Home Field Advantage

All teams prefer playing on their home field because of the added support of their loyal fans.  Though fans always want their team to win it is more difficult away from home where the crowd is opposed to them.  As Christians we are in a spiritual battle, not a game like football but rather a matter of life and death.  It might seem odd to use the term Home Field Advantage concerning our spiritual battle but I think using it will help to get across the point I want to make.    

Most of us are familiar with the spiritual weapons we have at our disposal but have we given much thought to the turf we battle on?  Those who are in Christ are seated with Him in heavenly places and battle from a place of victory in Him.  We in effect are driving out spiritual trespassers to recover and maintain territory that has been purchased for us by Christ on the cross.  The turf I am speaking of is truly knowing where we stand.  First, knowing for certain the territory belongs to us, and then battling from the victory of the cross.  

Though the cross was a legal victory Jesus was not legally obligated to give His life as a ransom, it was a battle waged by intense love for humanity. Believers who are motivated by duty or obligation and not a love for humanity will find themselves loosing battles that would otherwise be no battle at all when empowered with God’s favor.  Our home field is grace through faith and not the duties or obligations of the law. 

Since our enemy is a legalist his main tactic is to draw us into a battle over legalities.  The term legalism in Christian circles generally describes being focused on rules, regulations and outward actions.  It can also be defined as performance based Christianity, trying to complete through human effort which can only be accomplished by His Spirit working through us. Legalism is being sin conscious rather than God conscious and leads to being critical of others as well as our own failures.  To look at peoples failings and lack rather than the gold that is deep inside them.  When we look for faults in others we also become aware of our own.  This is an enemy strategy to set us against ourselves and one another based on performance.   A lack of faith and vision, not seeing what God is doing in the heart, can make us critical and even judgmental (legally minded) toward our self and others.                             

 In 2 Corinthians 2:11 Paul says we are not ignorant of his (the enemy’s) devices.  The word “devices” used there refers to thought or intellect.  The context of this passage concerns forgiveness, which is the act of releasing others from legal obligations.  The initial battle takes place in our thoughts as he tries to lure us into thinking in legal terms toward those who offend us and away from grace and faith.  If we measure others using legal obligation as our standard we find that we come under that same standard. 

The enemy’s turf is what I would call legal ground.  He reminds us of our past sin and tries to convince us we are unworthy or less than adequate for our calling.  He also reminds us of past hurts and wounds inflicted on us by others to convince us they should suffer for their sin.  If we agree with his accusations he has drawn us onto legal ground.  It is easy to agree with facts concerning the past but there is a greater truth than the facts.  The greater truth is Jesus Christ has paid all debts in full, even for those who have not acknowledged it yet.  On top of that He has provided favor and grace to empower the forgiven. 

The weapons of our warfare are much mightier than the legal weapons of old.  If we agree with the punishment of the law in place of mercy and grace we loose home field advantage and come under the same condemnation we desire for our offender.  Our enemy’s strategy is to turn us from the faith back to the law.  It was the law that required an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek and bless those who curse us and do good to those who spitefully use us.  (See Matthew 5)  It was the nature of the law that the offender pay back or suffer for their offence, but Jesus introduced faith and grace which responds in the opposite spirit. 

Kingdom authority was demonstrated as Jesus responded to the wind storm.  Rather than calling for an opposing wind of equal strength He spoke peace.  Faith’s response changed the atmosphere that produced the storm and eliminated it.  The same is true with offences.  The eye for eye and tooth for tooth of the law is like coming against a wind with an opposing wind in hopes of eliminating the storm.  Turning the other cheek and blessing those who wrong us is responding with peace, which has a powerful effect of stilling the storm.  It is the power of Kingdom peace that crushes Satan under our feet.  If we respond to offence in a legal way or with carnal weapons we forfeit home field advantage so to speak.  When we use the same strategy of our enemy we are no match for him but can actually cause a worse storm.   

Jesus came to introduce grace by faith as the New Covenant way of dealing with personal offences.  The just shall live by faith and Jesus came to demonstrate how to achieve justice through grace and faith.  Legal justice requires the guilty to pay for their offences but Jesus taught and demonstrated that the innocent one pays the debt of the guilty.  This is a difficult subject to venture into because of the tendency to misapply this teaching.  I believe the main point of Jesus’ teaching is, do not respond to personal offences by returning evil for evil or by using the Old Covenant as our standard.  If someone is in gross violation of the law, we must forgive them and pray blessing on them but also allow the law to take its course.  God has ordained authorities who bear the sword and deal with the punishment of evil doers.  (See 1 Peter 2:14)  The main point of this article is to help us understand how our response affects our battle field.  We overcome evil with good and allow the Lord to work in the situation.  “Vengeance is mine I will repay, says the Lord”.  (See Romans 12:19)

Jesus said “forgive and you shall be forgiven, give and it shall be given unto you again, pressed down shaken together and running over it shall be returned to you.  With the same measure you use toward others it shall be measured to back to you again.”  (See Luke 6:35-38)  In this portion of scripture Jesus was speaking of offences and forgiveness.  It is often used in an offering teaching but actually He was teaching about responding with blessing toward those who offend us.  If we as God’s children only bless those who bless us we are not acting like our Father who heaps goodness upon those who do not deserve it.  The overflowing measure is a picture of favor and blessing being added to forgiveness.  The works of the Old Covenant law (eye for eye and tooth for tooth) canceled debts and balanced the scale of legal justice but left all parties involved with a zero balance in their account if you will.  They were forgiven debts of sin but left without grace to destroy the animosity and empower them to live free from offence.  The old way of the law could not clear the conscience or destroy the animosity that existed between offended parties, but grace through faith has the power to do so.  Only the sacrifice of Christ has the power to make peace.  (See Ephesians 2:15)   

Turning the other cheek is not turning a blind eye to evil as if nothing happened but to still the storm by responding in the opposite spirit.  Forgiveness is having your debt canceled but the added blessing of favor is like being given access to unlimited cash that we would never need to go in debt again.  We can love God and others only because He first loved us.  The same is true with forgiveness and grace.  Since He has forgiven and blessed us with favor we have access to His unlimited supply to use toward our selves and others.   

When God forgives us He always adds favor to it.  Forgiveness by itself is mercy, not getting the punishment we deserved but grace adds favor and blessing we do not deserve.  Forgiveness cancels the debt but leaves one with an empty account.  It brings us out of the red but not into the black where we experience abundance.  Favor brings us into the black by having access to an unlimited supply of God’s empowering grace.   Grace is defined as unmerited favor, something added beyond the requirement of law.  Legal minded Christians can forgive others because they know they have to but will not experience the favor of God on their own lives if they are not adding an unmerited gift of blessing to those they forgive.    

If we lack the empowerment of grace in our own lives it is likely because we have withheld it from others.  Acknowledging and repenting of that will reestablish our access to grace.  The measure we use determines the measure we will receive from.  Forgive and you shall be forgiven.  Give and it shall be given unto you again, pressed down shaken together and running over.  If forgiveness is all you want then just forgive others.  If you want an overflowing abundance coming and going through your life then always use the overflowing measure of grace and favor toward others.                

 

The Pharisees wanted Jesus to respond legally toward the woman caught in adultery but He responded with favor and grace.  Jesus’ words not only caused her accusers to run and hide but she was empowered to go and sin no more.  Jesus did not mix the law with grace.  Some have interpreted His words to be a command that put the onus on her own abilities to live righteously, but He in fact empowered her, not obligating her to the law.   His grace response not only sent her accusers away, but when He said “neither do I condemn you go and sin no more, He empowered her toward righteousness. The law could never eliminate sin through punishment nor could it empower anyone to live righteously but grace through faith absorbs the debt, empowers and blesses the offender. 

 

A legal mindset could misinterpret blessing someone who deserves punishment as wrong or even rewarding their sin, but in reality it is coming against evil with good by responding in the opposite spirit.  Sin is a reality and nothing to fool around with, but there is a greater reality in God’s Kingdom that overpowers sin, namely favor and grace. 

 

It is important to always add blessing to your forgiveness even if your offender doesn’t acknowledge having done wrong.  It will prevent animosity and assure that your own access to God’s grace is not hindered.  Our home field advantage is to avoid legalities, remain in the faith and dispense favor and grace as an added gift to those who do not legally deserve it.  Let’s not resort to the weakness and futility of the law through the use of legal measures, but respond with a measure that is pressed down shaken together and running over with undeserved grace and favor.  That will always give us home field advantage and give those in the grandstands of heaven something to shout about and cheer us on.    

 

     

Living in God's Presence

Have you ever known an older gentleman who drove a thirty year old car, not because he couldn’t afford a new one, but because it helped him relive his past?  The car brought back memories of happier days when it was the coolest thing on the road, when life was adventurous and exciting, and that car was the envy of all his friends.  Or what about that woman over forty that acts and dresses like a teenager in hopes of reviving former days when life was care free and filled with anticipation and excitement.  I’m sure we can all think of someone like that and maybe it was even one of us.

The same scenario can play out in the life of a Christian.  Some dwell on days gone by when God’s presence was so thick and wonderful they refer to it as the high water mark in their experience with God.  It may have been fifteen or twenty years ago when they were captivated with the presence of God and so overwhelmed that it defies definition.  A past experience like that can lead us to believe anything less is not God.  Longing for the former days tends to draw one’s attention away from the present.  Just as those mentioned above who strive to live in the past, we as believers can easily get drawn to a past experience in hopes of living it again. 

Please don’t misunderstand I am not suggesting a desire to have awesome experiences with God is somehow wrong.  The problem is we can only experience God’s presence in the present.  Though yesterday may have been wonderful, a time to honor and speak fondly of, we must not let it detour us from what God is doing now.  There are many good things that can distract us from the present, not only a former experience in the glory of God but even dreaming of His glorious return.  We must live in the present to experience His presence.  God’s desire is to take us to higher levels, from faith to faith and from glory to glory, but what we think is higher or greater may be different from God’s point of view.    

For some it may not be the former days of glory that draw them to the past but times of defeat and loss.  Remembering the injustices of our past and the emotions connected to them are often enough to reactivate the pain that draws us away from the present.  I can personally identify with loosing the sense of God’s presence just by allowing my meditations to drift and to become swallowed up by a painful past experience.  These are enemy tactics to interrupt our awareness of God’s presence and distort our vision. 

 God is at work in the present tense, He is not the “I was” or the “I will be” but the ever present great “I Am”.  When God called Moses into Egypt to deliver the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, Moses asked “who shall I say has sent me?”  God said; “Say ‘I Am’ has sent you.”   Moses also made excuses why he was not qualified to speak on behalf of God saying; “I am not an eloquent speaker.”  At that point he had his eyes on the wrong “I am.”   We can easily do the same if we look through the lens of our past failures and limitations but the scripture says with Christ we can do all things. 

Jesus lived out of the present.  He only did what He saw His Father doing, and only said what He heard His Father saying.  He also said that man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds (present) out of the mouth of God.  Yesterday’s experience though it may have been glorious, will not meet the needs of today.  Jesus was and is the bread of life that came down from heaven.  The Israelites ate of that bread in the form of manna in the wilderness but it could not be stored for use the next day but had to be collected fresh every morning.  What was good yesterday is spoiled today, in a sense it becomes a petrified stone good only as a marker of remembrance. 

 Have you noticed the present tense element of faith and the ministry of Jesus?  The power of the Lord was present to heal.  See Luke 5:17.   Today is the day of salvation now is the accepted time.  See 2 Corinthians 6:2.  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.  See Hebrews 11:1.  Glory and honor are in His presence even strength and gladness are with Him.  See 1 Chronicles 16:27.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty or freedom.  See 2 Corinthians  3:17.  

Thus far I haven’t said much about the future but it can also be a distraction from the present presence of God.  Jesus taught that we should not worry about having enough for tomorrow, be it food, clothing or shelter, but to seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness which includes everything needed for this life.  The Kingdom of God is at hand, it is present within us here and now though there is much more to come.  He implies being overly concerned about tomorrow is a diversion from seeking the present Kingdom. 

Jesus’ own disciples expected Him to restore the Kingdom to Israel at that time by overthrowing existing earthly kings but Jesus knew the battle was not against flesh and blood.  God’s agenda was to first overthrow spiritual thrones and dominions to take back the keys from our enemy.  The disciples had the right idea but the wrong enemy in mind as well as wrong timing.      Though there will be a future manifestation of the Kingdom different than today’s we can’t afford to allow wrong theology to prevent us from entering into present Kingdom activity.  We can neither allow what happened in the past nor what we expect in the future to distract us from what God is doing now. 

Knowing how to study and apply end time prophesy is critical to remaining in the present. Some years ago I received a mental picture of people studying the bible looking through binoculars.  I understood the binoculars signified they were looking to the distant future studying the end times along with the charts and time lines developed by well known bible teachers.  The charts were developed to help the students determine their position in the unfolding of God's plan and usually pointed to Christ's imminent return.  Others I noticed in this picture were viewing the scripture through microscopes doing in depth word studies.  Both of these are good and valid methods of study but the thought occurred to me that you would never want to go about your daily activities looking through either one of those lenses.  It would greatly distort your perception of the path in front of you.

The Pharisees were great students of the scripture, but totally missed the very One they pointed to.  Though they were very familiar with God’s word they didn’t recognize His presence when He came into their midst but thought Him to be an imposter.  Study of the scripture is very important and all methods of learning, preaching and teaching have their place but we must walk out our lives in the present while peering through the lens of His presence.  Our knowledge of what was and what is to come can only be properly applied if we see clearly what God is doing in the present.     

Though the disciples were present in the boat with Jesus they were not really in His presence.  To say it another way, His presence was not inside of them.  When the storm blew in Jesus was not alarmed but continued at rest.  Fear came upon the others and caused them to think He didn’t care if they all sank to the bottom.  As they cried out fear was released into the atmosphere making matters even worse, but Jesus released peace from within Himself calming the atmosphere around them.  For greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world.  From within His presence we will see things differently.  When the lens of fear is replaced with faith and trust the substance of faith within us has power to change the atmosphere around us.    

We all carry what this world really needs now more than anything else, His peace, presence and glory.  I like what Bill Johnson says, “We owe everyone we meet an encounter with God.”  It is important that we not portray Him as the God of wrath and vengeance from either the past or the future, but as a savior who desires to draw all men unto Himself, and as a father running to cover the shame of those sons and daughters returning home.    If someone is to encounter God through my life I must walk in an awareness of what He is doing in the present.  If my mind is captivated with the past or the future be it my own stuff or an overemphasis on the end time events, I loose awareness of His present desires and will likely misrepresent Him.

In His presence is fullness of joy not anger.  It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.  God’s present agenda is revealed as we have heavens perspective.  As we see through the lens of His presence we will see what He is presently doing and properly apply our knowledge of both the past as well as the future. 

 John Scheda

 

            

Born To See God's Kingdom

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness to avoid being seen by his peers. While a majority of the Pharisees believed Jesus to be an imposter who made false claims about being sent from the Father, Nicodemus seemed genuinely interested in Him. The first words out of his mouth recorded in John chapter 3 are a confession that Jesus truly was sent from God, the miracles He performed testified to that. Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus seems a bit unusual. You might think He would have said, “You are right on Nick, you have good perception.” But no; in fact Jesus told him he wouldn’t see or perceive of the Kingdom of God without being born again.

What perception was Nicodemus lacking and why would Jesus stress being born again? After all he correctly discerned Jesus to be a man sent from God. Like many others though, Nicodemus may have assumed Jesus was just another prophet or teacher like Elijah or John the Baptist and not the promised Messiah. The new birth gives spiritual sight into the realms of the Kingdom and Nicodemus needed to be born into God’s family not only that he would see and understand but to be eligible to receive the Kingdom as part of his inheritance. The Kingdom is made up of God’s family members not a bunch of hired servants.

Jesus explained to the Pharisees in Luke 17:20 that the Kingdom of God does not come with observation, or in other words it will not appear to the natural eye. It works like leaven or yeast that is mixed in with flour, a hidden ingredient that has a dramatic affect. (See Matthew 13:33) Given enough time and the right conditions yeast will affect the whole batch of dough.

Two Types of Leaven

The analogy of leaven is used to show how a small amount hidden inside has great affect. Christ’s teaching about the Kingdom of God has the affect of leaven as those who receive His words and believe on Him will think and see differently. In the same way Jesus spoke of the teaching or beliefs of the Pharisees and Herod being like leaven that turns our minds and hearts in opposition to God and His Kingdom. Both Herod and the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus. As the wise men came in search of the new born King, Herod rose up against Him out of insecurity as his ruler-ship was being threatened. The Pharisees were threatened as they saw the crowds following Jesus, their control over the people was slipping away. Both religious and political rulers fall into the trap of using laws to maintain control over people. The law is good and exposes the ugliness of sin but the punishment of the law was never intended to be a lasting solution. God sent His Son Jesus to fulfill the law, receive our punishment and be the permanent solution to sin.

The Futility of Human Wisdom

The Kingdom of God is so opposite to the ways of man that human wisdom rejects it as foolishness. Being born again involves repentance and a turning away from human wisdom and worldly thought. Paul writing to the Corinthians says God in His wisdom saw to it that man’s wisdom would not lead him to God but by the foolishness of preaching those who believe would be saved. God’s wisdom appears foolish to man while in God’s eyes man’s wisdom is folly. (See 1 Corinthians chapter 1) So repentance is vital to being born again. It is receiving new heavenly thought patterns that align us with the ways of God’s Kingdom.

Heavens Perspective

The new birth opens our eyes to the plans of heaven. Jesus Christ has been revealed to be the heavenly blueprint to be followed by those who build up the body of Christ in the earth. Just as God gave Moses a heavenly blueprint for an earthly tabernacle, so we are given Christ. Those who build must keep their eyes on heaven’s plan lest they build in opposition to God. In Matthew 21:42 Jesus reminded the religious Pharisees of the scripture that spoke of the stone rejected by the builders. That prophesy spoke of Christ as the rejected stone and the Pharisees as the builders who rejected Him.

As I look back on my own life experience I see that after being born from above I experienced that heavenly perspective, though only for a short time. It faded as I came under the influence of the leaven of religion. Without realizing it I became focused on keeping rules and allowed an intimate relationship with Christ to grow cold. I came to believe that grace was being empowered to avoid the outward acts of sin. I quit smoking, drinking and a lot of other bad habits but little did I know that I had fallen into a religious rut. Though I may have looked good on the outside, inwardly I was miserable. Having fallen back into an earthly mindset I lost sight of heaven’s plan. I focused on behavior rather than being in relationship. Of course I have to admit many other Christian I knew appeared to be doing the same so I thought it was normal.

Many years past but thankfully the grace of God crashed my pitiful religious party. I felt as if I had been born again, again. My eyes were opened afresh to that heavenly plan. I realized that religion had hijacked my vision shifting it from Christ to self. Though I knew the scriptures concerning the righteousness of Christ, I had a religious understanding of them. Instead of focusing on His righteousness, that I was complete in Him, I kept looking at my faults, believing if I just hung in there through religious duty I would make it through the day and somehow please God. The scripture speaks of the completed work of Christ on the cross but it only benefits me as I understand, receive and walk it out. What He did for us is not lacking in any way, it is a matter of having our minds renewed so that we know who He is as well as who we are in Him. We can only walk out this life by faith not leaning on our natural understanding.

God gave me an analogy I could understand since I worked in the building industry. He ran me through the mental process of building a house from the ground up. Starting with an old uninhabitable house that sat on a piece of property, I envisioned the excavator coming in and demolishing it and loading all the debris in trucks to be hauled to a land fill. The next step was to dig down to hard pan and lay the new foundation. Step by step and piece by piece the new house took shape. The builder had a set of blueprints that he constantly referred to as he measured and laid out each part of the house. One of the pages on that blueprint actually showed the completed house revealing what it would look like ahead of time. The Lord pointed out that never once did the builder consider the size shape or condition of the former house that once stood on that land but always referred to the plan of the new. In effect the builder kept his eyes on the heavenly plan, and never pondered the condition of the former house. I realized God was showing me how I had gotten my focus off of heaven’s plan and allowed my mind to go back to the old house that I used to be and how I began to try to make it look good and livable.

The leaven of the Pharisees, or their mindset and teaching leads to taking our eyes off heavens plan (Christ Jesus) and even going as far as rejecting Him as the chief corner stone. Our mind and vision is shifted over to that old house that was destroyed upon the cross and hauled away and buried with Him in a tomb. Religious teaching causes us to continually strive and grieve over the horrible condition of something that no longer exists. In stead of having our life hidden in Christ and receiving all that He is in our place we continue to look at what used to be, convinced it still exists.

Focusing on religious rules rather than relationship is being law conscious. Paul tells us that one aspect of the law was to stir up sinful passions to reveal our need of a savior and that is a good thing. But if we continue to be law and sin conscious even after our sins have been washed away we will surely find something even if it is a ghost from the past. God conscientiousness, or I could say being conscious of the heavenly blueprint, will keep us from digging up the memories of that old house. Though I was genuinely born again the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod that is prevalent in this world affected my walk with God. It eventually brought me into conflict with the truth of God’s Kingdom.

Nicodemus needed to born from Above to receive spiritual sight and heavenly wisdom. Though he believed in God and expected a coming Messiah, he would never recognize or have the vision required to see heaven’s plan. It is the same for us. No matter if we have been under the influence of religion or this world’s political system they both infiltrate the human mind and develop an opposition to the rule of God’s Kingdom. We must be born again and have our minds renewed to think on track with heaven. It is Jesus prayer that His Kingdom will come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Blood and Water

Cleansing by Blood and Water

As Christ hung upon the cross a Roman soldier reached up and thrust his spear through His side, out came blood and water.  The words of an old song say it very well: “there is power, power; wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb.”  The power of the blood of Christ never ceases to amaze those who come into its cleansing tide and are made free from a lifetime of sin and defilement.  Unlike the blood of sacrificial animals offered for sin during Old Testament times, Jesus’ blood wipes away the guilt and shame of sin and cleanses the conscience of the believer.  So that begs the question; if His blood cleanses us why would Jesus and another New Testament writer mention a washing by the water of the word?

In the following verses we read of a cleansing that takes place through the spoken word.  "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  John 15:1-3 NKJV

In some translations the word prune in verse 2 is translated purge or cleanse.  We usually think of pruning as a cutting off of branches, but we see both a cutting off and a cleansing taking place in this portion of scripture.  When we look at verse 3 Jesus says, “You are already clean because of the word.”   Therefore He is talking about a cleansing of that which remains connected to Him as well as taking away fruitless branches.  The words Jesus spoke to His disciples accomplished two things, cutting off fruitless branches as well as cleansing those that would remain in and take part with Him. 

A few years ago I read a little book called The Secretes of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson.  In it he explained how the word purged in John 15 could also be translated to lift up as raising a vine up from the ground.  The branches with fruit that grew close to the ground would become soiled from the mud splashing up as it rained.  The husbandman or vinedresser would lift and tie them up higher to keep them clean.  In this analogy we understand that the need for cleansing was no fault of the branch or the fruit but because of its proximity to the dirt it became soiled.    

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV

Paul exhorts husbands to love their wives just as Christ loves His bride the church, to cleanse her by the washing of water by the word.  Husbands have been empowered to speak a purifying word over their wives to lift them up and set them apart unto holiness.  In John 15 God the Father is referred to as the husbandman or vinedresser.  The keeper of a vineyard would work to clear away anything that hindered the health and growth of the vines.  He would build a fence and even a watch tower to keep an eye out for intruders and the little foxes that would spoil the vines.  Part of a husband’s role is to protect, encourage and lift up his wife, to wash her from the road dirt of this life so to speak.  Words void of love can defile, discourage, and bring a curse, but speaking the truth in love wipes away the lies of the wicked one.  

 

It was a common practice in Jesus’ day for a host to wash the feet of guests who entered their house.  I suppose it was not only a courtesy to the guest but to keep the house clean.  Since they shared paths with animals one’s feet could easily become dirty and even covered in dung.  Now days those in western cultures wear different types of shoes and walk far less distance and are unlikely to encounter animal dung providing dog owners use their little pooper scoopers effectively.  Therefore we need help understanding how to apply the principal of foot washing in modern times. 

Jesus wanted to wash His disciple’s feet but Peter initially refused to allow it until he understood the consequences.  Jesus made it clear that Peter would have no part with Him unless he received cleansing for his feet.  Not wanting to loose his connection to the vine if you will, Peter did such an about face he asked that his hands and head be washed also.  Jesus explained that it was only necessary to have his feet washed because otherwise he was already clean.     

I would like to draw a parallel between the practice of foot washing and being washed by the water of the word.  We can inadvertently become unclean by stepping in something along our path figuratively speaking, or dust can drift and settle on us from those who we cross paths with.  The ungodly speech and lifestyle of those around us can soil our soul even though we choose not to agree or enter in with them.  The scripture says that Lot being a just man was vexed in his soul by witnessing the wicked lifestyle of the people of Sodom.  (See 2 Peter 2:7-8)

If Peter’s refusal to be washed could prevent him from taking part with Christ could there also be some implications for us today.  Jesus made it clear that Peter was not being cleansed from his sin but the road dirt that had collected on him.  All of the disciples needed their feet washed but there was one among them that needed repentance and cleansing from sin. Judas was planning to lead the mob to the place where they could capture Jesus.  He was also the one referred to when He said “not all of you.”  In John 13:10-11.  Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."  11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean."  NKJV 

It is evident that Judas at some point did not receive cleansing from sin, even though his feet were washed his sin and self deception ultimately led to his betrayal of Christ.  By this we see that foot washing did not remove Judas’ sin because it was not inadvertent but premeditated and un-repented of.   He not only lost his part with Christ but lost out on eternal life.  Jesus said it would have been better for that man if he had never been born.  (See Mark 14:21)

No doubt the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin but the washing of the water by the word is for that inadvertent encounter with sin, the things we have no control over but we are subjected to just by living among sinners.  Jesus washed the feet of His disciples to remove the lingering aroma of dung and dirt from them.  Things that get on us can create a distracting odor, spiritually speaking, and even cause shame.  We need to have these things washed off every now and then lest they hinder our intimacy with Christ.

Jesus told Peter that he would have no part with Him lest he be washed.  Jesus wanted Peter to remain in Him just as a branch is connected to the vine.  Jesus was clearly speaking of being washed with water not blood. In John 13 He said that he who has been cleansed needs only to wash his feet. 

Peter initially refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet likely because he didn’t understand the ways of God’s Kingdom.  To be great in His Kingdom is to be the servant of all.  Since Jesus is the living word and the greatest in the Kingdom He was a living demonstration of the word through service to others.  When we lift up and encourage others who have been weighed down by the trials of life we are washing their feet so to speak.  We can remove guilt, shame and the sense of being unworthy from those we speak God’s word of encouragement to. 

We all need people in our lives that will speak encouraging words as well as confront things that may be fruitless branches in our lives.  Fruitless branches can be attached to wrong thinking that draws our attention and efforts into something useless and even opposed to the ways of the Kingdom.   In Luke 9:51-56 we read the account of James and John asking if they should call down fire on a group of people who would not welcome their ministry into their town.  Jesus rebuked them saying they didn’t know the spirit behind their thoughts.  He had not come to destroy but to save men’s lives.  They likely thought if Elijah could do it they could too.  The problem was Elijah represented the judgment of the Old Covenant while Jesus came not to destroy but to redeem.  With His words of correction, Jesus reached out and snipped off a wild fruitless branch from the vine.  Even Peter’s misunderstanding of servant-hood not wanting the Greater One to wash his feet was another fruitless branch that had to come off.  Jesus not only lifted up and encouraged His disciples washing their feet but cut off the wild fruitless growth when it appeared.

He is the vine and we are the branches.  The branches can not bear fruit unless they are connected to Him and will bear even greater fruit when fruitless branches of misunderstanding and even lies of the enemy are removed from us.  One of the best ways to stay connected to Him is to connect with His body the church.  Get in a small group where you can be lifted up, encouraged and receive an occasional bit of loving correction, a clipping away of fruitless branches.  Close relationships require commitment and can involve a bit of pain or humiliation at times but the rewards are priceless.  I believe this is one way to both give and receive the washing of water by the word of God.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

         

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