The Wind and the Fire

Bible Gateway (biblegateway.com)

Acts Chapter 8: 1-3 (NIV)

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered   throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul  began to destroy the church.  Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.”

Forrest fires are terrible things to behold. They are difficult to combat and require tremendous resources to contain. No one wants to deal with them and those who are responsible for careless or intentional acts that unleash such havok will have a reckoning when they are discovered. One of most destructive element that can be introduced to a forest fire is the wind. When wind gets involved fires can rarely be contained as the aflame materials are scattered and move seamlessly across any barrier erected by man. The passage above illustrates this. May we see these days again.

The same cannot be said of most Christians today. Are you zealous for God.  If so the wind of persecution will come against us. The good news is that this can serve as an accelerant to growth and purpose. God has promised to deliver us from our enemies, but not from their attacks. Further it is not a big deal if you can stand up to things others cannot. That is simply pride and self-righteousness, and chances are – those are not even the things God is dealing with you about anyway.
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You see whether spiritual or literal, our enemies serve a purpose. Our trials serve a purpose and even our defeats. I am convinced that when I am going through something, the situation is likely in my life to light the embers of a challenged faith, a lanquishing motivation, or indifferent disposition to some purpose God has for me. The winds will stoke the flames and this will spread to other areas of my life and even to people in my circle of influence. Our faith is a public one, never to be lived on our on terms within four walls or in isolation.

Let the winds of challenge start a fire in you, that will spread to others. This is what faith is all about. Faith is a contagious movement that cannot be contained by doctrine, denominations or the metaphysical musings of others. Faith is substantive conviction that comes from God and is planted in the heart to achieve a kingdom ordained purpose. Faith is what the  Son of Man will be looking for when he returns to earth. (Luke 18:8)

 

 

In These Times of Uncertainty

Biblos.com

English Standard Version (©2001) Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

Uncertainty and confusion were byproducts of the people’s abandonment of the Lord, his principles, precepts and laws. Today we see an unprecedented effort of Satan to redefine everything and plunge the world into the evil, fog and darkness in which he walks. Freedom from God has led to a freedom to do whatever one imagines is best for one’s situation. Satan was the first to discover this and has navigated this road for unknown ages. There is no rest, no certainty, no trust or true fellowship in such a world. Relationships become a means to end and are priortized accordingly. It is no small wonder fissures exist at all levels of any organizational structure.

The compelling story behind the scripture is there is a way that we can seek and find peace. There is a person known as the Ancient of Days who is our father and creator. He alone has the provision, protection and identity our souls need and crave. As a species, we must return to him who created us for his purpose. In him we have all things and without him we are bereft of everything, adrift on the sea of uncertainty and doomed to drown in it. Seek the ancient paths for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (ESV Hebrews 13:8)
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Promotion: A Few Thoughts

King James 2000 Bible 75: 6-7

5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. 6 For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.”

It is interesting that many people clamour for a coveted promotion at a job, or some other source of recognition that will satiate the desire for status amongst others. Often jealousy, pride, insecurity and the like drive people to shamelessly promote themselves. The scripture verses above teach us that true promotion comes from God alone. Verse five is a caution against self exaltation and aggrandizement. Verse six points to the source of true, lasting promotion and verse seven is an illustration of the cycle of nations and their leaders.

Spiritually speaking God has stated that believers are “the salt of the earth” and the “the light of the world.” With these statements we were promoted spiritually and placed in perpetuity into his glorious family and kingdom. Yet, many believers have the same desires as unbelievers and spend their lives seeking worldly accolades. We simply do not see ourselves as already promoted by virtue of being grafted into his kingdom.

Regular intake of Kamagra 100mg can tadalafil 100mg lead to addiction. why not try these out professional viagra It upsets not only men but their wives and lovers too. This product is called women viagra order Provestra and it is a attenuated herbal blueprint with accurately called capacity for acceptable changeable libido. Sex therapy is also an effective method to sort out your mental worries with a more positive and stronger http://www.daveywavey.tv/cialis-1450.html viagra 20mg cipla manner. That said, we are reminded of God’s soveriegnty and his election process in the lives of all men, unbelievers and believers alike. This is hard for most to accept, especially when wicked people all over the globe are in power. We simply need to trust that God knows best and does not owe us an explanation. To the natural eye people rise to power through pandering, military exploits, deception, manipulation of voting processes or other ungodly means, but God is not blind and he has a purpose in it all – even the ascenscion of a future leader the Bible refers to as the Man of Sin.

Saints,  God will continue to promote us and lift us up for his purposes, not our own. When this happens, we should simultaneously rejoice for his mercy, while bracing ourselves for the attacks the enemy will be sending our way.

 

 

Reliable Sources and the Usual Suspects: Parallels Now and Then

English Standard Version (©2001)

Matthew 3:9

“And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”

Luke 19: 33-40

33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they  spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives— the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice  for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying,  “Blessed is  the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and  glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent,  the very stones would cry out.”

In reporting or any other type of investigation, people are concerned about reliable sources and usual suspects. (Usual suspects are people that are often involved in particular activities, usually activities that are contrary to the norms of those that are in positions of power or influence.) These concerns are both important and valid. When we examine the scriptures above, we see the Jewish leadership examining the claims of John the Baptist and Christ — usual suspects — through what they considered to be the most hallowed and reliable sources known to them: the Old Covenant, the Law and Prophets. Their indignation flowed from their interpretations of the three. John, in their eyes, was another suspected false prophet and blasphemer seeking to build a following. They considered him a misguided outsider. How could he question the premise that the sons of Abraham were justified by their blood lineage? But John did question, prod and rebuke, relentlessly and in public.

Coping with impotence levitra india issue is hard to make the disease cured completely. But remember male extra is distinctive and you’ll learn order viagra online how it is exclusive, in this write-up. Also, it is a medicine falling on a costlier side with harmful effects in the long run too; though, cialis samples they can be tackled with followed medical guidance. You can order the medication discretely online to overcome such viagra on line pharmacy inefficiency in him. Jesus employed the same methods. He was never part of the go along, get along, good ol boy system. As he entered Jerusalem shortly before his death, the disciples and crowd praised him – appropriately. The religious establishment was incensed. This confirmed their suspicions of Christ. They raised the issue of rebuking his disciples in the second passage because they felt it was not fitting, nor was it his place. Christ quickly turned the table and spoke of inanimate objects praising him if volitional creatures would not. He knew his own worth, even if those challenging him did not.

So God sent his witnesses to challenge the status quo that was continuing in his name, although unsanctioned by him. Why? God knows Satan and sinful men perverted, distorted and transformed the instruments he authorized for deliverance into instruments of oppression, seclusion and avarice. John and Jesus called for a return to the covenant, law and prophets, a return to the very heart of God. But to darkened minds, they were simply meddlers out of step with their heritage and identity, coveting relationships with the wrong people and giving sinners a sense of purpose that God would never support.

What about today? Are there parallels between now and then? Are our denominations the most reliable sources we have? What about our doctrines, religious leaders? Is yesterday’s manna the most reliable source we have today? Are we relying on successes from the past? We often rely on the things God has given us as Moses did on his staff. Remember, in a moment of anger he struck the rock and was prohibited from entering the promised land. Are the usual suspects those that seem to be out of step with current, conventional practices?  Are the meddlers here to tell us something?  God always sends his usual suspects. He raises up people who will make us uncomfortable and challenge our reliable sources, until we rely solely on him. They have a different motivation and their affections are not based on the things of this life.

Lord please raise up such people. May we be numbered among them. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

The Shepherd’s Preference is Better

1 Samuel 8: 1-9

New Century Version (NCV)

1 When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges for Israel.2 His first son was named Joel, and his second son was named Abijah. Joel and Abijah were judges in Beersheba.3But Samuel’s sons did not live as he did. They tried to get money dishonestly, and they accepted money secretly to make wrong judgments.

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4 So all the elders came together and met Samuel at Ramah. 5They said to him, “You’re old, and your sons don’t live as you do. Give us a king to rule over us like all the other nations.”

6 When the elders said that, Samuel was not pleased. He prayed to the Lord,7 and the Lord told Samuel, “Listen to whatever the people say to you. They have not rejected you. They have rejected me from being their king.8 They are doing as they have always done. When I took them out of Egypt, they left me and served other gods. They are doing the same to you.9 Now listen to the people, but warn them what the king who rules over them will do.”

The sadness of this exchange is palpable. The picture is one of two friends having a discussion regarding the sad state of affairs of the people. You can detect a sigh from the aging prophet and tears welling up. Samuel’s legacy comes to an end and the hope of his offspring becoming just judges perishes with it.

Samuel obviously had some issues that were never resolved with his sons. Secondly the contrast between him and his sons was so great everyone rebelled. Notice, they did not ask for another leader – judge. They asked for a king. In this sense they felt that the could have some permanence. There were limits to what judges could do, typically they only emerged during times of crises, and to meet daunting, formidable challenges. They were deliverers, not oppressors of the people. Now all of this would change.

Notice that the text said “…Samuel appointed…” Prior to this every judge was appointed by God. Both the people and Samuel bypassed God’s ordination in order to help Him with the transition to new leadership because Samuel would soon be gone — not wise. So God granted the request of the people and an age of apostasy and tyranny would emerge. Before Israel would be victimized by oppressive idol worshipers from without; soon it would come from within.

The moral of this lesson is that we should allow God’s revealed will to us to stand. Whether leading or following, we must obey. God takes a much more active role in the lives of leaders he appoints over His people. We should be able to see Him at work in their lives, no guess work is required. However,  we have been deceived into a to a marketing, referral based, yellow page, do it yourself approach to faith. Beware. God may grant you the leader you desire, but it may only be to teach you hard painful lessons. The Shepherd’s preference is always better. Where is He leading you. He may even be calling you to lead others. Follow His leading. It may not be comfortable, but it will be for the best.

A Spurgeon Classic

It is always good to reflect on the words of the great preachers and Christian teachers from the past and glean from them. One of my favorites is Spurgeon. This sermon definitely Overdose levitra price of this pill is known to be very disastrous & would further need a tremendous treatment. Any dig this viagra sans prescription is the method in which the medications are affordable, which is the main reason for their growing popularity. In order to make the most profit, ACSs have cut overhead http://seanamic.com/ order cialis costs by reducing the amount of unneeded space and supplies in their facilities. Accordingly, risks of eventual side effects are set up to enhance their games adequacy and Sildenafil citrate is truly a substance that may advance a vastly improved wellbeing condition which altogether surpasses the basic role of this medication. canadian generic cialis is the medication for the use of motor neuron disease stem cell therapy MND may be eventually possible, the general belief among scientists is that research is not yet. is in keeping with the “weightier matters of scripture.” This sermon comes from the online ministry of Bible Bulletin Board. It is a great resource to equip believers with the classics.

http://biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/0611.htm

Envision and Live

From Biblos.com   http://bible.cc/revelation/3-8.htm

English Standard Version (©2001)

Revelation 3:8

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
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Envision simply means to picture or imagine oneself, something or person in a situation or circumstance. It pertains especially to a future event or events. An open door or opportunity reserved for you is a great place to start in regards to envisioning. God gives us ample encouragement throughout the scriptures, but we often turn to other things for support and hope. We envision the doctor coming through for us. We imagine the boss giving us that promotion. We dream about our loved ones becoming the amazing people we want them to be. But this energy should not be directed toward other beings with wills of their own. It should be directed to the One who will fulfill everything that he has promised according to His will.

In the passage above we see Christ painting the image of an open door in the midst of great tribulation and suffering. He is the light at the end of the tunnel, the answer to dark days and the hope for the future of your soul. So often we give in to the pressures of despair and allow Satan to paint a picture of defeat and irreparable harm. Don’t give the Devil your thoughts and the means to your defeat. Envision and persevere toward the high calling of God in Christ. Envision yourself in God’s grace and love. Envision yourself as an elect saint and more than a conqueror. Envision yourself receiving all the promises and blessings of God. Envision and live!

 

The Poison of Internal Dialogue

Never before have I been so convinced that most Christians are defeated because they have neglected to take care of their thought life. Their minds are utterly poisoned by fear, doubt, unbelief and an overall carnal mentality. We have a remedy and Paul called it “renewing your mind.”

ESV Bible Translation Via http://biblos.com/

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

To move forward and gain strength in the things of God, we should earnestly repent and turn to Him for restoration. Our internal dialogue is a target for God and the enemy.  It is the helm of our spiritual life. God wants to empower us here and Satan seeks to defeat us in this realm. God’s words to Joshua are important and notice how the Lord promises his power if Joshua will meditate on the scriptures and law:

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1After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good successa wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Let us pursue the kingdom like never before by understanding two foundational keys for success: The scriptures and the power of God! May God deliver us from evil and posinous thoughts and the error of our ways. May we never here the rebuke below from our Savior.

Matthew 12:29 ESV at Biblos.com

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

The Question of Legitimacy: Satan’s Response and Ours

All around us we see nations in turmoil domestically and at war externally. We see families torn apart by betrayal and negligence, churches filled with false doctrines, and shepherds who love to fleece the sheep. It seems that legitimacy is scarce and leadership is helmed by authoritarians, wimps, incompentents or con artists. Given these realities, it is no wonder people are cynical. Satan delights in anarchy and isolation; it’s the fruit of the curse and seperation from God.

We have to keep in mind that when dealing with the things of men this is the norm, but it was not always so. Doubt gave rise to sin. Satan carefully amplified it in the garden. Legitimacy was tested in the heart, and mankind chose to follow the path of the unbridled horse, not the way of oneness and unity with God.  You see every volitional creature has to answer these questions.

1. Who has a legitimate right to rule over me?

2. Will I submit?

 

Genesis 3:1-7

New International Version (NIV)

BibleGateway.com

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Genesis 3: 1-7

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

By this act, the tragic fall of man was set in place, along with the curses that followed disobedience. This is no myth or fable; it is a shocking reality. Read this carefully; don’t stumble here – eternity depends on it. There is no recovery or cure for this action outside of repentance that accepts the Son of God as Savior. It is only his grace that grafts us back into a relationship with our creator. God’s death in place of man’s was the cost and yes He is your Lord, whether you acknowledge it or not.  He will be your shepherd and savior or your judge. He is Lord of All.

My friend I hope you will answer this question and put it to rest. Will he be your Lord? If your heart is inclined to obedience and strangely warmed here, pursue His will.  You will have struggles and meet resistance, but you will also enter into a rest you have never known; if not,  you will find yourself on an endless quest scavenging for the things only God can provide while shadows both elude and pursue you.

 

Man’s Striving Versus God’s

“While it has always been impossible for mankind in all of of our striving to become God, God did what was possible for Him by becoming a man and striving toward the cross to redeem us. The irony is telling; while Adam and Eve were heeding Satan’s advice – God was implementing a plan to join the human race. We could not meet Him in the heavens, so He came to meet us on earth.”

Hakim

Genesis 3:4
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One of the most interesting aspects of scripture is Satan’s consistent gospel. “You will not surely die… For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

My friend are you still trying to be God in your life? Give up your struggle and cease from your works. God loves you — enough to become like you. Your value is of infinite worth. The Eternal God became a mortal man. He was saying, “Being human is enough!”