Growing up, I often heard "Thank goodness we aren't under the Law!" That made sense to me. I didn't like the rules, and I REALLY didn't like the punishments for breaking them. But now that I understand grace a little more, I'm not as sure. Grace demands much. Don't get me wrong. Grace is wonderful and I really would not want to be under the Law. Also... for those who are thinking that grace was always present - even under the Law - I concur. But for the sake of differentiation, I'll refer to the time before Jesus' sacrifice as the 'Law' and the time since then as 'Grace'.
Under the Law, a man was forbidden to commit adultery. He was not, however, prevented from 'mall-watching'. You know.. sitting at the mall and watching all the fine ladies walk by. As a kid... I really liked that, to be honest. It was harmless, right? Yes, under the Law. But not so much under Grace.
See, there was no higher standard to meet under the Law. No touch, no foul. Except that's really not so. God was unable to instill a 'perfecting' into His people under that system. The result? Those poor mall-watching Israelites in their Sinai camp spent 40 years just reaching their Promised Land (13 miles away). Nor did they learn how to worship with fervor until King David, hundreds of years later! Progress is slow when all you do is meet requirements (just examine your latest job performance review).
Grace is an accelerator. It prods us to "be perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is perfect." (Matt 5:48) As we are perfected, we are entrusted. We are moved to greater heights of stewardship and responsibility in the Kingdom. Have you reached 'perfect' yet? Me either! But that's the beauty of grace! Failure doesn't disqualify us from pressing on! Perfection is a process... not simply a state of being.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fighting The Tithe pt2
Yesterday I had the tithe on my heart. I spoke about the devourer... and how real he is! I also spoke briefly of honor - honoring salvation delivered. But there is another aspect of this.
Mar 12:41-44 MKJV
(41) And sitting down opposite the treasury, Jesus watched how the people threw copper coins into the treasury. And many rich ones threw in much.
(42) And a certain poor widow came, and she threw in two lepta, which is a kodrantes.
(43) And He called His disciples and said to them, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all those who have cast into the treasury.
(44) For all cast in from their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, has cast in all that she had, all her livelihood.
It's interesting, isn't it, that Jesus did not one time mention the uselessness of giving to an ineffective ministry. He didn't complain that the widow's stewardship was obviously lacking... having given to a corrupt priesthood (and it surely was). Nor did He marvel that the widow didn't ask first where her money was going!
Again, this is what I hear the most from "mature" Christians who struggle with the tithe.
"Well, I just want to give it where it's being used for the right thing."
"I don't like the direction the church is headed."
"If I can't dictate what it's being spent on, I'm just going to hang on to it."
Jesus sat and watched those who were giving. His interest was in one thing. Who is really HONORING God? Who has faith? Those are still His questions.
Mar 12:41-44 MKJV
(41) And sitting down opposite the treasury, Jesus watched how the people threw copper coins into the treasury. And many rich ones threw in much.
(42) And a certain poor widow came, and she threw in two lepta, which is a kodrantes.
(43) And He called His disciples and said to them, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all those who have cast into the treasury.
(44) For all cast in from their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, has cast in all that she had, all her livelihood.
It's interesting, isn't it, that Jesus did not one time mention the uselessness of giving to an ineffective ministry. He didn't complain that the widow's stewardship was obviously lacking... having given to a corrupt priesthood (and it surely was). Nor did He marvel that the widow didn't ask first where her money was going!
Again, this is what I hear the most from "mature" Christians who struggle with the tithe.
"Well, I just want to give it where it's being used for the right thing."
"I don't like the direction the church is headed."
"If I can't dictate what it's being spent on, I'm just going to hang on to it."
Jesus sat and watched those who were giving. His interest was in one thing. Who is really HONORING God? Who has faith? Those are still His questions.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fighting The Tithe
I'm still amazed at how many times I hear people complain about tithing. In one breath, they will say they despise religion (that is... the legalistic ideals that are tired and powerless) and in the next they will say that tithing is a requirement of the Law (done away with, I suppose). As one scholar put it... the tithe was to be brought to the temple storehouse. As we have no temple today, this rule is null and void.
This fuels the fire for all those who hate the "rules", unless of course one of them apparently works in favor of their wallet. The real problem with this is that the precept is based in ignorance. It also reveals a stronghold within.
Tithing was initiated before the "Law" was ever given. We're never told that God instructed Abraham to tithe... but he did it. Abraham honored God. All who live by faith are children of Abraham, therefore our honor is due as well. Yes, but we're not under the Law! No, we're under grace, and grace requires MUCH more than the Law ever required. You aren't making a payment on lay-away salvation any more. You're honoring Salvation delivered! Salvation has been delivered to you! Man up! Quit complaining about how preachers only want your money and start putting your money somewhere that Congress isn't going to waste it!
Mal 3:10-11 MKJV
(10) Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. And test Me now with this, says Jehovah of Hosts, to see if I will not open the windows of Heaven for you, and pour out a blessing for you, until there is not enough room.
(11) And I will rebuke your devourer, and he shall not decay the fruit of your ground against you; nor shall your vine miscarry against you in the field, says Jehovah of Hosts.
No... we don't have a literal temple. No... we don't have a literal storehouse. But there is STILL a literal devourer. What exactly is your plan to thwart him?
This fuels the fire for all those who hate the "rules", unless of course one of them apparently works in favor of their wallet. The real problem with this is that the precept is based in ignorance. It also reveals a stronghold within.
Tithing was initiated before the "Law" was ever given. We're never told that God instructed Abraham to tithe... but he did it. Abraham honored God. All who live by faith are children of Abraham, therefore our honor is due as well. Yes, but we're not under the Law! No, we're under grace, and grace requires MUCH more than the Law ever required. You aren't making a payment on lay-away salvation any more. You're honoring Salvation delivered! Salvation has been delivered to you! Man up! Quit complaining about how preachers only want your money and start putting your money somewhere that Congress isn't going to waste it!
Mal 3:10-11 MKJV
(10) Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. And test Me now with this, says Jehovah of Hosts, to see if I will not open the windows of Heaven for you, and pour out a blessing for you, until there is not enough room.
(11) And I will rebuke your devourer, and he shall not decay the fruit of your ground against you; nor shall your vine miscarry against you in the field, says Jehovah of Hosts.
No... we don't have a literal temple. No... we don't have a literal storehouse. But there is STILL a literal devourer. What exactly is your plan to thwart him?
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Snake... for a Moment
When Moses was instructed to throw down his staff before Pharaoh, it became a snake for a moment. The magicians also threw down their staves, which also became snakes.
This is a picture of Jesus, One 'thrown down' by God onto the earth to become a snake (sin) - but only for a moment! The snake of Moses quickly consumed the snakes of the magicians. This should remind us that there is no sin that is superior in weight or scope to the sin the Jesus became for us on the cross.
2Co 5:21 MKJV
(21) For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
I must point out... small snakes are deadly. If we believe that our sin is unforgivable to the point where we do not seek forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus, well, there is no cure for this bite. Your sin is covered... as assuredly as Moses' snake consumed the others. Accept the gift.
This is a picture of Jesus, One 'thrown down' by God onto the earth to become a snake (sin) - but only for a moment! The snake of Moses quickly consumed the snakes of the magicians. This should remind us that there is no sin that is superior in weight or scope to the sin the Jesus became for us on the cross.
2Co 5:21 MKJV
(21) For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
I must point out... small snakes are deadly. If we believe that our sin is unforgivable to the point where we do not seek forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus, well, there is no cure for this bite. Your sin is covered... as assuredly as Moses' snake consumed the others. Accept the gift.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
9 Camels Worth
When Abraham sent his servant, Eliezer, to find a suitable bride for his son, he sent along a small caravan of camels. There were ten, to be exact (Gen 24:10). These were laden with gifts for the bride-to-be, Rebekah.
(Gen 24:53 MKJV) And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.
This is where it gets tasty. You see, Eliezer is a picture of the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit that wins the bride for the Father. It's the Holy Spirit that is the comforter (the meaning of Eliezer). I suggest to you that Eliezer rode on the first camel, leaving nine camels bearing gifts. Yes, that's right... If you get the Holy Spirit, you receive gifts.
1Co 12:7-11 MKJV
(7) But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.
(8) For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
(9) and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
(10) and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues.
(11) But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.
Listed, these are:
(Gen 24:53 MKJV) And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.
This is where it gets tasty. You see, Eliezer is a picture of the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit that wins the bride for the Father. It's the Holy Spirit that is the comforter (the meaning of Eliezer). I suggest to you that Eliezer rode on the first camel, leaving nine camels bearing gifts. Yes, that's right... If you get the Holy Spirit, you receive gifts.
1Co 12:7-11 MKJV
(7) But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.
(8) For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
(9) and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
(10) and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues.
(11) But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.
Listed, these are:
- The Word of Knowledge
- The Word of Wisdom
- The Gift of Prophecy
- The Gift of Faith
- The Gifts of Healing
- The Working of Miracles
- The Discerning of Spirits
- Different Kinds of Tongues
- The Interpretation of Tongues
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Scabs
In the Torah, a person with a skin affliction that was not healing was considered unclean. The key was - healing. A wound that was healing was fine. It was monitored and cared for... but of no huge concern. However, there was no remedy for wounds that did not heal. The solution was separation. The poor soul was banished to live outside of camp, away from family, friends, and country. Basically, your only friends were the other wounded.
Priests who had this affliction were disqualified. Priests still are.
We are called to be priests of God in this world just as Jesus is. We are His representatives. But if one thing "disqualifies" us, it's unhealed wounds. It alienates us. It removes us from the community of people we are called to serve. Before long, our only friends are others who are like us. Hurting... and unwilling to receive healing. Yes, these are the ones who sap the strength out of everyone else. Instead of trying to get better, they become sympathy magnets. It's known as the 'victim' mentality.
As followers of Jesus, we must realize that we are blessed if we are persecuted for His namesake. Jesus told His disciples that such attacks were not against them - personally - but against Him. Wounds such as these are badges of honor - credentials to prove our Kingdom efforts are genuine! Such wounds are not excuses to whine, or quit, or to hold grudges against others. A wound that does not heal is an indicator that we do not hold close proximity to the Healer. Change it. The alternative is a life of being an ineffective outcast.
Priests who had this affliction were disqualified. Priests still are.
We are called to be priests of God in this world just as Jesus is. We are His representatives. But if one thing "disqualifies" us, it's unhealed wounds. It alienates us. It removes us from the community of people we are called to serve. Before long, our only friends are others who are like us. Hurting... and unwilling to receive healing. Yes, these are the ones who sap the strength out of everyone else. Instead of trying to get better, they become sympathy magnets. It's known as the 'victim' mentality.
As followers of Jesus, we must realize that we are blessed if we are persecuted for His namesake. Jesus told His disciples that such attacks were not against them - personally - but against Him. Wounds such as these are badges of honor - credentials to prove our Kingdom efforts are genuine! Such wounds are not excuses to whine, or quit, or to hold grudges against others. A wound that does not heal is an indicator that we do not hold close proximity to the Healer. Change it. The alternative is a life of being an ineffective outcast.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Shaking Continues
Heb 12:27-28 MKJV
(27) And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
(28) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
I posted this passage yesterday. Yet once more... we are reminded that sometimes things are allowed to shake so that that which cannot be shaken remains, and is visible, and can provide shelter. I declare that the Church in Japan stands like a beacon of hope. I declare that sons of God in Japan be revealed, and that healing and peace are their standard - leading thousands to Jesus. Our prayers are with the precious Japanese people and their country.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Neutrality - The Great Hiding Place
For years denominations have warred with each other over end-times subjects. Some teach that the world will grow darker and darker. This is true! They teach that the church will become weaker and weaker. This is not true, for the 'real' church. Some teach that the greatest revival the world has ever known will be in the last days, which goes directly against the beliefs of others who believe God is done and is winding it up. He's about to push the eject button on the last believing remnant.
The truth is that there is a little truth in all of this. Maybe very little... Yes, the world is getting darker and darker. That MUST happen in order for the light to shine brighter and brighter. Neutrality is NOT God's desire. However, there is a part of the church that is luke-warm. Jesus did not have good things to say about this. God is shaking the world right now. Have you noticed?
Heb 12:27-28 MKJV
(27) And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
(28) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Yes... He is doing a lot of this on purpose! Malachi said this:
Mal 3:18 MKJV
(18) Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God, and him who does not serve Him.
God is destroying neutrality - to the best of His ability (without destroying our free will). What does this have to do with revival? When the latter rain comes and God's Spirit is being poured out in these end times (yes, it's happening NOW), we will see the church grow in power like the world has never known. People who like comfortable church are going to grow more and more uncomfortable during these days. Again. This is NOT by accident. Get off the fence. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve - and figure out exactly what that means!
Revival does not necessarily mean 'numbers'. Yes, the church will grow tremendously during these days. The body of Christ will become proportional to her precious Head. That revival is here and is building in scope. It's now. The greater things are beginning to happen - NOW. Will the world be won? Not according to scripture - not on this side of Armageddon. But that does not negate the unbelievable power of the Church or the power she will wield before the trumpet blows. Hell will take a tremendous battering and its gates will not prevail against what is taking place. Yes, time is winding down, but it's not out.
The truth is that there is a little truth in all of this. Maybe very little... Yes, the world is getting darker and darker. That MUST happen in order for the light to shine brighter and brighter. Neutrality is NOT God's desire. However, there is a part of the church that is luke-warm. Jesus did not have good things to say about this. God is shaking the world right now. Have you noticed?
Heb 12:27-28 MKJV
(27) And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
(28) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Yes... He is doing a lot of this on purpose! Malachi said this:
Mal 3:18 MKJV
(18) Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God, and him who does not serve Him.
God is destroying neutrality - to the best of His ability (without destroying our free will). What does this have to do with revival? When the latter rain comes and God's Spirit is being poured out in these end times (yes, it's happening NOW), we will see the church grow in power like the world has never known. People who like comfortable church are going to grow more and more uncomfortable during these days. Again. This is NOT by accident. Get off the fence. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve - and figure out exactly what that means!
Revival does not necessarily mean 'numbers'. Yes, the church will grow tremendously during these days. The body of Christ will become proportional to her precious Head. That revival is here and is building in scope. It's now. The greater things are beginning to happen - NOW. Will the world be won? Not according to scripture - not on this side of Armageddon. But that does not negate the unbelievable power of the Church or the power she will wield before the trumpet blows. Hell will take a tremendous battering and its gates will not prevail against what is taking place. Yes, time is winding down, but it's not out.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Less Than a Day to Live
2Pe 3:8 MKJV
(8) But, beloved, let not this one thing be hidden from you, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
It's easy to get bogged down with time. Our mistakes seem to cost us time more than anything else. Set-backs... at least in our minds. The enemy magnifies our mistakes, too, making them seem insurmountable. But examining the verse above might lead to an interesting discovery:
God gives us less than a day to live in the physical. He gives us less than a few hours to make decisions that are eternal in scope. What have you done in your life that you have never forgiven yourself for? Why let guilt ruin the only day you have? This is not of God! I do not keep a running total of all the times I must yell "NO" to my children during the course of a day. Nor do I remember them.
Php 3:13-14 MKJV
(13) My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,
(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
How perfect was the gentleman who wrote this?
(8) But, beloved, let not this one thing be hidden from you, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
It's easy to get bogged down with time. Our mistakes seem to cost us time more than anything else. Set-backs... at least in our minds. The enemy magnifies our mistakes, too, making them seem insurmountable. But examining the verse above might lead to an interesting discovery:
God gives us less than a day to live in the physical. He gives us less than a few hours to make decisions that are eternal in scope. What have you done in your life that you have never forgiven yourself for? Why let guilt ruin the only day you have? This is not of God! I do not keep a running total of all the times I must yell "NO" to my children during the course of a day. Nor do I remember them.
Php 3:13-14 MKJV
(13) My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,
(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
How perfect was the gentleman who wrote this?
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