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What’s So Bad About Hell?
If you’re like me, you’ve heard and read a lot about hell.Maybe you’ve been instructed to go there. Or, perhaps you’ve been the one who’s suggested the place to a coworker. Maybe?
And no, I’m not referring to Hell, Michigan.
What do I think about hell?I think it’s a real place; a place no one in their right mind would purposely choose to visit.
Yet people seem to be living their lives as though hell is their ultimate goal.
Why?
Maybe they aren’t convinced hell is real, or that it’s as bad as people say.
So I ask you, “What’s so bad about hell?”
It’s reported to be very hot. Jesus referred to hell fire, in Matthew 5:22. So is heat and fire the bad thing about hell?
Possibly, but I don’t think so.
You see, hell would still be the place to stay away from even it would freeze over.
Jesus mentions hell as a place of judgment; a place where people are sent who’ve received a sentence of damnation, condemning them forever to the worst place imaginable. Matthew 23:33
Would hell be an okay place if the sentence was a little milder? Would it be alright if people only had to spend a couple of years there?
No. Hell would still be the place to avoid, even if a person only had to spend one minute there.
The rich man, mentioned by Jesus in Luke 16, found himself in hell’s torment. Apparently he was thirsty, and couldn’t find anything that would quench his thirst.
Would hell be tolerable if there were plenty of water fountains? Or, maybe if an ice cream truck made regular rounds? Surely that would make it alright.
No. Hell wouldn’t be worth it even if a inexhaustible supply of water AND Blue Bunny ice cream were offered.
Hell would still be hell.
It is also a well known belief that hell is completely and utterly dark. Would it be alright if you were allowed to plug in a nightlight?
Another belief is that hell is a place of total isolation. So do you think it might be okay if hell instituted some sort of visitation program?
No. It would change the fact that hell is THE place to avoid.
Even if hell was a cool 70 degrees, well lit, with plenty of time for partying with your friends, it wouldn’t be the place I’d care to visit.
And if I’d have the power to make hell the garden spot of the universe, it would still be nothing more than some old dump.
What’s so bad about hell?
Jesus isn’t there. To me, that’s reason enough to stay clear.
“…in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 ESV)
So, what do YOU think about hell?
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An Adulterous Affair
“It just happened. One day I was deeply in love with my wife, and the next day I found myself in bed with another woman.”
“I don’t know what happened!”
“I wasn’t flirting. I’m just an innocent victim.”
“My husband is never around. Even when he’s home, he’s got some stupid ball game on. But I never dreamed I’d find myself in the arms of another man.”
In today’s world, adulterous affairs seem to be the norm. Most of us know someone who’s been caught in the trap.
Maybe you’ve been caught.
I know what it’s like to bear the guilt of an adulterous affair. I also know about God’s grace, and the love of a godly wife. I’m not proud of myself. I AM thankful to my Savior who, along with my wife, gave me another chance at purity.
But this post isn’t about me; it’s about you. It’s about something I heard the other day. Actually, I read it twenty years ago but was reminded of it just yesterday.
When I first read it I thought, “That’s exactly right! It’s just how things happened in my life.”
So when I heard it yesterday I knew I needed to share it with you. Because you may be about to be caught in the snare of an adulterous affair.
Emotional, sexual, or an affair involving fantasizing with pornography; it’s still an affair. It still steals, kills, and destroys.
But you don’t have to let it happen.
No one accidentally becomes an adulterer. No one. People make a series of choices, bad choices, that carry them along the pathway to ruin.
I don’t know who originally wrote this (12 steps – I added the description to each one), but it’s true and full of wisdom. Pay attention and examine your life carefully.
There are 12 steps to an affair.
1. Readiness – not necessarily on the prowl, but your heart isn’t guarded either. Loose eyes, wandering thoughts, ever appreciative of eye candy. Discreetly, of course.
2. Alertness – you seem to notice when someone looks your way more than usual. You curiously return the glances, or find ways to interact with your new found friend.
3. Innocent Meeting – “Well look who’s here. Fancy meeting you here.” Or so you say, when all along you were hoping to see them.
4. Intentional Meeting – you’ve learned your friend’s schedule, and you begin to justify your feelings. You are becoming trapped. But it’s not too late to back out.
5. Public Lingering – such fun; being with the other person. Even if your spouse is around, you’re getting an emotional high out of just being in the presence of this dear, precious person.
6. Private Lingering – you’re pretty bold by now; caution has been thrown overboard. You haven’t touched your “attraction” yet, but you’re closer to the sack than the altar. You are in a very dangerous place.
7. Purposeful Isolation – by now, you’re looking for any and every reason to communicate with you know who. Sneaking, lying, whatever it takes to make contact.
As you’re reading this, are you thinking of a particular person? Is there someone you’ve become a little too chummy with?
If so, break it off right now. The longer you stay connected, the closer you are to ruin.
8. Pleasurable Isolation – alone at last, where you can speak openly with each other. Alone, except for the all-seeing, all-knowing God who has been trying to get your attention.
9. Affectionate Embracing – nothing physical, other than a caring hug. However, you are a mess on the inside because your heart is trapped, entangled emotionally with someone who doesn’t belong to you. Someone other than your spouse.
10. Passionate Embracing – hands flying everywhere. You’re just about finished. You’ve lost control. To stop now you’ll have to practically cut off your hands and feet. You’re on autopilot, getting ready to crash.
11. Copulation – nestled between the sheets with the devil.
And finally…
12. Acceptance – this is the scariest part of all. You’ve become calloused to true love, to commitment, and to those who’ve loved you through thick and thin.
Hard-hearted.
“God wants me to be happy.”
Yes, He does. But true happiness begins with holiness. Living life according to His principles, as well as your marriage vows.
12 Steps.
If you’ve found yourself at one of these steps, here’s what you need to do:
1. Repent.
2. Break off any connection or contact.
3. Talk with a true friend, possibly a pastor, who will pray with you and help you get free.
4. Don’t lie to your friend, or yourself.
5. Work on “returning” home; first off, emotionally.
May you find freedom before it’s too late.
An adulterous affair can become an eternal nightmare.
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The Best Presidential Candidate
It seems like every time I turn around, someone else is tossing their hat into the proverbial election ring.
I’ve lost track of how many are running, and how many are just testing the waters.
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; the 2016 presidential campaign is well under way.
So I found myself wondering: what should a presidential look like? Besides the necessary qualifications listed below, what kind of things should we expect from a person who’s aspiring to the highest office in this country?
Qualifications for the Office of President:
Age and Citizenship requirements – US Constitution, Article II, Section 1 – No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.
According to the 2014 census, approximately 160 million people are old enough to be elected President. That’s a lot of people!
So what should a president look like?
What makes for the best presidential candidate?
Here’s my opinion.
The President of the United States of America should have these qualities of character:
1. Since much wisdom is needed, the first qualifying trait should be the Fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Someone who fears the Lord will seek guidance and insight from the Lord. The Ancient of Days is more than capable of providing wisdom to govern, as well as the power to protect.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes his enemies to be at peace with him.
2. A candidate for the office of president should understand their responsibility to govern according to the laws of God first. Every ruler is nothing more than a steward of God’s people. Servants, ministers of God, according to Romans 13.
3. Uphold the rule of law as outlined in the Constitution.
4. Protect this nation’s sovereignty, its resources and citizenry.
5. Preserve the nation’s heritage and freedoms.
6. Surround themselves with a cabinet of advisors who understand they are accountable to God first and foremost. Men and women who seek the betterment of the entire population, not just a few special interest groups.
7. Political experience is not required. However, experience in servant leadership a must.
I define servant leadership as leading by example. The best illustration of this is the life of Jesus.
8. The one who is elected president should be someone who will live according to the same laws as everyone else.
Again, the servant-leader.
9. Finally, a person who doesn’t owe any group or individual anything other than to govern fairly. Someone who can’t and won’t be purchased with votes.
Maybe there are other qualifications you feel are needed.
If YOU were running things, what would you require?
What does the best presidential candidate look like to you?
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Call It Persuading
Have you ever met a person who is so wonderfully “together”; impeccable, flawless? The consummate nice guy, or gal, who never does anything wrong?Perfect people who are oh, so proud of their perfection?
To even hint there may be a flaw in their thinking, or an error in their ways, gets them ranting and raving.
“DON’T JUDGE ME!”, they scream.
They accuse you of “judging” them, which simply means you’re an evil jerk for even suggesting they could be wrong.
“Shame on you, you idiot! Why don’t you keep your mouth shut? You’ve got no business saying anything to me. You don’t know what I’m thinking, or where my heart is, or all the good things I’ve done.”
I’ve known a number of people who seem to base their lifestyle on the following passage:
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.” 1 Corinthians 4:3 ESV
In other words, they don’t have any reason to be judged because they’re perfect. And IF there is something in their life that isn’t quite as it should be, they have a good reason.
And it’s never their fault.
Through the years I’ve known a lot of people with this attitude: “Hey! Get off my case! Quit judging me. The Bible says, ‘Judge not.’”
Do YOU think that? Is that the way YOU act?
If you knew what was waiting for us all “on the other side of life” you might welcome a little more “criticism” into your life. In fact, a little more “judging” just might help you live in a manner that pleases God.
But let’s not call it”judging”. Let’s call it persuading.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.” (2 Corinthians 5:10-12 ESV)
And even Paul wasn’t really saying he didn’t need to be judged. Rather, he was speaking of a time, after all was said and done, when he would receive whatever commendation OR condemnation was DUE him.
And he’d receive it from the One Who judges righteously.
“For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:4-5 ESV)
Here’s the deal. We will ALL give an account of our life; we will ALL stand before the Lord.
Whether we believe or not.
Whether we are an atheist, a Buddhist, a Mormon, a good Christian, a backsliding Pentecostal, or just some plain old Joe Schmoe.
We will ALL have to answer to the Righteous Judge.
Would YOU rather be persuaded NOW while there is time to correct the direction of your life, or would YOU rather stand before God with NO OPPORTUNITY to change?
Your choice.
Me? I’d rather people try and persuade me with the love and truth of God.
Don’t be like King Agrippa.
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’” (Acts 26:28 NKJV)
Can YOU be persuaded?
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An Emotional Safety Harness
Emotions run wild at times, don’t they? That is, unless you have some kind of safety harness on your emotions.Out of control emotions, regardless of the reason, can do much damage to a relationship.
So what can a couple use for their “safety harness”?
3 things.
1. Trust – affirm your love to each other often, and in many different ways. So when an “emotional” day hits, you can be ready to support each other rather than fight like cats and dogs.
2. Talk – communicate your feelings, anxieties, and worries. Help one another by providing a “safe” place for the distraught one to vent, share, cry, or even just unwind without any demands on their time or energy.
3. Tenderness – a soft answer turns away anger (Proverbs 15:1). Tenderness can soothe out of control emotions. Stay clear of shouting matches; they will only add to the chaos. Remind yourself often not to jump to any conclusion about what might be wrong. Instead, tenderly and actively listen to not only your loved one’s word, but their heart.
Emotions are a part of life. Be wise: prepare for them.
An emotional safety harness just may save your marriage.
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Hear the Sound
I believe the Lord spoke the following to my spirit. I submit it to the Body of Christ; judge it for yourselves. If the Spirit bears witness with your spirit, then respond accordingly, as He instructs.
“There’s a sound, not unlike the sound of a mighty, rushing wind, that God is releasing to His people. Can you hear it?
Listen carefully and you’ll hear the voice of the Holy Spirit saying, ‘Rise up, sons and daughters of God. Rise up and lay your burdens down. Rise up to a life of holiness. Rise up as the redeemed of the Lord and make My Glory known.
Rise up. Be done with mere church attendance, and become the church – My hands and feet – that touches this world on My behalf, as My ambassadors.’
Hear Me, loud and clear. The days of dreams and visions are here; yet these dreams and visions are not for celebrating or personal platform building. They are for Kingdom building. Dreams and visions that mobilizes the saints, gathers them in unity to speak with one voice of My glory, to penetrate the powers of darkness as the light of the world.
Hear the sound – the sound of repentance from unholy, impure, and selfish thoughts and actions.
The Desire of all nations cries, ‘Hear the sound!’ Hear My cry to taste and see that the Lord is good. Hear My call to act as though you really believe all of My word. Hear My command to ‘Come out from among the unbelieving, unrepentant, and uncommitted and be separated unto Me.
Hear the sound of the Spirit’s song; the prophetic song of deliverance that equips you to war over the comfortably complacent Christians until the fire of urgency once again compels them to live with only one focus.
The sound is becoming louder, clearer; and while some will ignore it, and others mock it, those who receive it will find a greater power and joy in serving Me.
The Sound. The call to, ‘Be ye holy, for I am holy.’ And as Elijah prayed and saw a cloud the size of a man’s fist rise up from the sea, so those who heed the Spirit’s call will rise up and become, not a political force, but truly a spiritual force which will not be contained.
Man’s laws will not stop those who hear the Sound. Public opinion will not drive the ones who hear My voice. Jails cannot silence the Sound.
Even the devil himself will not stop those who have said, ‘My life is not my own. I was bought with a price. Therefore, I glorify God with my spirit and my body.’
Hear the sound. The voice of one crying, ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord.’
‘How?’, you may ask.
Prepare yourself to hear and obey the Sound. The voice of the Spirit. Everything else will fall into place.
For it is time.”
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Hey Jude
Ever hear of the rock and roll group, the Beatles? Of course you have! As a teenager, and like millions of other teens, I listened to them every chance I got. And, like it or not, their music spoke directly to the heart of their generation, the culture of the day.
Ever hear of a guy named Jude? (By the way, don’t miss a song about him near the end of this post) Not the guy the Beatles sang about; this guy was a brother of Jesus and a writer of a very small letter in the New Testament. He had much to say to his generation, as well. And although his letter is about 2000 years old, the message he gave then is relevant for us today.
Have you read his letter? It starts out nice and friendly; cordial, even. But things get hot real quick. I mean, he starts writing and warning people to rise up and contend for the faith. Fight for the Truth, the Gospel. Why? Because there’s a time coming when all “hell is gonna break loose!”
He warns of judgment to come, the danger of “backsliding”, and the need to keep “built up on our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” He uses the word “ungodly” so many times you get the idea God isn’t very pleased with a lot of people who call themselves Christians; the ones who act like they’ve never met Jesus. For instance:
“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries… But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 1:5-13 NKJV)
See what I mean? “Having saved people…destroyed those who did not believe”, and “while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves.” These people hung out with the believers, but…
Jude. Poor ol’ Jude. He’s not a very popular guy. Definitely not as popular as the Beatles! And his message doesn’t attract too many people today, either.
In fact, most of the “church world” would just as soon ignore the message of Jude.
Here’s a little ditty that resonates with a lot of the modern “saints”. Feel free to sing along.
Hey, Jude, I can’t believe, you’d take a Good God, and make Him bitter
Remember, God is love and so kind, I am offended by your letter
Hey, Jude, why are you mad? Where’s the love, man, why be so hateful?
Remember, God’s love and grace is for all, He wouldn’t send a soul to hell.
So why the angry rhetoric, you know, I’m sick, of people who always speak so ugly
Why can’t we all just get along, would it be wrong, to talk of the good, and not the ungodly
Hey, Jude, you’re such a fool, to believe those tales of fiction
Remember, the thought of angels in chains, is but a vivid imagination
So let them out and let them go, those words of woe, they only embarrass Christian brothers
Lighten up your voice of gloom, your words of doom, and let’s all love one another…
Hey, Jude, though I’m your friend, feel that church has made you bitter
Remember, it’s not as bad as it seems, so take your sad notes, and make them better, better, better…
Yep, poor old Jude. Too bad he didn’t realize this generation doesn’t care for such negativity. If he’d only gotten the memo, and had a dynamic agent, he just might have connected to the believers of the 21st Century.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, hey Jude!
(Originally posted 8/7/13)
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Sexy Christians
I am going to write some things I believe are from the Lord, but I don’t figure will make me too popular.
There are so many verses in the New Testament dealing with the subject of sexual purity, yet the problem persists.
Problem? What problem?
Sexy Christians.
Fornication. Cohabitation. Sex outside of marriage.
Have you noticed how sexual sins are as common among professing Christians as those who don’t claim any faith?
Pornography, masturbation, strip clubs, and the like are “frowned upon” by the brethren, in an “I’m not so sure if you should be acting like that” kind of way.
We say we should be, “standing up for the Word of God”, but will watch hour after hour of television shows glamorizing sexual sin.
And how many movies will we allow ourselves to be entertained by that feed the sexual side of our carnal nature?
“I’m an adult; I can handle it.”
I guess you know more than God. (Sarcasm intended)
But what does the Bible say?
“When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10 NLT)
Maybe one reason there’s such a widespread problem is because we aren’t taking the Bible seriously.
If we believe the Bible is God’s word, that it’s true concerning salvation, forgiveness, heaven and hell, what do we do with the following verses?
“And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.” (Jude 1:7 NLT)
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (Colossians 3:5 NLT)
“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor – not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 NLT)
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21 NLT)
These are just a few of the many verses written to CHRISTIANS. Including those who think of themselves as sexy Christians.
Sure, it’s important to love one another, and help restore one another. No one’s perfect, after all!
But there’s something about sexual sin that eats away at the very core of our spirit, if we don’t take it seriously.
See what Paul wrote:
“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NLT)
Over and over the word “fornication” is used in the New Testament. It is translated from the Greek word “porneia”. Look familiar? Looks a lot like “pornography”, doesn’t it?
In the book of Revelation (chapters 2 and 3) Jesus mentioned to several churches their need to repent of teaching people to commit sexual sins. They had, as a deadly doctrine, a teaching that encouraged people to commit sexual sins – fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, adultery, and whatever else their little hearts desired.
Pergamum, Thyatira, and Laodicea were the cities whose churches were rebuked by Jesus. Laodicea wasn’t necessarily teaching people to commit sexual sins; no, they just tolerated anything and everything. “It’s all okay. We have the favor of God, because we’re saved. We love God, and He loves us, so everything is cool.”
Not cool!
By not telling the truth about sexual sins, we are telling people that it’s okay to live like the devil and his host.
“But we’re no longer under law, we’re under grace.”
Grace is God’s way of saying, “I will help you do the right thing.” Grace is never a cover up for sin.
In fact, the only way to cover sin is the blood of Jesus. But it doesn’t cover it up. It removes it completely!
What does God want us to do about sexual sin in the church? Expose it and either help those involved toward repentance and restoration, or help them out the door.
What?! It’s what Paul said, though he said it quite a bit stronger:
“Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.” (1 Corinthians 5:3-5 NLT)
Love and patience does not give a silent nod of approval where sexual sins are involved. Not where the purity of God’s Body is concerned.
God’s Body, the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Dwelling Place for the Glory of God.
If we’re going to preach the gospel, God’s Good News, let’s preach this part, as well: the gospel is the power of God unto salvation and deliverance. Everyone is changed when they come into contact with the Living, Pure, Fountain of Life; Jesus.
Are you a Christian? Are you involved in any kind of sexual sin? You have one course of action, according to the Word of God.
Get out of it. Get away from it. Get it away from you. Flee fornication!
God did not send His Son just so you and I could be sexy Christians.
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Dreams and Visions – I Wonder
I’m going to wonder a little out loud, if that’s alright with you.
Thanks.
I wonder if there’s more to the “dreams and visions” passage than meets the eye?
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29 ESV)
I wonder, are the dreams and visions the result of the Spirit’s outpouring, or the evidence of it?
If someone dreams God’s dreams, or sees with God’s eyes, are they filled with the Spirit of God?
I wonder. Don’t you?
But what benefit does anyone receive by dreaming along with God? What value is there in seeing through God’s eyes?
And what’s the big deal about the male and female servants receiving an outpouring of God’s Spirit?
Think with me…what if each of us, every single person on planet earth, began to dream and envision things that were in agreement with God’s will?
This world would drastically change.
For the better.
In Genesis 6, God “saw that everything they (mankind) thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil” (Genesis 6:5 NLT). They weren’t dreaming God’s dreams or looking at things through His eyes.
They were diametrically opposed to everything God is and stands for. They were “filled” with the spirit belonging to the god of THIS world.
They were “dreaming” and “envisioning” in accordance with their evil imaginations, and things kept getting worse and worse.
But God promised that a change was coming.
And that change is here!
In the Old Testament, only those who were kings, prophets, or priests could be anointed by the Holy Spirit. Never could you expect to see ordinary people anointed by God, and DEFINITELY not a male or female slave.
But now God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon whoever will call upon the Name of the Lord.
His Spirit enables us to dream, to envision, to see His Kingdom come, and His will done on earth – just as it is in Heaven.
I wonder what would happen if we’d focus less on the dreams and visions themselves, and more on seeing things through God’s eyes; His point of view?
I wonder if we’d see more Kingdom business accomplished, and less fussing and fighting among the “Spirit-filled”?
Because if we aren’t dreaming His dreams, or seeing His visions, what difference are we making in the earth?
And are we really filled with God’s Spirit?I wonder.
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By the will of God
Something just struck me as amazing. A revelation, if you will.
It may be something you already know, but perhaps not.
Sometimes we read, quote, even acknowledge a certain truth and then one day we see it in a new light; with a freshness to it.
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” (2 Corinthians 1:1 ESV)
I started reading Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, while sort of praying and thinking, “Lord, I know I’m called to preach, and You’ve given my wife and I a message to share, so now what?”
My eyes and heart locked in on five words: by the will of God.
My answer came so quickly, in a way I didn’t expect.
Paul was an Apostle by the will of God. So were Peter, James, John and the rest. Barnabas included.
Philip was an evangelist; Agabus, a prophet.
By the will of God.
I am an elder by the will of God. Some call me pastor, and that’s okay; but I am an elder.
An elder to the Body of Christ.
Because God wants it that way.
Peter, although an apostle, referred to himself as an elder. And it seemed as though, as an elder, he shared pretty much the same message in his writings.
Remember.
That was his message.
Remember.
Remember how you were born again. Remember how Jesus walked, in submission to God. Remember the way Jesus thought, and talked. Remember He’s given us all we need to be holy, and live in a holy manner. Remember what we need to do in order to hasten His appearance.
Remember.
As an elder, by the will of God, my wife and I have been given a particular theme to declare. It’s this:
There isn’t an individual, a marriage, or a church that is above being picked off by the adversary. And yet, by the grace and power of God, there is a way for every individual, marriage, and church to finish well, completing their assignments, and bringing honor and glory to the Lord.Because we know it’s His will, we accept our calling.
Because it’s His will, and His message, I will rest in His Presence, knowing that in all our ways, He will direct our paths.
Because it’s His will.
As I read those five words, “by the will of God”, faith, all of the substance and evidence I could ever need, flooded my soul.
I am what I am by the will of God. I am where I’m at, by the will of God. And He is able; more than able. He is right now working all things out for my good, and His will.
Maybe you are struggling in a similar manner; knowing the call, the message, the urgency, yet with each passing week you see things that may cause you to doubt God’s will.
Please, don’t be discouraged. If you will be faithful to the One Who has called you, the Faithful One will open the door of opportunity for you and your message.
It’s not by might, nor power, but by the Spirit of God; and…
…by the will of God.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 