Knowledge Without Wisdom

In these days of abundant information and user friendly technology, knowledge is easily attained on any number of subjects.  The internet is a vast source of information and contains instruction on subjects ranging from destructive evils to knowing a holy and righteous God.  You can find recipes for chocolate chip cookies as well as an explosive device.  

This information is kind of like a modern version of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil but it’s not exactly.  Even the good side of the tree in the garden contained death, but in one respect the good knowledge we have at our fingertips can be deadly if not instructed by wisdom.  Wisdom uses knowledge rightly.  Having knowledge without the wisdom to use it in a proper way can result in much harm, even disaster.  We see many people that know how to fire a weapon but lack the wisdom to know when and where to fire it.  Wisdom comes with practice coupled with humility.  To be teachable one must be humble and able to admit they have weakness.  

The bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  When we fear the Lord we will value what He values and use knowledge accordingly.  It is amazing to see the breakthroughs that have been made in medical science yet in some cases the knowledge that has been gained is used to violate the purposes of God.  In more and more instances knowledge and technology is used by man to overrule what before was left to the providence of God.  Too often human knowledge is exalted above the knowledge of God and is actually worshiped.  

A while back on a TV program some guys were modifying cars in very strange ways.  They took two identical front wheel drive cars and cut them in half just behind the front doors and then fastened the two ends together.  The finished product was a weird car that had two front ends and could be driven in either direction.  At the end of their stunt they showed that if both drivers wanted to go forward at the same time the car would actually pull apart dropping the back parts onto a caster wheel.  It was kind of interesting and eye catching but it was not very practical and just looked weird.  Hey these guys were having a lot of fun with the knowledge and skills they possessed but what they produced was not legal for the real road. 

In a similar way knowledge and great skills that lack the direction of wisdom can produce some amazing things but are just weird in the real world.  But wouldn’t you know it, weird is becoming the new normal at least we are being told it’s normal.  Knowledge is like a huge storehouse of parts and pieces to life that are becoming available to many but fewer and fewer really know where the parts fit.  In fact the idea of a big bang occurring that resulted in the orderly designs we see in the earth is the result of refusing the truth while looking for the answer.  When we refuse the truth we have no other option but a lie.  In a sense the lack of acknowledging the existence of an intelligent designer and creator has given way to a lot of just plain tinkering with things.

Without acknowledging God as creator and the source of all knowledge and wisdom man is left adrift on a sea of utter foolishness.  The scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Without wisdom all knowledge will become as dangerous as matches in the hands of children.  The further we get away from God the more likely we are to burn down our own house so to speak.  The only way to preserve knowledge and wisdom is to give credit where credit is due.  Man thinks he is the one who has made all these things and doesn’t acknowledge God as the giver of every good gift.  Every talent and every intellectual ability mankind has is a gift from God.  Our continued refusal to give Him the credit and the glory will result in another dark age.

King Nebuchadnezzar lost sight of God as the one who made man and gave him an intellect greater than all creation.  Since Nebuchadnezzar insisted that everything in his kingdom existed because of his great power and understanding God had to send him to school in the cow pasture.  For seven years he was banished to live with the cattle and wild beasts of the field.  His intellect was reduced to that of a cow and he ate grass for seven long years.  At the end of that season the bible says his senses began to return and he once again had knowledge and understanding.  As a result he failed not to give God glory but honored Him as the one who made man and gave him everything he has including all his abilities.

I pray that we as a society will not have go through such an ordeal but instead turn and give God glory.  For it is He that has made all things and He is the one who holds everything in His hands even our very breath.

The bible says that the wisdom of God is viewed by man as foolishness while God’s own fooling around is much wiser than man.  Human wisdom can appear remarkable but in God’s eyes it is futile.  In these days of great distress and trouble on every hand let us seek after the wisdom that is from above.  God sees our situation from a greater vantage point than we do and we need His divine intervention.  Though things in the financial realm appear to be beyond repair God has a plan.  The same is true in every area of life, be it family relationships or health conditions He not only has what is needed but He is wisdom in person and we need Him.  So call upon Him today in the name which is above every name, the Lord Jesus Christ.        

 

   

God Defends Authority

God given authorities can count on Him to defend them if they remain in covenant relationship with Him. Though there are several God ordained authority structures mentioned in scripture such as business (masters and servants), family, (husband, wife, children) government (the state) and the church (priesthood), I want to focus on just two. God has intended that His ordained authority structures be sovereign with boundaries that should never be violated by another authority.

We do not live in a perfect world and many in authority have lost sight of the One who has empowered them. When God’s design is not followed boundaries become blurred and one authority can step into areas that were intended for another even with no evil intent. But we all too often experience abusive authorities that misuse their positions. The following stories from scripture show just how serious God is about the sovereignty of His established authority structures and His defense of those who remain in and honor covenant relationships.

God defends the family

A family that is in covenant relationship with God has a mighty partner to defend them. When the state overstepped its boundaries and violated a sovereign family, we see God take action. In 1 Kings 21, King Ahab wanted the vineyard of his neighbor Naboth and offered to buy or trade him another vineyard in its place. Naboth refused the King’s offer because he treasured the inheritance he had received from his fathers. Naboth made it clear that the land was to remain in the family and surely he wanted to be a good steward of it. As a result Ahab became so sad he refused to eat and even remained in bed. As the story continues, Jezebel his wife asked him if he was not ruler over all Israel. She challenged him to rethink the boundaries of his authority as king and suggested he had the right do what ever he wanted. She then devised an evil plan to kill Naboth and seize his property. Ahab allowed her to take over and run with her plan to falsely accuse Naboth that he might be stoned to death.

This is an example of a government authority ignoring God given boundaries and the authority structure of the family. Naboth received an inheritance passed down by his fathers. It was not to be sold or traded but preserved for succeeding generations. When the state violated the family it invited the wrath of God. God spoke to Elijah and gave him the following word for Ahab. “Where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, so shall the dogs lick your blood.” In this instance we see God defending the authority of the house of Naboth. The king used his authority to violate the sovereign authority of Naboth’s family through manipulation. In turn God sent Elijah to decree judgment upon Ahab and his family.

In yet another case recorded in Genesis 14 God defends Abraham’s nephew Lot because of the family covenant. Lot and his family were taken captive by invading armies along with all the people of the city of Sodom. When Abraham heard of it he sent his 318 men to their rescue. Because Lot was part of the covenant family with Abraham, God came to their defense empowering the small number of men to defeat armies and regain all the captives and all the goods that were stolen. The whole city of Sodom, even though wicked, benefited from God’s covenant promise to one family that lived among them.

God defends the Priesthood

In another case God defends the sovereign authority of the priesthood. In 2nd Chronicles 26 we read of Uzziah the king entering the temple to burn incense. The authority to do so was given only to the priesthood, the sons of Aaron. The scripture says that Uzziah had just finished admiring all the powerful weapons and armaments he had developed and was feeling mighty and strong. In that moment of feeling great strength he stepped beyond his authority to offer burnt incense to God. When confronted by the priests in the temple he became angry. The thought of there being an area that was off limits to him was maddening. In his failure to honor the boundaries and authority of the priesthood he became leprous. In that moment we see God acting to preserve His divine authority structures.

In yet another instance recorded in 1 Samuel 13, King Saul and the people of Israel gathered together as Samuel the priest was to offer a sacrifice to God. Samuel was running late and Saul became impatient while waiting for him to show up. Saul saw that the people were also becoming restless and began to leave the scene. Saul then stepped in and offered the sacrifices that God had given Samuel the authority to do. When Samuel finally arrived and saw what Saul had done the word of the Lord came to Samuel saying that Saul’s actions would cost him his position as king.

Why do you suppose we do not see this kind of divine intervention when the state violates the authority of the family or the church? One might say it is because we are living under grace today and not the law. But we do see an example in the book of Acts chapter 12 where Herod was eaten alive by worms because of his persistence in violating the church and failing to recognize God as the highest authority. Herod stretched forth his hands to afflict certain leaders of the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword and because he saw that it pleased the Jews he proceeded to take Peter as well. The church prayed and God intervened by sending an angel to set Peter free and He later smote the king.

When God’s people honor all who are in authority and do not take maters into their own hands God will in His own time and in His own way defend His people. We are to curse not and bring no accusation against them, even those who have an evil agenda. Second Peter chapter 2 verses 10 and 11 describe some who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness despising government, being presumptuous and self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels which are greater in power and might (than men) bring no railing accusation against them (authorities) before the Lord. In these verses Peter describes the evil product of false teaching that will come into the church. These false teachers obviously taught that speaking against government officials was the proper way to bring about needed change. This idea is still propagated by false teachers today.

In the book of Jude verses 8 and 9 we read of a group of people described as filthy dreamers who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel when contending with the devil about the body of Moses dare not bring against him a railing accusation, but said “The Lord rebuke thee.”

These portions of scripture make it clear what God thinks about speaking evil and accusing those in positions of authority. Even Michael the archangel would not speak against Satan, the one who had fallen from heaven in rebellion but left it up to God himself to speak the rebuke. Though Satan totally misused and abused his God given position to the point of being cast down from heaven, Michael refused to dishonor him lest it also reflect defilement back upon his own position. Becoming critical and judgmental of another sets the stage for our own demise.

We all want to see God intervene on our behalf and cut off our enemies but are we taking matters into our own hands and becoming a judge? We must take care not to follow the example of those who despise authority or speak accusations against them. Such things are false teaching and practices that only empower our enemy. We will not win the war waged upon the family and the church by hurling accusations at those in authority. That will only postpone God’s actions on our behalf. Honoring and praying for all who are in authority is God’s way for us to turn the battle over to Him and to see the victory.

Changing A Nation

Almost everyone agrees that America has been heading in the wrong direction financially, socially and morally, but there are few who agree on just how to correct our course. Some are so desperate for change they sign on to just about anything without understanding the long term affects of those changes. As Christians we know it is impossible to steer a nation in the right direction without God’s help and guidance. Since many of our elected leaders do not believe or trust in God they especially need our prayers just as all do.

God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in elections, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning our nation toward righteousness. God has given us the recipe in His word for bringing about the transformation of a nation.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV

Many elected officials do not embrace the same values and beliefs that most Christians do and consequently make unrighteous and unwise decisions. The natural tendency is to get caught up in complaints and criticism rather than holding them up in prayer. The bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to thank God for them even for those who lack righteous standards. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing has the power to set them up for divine influence.

Those in darkness will see a great light. God Himself first turned on the light as He began to transform the earth. (See Genesis 1) How can we complain about our elected officials making seemingly blind choices while we are the ones holding the light? Jesus came as the light of the world then gave us His glory that we might be a light in the darkness. Complaints and criticism only reinforce the darkness while praise and thankfulness sends it fleeing in confusion. Coming out of darkness into a bright light can actually have a blinding effect. We must not assume failure if at first the light is rejected but allow time for their eyes to adjust so to speak.

We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but we must understand His ways to accomplish that end. Romans chapter 13 tells us God has ordained earthly government officials as ministers that are not opposed to good but to evil. We are to be subject to them with all due respect. To honor those in authority is to honor God. I know it is difficult to honor someone who does not honor God himself but we honor the position which God established regardless of the person’s beliefs or actions. Though some leaders promote unrighteous standards God’s way of turning them around is not by our opposition.

There are examples in scripture of righteous men and women who influenced nations for good. Daniel honored the king of Babylon without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with king Nebuchadnezzar. Though living in a foreign land and called by a strange name, Daniel stood strong and confident in God and in his own identity. He was associated with the magicians and sorcerers of Egypt and many likely thought he was just another one of them, but at just the right time God put him on display. When none of the king’s wise men knew his dream and its interpretation he commanded that they all be put to death. One might think the death of all Egypt’s sorcerers would be God’s justice but Daniel prevented their execution by stepping into their shoes so to speak revealing the king’s dream and its interpretation. He patiently waited for God to set the stage that he might shine and be proven to be of a different spirit. Through honoring the king and in a sense covering the failure of those who had no answers, Daniel lighted up the darkness. (See Daniel chapter 1) Who among us today serves patiently and quietly behind the scene waiting for that perfect moment when the king needs answers to the most perplexing problems? Who will humbly stand having answers from God without shaming the long trusted wise men that are at a loss for words but will rather save their bacon if you will?

Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 1Tim 4:1-6 NKJV

This portion of scripture speaks of those who departed from the faith. Their misguided attempt at righteousness and holiness led to abstinence and separating themselves from the very things God declared holy, clean and acceptable. Their form of sanctification resulted in division rather than unity. In Acts 10 God gave Peter a vision of unclean animals and told him to kill and eat. Peter refused reminding God that he had never eaten anything unclean. The vision was God’s way of showing Peter that He had made acceptable and clean that which was formerly unclean, including the gentiles who were formerly excluded from the Jewish covenant.

Doctrines of demons arise from the word of God appearing to be authentic yet lacking the element of a love relationship. His word is perverted and misapplied to lead believers away from the faith. Faith gives thanks and sees the end result from the beginning without complaining or criticizing. Applying this principal to our view of elected officials brings them into the light and under the influence of heavenly wisdom. They are separated from darkness and brought into the light of heaven.

Paul speaks of another sanctification process in 1 Corinthians 7:14. The unbelieving husband is sanctified by his believing wife so that their children are not unclean. As the believing wife honors and prays with thankfulness for her unbelieving husband he is set apart from the atmosphere of this cursed world under the influence of God’s Spirit. Though each person has to receive Christ by their own will, this sanctification creates a canopy of divine influence. The unclean is sanctified by the word of God as we agree with and speak what He says. God will influence those we hold up in prayer with thanksgiving.

Our elected officials, believers or non, can be set apart and made open to receive divine instructions if we will bless them and speak God’s word and will over them. God wants to receive the glory for turning the hearts of leaders who oppose Him. Pointing out faults and speaking correction will not bring about godly change but will actually hinder the work of God.

We can also apply the advice Peter gave to women who have unsaved husbands. In my own shortened version of 1 Peter 3: 1-4 he said, “Do not try to win them by preaching the bible or by appealing to their natural senses but through the submission of a meek and quiet spirit.” In other words allow the good work of Christ within to speak to their heart. Let the fruit of the Spirit in our lives to be the attraction rather than leaning on our own knowledge and understanding.

God has voted His people into office, we are His elect leaders. As intercessors we can not look for neutral ground and think we can just watch this battle unfold, we are either for Christ or against Him. We can choose to cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness on behalf those who do not see or we can be used by the accuser to continually remind God of sins He has already paid for and defeated. We must approach these issues with humility and a servant heart knowing the victory is ours. Though the battle is the Lord’s and the victory is assured we only realize it through giving thanks for all men in every circumstance, and blessing those who oppose us.

Joseph is an excellent example. He knew he was destined for greatness yet he did not exalt himself or criticize those over him. Even while unjustly imprisoned, he served his way to a place of authority. He did not campaign against the present leadership pointing out their faults but showed excellence in wisdom and was of a different spirit. He came along side those in authority and served them honorably. Even when falsely accused and imprisoned, he maintained humility and did not take on a victim mentality.

In this present age, those in darkness are held under the influence of principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. It is God’s plan for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven. Praying in faith first affects change in the unseen realm before it is manifest in the natural. As we take our place in intercession and giving thanks for all men, blessing and not cursing, the darkness will retreat and divine influence will dominate earth’s atmosphere. Those who are in darkness shall see a great light. Leaders who formerly made poor decisions and passed unjust laws will see the truth because of the light. We know the scripture itself is a lamp and a light unto our path, but even the best of us need the illumination of God’s Spirit to bring revelation and understanding to it. Quoting scripture alone will not chase out darkness without that heavenly light being turned on. The light switch is moved by our tongue. Praise and thanksgiving to God for all men turns it on while complaints and criticism turns it off. How much power is that? Do we even have a clue?

May the church be the light that reveals God’s truth to those in darkness, not by our words of correction but through honoring and serving those in authority. May our own praise and thanksgiving draw down the atmosphere of heaven to earth that the lost might taste and see that He is good.

60:1-3 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. NKJV

Jesus Is Building His Church

In Matthew 16:18b we read a very familiar statement of Jesus.   “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”  Jesus told Peter that upon the rock of the identity of Christ He would build His church.  Not only was the identity of Christ a factor in this building but also Peter had to know who he was.  Peter just prior to this had Jesus recalibrate as it were his identity.  He was known as Simon the reed which speaks of a wavering in the wind, to Peter the rock.  It is the same for us today.  We need not only have a revelation of the Christ but who we are in Him.  Jesus saw beyond the surface to the great stability in Peter's life.

Those of us who have gone to one of the home improvement stores to buy building materials have surely experienced searching through lumber piles to find a straight board.  I always like it when I find a freshly opened sling of 2x4’s so I don’t have to move aside so many warped and twisted sticks to get what I need.   It is very difficult to build anything straight with a bunch of bent boards.

Many of us have also experienced being one of those rejected boards so to speak.  We may have been the last one chosen for the team or just left out all together.  We may have made a mess of our lives through poor choices resulting in being rejected from employment or any number of things in life.  All these experiences help form our identity, the person we think we are.  It is possible after being rejected so many times we conclude that we are useless, and take on a false identity.  Some have even accepted the label and wear with a sense of pride.  It might say “I am a reject and I expect you to reject me”.  And surely with God’s high and holy standards we do not even consider the possibilities of being used by Him.    

In recent days we have heard the term remnant used to describe a group of people that God will raise up in the last days to do the works that Jesus did and even greater works.  It is a mysterious sounding title for a group of people but I always think of carpet remnants, a collection of left over pieces of rug not needed to complete the installation.  They just didn’t fit into the structure of the builder’s project.  These left over sections of carpet are sometimes gathered up and placed in a store for sale.  Many people come to check their colors and size them up to see if any would fit into their plans but too often they are just further rejected.

If this sounds familiar or you can identify with these rejected building materials you are in good company.  Jesus Himself was the stone rejected by the builders but has become the head of the corner.  He is the Chief corner stone and the one who is in charge of gathering the building materials for His church.  He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as were our faces from Him.  (see Isaiah 53:3).   He is gathering a remnant, a group of rejected people that the builders tossed aside.  All those who have been warped, twisted and bent out of shape are just what He is looking for.  The ones who were not good enough or did not have a pleasant appearance are on His shopping list.  God is the master builder and knows how to fit every piece into the place designed for it. 

I remember back in the seventies burl wood furniture, clocks and end tables just to name a few were very popular.  A burl is like a huge wart that sometimes grows into the main trunk of a tree.  Loggers often leave that section of the tree behind because it doesn’t make good lumber it is too tough to work with.  But there were those furniture builders who would go around looking for those discarded chunks of log because they knew what was on the inside and what they could become.  Though these pieces of wood were very difficult to work with, once the master builder completed the transformation they were the most beautiful and stunning pieces of furniture around. 

Likewise God is at work gathering together those that the builders rejected forming and shaping them into a building, beautiful beyond anything before seen.  We must not allow our former identity to hinder us taking our rightful place.  We need not only have a revelation of the Christ but a revelation of who they are in Him.  Refuse to be disqualified by defects but allow God to redeem every one and turn it into a jewel.  God never intended that we become a bunch of warped, twisted or bent rejects but like the master wood carver, He sees on the inside the beauty hidden there.  Just as the ugly wart-like burl on the side of a tree is discarded by the woodsman but saved by the craftsman, so God takes what the devil meant to exclude or disqualify us and turns it into something beautiful and precious.   

The demons of Hell have been at work to defile and disqualify us from being used by God but the very ones that they have opposed so violently will be the ones to put the final nail in their coffin so to speak.  Jesus said “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” 

Don't Feed The Birds

If you have ever eaten lunch at one of the restaurants at Coulon Beach on Lake Washington in Renton you have surely noticed the water foul hanging around hoping you will toss them something tasty.  The management has posted signs not to feed the birds because they become a nuisance.  Like many other wild animals, if you feed them they will tell their friends and before you know it you’ll no longer be able to enjoy your lunch.

There are certain types of birds that like to show up at church or wherever the word of God is being proclaimed because there is always a lot that gets discarded.  For sure on Sunday mornings you will find the fowls of the air waiting to steal the seed that is sown.  Jesus explained in a parable that when anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, but doesn’t understand it or can not conceive of it, the wicked one snatches it away preventing the hearer from profiting from the word.  (See Matthew 13:19)

Imagine if you will, each proclamation of God’s word being a check written from His account to the hearer.  Though God never bounces a check and His word never returns void, (See Isaiah 55:11) it can be rendered ineffective.  Though His checks are always good they only profit those who deposit them.  Anyone who lacks understanding and wisdom will not make it to the bank before the thief snatches it away. 

 There are several reasons the thief gets away with our blessing. We can develop an immunity of sorts to messages we hear often and take them lightly assuming they won’t add much to us.  There is always the message we wish brother so in so was hearing because he really needs it, while we miss it ourselves.  We might also disagree doctrinally or have misconceptions about the validity of the message.  Religious tradition also makes the word of God ineffective.  (See Matthew 15:6)  Some things the church has believed and taught as gospel is only hearsay.  We believed it because everybody seems to accept it as truth.  But when the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached some have trouble believing that His Kingdom should actually come and His will be done in this present time.  Too many have put off all those promises for a future millennium.  Having accepted error as truth can also make truth appear to be inaccurate.  All these are examples of leaving the check lay there allowing the thief to swoop in at steal it. 

Isn’t it ironic that the devil accuses God of the very thing he is about to do.  Before he introduced lack and poverty into the earth he accused God of being stingy.    God gave Adam and Eve rule over all the earth and they lacked no good thing.  The serpent managed to steal their authority by convincing them God had held back something good and to possess it they must eat of the forbidden tree.  As a result poverty, lack and death came into the world.  We see it yet today, so much of the devil’s work is blamed on God.  Though Christ has reversed the effects of Adam’s failure the thief still uses that same strategy against God’s people.  He will subtly suggest the reason we are deficient and lacking in areas of life is because God just hasn’t come through for us.  If we agree with him his next step is selling us on the forbidden fruit as the solution.  He has an ability to make his thievery appear that God never provided for us in the first place.  He keeps us powerless by snatching away the word of grace, the empowerment that is rightfully ours and then accuses God of not providing.   

 The devil builds a lie slowly from the ground up.  He is so subtle that he will turn our attention to things that we are used to, things that are part of this natural life.  He directs our focus toward things that we can identify with, but only exist because of his own lies in the garden.  He knows he can’t just barge in with a blatant lie but must slowly interject thoughts to prepare us for his next step.  He might start with, “I am getting older now”.  Then later it is “I can’t do all the things I used to.”  Or, “my memory isn’t what it used to be so I doubt God will ever use me in a significant way”.  Or he might point out other weaknesses in our lives insinuating they only exist because God is holding out on us.  He repeatedly speaks these things to reinforce them in our thinking.  His strategy is that we would blame God which in turn keeps us from receiving the necessary truth of God that restores our authority and confidence.   

It never dawned on me that accepting those thoughts was actually agreeing with the devil and even blaming God.  By the time I realized it he had stolen God’s promises right out from under my nose.  He managed to keep my attention on my deficiencies while he stole God’s solutions.  This went on for many years without my knowing it was an evil strategy.  I always believed those were my own thoughts because they were true to my natural senses and in fact I enjoyed an occasional pity party without understanding the price.  God is not moved by our whining but by faith.

So now I carefully examine each thought to determine the source.  I filter as it were thoughts to determine if they edify or add value to my life.  Though we are not to deny the natural realities of earthly life, faith sees the superior reality of heaven where there is no lack.  God will not emphasize or dwell on the problem but the solution.  His words are spirit and they are life.  They will always give hope and add value.   I immediately reject thoughts that draw my attention to self deficiencies.  I am fed up with the wicked one getting away with my blessings.  New management has moved in so to speak and has posted signs, Do not Feed the Birds.

Who Do You Think You Are

This question might come to us as a challenge to our identity, position or authority. It is usually in a critical tone meant to intimidate us from moving forward. Like the serpent in the garden that spoke doubt and confusion to Eve. He sows doubt concerning God’s word to us. If we break out of old patterns to walk in the authority God says we have he will bring up that critical question. “Who do you think you are?” He wants us to take ownership of this critical thought because he knows our thoughts are powerful in forming our identity and direction.

If the deceiver’s questioning voice can shake our confidence and inject uncertainty about our identity then he has at least temporarily prevented our forward progress and spiritual growth. Our thinking patterns not only affect our identity but our destiny. Just as we must know where we are to proceed to our destination we must know who we are to fulfill our destiny in Christ. Our “God thoughts” will always be challenged by the one who wants to keep us from our destiny. In reality our enemy fights to keep us from repentance or changing our thinking patterns.

There have been some who actually believed they were Jesus Christ. They agreed with the spirit of antichrist who twists bible verses and with flattery puffs up their pride. On the other hand those who humbly seek to be conformed to the image of Christ hear that critical voice questioning the validity of their motives. It is so ironic that he will tell the one person they are the Christ then tell the other he has no business thinking he can be Christ-like. If the deceiver can not cause us to fall short of our destiny he will try to push us beyond it. So it is not only important that we know God’s written word but His voice as well. God is love and His voice will bear the fruit of love. His love is patient, kind, and gentle. Never boastful, nor will He inflate our egos. He will never flatter or condemn those truly seeking His truth.

Most of us are familiar with GPS--- global positioning or navigation devices for our automobiles. It normally requires three or more satellite signals to pin point our location. Without a location the GPS device is nothing more than an important looking gadget unable to lead us to our destination. In a similar way knowing our own identity is crucial to fulfilling our destiny in God. Deuteronomy 19:15 says there must be two or three witnesses to confirm a matter before judgment can be made. Jesus quoted this passage in Matthew 18:16 concerning settling disputes with a brother. This principal can be used to verify or confirm our identity.

Jesus would not bear witness of Himself lest His identity be in question. (See John 5:31) He was following proper protocol not implying He was not trustworthy but I believe He was acting as an example for us. Our identity must be verified by the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, these three agree as one. The scriptures testified of the Christ, John the Baptist testified of Him, the Father spoke from heaven (This is my beloved Son) and the Spirit rested upon Jesus at His baptism. The devil will challenge our identity just as he did Christ’s in the wilderness but because of those who bare witness we shall not be moved.

1st John 4&5 teaches us the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. We know that we are of God if we love one another. His Spirit within us bears witness to the truth. Like the three satellites used to determine a position there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit the water and the blood and there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost. In the context of these verses John assures his readers of their identity. Just as Christ was born of God, those who love Him will also love those who are begotten of Him. The one who is born of God also overcomes the world. Having our identity established in Christ is crucial to overcoming the world and the devil’s critical voice.

Who do you think you are? You must agree with the three that bear witness in heaven and on earth, they testify to your identity. The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit declare us to be the Children of God. We should not accept an identity that is not witnessed to by these three.

American Politics

Changing a Nation

God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in electing our government leaders, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning America toward righteousness. God has given us in His word the recipe for bringing about the transformation of a nation.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV

We are inclined to complain and criticize our elected officials because they do not share the same values and beliefs that we do. The bible says the power of life and death is in the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to give thanks to God even if they are opposed to righteousness. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing sanctifies or sets them up for divine influence.

If an elected official is operating in darkness and all we do is criticize and complain we are only reinforcing the darkness. Criticism is generally rooted in a religious pride. We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but some of us lack understanding of His ways. Romans chapter 13 tells us the higher powers such as earthly government officials are ordained of God, ministers that we are to be subject unto. His intent is that they oppose evil and not good.

We know that some leaders are opposed to God and His righteousness but His way of turning them around is not to oppose them personally. There are several examples in scripture of righteous men and women of God becoming leaders that influenced nations. Daniel honored the king of Babylon for his position without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with Nebuchadnezzar. Joseph honored those in positions of authority over him and found favor in their sight. It opened the door for him to provide wisdom and a solution for the famine in Egypt. David honored king Saul even when Saul was out to destroy him. He allowed God time to work in the situation instead of taking matters into his own hands. As a result David was promoted to ruler over Israel. These examples all show us God’s way of either changing the heart of an existing leader or replacing them.

The manner in which leadership is gained is how it will need to be maintained. If an office is gained through God’s favor He will maintain it in like manner but if we gain a position through strife and criticism we will surely face much of the same as we hold that position.

We too often try to hold the heathen to God’s scriptural standards and it would be good if they adhered to them but they can not. No man without the grace of Christ can keep God’s laws—that’s basic Christianity 101. The only people Jesus confronted over such standards were the religious Pharisees and scribes. They were the ones who took pride in knowing God’s laws so they should have been the best examples of godliness but they were not. It looks somewhat similar out there these days. The religious people are expecting those who do not walk in God’s grace to have the power to do right, but it can’t happen. In fact we who have God’s grace in abundance should be the first to show them grace, not as rewarding evil but empowering them to do right by imparting grace to them, honoring and thanking God for them.

The Heathen Are Cleansed

Peter, in a vision saw all manner of unclean animals lowered down from heaven and he heard the Lord say “arise Peter, kill and eat.” Peter answered saying “not so Lord for I have never eaten anything common or unclean”. This happened three times and Peter understood it to mean that God had cleansed that which was formerly unclean. The gentiles who were previously unable to come to God were now made clean or acceptable. (See Acts 10:13-28) Even before the gentiles received Christ and were converted, God saw them clean. He had called them to salvation and had cleansed them ahead of time as it were. They only needed to come and confess there sins and turn to Christ by faith. Their belief and confession of Christ would seal the deal. The vision Peter had was to reveal a truth and allow him to see the gentiles through the eyes of God.

Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification. (See 1Tim 4:1-6)
In a similar way Paul says food that was formerly unclean can be sanctified or cleansed through thanksgiving and prayer. God used food to illustrate to Peter that the gentiles were now acceptable. The unclean was now made clean through the work of Christ. Paul also tells Timothy that every creature is suitable for food when received with thanksgiving and prayer.

My point is, this principal is still in effect. Our prayer can either set an unbeliever apart unto God for divine influence or the opposite can also occur. A prayer laced with criticism and complaints about ungodly leadership can release more demonic influence upon them. We need to see those who are away from God as though they are clean already. If our prayer for them is not to bless and thank God for them it will likely be tainted with complaints and criticism. We don’t dare allow our enemy to use us and our access to God’s throne to bring accusations against anyone. The devil is the accuser but his only access to God is through misguided believers. We are to represent God’s case before the throne not the devil’s case. God has declared all men innocent by the blood of His Son.

Here again I want to clarify that I am not saying the ungodly are saved by default, obviously not. They are lost until they come to Christ by faith just like we all must do. I am trying to stress there is a difference between seeing men through the eyes of the law and the eyes of faith. Faith sees them as they will be while the law can not see past their faults. That reminds me of a story a young police officer told me. He was riding along in a squad car with an older officer who shared how he hated what he had become over many years. The longer he was on the force the more he looked for people to do something illegal and became obsessed with the desire to catch someone in the wrong. No longer was it innocent until proven guilty but you are guilty and I’ll catch you sooner or later. It is a sad state to be in; always looking for faults in others but that is how legalism can effect Christians as well.

If Christians truly want to win over those in places of authority we need to adorn ourselves with that meek and gentle spirit. How about Paul’s instructions to women whose husbands do not believe? He says basically husbands will not be attracted to Christ by their wife’s preaching the word or even their outward beauty, be it hair, clothes or jewelry, but by the inner beauty of a meek and quiet spirit. This sort of adorning is like a priceless jewel in God’s eyes. (See 1 Peter 3)

America is looking for a true alternative to the leadership they have known. The type of leader America really needs and wants will only be installed by God. Popular votes won’t do it because most Americans do not see as God does, with the eyes of faith. God will raise up those who will submit themselves to the process like Joseph or David and refuse to strike out at the one in authority but honor their position. Where are these leaders, are they locked in a dungeon or hiding in a cave waiting for the favor of God to fall upon them? We may not see that person but God has been grooming and preparing for himself leaders who will not bow to the giants or the controling Jezebels of our day but will defeat that prevailing spirit through God’s Spirit.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against wicked spirits of darkness in high places. It is not by human might or power but by the Spirit of God that America will be delivered from the grip of evil.

Less Equals More

Less Can Equal More

How often do we size up what we have and assume it is too little to amount to anything? I remember an old saying, “That’ll never amount to a hill of beans.” With my limited gardening experience, it was common when planting corn or beans to place two or three seeds in each hill and hope for at least one to come up to create a stalk of corn or beans. I suppose if a person only had one seed to put in a hill it may not survive and reproduce a crop. Thus the saying may have originated from something like having only one seed in a hill.

Jesus and His disciples were about to take a boat trip. After they had shoved off from shore He said to them, “Beware of the leaven of the scribes and the leaven of Herod.” Then they began to reason among themselves thinking Jesus was concerned about having enough bread. Jesus over heard their discussion and asked why they hadn’t understood that He was not speaking of bread but of the teaching or doctrine of the Pharisees and Herod. Then, concerning natural bread He reminded them of the time He multiplied the five loves and fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets of fragments left over and when He multiplied the seven loaves to feed four thousand with seven baskets of fragments left over. Then He asked them a curious question. “How is it that you do not understand?” It appears there were two things Jesus really wanted them to get. One was concerning the deceitful doctrine of the Pharisees and the second was having only one loaf of bread was not a problem, in fact it may set the stage for an even greater miracle.

If five loaves were multiplied with twelve baskets of fragments left over and seven loaves were multiplied with seven baskets leftover, it would appear that starting with less added up to serving a greater number with even more left over. God delights in taking that which appears inadequate and turning it into more than enough. Men would say it will never amount to a hill of beans but God will use it to feed the multitudes.

God has given each of us bread or seed to reproduce and to bear fruit in His Kingdom. The seed may be various talents or gifts of ministry or even natural skills. It is obvious that God has given gifts according to His own will. Some are more talented in one area while others are talented in different ways. We have a tendency to look at those more gifted than us and conclude we do not have enough to amount to anything. But Jesus does not want those who only have one loaf to assume it would never amount to a hill of beans. Jesus may be alluding to the possibility of the lesser having the ability to be used in an even greater dimension. Let’s do the math. If seven fed four thousand with seven baskets left and five fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets left, then one loaf might feed fifty thousand with one hundred baskets of fragments left. I am not suggesting there is a scientific formula for this I’m just trying to point out a trend in the numbers.

My point is totally that we should never belittle what God has put in our hands, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. The parable Jesus taught concerning the mustard seed confirms this thought. Though the mustard seed is smallest among seeds and seemingly insignificant, when planted it will grow into a tree large enough for the birds of the air to take refuge in.

Those who received the word yet did not mix it with faith profited nothing from it. It takes more faith on our part to challenge the greater need with the fewer loaves. Planting the seed through faith is what makes it grow. Having greater faith will not necessarily put an earthly bakery at our disposal but an ability to transfer substance from the unseen realm of heaven into the visible realm of earth. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen. God has a bakery in heaven, to supply us with the bread of His word and also natural bread when needed. It is up to us to recognize the little we now have is the key to opening heaven’s windows. Planting the small seed initiates the miracle. When a seed falls into the ground it is as good as dead, buried out of sight, but a miracle occurs and it becomes a plant that contains more seed within it. Just as Abraham’s descendants multiplied beyond numbering, one small seed or loaf can be multiplied beyond our ability to count.

The parable of the talents also parallels this thought. The servant who was given just one talent did not take it seriously but set it aside in a safe place. He may have said it will never amount to a hill of beans. A distorted image of his master made him afraid to risk losing the talent so he protected it instead. The very thing he feared came upon him. When his master returned to find he had done nothing with it, it was taken from him and given to the other faithful servant. Planting the seed and bringing forth a harvest is the goal. Taking what God has put in our trust and investing it in the fields of this world will reap a harvest of souls.

God loves to use the things that are weak and despised by men to demonstrate His power. The Old Testament records several accounts of God giving great victory to small insignificant bands of warriors so that He would get the glory. Paul said that his preaching was not with excellent speech or enticing words of human wisdom but in the demonstration of the Spirit and power so that our faith would not rest on man’s wisdom but on the power of God.

I want to be found faithful with the talents that have been entrusted to me. I refuse to look at the small loaf I have in my hand and fail to challenge the great need and hunger of the multitudes with it. I must do my part to take what God has blessed and break it into pieces and serve it out believing God to multiply it to meet the need of those who partake of it. I will not assume that excellent speech and communication skills are required to deliver God’s message lest I promote faith in man’s abilities and wisdom rather than the power of God to make much out of little.