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Two Evils
Agree or disagree: there are many evils in the world.
Agree? I do. To a point.
Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about a passage of scripture that speaks of only two evils.
Just two evils. However, those two evils are responsible for mankind’s plight. Two evils powerful enough to enslave mankind with addictions, abusive behavior, adultery, and anything else that can steal, kill, or destroy the original purpose God had for his glorious creation.
Two evils which can push you and I beyond the edge of reason, past the counsel of dear and godly friends, into a place where shame, torment, and isolation are the normal way to act.
Not a good place to be.
“For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13 ESV)
Evil number one: “They have forsaken Me”
It began in the Garden, and has been happening ever since. The Creator God, the Fountain of Living Waters, has an endless supply of everything we could ever need. He’s wrapped it all up in the substitutionary work of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV)
Everything that pertains to life and godliness is available to whoever takes the effort to “seek the Lord while He may be found”, and who “call upon Him when He is near” (Isaiah 55).
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly before Him (Psalm 84:11).
Yet, in spite of that, we commit evil each time by choosing to reach for ANYTHING (or anyone) other than the Source of life.
We get into all kinds of trouble when things, people, money, entertainment, work, sex, etc., become more important to us than knowing and doing the will of God.
The forbidden fruit became more important to Adam and Eve than their Creator’s word.
Jesus told the disciples, in Mark chapter four, that “the desires for other things choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful.” The “other things” He referred to actually means “forbidden things”. Or, another way of saying it is, “the desires for the things not on God’s list of approved items”.
Adam and Eve chose the “other things” above the Word. That act brought devastation into their once perfect life.
And it does the same thing to our lives.
“They have forsaken Me…”
Evil Number Two: “Broken cisterns have been chosen”
Cisterns, broken wells; wells full of dirty, disease riddled water. Rather than drinking from the refreshing waters of God, we settle for the nasty waters of our own making.
We somehow think we know what’s best for us. We bristle at the mere suggestion that we may be poisoning our lives with every glass we drink.
But it’s true. Every drink from the well of “I know best” conditions our hearts, minds, and imaginations to go just a bit farther from the Fountain of Living Waters; accepting what was once perverse and atrocious behavior as the new norm.
And God calls it evil.
The first thing Jesus preached was, “Repent and believe the good news.” Change your mind, turn around, believe God’s right and you’re wrong (if there’s a discrepancy).
He’s still reaching out with that same, old message; turn around. Face the Creator, choose Him, and drink from the living waters.
Come to the fountain that never runs dry. Lay aside your evil ways and find real life.
There are two evils, but both can be cured by returning to the Lord.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 ESV)
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Men, Be Men
Recently I spoke to a group of men about secrecy and shame. I told them of my long time addiction to pornography, and its effects on my life, marriage, and ministry.
And I spoke about freedom.
While I was excited to have such an opportunity to speak, I was wishing I was sitting there listening to someone else tell THEIR story.
I later told some people, “If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”
My message was clear and to the point. God created us for something greater than hiding in the shadows; hiding in shame. He’s put a lot more into us than we seem to want to utilize.
The word for that day was, “Don’t hide with the devil.” That’s a good word for men today, don’t you think? I mean, stand up and face God, regardless of what you’ve done or didn’t do. The quickest way to get forgiveness AND victory over sin is to step out of the shadows, get out of the bushes, and humbly approach the Lord in the Name of Jesus.
Yes, it’s a good word for today.
But an even better word is, “Men, BE MEN!”
God created men to be strong and courageous. To provide and protect. He gave man the ability to love and live in community and communion.
With others, and with God.
The devil wants men to think all of that was lost when Adam didn’t stand up for what was right. True, Adam did yield his rights, privileges, AND dignity to the devil.
But Jesus got it back!
NOW the word of God says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
Yes, His word for us is, “Men, BE MEN!”
Have nothing to do with things that steal, kill, and destroy. Move away from a life of secrecy and shame. God has a life of victory, dominion over darkness, and joy prepared for you.
And it won’t be found in the shadows, hiding with the devil.
Flee youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s what God purchased for you, through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Be a man! A man who is submitted to God. A man who can say, “Get behind me, Satan!” A man who can tenderly love his wife and children, leading them by example into a life with God.
A man who will guard his heart diligently; lest he lose his testimony with his loved ones, or his ear for the Spirit’s voice.
Be a man!
If you are involved in anything that the Lord wouldn’t be pleased with, DROP IT!
If you aren’t sure, talk with your pastor.
Men, BE MEN!
There’s no time left to be anything but what Christ Jesus wants you to be.
So do it. Get out of the shadows. Get in front of God. Ask Him to fill you with the power to be A MAN!
A man of God.
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The Operation
If I were to explain to you how I felt, sitting in the Doctor’s office that day, I’m sure you’d understand. Everyone has moments like I was having; pain, uncertainty, confusion, loneliness. I was grateful for everything I’d been given, all I had accomplished, and for the opportunities which were before me.I was definitely part of something really huge; colossal, in fact!
But something wasn’t right.
No, nothing was wrong with the world, or even my world; everything was great. The problem was with me. The problem was IN me.
So, here I was at my very first doctor visit.
I sat with the Doctor, discussing my symptoms. While he listened, he occasionally scribbled on the small notepad he’d pulled out of his coat pocket, nodding his head as if he knew exactly what I was talking about.
Finally, I finished.
Neither of us said a word.
As we sat silently in his office, he reviewed his notes while I imagined all the things he might say to me. Frankly, I was just a little bit scared.
“You are going to need surgery”, he said, as he lifted his eyes to mine. “You are not well, but if you’ll trust me, I can make you better; perfect, in fact! It will require allowing me to put you into a deep sleep. I’ll make an incision in your chest area, about 10 inches long. There will be some loss of blood, though not a lot.
“I need to remove a something from you; but you have a couple dozen of them anyway, so you won’t miss it. Of course, I need your authorization in order for me to perform the operation.”
“Surgery? I don’t know, doctor. I’ve never had as much as a skinned knee, and now I’m supposed to allow you to cut me open? Surely there’s another way! I mean, how about therapy?”
“Therapy isn’t what you need.”
“Couldn’t I take care of my problem with medicine? I’ve got a great insurance plan.”
“No, I’m sorry. Medicine will not cure you.”
I could almost hear my heart, as it pounded nervously in my chest. An operation? Surgery? Why? And what if something went wrong during the procedure? What if the diagnosis was wrong? Could I really trust the doctor?
As I sat there, my mind racing with questions, I finally had the nerve to ask the question I’d been too scared to ask.
“Doctor, what exactly is wrong with me? Cancer? Pancreatitis? Kidney stones? Why do I need to be cut open, and have part of me removed?”
He smiled as he looked into me eyes, and deep into my heart.
“You need a wife.”
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
“At last!” the man exclaimed. (Genesis 2:18-23 NLT)
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Should I…?
I sometimes wonder about this crazy, mixed up world. Specifically, how should I act as a follower of Jesus Christ?
Should I be nice, smile a lot, and show God’s love with only my actions?
I mean, we all know most people aren’t interested in church, religion, or Jesus, don’t we?
I would rather not make someone mad, or turn them off, by speaking about such a personal topic.
Would it be best if I built a good rapport with people before I mentioned something as strong and personal as “God loves you”? Like I said, a person’s relationship with God is a VERY personal thing!
And how should I, as a preacher of the gospel, relate to this world and all its diverse and tolerant people?
Can the gospel I believe COEXIST with other faiths; other religions?
If I dilute the gospel message, so it’s not quite so offensive, will I still witness the power of God? Will people be transformed if I share a more “sinner friendly” message?
How much truth should I be willing to defend? Must I stand against government pressure, and possibly lose my tax exempt status? Do I have to look like a religious goofball in order to present the message of life?
How strong a stance should I take against sin, whether in or out of the church?
If I succeed in “getting along” with everyone here on earth, will anyone be in heaven because of my testimony?
Do I REALLY need to hate my life, loving Jesus more?
Contemplating these and other questions, and wondering what society will be like just prior to Jesus’ return, I remembered what the early followers of Jesus had to contend with.
Suddenly, I received the answers to all my questions.
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
“And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of the people of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”” (Acts 5:17-32 ESV)
There’s only one way to live for God, and thus make an impact for Him.
Though not everyone who hears will agree, if they are going to “repent and believe the gospel”, they must HEAR the gospel in all its purity and power.
If God is to “confirm His word with accompanying signs”, I must preach His word; not some weakened substitute.
As for “coexisting”: yes, we all can live on the same planet, and maybe sit together and share a steak or a bowl of soy beans. But if Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and He is, then nothing else will work.
If NO ONE has eternal life without receiving Jesus as the Lord of their life, then lighting a stick of incense and joining hands while singing Kum Ba Yah just won’t cut it.
I MUST be prepared to go all out for the gospel; giving my all for my Savior. If I’m only going part way, I might as well not go at all.
I truly hope we, as “last days followers”, do as well as the “first days followers” of Christ. What was their response to the pressures and questions of the day?
It was a response that ignited the fury of the devil, but released the power from on High.
“We must obey God rather than men.”
And so must you and I.
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The Quiet Lion
When are the devil and his evil compatriots the most dangerous?
When they are the noisiest?
Or, when they are the quietest?
Maybe I’d better back up just a bit and lay some groundwork.
The devil is likened to a roaring lion, who is constantly seeking someone to devour. Jesus said the devil only wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).
Notice how a lion goes after its prey.
The lion not only ambushes its prey, it also stalks it. In other words, it doesn’t always make a lot of noise.
At times, it is extremely quiet.
And that’s where the danger lies.
The quiet lion.
Unless the prey recognizes it’s being stalked, it makes no effort to defend itself. It goes about life with a business-as-usual attitude and focus. Looking for food and water, trying to find a place to lie down and rest; just the daily grind of routine living. Nothing exciting or out of the ordinary.
That they’re aware of, anyway.Until they hear the lion’s roar.
But by then, it may be very hard to resist.
There may not be TIME to resist!
Sure. They may find a way to beat off the attack. They may be stronger than the lion realized.
However, they may lose a leg or an ear in the process. And, they may bleed to death after it’s all said and done.
Wouldn’t it be better if the subtle, stalking movement of the quiet lion was recognized while he was still far off?
Do you understand YOU and I are the devil’s prey? And there are plenty of warnings in the bible for the child of God. Warnings such as:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34 ESV)
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 ESV)
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
“…so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV)
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” (1 Peter 4:1 ESV)
It is MORE than wise to pay close attention to your spiritual surroundings.
It is BIBLICALLY MANDATED!
What I mean is, we’re instructed to walk humbly with the Lord, listening to the Spirit’s voice, so we can be aware of our enemy’s maneuvers.
Maneuvers such as the manipulation of our minds with fear, greed, lust, or any number of schemes designed to get us to lay down our guard and leave our heart unprotected.
Know what I mean?
Yes, the devil goes around like a roaring lion… but he usually won’t roar until he’s just about on top of his prey.
Sure, like the aforementioned quarry, we may fend him off and claim the victory. And the scripture does say to “resist him steadfast in the faith”; so it’s possible to successfully ward off an attack.
But at what cost?
Is losing an ear (the ability to hear the voice of God) or a leg (the ability to do the works of God) worth running the risk?
No, I don’t believe so. In fact, I KNOW it isn’t.
There have been times in my life when I’ve allowed the quiet lion to get close enough to ambush me. And when he finally roared, I was already wrapped up in the paralyzing feelings and desires which I had allowed to grow unchecked in my life.
Yes, with the Lord’s help, and the love and care of His people, I finally got the lion’s teeth removed from my ear and legs. But I tell you, it was some time before I was able to hear again.
And my walk has forever been altered.
So pay attention, brothers and sisters. Don’t wait until you hear the roar before you begin taking evasive action.
Watch out for the quiet lion.
The life you save may be your own.
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Seven Churches
Have you ever considered Jesus’ words in the Book of Revelation: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”?
Brethren, I don’t believe those words were meant solely for those seven churches mentioned in chapters two and three.
I strongly believe those words belong to us, the Church, right now in 2015.
Realizing that some may be offended, or think I’m taking wild potshots at ministers, ministries, and churches in America, I’ll say it up front.
I am not.
I’m not writing to offend or wound.
I’m simply trying to make sense of some things.
You see, just as Jesus stood in the midst of the candlesticks (representing the churches), I can see Him doing the same today. As He stood inspecting (“I know your works”, He’d say), He listed deficiencies and adequacies within each church.
And He’s standing in our midst, inspecting, saying,
“He who has ears, let them hear.”
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God.” (1 Peter 4:17 ESV)
But what could He possibly want us to hear? Would His message be one of affirmation only, or could there be a few words of reproof?
Can we even hear His voice? Are we prepared to hear words of correction, or would we, upon hearing such words, rise up and shout, “Get behind me, Satan!”?
Imagine what it must have been like back in the first century churches. They were people much like you and I. People who had learned how to play the church game; you know, do certain things, speak with a holy sounding voice, and ostracize everyone who doesn’t look or act exactly like you.
Well, not everyone acted that way, but some did. And not everyone acts that way today, but some do.
“You folks know how to recognize false apostles”, the Lord told the Ephesians. Quite the commendation, don’t you think?
I wonder if they were too busy slapping each other on the back to hear His next words, “But you’ve left your first love!”?
See what I mean? What would Jesus say to our churches? To our pastors?
Here are a few things I believe He’s saying; some of the same things He spoke to the brethren some 2000 years ago.
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:9-10 ESV)
Suffer? The devil attacking our church? Our parishioners? No!
Tribulation and poverty are not fun things to talk about. And I wonder how many people are members of our churches who aren’t genuinely born of God?
I don’t believe we ought to take a vow of poverty or invite persecution just so we can earn our “Badge of Holiness”. But all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. And living right, doing right, seeking first the kingdom of God is much more important than living a life of comfort and ease; if a choice must be made between the two.
Could His words to us, the American Church, be somewhat like those mentioned above?
I know this; it would certainly be hard to grow a “dynamic, world-changing church” if a pastor repeated the words Jesus spoke to those in Smyrna.
I’ll stop for now. But read through the second and third chapters of Revelation and ask the Lord, “What are You really saying to us?”
I’ll write more later.
By the way: please comment. What do you believe we should be hearing from the Lord?
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Easter is for pagans
Recently I asked our Facebook friends to write, using just a few words, what Easter means to them.
There were a number of responses, and I enjoyed reading each one. Here is the list of what Easter means to people like you and I.
Life everlasting
God’s invitation
Celebration
Sacrifice and mercy
Life and new beginnings
Love and sacrifice
Salvation
Resurrection
He’s Alive!
Love and freedom
Repentance and new life
Floating Holiday
Miracles happen
Redemption Day
New beginnings
My beginning, satan’s ending
New life
Risen with a promise
The fulfillment of the law
He lives
Redemption
He’s alive!
Risen Savior
My salvation
Empty grave
Some folks don’t like to use the word “Easter” because of its pagan roots. And while I prefer to speak of the celebrated day as Resurrection Sunday, I’m not against using a name with ties to paganism.
Why?
Because I used to be an ungodly, unbelieving, selfish, egotistical, headed-straight-for-hell pagan. I talked the talk and walked the walk.
And so did you (maybe you still do).
A couple of definitions for the word “pagan“:
-heathen; especially a follower of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome)
-one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person
I used to fit into both categories, as I had all types of gods and idols; things I worshiped.
“Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12 ESV)
So when I use the pagan word, “Easter”, it reminds me of the reason for the season.
Easter is for pagans!
As the song goes, “You came from heaven to earth, to show the way. From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky…”
Easter (or whatever word you prefer saying) isn’t about pastel colors, eggs, bunnies, chocolates (well, maybe), lilies, or ham dinners. Nothing wrong with those traditions; they just don’t define Easter.
But neither is it about church services, mass, cantatas, white dresses, or any religious tradition we hold up as the correct way to celebrate.
Easter is the culmination of, not only the week of Christ’s passion, but the Father’s passion for His Creation; lost in the garden, but reconciled through the bodily resurrection of the Lamb of God, the Savior of the whole pagan, and religious, world.
As evidenced by the empty tomb.
Call it whatever you’d like. Just don’t miss the message.
Easter is for pagans!
“…remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all.” (Ephesians 1:16-23 ESV)
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Bad News? Hah!
“Gloom, despair, and agony on me. Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me!”
Do you remember that old song from the 70’s show, “Hee Haw”?
Ohhhhh!
As funny (and corny) as the show was, it’s sad to think there are children of the Most High God who act as though the song was written for them!
Come on, people!
It certainly isn’t what the bible teaches.
For instance, take a look at Psalm 112.
“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish.” (Psalm 112:1-10 ESV)
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Whom does God bless? The one who fears the Lord, who delights GREATLY in His commandments!
How important is God’s word to you? Are you more concerned with making a buck, or counting on luck, than you are with knowing AND doing the will of God?
Maybe you’re thinking, “I fear the Lord, but nothing good ever happens to me.” Really? Jesus Christ died and rose again for you, didn’t He?
Well, didn’t He?
God is not a liar. If He inspired someone to write Psalms 112, and inspired others to put them in the book we call the Bible, then it should be clear just how much the Lord wants to bless you and I in every area of our life.
The phrase, “He has distributed freely…”, is a key to a blessed life. People who are fearful about the economy quit trusting God. People who quit trusting God no longer “distribute freely”. People who stop the flow of giving find themselves wanting and needing, with no provision.
But the person who is following the Lord’s commandments, who enjoys blessing others, will have a continuous harvest of blessing!
My theme song isn’t the tune from Hee Haw. No, mine goes like this:
“Love, joy, and blessings on me, Sweet peace abiding, excessive victory, It’s all because of Jesus, It wasn’t luck at all. Now there’s love, joy, and blessings on me.”
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Passion
Passion.
Desire, focus, purpose, mission,
A cross
A week
Passion.
Praises, palms, crowds, questions,
A man
A king
Passion.
Preparation, covenant, body and blood,
An opportunity
A betrayal
Passion.
Pleading, sweating, sleeping, rising, scattering
A garden
A kiss
Passion.
Mocking, trying, beating, crowning,
A promise
A bruised heel
Passion.
Washed hands, mangled flesh, broken heart,
A dark hour
A holy hill
Passion.
Nails, splinters, hammers, jeers, gleeful serpent
A sorrow
A hope
Passion.
Silence, blood and water, declaration, sealed tomb,
A burial
A completion
Passion.
Earthquake, three days, visitors, empty tomb,
A question
A wonder
Passion.
Living Savior, elated saints, fulfilled promise, bruised head.
A defeated serpent
A victorious Lord
Passion.
Then, now, and always.
Passion.
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Say What?!?
Day Thirteen. Speak the Word.
Isn’t it odd? People seem to think it’s quite alright if you say things like:
“I’m sure it can’t be done.”
“Nothing ever works for me.”
“My car is always breaking down.”
“I’ll probably have an accident; things have been going along too well.”
But just try and sound positive, or quote what the Bible says about your situation, and you’re treated like some kind of nut.
“Blab it and grab it!”
“Another one of those faith idiots.”
“Behold, the guy who’s living in a dream world.”
Here’s the truth, though. People may think you’re stupid when you speak the word; when you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth… But, hey! That’s how you and I became born again into the kingdom of God. Believe and confess.
And the same principle that governs our spiritual life has the capability of affecting the rest of our life, as well.
Say what?!?
“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,“ we also believe and therefore speak…” (2 Corinthians 4:13 NKJV)
Let these scriptures sink deep into your spirit:
“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.” (Job 22:28 NKJV)
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:11 NKJV)
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Proverbs 15:23 NKJV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV)
Say what?!?
“The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8 NKJV)
“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:22-24 NKJV)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV)
“Confession” is from the Greek word meaning, “to say the same thing.” In other words, to agree with God and His Word about EVERYTHING.
When I confess my sin, I declare it is what God says it is. Sin.
When I confess His Lordship over my life, I declare that I believe the work Christ did through the cross and resurrection applies to my life. All of it.
When I confess, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”, I declare that my weaknesses and inabilities must yield to the power of God. And when I’m weak, then I am strong.
When I confess, “greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world”, I declare my boldness and trust in God to face anything that may come my way. I can’t lose for winning!
Mountains have to move, demons must flee, and my flesh must take a back seat to the power of God; as I believe in my heart and declare (agreeing with God) with my mouth.
No, I’m not saying we have things just because we want them and say we do. We don’t need faith in God to act that way.
But faith in God, genuine faith in God, will change the way we look at things, and will fine tune the desires of our heart.
So, abide in Him, and let His words abide in you…
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7 NKJV)
If there’s faith in your heart, open your mouth.
Say what?!?
Say His word.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 