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An Open Letter To Worship Teams (part 1)
Long before Creation, as described in Genesis 1, and long before Adam yielded his position and authority to the Serpent, something was happening in the heavens, and in Heaven itself.
Worship!
All the host of heaven worshipped the One Who sits on the Throne; Who was, and is, and is to come, The Almighty.
Their “worship leader” was known as a highly gifted angel named Lucifer. The prophet Isaiah would later describe him as a “bright star of the morning”, but also someone who wasn’t content with his heavenly role. Ezekiel described Lucifer as “the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and beauty. Every precious stone was his covering; he was perfect in every aspect.” He was known for his music, and his place of ministry was in the very Throne room of God.
His was a glorious position, and if coveting was allowed in Heaven, his was a coveted position. But he didn’t see it as such. No, he somehow became enamored with his gifts, his anointing, his position. He saw himself more important than he really was. He began to entertain a thought, a thought that would eventually affect all aspects of heaven and earth. The thought? “I can do what God does, only better! Why should God get all the glory? I’M THE anointed one, the beautiful one, the gifted one! I should be receiving all the glory and honor. I SHOULD BE WORSHIPPED! I WILL BE WORSHIPPED!”
Well, we all know how that worked out.
Although Lucifer was cast out of heaven, and renamed satan or devil (adversary), he has not lost the desire to be worshipped. And though he is no longer the “anointed cherub that covers”, there is still a special connection with music and spiritual things.
Music is, in my opinion, the most powerful force in the universe. God’s love is powerful as well, but music can be a “carrier” of that love, or, it can be a carrier of hatred, lust, perversion, peace…fill in the blank. People can have their head and heart turned TOWARD God through music, or turned AWAY from God. It is such a powerful tool.
Music “creates an atmosphere”, setting the stage for what will follow. Whether at a ball park, in a tavern, at a rock concert, or even in a church, music, specifically the spirit behind the music, opens the door for the unseen realm.
I’ll discuss some specific points later, but suffice it to say the spirit in which worship is presented in our churches does have an affect on what ensues. A worship team who’s focus is perfection and performance will carry that spirit into the “worship” time. A team who knows they’re good and relishes the praise of the congregation will release that spirit as well.
But a team who’s heart is focused on worshipping God becomes a door in which the Spirit of God can “enter” through. All He is and all He can and wants to do becomes “near” as the team leads in true worship. Sure, people in the congregation choose to respond or not to the “atmosphere”. So do people in taverns. But a team has only one primary responsibility…
Worship God!
God alone is to be worshipped! He alone is to be praised! We are people gifted and anointed by Him to help establish Heaven’s “atmosphere” here on earth. It’s not about us. It’s not about how good we sound, but how our hearts are in tune with Him.
Lucifer really wants to be worshipped. He will even temporarily settle for some “backhanded” worship. The kind he enjoys when God’s people become enamored with the gifts and callings of the worship team, rather than having their focus on the Almighty.
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The Promise and the Oath
Promise – a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.
Oath – from a Greek word meaning “a fence, a limit”.Every day millions of promises are made, given, vowed, pledged, throughout the world.
And every day a lot of those same promises are broken.
Have you ever had someone break a promise they had pledged to you?
Have you ever broken a promise?
Without a doubt, I’d say each of us have, at sometime, made a promise we either didn’t, or couldn’t keep. And we all probably know what it’s like to have a promise broken.
When it comes to having faith in God, it’s easy for us to allow our experience with others to taint our ability to believe God’s promises. But God “isn’t a man, that He should lie…”
In fact, it is impossible for God to lie!
(Hebrews 6:13-19 NKJV)“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil”
Two unchangeable things – His Promise and His Oath.
First of all, His Promise. He is very particular about what, when, to whom, why, and how He says anything. He has no idle, or empty, words. Each one has His backing, His authority and power. See the example below, as God prepares to release the Israelites from slavery.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them. I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Therefore say to the children of Israel:’I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’” So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.” Exodus 6:1-9 NKJV
God PROMISED! To Him, it was the same as saying “DONE”!
We need to understand this truth: every promise has a “partner”; something that gives strength to the promise. That something is the “oath”. Note the definition. A fence, a limit, a border. In other words, the promise can not go beyond the oath! No one can truly promise something they are incapable of doing.
That’s why The Lord confirmed His promise to Abraham with an oath. He was saying, “Abraham, I not only promise you this and that, I am the guarantee for its fulfillment. This promise is well within My means of carrying it out. That is My oath – I AM THE LORD!”
Two unchangeable things – God’s Promise and God’s Oath.
As you read God’s Word, as you pray and He “quickens” a promise to your heart, remember the promise and the oath. God is capable of fulling every promise, and willing to do so or He would never have promised.
I am the Lord , and I do not change… (Malachi 3:6 NLT)
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NLT)
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through (Numbers 23:19 NLT)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
Two unchangeable things – God’s Promise and God’s Oath.
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A Dumpy Hotel Room
I found myself in a dumpy hotel room, somewhere close to the Mexican border. How I got there, I didn’t know. Was I in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico? California? I just didn’t know. I only remember feeling like my world was enveloped in some kind of fog. No memory, no money; only confusion. If I could have thought more clearly, I might have had enough sense to be afraid.
I was sitting on the side of my bed, match in one hand, joint in the other. I hadn’t smoked dope for a long time, but there I was, holding a joint the size of a small cigar, long and lean. How or why I had it I had no recollection. I only knew I was in a battle.
Two voices inside my head were struggling for my attention and allegiance. One voice was demanding attention, while another voice calmly promised assistance if I’d only strike the match and smoke the weed.
In all my life, I couldn’t remember such a battle. Never before had I wanted so badly to get up and run from a temptation. Yet…
Hours must have passed as I sat on the bed, staring at the doobie in my hand. Finally, I set it down, deciding to give it to a policeman who was walking just outside the hotel.
As I left my room, the calm voice which was so soothing, so assuring just a few hours earlier, began screaming so loud within my mind I was certain the other tenants could hear. The promises of assistance, of God’s help, were now screams of threats, of curses, and accompanied with a feeling of pending doom.
However, the voice that earlier was demanding my attention became the one that began to calm me, giving me a peace within.
Stepping outside, I located the policeman, and walking up to him, explained my situation. I then handed him the joint.
He asked me some routine questions, but with no memory, all I could do was look at him and shrug my shoulders. It’s not like I was trying to hide something. I just didn’t know anything.
He finally asked me the name of the person who gave me the dope. It was one of the few things I did remember. And, since I was trying to be rid of the whole ordeal, I told him.
For some odd reason, the cop insisted I accompany him to the place where I was given the dope. And stranger still, when a moment earlier I had no memory, now I could remember the address of the place and the name of the dealer.
Looking back, I now can see the power of fear and confusion. Fear keeps your mind in a muddled state. You fear what you don’t know or can’t see. When you begin to see a way out, fear comes with just enough truth of your situation to emphasize and amplify any possible problems.
When we arrived at the house, there were 3 Hispanic men on the porch of the house, each carrying a gun. I didn’t see the dealer. There were others there as well; children, running in and out of the house.
The cop called for backup, and when another couple of policemen arrived, the first cop pulled out a loudspeaker and told the 3 men to give themselves up, the place was surrounded. He proceeded to broadcast I was the one who turned them in, even giving them my name!
With that announcement, the men went inside and started firing at the police. The police returned fire, and 2 children were shot, dying instantly. I didn’t see who actually shot the kids, but I immediately left my position beside the car, retreating to a tree across the street from the house.
After a short barrage of gunfire, the men were captured. As they were being handcuffed, one of them yelled to me that I was as good as dead. I’d pay for the death of the children.
My whole world began to turn upside down. I had worked for the post office, but the police decided I needed to have my name changed, get a new, fabricated background, move to another part of the country, and start all over.
So, I went into hiding. I was told to contact no one, not even my wife.
Once again, the hideous voice of fear began to scream inside my head. Confusion, darkness, and fear accompanied the demonic voices.
About 30 days in hiding, all of a sudden a revelation hit me that changed my world!
I was running for no reason! The thoughts and reasonings in my mind were unfounded!My ordeal and loss of memory, the joint, the cops, the shootings, and the threats were all part of a dream.
The things never happened!
I was free to live my life without fear of someone gunning me down. Without the guilt of being responsible for the death of some children. I was free! No more confusion or intimidation.
I called my wife, friends, coworkers, anyone I was even remotely acquainted with.
And then…
I awoke a second time.
Fear is a device of the devil. When the spirit of fear is present, the strength to do the right thing, the compassion to help others, and the ability to make good decisions are all greatly hampered.
Fear causes you to live in a fog, a dream, a place where reality is unknown, and the unknown becomes reality. It speaks “prophetically” to its adherents, and is worshipped and obeyed as truth.
But the Word of God says, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7
There are a lot of things in our world that can cause us to fear – if we allow them. Allowing suggestions of fear to gain our attention, our focus, opens a door to the spirit of fear.
But just as there are plenty of things causing fear, those same things are opportunities to believe God! Fear will paralyze, but faith will liberate. Fear relies on half-truths, dark rooms, uncertain diagnostics. Faith relies on one thing – God.
You may be wishing someone would come along and wake you from your dream, from your unknown world. Be assured, God has an answer for everything you are going through. His Word will eliminate your fears! He will turn your confusion into soundness of mind.
Everyone faces an unknown world, a dreamworld, at times. But no one has to face it alone! “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.“
So we may boldly say:
“The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV)“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV) -
Genesis Chapter 5
Did you know Adam lived until just 126 years before the Flood?
You probably know Adam was created in God’s image, after His likeness. But did you know his son Seth wasn’t created in God’s image? The scripture emphasizes, “…in the day God created man, He made him in the likeness of God…” Gen 5:1. Yet in verse 3 it says, “And Adam…begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.” After Adam sinned, and spiritual death reigned on earth, the “image” was marred. It took Jesus Christ, God’s Son, to make it possible for us to be recreated into God’s image.
Do you know the name of the man who lived longer than anyone else? Did you know he died the same year as the Flood? In fact, Noah’s grandfather and dad were alive when Noah began work on the Ark.
Have you ever wondered what the earth’s population was at the time of the Flood? I have found this article, “Population of the PreFlood World” very interesting. See http://ldolphin.org/pickett.html According to the author of the article, there were approximately 10 billion people on earth. Add that information to the Bible narrative, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5)
10 billion people under the lordship of the “god of this world”. Hard to imagine the longsuffering of God. But, like today, so it was back then. “He’s not willing that any perish…”. That’s one reason He kept looking for a man; someone He could covenant with to give mankind a hope and a future. That’s one reason God called Noah’s name.
Did you know Adam is associated with spiritual darkness, spiritual death? Paul mentioned, in 1 Cor. 15, there are now TWO Adams to know about. Adam number one, and Adam number two, Jesus. Adam, earthly. Jesus, spiritual.
Have you ever wondered how Noah and his 3 sons could have built such a large boat? Even if they had the benefit of today’s technology, I believe it would have taken more than a half dozen men to complete such a task. Do you think it’s possible Noah had help with his life’s calling from people who never really believed in the message Noah preached? And, is it possible, in today’s world, people are involved in “church work” but don’t believe its message? What will happen to them when the “water” starts to rise? When God says, “Enough!”
These are just a few of my thoughts as I read Genesis, chapter 5.
You wonder, what’s the big deal? I think the biggest deal is this: God’s been through all this before. He has dealt with wickedness, and even though He is extremely patient, His patience doesn’t last forever. His LOVE endures forever, but there is an end to the amount of wickedness He’ll put up with.
And just as in the days of Noah, so it is today. There was a place of safety provided. Every man, woman and child had an opportunity to believe Noah’s preaching and turn to God. If necessary, God would have started over with the animals. He could have legally done that. If all 10 billion people would have decided to turn to God, there wouldn’t have even been a flood! Today, people have a choice whether to believe the message of safety in Jesus, or not. And, He is more than enough to anyone who believes.
Read Genesis 5 again, like you’re reading it for the first time. Click on the link at the top of this post that says “Genesis 5” and see an interesting chart I created to help you understand the chapter a little better.
Most of all, determine in your heart who is really Lord of your life. Someone is.
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The Church – God’s Ark For The World
In Noah’s day, mankind had repeatedly violated and shunned God’s plan for man. The Lord decided there had to be a change; He could no longer allow such wickedness to continue in the earth. If there was to be the fulfilling of Genesis 3:15, God would have to intervene to protect the future promise. He would need to find someone He could trust to follow His plan explicitly, prepare His provision for His Creation, and thus keep intact His word regarding the Coming Redeemer.
He found Noah. As He discussed His plan with Noah, He said…
“Build…
…A place large and abundant; a place filled with the fragrance and personality of its Creator. One so large it demands attention and can’t be ignored, yet so precise in detail no one would dare suspect the building “just happened”. Large enough to fulfill the Maker’s purpose; a place where ALL are kept alive, ALL experience the provision that was prepared for them long before their need ever was known. a place ALL are welcomed, ALL are given a purpose in life, ALL are released with blessing to be fruitful.
…A place with lots of rooms; rooms that reveal the manifold wisdom of its Designer. Rooms that speak of the many-sided, multi-faceted grace, mercy, and mission of the Architect. Each room is to be designed to allow for specialized, individual care and nurturing. Expect varying degrees of serving to take place in each of the rooms.
…A place to weather the storms of life, and safely deliver all its occupants to their destiny. One rising above the influence of the world, all the while proclaiming and demonstrating the Designers purpose, love and accountability to all mankind.
…A place with a window, a view of the world; a view where each one can see beyond their own need, their own world, and see the needs of others. A window allowing not just a view of the world, but communication with God and the understanding of His will and direction.
…A place with only one door; one “way” to get in. One large enough to let “whosoever will” enter, yet “small”, or “narrow” enough to guarantee all who enter have chosen to do so.
…A place with multiple levels. A building allowing you to increase in understanding, maturity, revelation, anointing.
…A place unlike any other.
…A place designed in Heaven before the foundation of the world.
…A place unmoved by critics, but moved with the wind of Heaven.
…A place stronger than the mightiest, but weaker than the weakest.
…A place totally dependent upon God.
…A place big enough where God can set up shop.
…A place where Life is nurtured, and multiplied to fulfill the Will of God.”
Noah did, God did, and the world kept spinning. Time passed, Jesus the Redeemer came and fulfilled God’s Genesis promise.
Jesus had a word for Peter in Matthew 16:18. He said, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build…
…A place large and abundant; a place filled with the fragrance and personality of its Creator. One so large it demands attention and can’t be ignored, yet so precise in detail no one would dare suspect the building “just happened”. Large enough to fulfill the Maker’s purpose; a place where ALL are kept alive, ALL experience the provision that was prepared for them long before their need ever was known. a place ALL are welcomed, ALL are given a purpose in life, ALL are released with blessing to be fruitful.
…A place with lots of rooms; rooms that reveal the manifold wisdom of its Designer. Rooms that speak of the many-sided, multi-faceted grace, mercy, and mission of the Architect. Each room is to be designed to allow for specialized, individual care and nurturing. Expect varying degrees of serving to take place in each of the rooms.
…A place to weather the storms of life, and safely deliver all its occupants to their destiny. One rising above the influence of the world, all the while proclaiming and demonstrating the Designers purpose, love and accountability to all mankind.
…A place with a window, a view of the world; a view where each one can see beyond their own need, their own world, and see the needs of others. A window allowing not just a view of the world, but communication with God and the understanding of His will and direction.
…A place with only one door; one “way” to get in. One large enough to let “whosoever will” enter, yet “small”, or “narrow” enough to guarantee all who enter have chosen to do so.
…A place with multiple levels. A building allowing you to increase in understanding, maturity, revelation, anointing.
…A place unlike any other.
…A place designed in Heaven before the foundation of the world.
…A place unmoved by critics, but moved with the wind of Heaven.
…A place stronger than the mightiest, but weaker than the weakest.
…A place totally dependent upon God.
…A place big enough where God can set up shop.
…A place where Life is nurtured, and multiplied to fulfill the Will of God…
Build My Church.”
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Houdini and Lazarus
“Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), was a magician, escape artist, and daredevil who captivated much of the Western world with his exploits in the first quarter of the twentieth century. He amazed and excited crowds with his death defying escapes. He wore shackles and handcuffs and ordered his assistants to lock him in trunks or submerge him underwater. Houdini became world famous by traveling across America and the world thrilling his fans. In performing his escapes and feats of physical and psychological endurance, Houdini pushed his mind and his body to extremes, proving himself to be an athlete as well as a magician. He was able to control the mind-body dynamic to extraordinary lengths. He also believed in the reality of the after-life and thus of a spiritual dimension to human existence. He achieved such fame for his exploits that the name “Houdini” remains synonymous with the art of escapism.”- From New World Encyclopedia
The video of Houdini escaping from a straitjacket is how some people fancy themselves. They believe they have the ability to take care of all their needs, hang-ups, habits, secret sins, etc. Help? Who needs help? If they need to escape an addiction or get rid of a dangerous life-style, they’re convinced they can handle anything. No chain can hold them or locked trunk hide them. Their secret ability to escape is known by all, and to rely upon anyone for help would be unthinkable.
Also, sometimes we look at others and think, because God “miraculously” changed their life they don’t need our help. Sure, they seem to have a little trouble walking, but they’ll get it right. They’ll escape in time to catch their breath. They SURELY don’t need MY help.
However, we really aren’t like Houdini. We’re more like Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha. Think about the story of Lazarus’ resurrection as recorded in John, chapter 11:
Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, died while Jesus was in another town. Jesus received word His friend was sick, waited to go visit the family, and by the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead 4 days. Martha said it well, “Lord, he stinks!”
Jesus had told His disciples His plan was to “wake Lazarus from sleep”, or, raise him from the dead. When He arrived and asked to see where His friend was buried, the people showed Jesus a tomb with a large stone covering the entrance.
Jesus said, “Remove the stone!” So people gathered around the stone and pushed it out of the way. He then called Lazarus’ name, commanding him to leave the tomb. Lazarus soon appeared at the tomb’s entrance, covered head to toe in grave clothes.
“Hallelujah! Lazarus is raised! Look what Jesus has done!” Can’t you just hear the crowd shouting?
Have you ever heard anyone say something like, “I don’t need anyone else’s help. I have God! He’s all I need. I don’t need counsel, or assistance, accountability, or anything else. God and I have this covered. I trust in Him Who raised me from the dead and gave me new life. Just, please, leave me alone.” As a pastor, I heard it far too many times. I understand “without Jesus we can do nothing”, but there’s another side to that truth as well. Jesus is the One who gives us life! But those in the Body are needed BY GOD to:
1) Roll away the stone
2) Remove the grave clothesOf course, our role isn’t very glamorous. Move a stone, remove grave clothes from a stinky man, feed someone. I mean, how important is that kind of stuff? We were created for bigger and better things! God’s calling upon our life is to preach to the nations; surely someone else can do those menial tasks!
But what good would it be to raise someone from the dead if, afterward, they couldn’t eat, walk, or communicate with those around them?
In fact, in other instances where Jesus raised someone from the dead, those around Jesus were given instructions; their help was needed. “Give the girl some food”, was one instance. Apparently she needed food, but was too weak to feed herself.
The raising of Lazarus is an example of Kingdom teamwork. The Lord does what only He can do and man does what only he can do.
Lazarus’ life became dependent upon the willingness of others for help. Likewise, our life is not our own. Yes, God’s miracle working power has raised us up, making us a new creation in Christ. We have been born again by faith in the finished work of Jesus! But other people, people like you and I, must be active in this process.
For every time the Lord raises someone up from being spiritually dead, He has a word for those in relationship with the one newly alive. That word is, “Loose him and let him go (or be free).” He also says, “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” God and man working together for the restoration of a human being! Workers together!
Removing the grave clothes could be as simple as cutting the wrappings from the person’s hand, feet, and face. Wrappings could represent old thought patterns around their heads, old destructive habits their hands were involved in, and things that would affect their walk with God; things that could cause them to stumble.
It really can be a stinky, messy, job. Grave clothes usually smell like the grave; like death. AND, grave clothes aren’t removed from a distance. It’s an up-close-and-personal process.
One more little thought. Think of the process involved when a mother has a brand new baby. Is the baby born because God stands outside the womb and says, “Baby, come forth?” Well, maybe. But there sure is a lot of work after the baby appears! A lot of MESSY work.
So have your scissors, wash cloths, and patience ready. The Lord is calling you and I to help the Lazarus’ in our midst.
You see, we weren’t made to be like Houdini. HE could get himself free from the grave clothes…
WE need help.
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Well, Shut My Mouth!
In the beginning, God created Adam with the ability to speak. Open mouth, form words, and speak the words using breath from his own lungs. The words themselves were to flow from Adam’s innermost being, just like his Creator. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the spirit, the mouth speaks.
Adam and God had quite a time together. Adam spoke and named all the animals and God said, “That’s good, Adam. Real good!” I’m sure God showed Adam how to mix faith with his words, because “without faith it is impossible to please God.” I’m certain God told Adam the same thing Jesus told His disciples: “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23 NKJV)
Adam learned from The Master how to “call things that be not, as though they were…”. He learned his tongue is the most powerful and important part of his body. With his tongue he could bless or curse, heal or hurt. (James 3)
After “the fall” I believe much of what Adam had learned by revelation from God became lost, or covered with spiritual darkness. Sin has that effect on us. However, just because he no longer knew certain things didn’t suddenly make those things untrue! For example, I may not realize, or remember, how powerful and indiscriminate gravity is. But if I step where I shouldn’t, WHAM! I still may not understand what happened. Couldn’t explain it if my life depended on it. But…
No, there was still power in the words he spoke. And there’s still power in the words we speak! The things we dwell on become the things we believe. The things we believe will become the words we speak. And the words we speak will frame the world we live in! After all, we were created in God’s image. Notice in Hebrews 11:1-3 – God framed His world, and beyond, by His Word.
Sometimes I forget that truth; or else I’m just too lazy to make myself say the right thing. So, sometimes I simply need to SHUT MY MOUTH!
Yep! My world, your world, this WHOLE WORLD would be better if we simply shut our mouth at times. And shut it we would, if we really believed the power of the heart and tongue. “Believe those things you say will come to pass…”
But we must communicate with one another, so we can’t simply have a zipper stitched to our mouth. There are people and things to bless, and God to be worshipped and adored. There is the enemy of all mankind to defeat, and his operations and schemes to curse. Unity and the bond of peace develops as we speak the same thing in love.
Yes, there is a time to shut our mouth, and a time to open it wide! May The Lord open our understanding to this powerful truth, giving us wisdom to know when to speak and when to shut our mouth!
Here are some scriptures that may help us understand the truth about our words.
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent (Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT)
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense (Proverbs 10:19-21 NLT)
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. (Proverbs 4:24 NLT)
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. (Proverbs 13:3 NLT)
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Proverbs 15:28 NLT)
Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips (Proverbs 18:6-7 NLT)
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23 NLT)
A time to be quiet and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT)
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (James 1:19-20 NLT)
…We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire… (James 3:3-6 NLT)
Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. (Proverbs 26:20 NLT)
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back, (Proverbs 29:11 NLT)
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. (Proverbs 29:20 NLT)
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“Drop Kick Me Jesus…”
“Drop kick me Jesus…” A cute little song by Bobby Bare.
God NEVER intended for His people to barely make it through this life and into the next, without a testimony of His power and victory evident in their life. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”(Romans 8:29-30 NKJV)
The word “predestined” can toss you around if you’re not careful. It does not mean God has already decided who will and who won’t be saved. God’s not willing any perish or go to an eternal hell. Rather He IS willing, and made it possible, for ALL men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. So ANYONE and EVERYONE can become a new creation in Christ and spend now and forever abiding in His Presence.
“…He also predestined…” in the above passage could be paraphrased in this manner: “God knows who will come to Him through His Son, Jesus. And all who come to Him are destined to be changed into His likeness, His image. It’s an established plan. God won’t settle for any less.”
God desired to have a family, created in His image, after His likeness. Adam started out well, but ended falling way short. But Jesus, the Second Adam, brought mankind back to the place where fellowship with God is possible. Possible, through faith in Jesus. And our “destiny”, in Jesus, is to be changed into His exact likeness, His image; acting like Him in all ways, thought, word, and deed. As the Son is, so shall we be (see John 17 and Hebrews 1:1-3). “Pre” means “before” so think of it this way: God planned our destiny in Jesus before it was possible. He “prepaid” for our eternal hope and future.
I believe it’s time for us to see ourselves the way God sees us in Christ. Time for us to understand “this life” on earth is only separated from our “next life” by our earthly body. What God has, or hasn’t, accomplished in us while on earth will continue. “He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.”
So, enjoy the cute song. Especially if you like country music. But look into God’s Word and discover what He has already accomplished for you in Christ. And don’t be satisfied with barely making it through life.
You are not a football.
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Transformer or Transformed?
Transformers. What a strange world it would be if those things were real!
But, wait a minute. This IS a strange world! So maybe…
I wonder what my Outback does at night. Does it change into a super hero or a villain? What super power does it possess? Is the vehicle/transformer covered in the standard vehicle maintenance program?
I don’t know. Maybe Transformers aren’t real. I mean, I’ve seen a number of tractor trailers on the highway and have even ridden in a few. Not once did I ever see one of them pose for a picture like the one shown in this post.
But transformers ARE real! Just different than the ones shown on the silver screen.
Really? Really!
The Apostle Paul wrote about them in 2 Corinthians 11…”For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV)
I noticed something recently about these “transformers”. Their transformation entails donning a costume, a mask, a disguise. In fact, the Greek word used for “transform” in this passage means “to disguise”. Notice they disguise, transform, themselves. They are attempting to APPEAR to be something they really aren’t. Why? To deceive, to trick, to confuse. Their heart doesn’t change just because they wear a disguise.
Ultimately, false apostles, deceitful workers, even Satan himself has one goal. To steal, kill, and destroy.
A “transformer’s” life and ministry is purely selfish. It’s all about them. It’s not about serving, it’s about being served. They don’t live to give. Rather they see how much they can take from others. Other people’s money, time, affection, etc.; and it takes a lot to keep a transformer happy.
On the other hand, there IS a transformation that takes place in the life of someone who is determined to know God. Really know Him!
They don’t try to disguise themselves, acting like they’re someone different than they really are. They are attempting to follow Paul’s admonition…”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”(Romans 12:2 NKJV)
Notice a couple of things. First, they don’t transform themselves. The transformation that happens is a result of embracing and submitting to the Word of God. Yes, they want to be different than the world, but not just while in public. They want to know the will of God; the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Second, the Greek word translated “transformed” is different than the other one discussed. This one means “to morph”, change into a different form.
The world doesn’t really need Transformers, or people disguised as the righteous. It DOES need people who will allow the Word of God, the Love of God, and Peace of God to TRANSFORM them. The world needs THE REAL DEAL, not impostors.
People who have been, or who are being, transformed by God, make an eternal difference in their world.
They may not be able to fly, shoot flames from their legs, or do anything like in the movies…but they’ll please God.
So be transformed…
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Woman Of My Heart
This song is a Valentine’s Day reminder to my wife, Phyllis.
You will never be forsaken, nor your family blown apart
My delight is in you, woman of my heart.
I rejoice over you with such joy, joy that will not end
I’m your husband, protector, provider, your best friend.And though I’ve caused you grief, don’t be afraid.
Though I’ve brought you pain, don’t be dismayed.Cause the mountains and the hills will be removed
and the stars will fall from the sky
Before my covenant, my covenant of love, the love I have for you
could ever die.I will always keep my promise, to love you ’til I die
No one will ever come between us, woman of my eyes
I will always be your husband, you’ll always be my wife
This marriage, in good times or bad times, is for life.words and music
Jan Grace
copyright 1994
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
