Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart - Proverbs 18:18
(You might want to categorize this under things that might surprise you about God.)
We prayed about it. We discussed it. My friend had one desire; I had a different one.
"Okay, let's settle the issue the way the early Church settled matters when an agreement could not be achieved. Let's flip a coin."
"You must be joking!" my friend lamented.
"No, the early Church cast lots often to determine a course of direction or even select the disciple who would take Judas' place."
"Okay," my friend agreed.
We flipped the coin and the matter was quickly settled.
In the Old Testament there are many examples of casting lots for determining a decision. We hear little of this method today. Most of us do not want to release the decision process to this seemingly "flippant" process; yet the Lord says, The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Prov. 16:33).
Flipping a coin is the equivalent to casting a lot. It removes our own opinions and leaves the final outcome to the Lord. Pray before you take such an action. It will surprise you who is willing to submit a decision to the Lord and who isn't. It removes the element of control from both parties.
Having shared this with you I believe that God revels when His kids get together, use their creativity and create solutions together that are greater than either one would have created alone. I believe in unity in The Spirit in the bond of peace.
I believe the Lord would first have us make decisions through agreement and continued prayer for the decision. However, there are times when casting lots, short-straw/long-straw can be the not just the quickest and simplest resolution, but also help us keep God's perspective on the value and importance of earthly things compared to godly. Casting lots removes each person's temptation to lord it over the other.
Move on! Cast the lot and settle the dispute. The relationship is what matters as long as godly principles and commitment to Jesus reign in the day you can do this with the Lord's blessing. I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Single Moms - Are They Our New Widows?
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are instructed to care for those who often cannot thrive on their own, most often widows and orphans. Because of the lack of honorable employment available for women in ancient times, widows were in an especially difficult position. Without secular institutions to care for these women, widows either relied heavily on family members for financial assistance or lived in poverty.
Throughout scripture, God instructs his people in no uncertain terms to take it upon themselves to make sure these women are provided for. No fewer than 66 Old Testament passages mention widows, saying (among many other things) that widows are not to be taken advantage of (Exodus 22:22), that God defends them (Deuteronommy 10:18), that food is to be left for them to eat (Deuteronomy 24:20-21), and that those who withhold justice from them are cursed (Deuteronomy 27:19). In the New Testament, Jesus — even on the cross — entrusts the care of his mother, Mary, to the disciple John, demonstrating even in his anguish the importance widows play in his kingdom (John 19:26-27). The church is implored on a number of occasions to take care of the widows in their midst. James’ language is actually rather direct along these lines: “True religion” is taking care of widows and orphans (James 1:27).
Today, our world is quite different. Women have access to a formal education that prepares them for careers on par (though still not equal, sadly) with men in both pay scale and advancement. Even a less educated woman can receive a decent hourly job and provide for herself. In this way, a woman’s options for provision have not run out should her husband or partner pass away.
I suggest we update our definition “widow” to include single mothers, perhaps the most vulnerable members of our contemporary societies and churches. I am not suggesting we cease our financial, spiritual, and emotional care for women (and men) who have lost their spouses. But as Christians who read our Bibles as “living and active” words from God for all people in all contexts, we seek to broaden our traditional understandings of certain scriptures based on changes in our context. In saying this, I am also not detracting from the strength and courage of many single mothers. For most single moms in America, though, the math just doesn’t work in their favor: Even one child that is not yet school-aged can prevent the only able-bodied worker – mom – from having a job outside the home, without shelling out hundreds of dollars in day-care bills each week.
Sadly, the church has a shameful reputation in its treatment of single mothers, primarily because of the stigmas associated with being a single mom. They live messy lives. I know, I had one.
Our views on divorce and irresponsible premarital sex often underlie this bias ... even today in our enlightened state where we are beginning to realize that sin is sin and all sinners need a touch from God, the Holy Spirit and His people - constantly!
Those who hold most of the resources are too often the ones casting judgment on those whom they believe had a central role in creating their own fate, translating this into a general stinginess of time and money toward single moms. "The spiritual" people most often play the part of moral judge and jury, shunning fellow members who divorce and never completely welcoming those single moms who come to them following their “sin.” It is no secret that the church is often quite a lonely place to be for a divorced woman, let alone a woman who had her children out of wedlock.
We must update our spiritual lexicon regarding the word “widow” to include single moms. Right next door to many of our churches – and too often within them – these courageous women are sacrificing greatly for the well-being of their children while Christians look on primarily with judgment rather than compassion. We must consider the possibility that, placing ourselves within the story of the adulterous woman “caught in the act” in John 8, we are in fact the Pharisees and teachers of the law to whom Jesus sternly says, “Let anyone who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
This son of a widow and a divorcee...remains within HIS grip...
~J~
Throughout scripture, God instructs his people in no uncertain terms to take it upon themselves to make sure these women are provided for. No fewer than 66 Old Testament passages mention widows, saying (among many other things) that widows are not to be taken advantage of (Exodus 22:22), that God defends them (Deuteronommy 10:18), that food is to be left for them to eat (Deuteronomy 24:20-21), and that those who withhold justice from them are cursed (Deuteronomy 27:19). In the New Testament, Jesus — even on the cross — entrusts the care of his mother, Mary, to the disciple John, demonstrating even in his anguish the importance widows play in his kingdom (John 19:26-27). The church is implored on a number of occasions to take care of the widows in their midst. James’ language is actually rather direct along these lines: “True religion” is taking care of widows and orphans (James 1:27).
Today, our world is quite different. Women have access to a formal education that prepares them for careers on par (though still not equal, sadly) with men in both pay scale and advancement. Even a less educated woman can receive a decent hourly job and provide for herself. In this way, a woman’s options for provision have not run out should her husband or partner pass away.
I suggest we update our definition “widow” to include single mothers, perhaps the most vulnerable members of our contemporary societies and churches. I am not suggesting we cease our financial, spiritual, and emotional care for women (and men) who have lost their spouses. But as Christians who read our Bibles as “living and active” words from God for all people in all contexts, we seek to broaden our traditional understandings of certain scriptures based on changes in our context. In saying this, I am also not detracting from the strength and courage of many single mothers. For most single moms in America, though, the math just doesn’t work in their favor: Even one child that is not yet school-aged can prevent the only able-bodied worker – mom – from having a job outside the home, without shelling out hundreds of dollars in day-care bills each week.
Sadly, the church has a shameful reputation in its treatment of single mothers, primarily because of the stigmas associated with being a single mom. They live messy lives. I know, I had one.
Our views on divorce and irresponsible premarital sex often underlie this bias ... even today in our enlightened state where we are beginning to realize that sin is sin and all sinners need a touch from God, the Holy Spirit and His people - constantly!
Those who hold most of the resources are too often the ones casting judgment on those whom they believe had a central role in creating their own fate, translating this into a general stinginess of time and money toward single moms. "The spiritual" people most often play the part of moral judge and jury, shunning fellow members who divorce and never completely welcoming those single moms who come to them following their “sin.” It is no secret that the church is often quite a lonely place to be for a divorced woman, let alone a woman who had her children out of wedlock.
We must update our spiritual lexicon regarding the word “widow” to include single moms. Right next door to many of our churches – and too often within them – these courageous women are sacrificing greatly for the well-being of their children while Christians look on primarily with judgment rather than compassion. We must consider the possibility that, placing ourselves within the story of the adulterous woman “caught in the act” in John 8, we are in fact the Pharisees and teachers of the law to whom Jesus sternly says, “Let anyone who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
This son of a widow and a divorcee...remains within HIS grip...
~J~
Vertical With God Means Just Outcomes
When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly - 1 Peter 2:23
When was the last time "wrongfully accused" was part of your life scenario? I know you've been wrongfully accused. I am also fairly certain you have been on the accuser's side of the equation.
I loathe being told I've done something I had no part in. It immediately brings every negative emotion right to the end of my nerves. Some people worry what others will think. "What will people think if they believe these things are true?" we reason. Not me. I don't get that deep. I just HATE having something said that just isn't so as it relates to me.
There was a point in my life that I was both a franchisee and an executive in a franchise company. I viewed it as the perfect opportunity to understand and speak into both areas. Many of the franchisees simply saw me as a turncoat. Rumors abounded of me as a sellout. It didn't hurt my feelings. It ticked me off and caused me to become sarcastic, cynical and aggressive. This didn't help at all.
Well, imagine what Jesus thought as they hurled insults and threats upon Him. The God of the universe had visited planet earth only to be slandered and accused of blasphemy. My role was nothing comparatively. Jesus came and did nothing but good. His words did nothing but reveal man and bring salvation and his actions revealed God the Father. Yet, He had to endure rumor, speculation, lies, insults and threats against His person.
Jesus might have done any number of things in response. He could have used His power to put the people in their place. He could have responded "horizontally." He could have fixed the problem right then. However, He chose to respond in a different way. He chose to "entrust Himself to Him who judges justly." It requires great faith to entrust ourselves to God our heavenly father in the midst of personal assault. The beauty of it is that if we can do this we will discover a level of grace, peace, personal power and wisdom that will be birthed from this experience that we never thought possible. Trusting our God with things we cannot control directly creates a freedom in God we can only embrace when we accept Him at His word.
Suffering for doing that which is honorable, right, and just without seeking to protect our reputation and rights is a faith act. Faith produces redemption. This activates God's grace in our lives and enables us to experience God's presence like never before.
Ask God to give you the grace to stay vertical with Him. Avoid the temptation of responding horizontally each time some event comes into your life that you want to "fix." Entrust yourself to the one who judges justly. It may be a divine appointment for your growth to another level in grace. It will change your life...some more - in the name of Jesus! Remain with me...
InHISgrip,
~J~
When was the last time "wrongfully accused" was part of your life scenario? I know you've been wrongfully accused. I am also fairly certain you have been on the accuser's side of the equation.
I loathe being told I've done something I had no part in. It immediately brings every negative emotion right to the end of my nerves. Some people worry what others will think. "What will people think if they believe these things are true?" we reason. Not me. I don't get that deep. I just HATE having something said that just isn't so as it relates to me.
There was a point in my life that I was both a franchisee and an executive in a franchise company. I viewed it as the perfect opportunity to understand and speak into both areas. Many of the franchisees simply saw me as a turncoat. Rumors abounded of me as a sellout. It didn't hurt my feelings. It ticked me off and caused me to become sarcastic, cynical and aggressive. This didn't help at all.
Well, imagine what Jesus thought as they hurled insults and threats upon Him. The God of the universe had visited planet earth only to be slandered and accused of blasphemy. My role was nothing comparatively. Jesus came and did nothing but good. His words did nothing but reveal man and bring salvation and his actions revealed God the Father. Yet, He had to endure rumor, speculation, lies, insults and threats against His person.
Jesus might have done any number of things in response. He could have used His power to put the people in their place. He could have responded "horizontally." He could have fixed the problem right then. However, He chose to respond in a different way. He chose to "entrust Himself to Him who judges justly." It requires great faith to entrust ourselves to God our heavenly father in the midst of personal assault. The beauty of it is that if we can do this we will discover a level of grace, peace, personal power and wisdom that will be birthed from this experience that we never thought possible. Trusting our God with things we cannot control directly creates a freedom in God we can only embrace when we accept Him at His word.
Suffering for doing that which is honorable, right, and just without seeking to protect our reputation and rights is a faith act. Faith produces redemption. This activates God's grace in our lives and enables us to experience God's presence like never before.
Ask God to give you the grace to stay vertical with Him. Avoid the temptation of responding horizontally each time some event comes into your life that you want to "fix." Entrust yourself to the one who judges justly. It may be a divine appointment for your growth to another level in grace. It will change your life...some more - in the name of Jesus! Remain with me...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The God Who Comes Through...
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:19
Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in this place.
My rantings are seldom the fruit of reading just scripture. This was no exception. My devotions usually have me in the Old Testament Pentateuch, the Prophets, Wisdom (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs) and the New Testament. I experience a spiritual mashable if you will. Today God's supply took on real meaning as I read about the exploits of Israel with the principle that Paul espouses above.
So, when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the desolate desert (is there any other kind?), they had no ability to provide for themselves. God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day's portion of what they needed.
This was a season in their lives. It made a reality out of their dependence on God and the faithfulness of God as their personal provider. Talk about a principle brought home.
Now, eventually, they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God changed the rules. The Father's "supernatural provision" was no longer required. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan - Josh. 5:12. In both cases God was the provider of the need.
For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our work. Just like the animal kingdom we are commanded to go out and gather what God has already provided. We may not see it that way but it is part of the provisions of a life of faith. It is a process of participation in what God has already provided. Because it becomes second nature to us, commonplace, it often appears it is fully on our shoulders to make it happen. Transversely, it appears it is all up to God at other times. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He requires our involvement in either case.
You may say to yourself, My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today - Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
I'm going to make this simple today. There is no great pull apart exegesis and apologetic. Here's what you and I need to do today: Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have today. He is a faithful provider.
And I will remain...forever and a day...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in this place.
My rantings are seldom the fruit of reading just scripture. This was no exception. My devotions usually have me in the Old Testament Pentateuch, the Prophets, Wisdom (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs) and the New Testament. I experience a spiritual mashable if you will. Today God's supply took on real meaning as I read about the exploits of Israel with the principle that Paul espouses above.
So, when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the desolate desert (is there any other kind?), they had no ability to provide for themselves. God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day's portion of what they needed.
This was a season in their lives. It made a reality out of their dependence on God and the faithfulness of God as their personal provider. Talk about a principle brought home.
Now, eventually, they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God changed the rules. The Father's "supernatural provision" was no longer required. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan - Josh. 5:12. In both cases God was the provider of the need.
For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our work. Just like the animal kingdom we are commanded to go out and gather what God has already provided. We may not see it that way but it is part of the provisions of a life of faith. It is a process of participation in what God has already provided. Because it becomes second nature to us, commonplace, it often appears it is fully on our shoulders to make it happen. Transversely, it appears it is all up to God at other times. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He requires our involvement in either case.
You may say to yourself, My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today - Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
I'm going to make this simple today. There is no great pull apart exegesis and apologetic. Here's what you and I need to do today: Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have today. He is a faithful provider.
And I will remain...forever and a day...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Monday, June 22, 2009
Of Fear & fear...
There is a Fear We Should Embrace & One To Conquer - J Wilson
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people - Acts 5:13
The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength – I Samuel 2:4
Every day in thousands of homes and offices across the globe, Christians testify of God's grace in their lives in some way. Sometimes it comes through a subtle performance of their duties with a smile and peace that non-believers cannot understand. In other cases, there might be more visible, unexplainable examples of God's work.
This calm assurance and steadfast commitment to right living and actions, these were the defining difference in believers in the early Church. They lived lives that followed with signs and wonders that could not be humanly explained. They seemed fearless.
It wasn’t about what they could attain to (after all, they had attained to the highest of all – we are seated in heavenly place in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6).
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. Some of them met in homes as well. In those early days however it says that, "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number" - Acts 5:12-14
How often we have heard non-believers acknowledge their respect for the “Christian next door”, but they dare not join them in their persuasion.
It is this fear of the unknown that keeps many a non-believer on the path to personal and eternal destruction. Who has God placed in your path today to help detour from a path of eternal torment to a path of freedom and eternal life? There is someone. I can guarantee it. There is.
The Lord desires that each should come to knowledge of the truth so that they might live a saved life. As you go about your day today, ask the Lord for a divine appointment that might be the turning point for a lost soul; someone who does not have the internal strength to make a decision on their own.
There's no prayer the Lord will delight in more than this one, “Lord make me strength today for someone who has no strength. Make me the conduit through which they may to come to you Lord Jesus.”
Then there is the Biblical oxymoron that says that brokenness is strength. How can this be? How can brokenness be strength? In order to use men and women to their fullest extent, the Lord has to break His servants so that they might have a new kind of strength that is not human in origin. It is strength in spirit that is born only through brokenness. It begins with the fear of the Lord; the respect, adoration and recognition of his awesomeness.
Paul was broken on the Damascus road. He came to know a fear like none he had previously experienced in his prideful Hebrew life. Peter was broken after Jesus was taken prisoner. Jacob was broken at Peniel. David was broken after his sin with Bathsheba. The list could go on of those the Lord had to break in different ways before they could be used in the Kingdom. These were all who finally came to embrace the right and proper call of God on their lives.
When we are broken, we see the frailty of human strength and come to grips with the reality that we can do nothing in our own strength. We measure that against a limitless God and realize we can be crushed under the weight of just an aspect or two of His power (righteousness and holiness might be two things that can crush a human…) Then, new strength emerges that God uses mightily. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Do not fear brokenness. Rather, fear our awe inspiring God. Fear of God may be the missing ingredient to a life that emerges with a new kind of strength and experience not known before. Pray for a broken and contrite heart that God can bless. Pray for a right kind of fear…not fear from God but a reverent fear of not honoring and loving Him.
I remain…
InHISgrip,
~J~
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people - Acts 5:13
The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength – I Samuel 2:4
Every day in thousands of homes and offices across the globe, Christians testify of God's grace in their lives in some way. Sometimes it comes through a subtle performance of their duties with a smile and peace that non-believers cannot understand. In other cases, there might be more visible, unexplainable examples of God's work.
This calm assurance and steadfast commitment to right living and actions, these were the defining difference in believers in the early Church. They lived lives that followed with signs and wonders that could not be humanly explained. They seemed fearless.
It wasn’t about what they could attain to (after all, they had attained to the highest of all – we are seated in heavenly place in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6).
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. Some of them met in homes as well. In those early days however it says that, "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number" - Acts 5:12-14
How often we have heard non-believers acknowledge their respect for the “Christian next door”, but they dare not join them in their persuasion.
It is this fear of the unknown that keeps many a non-believer on the path to personal and eternal destruction. Who has God placed in your path today to help detour from a path of eternal torment to a path of freedom and eternal life? There is someone. I can guarantee it. There is.
The Lord desires that each should come to knowledge of the truth so that they might live a saved life. As you go about your day today, ask the Lord for a divine appointment that might be the turning point for a lost soul; someone who does not have the internal strength to make a decision on their own.
There's no prayer the Lord will delight in more than this one, “Lord make me strength today for someone who has no strength. Make me the conduit through which they may to come to you Lord Jesus.”
Then there is the Biblical oxymoron that says that brokenness is strength. How can this be? How can brokenness be strength? In order to use men and women to their fullest extent, the Lord has to break His servants so that they might have a new kind of strength that is not human in origin. It is strength in spirit that is born only through brokenness. It begins with the fear of the Lord; the respect, adoration and recognition of his awesomeness.
Paul was broken on the Damascus road. He came to know a fear like none he had previously experienced in his prideful Hebrew life. Peter was broken after Jesus was taken prisoner. Jacob was broken at Peniel. David was broken after his sin with Bathsheba. The list could go on of those the Lord had to break in different ways before they could be used in the Kingdom. These were all who finally came to embrace the right and proper call of God on their lives.
When we are broken, we see the frailty of human strength and come to grips with the reality that we can do nothing in our own strength. We measure that against a limitless God and realize we can be crushed under the weight of just an aspect or two of His power (righteousness and holiness might be two things that can crush a human…) Then, new strength emerges that God uses mightily. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Do not fear brokenness. Rather, fear our awe inspiring God. Fear of God may be the missing ingredient to a life that emerges with a new kind of strength and experience not known before. Pray for a broken and contrite heart that God can bless. Pray for a right kind of fear…not fear from God but a reverent fear of not honoring and loving Him.
I remain…
InHISgrip,
~J~
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Gettin' The Dough To Show!
A Lesson on Receiving What is Rightfully Yours
"But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it..." - Joshua 19:47
As I read part of my devotional this morning a question cropped up in my mind. It was something like, "Lord, it seems that my inheritance is either slimming down from overuse or I don't have a clue what it is and it hasn't showed up yet. Which is it Lord?"
I'm sure you guessed it.
The Lord brought back to remembrance a verse, "Eye has not seen , nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." - I Corinthians 2:9
Thank You Jesus...I have NOT received it...not all of it...not yet!
However, we can also glean this, our physical and godly inheritance and our forever eternal inheritance, in the mind of God are on a continuum. But we have to see with our spiritual eyes in order to embrace it and understand it.
Moreover, a bigger question might be this, what is the spiritual inheritance God has reserved for you? And is this gift received the way you do a Christmas present? What ever possessed us to think that?
Check this out. When God told the Israelites they were going to receive the Promised Land, it was not given to them on a silver platter. In fact, they would encounter 39 battles in taking the land God promised to them. It took a joint effort between God and the Israelites to engage and battle the enemy that maintained control of the land.
Here is what I came away with today as I read this first, God has given you and me an inheritance that has physical components and spiritual pieces. We need to understand how they connect.
Second, this bequest on God's part is given to family members. Israel was to receive it because they were God's kids. Are you one of His? Have you made certain of your relationship to God? Do you know Him as Lord of your life? It is those who are who get the goods!
Third, God's family is in a battle. In order to obtain the prize we must participate in the family trade and business which is confronting the enemy of God wherever he, it, they rear their ugly heads. The battles we fight are first fought in our hearts (Satan wants to control that so the rest of the territory you've been given is his without a fight). This is a spiritual battle to determine if God's Kingdom extends into your heart. Remember, the Kingdom of God is anywhere and everywhere that God is ruler. So is Jesus your Saviour and is He your King?
Fourth, a dear friend and mentor once counseled me after watching my life over a period and said, "John, part of your inheritance in the faith is relationships. Because it lies in relationships, that is the place the enemy has attacked you most." He then further taught me, "The enemy always attacks us at the gate through which we are to receive our inheritance. You must walk in faithfulness and obedience to His righteousness in how you deal with relationships." These were words of wisdom. I just recently found the piece of paper on which they were written. I have been up and down in this battle. But I tell you these words will now, again, as they were supposed to, guide my path. I can tell you he Lord has proven these words to be true in the past. My success in life and in Christ are somehow attached to these words.
Fifth and finally I realized that our inheritance in Christ Jesus is different from one another. Part of that is our physical state. It includes our work, family and our ability to create wealth and distribute as well as many other things that happen here and now. It extends into eternity if I read the prophecies right. So the question becomes what is the spiritual inheritance He has reserved for you? And more importantly since we want to receive all that God has for us, what areas of your inheritance must you take possession of in an act of faith and physical action?
The enemy of your soul does not want you to take possession of what is yours. Part of this participation means you put on the whole armor of God and realize the battle is primarily spiritual. Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) and begin walking in obedience into the areas God has called you to possess. With me today let us take hold of what is our and possess our possessions! I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
"But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it..." - Joshua 19:47
As I read part of my devotional this morning a question cropped up in my mind. It was something like, "Lord, it seems that my inheritance is either slimming down from overuse or I don't have a clue what it is and it hasn't showed up yet. Which is it Lord?"
I'm sure you guessed it.
The Lord brought back to remembrance a verse, "Eye has not seen , nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." - I Corinthians 2:9
Thank You Jesus...I have NOT received it...not all of it...not yet!
However, we can also glean this, our physical and godly inheritance and our forever eternal inheritance, in the mind of God are on a continuum. But we have to see with our spiritual eyes in order to embrace it and understand it.
Moreover, a bigger question might be this, what is the spiritual inheritance God has reserved for you? And is this gift received the way you do a Christmas present? What ever possessed us to think that?
Check this out. When God told the Israelites they were going to receive the Promised Land, it was not given to them on a silver platter. In fact, they would encounter 39 battles in taking the land God promised to them. It took a joint effort between God and the Israelites to engage and battle the enemy that maintained control of the land.
Here is what I came away with today as I read this first, God has given you and me an inheritance that has physical components and spiritual pieces. We need to understand how they connect.
Second, this bequest on God's part is given to family members. Israel was to receive it because they were God's kids. Are you one of His? Have you made certain of your relationship to God? Do you know Him as Lord of your life? It is those who are who get the goods!
Third, God's family is in a battle. In order to obtain the prize we must participate in the family trade and business which is confronting the enemy of God wherever he, it, they rear their ugly heads. The battles we fight are first fought in our hearts (Satan wants to control that so the rest of the territory you've been given is his without a fight). This is a spiritual battle to determine if God's Kingdom extends into your heart. Remember, the Kingdom of God is anywhere and everywhere that God is ruler. So is Jesus your Saviour and is He your King?
Fourth, a dear friend and mentor once counseled me after watching my life over a period and said, "John, part of your inheritance in the faith is relationships. Because it lies in relationships, that is the place the enemy has attacked you most." He then further taught me, "The enemy always attacks us at the gate through which we are to receive our inheritance. You must walk in faithfulness and obedience to His righteousness in how you deal with relationships." These were words of wisdom. I just recently found the piece of paper on which they were written. I have been up and down in this battle. But I tell you these words will now, again, as they were supposed to, guide my path. I can tell you he Lord has proven these words to be true in the past. My success in life and in Christ are somehow attached to these words.
Fifth and finally I realized that our inheritance in Christ Jesus is different from one another. Part of that is our physical state. It includes our work, family and our ability to create wealth and distribute as well as many other things that happen here and now. It extends into eternity if I read the prophecies right. So the question becomes what is the spiritual inheritance He has reserved for you? And more importantly since we want to receive all that God has for us, what areas of your inheritance must you take possession of in an act of faith and physical action?
The enemy of your soul does not want you to take possession of what is yours. Part of this participation means you put on the whole armor of God and realize the battle is primarily spiritual. Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) and begin walking in obedience into the areas God has called you to possess. With me today let us take hold of what is our and possess our possessions! I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I'm moving my franchise blog! Find my latest updates at http://ping.fm/qd8nD for past posts: http://ping.fm/zqMBV
Friday, June 12, 2009
When Planting the Tree Yields Little Fruit
You have planted much, but have harvested little.... - Haggai 1:6
This last week we studied the famous section from the New Testament Book of Galatians: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law - Galatians 5:22,23.
Have you ever been on the front end of a new project or some new endeavor? Have you worked and worked only to realize what seems to be little or even nothing for your efforts? Such was the case for the believers who joined in with Haggai during his time. In this instance, God eventually spoke through the prophet Haggai to inform the people why their efforts were not yielding the desired result.
There was a specific reason this was happening.
You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands - Haggai 1:9-11
God had finally had enough. His priorities were not His people's priorities. As valuable as they may have been to their group, they weren't shared by their maker. So, He withheld in order to get their attention. Zerubbabel was governor of Judah at the time. He was a godly man who sought to do God's will. He listened as the prophet gave these words; then he responded.
Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord - Haggai 1:12
Our God is proactive. He is a God that will stir up the spirit of one man to initiate needed change. He will do it even if it is just one life affected. He certainly will do it to an entire people whom He has called. In this case Zerubbabel was that man. Scriptures say, The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel - Haggai 1:14
I believe that God is stirring up the spirit of a remnant of believers throughout the world today. These ones are getting a fresh vision. They are seeing what God envisions for His people to accomplish and they are seeing what breaks God's heart. But more than this they're responding.
Has God placed the spirit of Zerubbabel in you? Are you one who will make a difference for the Kingdom, or are you concerned about building bigger and better barns and gathering more stuff? The Lord is calling forth His people in these days to make a difference. Ask Him what He wants to do through you. Should you need help in figuring it out give me a shout. My vision is to help others find out that sweet spot where God gets you right where He wants you...to use you mightily! I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
This last week we studied the famous section from the New Testament Book of Galatians: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law - Galatians 5:22,23.
Have you ever been on the front end of a new project or some new endeavor? Have you worked and worked only to realize what seems to be little or even nothing for your efforts? Such was the case for the believers who joined in with Haggai during his time. In this instance, God eventually spoke through the prophet Haggai to inform the people why their efforts were not yielding the desired result.
There was a specific reason this was happening.
You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands - Haggai 1:9-11
God had finally had enough. His priorities were not His people's priorities. As valuable as they may have been to their group, they weren't shared by their maker. So, He withheld in order to get their attention. Zerubbabel was governor of Judah at the time. He was a godly man who sought to do God's will. He listened as the prophet gave these words; then he responded.
Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord - Haggai 1:12
Our God is proactive. He is a God that will stir up the spirit of one man to initiate needed change. He will do it even if it is just one life affected. He certainly will do it to an entire people whom He has called. In this case Zerubbabel was that man. Scriptures say, The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel - Haggai 1:14
I believe that God is stirring up the spirit of a remnant of believers throughout the world today. These ones are getting a fresh vision. They are seeing what God envisions for His people to accomplish and they are seeing what breaks God's heart. But more than this they're responding.
Has God placed the spirit of Zerubbabel in you? Are you one who will make a difference for the Kingdom, or are you concerned about building bigger and better barns and gathering more stuff? The Lord is calling forth His people in these days to make a difference. Ask Him what He wants to do through you. Should you need help in figuring it out give me a shout. My vision is to help others find out that sweet spot where God gets you right where He wants you...to use you mightily! I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Power of Words from Your Lips
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit - Proverbs 18:21
My children grew up with their father (er...moi) telling them on a more regular basis than probably what was called for that, "God spoke worlds into existence and what He said brought things without life to life by what He said. Always remember what you say has the power of life and death in it. What you say is either life or it is death and that depends on the source. Use wisdom when speaking."
Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire and create or shroud a moment in utter despair. Many successful business types, doctors, pastors and entrepreneurs can remember the time their own dads succeeded or failed to provide them with affirmation. The result was either over achievement to prove their worth, or underachievement to validate that yes, in fact, dad was correct in his assessment of me.
Many a spouse has given up on their ability to love because of a critical partner. Husbands have left marriages because words of disrespect and ungratefulness finally hit their targets too deeply.
We have all heard numerous stories regarding the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have been encouraged, challenged, and comforted with words that made a difference in their lives. My first suggestion is that you feed on those powerful affirming stories.
Jesus, the one the Apostle John called "The Word" epitomized understanding concerning the power of words. He used parables to convey His principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.
He used words to shock the self-righteous into more deeply understanding what God truly valued.
Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today?
With me, today, commit to being an inspiration to those you meet. Affirm someone close to you today. Let's be lovers of those Jesus loved and lets empower those around us. Our words can do just that. I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
My children grew up with their father (er...moi) telling them on a more regular basis than probably what was called for that, "God spoke worlds into existence and what He said brought things without life to life by what He said. Always remember what you say has the power of life and death in it. What you say is either life or it is death and that depends on the source. Use wisdom when speaking."
Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire and create or shroud a moment in utter despair. Many successful business types, doctors, pastors and entrepreneurs can remember the time their own dads succeeded or failed to provide them with affirmation. The result was either over achievement to prove their worth, or underachievement to validate that yes, in fact, dad was correct in his assessment of me.
Many a spouse has given up on their ability to love because of a critical partner. Husbands have left marriages because words of disrespect and ungratefulness finally hit their targets too deeply.
We have all heard numerous stories regarding the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have been encouraged, challenged, and comforted with words that made a difference in their lives. My first suggestion is that you feed on those powerful affirming stories.
Jesus, the one the Apostle John called "The Word" epitomized understanding concerning the power of words. He used parables to convey His principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.
He used words to shock the self-righteous into more deeply understanding what God truly valued.
Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today?
With me, today, commit to being an inspiration to those you meet. Affirm someone close to you today. Let's be lovers of those Jesus loved and lets empower those around us. Our words can do just that. I remain...
InHISgrip,
~J~
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Just What is God Diggin' on Today?
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love - Psalm 147:10
Recently because of my work situation a lot of thought has been going into our ability to take care of our bills. Now, I was thinking of a lot of other ways to say that but I think part of what I should do is talk straight. So, there it is.
Money…again…some more…continually…freakin’ money
!
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible calls money “mammon” and mammon and power are two ruling strongholds of American culture.
If you possess either of these, those who serve the workplace and who hope to increase their market share will court you. You want to know how to be a popular adult in America? Be a person who possesses the ability to create wealth for others. Can you see the problem this might cause?
Our world is a competitive place that often gives way to decisions and actions that are dictated by the financial bottom line. A recent newspaper article stated that employers are requiring workers to put more time into their jobs, often requiring weekend work in order to be more competitive. The 40-hour workweek that had been the dream of my parents is all but a lost thought today. For the Christian worker, this brings pressures on the family and will result in "lost market share" in the spiritual realm. We lose valuable worship time. We lose the connection to loved ones, to personal time, to activities we are passionate about but most of all, God, adoring Him, loving Him, rebuilding and building a relationship with Him because a tertiary and unnecessary activity in light of what our time and efforts are pursuing…the almighty dollar.
And then we are in big trouble.
The Lord has a different measuring stick to our determination if we are of value. Our Heavenly Father is not impressed with our ability or what you can do for to further earthly kingdoms. Only one thing delights Him. Now, this is put into many different forms. Here is the form I choose today. If you want to please your God then be a people who fear Him and put their hope in His unfailing love. Recognize his immensity, His attributes, but mostly His desire to be connected back to you.
What does it mean to fear God and place our hope in His love? It means we acknowledge that God is the source of all that we are and all that we should hope to become. He is the one who gives us the ability to work, plan, and execute our plans. He does not want us to look to our abilities, but to His abilities. The job we do must be done in a way that honors Him and put in balance with all that He values and not what we are so apt to put value on in our works-for-praise driven world.
Sometimes it is difficult to balance these two perspectives. However, if we ask God to show us how to maintain this balance, He will do it. Put your hope in His unfailing love today. Remember once more that loving His is about how you give Him your time and your talents and how, regardless the task, you do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to Him be honor and glory and praise forever.
And then you will know that your heavenly Father is looking on you as a proud Father. I remain…
InHISgrip,
~J~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
