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Good or Evil? Who Decides?
Is it possible for someone to be a good person but not believe in Jesus? What if they couldn’t care less whether there’s a God in Heaven? Maybe they don’t even believe in a Heaven or a Hell.
Can that person be a good person, or are they evil through and through? What does it take to be classified as good? How bad must someone be to rate being called evil?
Is the dividing line between good and evil simply a matter of faith? Something like faith equals good and no faith equals evil?
We probably all know someone, or have heard of someone, who epitomizes evil. However, I don’t think it’s possible to find someone we all can agree is evil. Or good, for that matter.
For the sake of discussion, I’ll use Adolf Hitler as our example of evil. How can he be judged as evil? Because of his evil actions during World War Two. His attempt to exterminate the Jewish people was evil. In my book, anyway.
However, there are people in the world who would argue with me; and tell me Hitler was good!
Why would they say such a thing? Because Hitler also did some good! He was a great community organizer, rallying the German Nation in patriotic unity. He was also good for the German economy, for awhile, at least.
So, I can’t use his actions to determine if he was good or evil.
There must be a better way to decide.
Most people agree that Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi were good people. Mother Teresa is known for her ministry of compassion, while Mahatma Gandhi is known for his nonviolent leadership in India’s independence. Both were an inspiration to their countrymen, and the whole world.
But again, there are some who would disagree. Looking on the internet, I found a number of articles questioning both Mother Teresa’s and Gandhi’s integrity and character. It’s been said that the world’s second favorite mother wasn’t always ethical with her handling of the finances; millions and millions of dollars. Gandhi was a known racist, despising the black man his entire life.
I find it hard to believe like you. But I cannot say someone is good because they do good things.
What if we just made a rule, something like: whatever the majority believes is correct. If the majority believes someone or something is good, then it’s good. If evil, well, sorry but that’s the way it is.
So where do we go to find our majority? How many should be polled to create a correct assessment? Could the majority’s belief differ, if the polling data was gathered from different people groups, with different levels of income, and various age groups?
Is it safe to let society determine what is good or what is evil?
No. It is not.
Every human being is capable of doing good, or doing evil. Every one, without exception. So mankind really isn’t the one to determine good or evil.
Like it or not, there’s only one qualified to make the call. Believe it or not, there’s one who’s already made the call.
God.
You who don’t agree; do you know someone better qualified? Or are you saying there’s no such thing as good or evil? No God and no devil?
But back to my original question: is it possible for someone to be a good person but not believe in Jesus?
The answer is…
No.
A person may do tons of good things. They may find a cure for cancer, or broker peace in the Middle East. They could save the whales, the trees, and California’s budget problems; all good things.
But in order to BE good, a person’s innermost being must be good.
The standard, the benchmark for “good”, the only one who is good says:
“As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! Their throat is a yawning grave; they use their tongues to deceive (to mislead and to deal treacherously). The venom of asps is beneath their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction [as it dashes them to pieces] and misery mark their ways. And they have no experience of the way of peace [they know nothing about peace, for a peaceful way they do not even recognize]. There is no [reverential] fear of God before their eyes”. (Romans 3:10-18 AMP)
None good, no not one. Sin, or a trespass against God, a neighbor, or even one’s self, disqualifies anyone from being good. It’s not the way he made us, but it’s how we turned out after the evil one deceived Eve. When Adam willingly, knowingly, took the fruit from Eve’s hand and took a bite.
God didn’t create us bad, and it’s not how he wants us to end up.
“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:22 – 3:26 ESV)
God has done something about man’s bad condition.
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned – for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:12-17 ESV)
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23 ESV)
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV)
By faith in Jesus’ substitutionary work on the cross, along with his subsequent burial and resurrection, God begins a change in the believer’s heart. The old leaves, the new comes.
The good one (Jesus) gave his life for the bad one (me), so the bad one (me) might become righteous in God’s sight.
He makes us good. His Spirit gives us the power to resist evil, and do good.
It all boils down to this: doing good things is great. It’s commendable and great for the world. Good deeds should be applauded and encouraged. But doing good doesn’t change a bad heart. It has to be made new. Born again. Recreated in the image of good.
God’s standard of “good“.
Thank you for reading this post. Please comment, I’d love to hear what you think. For more posts and a weekly newsletter delivered to your email address, please go to http://eepurl.com/PaJK5 and sign up. Thanks.
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You Can Curse It, But Never Reverse It
An age old debate appears to be heating up, getting hotter and hotter. A debate that carries with it eternal consequences.
Some believe it, others try to refute it.
A shackle to free thinkers and liberated lifestyles; it has released many, and is the judge of everyone .
It has always been, and forever will be; no person or group can lay exclusive claim to it.
Though multitudes attempt to guard it, defend it, explain it, and even broadcast it to the nations; it can only be found by those who seek it.
Always contemporary, never behind the times. Never hidden, though ignored by many.
Brighter than a million lights; it penetrates the darkest of souls, enlightening and renewing.
It’s weight is more than the strongest man can bear; yet it is the very thing that lifts him heavenward.
It is beyond comprehension but not beyond knowing.
Sharper than a surgeon’s knife, as tender as a nurse’s touch, keener than a scholar’s perception, yet simple enough for anyone with childlike faith to grasp.
It can be a fire in one’s bones, or refreshing as a cool drink of water.
People will curse it, but never reverse it.
Truth.
Pilate asked about it.
People turn away from it; afraid to face it, let alone embrace it.
It demands total acceptance and allegiance, or it is compromise.
Truth.
Men and women can have an insatiable desire for learning and knowledge, and still be far from it. Those who oppose it still must face it.
Everyone eventually bows before it.
Truth.
Whoever commits themselves to it finds love beyond description, and help for every situation.
Though not easy to swallow, it settles every nerve and heals every ulcer.
It can not be separated from its Author. It’s inseparably connected with godliness and righteousness.
Truth.
It stirs up controversy. It settles disputes. It divides the best of friends and separates the goats from the sheep.
It was promised to the serpent, tested in the desert, welcomed with palm branches, and nailed to a cross.
It was victorious over death, a tomb, and even hell itself.
It’s being attacked as it was in Noah’s day, mocked as in the day of Lot.
But some are believing it, as in Jonah’s day.
It will remain, though the heavens and the earth are destroyed by intense heat.
It will stand, even though challenged by the lawless one himself.
If misunderstood, it can remove all doubt. Unchangeable.
It is the foundation for life, and the one necessity in death.
To those who know it, receive it, embrace it, love it, and live it…
It is everlasting life.
Truth.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 NKJV)
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17 NKJV)
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Human Trafficking, Abortion, and Jesus
I have received a number of comments regarding my last post: “Human Trafficking? What if I’m pro-choice?” And, I will add, no one wrote to tell me what a great writer I am. But that isn’t why I write.
Rather than addressing each comment individually, I felt I might be able to address them in the context of a follow-up post. I will attempt to do that now.
First of all, I am very sorry for the pain people have endured, and are still enduring, because of human trafficking. I was in no way trying to minimize the pain, or treat it lightly. I don’t believe it’s a joking matter.
Even though it may be hard to believe, there is a God in Heaven who cares about each of us here on earth. He saves, delivers, and heals. He restores the years stolen from us; for whatever reason. He is able to make us brand new on the inside. Our thoughts, our memories, our horrors; all washed clean with His love.
My comments about abortion, pro-choice, and advertising executives were not meant to diminish the evils of human trafficking. I was attempting to drill down to the root of the issue. Lust.
I believe the stories told by victims of human trafficking are horrifying. And again, I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they went through. To speak of it now must be very painful, like hell on earth!
Though it is extremely painful, the voice of those who have escaped can now be heard! They now have an opportunity to enlighten society of the hell they’ve gone through, and maybe give some ideas on how it can be stopped. And I hope they do.
But the unborn baby has no voice. They are victims with no rights and no voice. They feel unimaginable pain as they’re ripped from what should have been a safe place to grow. That’s what I was attempting to say when comparing the one with the other. Sorry if it wasn’t very clear. Maybe it still isn’t.
Yes, there are a number of reasons why a woman may choose to abort. And, I’m sure, there are some legitimate ones, even in God’s eyes. But since I don’t have the job title of Spokesman for God, I’ll move on.
I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as I am. And that’s my opinion; what I believe.
I stand on my belief that the answer to our world’s problems is Jesus.
The world NEEDS Jesus!
And I believe the world’s problems can be traced to the devil. I’m sorry for being so black and white. But when man’s “lease” on this world finally runs out, and God wraps up His plan for the ages, the devil will be completely removed from the scene. Forever. And the evils he’s responsible for will be removed as well.
Some have asked me how I can say the world is getting worse. Simple. I look around. I read of the way things were. I’ve also 60 years of life to use as a reference point. That doesn’t make me an expert, nor does it validate my opinion over others. But from my vantage point, that’s what I see. Not because I’m negative, or even narrow minded. Of course, you may not be convinced.
I also believe things are getting worse because it is prophesied in the Word of God. People may choose to not believe the Bible, for whatever reason. There was a time I didn’t believe the Word. But, things change and so do people. At least they can.
I am not holier than you or anyone else. If I don’t walk with God I am capable of doing hellish things. The same is true for everyone who names the Name of Christ. But even though Christians don’t always do things correctly, and even though we don’t always say the right things or show the right amount of compassion, doesn’t mean our message is wrong or outdated. It just means we haven’t “arrived” and God still has more work to do.
Again, I’m sorry for anyone’s pain.
I still believe the root of the problem needs to be dealt with. The lust in people’s hearts. Do I think it will happen? Can someone wave their magic wand and end all sin, all evil, all greed and selfishness? No. People have a choice.
Adam and Eve had a choice. We have a choice. Our choices won’t necessarily stop all kinds of evil from happening, or even happening to us. But our situations and circumstances do not annul the promises of God.
Jesus came for each one of us. He came to undo the devil’s works. And eventually, all of God’s promises will be fulfilled. Believe it or not.
Someday every person will stand before God and have to answer a question or two. I will. You will.
We’ll give an account of all the things we’ve done while here on earth. Good or evil. Or just so-so. But the question of our lifetime isn’t about whether we are pro-choice or pro-life. It isn’t about how many sex partners we’ve had, or did we remain a virgin all our life. If we fail to answer THE question correctly, nothing else will matter.The question? What have we done with God’s Son, Jesus Christ? Receive Him or reject Him? As for human trafficking, I will help stop it in whatever way I can. And I’ll encourage victims to find new life, forgiveness and healing in Jesus.
Because, as I mentioned before, I am convinced the answer to all of our problems is Jesus.
“For I am not ashamed of the good news of Jesus. It is the power God uses to restore, remake, and reclaim a life from the hellish grip of the evil one.” Romans 1:16 (loosely paraphrased)
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Human Trafficking? What If I’m Pro-Choice?
Human trafficking…where does it begin, and how will it end? Why should I be concerned?
First of all, human life is in jeopardy. If slavery of any kind is alright, then anyone and everyone could be at risk. If owning a slave is acceptable as long as their skin is a certain color, then anyone who’s that color would be marketable. Gender, age, social status, nationality, or color of hair; all of these could be used to determine the ones who could be owned, or who can do the owning.
Who on earth has the authority to determine who is better than another? Who can say who is subhuman and who isn’t?
The answer should be obvious to all, but apparently it’s not. Throughout history men and women have attempted to elevate themselves to the position reserved only for God Almighty. Some Christians have mistakenly believed it was God’s will for them to own another human. And, of course, people who are anti-Christian love to point out the hypocrisy within the church.
But God has determined the value of each of us, regardless of anything peculiar about us. We are of immeasurable worth! The price isn’t even negotiable. Created on purpose, for a purpose. In fact, the value is so great, you won’t find a price tag!
However, there are many who disagree. Their ideas, their needs, are the only ones that matter.
So where does human trafficking begin? If we could discover it’s starting point, maybe something could be done about it.
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I Wonder…
I have had the holy and extremely intimate privilege a few times in my life. Sitting beside the bed of a loved one, as they near the end of their earthly life. Seeing the faraway look in their eyes makes me wonder what it would be like to view the world as they see it.
Or to be able to see into both worlds; the one I’m leaving, and the one I’m entering.
To be so close to the door of death and just a step away from the heavenly welcome, but still trapped in a body that’s shutting down.
What is it like? How does it feel to have my body actually kick me out of its house?
To see my sons and daughters, grandkids and friends, talking, laughing, crying and embracing while I lie in my bed. What is it like?
Is it consoling to watch people come and go, staying long enough to look into my fading eyes, force a smile and whisper, “I love you”; then pat my hand and hug my family? What kind of feeling is that? What is it like?
Though it’s hard to speak, and even harder to listen, is it possible to remember the joys I’ve experienced and the storms I’ve weathered? Will my tears of thanksgiving truly depict my love to my family, and for my Savior?
Can I recount God’s faithfulness though I may not remember anything else, including my own name?
How quickly do I leave my body after my last breath is gone, and my heart ceases to beat? Will I float or soar? Will I see those huddled around my bed? Will they hear me when I say goodbye?
I wonder what it’s like.
Is it possible to see angels approaching while I stare at my loved ones? Can I hear Heaven’s choir above my silent din?
Are the hours I’m asleep just my way of saying I’ll be gone soon? Or am I busy in my dreams, visiting with my heavenly guide, preparing for my final trip?
Will my eyes see clearly, once the dark film of this life is finally removed?
What will it be like to see Heaven for the very first time?
I wonder what it’s like to see but not focus, to hear but not discern. To lay my head down for the last time, and then, like I’m being drawn by an invisible magnet, rise to the One who’s called Jesus.
To me, it’s a mystery much larger than life, though I know what I believe. And though I believe, there’s still the unknown world I’ve yet to see.
I can’t explain it. I can’t describe it.
Neither can I know what my loved one is seeing, thinking, or feeling as they sleep, hardly breathing, barely alive.
Then again, perhaps they’re more alive than I am!
For as this life fades, the next one grows clearer and closer, until finally, the anchor of hope is removed from the heart of the redeemed. Hope no longer is needed to steady the traveler; they’re finally home.
“For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Death is overcome by life.
Eternal life.
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I Believe In The Devil
I believe in the devil. Do you?
I believe in the devil, though I’ve never seen his face, can’t say he’s colored bright red or has horns.
I believe in the devil, with pitch fork, I doubt, a spiritual being in complete darkness adorned.
I believe in the devil, with a beginning and end, unlike his Creator who’s from everlasting
I believe in the devil, the perverter of justice, disrupter of unity, and hater of every good thing.
I believe in the devil, with his spirits of violence, the merchants of mayhem and infirmity.
I believe in the devil, the master of sales, and camouflaged in lies markets the scams of eternity.
I believe in the devil who’s “pitches” are many, like “the devil isn’t real”, or “hell’s a party forever.” And, “there are many ways to God”, “God is dead, hell ain’t real, and man was God’s ‘creator’”
I believe in the devil, the adversary of God, Lucifer of old, and the destroyer of perfection.
I believe in the devil, satan by title, liar by description.
I believe in the devil, the accuser of the brethren, the Prince of Darkness and master of deceit.
I believe in the devil, leader of the damned, created in beauty, but wrapped in conceit.
I believe in the devil, the twister of truth, the peddler of pride and trafficker of fear.
I believe in the devil, the one who wanted to be, swore he’d be, believes he is,
but is no where near, God.
I believe in the devil, slave to his own desires, Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, Achan’s sin.
I believe in the devil, wily and shrewd, without wisdom or revelation, confused within.
I believe in the devil, the future tenant of the lake of fire, the ruler of losers, the defeated foe.
I believe in the devil, Adam’s undoing, Samson’s Delilah, and the serpent who spoke.
I believe in the devil, purity’s mocker, Nimrod’s tower, and the host of all evil.
I believe in the devil, Cain’s jealous temper, the prophet of the rebellious, the world’s upheaval.
Godless.
I believe in the devil, the hater of good, whisperer of exaggerations, tradesman of lust.
I believe in the devil, the greedy and selfish one, the one called lawless, who’s wholly unjust.
I believe in the devil, the curse of the law, the creature who crawls on his belly so low.
I believe in the devil, Judas’ disillusion, Jesus’ opponent, who inflicted Him with that deadly blow.
I believe in the devil, with crushed serpent’s head, who forgot the promise made by the Almighty.
I believe in the devil, Peter’s shame and Thomas’ doubt, the rich young ruler’s trap, the Roman’s Tree.
I believe in the devil, the defiler of all he touches, the roaring lion that seeks to devour all men.
I believe in the devil, our unseen enemy, with his beginning in Glory, and his soon welcomed end.
I believe in the devil, but my faith is in Jesus, the Light of the world, the Savior of all.
I believe in the devil, but I don’t owe him a thing, I’m no longer a slave to his beck and call.
I believe in the devil, I know who he is, the one called “defeated” in Christ’s glorious parade.
I believe in the devil, but that’s as far as it goes, his time’s running out; it’s Jesus Who saves.
I believe the devil’s real, a spiritual being, and the one diametrically opposed to all God Almighty is and does.
But I believe Jesus.
The devil believes in God, but he doesn’t believe God. Do you?
“Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them?” (James 2:19 MSG)
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Monsters, Inc.
Just suppose it’s Monday morning. You get out of bed, eat breakfast, walk the dog, and finish getting ready for work.
Once inside your car, you back out of the garage, press the garage door closer, and head for the freeway.
All of a sudden, something strikes you as odd; actually, eerie. You haven’t seen a single person out and about. Not one.
No one walking their dog, no children waiting for the school bus, not a single vehicle on the road except yours. What’s going on?
You turn on the radio, hoping to catch something on the news that would explain things. Nothing but dead air.
Arriving at work, you get the pick of parking spaces; you’re the only one there!
No one in the building, no one standing outside in the designated smoking area. No one at all.
You try calling several local friends, but no answer.
Returning to your car, you head north. Ankeny. I should find someone in Ankeny, you mumble to yourself. But not a soul can be found.
Turning east and south, you discover the same thing in Altoona. No one. Not in a car, walking on the sidewalk; even HyVee is completely vacant.
Pleasant Hill shows no sign of life, either. Des Moines and West Des Moines, the same. You spend 3 hours driving the streets, looking for someone, anyone; but the city is deserted. Crazy, isn’t it.
Actually, this sort of thing is happening every year.
Except the city isn’t deserted; it is aborted.
In 2012, according to the Planned Parenthood Annual Report for 2012-2013, there were 327,166 babies murdered by PP. That equals the population of the four cities mentioned.
In one year.
I find the name “Planned Parenthood” to be a bit deceptive. Isn’t parenthood the state of being a father or a mother? Why would the abortion industry use the “parent” word, when it’s apparent they really don’t care for babies?
Maybe that’s a little harsh. I’m sorry. I’ll try it again.
I’m sure the people who operate PP care about babies. After all, they were babies once.
But it’s too bad people who have the wherewithal to operate a billion dollar business can’t tell the difference between a baby and a blob of tissue.
A baby in the womb can be seen with ultrasound. It’s heart beat can be heard. It’s a living, developing baby, safely wrapped inside its mother’s womb. Well, it is supposed to be.
In the Planned Parenthood Annual Report 2012-2013, You can read some very interesting things. Here is a link to that report:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/AR-FY13_111213_vF_rev3_ISSUU.pdf
Here’s a wild statistic. Planned Parenthood receives 45% of their budget from tax payers.
“I thought the government gave them the money!” The government doesn’t have any money. They use OUR money. Our money goes to murder babies!
I know God loves the people who work at Planned Parenthood. He loves them as much as He loves His Son, Jesus! After all, He gave His Son to pay the price for their sin, the same as the rest of the world.
However, killing babies is wrong, and calling it “pro-choice” doesn’t make the babies less dead. Calling the “pro-lifer’s” “anti-abortionists” makes them sound like people who don’t care, and are out to ruin women any way they can. But propaganda, political spin, and out right lies cannot ease the conscience of the baby’s mother. And it doesn’t make the “procedure” less murderous.
Back in Nazi Germany, where so many people were killed, or exterminated as was the case, the “doctors” who performed the experiments and caused the deaths of millions were brought to trial and sentenced to die for their unconscionable acts.
They were referred to as “monsters”.
Is there really any difference between the Nazi “doctors” and the “doctors” who perform abortion procedures?
I’d say “monster” fits them well!
I try and imagine what the babies would have been like. Each one known by God, and given gifts and a purpose, by God. Fearfully and wonderfully made, by God.
But brutally murdered as an “abortion procedure”, in the name of “choice”, which is best spelled M-O-N-E-Y.
Maybe Planned Parenthood should change the name of their business to “Murder, Inc.”
Or, better yet; “Monsters, Inc.”
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Breaking the Spirit of Poverty (Intro)
God doesn’t have a nickle to His name, but He’s rich. He doesn’t own a Lexus or a Lamborghini, but He always rides in style. He wears no fancy Rolex, but He’s never late. He has never known poverty, and He doesn’t want you or I being chained to the spirit of poverty either. He is rich. He’s rich to all who call upon Him.
This post is the introduction to a little eBook I wrote a couple of weeks ago. If you are interested in receiving the whole book, free, please sign up to follow this blog via email. You’ll not only receive the book for free (PDF version at this time; I’m working on the Keynote version), you’ll also receive my posts (3-5 per week) and a weekly newsletter highlighting various ministry opportunities, challenges and, quite possibly, a chuckle or two. Thank you for your interest in Grace Books and Blogs, and A Seasoned Word.
Breaking The Spirit Of Poverty Contents
1. God’s Attitude
2. Characteristics of a Poverty Spirit
3. Characteristics of a Generous Spirit
4. Breaking Free
5. Living Above Your Income
6. Let’s wrap it upBreaking the Spirit of Poverty
By Jan L. Grace
copyright 2014God’s Attitude
Poverty, according to the dictionary, is the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions. But according to biblical principles and examples, poverty is much more than just the lack of funds or possessions. It is a spirit, a force, that enslaves men and women. It becomes their mind set, the reason why they live the way they do.
God’s people may or may not have a lot of money. At times, they may be downright poor. But being poor and under the curse of the spirit of poverty are two completely separate things. NEVER does God want his people (or anyone, for that matter) living under the curse of poverty.
God’s attitude toward abundance and lack can be summarized in the following passage:
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.“
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 9:10 NKJV)
Many people have the idea that God is very much against wealth and riches. If that were the case, why did he put so many resources in the earth? He has created every precious gem, every valuable mineral, every costly metal and fossil fuel. He has given mankind the knowledge to find and refine such commodities; and the knowledge to use them for the betterment of his people.
God is extremely wealthy! And yet, no one is more generous. He does not wring his hands, or shake his head, when he thinks about our needs. He is rich to all who call upon him (Romans 10:12). He is so rich; he never runs out of anything!
“God is able (and willing) to make all grace ABOUND toward you and I; so we’ll have the ability and the resources to have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK.”
“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV)
The power to get wealth includes the wisdom to use it, and not abuse it. The poverty spirit will abuse it, waste it, and blame God for his stinginess. But the heart free from the spirit of poverty will allow God full access to everything they have; everything they are. And that leads to one, very exciting life!
Characteristics of the Spirit of Poverty
“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. “And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ “So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15 – 12:21 NKJV)
Covetousness is an indication that the spirit of poverty is lurking close by. Notice the certain rich man’s focus. Himself. No one else. Not a wife, a child, a parent, a church, a beggar; no one else was even considered when he was contemplating what to do with all his good fortune. His chief concern was how he should store all he had gained. God called him a fool. And that was putting it mildly.
Here is a list of characteristics, indicators, of the spirit of poverty.
Lazy
“How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11 NKJV)People who have an “entitlement mentality” can fit into this category. I’m not referring to people who CAN’T get out of bed, or those who have had financial, social, or some other kind of trouble. This is about those who WON’T get up, get to work, or do something for someone else. Yet this spirit loves to scream, “I have my needs!” Too bad the prowler has stolen everything they ever had – including their dignity.
The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the street.(Proverbs 22:13 NKJV)
Laziness declares – I can’t. It isn’t safe. I have to stay clear of that area UNTIL SOMEONE COMES AND GETS RID OF THE LION. Yep, that’s lazy; and sad.
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Hear The Sound
Why is there so much confusion in the world? Why does it seem like so many people are double minded?
Confusion is not from God. It is a result of Adam’s sin, and testifies to a lack of peace in one’s mind and life. There is no confusion in Heaven, but Hell is completely chaotic, utterly void of peace.
Jesus is mankind’s peace. The punishment for our peace was upon him (Isaiah 53).
Confusion is a curse. But they who know their God “will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (Isaiah 32:18 ESV)
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…” (1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV)
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16 NKJV)
If we will train our heart and mind to listen for Heaven’s words, Heaven’s sound, we will make wise and timely decisions. Our decisions may not make sense in the natural, but we don’t walk according to our own wisdom. We aren’t fighting flesh and blood. We’re not using man made weapons. But the Lord “lights the candle”, the spirit man, allowing those who wait upon the Lord to have their strength renewed, and their mind quiet and peaceful!
Confusion, be gone from the people of God. People of God, trust in the Lord with your whole heart, leaning not (depending not) upon your own understanding.
Instead, hear the sound:
Of the trumpet, calling God’s assembly to order. Specific instructions are understood because of the sound. The enemy hears but cannot discern the meaning of the sound; the same sound Heaven will make on that glorious Day!
Of the bells, sewn to Aaron’s robe, as he approaches the holy of Holies. We follow the movement of the Apostle and High Priest of our confession as we hear Heaven’s sound. We know the nearness of the Holy One by the sound of the bells. Listen closely, and you’ll hear him ever interceding.
Of the goings in the top of the mulberry tree – God is on the move. It’s impossible to keep up with God, or trace His steps. Unless He gives us clues, pictures, and slows down a bit, we probably miss Him. But listen to the sound; his actions become evident to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see.
Of an abundance of rain – revival brings refreshing, but it’s muddy business. The prophet of God prepared to be carried along by the Spirit of God. He prepared because he had heard Heaven’s sound. The sound was a warning of judgment, of promise, and of preparation – “Get ready to move.” So he “girded up his loins”, set his jaw, checked his emotions, and prepared to be moved by the Spirit of God.
Of the voices lifted up in joy, expressing their utmost delight in the Savior of their soul! The soul that’s free in Jesus will echo Heaven’s sound through high and holy praise! “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.” (Psalm 89:15 NASB)
Of cymbals clanging together, in praise to God. The sound of Heaven confuses the enemy. It makes them fight amongst themselves. The sound causes the enemy to be confused and defeated.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
Of the musical instruments of God, of singing and praising with a joyful sound. Of a harp, whose strings vibrate in unison with Heaven’s unique frequency. Hear it, capture it, let the sound fill you. March to the beat of Heaven’s sound and the walk of faith will become easier.
Of the thunderous skies, and a rushing, mighty wind blowing across the land. It’s declaring the awesome power of God, the fear of God, and man’s complete frailty. Arise and shine! For even in the thunder and the rain, light breaks in and resurrects the dead! The mighty wind that spells death to the rebellious, becomes the breath of God to those who hear and obey.
A solemn sound calling everyone to repentance. Listen closely, and you’ll recognize the commands to rend your heart and not your garments. As the earth quakes at the sound of God’s voice, so does the heart tremble in his presence. But repentance is only the planting and death of a seed; soon its shell will break open with new life.
Of whinnying horses, stirred by the enemy’s advance. Hear the sound of alarm, of warning; an unsafe intruder is near, so prepare for battle and victory. Be alert, hear the sound…
Of marching troops, battle, and the many sounds of the trumpet. (1 Corinthians 14) The many sounds are for those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. No one is ready for battle, for victory, for life or death, unless they hear the sound. “Man doesn’t live by bread alone; but by every word that PROCEEDS from the mouth of God.”
The faint cry of desperation and need. Of many waters and the still, small voice. Of the alarm, loud and clear. Of cherubim wings, flapping in the heavenly breezes blowing continually through the tabernacle of meeting; the place where God communes with man.
A leaf falling from a tree. It speaks without words, but its message is clear. It speaks of change; life is about change. The sound the leaf makes, a reminder that life is always preparing for the next season. The next door to open. Confusion cannot control the person who has heard the gentle sound of a coming change.
Hear the sound of the Spirit, and recognize the leading of the Lord. Confusion is dispelled as the Lord causes his glorious voice to be heard. Listen closely and you’ll hear him calling your name. Yield to the tenderness in his voice. You will hear a word in your ear, “don’t turn to the left or the right. This is the way; walk in it.”
Confusion becomes impotent and muted in the presence of Heaven’s sound.
“And the Lord will make his majestic voice heard. He will display the strength of his mighty arm. It will descend with devouring flames, with cloudbursts, thunderstorms, and huge hailstones.”
(Isaiah 30:30 NLT)He who has ears to hear will be prepared for anything and everything. Confusion gives the right-of-way to peace, perfect peace.
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (Isaiah 32:17-18 ESV)
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Barney Banana
I must say, at the onset of this post, the story you’re about to read is someone else’s fault. A friend told us the ending, which prompted me to learn more about what happened.Anyway, the story goes like this…
Once upon a time in a faraway land where fruit trees abound and grapevines cover the hillsides, stood a dozen or so banana plants. Yes, they felt a little out of place; probably about like a watermelon in a strawberry patch. But that’s the way life was in the fruity little land called Grove.
Grove was known for its sweet, fresh air and well groomed residents. It was a well known fact, that because of Grove’s specially treated water made available with just a twist of the tap, everyone lived to a ripe old age. Visitors always remarked about wishing they could take the town home with them. Everyone loved the little town of Grove.
Except Barney Banana.
Now Barney wasn’t a bad banana; in fact he’d never even been so much as bruised. But he’d heard stories of life beyond Grove, and the wanderlust in his heart began to grow so strong he thought he’d bust right out of his skin.
Old Barney would dream of Monkeland, with its bright lights, fast carts, and loose cupcakes looking for anything with a peel. He knew he could make it big in Monkeland, if he’d only have the chance. Yes, Barney knew he had what it took; and he just had to find a way.
But there were a couple of barriers that hindered our friend from making his big split from Grove.
One, he was downright scared. Well, maybe scared isn’t exactly the word; how about, uptight? Yeah, that’s it. Barney was uptight. Why? It was his momma’s fault. When he was just a little baby, still small and green, she told him about this evil critter that made Monkeland its home. She would describe the evil being as hairy, very quick, with hands and feet unlike anything she’d ever seen. And it loved to tear into bananas.
She also showed him pictures and newspaper clippings of other terrible occurrences happening in the awful and forbidden land of Monkeland. Horrible stories of fellow bananas getting knifed, flayed, and then buried under 3 piles of white dirt, by a grinning monster wearing a little hat. As he studied the pictures, and especially the little hat the monster had on its head, Barney figured the “BR” stood for Banana Ruffian. It was enough to send icy chills up and down his skin.
Of course, Barney was getting older and could fend for himself. And he could certainly do his own thinking. He didn’t need advice from someone who had never lived on her own, and who had always been surround by other bananas; her own kind!
He was tired of hanging around the same, dull, fruity people. He was tired of listening to the same old spider jokes. Like the one, “What do you call something with eight legs on a yellow floor? I don’t know, but it’s crawling up your back!” My, was he ever tired of that one.
So Barney decided he’d been bunched up long enough. No fear was going to hold him back. He’d show his mom, his siblings, and even the Reverend Banana, that Barney B. could make it on his own! He would jump down when an apple cart came by, and off he’d go to Monkeland.
So, the day of opportunity arrived and Barney slipped away. Into the apple cart and out of sight.
Too bad this story doesn’t have a happy ending.
Big Barney met with an untimely death. You see, there was this little old grandma who, that very day, was baking a gingerbread man. She happened to live in the neighboring town of Fairytale.
Anyway, as she finished her baking, she opened the oven door and out jumped her gingerbread man. As it took off out the front door, it sang, “Run, run, as fast as you can; you can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!”
Well, grandma chased him about as far as she could. Exhausted, she turned back toward home. All of a sudden she caught sight of the apple cart as it headed toward Monkeland.
“Oooh, that looks good”, she exclaimed as she notIced Barney hiding among the apples.
With that, she reached into the cart, picked up ol’ Barney by the scruff of his neck, and whistled all the way home.
Barney was never seen again.
You see, you never know how things may end up when you decide to leave the bunch. You may get caked, split, smashed, or something else.
But you’ve got to realize that the banana that leaves the bunch is the one that gets peeled.
Think about it.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
