“.
Did you already know that little bit of news? Yes? No? So what, you say?
Well, here’s what. It’s common knowledge that names CAN be prophetic, or describe certain characteristics about someone. The prophet Isaiah’s kids, bless their hearts, had some of the weirdest names ever typed on a birth certificate. The eldest son, Shear-Jashub, was blessed with his name (meaning “a remnant shall return”) compared to the second son, Mahershalalhashbaz, meaning “speed the spoil, hasten the booty”. I can’t imagine the kid’s first day in school, can you?
Abraham’s name meant “father of a multitude”, prophetically spoken over Abraham before Isaac was born.
Perhaps our president’s name is a prophecy for this season. Lightning. Lightning flash.
In Exodus, immediately before the Lord descended in a thick cloud upon Mount Sinai, thunder and lightning preceded His holy appearance.
Psalm 77:18 speaks of lightning coming before the shaking of the earth. “The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.” (Psalm 77:18 ESV)
Hebrews 12 tells us of a coming day when everything that CAN be shaken, WILL be shaken, so that “the things that cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:25-27 ESV). Is that day upon us, when the earth not only will be shaken, but the heavens as well?
Is Barak a sign of the closing of this age?
Many times, where’s there’s lightning there’s also rain. Throughout scripture, rain typifies the outpouring of God’s Spirit. For instance, Hosea 6, Joel 2, and Acts 2.
“When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.” (Jeremiah 10:13 ESV)
Wind is also used to describe the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 37, Acts 2, Exodus 14.
Could it be that these are the days of lightning, thunder, and rain? A coming storm of judgment, and, at the same time, an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon those who will be saved?
Lightning – falling, flashing, signifying a specific time period.
“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’” (Luke 10:17-18 ESV)
“And he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.’” (Luke 17:22-24 ESV)
Well?
Okay. So maybe my exegesis isn’t the greatest, and maybe I’m way off.
Maybe it’s a coincidence that Barak Hussein Obama seemed to suddenly come out of nowhere, like lightning in the sky, to become the kind of president this nation has never seen the likes of. A president who seems to delight in shaking things up.
It’s possible.
But all the same, I’m going to keep my eyes and ears open; and my heart tuned to God.
There just may be a trumpet blowing soon.
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The Voice of Truth or Entertainment?
Just what do you like to listen to? Are you a CNN groupie, or a Fox hound? What’s your slant? Which way are you leaning?
All you ditto heads and great Americans; listen up. You who are part of the Savage nation, pay attention. While I’m at it, I might as well throw in the names of Alex Jones, Glenn Beck, and Mark Levin.
Of course there’s always two sides to a story, isn’t there? Maybe you don’t care for the “we report, you decide” news network. You could prefer such radio personalities as Rachel Maddow, Stephanie Miller, and Thom Hartmann.
I don’t care if you’re a cool conservative, a polished progressive, or a flaming liberal; you’re probably ingesting more baloney from your favorite talk show host than you’d like to think.
Uh-oh, I used a word that just may get me in trouble.
The word?
THINK.
No matter what channel you’re locked in on, the voice you’re hearing is the voice of an entertainer. They make their living by stirring up their listeners. The more you and I are stirred, the more we listen. The more we listen, the more advertising our heroes sell. The more advertising…
Get it?
I’m not saying those darling rabble-rousers of the radio waves don’t believe what they say. I’m simply saying they package what they believe in such a way as to create a certain reaction from their listeners.
You and I.
We’re the ones being duped.
Our hosts carry us much farther than we like to admit. After a steady diet of this or that, we lose our ability to reason.
To think.
There’s that word again.
I don’t believe it’s what our Lord and Savior would approve of. I think He could have had those radio hosts in mind when He said, “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 ESV)
Have you ever wondered, since the talk show hosts are obviously experts on how to make America great, why they themselves won’t run for office? ANY OFFICE?
A steady diet of peas, only peas, Jolly Green Giant peas, will affect the way your body responds to other foods, once you have the opportunity to try something different. And a steady diet of Rush or Rachel can cause your system to repel anything that sounds the least bit different; even if it’s good, and good for you.
I’m all for entertainment. But when it comes to understanding the truth about what’s best for our government and mankind in general, I’m gonna have to go to a higher authority.
The Word of God tells us to pray for those in authority, that we may lead a peaceable and godly life.
That’s not very entertaining, and it won’t sell much advertising.
But it just might change our nation.
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Scared Out Of Hell
I remember the time, way back in 1975, that my soul cried out to God. A God I didn’t know, wasn’t sure if I wanted to know Him, and didn’t pay much attention to what people were telling me about Him. You know, all the “God loves you” jargon.No, I didn’t cry out to God because I loved Him or because I heard He loved me.
I cried out to God because I was scared. Just plain scared.
I had a revelation, realization, or whatever you’d like to call it; I knew if I died before I got things straight with God I was going to hell.
That scared me. Scared me enough to take the necessary action.
Some people thought, and maybe still think, I was stupid. They’re convinced hell isn’t a real place, that hell is what we make of this life. Same with heaven.
“It’s all in how you look at it”, the wise ones say. “Treat people the way you want to be treated, and Heaven becomes a day to day reality. Treat people like crap, and you’ve made your own hell.”
However, there was this man who said a few things about hell. He talked about hell, and heaven, like you and I talk about Chicago or Detroit. Real places.
I’ve been to Chicago so I know it is real. I’ve never been to Detroit, so I’m not so sure about that. And to hear some folks talk about it, maybe I don’t want to go there. If it’s even real.
No, this man who referred to heaven and hell a number of times, also said some other things; things people like to quote.
Things like: judge not, it’s more blessed to give than receive, don’t call anyone a fool, blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Great sayings, by a great man. But can He be trusted? Can you trust Him? After all, if He’s lying about heaven and hell, what makes you think He’s telling the truth the rest of the time?
Jesus is not a liar. He spoke of hell, and heaven, because He knew they existed. Though you and I can’t see them (yet), there’s coming a day when we will.
One or the other.
That’s why I was scared. I had heard in order to go to heaven (and thus miss hell, the place of the damned), I had to be as perfect, as sinless, as God. At that time, I wasn’t sure just how righteous God was, but I knew He had me beat.
I didn’t know if He’d done anything wrong, but I knew I had.
That reminds me: why do people say, “why you’d sure as hell better believe thus and so” when they don’t believe in hell in the first place?
Anyway, like I said, I KNEW I had done plenty of things wrong, so if hell was a real place, I was in a heap of trouble.
Fire, sulfur, brimstone, total darkness, wailing and gnashing of teeth. My friends told me they planned on going to hell so they could party. But those words didn’t describe any party I’d want to attend.
Especially one lasting forever and ever…
Have you ever heard a person wail and gnash their teeth? I have. When I was 15 I spent 30 days in the psychiatric ward of the county hospital. While there I was entertained (?) one night by a middle aged woman crying, at the top of her lungs, in an ear piercing, hair raising scream, “My straitjacket’s too tight! My straitjacket’s too tight!”
No, when I heard that Jesus described hell as having people like had I met in the hospital, crying day and night, forever…
I got scared. So I called on the name of the Lord. “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’”. (Romans 10:11-13 ESV)
Call me stupid for being so fearful if you’d like. I don’t care. You see, since that time, you know, back in 1975, I’ve learned a whole lot more about the God I cried out to.
I learned He really does love me, and proved it by sending His only Son, Jesus, to take my place on the cross, and made my payment to hell. He who was sinless died for the creep I was, and all others like me.
And God pronounced all debts paid when He raised Him from the dead that first resurrection morning.
I’ve discovered He is merciful and kind, and is trying to let everyone know hell is not the place He WANTS to send them; He only HAS to send them when they reject His offer of eternal life.
I’ve learned a lot about God, but even better is I’ve come to know Him personally. He leads me and guides me, providing for all my needs.
Because of His love.
Yes, I can love Him now because He first loved me.
And you know what? His perfect love has driven the fear of hell completely out of me.
I once was scared, but now I’m not, for I’ve had the hell scared out of me.
And loved out of me.
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Church Babysitting?
There are tens of thousands of pastors in this great land we call America. Thousands of men and women who desire to feed the flock of God faithfully, and someday hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”
Pastors, I praise God for your caring and patient heart. You are making a difference in your community, whether you realize it or not.
You were not called or merely employed by your congregation; you were called of God to your place of ministry. Called by God to feed, guard, tend and carry the flock of God; to help the people of God grow to be mature sons and daughters of God.
Called by the God Who called Abram to the mount with his son, his only son. Called to sacrifice the promised one to the One Who promises. Called by the One Who provides to all who answer the call, and continually listen to His voice.
I honor you, men and women of God.
May I speak a word of encouragement and exhortation to you, as well?
The word I share is based upon two passages of scripture. One in Acts, and the other from Ephesians.
“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:14-17 ESV)
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV)
Philip, the man of God, had gone to Samaria and boldly preached Christ. Multitudes came to Christ, hearing and believing the things spoken by him. And those who received Christ, were baptized as well. So, as Philip cooperated with the Spirit of the Lord, a church was planted in the city of Samaria.
But did you notice what happened next? When the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem heard of the great things God and Philip were doing, they sent Peter and John for further ministry. Why? One preacher ought to be as good as the next, don’t you think?
It’s not what God thinks.
The Samaritan congregation needed more than what one man or woman could give them. Even Philip, a man who could, with the anointing of God, work miracles among them, was limited.
You know what? It’s how God planned it.
Peter and John didn’t come to take over. They came to come alongside the leadership and HELP. They came to fill the pulpit.
Paul wrote, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you” (Romans 1:11 ESV). Paul wasn’t wanting to boot the Roman pastors out of leadership; he was wanting to fill the pulpit.
To me, filling the pulpit isn’t a spiritual babysitting job. It isn’t a lesser job, or a part-time gig. It is joining with the Lord Jesus Who said, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
Filling the pulpit, preaching, ministering, leading a “service”, or anything else you’d like to call it carries with it huge responsibility. The responsibility to rightfully divide the word of truth, to tenderly and graciously care for the flock, and, if necessary, use the sword against attacking wolves.
Filling the pulpit is listening to God, and honoring the trust given by the inviting pastor.
It is MUCH MORE than church babysitting.
Many churches have quit scheduling guest preachers, pulpit fillers, evangelists, etc. Though they have a perfectly logical reason why they no longer have guests, such as money, time, don’t know anyone, been burnt in the past…that still doesn’t override the passage in Ephesians.
I remember, many years ago scheduling a pastor to preach a Sunday morning and night at our first church. Same denomination as ours, I had met him a couple months earlier and was impressed with the way he carried himself.
So he came, he preached, he ministered, and I was shell shocked. I was a fairly new pastor, and he was extremely intimidating. Some of the things he preached, and the way he “ministered to people” (hitting them in the stomach – thought he was Smith Wigglesworth): I SHOULD HAVE stopped the meetings and sent him packing.
But I didn’t. In fact, I let him preach in the evening, too. What a mess! But I was too intimidated to drive him away. I wasn’t guarding the flock.
After he left, I spent the next month teaching what the Bible said, trying to undo his goofiness.
I never invited him back.
But I didn’t quit having people in to minister.
I realize the word tells the under-shepherds, “Feed the flock of God which is among you…”. As a parent, I had the responsibility to feed my son. And I did, though sometimes we went to a restaurant where someone else did the cooking, or we were invited to someone else’s house. Either way, he was fed because I was faithful to my responsibility.
As I said, there seems to be a trend developing; a trend where the pastor tries to give the flock everything they need. However, it just isn’t possible. The Lord isn’t building His church in such fashion.
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…”
Until we ALL ATTAIN to the unity of the faith AND until we grow up into the exact image of Jesus Christ.
There’s still some work that needs to be done, at least in most congregations.
Thanks again, pastors, for the dedication and love you have for the Lord and His work.
And for faithfully filling the pulpit, as the Lord instructs.
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Prejudiced Thoughts
Every so often I get bummed by things the Lord shows me about my life.
Today was one of those days.
I’m sure others have seen imperfections in my life, but usually people can’t read my mind. So I can do the right things, you know, the acceptable things, and seemingly get by with thoughts that are less than perfect.
Until the Lord decides to show me the truth about my thoughts.
My prejudiced thoughts.
My stinking thinking.
My wife and I enjoy shopping at secondhand stores. Great buys, lots of choices, and you never know what you’ll find there. That’s the best part for me.
Today we went to a number of places. We were looking for something specific, and although we never found it, we had fun looking at all the wonderful treasures.
But that’s where I got into trouble.
I found myself looking at certain people, ones who looked down and out, kind of scroungy, a little dirty, and not as sophisticated as me (I’m saying this facetiously).
They just didn’t measure up to my standards of what’s socially acceptable.
I even wondered how many of them were saved.
I never heard God speak audibly, but I sensed His displeasure none the less. I didn’t realize my thoughts had been traveling down that road until I sensed how grieved the Holy Spirit was.
I thought I was beyond having those kind of prejudiced thoughts. I didn’t think I was capable of such small mindedness.
But I was wrong.
I’m reminded of a passage Pastor James wrote to his church members. Apparently some of his flock were acting a little hoity-toity around the “lesser ones”.
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:1-9 ESV)
James WAS NOT saying it’s sin because the judgment took place in a church service, but that it happened at all! In church, out of church, wherever; judging people based on appearance, their bank accounts, or how many tattoos they have is wrong.
Wrong equates to sin.
What do YOU think about people who may look different than you? How about the scruffy ones?
Or, maybe it’s a different kind of person for you. Like someone dressed to the nines, and drives a big Lamborghini.
Or perhaps it’s a man who wears a turban, or a woman wearing a headscarf.
I’ve got more growing to do than I realized. The Lord has uncovered areas of pride and prejudice I thought had been wiped out.
I’m thankful for His patience with me, and His commitment to complete the work He began in me some 40 years ago.
But it sure is humbling.
Oh, one more thing. Please don’t judge me too harshly for this recent setback; I’m sure we can all find some way in which to apply this little message.
If not, maybe I’ll meet you at the Iowa State Fair next August and we can talk about it.
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Religious Wars and Murderous Maniacs
I hate to say it like this, but murder isn’t anything new. Ever since Cain killed Abel, mankind has had to deal with it.
And can you guess what’s probably the number one reason a person would murder another human being?
If you guessed religion, you’re absolutely correct. In some form or fashion you can trace the root cause of many murders to some sort of religion.
It’s why Cain killed Abel. Abel’s offering was accepted by the Lord, and Cain’s wasn’t. God warned Cain about the sin which was creeping around his heart, and his need to master it or it would master him.
Well, he didn’t, it did, and Abel was killed.
In 1095 a series of wars were waged, lasting several hundred years, involving hundreds of thousands of people; the Crusades.
In the name of their pope, “Christians” waged wars against the Muslims who occupied ancient Israel. Much blood was shed for God, King, and Pope; including the blood of thousands of Jews.
Nations were pillaged, land confiscated, women raped, as the Crusaders marched from Constantinople toward the Holy Lands.
In the “name” of religion.It’s happening today.
Each day it seems as though there’s another story regarding ISIS, Sharia law, and things pertaining to Muslim terrorists. American troops are on foreign fields fighting a war that can be traced back to a disagreement about religion.
Like I said, there have been many wars fought over religion; man’s attempt to define God apart from His own personal description as revealed in His Son, Jesus.
“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 ESV)
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV)
Back in the early days of the church, there was a young man named Saul. Well educated, highly indoctrinated, and an asset to any community. A Pharisee of Pharisees, having studied under one of the greatest teachers of the law and who was always held in highest esteem, Gamaliel.
Saul was an up and comer, totally ready to take on any and all heretics, and defend the righteous name of his God.
I don’t recall him ever wearing a black hood, though.
A man with a mission: get rid of all the people who didn’t believe like him.
He was present when Stephen was stoned to death; holding the coats of those doing the dirty work.
But later, as he traveled up to Damascus with signed documents authorizing him to jail anyone he found in the Way, something strange happened.
He came face to face with the God He thought he was defending.
And as he picked himself up from the ground, asking for someone to lead him by the hand since he was temporarily blinded by a bright light, the fight was removed from his soul, replaced with a newfound understanding of God’s love and power.
Read all about it in Acts 7-9.
So now I’m wondering; are the wars which are presently being waged throughout the world, the religious wars, too big for God to handle?
Could there possibly be a few Sauls among them?
And if God is allowing them to wage their murderous acts of terrorism in the name of their god, then how will this all end?
Is the war about religion, or maybe something else?
And what if the Almighty intervened and wiped out all the bad guys? He is capable of such a feat. But would anyone want to acknowledge the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus as the true Champion?
I’m not discounting the heroics and bravery of our men and women in uniform. I have the deepest respect for them.
But sometimes during the course of war, God is needed to intervene. Why, King Hezekiah was surrounded by almost 200,000 Assyrians. One night an angel, one angel, walked through the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 men.
That’s what I call intervention.
But is our nation ready to rely on divine assistance to keep our loved ones safe?
Probably not.
What saddens me, is that when all of this is said and done, this religious war, this nation won’t be any closer to the truth.
May Heaven help us anyway.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 