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A Prophetic Dream?
Like you, I’ve had my share of goofy dreams; dreams that made no sense whatsoever. But every so often…
Last night’s dream was odd, but when I awoke it no longer seemed that way. Rather, it seemed to whisper to my heart, “sent by God.”
I dreamed I was leading worship, nothing unusual about that; but in the middle of the “set”, things began to change.
While the music continued, I began to paint. My canvas was the back of an old tambourine, my medium was oils. The picture was of nothing in particular, nothing defined.
I stopped painting, but the music continued for a short season. I took a rag from my pocket, and wiped the canvas clean. The congregation of worshipers gasped, all except one. He was too preoccupied to notice. In fact, he was badgering one of the others; insisting the other person play cards with him.
I opened more paints, stirring, mixing the oil with the pigment. I then applied the paint to the canvas, while others watched.
The picture was undefinable; just paint swirled and smeared on the tambourine’s canvas. Once more, I took my rag and wiped the canvas clean. (more…)
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Heroes – Just Like You!
I’ve been reading the Bible for a number of years. I’ve read the stories of mighty men and women of God, and the great exploits they accomplished, because they dared to trust in their God.Heroes.
I’ve also read of a number of others who didn’t fare so well. People who had the same opportunities as everyone else, but failed to advance God’s cause.
Non-Heroes.
What makes a hero out of an ordinary person? How can someone be a hero in this day and age?
Who are those who will rise above the world’s mediocrity, the “just-do-the-minimum-to-get-by” kind of thinking, and advance God’s plans and purposes?
Could it be you?
Heroes aren’t born, they simply become one during adverse circumstances. Pressure situations force them to be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary, from fearful to fearless!
Here are some quotes about heroes, which I really like:
“Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They’re just braver 5 minutes longer.”
– Ronald Reagan“My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones. Some succeeded, some failed, most had mixed results… but it is the effort that’s heroic, as I see it. Win or lose, I admire those who fight the good fight.”
– George R.R. Martin“All heroes are shadows of Christ.”
– John Piper“I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.”
– Florence Nightingale“To be heroic does not have to mean possessing the ability to stand against the evils of the world, either well or successfully, but just that one is willing to stand.”
– Mike Alsford“To be heroic may mean nothing more than this then, to stand in the face of the status quo, in the face of an easy collapse into the madness of an increasingly chaotic world and represent another way.”
– Mike Alsford“Not every girl can be Isabelle Lightwood or Katniss Everdeen. I think the true measure of a hero is what a person does with what they have, how hard they are willing to fight, and how far they are willing to go to set things right.”
– Sarah Cross“Today the word “hero” has been diminished; confused with “celebrity.” But in my father’s generation the word meant something. Celebrities seek fame. They take actions to get attention. Most often, the actions they take have no particular moral content. Heroes are heroes because they have risked something to help others. Their actions involve courage. Often, those heroes have been indifferent to the public’s attention. But at least, the hero could understand the focus of the emotion.”
– James Bradley“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated – of whom the world was not worthy-” (Hebrews 11:32-38 ESV)
“Heroes of the faith” were ordinary people who believed the promises of God; believed enough to push through their fears!
Every hero has moments of fear; moments they feel they want to quit. David wasn’t that much different than his older brothers. Jonathan was still his father’s son. But…
“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgement that something is more important than fear; The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.”
– Meg CabotToday our world needs the courageous, the bold and compassionate, the people of God. This is our time to stand for truth and justice; God’s way.
It needs heroes!
Just like you!
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Life Happens…
Life doesn’t always play fair.
Sometimes it robs us of those we love. It could be the death of a close relative, spouse, or friend, or a marriage that ends in divorce; either way, life can be very painful.
I’ve known parents who have had to watch helplessly as their child silently passed into the next world. I’ve been with people whose child had to be incarcerated. And I’ve seen wonderfully bright young men and women become addicted to various and sundry drugs, thus forfeiting their hope-filled future for a life of shame, degradation, and ruin.
Life just isn’t always fair!
Yet you and I are not the only ones who have ever had to try and navigate through tough periods of life. That may not make you feel any better about what you’re going through, but it just may provide a little bit of hope to grab hold of.
For instance, life happened to Adam and Eve. What do I mean when I say, “life happened”? I mean, normal things, everyday things; things such as temptation, trouble, and tragedy. Things which can take place because we live in an imperfect world, in bodies that wear down, and in the same world with the master deceiver, tormenter, and murderer – satan.
Adam and Eve were minding their own business when life happened. They weren’t ready for it, and lost the battle before it really got started. Life happened, and death was the result.
Life happened to the Creator, God. He lost His only son and daughter to His arch enemy; temporarily.
Life happened to Lot and his family. It happened to Job, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. It happened to Saul, David and Jonathan.
Life happened to kings, princes, priests and to ordinary people.
And it happened to Jesus!
Life happens to you and I.
But Jesus came to give us abundant life; eternal life. Not just life that extends forever. Who’d want a life of eternal trouble? No, Jesus came to give us His Life; Life that overcomes life. He came to destroy the works of the devil. He came to restore mankind to their rightful place as sons and daughters of God. He came to defeat every enemy of God; including the final enemy, death.
Jesus Christ has defeated death!
Death doesn’t have the final say any longer. It must yield to God’s resurrection power.
“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV)
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25 ESV)
When life happens, and it will, there is something we can do. We can go to the One Who has experienced EVERYTHING we have to face. We may not be able to change the situation or the circumstance, but we can find the peace that passes all understanding. We can find God’s good hope to be the anchor for our soul. We can experience His “ever present help in troublesome times.”
There is coming a day when life no longer will “happen.” Until that day, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on the Resurrection and the Life.
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Urgent Need! (by guest blogger-Lori Eilers)
I recently asked my friend Lori Eilers to write, as a guest blogger, about her passion for Children’s Ministry. She can be reached using Facebook Messenger – Lori Mackey Eilers.
The Urgency of Kid’s Ministry
What I’m about to share will be a reminder to some and a revelation to others. Maybe your kids are grown and this may not seem relevant to you. Some others will be stirred by the Holy Spirit to do something about the things I will tell you. Can I challenge your thinking about Kid’s Ministry? Sometimes we have to re-think our ideas on a subject.
In the relatively short history of organized children’s ministry, we who have been involved have seen great changes occur. In the 80’s church people considered children as people who needed childcare and did not think about them as having souls. In the 90’s we figured out that children had souls and that they could have and needed a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I remember when I first began working in children’s ministry, there were very few children’s pastors, only a handful of decent curriculums and no such thing as a web site. There is now a wonderful and seemingly never ending amount of information, resources and tools. Now, in this time in history, we have begun to understand the power of a child who loves AND serves God. Kids can and are making a HUGE impact on their families and peers for the Kingdom of God.
Nevertheless, we are not gaining much ground in keeping our kids in a personal relationship with Jesus. Did you know that between 60-80% of our “church” kids will walk away from their faith by the time they hit their twentieth birthday? Envision ten teenagers from your church that may have grown up attending or are living out their faith. Statistics say six to eight of them will go off to college or enter the working world and will not serve God even if they are engaged in ministry while in high school.
You might think, “Wow, youth pastors need to get it together and start better equipping those kids for real life.” I say to you that it is NOT a youth pastor problem…it’s a children’s pastor and parent problem! I actually heard another statistic that said 90% of boys will abandon their faith by age twenty.
Research has shown that a child develops their moral standards by the time they are ten to twelve yrs. old! If we rely on the youth pastor we are in trouble…it’s too late. How about the 10/13 window? That is between ages ten to thirteen kids are the most teachable and moldable for leadership skills. The most reachable but yet unreached people group on earth are ages four to fourteen. We have all heard that after the early teen years the likelihood of someone accepting Jesus as their Savior goes way down. Researcher George Barna says a child is eight times more likely to accept Jesus than a teenager and six times more likely than an adult.
These staggering statistics are hard to swallow. I want to share three factors with you that I believe are the core of reaching our kids and reaching them in a more effective, intentional way. These are three keys to our thinking and actions that will win and keep our kids for Jesus.
Factor #1 – Church Culture Factor – The church as a movement in many ways thinks like the world. Many people in the world and in church don’t take kids seriously until they are twenty-one. We don’t expect anything great from anyone before they are twenty-one. It’s been said, “They are kids, let them get their crazy teen years behind them, let them get the college wild life out of their system and then we can expect them to buckle down and do something worthwhile.” Let’s do a re-think on this. The prodigal model is overemphasized. We think we don’t have much of a testimony if we haven’t been rescued from horrible sin. I say the best testimony is no testimony at all. The best we can do is to reach kids before they need rescued!
Luke 2:40-52 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
The NKJV says in verse 49, And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Jesus lingered there…how many know this is an absolute miracle? A twelve yr old who lingers for anything. Think about it. We have it backwards…it’s not twenty-one it’s twelve!
We need to have an army of “I must” kids! God told us about Jesus’ birth, his life after 30 yrs. old, his death and resurrection and when he was twelve; not his teenage years, not his college age life…when he was a child. God is allowing us to see something that we many times miss. He knows kids can do awesome things for Him and His Kingdom before they are grown up!
Our church culture needs to look at kids in a different way. Not just as the future church but the church of now. I believe if we train up, equip and allow kids to do ministry as children, the stats we heard earlier will be greatly reduced. How much more could be accomplished when we prepare our kids to win their friends to Jesus? There isn’t anything more exciting to me than a child who leads another child to Jesus! We could possibly help train up the next Billy Graham, TD Jakes or Joyce Meyer but we can’t wait until they are twenty-one.
Factor #2 – The Male Factor – 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Peter is addressing the elders and young men of the church. Barna research says 31,000,000 more women than men go to church on any given Sunday. Attendance is 61% female and 39% male. 90% of American men believe in God. Five out of six men call themselves Christians. But only two of six men who claim to be Christians go to church on Sunday.
Manly influence…it’s a huge factor in winning boys and girls to Jesus. Let me give you an example of one of the churches I recently served as Children’s Pastor. I counted 82 kids on the roster that had been through the doors in a two month period and then I looked over all those names and only 37% of them have a male figure living in their home. Of that 37%, I cannot honestly tell you which men are spiritually healthy. Probably around half.
We hear it said, “Godly men raise Godly families.” What do we do when a child has no earthly father? Our culture in the United States has many generational sins that need to be broken and single moms are a large one. We need Godly men to set the example for these kids. We need men who are not ashamed to worship God in public and kneel at an altar of repentance. We need Godly men who will come along side a child and mentor their relationship with Jesus. Obviously we need many females who provide nurturing, which is essential, but kids also need nurturing from males. We need Godly men to show these boys how they need to respect women, be a man at home and in the world, and how to do it with God first in their lives. They need the healthy physical touch and nurturing of a man in their lives. The male factor is huge! Can we show them that Jesus is the Father to the fatherless? Friend to the friendless and Hope for the hopeless? That leads us to the last factor.
Factor #3 – Parent Factor – Reading Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV) 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.
Parents and grandparents, you are God’s intended spiritual leaders of your children. I know how that statement can freak you out! I asked myself the same question every parent has asked…how can I be the spiritual leader of my home when I’m still learning myself? You will make mistakes but none the less it is still your responsibility. Listen to me…you don’t have to do it alone. The Bible and the Holy Spirit are your partners. Look for those teachable moments. Listen to the scripture. Research has shown there are great benefits to reading out loud. It will give you all a love for the scriptures.
Parents and grandparents, let’s not be like the generation in Judges 2:10 (NIV) ‘After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.” We must tell them!
There are 168 hours in a week. Most churches only have one to three and a half hours a week with their kids. We need to work together to get the job done. Kid’s pastors should be actively resourcing families with devotional ideas, books, web sites, parenting classes, supportive small groups, family activities and such to help equip parents to fulfill their call as their children’s main source of spiritual growth!
We, the church and pastors, must provide a place where kids can say yes to Jesus; and once kids say yes to Jesus we need to provide a place for them to grow, giving them living examples of doing life as a Christ follower.
I’m not gonna lie to you. Children’s ministry can be hard work. You might get dirty; you might have someone wipe their snotty nose on your shoulder when you hug them. You might be stretched in your patience; it may cost you something besides your time or treasure.
But one of the founding fathers of our country, Thomas Paine said this, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.” I love what Proverbs 16:26 says, “The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.”
What are you hungry for? I’m hungry for more of God and more souls won to Him./strong>
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Illegal Immigration
Well, here I am again; realizing the need to change my opinion about something. It’s something that not only has political and social ramifications, but spiritual ones, as well. An issue that seems to draw people to one of two ideological camps. A real hot button for our times.
Illegal immigration.
Now, mind you, I am not advocating for illegal anything; but the immigrants are here. What should we do?
What would Jesus do? Which group would He be drawn to? Would He be a “right-winger” or a “left-winger”? Conservative or liberal?
I understand there’s an economical issue here. No need to discuss the obvious. But there is also a HUGE spiritual issue to consider.
What can I do, what must I do, to help the “illegals” God so dearly loves?
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
How much help can I give someone if I disdain them, rather than love them? If I treat them as if they don’t belong ANYWHERE, let alone MY country, how will they witness the love God has for them? If I judge them harshly for invading MY space, what kind of spirit am I really yielding to?
Does the Kingdom of God operate in subjection to the laws of a particular country?
If people are in the country “legally”, does it mean God can “legally” love them? If my memory serves me correctly, God loved ME while I belonged to a different kingdom. In fact, it was His love and goodness toward me that brought me to my senses, to my knees, and into His glorious family.
What I think of people will help determine the manner in which I help them.
Consider this, please. What if the Church, the Body of Believers, the Body of Christ, put their energies and resources together to carry God’s love to the millions of “illegals”? Instead of complaining about all the extra mouths America has to feed, how about we ask God to multiply the fish and bread?
Could it be God is sending the “illegals” to us for a bigger reason than temporal opportunity and freedom?
I realize this little blog will not change a lot of opinions about this subject. I also understand there’ll be some who wonder if I’ve lost my salvation, thinking like this. No, I believe I’m growing more in my understanding of my Father’s heart.
A question to consider: are YOU a person on the LEFT or RIGHT?
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46 NLT)
Final thoughts: were the “settlers” of Jamestown legal or illegal? Was Christopher Columbus’ group legal or illegal?
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I Don’t Know…
I don’t know more than I do know. Do you know what I mean?
I mean, the more I think I know, the more I realize I know less, not more.
It’s not like I’m trying to be stupid, or remain ignorant; no, not at all. I attempt to learn something new each day. And usually I do, in some way or another.
But at the end of the day I must admit: I have still not learned it all!
I’ll give you a few examples of things I don’t know. Of course, there are a number of scientific, mathematical, and physics type stuff I don’t know. That’s a given (for most people). So the examples I’ll use are things many people claim to know, especially about God, Church, The Hereafter, and this wonderful thing called life.
Things I DON’T know…
I don’t know when my life on earth will end.
I don’t know where Heaven is, geographically.
I don’t know why God created us, even when He knew the mess we’d make.
I don’t know how the Church expects to get along in Heaven, when they don’t like each other here on earth.
I don’t know why everyone isn’t healed by the power of God.
I don’t know why some people are born into a communist nation, and others are allowed to grow up in a democratic one.
I don’t know who the antichrist is, though I believe he’s living today.
I don’t know how the great catching away of the church will take place, or when.
I don’t know my own heart as well as I think.
I definitely don’t know yours!
I don’t know when the next Great Awakening will take place; I hope and pray there will be one.
I don’t know how God can be everywhere, know everything, and keep everything together like He does.
I don’t know why!
I don’t know where Cain found his wife.
I don’t know why Lot’s wife looked back.
I don’t know when the Last Trumpet will blow.
I don’t know who will be the last person to get saved.
I don’t know how people can believe in evolution.
I don’t know how miracles happen.
I don’t know when the dead in Christ shall rise, other than they’ll precede those who are alive when Jesus comes again.
I don’t know where the wind comes from, even though I listen to the weather reports.
I don’t know everything the Spirit of God does, or says.
Actually, I know very little of what He does.
I don’t know why I was born when I was, or into the family God placed me.
I don’t know how some people can continually reject God.
I don’t know why some people are not satisfied unless they find a way to hurt someone else.
I don’t know why some folks always seem to be the targets of hurtful people!
I don’t understand why others act like they are victims of life. Always!
I don’t know why people look different.
I don’t know, can’t explain, why the majority of people can’t get along with each other.
I don’t know why man seems to think he’s smarter than God!
I don’t know why man thinks he’s God!
Okay, you get the idea. And though there is much I don’t know, there are a few things I definitely know!
I know there is a God in Heaven!
I know there is a devil.
I know I am an eternal being, and will spend eternity in either Heaven, with God, or in the Lake of Fire which was prepared for the devil and his cohorts.
I know when I die I will go to Heaven, because of faith in Jesus and His Word.
I know God’s Word is true. It is Truth!
I know in Whom I believe, and I’m persuaded He is able to guard what I have committed to Him.
I know Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and that He lives in me by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I know God. I believe God.
“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NLT)
How much do you NOT KNOW? And WHO DO YOU KNOW?
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In the Lion’s Den
Did you hear the story about Daniel in the Lion’s Den? You have? Well, this one may be a bit different.
You see, there was this other guy named Daniel. Like any red blooded young man, this Daniel began to think about, and talk about, and look at, GIRLS! Throughout his junior and senior high school years, nothing quite piqued his interest like GIRLS!
Of course he’d heard the story of the birds and the bees; quite fascinating, to say the least. Wonder and curiosity kept building inside his mind until, one day, there it was. Something that erased the wonder and satisfied his curiosity. A picture of a young woman, wearing nothing more than a smile.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: curiosity killed the cat. But really, that isn’t true. While the cat stayed curious, it was okay. When it decided to put an end to its curiosity, that’s when it was done in.
Young Daniel couldn’t believe his eyes! And he LOVED the feelings he was having inside his mind. What he didn’t realize was, that he was soon to be hooked on those particular feelings. Nothing would matter to him as much as those feelings.
Something else would eventually happen to young Daniel. The feelings he once experienced just by looking at pictures of nude women, weren’t so easy to produce. Now, for the same feelings, it required much more explicit, and graphic material. The addiction was demanding more and more “food”, while giving less and less in return.
What was once a wonder and a curiosity, now had become a taskmaster; and Daniel was its slave. His relationships, his finances, his “free” time, all had to obey the monster called sexual addiction.
Such a far cry from God’s perspective of sex.
God never intended for sex to rule, or ruin, any individual! He never desired to see His creativity cheapened and degraded to where it’s used to market everything from toothpaste to automobiles. God’s intent was, and is, for sex to be a beautiful and fulfilling part of intimacy.
Daniel didn’t know it, but sex is NOT intimacy. Sex is sex. Intimacy CAN include sex, but only when other intimate pieces are in place. Things like truth, tenderness, and timing all contribute to true intimacy. When a husband and wife are so committed to the other’s well being and happiness, then the act of sex can add to the intimate RELATIONSHIP.
But poor, young Daniel. He’s trapped inside the Lion’s Den.
There is a way out, however.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)There is always a door leading to the Lion’s Den. Think about it.
No matter if your name is Daniel, George, James, or Sinbad the Sailor; if you stay away from the door, you can’t go in! If you are already in, there’s a door that leads back to the outside!
Deliverance begins with a desire to be free, and then calls for genuine repentance.
Turning around and facing the opposite direction is repentance. Trusting Jesus for the strength to do the right thing is called smart! Developing a godly relationship, based on truth, with a friend (of the same sex) is called safety. And giving a friend the freedom to speak honestly with you, even when it hurts, is called wisdom!
Yes, God CAN deliver every single Daniel out of any and every Lion’s Den.
But too many Daniels are being devoured.
How are YOU doing?
By the way, I realize Danielle’s can be slaves to the same monster who controls Daniels. And the way out is the same for them.
Be free in Jesus’ power!
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God’s Little Helpers
Isn’t it cute to see a little girl help her mom in the kitchen? I smile whenever I see a mother in the grocery store, pushing her shopping cart, with her son or daughter pushing a miniature cart right alongside her.
Mommy’s little helper.
Or how about the dad, mowing the lawn, with his little boy pushing a plastic lawn mower right beside him.
Daddy’s little helper.
Kids naturally imitate their parents; their actions, manners, beliefs, and vocabulary. It’s the way they are wired to learn. Imitation, hands on, practice. Long before kids learn to read, they learn important things that will stay with them all their lives.
“THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” (Ephesians 5:1 AMP)Everyone is wired to learn and grow, developing physically, mentally, and spiritually through imitating others; especially parents, elders, and GOD. So doesn’t it make you wonder why people act like they do?
Especially GOD’S little helpers?
Have you ever met people, people who really “love the Lord” (just ask them), who are so committed to helping God straighten out everyone else’s life? People who don’t gossip, because that’s a sin, but tell all they know about so and so in the form of a prayer request. “I’m not supposed to say this, BUT…”
I’ve known well-meaning Christians who feel it’s their duty to point out the flaws of their pastor; over and over, to anyone who’ll listen. Telephone warriors, Facebook wrestlers; defenders of righteousness! After all, people need to be accountable, don’t they?
Who really are they imitating?
There are little “helpers” who believe their calling in life is such a holy calling, and so unique to them, people don’t understand them. They are convinced God has given them the gift of “Discernment”. I think “the gift of judging” is more accurate.
God’s spiritual gift of “Discerning of Spirits” is a gift that enables the recipient to see, as God wills, the spirit realm; the underlying spirit operating in different situations, behind the scenes. To see the “motivating” spirit.
Too bad they DON’T have THAT gift. It might help them see which spirit is pushing them around, making a mess in other people’s lives.
We had a guy visit our church one time who was one of “God’s little helpers”, according to him. He shared the information about his “calling” with me following our morning worship service. We had, in the back of our church, little books covering different subjects that were made available to people free of charge; books that could help them grow in their faith.
God’s “helper” began to tell me how wrong it was to have the books, those “poisonous books” as he called them. I disagreed with him, but he kept on and on, explaining how God had given him a ministry of “straightening pastors out.”
Well, it didn’t help. And he never came back.
I’ve known other “helpers” who have such a sharp tongue, one carefully placed word from them can cut the deepest of wounds. They say they’re concerned, believe they’re compassionate, but their actions do not conform to, or agree with, God’s character.
Really!
You see, God is a very present help in time of need.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NKJV)God’s little helpers are people who IMITATE Daddy’s attitudes and actions. They are available to HELP, not hinder; HEAL, not hurt.
They love what He love’s, and hate what He hates!
God’s little helpers think like Daddy, walk like Daddy, dress like Daddy, and act like Daddy. Their mind is renewed by Daddy’s Word, they walk in Daddy’s love, wear Daddy’s armor, and humbly represent Daddy’s family business.
God’s little helpers imitate God.
Who are YOU imitating?
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Tents
“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2 NLT)Paul compared our bodies to a tent. I find that very interesting.
A tent is used as temporary housing. While some folks use their tent quite often, it is still just a temporary shelter.
So is our body. Temporary shelter for our eternal being; our spirit and soul. With the help of our earthly tent, we can live on this temporary planet (a new one has been ordered!). But only for a while.
Tents come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors. Regardless, though, the purpose of each tent is the same as the next.
A tent may be real handsome, or very pretty. And yes, there may be a tent one might even refer to as “sexy”.
But it’s still a tent!
Some occupants use their tent to manipulate or exploit others. They feel powerful as they flaunt their tent in ways that tempt and seduce others. Rarely, though, do those people open the flaps of their tent; they’re kept closed so others can’t see the real person inside. (But God sees and knows)
There are some who allow their tents to dictate what they will do, say, go, eat; their tent rules them, instead of the other way around. The tent was never designed to be the master, but the servant.
Think about how much attention we give to our tent! We spend billions of dollars a year feeding, grooming, clothing, exercising, and pampering our tent. Some people don’t even realize there’s anything or anyone living in the tent!
And consider how many magazines and websites there are solely devoted to pictures and videos of “adult” tents; and how many men and women have become addicted to viewing pictures of tents.
Tents don’t last forever.
Tents were never created to be worshiped. It’s true that we should take care of our tent, so it can last as long as possible. But we best not forget about the tent’s occupant…
…because some day the tent’s color will fade, it will lose its shape and its appeal. It will become old and wore out, eventually coming apart at the seams.
And all too quickly that beautiful, sexy tent will not be able to give shelter to its occupant any longer. The tent will be buried, but the occupant will move on.
For eternity.
So how are you using your tent?
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Why Zombies?
Zombies. Not much to look at, hard to converse with, and their stink is worse than their looks!Oh, and a word of advice: NEVER trust one. They have nothing to lose if caught in a lie.
The walking dead. Who would have thought it? And why the fascination? Is it because people relate to the walking dead? Do they actually believe someone could be resurrected?
I’m amazed at how many movies, TV programs, etc, are centered on the dark, demonic, pagan practice of voodoo and zombies. Those who “practice” voodoo believe a supernatural power can enter into a dead body and reanimate it. But stop and think about it for a second. What kind of supernatural power would enter into a dead body and keep it looking dead?
Not the kind of power I want anything to do with!
And why do zombies walk around like they have some sort of crippling arthritis? Stiff legged, hands out in front of them like the stereotypical sleep walker, eyes staring straight ahead; really now, how comfortable could that be?
Again, that kind of power I can do without!
Why do they seem to want to hurt people who are living? A personal vendetta, or are they simply motivated by the “power within”?
Folks, I believe there is a power that resurrects dead bodies, and spirits, but doesn’t leave them looking or acting dead. They don’t walk around scaring the daylights out of people. I’m referring to the power of the Living God! The One Who raised Lazarus from the dead, and Jesus from the tomb! The power that took someone dead in sin (me) and raised him to new life!
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJV
I don’t think I walked like a zombie before new life entered my spirit, but I was certainly like one on the inside. Ugly, vulgar, and smelly; that’s how my spirit was.
But God breathed into my spirit His breath of life when I turned from MY ways, received His forgiveness, and confessed Him as the Lord of my life. Here’s what the scripture says happened to me:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24 NKJV
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” Colossians 1:13 NKJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” NKJV
Yep, I once was dead but now I’m alive. And so is EVERYONE who names Jesus as the Lord of their life!
Oh, just one more thing to mention to you Christians. Don’t you think it would be important for us to walk like we’re alive, and not dead? Look like it, talk like it, and yes, even smell like it? Wouldn’t it be great if we walked around not trying to hurt people, but actually help them? Greater is the power in us, than the “power” that makes dead people walk, while still dead.
Zombies are weird! But what is weirder is people who have been raised to new life act like they’re still dead!
Come on, people, look alive!
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
