-
Everyone Needs Someone
Everyone needs someone. At some time.
In some way.
Encouragement can make or break a life; it has that much power.
Encouragement serves to help give courage to someone so they can:
Face what they couldn’t face, say what they couldn’t say, do what they couldn’t do, and believe as they couldn’t believe…
Maybe YOU are that “someone”…
Recently I wrote a book called, “The Power of Encouragement”. It was written to help each of us understand what encouragement can accomplish, and how to encourage yourself and others.
Here’s an excerpt from the book, “The Power of Encouragement”:
“The early church, even without all the high-tech gadgets—beautiful buildings at strategic locations, radio and television ministries, popular worship teams with copyright licenses and multimedia stage performances, Bible colleges and correspondence schools, and the latest marketing tools and gimmicks that the modern church often feels it must have to successfully “reach the lost,” shook the world and turned it upside down with the power of God. Multitudes were saved and discipled and took their place in the body of Christ because of a total commitment to the kingdom of God and because of people like Barnabas, the Encourager.Barnabas, who was given the name Joses by his parents, was known among the apostles and church family as someone who would set aside his own preferences and opinions to encourage others in the ways of God. They knew him as a person radically in love with Jesus and the people Jesus loved. He was a giver of his time, comfort, and resources and could be counted on to help others. He was someone who entered into a situation, stood beside the one in need, and grabbed hold of that person until the need was met. So people began calling him Barnabas, the Encourager.
How important is encouragement to the work of God? How necessary is it to have people like Barnabas around? Can the work of God really be effective without people like Barnabas active in its ranks? Just how much influence did Barnabas have in the early church, and why should it matter to those of us living two thousand years later?
I believe that without people like Barnabas, the work of God does not move forward but dies out. Great works of God start in a blaze of glory, but it takes the encourager(s) to keep it moving. God moves on and anoints gifted leaders to plant works and ministries, to take territory for the kingdom of God. But souls, cities, and territories aren’t won without a struggle with the Enemy. Many lives and ministries have started well but, due to discouragement, have become shipwrecked along the way. But encouragers come alongside the gifted and called leaders, join themselves to the task, help lift the downcast, and inject hope into the situation.”
I encourage you to look for ways to encourage others. Go out of your way, if necessary. It really does make a difference for someone; possibly an eternal difference!
If you’d like to order a copy of my book, there are a number of different ways to do so.
WestBow Press http://tinyurl.com/lp23yhr
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/kjxk52u
Barnes and Noble http://tinyurl.com/lhjf59a
Christian Book Distributors http://tinyurl.com/m6whfbpAlso, you may go to your favorite bookstore and they can order it for you.
Now, go out and encourage someone.
-
The Manifold Grace of God – Part 1
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10 NKJV)A lot has been written lately about grace, specifically, God’s Grace. People have a number of different ways to define His Grace, the most popular being “unmerited favor”.
Could it be possible, barely possible, for His Grace to be beyond definition and comprehension? Could it be His Grace is exceeding, abundantly above and beyond our ability to ask, think, reason, define, or discuss completely?
I think so.
With that in mind, I’m going to devote several blog posts to the theme of God’s Grace. I won’t attempt to explain everything there is to know regarding the subject of Grace (I know I don’t know everything about His Grace), but I hope to stir your heart to where you find yourself hungering to know the God of Grace more and more. My prayer is for you to know the manifold riches of His Grace; the breadth, length, depth, and height of His immeasurable Grace!
Immeasurable? Yes! Beyond our understanding? Yes! Beyond our ability to experience?
NO!
Even with all of the teaching on Grace in the church today, I believe the church has a condition called “Grace Deficiency” (I’ll explain what I mean on a later post).
A definition I will be using throughout these posts is “Grace is God’s willingness, to use His divine power and ability on behalf of those who could not, can not, make it on their own.” In short: Grace is God’s WILLINGNESS to help us, though we could never earn His help. We need His ability!
Grace = God’s Ability
For instance, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV). Another way of saying it? “For by God’s Ability you have been saved…” “By His willingness to use His power and ability on our behalf…”
Something else to think about: if Grace is unmerited favor, how does one grow in it? If you can’t earn it, how does it increase in a person’s life? Peter wrote, “but grow in grace…”. Scripture says of Jesus, “Jesus increased in stature and in favor with God and man.” Also, the writer of Hebrews wrote, “By Grace, Jesus tasted death for every man.”
There’s much to learn AND experience where God’s Grace is concerned. So, get ready to study, and discuss with me using the comment section of this blog.
Grace is needed in every area of our life! And He’s willing and able to help.
Here’s an old hymn to read as I end this post. May the Lord encourage your heart as you meditate on the words.
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Julia H. Johnston
public domainMarvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? -
I’m Just Sayin’
There’s a phrase going around that has me wondering, “why would someone say such a thing?” I mean, if I said something I meant, why would I add, “I’m just sayin’”? And, if I didn’t mean what I said, why did I say it in the first place? The phrase, “I’m just sayin’”; not sure where and when it was first used, but it’s sure made its way around the country.
The Urban Dictionary calls the phrase, “The irrefutable way to diffuse any situation. Saying “I’m just sayin’” is to be used immediately after a burn, or after a distasteful opinion is given. There is no response to “I’m just sayin’,” that can’t be followed up with another “I’m just sayin’”. With the proper use of this tool, it is possible to deliver a rude comment or burn and have it bounce off simply as an opinion disguised as an objective opinion, and who can argue with you over an opinion that you don’t apparently support.”
Well, I’m just sayin’ there’s a better way to use those 3 words. I’m just sayin’ I believe we should believe what we say and say what we believe. I’m just sayin’ we ought to go beyond just sayin’ and begin believing the power in what we’re saying.
“And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ’Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” (Mark 11:22-23 ESV)
Jesus was “just sayin’” you’ll have what you say if there’s a heart connection with your mouth.
Solomon wrote, “death and life are in the power of the tongue…” James penned, “a ship is controlled by a small rudder”, comparing the rudder with our tongue. Something so small controlling something so large.
So, are you enjoying the fruit of your “just sayin’”?
What if you began to change your “just sayin’” to “God said, so I’m sayin’”…and then say what He said?
God never “just said”; He always has said what He believes and believes what He said. He doesn’t say one thing, but mean something else. “Forever His Word is established in Heaven.” His unchangeable, everlasting Word!
There’s really no place in the believer’s life for rudeness, distasteful opinions, vulgar responses; anything that would make us want to add an “I’m just sayin’”. So, we should use the phrase for something constructive and life bringing!
For example, I’m just sayin’, “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91)
I’m just sayin’, “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1 ESV)I’m just sayin’, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Psalm 35
I’m just sayin’, to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah (Psalm 66:1-4 ESV)
I’m STILL sayin’, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 96:10 ESV)
I’ll say it again, “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2 ESV)
Yes, I’m just sayin’, to you and everyone, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:4 ESV)
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”(Romans 8:31 ESV) Isn’t that worth sayin’, worth believin’?
Stand before God, and just say, “Jesus is Lord!”, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 ESV)
Listen closely and you’ll hear the Spirit and the Bride just sayin’, “Come”. An invitation to life for all eternity!
It’s not sarcasm, not an empty promise, not wishful thinking, but honest to goodness truth; the kind only God can give and provide.
That’s what I’m just sayin’!
How ’bout you?
-
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”, the 1968 Iron Butterfly song, made quite a splash back in the day. The album, which included the 17 minute title song, sold over 30 million copies. When I was 16, I was the proud owner of 2 Iron Butterfly albums: the one mentioned, and one titled “Ball”. Yep, I was one, far out dude! “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” – the 60’s psychedelic way of saying “In the garden of Eden.” Simple lyrics, cool organ, wild guitar licks, plodding bass lines, and an interesting drum solo gave the song quite the hypnotizing effect.
I believe it was the Serpent’s theme song, there in the Garden of Eden.
No, not because Rock and Roll is the devil’s music! After all, satan can use music of ANY KIND to proclaim his rebellious message; and he especially uses COUNTRY MUSIC (my humble opinion). But music itself does not enslave a single soul. True, a mind can be mesmerized, hypnotized, and even paralyzed by a certain rhythm, a particular beat. But enslavement is a matter of the heart, just as worship is from the heart.
Nor does music free a soul; even though The Lovin’ Spoonful’s song, “Do you believe in magic?”, indicated otherwise. Music isn’t spiritual, but it can be used to carry a spiritual message; good or bad. Both God and His adversary have used music to carry their message to the masses. But music, in and of itself, has no real power. The spirit BEHIND the music is where the power comes from.
Anyway, as I was trying to say, I believe the Serpent’s Garden Theme Song was the Iron Butterfly tune because it represents him so well! Picture the Serpent singing to Eve, “In the Garden of Eden, baby, don’t you know that I love you. In the Garden of Eden, honey, don’t you know that I’ll always be true. Oh, won’t you come with me and take my hand, oh, won’t you come with me and we’ll walk this land. Please take my hand…”
Yep, quite a way with words, that old serpent. He’s a master at saying one thing, but meaning something else. He’s adorable to someone who loves smooth words and quick promises. He is the cleverest at twisting the truth, and modifying it to serve his purposes. And he’ll have his arm gently on your back, encouraging and consoling, until he’s finished with you. When he’s done, you’re done.
“Eve, don’t you know I would tell you the truth, even if God wouldn’t? You can trust me. After all, I love you and only have your best interest in mind”, the serpent sang.
“But Mr. Serpent, I don’t think I should follow you”, she said, as her body began to sway in rhythm to his hypnotizing tune.
Again he sang, “Oh, please take a bite of this delicious fruit. It was created by God just for you! How could it be wrong if it feels so right?”
“But Mr. Serpent…hmmm, it does feel good deep down inside. You really know a lot, Mr. Serpent. Surely a little bite, a little walk, a little adventure couldn’t be THAT bad…”
I have this belief: the serpent didn’t “win” Adam and Eve over to his way of thinking with just one encounter. No, I believe it was a campaign. He kept repeating the song, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, honey”, and little by little the defenses wore thin until there were none left! The more Adam and Eve hung around the “jukebox”, listening to the serpent’s tune, over and over, the more they agreed with the message and received the spirit behind the song.
The campaign paid off, Eve took his advice, grabbed a bite of fruit, then handed it to her husband. He ate. Their eyes were open and began to see things, know things, God hadn’t intended them to know.
And it started with a song, the Serpent’s song. In the Garden of Eden.
Are you allowing the old serpent “air time”? Do you keep tuning him in? Have you noticed yourself starting to believe his campaign against God?
Time to step away from the “jukebox”.
-
Can Innocence Be Restored?
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to start over in life? Not necessarily from the very beginning; I mean, who really wants to revisit potty training, the first day of kindergarten, and other traumatic experiences. And I DO NOT want to eat cottage cheese ever again! By “start over”, I’m referring to the time in our life before our innocence was lost. Before we learned how to lie, cheat and steal. Before we knew what emotional pain was like. A time when we believed everyone loved us for who we were, not what we could do for them. When our minds weren’t flooded with thoughts of lust and violence. Before we realized some siblings could be loved more than others.
Wouldn’t it be great to start over with a clean heart?
I look back over my life and think of the different “firsts”; such as, the first time I was afraid, the first time I stole something, and the first time I was introduced to the female body. My first cigarette, my first bottle of bourbon, my first kiss, my first toke, my first hit of acid, the first time I skipped school, the first time I was kicked out of school, and the first time I ran away from home.
I remember the first time I was beaten by an adult. I remember why I was beaten. It wasn’t because of my innocence, either. I remember my first time in jail; and no, it wasn’t a case of mistaken identity. I can still recall my first time in a psychiatric ward. That sure didn’t help restore innocence; quite the contrary.
I look at the picture of myself, when I was about 3 years old, and it makes me sad to think of all the corrupt things I experienced during just the first 16 years of my life. Like everyone, I began my life innocently but, little by little, became selfish and filthy on the inside. And though I was the sweetest, most innocent looking kid on the block, my heart was evil, intent on having its way no matter the cost.
Too bad.
I made wrong choices, and it cost me my innocence. Others made wrong choices which affected my innocence. A cute (and smart) kid, once innocent, now guilty.
So sad.
I discovered something, though. I wasn’t the only one who’d lost his innocence. I wasn’t the first, or the last. I didn’t write the book on wrong decisions, though I had my own chapter in the book.
No, the first one to make a bad choice and lose his innocence was Adam. What he gained in knowledge couldn’t compare with what he lost, when he gave away his innocence by obeying the serpent. And down through the years the cycle of life keeps repeating itself: innocent at birth, corrupt at death. Regardless of each individual’s nationality, upbringing, or social status; no one stays squeaky clean! No one stays innocent.
“as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”(Romans 3:10-12 ESV)
So, allow me to ask the question again. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to start over in life? Would you like to be innocent once again?
Is it possible? Yes! Innocence can be restored. As mentioned earlier, Adam was the first person to give up his innocence, which affected us all. But there was another Who came, Jesus (also referred to as the Last Adam). This Last Adam restored innocence to all mankind. What the First Adam lost, the Last Adam won!
“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” (Romans 5:12 ESV)
“…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. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:16 – 5:19 ESV)
“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ESV)
“Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45 ESV)
Innocence has been restored to each and every person! It’s what God did for us, through His Son, Jesus. Though each of us were guilty of rebellion toward God and the worship of self, God passed judgment upon His Son instead of us. Jesus took our guilt so we could have His innocence.
“that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them…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 5:19-21 ESV)
I’m not saying we don’t remember those times of selfishness and filth; it’s just that God looks at us through what His Son has done, and finds us “not guilty”; “innocent”! The Lord deems everyone not guilty who call upon the Lord in faith. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)
Yes, innocence can be restored! You can start over with a brand new life in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” (Revelation 21:5-7 ESV)
You know, I’ll never again look like that cute little 3 year old in the picture. But my heart is rejoicing in the newness of life I have in Jesus.
And I am enjoying my innocence, because of God’s love.
-
Dance The Night Away
Ever had a day that seemed a month long? A night that would never end? How about sorrow that only deepened, never giving up, for months and years?An old song by Leo Thayer, “You make me feel like dancing”, jumped to the forefront of my mind yesterday. The phrase, “gonna dance the night away”, seemed to have the touch of God on it. It’s a corny song, the falsetto singing is hard listening to, and I’m really not into dance music; but there’s a truth in the “dance” phrase God wants us to catch.
“Night” represents darkness, and “dance” is related to joy, or an expression of joy. Many times, during periods of sorrow and grief, the thought of dancing is the farthest thing from our mind. What we’re most comfortable with during those seasons, and what we’d much rather do is lock ourselves away in the dark somewhere, curled up in the fetal position, chewing on our lip, and wishing we didn’t have to face another day.
Despair, night, and spiritual darkness are each related to the other, and have the ability to smother the life out of a person. Their nature is to flood a person’s thoughts and feelings with ideas of everything that could possibly go wrong. It’s like living in a small, crowded room with no windows, and little by little the walls move closer and closer until there’s absolutely no room left, and no way out. And though there’s ALWAYS a way out, it’s usually not seen because of the spiritual darkness pervading the mind of the despaired one. They PERCEIVE they are trapped, and the perception becomes their reality.
But God has something much better for you and I. It’s called JOY!
Despair forces you and I into a small dark corner, but God’s joy releases us to enjoy wide open spaces!
“He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support. He brought me forth also into a large place; He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16-19 AMP)
So what should a person do when the nighttime of despair begins to close in on them? Call upon the Lord and start dancing! By faith, act on the word of God and release the power of joy! If necessary, dance on the ceiling and the walls, like Fred Astaire did in the movie, “Royal Wedding”.
Dance the night away! Away from you, from your loved ones, from your situation! Dance the night – AWAY!
You don’t feel like dancing? Then begin to tap a toe. Tap it by faith; faith in the love and ability of God Most High! Then tap the other one, shuffle your feet, shake a hip, swing an arm, AND DANCE THE NIGHT – AWAY!
Say it out loud: “God, You make me feel like dancing; I’m gonna dance the night – AWAY“!
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.” (Exodus 15:20 ESV)
“And David danced before the Lord with all his might…” (2 Samuel 6:14 ESV)
“As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before The Lord…” (2 Samuel 6:16 ESV)
“Let them praise his name with dancing…” (Psalm 149:3 ESV)
“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe.” (Psalm 150:4 ESV)
” A time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:3-4 ESV)
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 ESV)
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 ESV)
Joy comes in the morning, and “dancing”, releasing joy, drives the night away! Night leaves, morning comes, and joy prevails!
Dance!
-
Dangerously Disengaged
“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”” (2 Samuel 11:1-5 ESV)King David was a mighty warrior, lover of God, worshipper, king, and a man. God referred to him as a “man after My heart.”
Unfortunately, some of the best men and women of God let their heart become divided between God’s will and their passion. It happened to David.
David pulled away from going to battle, sending Joab in his place. Nothing against Joab, but it was the king’s place to lead into battle. But for some reason, David disengaged.
Maybe he was tired.
Maybe he had a doctor appointment. Perhaps he planned on seeking the Lord for a season. There could have been a number of reasons that made him choose to stay away from his responsibility that day, but, regardless of the reason, there he was. By himself. Disengaged from his calling, and open for temptation. That’s when Bathsheba caught David’s eye.It would come as no surprise to discover David had noticed Bathsheba before. He’d probably seen her in the neighborhood, at church, maybe at the horse stable. Maybe her husband, Uriah, one of David’s best warriors, had introduced the two at some point. So when David pulled away from his duty, he became vulnerable to the tempter.
It’s not like this was the first time he had experienced temptation. In 1 Samuel 25, David was running throughout the wilderness, he and 600 men, trying to keep away from King Saul. Tired and hungry, they met a rich man named Nabal (which means worthless). When asked if he could donate some food for the troops, Nabal responded roughly, refusing to give assistance.
David was furious! However, as he began preparing for the slaughter of Nabal’s household, word had gotten to Nabal’s wife, Abigail, regarding the incident between David and her husband.
Abigail, upon hearing of the impending slaughter, went to David to intercede not only for her husband, but for David, as well. She said to David, “Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord taking vengeance himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”
And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand! For as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male.” (1 Samuel 25:28-34 ESV)
David was reminded of his God, his calling, and his conscience. This helped David stay engaged in God’s business, and away from a spirit of vengeance.
How about you? Have you disengaged from your calling, your marriage, your family? Has your passion for God diminished? Has something or someone else caught your eye, pulling you away from your responsibilities? Have you left yourself unguarded to the tempter? You say you just need to rest, but, deep down, is there a desire for something exciting, out of the ordinary?
Stay disengaged from God’s will, His battles, and you just may find yourself in the battle of your life; for your life!
Thoughts? Comments? Questions?
-
These Bones Can Live!
“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”‘”
So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God:”Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”‘” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”
(Ezekiel 37:1-14 NKJV)
Considering this passage of scripture, I realize God was speaking prophetically to the nation of Israel, through the prophet Ezekiel. The Lord was declaring a future full of hope for the nation, as well as a fresh, divine revelation of the God of Israel. “You shall know that I am the Lord, WHEN I have opened your graves…and brought you up from your graves.”
But there is more to be gleaned from those prophetic words of long ago. I believe they can also be applied to the present day Body of Christ, the Church.
Even to the Church in the Des Moines, Iowa area.
For years, and years, there has been such discord and competition within denominations, as well as discord and competition between the denominations. “Turf wars” have sparked mistrust, jealousy, rage, hatred, and evil speaking among brethren. Skin color has kept brethren apart, even though Jesus died for all mankind.
The Des Moines church, the Citywide Body of Christ, needs to live as it’s never lived!
It’s bones are dry, strewn across the dry ground, separated from each other. If there’s any movement at all, it’s sporadic and limited. After all, a dry bone can only accomplish just so much. A dry bone can’t speak for the others, let alone speak for the Head. Why? They are not connected! A dry bone can’t give its life for a friend, as it has no life to give. It’s all dried up, no moisture, no identity, no activity, no life.
What causes such dryness and separation? Weariness, for one. Not in the sense of just being tired, but rather “faint-hearted” “disgusted” “ticked-off” “hurt” “beat up”, and the like. Ever been weary? Are you weary now?
Churches become weary, dry, as they focus on “their” mission only. Kind of like someone who has a problem with one part of their body. The more they focus on that particular issue and all the things it CAN’T do, the wearier it becomes. And when that person looks around and sees others more active, accomplishing more (whatever that may look like), they can become jealous of the “successful” ones, and even mad at God (secretly, of course).
Jealousy leads to loose lips. A tongue out of control. Fault finding and expression of dislike for the “successful” brethren. Sowing discord through speaking lies and false accusations can begin to grow. On and on the problem will fester until each part severs themselves from the others.
Dryness, weariness, also develop through an attitude of pride. “Lord, thank You for helping us do more for this city than any other ministry”, would be an example of that attitude. Proud of their experiences, their services, their doctrine, their ministry, their facilities, their budget, their music…on and on it goes. Though they may not “feel” dry or weary, they will eventually dry out and drop from the rest of the Body. Why? Because Paul said, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NKJV) If you or your “ministry” aren’t connected to the Body, it is NOT growing, and will not, cannot, be a true expression of the Kingdom of God.
The Lord asked Ezekiel a question. “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel had a good response. “Lord, You know.”
The Lord said, in essence, “okay, I’ll tell you. Prophesy to each of the dry bones. Prophesy, speaking My revelation to each one. They are dry because they ignored, rebelled against, My Word, so that is what they need to hear, AND DO!”
“Prophesy this – ‘Hear the Word of the Lord. Hear with the intent to obey that which you hear. Hear, to change your life. Pay attention to MY details. And though MY revelation may be uncomfortable to receive, and implement, be a doer of MY Word, not a hearer only.’”
If you’ll read the history of the nation of Israel, you’ll find they weren’t exactly an easy group to lead. They could be fine for a while, but they could only be “good” for just so long. The writer of the Book of Judges described them perfectly when he wrote, “and each one did what was right in their own eyes.” That also describes the American church today. Every individual, every church, every denomination, seems to be doing what is right in their own eyes.
Today, Ezekiel would be speaking to the bones, the very dry bones, something like this:
“Hear the Word of the Lord, Des Moines Church! Hear and obey the desires of My heart. I have called you to unity, but you are satisfied with your brand of church. I have called you to express the Oneness of My Kingdom, but you won’t trust your neighbor, your brother, unless they look, act, talk, dress, or believe exactly like you. Discord has been sown through the years, and now the field is full of those weeds. Weeds which suck the life and vision out of all you put YOUR hand to. As Haggai said, “You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes. Consider your ways!”“Consider your ways, Des Moines! You are being called to join together in unity, not discord. The Lord isn’t calling you to lose your identity, your culture, or even your traditions. He is calling you, regardless of your culture, to join with your brethren for the purpose of demonstrating His Kingdom throughout the region. Yield your culture, your traditions, and your race to the Lord Jesus, the Head of His Body, and see how your life can become even more effective when connected to His projects.
“You have a common enemy. Your enemy hides behind other issues, making them appear to be THE important focus. But “cast out the scoffer (and the accuser) and strife and contention will leave.” Every one of you face such issues as your customs, culture, fears, and pride; each one can cause you to become isolated, and dry. But if you will join as ONE, setting aside your “reasons” for isolation, you will find a fresh wind of the Lord’s Spirit upon you. You will witness the bones coming together, the flesh and sinews developing, and your lungs swelling with the “pneuma of God”!
“And you will stand as the Lord’s mighty army, declaring “thus says the Lord” to each and every person. Then you will see the Lord’s Wind of Awakening, using the different cultures, customs, and various aspects of ministry for ONE purpose. ONE Church, in loving unity, Holy Spirit-filled, supporting and caring for each and every part; until the task is finished.”
Church, bones are dry for a reason. You may be dry and weary. What’s the reason? Take a moment and examine yourself. How much do you really love His Body? Can you go beyond your doctrine, customs, culture, and experience and join in with others who Name the Name of Jesus Christ?
Are you satisfied with the present condition of the church, your church, the city, your city?
Will YOU hear the Word of the Lord? Will YOU believe the Lord wants YOU to be a unifier for His Work, regardless of how uncomfortable you may become?
An Awakening will take place, throughout this region, when the Lord’s bones come together and begin to supply grace to the other parts of the body. The anointing of God will flow from the Head, covering the whole body, when it becomes spiritually submitted to each and every member.
And neither you, your city, or your future will be the same!
“Church, can these bones live again?”, asks the Lord.
And your response is…?
-
Sniper On The Loose
Violence is everywhere! In the news, in video games, movies; all over the world! And in the church.
No, I’m not referring to those instances where a deranged gunman walks into a Sunday church service and starts shooting people. The kind of violence I’m talking about won’t be seen but through spiritual eyes; spiritual discernment.
There’s a sniper on the loose! His plan is to pick off as many Godly leaders as possible. And he’s taken out far too many already.
How can he do such a thing? Where’s God at? Why doesn’t God stop the sniper?
In a way, He has. Through His Word, God has “given us all things that pertain to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1). He has told us to be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6). And He has instructed us the be “watchful, always on guard, because your adversary goes about…seeking to destroy…” (1 Peter 5).
How does the sniper take down the leaders, if God has made His protection possible? Like so:
Deception, greed, lust of the flesh, love of money, unaccountable to others, pride, isolation, etc.
None of those tactics will take down the Godly leader with the first shot. But the sniper is patient. He shoots and grazes a shoulder, a leg, an ear; and the target will know they’ve taken a hit. Like a temptation here, an innocent conversation there, an inappropriate website, a thought…their conscience will be bothered for a moment, but can eventually be ignored. The target will begin to rationalize and spiritualize their actions.
Another shot, a little closer to the head and the heart. The pain increases. But so does the target’s justification of their actions. They become numb to their conscience’s voice, deaf to the Spirit’s promptings, and irritated when a brother or sister in Christ confronts them.
The sniper fires again. Further isolation, deception, and increased pain and trauma. Loss of spiritual life causes family, friendships, and ministry to suffer. The leader is being set up for the final shot. Set up to be picked off, and taken out.
I’ve been there! I’ve also known a number of people who were called, gifted, and anointed by God to lead in the church, but don’t because they were taken out by the sniper.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
Scripture says to “examine yourselves”. Look in the mirror (James 1) and ask God to show you any “bleeding” area. Ask Him for spiritual discernment. Be quick to repent of those things that have separated you from Him.
And don’t be too proud to ask for “back up”!
It’s high time we quit losing Godly leaders to the sniper!
What do you think?
-
The Tolerant One
Tolerant: accepting pains or hardships calmly or without complaint… Synonyms: forbearing, long-suffering, stoic (or stoical), patient, uncomplainingWhich is the most “tolerant” group in our nation?
Republicans? Democrats? Conservatives? Liberals? Libertarians? Whites? Blacks? Hispanics? Citizens? Illegal aliens? Straights? Gays? Young? Old? East coast? West coast? Pro-life? Pro-choice? Farmers? Bankers?
It’s kind of hard to see how any one of these groups could have a corner on the “tolerance market”. Think hard! Is any one group more tolerant?
How about this collection of groups?
Musicians? Gamers? Athletes? Christians? Atheists? Agnostics? Pentecostals? Catholics? White collar workers? Blue collar workers? Mac users? PC users? Artists? Mathematics wizards? Rocket scientists? Ditch diggers? Management? Labor unions? Brunettes? Blondes? Redheads?
Again, does any one group stand out as “America’s Finest Tolerators”?
What about these?
Librarians? Disc Jockeys? Tattooed? Pierced? Motorcyclists? SUV owners? Hybrid car owners? Plastic bag users? Paper bag users? Fork users? Chopstick wielding diners? Estate owners? Apartment renters? The rich? The poor? The middle class? Smart phone owners? Dumb phone owners? The overweight? The underweight?
Wouldn’t you think at least one group would rise above the rest?
Movie goers? Red states? Blue states? Male? Female? Educated? Ignorant? Pet lovers? Hunters? Fishermen? Tailored suit wearers? Bib overall wearers? Loud music lovers? No music lovers? Those who prefer gas appliances? Those who will only use electric? Literate? Illiterate? Coffee drinkers? Tea drinkers?
How can we define, or determine, which group is REALLY the most tolerant?
Meat lovers? Vegetarians? Vegans? Veterans? Draft dodgers? Conscientious objectors? Gun owners? Tree cutters? Tree huggers? People who live in glass houses? Log cabin dwellers? AFC Teams? NFC Teams? Hot climate lovers? Cold climate lovers?
I think I’m beginning to see the answer. Are things becoming clearer to you?
How about these last two groups? Which is THE MOST TOLERANT group in America?
People who agree with us, or people who disagree with us?
I thought you’d say that! People who agree with us!
Over and over each group toots their own tolerant horn, trying to be heard above all the rest. “Believe my group”, some will shout. “Feel our love”, is the rallying cry of others.
Yet, while each group campaigns for their “Most Tolerant Group In The Nation” award, this nation becomes all the more divided. Why? Because there isn’t a common truth to hold us together.
What if the people of this nation started thinking about the slogan printed on our currency, “In God We Trust”? What if everyone began to:
Agree God is?
Agree God is love?
Agree God is love Who sent His Son Jesus to bring life, wholeness and true freedom to all people, all groups?God, the Holy God, Who could not tolerate our sin, allowed His love for us to eradicate our sin by becoming sin for us. (Please review the definition of “tolerant”)
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT)
Hopefully, you see, according to the way God (Who Is…) sees us, we’re in either one group or the other. We either believe and embrace the tolerance He has displayed in Christ or we don’t believe, but instead, reject His gift.
Now, what do you say? Which group…?
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
