The devil will use feelings to make us think we are not forgiven. If we ignore them remember God's Word, soon the guilt will leave.
There is a difference between false guilt brought on by the devil's accusations against us and true conviction from the Holy Spirit, as we grow in wisdom we will learn which is which.
Feelings lie to us, they say things are good when they are bad and they will say things are bad when they are good. We must learn to ignore our feelings and think with the mind of Christ, then we will be able to discern whether the feelings are accurate or not.
Monday, August 11, 2014
"Pastor" or Christ Which One Do You Follow?
Are you following a man who calls himself "Pastor" (a title) or is the pastor (a gift of service) who is a servant of the flock pointing you to Christ that you might follow Christ?
This is an important question, if we follow a man then we will not evaluate everything he says to be sure it is from God, we will simply believe all that he says and radically defend him.
If we follow Christ, then every man who claims to speak for God will be evaluated, to see if what he says if from Scripture and endorsed by God.
Acts 17:10-11
"10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
If a preacher refuses to be evaluated for what he says then he is not worthy for the ministry of leading a flock. Those who say things like "I protect MY pulpit", should be removed quickly, so that the gathering will not be perverted with a cult like oppressiveness.
Every man has the responsibility in the gathering to speak the truth evaluating everyone else through the Word to see if they are telling the truth. All errors should be openly challenged so that no one leaves the gathering believing the wrong doctrine or teaching.
1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
If a pastor brings a wrong word, then those in the gathering need to correct him, if he resists the correction then he must be rebuked publicly for bringing wrong doctrine.
Because "Pastors" have been elevated to a godlike status, many in the church have neglected to keep them accountable, to maintain strict scriptural doctrine. The church has become apostate because the Word will not be obeyed in this matter of leadership.
When there is only a one man pastorship, then there is little accountability. When there is a plurality of leadership in the form of elders, several men to make decisions together through prayer and Scripture study, then errors will be handled and discarded before they become a big problem.
May each gathering look to the Word for their direction, setting aside all tradition to obey Christ.
This is an important question, if we follow a man then we will not evaluate everything he says to be sure it is from God, we will simply believe all that he says and radically defend him.
If we follow Christ, then every man who claims to speak for God will be evaluated, to see if what he says if from Scripture and endorsed by God.
Acts 17:10-11
"10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
If a preacher refuses to be evaluated for what he says then he is not worthy for the ministry of leading a flock. Those who say things like "I protect MY pulpit", should be removed quickly, so that the gathering will not be perverted with a cult like oppressiveness.
Every man has the responsibility in the gathering to speak the truth evaluating everyone else through the Word to see if they are telling the truth. All errors should be openly challenged so that no one leaves the gathering believing the wrong doctrine or teaching.
1 Corinthians 14:29
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
If a pastor brings a wrong word, then those in the gathering need to correct him, if he resists the correction then he must be rebuked publicly for bringing wrong doctrine.
Because "Pastors" have been elevated to a godlike status, many in the church have neglected to keep them accountable, to maintain strict scriptural doctrine. The church has become apostate because the Word will not be obeyed in this matter of leadership.
When there is only a one man pastorship, then there is little accountability. When there is a plurality of leadership in the form of elders, several men to make decisions together through prayer and Scripture study, then errors will be handled and discarded before they become a big problem.
May each gathering look to the Word for their direction, setting aside all tradition to obey Christ.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Make Our Conversation Interesting
Do we talk too much? When we notice that others are looking around more than at us while we talk, that is a clue that we are loosing them. They may be hoping for a break between words to be able to get away to visit with someone else.
Do we continue to talk while they are trying to interrupt to be a part of the conversation?
Or do we talk so long that they cannot interject at any point, making the conversation completely one sided.
If we notice others running away from us when they see us coming, perhaps we should evaluate our speech or how long we talk! It might be good to become aware of the eyes and micro-reactions that people are exhibiting to more fully learn how they are feeling about the conversation, to be considerate of others. Is the visit a discussion with two people participating? Or, are we the only ones talking continually.
Not everything we say and do is interesting to others. Knowing our friends and family would help us in discerning what would interest them, rather than attempting to impress them with what we think is interesting, blabbering on and on with meaningless details that make no difference to the story, we ought to be discerning in what would interest those listening.
It is rude to continue to talk when the person we are speaking to is showing discomfort at our prattle.
May the Lord make us sensitive to the needs of others in conversation, and help us to be willing to listen more than we talk, unless others are asking us questions to know more. Silence can be golden, for others.
James 1:19 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;"
Do we continue to talk while they are trying to interrupt to be a part of the conversation?
Or do we talk so long that they cannot interject at any point, making the conversation completely one sided.
If we notice others running away from us when they see us coming, perhaps we should evaluate our speech or how long we talk! It might be good to become aware of the eyes and micro-reactions that people are exhibiting to more fully learn how they are feeling about the conversation, to be considerate of others. Is the visit a discussion with two people participating? Or, are we the only ones talking continually.
Not everything we say and do is interesting to others. Knowing our friends and family would help us in discerning what would interest them, rather than attempting to impress them with what we think is interesting, blabbering on and on with meaningless details that make no difference to the story, we ought to be discerning in what would interest those listening.
It is rude to continue to talk when the person we are speaking to is showing discomfort at our prattle.
May the Lord make us sensitive to the needs of others in conversation, and help us to be willing to listen more than we talk, unless others are asking us questions to know more. Silence can be golden, for others.
James 1:19 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;"
What Does The Menorah Teach Us?
There are seven candles on the Menorah, each one represents a spirit.
The center candle is the Holy Spirit, on one side stand the candles of wisdom, understanding and Counsel. On the other side there are the spirits of Might, Knowledge and Humility (fear of God).
Isaiah 11:1-2
"Isaiah 11:1-2
"11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
When we walk with God we should have all of these characteristics if we are to be useful to God.
We may have knowledge but without wisdom, counsel or humility, knowledge produces arrogance;
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 2:2-5 "Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 15:22 "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed."
1 Corinthians 8:1 "Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies."
When "might" is present without wisdom and humility we have tyranny.
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
We must have understanding to be able to rightly discern what is useful to God in our Christian walk. We must also not exercise partiality in the body, based on financial conditions, outward beauty or personalities.
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Proverbs 3:13-18 "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Often we think it is enough to know that we need all these elements as depicted in the Menorah, but we fail to flesh them out in our walk each day. Knowing them is of no value if we do not pray that God would make them paramount in all that we are and do.
It might be good to meditate on each one that God may reveal to us those that we are lacking. If we see ourselves as being perfected in each and every one, then we may be suffering from pride. No one can say they have not failed in one of these if not all of them. May the Lord open our eyes to that which we lack, that we might become the person He wants us to be, useful for the kingdom and fervent and diligent concerning what God will do in us.
The center candle is the Holy Spirit, on one side stand the candles of wisdom, understanding and Counsel. On the other side there are the spirits of Might, Knowledge and Humility (fear of God).
Isaiah 11:1-2
"Isaiah 11:1-2
"11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
When we walk with God we should have all of these characteristics if we are to be useful to God.
We may have knowledge but without wisdom, counsel or humility, knowledge produces arrogance;
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 2:2-5 "Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 15:22 "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed."
1 Corinthians 8:1 "Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies."
When "might" is present without wisdom and humility we have tyranny.
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
We must have understanding to be able to rightly discern what is useful to God in our Christian walk. We must also not exercise partiality in the body, based on financial conditions, outward beauty or personalities.
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Proverbs 3:13-18 "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Often we think it is enough to know that we need all these elements as depicted in the Menorah, but we fail to flesh them out in our walk each day. Knowing them is of no value if we do not pray that God would make them paramount in all that we are and do.
It might be good to meditate on each one that God may reveal to us those that we are lacking. If we see ourselves as being perfected in each and every one, then we may be suffering from pride. No one can say they have not failed in one of these if not all of them. May the Lord open our eyes to that which we lack, that we might become the person He wants us to be, useful for the kingdom and fervent and diligent concerning what God will do in us.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Don't Forgive Yourself, Just Believe God!
God never says to forgive ourselves, there is no scripture to support that.
If we confess our sin and can't get over it, as though they are not forgiven, then it is the same as not believing God who said that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin if we confess it. So not to accept God's forgiveness, not to believe Him is a sin too.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
The devil will continue from time to time, using the mouths of unbelievers, to accuse us of what God has forgotten, we must fight that with scripture and prayer.
If we confess our sin and can't get over it, as though they are not forgiven, then it is the same as not believing God who said that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin if we confess it. So not to accept God's forgiveness, not to believe Him is a sin too.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
The devil will continue from time to time, using the mouths of unbelievers, to accuse us of what God has forgotten, we must fight that with scripture and prayer.
How Does God Rate In Your Life?
1 John 3:4-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
Sin and the Child of God
"4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
The Imperative of Love
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."
[David Levy said these things:
"The word commit does not refer to one sin committed at a particular time but to an ongoing lifestyle of sin."
"Although John said a saved person "does not sin," he was not teaching that believers can attain sinless perfection, not at all."
"Rather, John was saying true Christians do not willfully rebel against God by habitually practicing sin."]
Knowing Who God is and even saying we believe in Him does not cause us to be born again. God knows the heart of every person, He can see if someone is broken in their heart over their sinfulness or if they are merely voicing mantras to get something out of Him.
Ritual is the biggest killer of relationships. When we do things to manipulate others to like us, or provide something for us, we are not sincere in our kind acts toward them, our good deeds are about us not about the person we serve, even if God is the person we think we can manipulate. God sees all of it, He knows when we have been broken and desire to be changed by Him or if we are just seeking safety from the world.
John 3:10 is a test showing who is the true believer and who is not.
"10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."
We meet many people these days who call themselves Christians but conspicuously absent from our senses when in their company, is love. Their love seems to be based on what you can offer them. Enhancing the non-believer in some way is the expression of our narcissistic culture.
This is also the reason we see so many overly sensitive personalities who are easily offended by the slightest correction or rebuke. Those who are born again want to be a blessing to others, they are others oriented continually. They show hospitality for the purpose of blessing others. They are willing to give up their own personal comfort to enhance the comfort of a brother or sister in Christ.
When a true believer is rebuked, they want to know if it is justified and if it is they are not defensive, but ashamed. If it is not justified then they are not defensive for that either, but trust that Christ has their back.
This is the reason, I am convinced, that we see so much cliquiness in the churches today. Many people hang with those that make them feel good about themselves. The true believer hangs with those who desire holiness even if it exposes them at times, making them weep over their own lives.
Believers who have been changed into a new creation by Christ are more concerned about what God thinks of them, than what people think and they are more concerned about spiritual growth than they are about appearances.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Sin and the Child of God
"4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
The Imperative of Love
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."
[David Levy said these things:
"The word commit does not refer to one sin committed at a particular time but to an ongoing lifestyle of sin."
"Although John said a saved person "does not sin," he was not teaching that believers can attain sinless perfection, not at all."
"Rather, John was saying true Christians do not willfully rebel against God by habitually practicing sin."]
Knowing Who God is and even saying we believe in Him does not cause us to be born again. God knows the heart of every person, He can see if someone is broken in their heart over their sinfulness or if they are merely voicing mantras to get something out of Him.
Ritual is the biggest killer of relationships. When we do things to manipulate others to like us, or provide something for us, we are not sincere in our kind acts toward them, our good deeds are about us not about the person we serve, even if God is the person we think we can manipulate. God sees all of it, He knows when we have been broken and desire to be changed by Him or if we are just seeking safety from the world.
John 3:10 is a test showing who is the true believer and who is not.
"10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother."
We meet many people these days who call themselves Christians but conspicuously absent from our senses when in their company, is love. Their love seems to be based on what you can offer them. Enhancing the non-believer in some way is the expression of our narcissistic culture.
This is also the reason we see so many overly sensitive personalities who are easily offended by the slightest correction or rebuke. Those who are born again want to be a blessing to others, they are others oriented continually. They show hospitality for the purpose of blessing others. They are willing to give up their own personal comfort to enhance the comfort of a brother or sister in Christ.
When a true believer is rebuked, they want to know if it is justified and if it is they are not defensive, but ashamed. If it is not justified then they are not defensive for that either, but trust that Christ has their back.
This is the reason, I am convinced, that we see so much cliquiness in the churches today. Many people hang with those that make them feel good about themselves. The true believer hangs with those who desire holiness even if it exposes them at times, making them weep over their own lives.
Believers who have been changed into a new creation by Christ are more concerned about what God thinks of them, than what people think and they are more concerned about spiritual growth than they are about appearances.
Friday, August 8, 2014
If the Prophets Endured So Can We
Does any of this sound familiar?
Jeremiah 18:18
"Then they said, "Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage, nor the divine word to the prophet! Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words."
The more we speak the truth, the more we will encounter the same things as the prophets did. The people plotted against Jeremiah to malign his reputation discrediting the things he said. If they can attack the credibility of the person, then they manage to turn people away from listening to them.
We can expect this problem to increase as the time draws near for the end of the age.
Luke 18:8
""I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Jeremiah 7:27
""You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you."
Knowing that the prophets who followed hard after God, experienced this sort of rejection, helps us to continue in confidence, realizing that we are not guilty of anything just because others become angry when they hear the truth.
Unfortunately too many believers become silent because of the intimidation and manipulation that they have to endure, even from those who are suppose to love them.
Thankfully the Lord has comforted us with these words, they were recorded to encourage us to keep going and know that Christ in us will decide the results.
Jeremiah 18:18
"Then they said, "Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage, nor the divine word to the prophet! Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words."
The more we speak the truth, the more we will encounter the same things as the prophets did. The people plotted against Jeremiah to malign his reputation discrediting the things he said. If they can attack the credibility of the person, then they manage to turn people away from listening to them.
We can expect this problem to increase as the time draws near for the end of the age.
Luke 18:8
""I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Jeremiah 7:27
""You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you."
Knowing that the prophets who followed hard after God, experienced this sort of rejection, helps us to continue in confidence, realizing that we are not guilty of anything just because others become angry when they hear the truth.
Unfortunately too many believers become silent because of the intimidation and manipulation that they have to endure, even from those who are suppose to love them.
Thankfully the Lord has comforted us with these words, they were recorded to encourage us to keep going and know that Christ in us will decide the results.
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