Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me
to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." NKJV
Jesus was not only anointed to preach but sent out to heal, proclaim, liberate, and recover that which was lost. Jesus went about doing good and healing all.
Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” NKJV
Now God is with us to do the same.
Matt 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." NKJV
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." NKJV
Acts 1:8 describes a pattern of going or being sent out. As we begin to proclaim the good news close to home, our influence will increase and reach even to all the earth.
As Jesus gained influence, people searched for Him and large crowds followed after Him.
The demand upon Him was so great that, at times, Jesus had to find a place of solitude to rest and commune with His Father.
Jesus speaks with authority and the people are astonished.
Matthew 7:28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. NKJV
The people were used to listening to the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees who, evidently, didn’t leave much of an impression. Jesus was and is the living word of God who was made flesh and dwelled among them. Jesus was not just speaking the word of God, He was living it. If our lives are not doing the words that we preach, one cancels out the other. Like two witnesses in a courtroom who have conflicting testimonies, one will cancel out the other. Jesus lived perfectly in sync with His speech, therefore the people both saw and heard two witnesses that agreed and they were convinced of the truth.
Those who have authority are also under authority. Jesus only said what He heard His Father saying. He did nothing of His own accord but was in agreement with His Father.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. NKJV
Matthew 8:5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." 7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! NKJV
The centurion understood authority and immediately recognized the authority of Jesus. The great faith Jesus recognized in the centurion was also a type of authority: the ability to speak a word or command that causes the things that are not seen to appear. (See Hebrews 11:3) The centurion could speak and those under his authority would complete his words. God spoke and the worlds were framed. I believe that people who are not in submission to the authority structures established by God will have a hard time receiving from Him. The centurion had authority because he was submitted to higher authorities. He understood the chain of command, that his authority was from a higher source. He saw that Jesus had authority to speak and command sickness to go.
Jesus said that the centurion’s faith was greater than He had seen in all Israel. Again, I believe that was because the Jews were more apt to question Jesus’ authority than they were to submit to it. The religious people, especially, saw themselves as God’s authority and Jesus as an imposter. When the centurion spoke, his soldiers obeyed. When God spoke, the elements of all creation fell into place, but when He spoke to Israel, they would not hear Him. Faith hears and responds to the word of God and leads to authority.
Being anointed is only half of the picture: the other half is being sent. Jesus was sent with the authority of His Father. We have received an anointing and have also been sent to do the works that He did. In John 12:44, Jesus said that if we believe on Him, we believe on the one who sent Him. The two are one and cannot be separated.
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. NKJV
There is no denying it: those who believe on Jesus also believe on the Father and have been anointed, and sent, to do the same works He did; and even greater works shall we do.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Anointed to Preach
Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me
to preach good tidings to the poor; NKJV
Someone once asked me how I determined if there was an anointing on any given message or preacher. That is a very good question and not easy to answer. I have never heard specific teaching that would help answer that question but I gave it my best shot. In very simple terms I replied: “It has a certain ring to it. If a bell is hanging free without contacting another object it will resound and its vibrations will penetrate deep into the ear of the hearer. If touching another object, it will have a dead or dull sounding thud that can not pierce the heart.” The anointing is compared to an ointment or an oil that, when rubbed on, can penetrate and soften the skin. The anointing can penetrate the hearts of the hearers but, depending on the listeners’ response, it can either cause repentance, a willingness to change, or it can stir up defensiveness and anger. Some are irritated by the sound of a bell and others receive pleasure from its rich tones.
Those who are anointed of God have received power and authority to preach and share the good news of the gospel. When the Spirit of God was poured out upon the believers at Pentecost, they received power to witness. They were anointed to speak with convincing words that penetrated hearts. When Peter spoke, three thousand responded with repentance, but when Stephen spoke under that same anointing, he was turned on and stoned to death. Jesus encountered various responses to His words. The common folks heard Him gladly, yet others wanted to kill Him and were eventually successful. Jesus said that we could expect to be treated in the same way He was. Some will love the message and others will respond with hate and murder.
Though Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one of God, His own disciples did not always grasp His words; they sometimes struggled to understand what He taught. We can not always assume that an anointing will get through to the hearer. Many liked His message and the way He provided material blessings, such as feeding the multitudes with loaves and fishes. After their bellies were filled they wanted Him to be their king, but He knew that they were only interested in the temporary things of this life. He wanted them to seek after the eternal bread from heaven that would sustain eternal life.
In John 16, Jesus told his followers that He was about to go away but that the Holy Spirit would come to be with them. When the Spirit comes, He will convince and convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that causes men’s hearts to either soften or rebel. Just as they were anointed with power, so we are today, through receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the anointed one and all who follow Him receive their anointing from being in relationship with Him. He is the head of the body and, as our High Priest, the anointing is poured upon Him. It then runs down over the body to the borders of His garment. As His followers we receive the anointing from our union with Him and as part of His body.
Ps 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. NKJV
Every believer that is in fellowship with Christ receives an anointing, but there seems to be another level, or dimension, to the corporate anointing. Psalm 133:3 speaks of a commanded blessing that accompanies those who are dwelling together in unity. There is power in agreement. We must always ask according to His will but when believers join together in agreement, the results are greater. Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. NKJV
God has set each member in the body as He sees fit and each member has a part to play. I believe there are different dimensions of the anointing depending on the gift we are given to edify the rest of the body. In Romans 12, Paul does not use the term anointing in reference to body ministry but he speaks of the measure of faith and grace that has been given. Grace is favor, a divine enabling to do the works of God.
Romans 12:3-8For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. NKJV
The context of this portion of scripture in Romans is speaking of us as individuals. We each have a unique gift for ministering to others. Though all can prophesy, teach and give offerings, there are some individuals who have a special anointing of power and grace that enables them to excel in their gift beyond the ordinary. Paul says that we should prophesy in proportion to the grace given. Some have been given a greater measure of faith and a greater grace than others to use their gifts. That does not mean that one is more important than another. It just means that we do not all have the same function or position in the body.
So, we all have an anointing from God, but there is an anointing upon the position or function we are given in the body. If someone is out of their position, or trying to minister in ways they were not given grace for, they would be lacking the anointing for the job. In a similar way, if someone is timid about their position and allows another to crowd into it, so to speak, there could be a lack of anointing on that position. Jesus is the head and we are His body and members in particular. We do not choose our own positions or anointing. We receive that which flows from the head.
There is an anointing upon leadership positions that are chosen or appointed by men, as well. As a church body, we vote in a new pastor to lead the congregation. In most cases, man has only recognized what God has already ordained, but God honors the choice of men and there is a mantle, or an anointing of grace, given to do the job. This is true of other positions in the church as well. Though in the natural leaders need to be trained and prepared for any given position, without the grace or anointing of God upon them they will not be as affective in their position.
So, in conclusion, let us remain together in unity so that God will command the blessing. Let us stay in proper relationship with Christ as the head and others in the body, so that we will be positioned to receive that which is poured upon the head as it flows down to the body. And let us use our powerful, anointed gifts to minister life to others.
to preach good tidings to the poor; NKJV
Someone once asked me how I determined if there was an anointing on any given message or preacher. That is a very good question and not easy to answer. I have never heard specific teaching that would help answer that question but I gave it my best shot. In very simple terms I replied: “It has a certain ring to it. If a bell is hanging free without contacting another object it will resound and its vibrations will penetrate deep into the ear of the hearer. If touching another object, it will have a dead or dull sounding thud that can not pierce the heart.” The anointing is compared to an ointment or an oil that, when rubbed on, can penetrate and soften the skin. The anointing can penetrate the hearts of the hearers but, depending on the listeners’ response, it can either cause repentance, a willingness to change, or it can stir up defensiveness and anger. Some are irritated by the sound of a bell and others receive pleasure from its rich tones.
Those who are anointed of God have received power and authority to preach and share the good news of the gospel. When the Spirit of God was poured out upon the believers at Pentecost, they received power to witness. They were anointed to speak with convincing words that penetrated hearts. When Peter spoke, three thousand responded with repentance, but when Stephen spoke under that same anointing, he was turned on and stoned to death. Jesus encountered various responses to His words. The common folks heard Him gladly, yet others wanted to kill Him and were eventually successful. Jesus said that we could expect to be treated in the same way He was. Some will love the message and others will respond with hate and murder.
Though Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one of God, His own disciples did not always grasp His words; they sometimes struggled to understand what He taught. We can not always assume that an anointing will get through to the hearer. Many liked His message and the way He provided material blessings, such as feeding the multitudes with loaves and fishes. After their bellies were filled they wanted Him to be their king, but He knew that they were only interested in the temporary things of this life. He wanted them to seek after the eternal bread from heaven that would sustain eternal life.
In John 16, Jesus told his followers that He was about to go away but that the Holy Spirit would come to be with them. When the Spirit comes, He will convince and convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that causes men’s hearts to either soften or rebel. Just as they were anointed with power, so we are today, through receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the anointed one and all who follow Him receive their anointing from being in relationship with Him. He is the head of the body and, as our High Priest, the anointing is poured upon Him. It then runs down over the body to the borders of His garment. As His followers we receive the anointing from our union with Him and as part of His body.
Ps 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. NKJV
Every believer that is in fellowship with Christ receives an anointing, but there seems to be another level, or dimension, to the corporate anointing. Psalm 133:3 speaks of a commanded blessing that accompanies those who are dwelling together in unity. There is power in agreement. We must always ask according to His will but when believers join together in agreement, the results are greater. Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. NKJV
God has set each member in the body as He sees fit and each member has a part to play. I believe there are different dimensions of the anointing depending on the gift we are given to edify the rest of the body. In Romans 12, Paul does not use the term anointing in reference to body ministry but he speaks of the measure of faith and grace that has been given. Grace is favor, a divine enabling to do the works of God.
Romans 12:3-8For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. NKJV
The context of this portion of scripture in Romans is speaking of us as individuals. We each have a unique gift for ministering to others. Though all can prophesy, teach and give offerings, there are some individuals who have a special anointing of power and grace that enables them to excel in their gift beyond the ordinary. Paul says that we should prophesy in proportion to the grace given. Some have been given a greater measure of faith and a greater grace than others to use their gifts. That does not mean that one is more important than another. It just means that we do not all have the same function or position in the body.
So, we all have an anointing from God, but there is an anointing upon the position or function we are given in the body. If someone is out of their position, or trying to minister in ways they were not given grace for, they would be lacking the anointing for the job. In a similar way, if someone is timid about their position and allows another to crowd into it, so to speak, there could be a lack of anointing on that position. Jesus is the head and we are His body and members in particular. We do not choose our own positions or anointing. We receive that which flows from the head.
There is an anointing upon leadership positions that are chosen or appointed by men, as well. As a church body, we vote in a new pastor to lead the congregation. In most cases, man has only recognized what God has already ordained, but God honors the choice of men and there is a mantle, or an anointing of grace, given to do the job. This is true of other positions in the church as well. Though in the natural leaders need to be trained and prepared for any given position, without the grace or anointing of God upon them they will not be as affective in their position.
So, in conclusion, let us remain together in unity so that God will command the blessing. Let us stay in proper relationship with Christ as the head and others in the body, so that we will be positioned to receive that which is poured upon the head as it flows down to the body. And let us use our powerful, anointed gifts to minister life to others.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Jesus The Christ
Honoring or dishonoring the anointing and the “Anointed One.”
Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV
The people that heard Jesus read the scripture concerning Himself as the Christ or The Anointed One, went from awe and amazement, to disbelief and denial, to rage and attempted murder all in a matter of a few minutes. When they heard his gracious words they were amazed and they bore witness with Him, but as soon as their natural reasoning kicked in they could only see Joseph’s son standing there. They allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to over rule what they sensed in their hearts a few moments earlier.
One day Jesus asked His disciples, Matt 16:15 "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
A revelation of the Christ will not come through looking at flesh and blood but by hearing the heart of the Father. Those who heard Jesus speaking in the temple that day were hearing from heaven, but as soon as their antennas were tuned back to earth they lost sight of the Christ. When Jesus saw their minds turning away in disbelief He said that a prophet is not honored or accepted in his own country. Wherever there is familiarity it is hard to see beyond the flesh and blood. One of the most amazing parts of the gospel accounts is how these people went from being in awe at His words, to attempted murder in a matter of a few moments. Israel had a history of rejecting the prophets of God and Jesus knew He would be treated the same way. Even though they were in awe at Him for a moment they followed in the footsteps of their forefathers.
There were many widows in the land of Israel during the time of Elijah when there was no rain for three and a half years, and great famine was in the land; but Elijah was sent to none of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath. There were also many lepers in the land of Israel during the days of Elisha and none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. Jesus emphasized the affect of Israel’s lack of honor toward those anointed and sent by God. They had to go outside of Israel to find someone who would receive their ministry.
On another occasion recorded in Matthew 13, Jesus was unable to do mighty works in His own country because they were too familiar with Him and His family. Again they allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to disqualify Him as the anointed one. Jesus comes to us today in the flesh and blood of those He has called and chosen to carry on His ministry. Let’s not do as they did and dishonor the anointing by not receiving the package it comes to us in.
The anointing can cause offence. Jesus said in Matthew 11:6
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
John being in prison, sent a messenger to Jesus to ask if He was the “One” they had been waiting for or if they should continue looking for another. Jesus did not answer yes or no, but He pointed to the miraculous works of the anointing. He closes His statement with
The anointing also destroys the yoke of bondage. Jesus came to set the captive free. Bondage comes in many forms; sin, sickness, disease and infirmities, and even religious bondages are broken by the anointing. Probably the greatest opposition Jesus encountered came from the religious people. They hated Him because He set people free from their control and released people from their power.
Is it possible we could be suffering some of the same affects in the church today as Israel did because of a lack of recognizing and honoring the anointing? Are we looking at the flesh and blood that Jesus the Christ chooses to show up in? Have we grown up and become familiar with a Jesus who did no miracles in our midst?
I remember back in the early 1950’s there were several well known evangelists with powerful healing ministries. At that time I had not yet given my life to Christ but I remember overhearing Christians explaining away the miraculous claims of healings reported in their meetings. One report of a person who was healed then later lost it, proved to them that the healing was never real to begin with. Though there has been much growth and maturity in the church since then, we still constantly hear reports about all the miracles that take place in Africa and other far away places, yet not in America? It could be compared to Jesus’ home town, where He was only able to heal a few sick folks because of the prevailing unbelief and lack of honor for the anointing.
Matt 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" NKJV
Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
23 He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" 24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. NKJV
The people that heard Jesus read the scripture concerning Himself as the Christ or The Anointed One, went from awe and amazement, to disbelief and denial, to rage and attempted murder all in a matter of a few minutes. When they heard his gracious words they were amazed and they bore witness with Him, but as soon as their natural reasoning kicked in they could only see Joseph’s son standing there. They allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to over rule what they sensed in their hearts a few moments earlier.
One day Jesus asked His disciples, Matt 16:15 "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. NKJV
A revelation of the Christ will not come through looking at flesh and blood but by hearing the heart of the Father. Those who heard Jesus speaking in the temple that day were hearing from heaven, but as soon as their antennas were tuned back to earth they lost sight of the Christ. When Jesus saw their minds turning away in disbelief He said that a prophet is not honored or accepted in his own country. Wherever there is familiarity it is hard to see beyond the flesh and blood. One of the most amazing parts of the gospel accounts is how these people went from being in awe at His words, to attempted murder in a matter of a few moments. Israel had a history of rejecting the prophets of God and Jesus knew He would be treated the same way. Even though they were in awe at Him for a moment they followed in the footsteps of their forefathers.
There were many widows in the land of Israel during the time of Elijah when there was no rain for three and a half years, and great famine was in the land; but Elijah was sent to none of them. Instead he was sent to a widow in Zarephath. There were also many lepers in the land of Israel during the days of Elisha and none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. Jesus emphasized the affect of Israel’s lack of honor toward those anointed and sent by God. They had to go outside of Israel to find someone who would receive their ministry.
On another occasion recorded in Matthew 13, Jesus was unable to do mighty works in His own country because they were too familiar with Him and His family. Again they allowed the flesh and blood of Jesus to disqualify Him as the anointed one. Jesus comes to us today in the flesh and blood of those He has called and chosen to carry on His ministry. Let’s not do as they did and dishonor the anointing by not receiving the package it comes to us in.
The anointing can cause offence. Jesus said in Matthew 11:6
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
John being in prison, sent a messenger to Jesus to ask if He was the “One” they had been waiting for or if they should continue looking for another. Jesus did not answer yes or no, but He pointed to the miraculous works of the anointing. He closes His statement with
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."Many were offended at Him and His words. They could not get past His humanity to see God at work.
The anointing also destroys the yoke of bondage. Jesus came to set the captive free. Bondage comes in many forms; sin, sickness, disease and infirmities, and even religious bondages are broken by the anointing. Probably the greatest opposition Jesus encountered came from the religious people. They hated Him because He set people free from their control and released people from their power.
Is it possible we could be suffering some of the same affects in the church today as Israel did because of a lack of recognizing and honoring the anointing? Are we looking at the flesh and blood that Jesus the Christ chooses to show up in? Have we grown up and become familiar with a Jesus who did no miracles in our midst?
I remember back in the early 1950’s there were several well known evangelists with powerful healing ministries. At that time I had not yet given my life to Christ but I remember overhearing Christians explaining away the miraculous claims of healings reported in their meetings. One report of a person who was healed then later lost it, proved to them that the healing was never real to begin with. Though there has been much growth and maturity in the church since then, we still constantly hear reports about all the miracles that take place in Africa and other far away places, yet not in America? It could be compared to Jesus’ home town, where He was only able to heal a few sick folks because of the prevailing unbelief and lack of honor for the anointing.
Matt 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" NKJV
Monday, June 29, 2009
Overcoming Addiction
An addiction is a compulsive, physical need for a habit forming substance. An addict is one who is given to, devoted to, or obsessed with something habitually.
Though we are all born sinners and unable to meet God’s standard of righteousness, we are not usually born addicted to something like drugs or alcohol. These addictions come as a result of our searching for something to fill the void that sin leaves in the human heart. Addictions come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can be addicted to anything that we choose to give ourselves to, even to good, God given things like food, drink or our possessions. It is our desire for instant gratification that makes us vulnerable to addictive things.
Addiction is a form of idolatry. Anything that we allow to have power over us or to take the place of God in our lives is an idol. Worship is surrender, to give controlling power to God or to other gods. We may not realize it but, hidden behind physical idols or objects of worship, is a spiritual being of the enemy. Since the fall of Satan, his goal has been to cause those who were designed to worship God, to instead worship him. Satan knows the weakness of human flesh and uses addictive substances to gain power and control over us.
Though we are alive in this world, true abundant life is only found in God. Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
Our enemy’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy what God has made and called good. Satan cunningly appeals to our emptiness with things that look good and promise to satisfy but are perverted and poisoned with sin and death. Our flesh is not eternal. It is made from the dust of the earth. Our flesh has nothing to lose by giving in to its own cravings because it is destined to return to the dust. Our spirit and soul are eternal and can not afford to allow our flesh to lead us into destruction.
If the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has destroyed the power of the enemy, why is it that our enemy still has such power over us? The answer lies in the death to our flesh. Jesus has provided a way for us to put off the old man of flesh and put on the new man which is fashioned after Christ. The problem is, it does not happen automatically: it is a lifelong walk. We must daily take up our cross and follow after Jesus to become His disciples. Our flesh man will not take this lying down, but will put on whatever disguise necessary to stay alive. From my own experience, the most common disguise is religion. He will try real hard to be good so as to not be put off or hung on the cross.
I am convinced that all sinners are addicts. Many addictions are easier to hide and are even accepted as a normal way of life. The solution to all addictions is the same: we must become like Christ. We must be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. NKJV
Overcoming addiction is achieved in knowing Him and receiving the divine power of His nature. As a result, we will escape the corruption of this world that finds its way into our lives through our fleshly desires.
Though our own flesh can seem to be our worst enemy, our battle is spiritual. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,. NKJV
Addictions are strongholds in the fleshly mind that can only be pulled down by the power of God. There can be an instantaneous deliverance from the power of addictions, but if our thinking is not changed by the renewing of the mind, we will not overcome for the long haul. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Worship is surrender to the greater one. We become like the one we worship, either God or dumb idols of addiction.
Though we are all born sinners and unable to meet God’s standard of righteousness, we are not usually born addicted to something like drugs or alcohol. These addictions come as a result of our searching for something to fill the void that sin leaves in the human heart. Addictions come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can be addicted to anything that we choose to give ourselves to, even to good, God given things like food, drink or our possessions. It is our desire for instant gratification that makes us vulnerable to addictive things.
Addiction is a form of idolatry. Anything that we allow to have power over us or to take the place of God in our lives is an idol. Worship is surrender, to give controlling power to God or to other gods. We may not realize it but, hidden behind physical idols or objects of worship, is a spiritual being of the enemy. Since the fall of Satan, his goal has been to cause those who were designed to worship God, to instead worship him. Satan knows the weakness of human flesh and uses addictive substances to gain power and control over us.
Though we are alive in this world, true abundant life is only found in God. Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV
Our enemy’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy what God has made and called good. Satan cunningly appeals to our emptiness with things that look good and promise to satisfy but are perverted and poisoned with sin and death. Our flesh is not eternal. It is made from the dust of the earth. Our flesh has nothing to lose by giving in to its own cravings because it is destined to return to the dust. Our spirit and soul are eternal and can not afford to allow our flesh to lead us into destruction.
If the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has destroyed the power of the enemy, why is it that our enemy still has such power over us? The answer lies in the death to our flesh. Jesus has provided a way for us to put off the old man of flesh and put on the new man which is fashioned after Christ. The problem is, it does not happen automatically: it is a lifelong walk. We must daily take up our cross and follow after Jesus to become His disciples. Our flesh man will not take this lying down, but will put on whatever disguise necessary to stay alive. From my own experience, the most common disguise is religion. He will try real hard to be good so as to not be put off or hung on the cross.
I am convinced that all sinners are addicts. Many addictions are easier to hide and are even accepted as a normal way of life. The solution to all addictions is the same: we must become like Christ. We must be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. NKJV
Overcoming addiction is achieved in knowing Him and receiving the divine power of His nature. As a result, we will escape the corruption of this world that finds its way into our lives through our fleshly desires.
Though our own flesh can seem to be our worst enemy, our battle is spiritual. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,. NKJV
Addictions are strongholds in the fleshly mind that can only be pulled down by the power of God. There can be an instantaneous deliverance from the power of addictions, but if our thinking is not changed by the renewing of the mind, we will not overcome for the long haul. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Worship is surrender to the greater one. We become like the one we worship, either God or dumb idols of addiction.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Overcoming Performance
When I think of the word performance, my mind goes immediately to show business or some sort of stage production. It has the implication of acting out a role or script that was designed and written by someone other than the actor. It has to do with taking on a different identity or becoming someone else in order to fulfill the part in the script. It also implies that the actor is performing for the benefit or pleasure of others and not necessarily for himself.
Life, in general, can be like a big stage performance. We can get caught up in it and find our lives being directed by the latest trends and fashions. We want to be accepted and liked by others, so we allow the world to form and shape us into its mold. As Christians we are not to be conformed to the world, or to respond to its director, but we should be listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
It boils down to an identity issue. I think a lack of knowing who we are and what our purpose in life is lends to the ability of the world to direct the desires and passions of God’s people. The world’s definition of success can so affect us and cause to spend much of our lives trying to become someone we were never designed by God to be. I have a personal story that can help, to a degree, explain what I mean.
In 1971, I started my own contracting business as a plumber. I worked for several small home builders installing the plumbing in the homes they built. I had two or three friends who also began businesses around that time. Over a period of years, I would occasionally run across these friends and we would sort of talk shop and compare notes on the various pitfalls and rewards of being in business. One friend, in particular, had a fast growing business and became well known, with a good reputation. Every time I would hear his success stories, I would compare my own situation to his and wonder why I was coming up so far short of what he was able to do.
In the 1980’s there were a few Christian books written on the subject of success, which I read. I came away with even deeper feelings of defeat because I could not measure up to what others were defining as success. Comparing a business to a tree was one application to define success. A tree began as a sprout, and then a twig then soon begins to branch out with many limbs putting down deep roots. A tree is determined to be healthy if it continues to grow larger and cover more area. This type of analogy was used to define what a successful church, or a business, would look like. Basically, if it was not growing then it was dying out or, in other words, unsuccessful.
I determined by that definition that I was unsuccessful in business. At one point I tried growing the business but it became unmanageable for me. Through all these toils and snares, I one day realized I had bought into and was following the script of the world’s director. I was trying to fit a mold I was not destined for. I am not suggesting that my friend with the large, successful business was out of line, but I just realized that not everyone is equipped with the skills and talents to run a large business. I wanted to be considered successful but, by the world’s standard, I was not. I even bought into the idea that God saw me as unsuccessful.
It was not until about twenty five years later, when I felt directed by the Lord to close down my business to become available full time for His business, that I got the true picture. I had to notify the builders that I had worked for, some for nearly the whole twenty five years, that I was getting out of the business. In all the years I no idea what a success I had been. One after another they began to express their appreciation for the work I had done, saying that I was the most faithful subcontractor they had. I always did what I promised to do and when they needed it. They expressed their concern about finding someone as reliable to replace me.
It was also at that time when I sensed the Lord commending me. It was as if my good record and reputation was taken into consideration in His decision to call me into His service full time. He let me know that, in His eyes, I was very successful. The Lord does not measure success in the same way that man does. Size and the amount of territory one covers is quantity, but He measures by quality and integrity. We are only responsible to the degree we are gifted. Just as in the parable of the talents, the only one who was not rewarded was the servant who did nothing at all with the talent he was given. The other two servants were given talents in varying degrees and were both faithful with what they were trusted with. It was not the size of their accomplishments that earned reward; it was their faithfulness to use what they were given.
I had struggled for years to fit into a mold designed by the world. I was caught up in performance, trying to act a part that was not designed for me. I even strived to be pleasing to God because I allowed the world to define success. I tried to put on the identity of a successful business man, but it was not made for me. I realized later that all I needed was to be identified as a child of God. I was in performance mode, acting out the scenes designed by this world, but when I got on the right page with God, I realized my life was for an audience of One.
Ultimately God has written the script for each one of us. We must take off the identity of this world and put on our new identity in His Kingdom. This is accomplished without striving: it only requires surrender to His purpose and plan for our lives. We can only play the part He has designed us for; any other will leave us frustrated.
Knowing the truth sets us free. I was a slave to performance until I understood how God viewed my life. He saw me as a success based on my surrender to Him, not by how much I could do for Him.
Life, in general, can be like a big stage performance. We can get caught up in it and find our lives being directed by the latest trends and fashions. We want to be accepted and liked by others, so we allow the world to form and shape us into its mold. As Christians we are not to be conformed to the world, or to respond to its director, but we should be listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
It boils down to an identity issue. I think a lack of knowing who we are and what our purpose in life is lends to the ability of the world to direct the desires and passions of God’s people. The world’s definition of success can so affect us and cause to spend much of our lives trying to become someone we were never designed by God to be. I have a personal story that can help, to a degree, explain what I mean.
In 1971, I started my own contracting business as a plumber. I worked for several small home builders installing the plumbing in the homes they built. I had two or three friends who also began businesses around that time. Over a period of years, I would occasionally run across these friends and we would sort of talk shop and compare notes on the various pitfalls and rewards of being in business. One friend, in particular, had a fast growing business and became well known, with a good reputation. Every time I would hear his success stories, I would compare my own situation to his and wonder why I was coming up so far short of what he was able to do.
In the 1980’s there were a few Christian books written on the subject of success, which I read. I came away with even deeper feelings of defeat because I could not measure up to what others were defining as success. Comparing a business to a tree was one application to define success. A tree began as a sprout, and then a twig then soon begins to branch out with many limbs putting down deep roots. A tree is determined to be healthy if it continues to grow larger and cover more area. This type of analogy was used to define what a successful church, or a business, would look like. Basically, if it was not growing then it was dying out or, in other words, unsuccessful.
I determined by that definition that I was unsuccessful in business. At one point I tried growing the business but it became unmanageable for me. Through all these toils and snares, I one day realized I had bought into and was following the script of the world’s director. I was trying to fit a mold I was not destined for. I am not suggesting that my friend with the large, successful business was out of line, but I just realized that not everyone is equipped with the skills and talents to run a large business. I wanted to be considered successful but, by the world’s standard, I was not. I even bought into the idea that God saw me as unsuccessful.
It was not until about twenty five years later, when I felt directed by the Lord to close down my business to become available full time for His business, that I got the true picture. I had to notify the builders that I had worked for, some for nearly the whole twenty five years, that I was getting out of the business. In all the years I no idea what a success I had been. One after another they began to express their appreciation for the work I had done, saying that I was the most faithful subcontractor they had. I always did what I promised to do and when they needed it. They expressed their concern about finding someone as reliable to replace me.
It was also at that time when I sensed the Lord commending me. It was as if my good record and reputation was taken into consideration in His decision to call me into His service full time. He let me know that, in His eyes, I was very successful. The Lord does not measure success in the same way that man does. Size and the amount of territory one covers is quantity, but He measures by quality and integrity. We are only responsible to the degree we are gifted. Just as in the parable of the talents, the only one who was not rewarded was the servant who did nothing at all with the talent he was given. The other two servants were given talents in varying degrees and were both faithful with what they were trusted with. It was not the size of their accomplishments that earned reward; it was their faithfulness to use what they were given.
I had struggled for years to fit into a mold designed by the world. I was caught up in performance, trying to act a part that was not designed for me. I even strived to be pleasing to God because I allowed the world to define success. I tried to put on the identity of a successful business man, but it was not made for me. I realized later that all I needed was to be identified as a child of God. I was in performance mode, acting out the scenes designed by this world, but when I got on the right page with God, I realized my life was for an audience of One.
Ultimately God has written the script for each one of us. We must take off the identity of this world and put on our new identity in His Kingdom. This is accomplished without striving: it only requires surrender to His purpose and plan for our lives. We can only play the part He has designed us for; any other will leave us frustrated.
Knowing the truth sets us free. I was a slave to performance until I understood how God viewed my life. He saw me as a success based on my surrender to Him, not by how much I could do for Him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Overcoming Religion
Often times when testifying to unbelievers about my salvation experience, they would say, “It sounds like you got religion.” I used to agree with that statement because, to me, that meant my salvation brought me into the Christian religion. But in more recent times I prefer to disassociate myself with that term because religion, to most people, means adhering to a set of rules in order to become acceptable to God. Most unbelievers do not see Christians as God’s family dwelling together in unity but in disagreement over how best to interpret all those rules. It is better to avoid the term religion and focus on being in a family relationship with God instead.
The many religions of the world center their focus on doing something in order to be accepted or to gain eternal rewards. Christianity was never intended to become a religion in that sense of the word. The central theme of the bible is about God’s plan to restore broken relationships, not broken rules. God gave us the commandments as laws to protect relationships, not to be the building blocks of a relationship. Relationships are formed through spending time with someone. God desires a family, having lots of sons and daughters. The idea that we must do something to be accepted by God is actually from a slave mentality. Religion is tailor made, and well suited, for those who have a slavery mentality. Because we were all born slaves to sin and the devil, it is easy to be deceived when he returns in a religious guise.
When I became a Christian many years ago, I got involved in church, along with other believers. I didn’t give a second thought as to whether or not I was being exposed to religious practices designed to neutralize my effectiveness in the world. When we do things religiously we often loose track of why we do them. We continue just because we have always done it that way. Someone once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. That is a fitting definition of religion as well. Religion lacks the personal relationship with God. It depends completely on what is written in scripture. Without that relationship, it is like reading someone else’s mail: it would be hard to understand and likely mean very little to us.
In order to overcome religion we must see it for what it is. We must be able to determine to what degree we are affected by it. Jesus often offended the religious people of His day because He exposed their hypocrisy. Religious spirits are at work among us: John calls them antichrists (See 1 John 2). Religious spirits not only oppose Christ but come to take the place of Christ, the anointed one. Religion lacks a true anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of slavery, so obviously these antichrist spirits want to come in with a counterfeit anointing, to neutralize or displace the true anointing. How do we spot a false anointing? Jesus read the following scripture passage concerning Himself and those who are called to the same ministry.
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
In another place it is written, concerning Jesus. John the Baptist was in prison and about to loose his head. He was likely wondering if his mission of preparing the way for the Lord was accomplished.
Matt 11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
The anointing destroys the yoke of bondage. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the dead are raised. These are signs of the anointing at work. If these signs are not following us and we tend to be offended by them, we are likely under the influence of a religious spirit. Religion hates the “Anointed One” because He breaks its power over people. Religion uses the neediness of people to control them, while the true anointing comes with the answer to those needs. Religion poses as the solution to every need but it is only an empty lifeless disguise.
Religion is of the world, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
NKJV
The many religions of the world center their focus on doing something in order to be accepted or to gain eternal rewards. Christianity was never intended to become a religion in that sense of the word. The central theme of the bible is about God’s plan to restore broken relationships, not broken rules. God gave us the commandments as laws to protect relationships, not to be the building blocks of a relationship. Relationships are formed through spending time with someone. God desires a family, having lots of sons and daughters. The idea that we must do something to be accepted by God is actually from a slave mentality. Religion is tailor made, and well suited, for those who have a slavery mentality. Because we were all born slaves to sin and the devil, it is easy to be deceived when he returns in a religious guise.
When I became a Christian many years ago, I got involved in church, along with other believers. I didn’t give a second thought as to whether or not I was being exposed to religious practices designed to neutralize my effectiveness in the world. When we do things religiously we often loose track of why we do them. We continue just because we have always done it that way. Someone once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. That is a fitting definition of religion as well. Religion lacks the personal relationship with God. It depends completely on what is written in scripture. Without that relationship, it is like reading someone else’s mail: it would be hard to understand and likely mean very little to us.
In order to overcome religion we must see it for what it is. We must be able to determine to what degree we are affected by it. Jesus often offended the religious people of His day because He exposed their hypocrisy. Religious spirits are at work among us: John calls them antichrists (See 1 John 2). Religious spirits not only oppose Christ but come to take the place of Christ, the anointed one. Religion lacks a true anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of slavery, so obviously these antichrist spirits want to come in with a counterfeit anointing, to neutralize or displace the true anointing. How do we spot a false anointing? Jesus read the following scripture passage concerning Himself and those who are called to the same ministry.
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
NKJV
In another place it is written, concerning Jesus. John the Baptist was in prison and about to loose his head. He was likely wondering if his mission of preparing the way for the Lord was accomplished.
Matt 11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." NKJV
The anointing destroys the yoke of bondage. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the dead are raised. These are signs of the anointing at work. If these signs are not following us and we tend to be offended by them, we are likely under the influence of a religious spirit. Religion hates the “Anointed One” because He breaks its power over people. Religion uses the neediness of people to control them, while the true anointing comes with the answer to those needs. Religion poses as the solution to every need but it is only an empty lifeless disguise.
Religion is of the world, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
NKJV
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Slavery to Debt
Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. NKJV
1 Tim 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. NKJV
Those who set their sights on riches and material things position themselves for a fall. The enemy always takes advantage of our desires and lays a trap for us. If we love money more than we love God, it will always lead us astray.
The enemy is so deceitful that he will even use what appears good to snare us. I believe that the spirit of mammon will work together with a religious spirit to draw Christians into debt for a good cause so that God’s people will be in bondage. God’s people forfeit their inheritance through disobedience and enter, instead, into bondage.
Deut. 15:4 for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. NKJV
It is our destiny to rule over cities and nations but, instead, we have fallen into bondage through financial debt and the love of money. God’s people should be in control of the money as lenders and not borrowers.
Deut. 28:9 "The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. NKJV
God’s people are not to be slaves to any one, but servants of God only. Jesus said that a man can not serve two masters. He will either despise one and be true to the other, or he will be true to the one and despise the other. If God’s people are servants to the lenders, then are we trying to serve two masters? Jesus said this in the context of wealth. Slavery to wealth is not reserved for those who are in debt. The rich man that wanted to enter into God’s Kingdom was confronted with his love for riches. He was given a choice to either serve his wealth or God. He sadly chose wealth as his master. It was not financial debt that trapped him in slavery, but his love for riches. It is a good thing to love your master; it just better be the right one. The rich man’s love for wealth became a snare that prevented him from serving God.
It is natural for us to become so used to our environment that we can not tell if something is missing or broken. Financial indebtedness is so common place in America that it has become almost as natural as breathing. Our dependency has shifted from God to money. If we were half as dependent upon getting a hold of God as we are about getting more money, we would be much better off.
According to the scriptures in Deuteronomy, there is a definite connection between our obedience to God’s commands and our influence in this world. We have become impotent and ineffective in this world due to being lured into slavery. A slave has no inheritance in God’s plan. The strategy of the enemy is to keep those who would otherwise have authority and dominion over him, in bondage and in slavery. Slavery comes in many forms other than wealth, but because riches, in themselves, are not evil like some other addicting vices, it is more deceitful and adaptable to religion.
1 Tim 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. NKJV
Those who set their sights on riches and material things position themselves for a fall. The enemy always takes advantage of our desires and lays a trap for us. If we love money more than we love God, it will always lead us astray.
The enemy is so deceitful that he will even use what appears good to snare us. I believe that the spirit of mammon will work together with a religious spirit to draw Christians into debt for a good cause so that God’s people will be in bondage. God’s people forfeit their inheritance through disobedience and enter, instead, into bondage.
Deut. 15:4 for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. NKJV
It is our destiny to rule over cities and nations but, instead, we have fallen into bondage through financial debt and the love of money. God’s people should be in control of the money as lenders and not borrowers.
Deut. 28:9 "The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. NKJV
God’s people are not to be slaves to any one, but servants of God only. Jesus said that a man can not serve two masters. He will either despise one and be true to the other, or he will be true to the one and despise the other. If God’s people are servants to the lenders, then are we trying to serve two masters? Jesus said this in the context of wealth. Slavery to wealth is not reserved for those who are in debt. The rich man that wanted to enter into God’s Kingdom was confronted with his love for riches. He was given a choice to either serve his wealth or God. He sadly chose wealth as his master. It was not financial debt that trapped him in slavery, but his love for riches. It is a good thing to love your master; it just better be the right one. The rich man’s love for wealth became a snare that prevented him from serving God.
It is natural for us to become so used to our environment that we can not tell if something is missing or broken. Financial indebtedness is so common place in America that it has become almost as natural as breathing. Our dependency has shifted from God to money. If we were half as dependent upon getting a hold of God as we are about getting more money, we would be much better off.
According to the scriptures in Deuteronomy, there is a definite connection between our obedience to God’s commands and our influence in this world. We have become impotent and ineffective in this world due to being lured into slavery. A slave has no inheritance in God’s plan. The strategy of the enemy is to keep those who would otherwise have authority and dominion over him, in bondage and in slavery. Slavery comes in many forms other than wealth, but because riches, in themselves, are not evil like some other addicting vices, it is more deceitful and adaptable to religion.
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