Would it just be me if I write that I don't understand why people do what they do? I mean I can understand that if you give the enemy place then sin will take you farther than you ever thought you would go. After all the enemy is going to do what he is assigned to do (John 10:10 NIV). Its just that if you believe to receive in order to have and we walk in the spirit so not to fulfill the lust of the flesh, knowing that God sees all then why when we see our faults and know what the results of the consequences are, won't the behavior also change? Really? Is it so much easier to ask God for forgiveness and not do the same to the person(s)who experienced the offense? Is not the greater One on the inside of him as well?
The catalyst for this entry was realizing how the last generation kept so many secrets and would not tell what they should have. In fact they taught their children to do the same. I have family members who took family information to the grave and it would have been beneficial for us all to know what happened. Its just that we are born again believers and in the Word (the truth by which we base our faith) tells us to tell the younger generation of what our forefathers have done (Job 8:8-13; Nehemiah 9:13-36 AMP). The purpose of this instruction to the children of Israel is so that they could live righteous lives and not make the same mistakes over and over. Why would that instruction be different from today? To do otherwise, I would have to question if the love of God is in you at all? Is it more important for pride to be in tact then it is to help someone out of turmoil (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)?
Oh puh-leeze, this isn't just isolated to family but if you are to behave one way with those that are closest to you, wouldn't you do the same - if not worse to those who don't have an invested interest in your welfare? Doesn't charity begin at home (1 Corinthians 13:2 KJV) ? And isn't charity euphemised love (1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)? Why then when pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and/or apostles tell an entire group of people his/her translation of the Word or the revelation knowledge they believed God told them (without proving) (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)but finding that they made a mistake won't come back and apologize for making such the faux pas? Don't they realize when some people write those things down, they actually study and live it based on what the pastor taught and so why wouldn't the listener believe it as truth? Would that a pastor (or anyone from the 5-fold ministry)have one child of God led astray (Matthew 18:6 NIV)? Is that one person expendable? Does pride really have such a strong-hold on the lives of spiritual leaders?
There is this humongeous oil spill in the gulf. It is the fault of someone. We see the industry of those who depended on that income be destroyed. We see natural wild life being destroyed because of the oil. We see people voicing their frustrations because of a skipped step in procedure. People are even blaming the President, who didn't have anything to do with the industry's mistake. We waited for weeks to hear or see someone step up from the multi-billion dollar company say a few words of remorse... something! But it didn't happen. The President made a speech last week voicing his anger and the consequences the oil company will have to endure because of their costly mistake. I just don't think it will stop there, but how much difference would a few words made had they been said. Angry people will speculate and say, "not much!' If that at all. Hind sight in this case, isn't 20/20 without the Word. I believe there would have been an out pouring of assistance from our society. We just won't experience that because no one seemed apologetic for what happened.
But we are not of the world and I write for my brothers and sisters in the faith. What will it take for the meek to inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5 KJV)? Oh, I know... to be meek. Pride is not one of those ingredients in the meek department(Psalms 10:2 AMP). Pride is in the specific recipe of giving the enemy place (Proverbs 11:2 AMP). Would that you lose it all before saying, "please forgive me?"
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Spiritually Spookey
When we come into the knowledge of the truth, it is very easy to get so wrapped up into the faith with a higher being that we cannot see, that some tend to go too far and into the dark side. Initially it doesn't seem so wrong, but all deceit starts off that way. Its the reason there is the phrase little white lies. That's like being a little pregnant. Even after the last tri-mester, is it still a little or are you then full fledged? Be as it may, those little trips to the dark side could be the very reason you can't quite figure when you allowed the enemy place (Ephesians 4:27 KJV) to steal, kill and destroy your stuff (John 10:10 NIV). Let's find it, shall we?
You see, it started with asking God to give us a sign for this and that. We do those things because we aren't use to walking by faith. But then when you put away with childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV) (and know that is a process as well), that sign thing is a thing of the past and should have died with the old stuff so again creating the new things that are much more applicable and profitable for your new life. Signs are suppose to be manifestations assuring you that God heard your prayers and He is at work completing what you asked. The truth of the matter is when Jesus said, "it is done" that meant a plethera of things including anything that you can ask or think. We just have to believe that's what it meant in order for it to be done. Its faith at work, not God at work. He did all He is going to do. Now we have to believe to receive it. That's faith (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
Where the imp thought he could needle in is when God hears His children say the oddest things that have absolutely nothing to do with faith. You know:
Say you have been believing God for a new car. You are expecting this humongeous miracle and the very car you were hoping for (except for the color) drives past. What do you say? Is it something like, "there goes my car. That's God telling me that it is on its way." Well, the truth is, that's not your car and that's never been the way He tells anybody anything. Show me that in the Word. I will make a retraction! What that is, is superstition and it isn't the way; contrary to what Stevie Wonder sung.
Or how about when your right hand itches? Do you really think money is coming your way? And then left hand itches. Do you really think that means you are going to spend it all?
How about wearing something red to keep the ju-ju from you. I have no idea what ju-ju is but if you think about it long enough, guess what? Ju-ju, what ever it is, is coming for you with or without your red clothing item.
I spoke to a woman that said you aren't suppose to point at yourself when talking about someone else's ailment. I asked why and she said it could come on you. She then did something with her hand and started spitting on the table a few times. Whatever I did while having the conversation and gesturing with my hand could not come near to the filth she just did on the table. Spitting doesn't have any harm in ooooooh-oooooh world. But in my house if you spit on my table because of some weird ju-ju.... OMG, He is going to have to help you!
Oh there are scores more of crap that people have said from way, way back and they think once becoming a Christian, these are the things that are also spiritual that God would not call for us to get rid of. If you think that, you would be wrong. Of course you need to rid yourself from superstition. It is fear saying that faith doesn't work. If you aren't using the Word, then you aren't using faith. If you aren't using faith, then you are not pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). If you keep this up anyway even after you have been warned over and over will He say, "I know you not?"
You see, it started with asking God to give us a sign for this and that. We do those things because we aren't use to walking by faith. But then when you put away with childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV) (and know that is a process as well), that sign thing is a thing of the past and should have died with the old stuff so again creating the new things that are much more applicable and profitable for your new life. Signs are suppose to be manifestations assuring you that God heard your prayers and He is at work completing what you asked. The truth of the matter is when Jesus said, "it is done" that meant a plethera of things including anything that you can ask or think. We just have to believe that's what it meant in order for it to be done. Its faith at work, not God at work. He did all He is going to do. Now we have to believe to receive it. That's faith (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
Where the imp thought he could needle in is when God hears His children say the oddest things that have absolutely nothing to do with faith. You know:
Say you have been believing God for a new car. You are expecting this humongeous miracle and the very car you were hoping for (except for the color) drives past. What do you say? Is it something like, "there goes my car. That's God telling me that it is on its way." Well, the truth is, that's not your car and that's never been the way He tells anybody anything. Show me that in the Word. I will make a retraction! What that is, is superstition and it isn't the way; contrary to what Stevie Wonder sung.
Or how about when your right hand itches? Do you really think money is coming your way? And then left hand itches. Do you really think that means you are going to spend it all?
How about wearing something red to keep the ju-ju from you. I have no idea what ju-ju is but if you think about it long enough, guess what? Ju-ju, what ever it is, is coming for you with or without your red clothing item.
I spoke to a woman that said you aren't suppose to point at yourself when talking about someone else's ailment. I asked why and she said it could come on you. She then did something with her hand and started spitting on the table a few times. Whatever I did while having the conversation and gesturing with my hand could not come near to the filth she just did on the table. Spitting doesn't have any harm in ooooooh-oooooh world. But in my house if you spit on my table because of some weird ju-ju.... OMG, He is going to have to help you!
Oh there are scores more of crap that people have said from way, way back and they think once becoming a Christian, these are the things that are also spiritual that God would not call for us to get rid of. If you think that, you would be wrong. Of course you need to rid yourself from superstition. It is fear saying that faith doesn't work. If you aren't using the Word, then you aren't using faith. If you aren't using faith, then you are not pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). If you keep this up anyway even after you have been warned over and over will He say, "I know you not?"
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Spiritual Warfare
I was a small child when my mother had one of the neighborhood children walk my older brother and myself to Sunday School. I really liked getting dressed up and looked forward to going to church, but when the one walking us there was this teenaged girl, I began dreading to see her especially when my mother asked for her babysit. She would always have some horrific story to tell that seemed to challenge our physical ability. My older brother took the challenge on, but all I could think of was the story she told and that I wouldn't make it. Case in point was the "step on a crack break your mother's back myth only what she would do is use the rain from the day before. The soil was just beginning to dry and it left cracks. She would say, if we step on those cracks we would fall through the earth. The cracks on the side walk were the same. All I could see were cracks everywhere. When she leaped she stepped on them, but nothing happened. When my brother jumped, he landed on a clear path. I froze. I just couldn't do it. Because of her stories, we were late for Sunday school and had no excuse for it.
Would that spiritual warfare be the same as old wives tales? Where did the term come from and where in the Word did this ever take place? Was it a means to keep the people captive from knowing the truth and actually be set free to enjoy the abundant life that Jesus came to give? Who would try to keep believers in such a state? That babysitter kept me in a state of torment. As long as she had my hand and I listened to her I never stepped on a crack and wasn't afraid of falling. I wonder if these were her tactics for all of her customers to keep the children in obedience? But she never got to know how my brother and I were. We knew that if we caused any problems we had two parents that weren't afraid of being strict in the least. All she had to do was ask. Were telling lies so much easier?
I work in a gated community where the fromer worker and Christian said to me before leaving that she has had to deal with such spiritual warfare while on the job. She had to fast and stay up all night in prayer for the residents in the community. She explained the lifestyle of some and the sicknesses of others. She didn't complain of what she claimed was her duty as a Christian; however, she didn't smile much either. For the most part, her expression was a scowl and I was sort of taken a back from ever asking her anything. She just didn't look too inviting. When she left, I thought I would have to take over her duties. I prayed and didn't sense any calling to be up all hours of the day and night praying and fasting for a community of people that have the ability to make their own decisions just as I had to. I prayed for those that God led me to pray for. I prayed for the community as a whole. I do my job and live my life. What warfare was she going through?
I tried to look up something resembling the warfare I have heard in my many hours of listening to other ministers. I recall what Daniel went through when he prayed and the angel said that God heard his prayers from the beginning but the angel was held up by the Prince of Persia (Daniel 10:12-14 AMP). I recall Job believing that he could outwit the laws of sin and death by making atonement for unconfessed sins and as the result that which he feared came upon him (Job 3:25 KJV). And finally under the new covenant, I recall the Word telling me that the battle is not mine but is the Lord's. What warfare, when Jesus said, "it is done."
Its almost as if being manipulated, controlled, and oppressed so not to get what was promised (Ephesians 2:10 AMP). Was it done on purpose? And if it wasn't, how then could a pastor, minister, prophet, evangelist, or teacher be fooled? Aren't we all still growing? Aren't we all still learning? Isn't it written that we must prove all things, test all things? Aren't we supposed to rightly divide the Word? As we grow to be sons of God don't we become more responsible for what we know and what we tell others. If we deliberately lead someone astray, aren't there consequences to contend with?
Sickness and disease, torment and oppression are direct manifestations of disobedience. Medication and counseling can be a temporary fix but it will still need the truth to be truely set free (John 8:32 AMP). Remember the curse does not alight causeless (Proverbs 26:2 AMP).
Would that spiritual warfare be the same as old wives tales? Where did the term come from and where in the Word did this ever take place? Was it a means to keep the people captive from knowing the truth and actually be set free to enjoy the abundant life that Jesus came to give? Who would try to keep believers in such a state? That babysitter kept me in a state of torment. As long as she had my hand and I listened to her I never stepped on a crack and wasn't afraid of falling. I wonder if these were her tactics for all of her customers to keep the children in obedience? But she never got to know how my brother and I were. We knew that if we caused any problems we had two parents that weren't afraid of being strict in the least. All she had to do was ask. Were telling lies so much easier?
I work in a gated community where the fromer worker and Christian said to me before leaving that she has had to deal with such spiritual warfare while on the job. She had to fast and stay up all night in prayer for the residents in the community. She explained the lifestyle of some and the sicknesses of others. She didn't complain of what she claimed was her duty as a Christian; however, she didn't smile much either. For the most part, her expression was a scowl and I was sort of taken a back from ever asking her anything. She just didn't look too inviting. When she left, I thought I would have to take over her duties. I prayed and didn't sense any calling to be up all hours of the day and night praying and fasting for a community of people that have the ability to make their own decisions just as I had to. I prayed for those that God led me to pray for. I prayed for the community as a whole. I do my job and live my life. What warfare was she going through?
I tried to look up something resembling the warfare I have heard in my many hours of listening to other ministers. I recall what Daniel went through when he prayed and the angel said that God heard his prayers from the beginning but the angel was held up by the Prince of Persia (Daniel 10:12-14 AMP). I recall Job believing that he could outwit the laws of sin and death by making atonement for unconfessed sins and as the result that which he feared came upon him (Job 3:25 KJV). And finally under the new covenant, I recall the Word telling me that the battle is not mine but is the Lord's. What warfare, when Jesus said, "it is done."
Its almost as if being manipulated, controlled, and oppressed so not to get what was promised (Ephesians 2:10 AMP). Was it done on purpose? And if it wasn't, how then could a pastor, minister, prophet, evangelist, or teacher be fooled? Aren't we all still growing? Aren't we all still learning? Isn't it written that we must prove all things, test all things? Aren't we supposed to rightly divide the Word? As we grow to be sons of God don't we become more responsible for what we know and what we tell others. If we deliberately lead someone astray, aren't there consequences to contend with?
Sickness and disease, torment and oppression are direct manifestations of disobedience. Medication and counseling can be a temporary fix but it will still need the truth to be truely set free (John 8:32 AMP). Remember the curse does not alight causeless (Proverbs 26:2 AMP).
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Arrogance Versus Assurance
Bryant Gumbel, a former host of NBC's Today Show, has been accused of being arrogant for years. Why? Because he knows his information? Because it is difficult for others to rattle him? Is it because he doesn't behave like the stereo-typical African American man? Why was he labeled in such a way? I watched him from time to time, I just didn't see what he was being accused of. The funny thing was when he no longer hosted the Today Show, I didnt hear all of those jabs about his character any longer. So is that proof that the ones making the statements were jealous (or as they are called, haters)?
In going to church services, I have heard many ministers over the years. They have done so much work and have helped so many people have such satisfying lives. Who had the idea to make those works known in church services? I have seen film of what ministers have done for others. I have seen pastors pat themselves on the back while they were preaching because the congregation wasn't responding as the minister thought they should have. I listened while the now familiar phrase, "you don't hear me" comes across the microphone right after quoting scripture and the revelation knowledge that God gave him. Would this be arrogant? Does this behavior go against the Word? Did it just bother me because I have prudish ways by which I need the deliverance? Well then, God help me!
The Word tells us that God warned the children of Israel that when they get to the land by which He promised them, and He furnishes them with wells that they did not dig and houses that they did not build, to remember not to forget Him. Who would do that especially when the warning comes from a voice that made the provision of whom they could not see? Wouldn't you be afraid of doing anything opposing the warning. But don't we do this all of the time whether it be consciously or subconsciously? Did we not do this to our natural parents, thinking they had to provide because we didn't ask to be here? Were any of us apologetic or remorseful when we realized our arrogance in making the assumption that our parents should do far more than what they were doing? Were you grateful? Did they know it because of your assumption or did you actually thank them?
I was recently talking to my youngest son about why anyone would be afraid of success. He said that the mere possibility of a person gaining the status hoped for, being an inspiration to others, and thinking that it was done soley of their own efforts. Actually, I thought the statement was quite insightful and therefore I had to equip him with tools to make sure that would never happen. I recently wrote in another blog entitled, "Sober Minded." In it there were scenarios I believed to be quite common in a Christian's life. Towards the end of that excerpt, I wrote about the arrogance of those who believe that their success was because of all of the effort they put forth and forgetting Who it was that gave them the breath needed for that effort. Seeing this for what it is should put much of what we thought we should have in perspective to the point of being contrite.
The tools that I gave my son so he could be prepared for those fiery darts were:
1. Give God thanks for all that you are and have (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).
2. To be content in whatever state that you are in (Philippians 4:11 KJV).
3. Be patient knowing that there is a process in everything in order for it to be good (James 1:4 KJV).
It is something he incorporates in his daily confession. He knew he had to once he understood what his strengths and weaknesses are. I had to make the same assessment of myself and am grateful that he gets to leaqrn these things at a much younger age. To think that the assessment is unnecessary borders on that arrogance.
Is there a fine line between having assurance as opposed to arrogance? In Christ there is no identity crisis and so we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13 KJV). We walk assured because of the faith believing that goodness and mercy are following (Psalm 23:6 KJV), we are guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17 AMP), and favor has gone before us. Because we believe that the Word is life we are assured with what the promises are and can stand therefore knowing that God will never, ever loosen His hold on us. Assurance is the effects of righteousness (Isaiah 32:17 KJV). Righteousness is necessary for Kingdom Living (Romans 14:17 KJV).
The fine line isn't quite so fine. Our abilities can change in a moment of being a victim of someone getting behind a wheel drunk to being mistreated by an supervisor and being moved by anger and right into prison. It is knowing that the line isn't as fine that keeps us thankful, meek and blessed.
In going to church services, I have heard many ministers over the years. They have done so much work and have helped so many people have such satisfying lives. Who had the idea to make those works known in church services? I have seen film of what ministers have done for others. I have seen pastors pat themselves on the back while they were preaching because the congregation wasn't responding as the minister thought they should have. I listened while the now familiar phrase, "you don't hear me" comes across the microphone right after quoting scripture and the revelation knowledge that God gave him. Would this be arrogant? Does this behavior go against the Word? Did it just bother me because I have prudish ways by which I need the deliverance? Well then, God help me!
The Word tells us that God warned the children of Israel that when they get to the land by which He promised them, and He furnishes them with wells that they did not dig and houses that they did not build, to remember not to forget Him. Who would do that especially when the warning comes from a voice that made the provision of whom they could not see? Wouldn't you be afraid of doing anything opposing the warning. But don't we do this all of the time whether it be consciously or subconsciously? Did we not do this to our natural parents, thinking they had to provide because we didn't ask to be here? Were any of us apologetic or remorseful when we realized our arrogance in making the assumption that our parents should do far more than what they were doing? Were you grateful? Did they know it because of your assumption or did you actually thank them?
I was recently talking to my youngest son about why anyone would be afraid of success. He said that the mere possibility of a person gaining the status hoped for, being an inspiration to others, and thinking that it was done soley of their own efforts. Actually, I thought the statement was quite insightful and therefore I had to equip him with tools to make sure that would never happen. I recently wrote in another blog entitled, "Sober Minded." In it there were scenarios I believed to be quite common in a Christian's life. Towards the end of that excerpt, I wrote about the arrogance of those who believe that their success was because of all of the effort they put forth and forgetting Who it was that gave them the breath needed for that effort. Seeing this for what it is should put much of what we thought we should have in perspective to the point of being contrite.
The tools that I gave my son so he could be prepared for those fiery darts were:
1. Give God thanks for all that you are and have (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).
2. To be content in whatever state that you are in (Philippians 4:11 KJV).
3. Be patient knowing that there is a process in everything in order for it to be good (James 1:4 KJV).
It is something he incorporates in his daily confession. He knew he had to once he understood what his strengths and weaknesses are. I had to make the same assessment of myself and am grateful that he gets to leaqrn these things at a much younger age. To think that the assessment is unnecessary borders on that arrogance.
Is there a fine line between having assurance as opposed to arrogance? In Christ there is no identity crisis and so we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13 KJV). We walk assured because of the faith believing that goodness and mercy are following (Psalm 23:6 KJV), we are guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17 AMP), and favor has gone before us. Because we believe that the Word is life we are assured with what the promises are and can stand therefore knowing that God will never, ever loosen His hold on us. Assurance is the effects of righteousness (Isaiah 32:17 KJV). Righteousness is necessary for Kingdom Living (Romans 14:17 KJV).
The fine line isn't quite so fine. Our abilities can change in a moment of being a victim of someone getting behind a wheel drunk to being mistreated by an supervisor and being moved by anger and right into prison. It is knowing that the line isn't as fine that keeps us thankful, meek and blessed.
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