Wow, what would we have all thought 30 years ago if we'd have known the Lord was not going to return by 2008? Do you think anyone would have thought it better? Or worse? It's quite a deal to scan the headlines down the side of this page. Craziness abounds.
Well, 2009 rolls in tonight. I hope you all have the greatest year of your lives, coming up. There are bound to be hardships, but many rewards, too, for those who are seeking the Lord. Remember... it's His economy, it's His calendar, it's His schedule.
I want to say a huge thank you to my spiritual family for getting me and my (physical) family through a tough year. What would I do without all of you? You are more precious than gold - which is another reason it seems silly to go out and try to earn more gold!
Next year - in Jerusalem!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Flawed
We play the game well, sometimes. Christianity, spirituality, devoutness... Everyone seeks something, the question is 'what'. I like watching the NFL, for obvious reasons. What I wonder the most, however, is how much glory can a man gain for himself on his own merit? A few million dollars worth?
I'd love to be that gifted, physically, but I also wonder if I'd have the humility to give God the glory and seek Him, despite money or fame or anything else. Being a computer geek takes that pressure off...
This spans beyond the physical, naturally. Many wish they could have what their pastor has, or their spiritual mentor, but few are willing to pay the price. The anointing has a price. Trials, heartaches, toil in the spirit, fighting lions and bears in private - this all takes a toll. It's not unlike working out in the gym after hours.
For Elisha, he sought Godliness. When offered, he asked for a double portion from his mentor, Elijah. (Why do we only ask for double? Are we just lazy?) As we all know, he got his wish, but HOW? For one, he left his little prophet buddies on the opposite side of the Jordan river (not everyone is going to be willing to cross the Jordan with you, after all) and he did not let Elijah out of his sight. He received the double portion. Incidently, Elijah supposedly did 16 publicized miracles, and Elisha was ultimately responsible for 32. I'll let someone else do that homework.
Now... Gehazi 'should' have been in prime position to do the very same thing. Maybe even a TRIPLE OR QUADRUPLE portion from his master Elisha! Ask. Seek. That type of thing. But Gehazi had a hangup. He was flawed.
2Ki 5:20-27
(20) when Gehazi, servant to Elisha the Holy Man, said to himself, "My master has let this Aramean Naaman slip through his fingers without so much as a thank-you. By the living GOD, I'm going after him to get something or other from him!"
(21) And Gehazi took off after Naaman. Naaman saw him running after him and jumped down from his chariot to greet him, "Is something wrong?"
(22) "Nothing's wrong, but something's come up. My master sent me to tell you: 'Two young men just showed up from the hill country of Ephraim, brothers from the guild of the prophets. Supply their needs with a gift of seventy-five pounds of silver and a couple of sets of clothes.'"
(23) Naaman said, "Of course, how about a hundred and fifty pounds?" Naaman insisted. He tied up the money in two sacks and gave him the two sets of clothes; he even gave him two servants to carry the gifts back with him.
(24) When they got to the fort on the hill, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants, stored them inside, then sent the servants back.
(25) He returned and stood before his master. Elisha said, "So what have you been up to, Gehazi?" "Nothing much," he said.
(26) Elisha said, "Didn't you know I was with you in spirit when that man stepped down from his chariot to greet you? Tell me, is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts?
(27) Naaman's skin disease will now infect you and your family, with no relief in sight." Gehazi walked away, his skin flaky and white like snow.
In this case, Gehazi was ruled by greed, and that prevented him from ever receiving the anointing of God. It could have been imparted to him, but he never put himself in a position to receive it. Rather, he received judgment.
We may or may not follow someone like Elijah or Elisha, but who 'do' we follow? Someone with a checkbook or someone with an anointing? Are we in a position to receive it? Double? Triple? More? Do we have a character flaw that needs to be ripped out? God is able, if we are willing.
I'd love to be that gifted, physically, but I also wonder if I'd have the humility to give God the glory and seek Him, despite money or fame or anything else. Being a computer geek takes that pressure off...
This spans beyond the physical, naturally. Many wish they could have what their pastor has, or their spiritual mentor, but few are willing to pay the price. The anointing has a price. Trials, heartaches, toil in the spirit, fighting lions and bears in private - this all takes a toll. It's not unlike working out in the gym after hours.
For Elisha, he sought Godliness. When offered, he asked for a double portion from his mentor, Elijah. (Why do we only ask for double? Are we just lazy?) As we all know, he got his wish, but HOW? For one, he left his little prophet buddies on the opposite side of the Jordan river (not everyone is going to be willing to cross the Jordan with you, after all) and he did not let Elijah out of his sight. He received the double portion. Incidently, Elijah supposedly did 16 publicized miracles, and Elisha was ultimately responsible for 32. I'll let someone else do that homework.
Now... Gehazi 'should' have been in prime position to do the very same thing. Maybe even a TRIPLE OR QUADRUPLE portion from his master Elisha! Ask. Seek. That type of thing. But Gehazi had a hangup. He was flawed.
2Ki 5:20-27
(20) when Gehazi, servant to Elisha the Holy Man, said to himself, "My master has let this Aramean Naaman slip through his fingers without so much as a thank-you. By the living GOD, I'm going after him to get something or other from him!"
(21) And Gehazi took off after Naaman. Naaman saw him running after him and jumped down from his chariot to greet him, "Is something wrong?"
(22) "Nothing's wrong, but something's come up. My master sent me to tell you: 'Two young men just showed up from the hill country of Ephraim, brothers from the guild of the prophets. Supply their needs with a gift of seventy-five pounds of silver and a couple of sets of clothes.'"
(23) Naaman said, "Of course, how about a hundred and fifty pounds?" Naaman insisted. He tied up the money in two sacks and gave him the two sets of clothes; he even gave him two servants to carry the gifts back with him.
(24) When they got to the fort on the hill, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants, stored them inside, then sent the servants back.
(25) He returned and stood before his master. Elisha said, "So what have you been up to, Gehazi?" "Nothing much," he said.
(26) Elisha said, "Didn't you know I was with you in spirit when that man stepped down from his chariot to greet you? Tell me, is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts?
(27) Naaman's skin disease will now infect you and your family, with no relief in sight." Gehazi walked away, his skin flaky and white like snow.
In this case, Gehazi was ruled by greed, and that prevented him from ever receiving the anointing of God. It could have been imparted to him, but he never put himself in a position to receive it. Rather, he received judgment.
We may or may not follow someone like Elijah or Elisha, but who 'do' we follow? Someone with a checkbook or someone with an anointing? Are we in a position to receive it? Double? Triple? More? Do we have a character flaw that needs to be ripped out? God is able, if we are willing.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Name of God
It's nice to be back from the great WHITE north. My internet access there was limited, so it's nice to be back in the saddle as far as that goes.
I've been reading about the name of God. When conversing with Moses, God said, "Tell them that I AM sent you." Moses was the first to know this name of God - it was a privileged information. Translated, it could also mean "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE". Don't you just love that? That is something that only GOD could say. That is HIS Name.
Now in the Hebrew, it translates into the tetragrammaton, or the "Four Letters": YHWH. Yood, Hey, Vav, Hey are the letters that in the English, we pronounce respectfully as Yahweh.
To the Jewish people, this is the 'unpronounceable' name of God, and they did NOT pronounce it. Many still do not. Instead, they substituted the name for good sir or Lord in Hebrew: Adonai. Here is where it gets more interesting.
The Hebrew typically does not show written vowels. Instead, they have a method of placing dots under the words (consonant strings) that give direction on how to pronounce the word. So the YHWH would have dots underneath it IF it were written correctly.
What the scribes did was write the Hebrew for Yahweh but place the pronunciation dots for Adonai, since that was what was pronounced when scriptures were read. This created a great problem for those who translated from Hebrew to Greek and then Latin and then... English. When you take Yahweh but pronounce it with vowels from the word Adonai, you get the word 'Jehovah'.
In case you ever wondered... I thought this fascinating.
I've been reading about the name of God. When conversing with Moses, God said, "Tell them that I AM sent you." Moses was the first to know this name of God - it was a privileged information. Translated, it could also mean "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE". Don't you just love that? That is something that only GOD could say. That is HIS Name.
Now in the Hebrew, it translates into the tetragrammaton, or the "Four Letters": YHWH. Yood, Hey, Vav, Hey are the letters that in the English, we pronounce respectfully as Yahweh.
To the Jewish people, this is the 'unpronounceable' name of God, and they did NOT pronounce it. Many still do not. Instead, they substituted the name for good sir or Lord in Hebrew: Adonai. Here is where it gets more interesting.
The Hebrew typically does not show written vowels. Instead, they have a method of placing dots under the words (consonant strings) that give direction on how to pronounce the word. So the YHWH would have dots underneath it IF it were written correctly.
What the scribes did was write the Hebrew for Yahweh but place the pronunciation dots for Adonai, since that was what was pronounced when scriptures were read. This created a great problem for those who translated from Hebrew to Greek and then Latin and then... English. When you take Yahweh but pronounce it with vowels from the word Adonai, you get the word 'Jehovah'.
In case you ever wondered... I thought this fascinating.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Beautiful
Today we traveled - 12 hours - with two 8.5 mo old girls. I've not exactly been at ease about this trip. In fact, the stress has been gradually building and building. There were just so many variables. When do we leave? What happens if someone gets 'upset' and we're still 2 hours from civilization? What might civilization look like, a 20-degree outdoor Shell station bathroom? What about... snow? Or ice?
It really boils down to my faith taking a real hammering, and despite all the reassurance, I stayed wound up about the trip. I awoke at 4am with the intent of being on the road by 5. You know how that goes... we were on the road by 6:15. God is good. He knew that would allow us to miss KC rush hour.
Somewhere around 3 hours in, I was fighting hard to feel good. I couldn't eat or drink anything (nerves do that to me). I was SLEEPY, and just not feeling well. We are trucking around 75 through the middle of nowhere when a step-van - you know... like a Frito-Lay delivery van or bread truck - jumps the midian (coming our way) and flips.. FLIPS... in front of us, across our lane, and lands in the field to our right... it was horrible. The entire deal happened probably 200 yards in front of us. We stopped. The guys following me stopped... and a fellow following the van stopped. We all called 911 and a handful of men were heading out to the pasture to check on the driver. I told the 911 operator that I couldn't stay, as I had 2 infants in the car. She thanked me, took my number, and we pulled away. I prayed for the driver.
That didn't RELIEVE my stress too much.
But... it kinda' helped. Doesn't that sound bad? But I knew, that I knew, that I knew that God had shown me clear-as-day that we were 'blessed' by His hand of protection. I prayed a lot as we continued. Heavier snow piled up along the interstate in northern Missouri. Then... out of the gray of the weather, the sun broke through and shined that 'strange' light on the snowy landscape. It was beautiful. It was amazing!
Isn't the Light of God amazing? Beautiful? But how much MORE beautiful is it when it shines through storm clouds?
The roads cleared greatly the further north we went. 12 hours. I'm tired. G'nite.
It really boils down to my faith taking a real hammering, and despite all the reassurance, I stayed wound up about the trip. I awoke at 4am with the intent of being on the road by 5. You know how that goes... we were on the road by 6:15. God is good. He knew that would allow us to miss KC rush hour.
Somewhere around 3 hours in, I was fighting hard to feel good. I couldn't eat or drink anything (nerves do that to me). I was SLEEPY, and just not feeling well. We are trucking around 75 through the middle of nowhere when a step-van - you know... like a Frito-Lay delivery van or bread truck - jumps the midian (coming our way) and flips.. FLIPS... in front of us, across our lane, and lands in the field to our right... it was horrible. The entire deal happened probably 200 yards in front of us. We stopped. The guys following me stopped... and a fellow following the van stopped. We all called 911 and a handful of men were heading out to the pasture to check on the driver. I told the 911 operator that I couldn't stay, as I had 2 infants in the car. She thanked me, took my number, and we pulled away. I prayed for the driver.
That didn't RELIEVE my stress too much.
But... it kinda' helped. Doesn't that sound bad? But I knew, that I knew, that I knew that God had shown me clear-as-day that we were 'blessed' by His hand of protection. I prayed a lot as we continued. Heavier snow piled up along the interstate in northern Missouri. Then... out of the gray of the weather, the sun broke through and shined that 'strange' light on the snowy landscape. It was beautiful. It was amazing!
Isn't the Light of God amazing? Beautiful? But how much MORE beautiful is it when it shines through storm clouds?
The roads cleared greatly the further north we went. 12 hours. I'm tired. G'nite.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Need More?
Luk 9:17
(17) And they ate and were all filled. And twelve hand-baskets of fragments of that left over to them were taken up.
Jesus had just fed thousands with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. All were filled, not just sustained. The disciples were instructed to collect the fragments, which they did. That which was left was no small amount. What was the deal with that? After all, did GOD miscalculate?
First, the fragments 'were' collected, meaning nothing was wasted. Secondly, all ate as much as they wanted, yet there was more to eat.
Have you ever been filled? The Greek word here is 'cortazo', and it can literally mean 'gorged'. We're talkin'... filled. As in, can't handle ANY more!
For me, there are times when I literally think I cannot take any more. Sometimes, spiritually speaking, I feel as though if anything 'more' occurs, I'll explode. But I revel in the knowledge that He has more. He IS more than I will ever fully get.
For a lost man, a drink of Living Water is an amazing thing. But sometimes, those of us who haul around buckets look and think, that poor guy has so far to go. At the same time, there's a fellow standing in a cistern of Living Water thinking that very same thing about our bucket-toting friends. And then there is the guy wading in the stream... and... is that the sound of waves crashing?
(17) And they ate and were all filled. And twelve hand-baskets of fragments of that left over to them were taken up.
Jesus had just fed thousands with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. All were filled, not just sustained. The disciples were instructed to collect the fragments, which they did. That which was left was no small amount. What was the deal with that? After all, did GOD miscalculate?
First, the fragments 'were' collected, meaning nothing was wasted. Secondly, all ate as much as they wanted, yet there was more to eat.
Have you ever been filled? The Greek word here is 'cortazo', and it can literally mean 'gorged'. We're talkin'... filled. As in, can't handle ANY more!
For me, there are times when I literally think I cannot take any more. Sometimes, spiritually speaking, I feel as though if anything 'more' occurs, I'll explode. But I revel in the knowledge that He has more. He IS more than I will ever fully get.
For a lost man, a drink of Living Water is an amazing thing. But sometimes, those of us who haul around buckets look and think, that poor guy has so far to go. At the same time, there's a fellow standing in a cistern of Living Water thinking that very same thing about our bucket-toting friends. And then there is the guy wading in the stream... and... is that the sound of waves crashing?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Kickin' It Early
Ecc 7:17
(17) Do not be very evil, and do not be a fool; why should you not die in your time?
There is a spiritual precept that most of us are at least aware of, and that is this: our actions have a bearing on our destiny, saved or not. The author says in so many words, "A fool can die early."
We are excluding those who do have a fore-ordained time to die, for surely some do (just ask Jesus). It could even be said that every man has a fore-ordained time to die, but also has the ability to shorten this time. I believe this is what is being addressed. How do we shorten our days?
We act foolishly. We choose foolish ways. We protect our destructive ways. Strongholds in our lives are things that we have not given to Jesus. These appear in all forms to all people, and can range from cheesecake to marijuana. Have we relinquished all territory to God? He wont just 'take' it, as He would consider that stealing. God is no thief. If a habit owns me, that is territory that I cannot give to God, because I can't give what I do not own.
I have to keep in mind that God is not going to be able to build a massive monument for Himself in my life if I have a fortified building sitting right in the center of my acreage. Pardon that analogy... It's a form of idolatry. It can shorten my life. It can hinder my ministry, too, and that means it cuts off my ability to make eternal cash. From a business sense, that's stupid.
(17) Do not be very evil, and do not be a fool; why should you not die in your time?
There is a spiritual precept that most of us are at least aware of, and that is this: our actions have a bearing on our destiny, saved or not. The author says in so many words, "A fool can die early."
We are excluding those who do have a fore-ordained time to die, for surely some do (just ask Jesus). It could even be said that every man has a fore-ordained time to die, but also has the ability to shorten this time. I believe this is what is being addressed. How do we shorten our days?
We act foolishly. We choose foolish ways. We protect our destructive ways. Strongholds in our lives are things that we have not given to Jesus. These appear in all forms to all people, and can range from cheesecake to marijuana. Have we relinquished all territory to God? He wont just 'take' it, as He would consider that stealing. God is no thief. If a habit owns me, that is territory that I cannot give to God, because I can't give what I do not own.
I have to keep in mind that God is not going to be able to build a massive monument for Himself in my life if I have a fortified building sitting right in the center of my acreage. Pardon that analogy... It's a form of idolatry. It can shorten my life. It can hinder my ministry, too, and that means it cuts off my ability to make eternal cash. From a business sense, that's stupid.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Do We Know War?
Jdg 2:20-23
(20) And the anger of Jehovah glowed against Israel. And He said, Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not listened to My voice,
(21) I also from now on will not dispossess any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;
(22) so that by them I may test Israel, whether they are keeping the way of Jehovah, to go in it, as their fathers kept it, or not.
(23) And Jehovah left those nations without dispossessing them quickly. And He did not deliver them into the hand of Joshua.
Jdg 3:1-2
(1) And these are the nations which Jehovah left in order to test Israel by them, all who did not know all the wars of Canaan;
(2) only that the generations of the sons of Israel might know, to teach them war, only those who did not before know them:
We talk a lot about Promised Land Living... walking in faith, and walking in victory.
Isn't it interesting to look back and see all the battles we fought to get that victory? I'm not saying we can claim any credit for the win, but we did have to fight, didn't we? Paul says, "We war not against flesh and blood..." So we are warring, right?
What happens when we stop fighting and just give in? Over time we become like Israel was after the death of Joshua. Our generation had it all handed down to us - all the vineyards we didn't plant and the wells we didn't dig. We tend to take it for granted, and we forget the battles our fathers fought to bring us up in the Promised Land.
Notice what happens to those who feel as though they deserve the peace and safety they live in (America): God ordains war for them, just so they'll know it. It's about fighting for the ground you take, and then maintaining it under the rules of God. Israel would not have needed to re-fight all those battles had they simply remembered God's commandments and that they owed everything to Him.
So, for my own children, I have the responsibility to teach them how to maintain and live under the leadership of God. If I fail to teach them this, I'm most-assuredly dooming them to re-fight many of the battles that got us to the Promised Land in the first place. Keep fighting the good fight, and teach your children to do the same.
(20) And the anger of Jehovah glowed against Israel. And He said, Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not listened to My voice,
(21) I also from now on will not dispossess any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;
(22) so that by them I may test Israel, whether they are keeping the way of Jehovah, to go in it, as their fathers kept it, or not.
(23) And Jehovah left those nations without dispossessing them quickly. And He did not deliver them into the hand of Joshua.
Jdg 3:1-2
(1) And these are the nations which Jehovah left in order to test Israel by them, all who did not know all the wars of Canaan;
(2) only that the generations of the sons of Israel might know, to teach them war, only those who did not before know them:
We talk a lot about Promised Land Living... walking in faith, and walking in victory.
Isn't it interesting to look back and see all the battles we fought to get that victory? I'm not saying we can claim any credit for the win, but we did have to fight, didn't we? Paul says, "We war not against flesh and blood..." So we are warring, right?
What happens when we stop fighting and just give in? Over time we become like Israel was after the death of Joshua. Our generation had it all handed down to us - all the vineyards we didn't plant and the wells we didn't dig. We tend to take it for granted, and we forget the battles our fathers fought to bring us up in the Promised Land.
Notice what happens to those who feel as though they deserve the peace and safety they live in (America): God ordains war for them, just so they'll know it. It's about fighting for the ground you take, and then maintaining it under the rules of God. Israel would not have needed to re-fight all those battles had they simply remembered God's commandments and that they owed everything to Him.
So, for my own children, I have the responsibility to teach them how to maintain and live under the leadership of God. If I fail to teach them this, I'm most-assuredly dooming them to re-fight many of the battles that got us to the Promised Land in the first place. Keep fighting the good fight, and teach your children to do the same.
Monday, December 15, 2008
God Knows
This is a little off the beaten path for my typical blogging pursuits, but I think it also ties right in to something that I do try to concentrate on, and that is God's unmistakable sovereignty over the little things.
One of my family lost a pet this week - one that he'd had for many years. It was NOT a small deal. Really, it's the kind of thing you share with only people you know very closely, because some people just don't understand the kind of attachment you can have with an animal. When the time comes - and it always seems to - we lose what feels like a part of us. Now, what could scripture have to say that might possibly provide comfort amidst a loss like that? Did Paul say, "The dead in Christ shall rise, then we who are alive and remain, along with our pets, in the twinkling of an eye..." No. He didn't.
What about Moses? Did he talk about what we can do if we grow attached to a pet and then we see it die of a disease, or get run over, or killed by an angry neighbor, or just waste away with age? No, I don't think he mentioned anything either. So... does God know 'that' kind of pain?
My bud who has felt this recent loss pointed something out to me that I find fascinating.
2Sa 12:1-6
(1) And Jehovah sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said to him, There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor.
(2) The rich one had flocks and very many herds.
(3) But the poor one had nothing except one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished. And it grew up with him, and with his sons together, and it ate of his morsel, and it drank from his cup, and it lay in his bosom. And it was like a daughter to him.
(4) And a traveler came to the rich one, and he spared to take of his own flock, and of his own herd, to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. And he took the ewe lamb of the poor man, and prepared it for the man who had come to him.
(5) And David's anger glowed greatly against the man. And he said to Nathan, As Jehovah lives, surely the man who did this is a son of death.
(6) And he shall repay fourfold for the ewe lamb, because he has done this thing, and because he had no pity.
If you wish to know the rest of the story, read it. It's a great story. But the signature of God is on this story, too. Nathan the prophet relayed this story to David from God Himself, who very clearly states that a man can grow so attached to an animal as to think of it as family. What that means is, God understands. God sees. Why was David angry? Because David saw, too. David had compassion (even though he was being indicted). This loss is not foreign to God. He gets it.
I'd go on to add... it would behoove us all to see this type of loss through the eyes of God. If He sees it as a horrible thing, we had best be in agreement and not make light of someone's deep hurt. Death is an enemy and it was one of the first things Jesus overcame in His claiming of eternal cosmic victory. Now we simply wait for our Redeemer to take ownership, physically, of His claim, making death a thing of the past. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
One of my family lost a pet this week - one that he'd had for many years. It was NOT a small deal. Really, it's the kind of thing you share with only people you know very closely, because some people just don't understand the kind of attachment you can have with an animal. When the time comes - and it always seems to - we lose what feels like a part of us. Now, what could scripture have to say that might possibly provide comfort amidst a loss like that? Did Paul say, "The dead in Christ shall rise, then we who are alive and remain, along with our pets, in the twinkling of an eye..." No. He didn't.
What about Moses? Did he talk about what we can do if we grow attached to a pet and then we see it die of a disease, or get run over, or killed by an angry neighbor, or just waste away with age? No, I don't think he mentioned anything either. So... does God know 'that' kind of pain?
My bud who has felt this recent loss pointed something out to me that I find fascinating.
2Sa 12:1-6
(1) And Jehovah sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said to him, There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor.
(2) The rich one had flocks and very many herds.
(3) But the poor one had nothing except one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished. And it grew up with him, and with his sons together, and it ate of his morsel, and it drank from his cup, and it lay in his bosom. And it was like a daughter to him.
(4) And a traveler came to the rich one, and he spared to take of his own flock, and of his own herd, to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. And he took the ewe lamb of the poor man, and prepared it for the man who had come to him.
(5) And David's anger glowed greatly against the man. And he said to Nathan, As Jehovah lives, surely the man who did this is a son of death.
(6) And he shall repay fourfold for the ewe lamb, because he has done this thing, and because he had no pity.
If you wish to know the rest of the story, read it. It's a great story. But the signature of God is on this story, too. Nathan the prophet relayed this story to David from God Himself, who very clearly states that a man can grow so attached to an animal as to think of it as family. What that means is, God understands. God sees. Why was David angry? Because David saw, too. David had compassion (even though he was being indicted). This loss is not foreign to God. He gets it.
I'd go on to add... it would behoove us all to see this type of loss through the eyes of God. If He sees it as a horrible thing, we had best be in agreement and not make light of someone's deep hurt. Death is an enemy and it was one of the first things Jesus overcame in His claiming of eternal cosmic victory. Now we simply wait for our Redeemer to take ownership, physically, of His claim, making death a thing of the past. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Friday, December 12, 2008
All Will Bow
1Sa 5:1-5
(1) And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
(2) And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon, and set it near Dagon.
(3) And the men of Ashdod rose early on the next day. And, behold! Dagon had fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah! And they took Dagon and put it back in its place.
(4) And they rose early in the morning on the next day; and, behold! Dagon had fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah, and the head of Dagon, and the two palms of its hands, were cut off at the threshold. Only the flat part had been left to him.
(5) On account of this the priests of Dagon, and all those coming into the house of Dagon, do not step on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod until this day.
Isn't that quite a fascinating story? Dagon was a Philistine idol god. Notice how the writer calls Dagon an 'it'. The Ark of God represents the Presence of God. As Christians, we should be carrying upon us the Presence of God as well. Why would that be a benefit? Look at the effects the Presence of God has on the world and its petty systems:
First, Dagon falls on its face. For example, have you ever watched an evolutionist debate a knowledgeable Christian apologist? I usually feel humiliated for the evolutionist. It's sad. It boils down to one lame religion feebly attempting to match wits with the Truth of God. It has to bow.
But secondly, inevitably, the evolutionist doesn't give up. He may concede the fight (or not) but no matter how stupid the position seems, he sticks with it. That's what it looks like to set Dagon back up. Then what happens? What happens when we choose to embrace something that is obviously fake, but for hatred of the Truth, we embrace it still? Dagon falls again, only this time, the head and the hands break off. We lose our ability to think (the head comes off) and we lose our ability to effectively do anything worthwhile (our hands break off). When we embrace ignorance, we forfeit wisdom and we sell our souls out to the enemy, and everything for which we live and strive comes to nothing.
(1) And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
(2) And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon, and set it near Dagon.
(3) And the men of Ashdod rose early on the next day. And, behold! Dagon had fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah! And they took Dagon and put it back in its place.
(4) And they rose early in the morning on the next day; and, behold! Dagon had fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah, and the head of Dagon, and the two palms of its hands, were cut off at the threshold. Only the flat part had been left to him.
(5) On account of this the priests of Dagon, and all those coming into the house of Dagon, do not step on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod until this day.
Isn't that quite a fascinating story? Dagon was a Philistine idol god. Notice how the writer calls Dagon an 'it'. The Ark of God represents the Presence of God. As Christians, we should be carrying upon us the Presence of God as well. Why would that be a benefit? Look at the effects the Presence of God has on the world and its petty systems:
First, Dagon falls on its face. For example, have you ever watched an evolutionist debate a knowledgeable Christian apologist? I usually feel humiliated for the evolutionist. It's sad. It boils down to one lame religion feebly attempting to match wits with the Truth of God. It has to bow.
But secondly, inevitably, the evolutionist doesn't give up. He may concede the fight (or not) but no matter how stupid the position seems, he sticks with it. That's what it looks like to set Dagon back up. Then what happens? What happens when we choose to embrace something that is obviously fake, but for hatred of the Truth, we embrace it still? Dagon falls again, only this time, the head and the hands break off. We lose our ability to think (the head comes off) and we lose our ability to effectively do anything worthwhile (our hands break off). When we embrace ignorance, we forfeit wisdom and we sell our souls out to the enemy, and everything for which we live and strive comes to nothing.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Christmas Story
This one is seldom read, but should be - every year.
Rev 12:1-5
(1) And a great sign was seen in the heavens, a woman having been clothed with the sun, and the moon was underneath her feet; and on her head a crown of twelve stars;
(2) and having a babe in womb. She cries, being in labor, and having been distressed to bear.
(3) And another sign was seen in the heavens. And, behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns! And on his heads were seven diadems,
(4) and his tail drew the third part of the stars of the heaven, and he throws them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman being about to bear, so that when she bears he might devour her child.
(5) And she bore a son, a male, who is going to shepherd all the nations with an iron staff. And her child was caught away to God, and to His throne.
Rev 12:7-11
(7) And war occurred in Heaven, Michael and his angels making war against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels made war,
(8) but they did not have strength, nor yet was place found for them in Heaven.
(9) And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent being called devil, and, Satan; he deceiving the whole habitable world was cast out onto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
(10) And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers is thrown down, the one accusing them before our God day and night.
(11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul even until death.
Merry Christmas - your battles may be raging at the moment, but they'll die down. Peace is on the way!
Rev 12:1-5
(1) And a great sign was seen in the heavens, a woman having been clothed with the sun, and the moon was underneath her feet; and on her head a crown of twelve stars;
(2) and having a babe in womb. She cries, being in labor, and having been distressed to bear.
(3) And another sign was seen in the heavens. And, behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns! And on his heads were seven diadems,
(4) and his tail drew the third part of the stars of the heaven, and he throws them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman being about to bear, so that when she bears he might devour her child.
(5) And she bore a son, a male, who is going to shepherd all the nations with an iron staff. And her child was caught away to God, and to His throne.
Rev 12:7-11
(7) And war occurred in Heaven, Michael and his angels making war against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels made war,
(8) but they did not have strength, nor yet was place found for them in Heaven.
(9) And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent being called devil, and, Satan; he deceiving the whole habitable world was cast out onto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
(10) And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers is thrown down, the one accusing them before our God day and night.
(11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul even until death.
Merry Christmas - your battles may be raging at the moment, but they'll die down. Peace is on the way!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Magnificance of a Greater Mind
When Abraham was about to slay his own son, Isaac, do you think he expected a ram to be caught in a thicket? Or an angel to stay his hand?
When Israel was thirsty in the desert, how many were betting on water coming out of the rock? And what about that watery escape route to the desert in the first place?
Then comes Israel, facing a ginormous Goliath on the battlefield. Were they expecting deliverance from a cheese-bringing shepherd boy?
Moving forward a few hundred years, Paul and Silas are singing in prison. Were they waiting for the earthquake that opened every door?
What would it be like to wise-up and expect the miraculous for once? Would it be a change? Would it enable God? After all, we know that God can be hindered from working the miraculous if we don't believe He can or will. I know some folks that refuse to open their mind to the miraculous because of the disappointment they might experience from getting their hopes up.
*sighs*
My girls are not old enough to beg for Dairy Queen yet. Here is what I KNOW. There will be a day when they beg me for Dairy Queen and I'll say no. Do any of us really think that will be the last of it from them? Well, I've destroyed their hopes and dreams by telling them no. How crazy does that sound? They'll ask me again next time and I'll probably say YES.
Yes, but, that's Dairy Queen. That's not a job situation, or a health issue. Now we're getting somewhere. We only ask for the miraculous when it's a life or death situation, and we CAN'T STAND TO HEAR A "NO". We can be so lame. Let God work the miraculous every day in your life. Need a miracle to get a project done? Ask for one. Need a miracle to make your numbers? Ask for one. Need a miracle to get the laundry done before company arrives? ASK. But we don't. We lean on our own strength and understanding and rely upon God when we reach the end of it. We need to grow up and embrace the magnificance of our Father.
When Israel was thirsty in the desert, how many were betting on water coming out of the rock? And what about that watery escape route to the desert in the first place?
Then comes Israel, facing a ginormous Goliath on the battlefield. Were they expecting deliverance from a cheese-bringing shepherd boy?
Moving forward a few hundred years, Paul and Silas are singing in prison. Were they waiting for the earthquake that opened every door?
What would it be like to wise-up and expect the miraculous for once? Would it be a change? Would it enable God? After all, we know that God can be hindered from working the miraculous if we don't believe He can or will. I know some folks that refuse to open their mind to the miraculous because of the disappointment they might experience from getting their hopes up.
*sighs*
My girls are not old enough to beg for Dairy Queen yet. Here is what I KNOW. There will be a day when they beg me for Dairy Queen and I'll say no. Do any of us really think that will be the last of it from them? Well, I've destroyed their hopes and dreams by telling them no. How crazy does that sound? They'll ask me again next time and I'll probably say YES.
Yes, but, that's Dairy Queen. That's not a job situation, or a health issue. Now we're getting somewhere. We only ask for the miraculous when it's a life or death situation, and we CAN'T STAND TO HEAR A "NO". We can be so lame. Let God work the miraculous every day in your life. Need a miracle to get a project done? Ask for one. Need a miracle to make your numbers? Ask for one. Need a miracle to get the laundry done before company arrives? ASK. But we don't. We lean on our own strength and understanding and rely upon God when we reach the end of it. We need to grow up and embrace the magnificance of our Father.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Pride
It's seldom mentioned that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon - the very nation that God used to destroy Jerusalem and take Israel into captivity, authored a chapter out of our bible. He wrote Daniel chapter 4.
Nebuchadnezzar's weakness, most-notably, was pride. He thought that his conquests were by his own might. He thought that he was in control. It is difficult to compare ourselves with such a man, as few of us are kings, or governors, or even effectively rule our households. Nebuchadnezzar was brutal. He didn't just outsmart the nations and win popularity contests. He battered walls down, razed buildings, killed ALL inhabitants, making horrendous spectacles of kings that dared to resist him. He was to some a monster. He was to be feared.
Then he boasted out loud, and God had grown tired of listening. Nebuchadnezzar wrote this (about the Lord) 7 years later, after having spent this prolonged period on all fours galloping around his palace grounds acting like a dog.
Dan 4:35-37
(35) And all those living in the earth are counted as nothing. And He does according to His will among the army of Heaven, and among those living in the earth. And no one is able to strike His hand or say to Him, What are You doing?
(36) At that time my reason returned to me, and the glory of my kingdom, my majesty, and my brightness returned to me. And my advisers and my nobles sought to me. And I was reestablished in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me.
(37) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honor the King of Heaven, for all His works are truth, and His ways are justice. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
He is able to humble the pride. God humbles the pride. He does it sooner, or He does it later. On that day when every knee shall bow... on that day... there will not be one proud in the crowd. We have no concept of the majesty, greatness, and power of God. The lesson, as told by one of the most proud fellows that ever walked the earth is to bow now. Thank you, God, for not always choosing to humble us immediately for walking in pride, for you would perhaps be TIRED of slapping me to the ground. I will boast in knowing You, because that is worth boasting about.
Nebuchadnezzar's weakness, most-notably, was pride. He thought that his conquests were by his own might. He thought that he was in control. It is difficult to compare ourselves with such a man, as few of us are kings, or governors, or even effectively rule our households. Nebuchadnezzar was brutal. He didn't just outsmart the nations and win popularity contests. He battered walls down, razed buildings, killed ALL inhabitants, making horrendous spectacles of kings that dared to resist him. He was to some a monster. He was to be feared.
Then he boasted out loud, and God had grown tired of listening. Nebuchadnezzar wrote this (about the Lord) 7 years later, after having spent this prolonged period on all fours galloping around his palace grounds acting like a dog.
Dan 4:35-37
(35) And all those living in the earth are counted as nothing. And He does according to His will among the army of Heaven, and among those living in the earth. And no one is able to strike His hand or say to Him, What are You doing?
(36) At that time my reason returned to me, and the glory of my kingdom, my majesty, and my brightness returned to me. And my advisers and my nobles sought to me. And I was reestablished in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me.
(37) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honor the King of Heaven, for all His works are truth, and His ways are justice. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
He is able to humble the pride. God humbles the pride. He does it sooner, or He does it later. On that day when every knee shall bow... on that day... there will not be one proud in the crowd. We have no concept of the majesty, greatness, and power of God. The lesson, as told by one of the most proud fellows that ever walked the earth is to bow now. Thank you, God, for not always choosing to humble us immediately for walking in pride, for you would perhaps be TIRED of slapping me to the ground. I will boast in knowing You, because that is worth boasting about.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Contract
Mat 1:18-20
(18) And the birth of Jesus Christ was this way (for His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph) before the coming together of them, she was found having babe in womb by the Holy Spirit.
(19) But her husband to be, Joseph, being just, and not willing to make her a public example, he purposed to put her away secretly.
(20) And as he was thinking about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord was seen by him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For that in her is generated by the Holy Spirit.
The betrothal contract, under which Joseph and Mary were bound, was binding - permanent. It was a done deal. Today, nothing is done until the "I do's" are given, but in Jesus' day, the engagement ring was IT. That is very important for one reason. It mean's we are bound to Jesus by 'betrothal'. It's not something we will get out of. We have not consummated our relationship yet, nor even had the final ceremony, but we are OFF LIMITS to anyone else. Think about that.
Now as we all know, the bride takes on the name of the groom. Check this out:
Jer 23:6
(6) In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And this is His name by which He shall be called, Jehovah our Righteousness.
Jer 33:16
(16) In those days Judah shall be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell in safety. And this is the name that shall be called on her: JEHOVAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
The bride will inherit the name of her groom.
This does look like Irael, though, doesn't it? What about the church?
Rev 3:12
(12) The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out any more. And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.
There is much in a name.
(18) And the birth of Jesus Christ was this way (for His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph) before the coming together of them, she was found having babe in womb by the Holy Spirit.
(19) But her husband to be, Joseph, being just, and not willing to make her a public example, he purposed to put her away secretly.
(20) And as he was thinking about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord was seen by him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For that in her is generated by the Holy Spirit.
The betrothal contract, under which Joseph and Mary were bound, was binding - permanent. It was a done deal. Today, nothing is done until the "I do's" are given, but in Jesus' day, the engagement ring was IT. That is very important for one reason. It mean's we are bound to Jesus by 'betrothal'. It's not something we will get out of. We have not consummated our relationship yet, nor even had the final ceremony, but we are OFF LIMITS to anyone else. Think about that.
Now as we all know, the bride takes on the name of the groom. Check this out:
Jer 23:6
(6) In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And this is His name by which He shall be called, Jehovah our Righteousness.
Jer 33:16
(16) In those days Judah shall be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell in safety. And this is the name that shall be called on her: JEHOVAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
The bride will inherit the name of her groom.
This does look like Irael, though, doesn't it? What about the church?
Rev 3:12
(12) The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out any more. And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.
There is much in a name.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Enemy of Religion
I'm not religious. My family isn't religious. My spirit at one time would become highly agitated at the connotation of 'being' religious, but I've calmed down some because the world simply has no clue.
Religion means I can do it myself - I can cover myself. I can't. I've tried a few times, but it just doesn't work to any one's satisfaction, especially God's.
In a religious world, I'm constantly trying to earn the favor of God by doing this or that. Going to church, reading my bible, not cussing, trying not to flip people off on the highway. This is all good stuff. But it doesn't really improve my standing with God. That's the grind for most Christians.
We WANT to earn the brownie points with God, so we can have bragging rights in the end. Sad story. He doesn't care. We already have His favor. Quit trying to earn something in order to one-up someone else. Christ died for Hitler, and had Hitler accepted Him, he'd probably have an apartment above yours in the New Jerusalem. Wouldn't that crank your handle? I'd be one ticked-off, torqued off, hot, teeth-grinding son...
Wait... that sounds like the 'other' son in the story of the prodigal, doesn't it. You know, the one that never left?
That's religion. That's ALL it's good for, too. Torquing somebody off. Religion offends, because it sets a ridiculous standard.
For that reason, you are NOT going to reach the people in your church assembly by giving them another function to go to. We'd best find a way to introduce them to God, and if we don't really know how to get that done, PLEASE... we have to ask someone that knows. Start by finding the guy that is FIRED UP. HE'LL KNOW!
Peace.
Religion means I can do it myself - I can cover myself. I can't. I've tried a few times, but it just doesn't work to any one's satisfaction, especially God's.
In a religious world, I'm constantly trying to earn the favor of God by doing this or that. Going to church, reading my bible, not cussing, trying not to flip people off on the highway. This is all good stuff. But it doesn't really improve my standing with God. That's the grind for most Christians.
We WANT to earn the brownie points with God, so we can have bragging rights in the end. Sad story. He doesn't care. We already have His favor. Quit trying to earn something in order to one-up someone else. Christ died for Hitler, and had Hitler accepted Him, he'd probably have an apartment above yours in the New Jerusalem. Wouldn't that crank your handle? I'd be one ticked-off, torqued off, hot, teeth-grinding son...
Wait... that sounds like the 'other' son in the story of the prodigal, doesn't it. You know, the one that never left?
That's religion. That's ALL it's good for, too. Torquing somebody off. Religion offends, because it sets a ridiculous standard.
For that reason, you are NOT going to reach the people in your church assembly by giving them another function to go to. We'd best find a way to introduce them to God, and if we don't really know how to get that done, PLEASE... we have to ask someone that knows. Start by finding the guy that is FIRED UP. HE'LL KNOW!
Peace.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
It's Up To Us
Gen 19:12-14
(12) And the men said to Lot, Who still is here to you? Bring out of this place your sons and your sons-in-law and your daughters, and whoever belongs to you in the city.
(13) For we are about to destroy this place, for the cry of them is great before Jehovah, and Jehovah has sent us to destroy it.
(14) And Lot went out to speak to his sons-in-law, those taking his daughters. And he said, Rise up, go out from this place, for Jehovah is about to destroy the city. And he seemed as one joking to his sons-in-law.
What great comfort that the Lord would care so much for us as to 'drag' us out of destruction's way. But also, what grace that he would tell us to get all our loved ones and bring them along, too. It is up to us.
Unfortunately, even family doesn't always get it. These are perilous times in which we live. Let's get our family informed.
(12) And the men said to Lot, Who still is here to you? Bring out of this place your sons and your sons-in-law and your daughters, and whoever belongs to you in the city.
(13) For we are about to destroy this place, for the cry of them is great before Jehovah, and Jehovah has sent us to destroy it.
(14) And Lot went out to speak to his sons-in-law, those taking his daughters. And he said, Rise up, go out from this place, for Jehovah is about to destroy the city. And he seemed as one joking to his sons-in-law.
What great comfort that the Lord would care so much for us as to 'drag' us out of destruction's way. But also, what grace that he would tell us to get all our loved ones and bring them along, too. It is up to us.
Unfortunately, even family doesn't always get it. These are perilous times in which we live. Let's get our family informed.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Overcoming
This morning we talked about Revelation ch21, a beautiful chapter in a not-so-beautiful book. There was uneasiness as we spoke of overcoming, and what it means to be an 'overcomer'.
When you read below, you'll notice that in the letters to the churches (ch2 and 3), Jesus had 7 things to say to the overcomers. Outside of that, twice He reiterates what the overcomer will inherit.
(Rev 2:7) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming, I will give to him to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
(Rev 2:11) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. The one overcoming will not at all be hurt by the second death.
(Rev 2:17) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming, I will give him to eat from the hidden manna. And I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name having been written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.
(Rev 2:26) And the one overcoming, and the one keeping My works until the end, "I will give to him authority over the nations,"
(Rev 3:5) The one overcoming, this one shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not at all blot his name out of the Book of Life; and I will acknowledge his name before My Father, and before His angels.
(Rev 3:12) The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out any more. And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.
(Rev 3:21) The one overcoming, I will give to him to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father in His throne.
(Rev 15:2) And I saw, as a glassy sea having been mixed with fire. And the ones overcoming the beast, and its image, and its mark, of the number of its name, were standing on the glassy sea, having harps of God.
(Rev 21:7) The one overcoming will inherit all things, and I will be God to him, and he will be the son to Me.
If you read the verses preceding these, Jesus outlines the issues that people needed victory over. Largely, these complaints are over 'works'.
(Rev 2:5) Then remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works. And if not, I am coming to you quickly, and will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
(Rev 3:4) You also have a few names in Sardis which did not defile their robes, and they shall walk with Me in white because they are worthy.
It seems works-based, doesn't it? That immediately makes us seem small, because we are almost to a "T" PATHETIC when it comes to living as our Savior lived. Walls go up. Hairs get raised, and people become defensive.
Mat 22:36-40
(36) Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?
(37) And Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Deut. 6:5
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Lev. 19:18
(40) On these two commandments all the Law and the Prophets hang.
If we Love, then all else falls into place. If we Love, then we can overcome because Love wins. Remember Ephesus?
Rev 2:4
(4) But I have against you that you left your first love.
From Love comes good works. Don't stay mired up in the muck of the world - have a mind change! It's not about your strength, it's about God's. We cannot overcome by our own strength, but we can stay mired up by our own strength. Whether or not we 'want' to change is probably another post. Conversation about OVERCOMING is welcome.
When you read below, you'll notice that in the letters to the churches (ch2 and 3), Jesus had 7 things to say to the overcomers. Outside of that, twice He reiterates what the overcomer will inherit.
(Rev 2:7) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming, I will give to him to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
(Rev 2:11) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. The one overcoming will not at all be hurt by the second death.
(Rev 2:17) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming, I will give him to eat from the hidden manna. And I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name having been written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.
(Rev 2:26) And the one overcoming, and the one keeping My works until the end, "I will give to him authority over the nations,"
(Rev 3:5) The one overcoming, this one shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not at all blot his name out of the Book of Life; and I will acknowledge his name before My Father, and before His angels.
(Rev 3:12) The one overcoming, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall not go out any more. And I will write the name of My God on him, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.
(Rev 3:21) The one overcoming, I will give to him to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father in His throne.
(Rev 15:2) And I saw, as a glassy sea having been mixed with fire. And the ones overcoming the beast, and its image, and its mark, of the number of its name, were standing on the glassy sea, having harps of God.
(Rev 21:7) The one overcoming will inherit all things, and I will be God to him, and he will be the son to Me.
If you read the verses preceding these, Jesus outlines the issues that people needed victory over. Largely, these complaints are over 'works'.
(Rev 2:5) Then remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works. And if not, I am coming to you quickly, and will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
(Rev 3:4) You also have a few names in Sardis which did not defile their robes, and they shall walk with Me in white because they are worthy.
It seems works-based, doesn't it? That immediately makes us seem small, because we are almost to a "T" PATHETIC when it comes to living as our Savior lived. Walls go up. Hairs get raised, and people become defensive.
Mat 22:36-40
(36) Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?
(37) And Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Deut. 6:5
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Lev. 19:18
(40) On these two commandments all the Law and the Prophets hang.
If we Love, then all else falls into place. If we Love, then we can overcome because Love wins. Remember Ephesus?
Rev 2:4
(4) But I have against you that you left your first love.
From Love comes good works. Don't stay mired up in the muck of the world - have a mind change! It's not about your strength, it's about God's. We cannot overcome by our own strength, but we can stay mired up by our own strength. Whether or not we 'want' to change is probably another post. Conversation about OVERCOMING is welcome.
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Evil Day
Eph 6:13
(13) Because of this, take up all of the armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having worked out all things, to stand.
Have you ever wondered what the 'evil day' was? Early on, I tended to gloss over it, or assume the writer was speaking of some apocalyptic day. Not so. The evil day is the one which perhaps starts good but takes a turn for the worst.
Yesterday, for instance. We were tired and beginning the 3-3.5 hour journey home with our 8 month old twin girls. I was tired already - just as always - but while packing the car my dad received a call informing us that my grandmother had passed away. This was somewhat unexpected, as she had shown no signs of illness of late, although her health had been frail for the last couple of years in the nursing home.
We continued to pack and get the girls in the car. By the time we hit I-540 we noticed snow. Then the traffic, which was already bad, stopped... and stayed stopped for miles. The day turned truly evil. The girls woke up and began to scream because they were hungry and we were NOT getting home. Well, we did, but it was after a nearly 5 hour trip. That's a long time to go without eating if you weigh 15 lbs. It was evil, too, for the countless others who had wrecked or run out of gas out there on that cold hiway.
Through all of that, God was there and His peace was evident. There was much to resist, and we did, with the armor of God. Prepare always for the evil day because we don't always know when it will come.
(13) Because of this, take up all of the armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having worked out all things, to stand.
Have you ever wondered what the 'evil day' was? Early on, I tended to gloss over it, or assume the writer was speaking of some apocalyptic day. Not so. The evil day is the one which perhaps starts good but takes a turn for the worst.
Yesterday, for instance. We were tired and beginning the 3-3.5 hour journey home with our 8 month old twin girls. I was tired already - just as always - but while packing the car my dad received a call informing us that my grandmother had passed away. This was somewhat unexpected, as she had shown no signs of illness of late, although her health had been frail for the last couple of years in the nursing home.
We continued to pack and get the girls in the car. By the time we hit I-540 we noticed snow. Then the traffic, which was already bad, stopped... and stayed stopped for miles. The day turned truly evil. The girls woke up and began to scream because they were hungry and we were NOT getting home. Well, we did, but it was after a nearly 5 hour trip. That's a long time to go without eating if you weigh 15 lbs. It was evil, too, for the countless others who had wrecked or run out of gas out there on that cold hiway.
Through all of that, God was there and His peace was evident. There was much to resist, and we did, with the armor of God. Prepare always for the evil day because we don't always know when it will come.
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