People, I am profoundly disturbed today. I was washing dishes and thinking about this seminar that I recently attended. Their entire premise is that their way is the only way that works, and if you just do it exactly the way they tell you to do it, your life will be pretty close to perfect. I feel God led me to this seminar, and walked me through it to show me something. First, let me say that the seminar was not a Christian one, so the philosophies were pretty easy for me to reject. The startling thing to me was that God was showing me that this kool-aid philosophy is rampant in the church, and is much harder to discern if you aren't careful. How many classes, or ministries claim to have the answer? Whether it be addiction, marriage, deliverance or even spiritual growth, many times these classes or ministries lead you to believe that if you just do it their way, things will be better. People of God, BEWARE!!!
How do you protect yourself from the kool-aid? By being a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of Truth. II Timothy 2:15 Paul says in the beginning of this verse that you must study to show thyself approved. Deuteronomy 8:3 says (Amplified) And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you recognize and PERSONALLY know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.
That tells us the importance of His Word which at this time is predominantly the Bible.
I'd like to throw in the verses just a little bit further down. Verses 11-14, 17 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His precepts, and His statutes, which I command you this day, Lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses and live in them, And your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all you have is multiplied, Then your [ minds and] hearts be lifted up and you forget the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, ... And beware lest you say in your [mind and ] heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this. This is a strong warning to us that when we become successful, the temptation is to forget God and think we have done it on our own. We can even feel this way about salvation!!!! I know that may be shocking to some people, but it's true. A lot of these classes or ministries lead you to believe you can do things in your own power and that is a falsehood. We are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God. Not by works lest any man should boast. Eph. 2:8,9.
So, my premise is that you can save yourself from "drinking the kool-aid" either spiritually, or even worldly philosophies SOLELY by being a good Berean. What does that mean? Acts 17: 10-11 says (KJV) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming hither and thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. We must take what we are hearing and search the scriptures daily to discern whether it is correct. I tell you what Paul told the Galatians in Gal. 1:8 (Amplified) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be cursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! It doesn't matter what the source is, it matters what the message is. Even if your pastor says it, even if your most favorite TV preacher says it.... it doesn't matter. You need to search the scriptures daily to see if it is so.
Many people these days are casting a shadow on the Word of God and downplaying it's importance. But I tell you it is the ONLY thing we can trust these days. Here is why I say this: Let's start at the beginning. John 1:1-2 says, (Amplified) In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ) and the Word was with God and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. So, this verse establishes that God and Jesus (who is also the Word) are one and were there in the beginning. Hebrews 13:8 says (Amplified) Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today [yes] and forever (to the ages). So, now we know that Jesus and God are one and that Jesus is the Word, and that He is always the same. That is something in which we can place our trust.
Now let's go to I Peter 1:21 (Amplified) For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so- it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit. So, the Bible is not a bunch of man's ideas, but men were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God's Words. The Bible is made up of God's Words.
Now, let's go to Hebrews 6:18, 19 (KJV) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil:
This verse is saying that it is impossible for God to lie.
Let me put this all together. Jesus is the Word. God and Jesus are one. The Bible is God's words written by men moved by the Holy Spirit. God cannot lie. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. This is the basis of our faith! This is the anchor for our souls! Anything taught or spoken that conflicts with the Word of God, must be rejected. And, it doesn't matter where the teaching comes from, Paul even said if it's an angel from heaven preaching a different gospel, may he be cursed.
People, I beg you, be careful! I see the Kool-aid being passed out. It has many pretty colors, it may look appetizing; but remember -the people who drank the kool-aid in Jim Jones' camp did not live! I believe this will be true of people who drink the spiritual and philosophical kool-aid being passed out now. They will not live. Although I have used a metaphor which may be amusing, there is nothing amusing about this.
I leave you today with Paul's advice to Timothy in I Tim 6:20,21 (Amplified) O Timothy, guard and keep the deposit entrusted [to you]! Turn away from the irreverent babble, and godless chatter, with the vain and empty and worldly phrases, and the subtleties and the contradictions in what is falsely called knowledge and spiritual illumination. [For] by making such profession some have erred (missed the mark) as regards the faith.
Please use the Word of God to discern what you hear. I don't want you to miss the mark regarding your faith.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Is it Even Possible?
In the text of my pastor's sermon today, there was this verse: (Amplified) Romans 16:19 "For while your loyalty and obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as to what is evil." For some reason this verse struck me today. God has been working in my heart about this topic even before we read this verse today, and when I ponder this verse, I see both a physical and spiritual application.
Is it possible to be well versed and wise to what is good and guileless as to what is evil in today's world? The answer, based on what I read in God's Word, is yes. Would it be easy to be this type of person in today's world? No. In the physical realm, I think it would take a committment, and work to be a person like this. For example, I watch a show on TV which features a family who by all accounts are extremely conservative. They are Christians, and when they live out their Christian lives, they run VERY counter-culture. The women wear dresses, they do not watch television, and the children are very limited in their internet use. They do not watch movies, and in one episode they were introduced to Brandy Chastain and they had no clue who she was. I've read some websites about this family, and the majority of people think that this family is nuts. But, when I watched that episode, it occurred to me that without all of the influence of the world, these kids have a much different path of following God. They don't have to be let down by public figures who, in their sinful nature, do not live up to people's expectations. I think this concept of being innocent to evil is what is attractive to me about the Amish. Their lives are different because they have chosen to block out the world's influence on their lives.
Please know that I don't think anyone is more or less "spiritual" based on whether or not they watch tv, wear pants, go to movies, listen to secular music etc. I am just musing about what are the consequences of letting these things into our lives. I am not, and am not asking you to judge people, but to look into this concept and see how it might change your life. The world is becoming more and more perverse, and it is more difficult to allow even parts of the world into a Christian's life without terrible consequences. I've noticed for several years that it's not just television, but commercials that are offensive. So, in order to watch television, I must be vigilant about the commercials because I don't want my sense of what's right and pure to be eroded by these images on the screen. For me the result has been that fewer and fewer things are even worth the vigilance needed.
So, what happens when we are wise to good and guileless to evil? I think we focus on the right thing. The Bible says to "Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". We cannot forget that directive. The Bible tells us over and over to come out from among them and be separate, and to "love not the world". So, this verse calling us to be wise unto that which is good, and guileless to evil fits in with what is taught. Also, I think that whatever we focus on in life becomes magnified. So, if you focus on evil; either with enjoyment or even in a "warfare" context you are magnifiying the evil. I believe our answers for healing, deliverance and for purity are all summed up in the idea of being wise to good and guileless to evil. No good can come from focusing on the devil, demons, curses etc. I return again to the words of the hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace." I know this has happened in my own life.
Is it possible to be well versed and wise to what is good and guileless as to what is evil in today's world? The answer, based on what I read in God's Word, is yes. Would it be easy to be this type of person in today's world? No. In the physical realm, I think it would take a committment, and work to be a person like this. For example, I watch a show on TV which features a family who by all accounts are extremely conservative. They are Christians, and when they live out their Christian lives, they run VERY counter-culture. The women wear dresses, they do not watch television, and the children are very limited in their internet use. They do not watch movies, and in one episode they were introduced to Brandy Chastain and they had no clue who she was. I've read some websites about this family, and the majority of people think that this family is nuts. But, when I watched that episode, it occurred to me that without all of the influence of the world, these kids have a much different path of following God. They don't have to be let down by public figures who, in their sinful nature, do not live up to people's expectations. I think this concept of being innocent to evil is what is attractive to me about the Amish. Their lives are different because they have chosen to block out the world's influence on their lives.
Please know that I don't think anyone is more or less "spiritual" based on whether or not they watch tv, wear pants, go to movies, listen to secular music etc. I am just musing about what are the consequences of letting these things into our lives. I am not, and am not asking you to judge people, but to look into this concept and see how it might change your life. The world is becoming more and more perverse, and it is more difficult to allow even parts of the world into a Christian's life without terrible consequences. I've noticed for several years that it's not just television, but commercials that are offensive. So, in order to watch television, I must be vigilant about the commercials because I don't want my sense of what's right and pure to be eroded by these images on the screen. For me the result has been that fewer and fewer things are even worth the vigilance needed.
So, what happens when we are wise to good and guileless to evil? I think we focus on the right thing. The Bible says to "Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". We cannot forget that directive. The Bible tells us over and over to come out from among them and be separate, and to "love not the world". So, this verse calling us to be wise unto that which is good, and guileless to evil fits in with what is taught. Also, I think that whatever we focus on in life becomes magnified. So, if you focus on evil; either with enjoyment or even in a "warfare" context you are magnifiying the evil. I believe our answers for healing, deliverance and for purity are all summed up in the idea of being wise to good and guileless to evil. No good can come from focusing on the devil, demons, curses etc. I return again to the words of the hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace." I know this has happened in my own life.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Feeling Overwhelmed?
I first wrote this post on June 2, 2009. At that time I had no idea what turns my own life would take. I am now more than ever convinced that our ONLY hope is to keep our eyes FIXED on Jesus.
These are interesting days we live in right now. In my life, and I know of many others, there is trouble on every side. We feel concern about the direction of our country, our families and even our churches. The stories of people murdering their entire families because of financial or other problems seem to be increasing. How can we make it through this time? Can we actually have peace and joy? I believe absolutely that the person who believes on the Lord can have both peace and joy during this time. Acts 16:31 in the Amplified Bible says this:"And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and you household as well." Believing isn't just thinking about something; in this verse it means to entrust yourself to Jesus. What better place to be in this life right now? Does that mean your problems immediately go away? No, but it does mean that you are no longer the one fighting all the battles. If you entrust yourself to Jesus and decide to do only what He says, it takes the pressure of having to "figure everything out" off of you.
I know that this concept is easier for me to write about than it is to apply to my life, but we have to remind ourselves of what God requires of us. He doesn't require that we navigate this life on our own and make perfect choices at every turn. He requires that we love Him with everything we have and everything we are and love others as Christ loved us. I have always loved King David from scripture. He messed up majorly several times in his life. He was put on the run for his life several times in his life. But yet, in all of this, he is called a man after God's heart. Those facts alone give me hope. I still have an opportunity to be called a woman after God's heart. Based on my feelings, it is not a surprise that I often turn to the Psalms when I need a special Word from the Lord.
So, when writing about feeling overwhelmed, my thoughts turn to Psalm 42 and 43. David asks (KJV) "Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of His countenance." I encourage you to read the entirety of chapters 42 and 43 because David lays out how to handle being cast down which I interpret to be overwhelmed. One thing he goes on to mention in verse 6 "O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.' So when life overwhelmed David, He remembered all that God had done. This causes God to become bigger in your mind, and the problems can't help but become smaller. When you have a big God, there is no problem that can overwhelm you.
I am reminded of the father in the New Testament who came to Jesus for healing for his son. Mark 9 records the story where Jesus says to him in verse 23 (Amplified) "And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" The reply is something that I know would be my response. "At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!" In the King James it says "I believe, help thou my unbelief." It's okay to say that to God. He knows it already, so we might as well be honest with Him.
My encouragement is to find faith building Scriptures, music, sermons and keep them near to you. I was talking with someone last night, and I said, when all else fails use distraction. If you can't seem to break out of the overwhelmed feeling, distract yourself. I have found though that I have to be careful about my distractions; making sure that they are contributing to my spiritual life. There is so much else today competing for that place in my heart and soul, I am more careful than ever with what I fill my time.
These are interesting days we live in right now. In my life, and I know of many others, there is trouble on every side. We feel concern about the direction of our country, our families and even our churches. The stories of people murdering their entire families because of financial or other problems seem to be increasing. How can we make it through this time? Can we actually have peace and joy? I believe absolutely that the person who believes on the Lord can have both peace and joy during this time. Acts 16:31 in the Amplified Bible says this:"And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and you household as well." Believing isn't just thinking about something; in this verse it means to entrust yourself to Jesus. What better place to be in this life right now? Does that mean your problems immediately go away? No, but it does mean that you are no longer the one fighting all the battles. If you entrust yourself to Jesus and decide to do only what He says, it takes the pressure of having to "figure everything out" off of you.
I know that this concept is easier for me to write about than it is to apply to my life, but we have to remind ourselves of what God requires of us. He doesn't require that we navigate this life on our own and make perfect choices at every turn. He requires that we love Him with everything we have and everything we are and love others as Christ loved us. I have always loved King David from scripture. He messed up majorly several times in his life. He was put on the run for his life several times in his life. But yet, in all of this, he is called a man after God's heart. Those facts alone give me hope. I still have an opportunity to be called a woman after God's heart. Based on my feelings, it is not a surprise that I often turn to the Psalms when I need a special Word from the Lord.
So, when writing about feeling overwhelmed, my thoughts turn to Psalm 42 and 43. David asks (KJV) "Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of His countenance." I encourage you to read the entirety of chapters 42 and 43 because David lays out how to handle being cast down which I interpret to be overwhelmed. One thing he goes on to mention in verse 6 "O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.' So when life overwhelmed David, He remembered all that God had done. This causes God to become bigger in your mind, and the problems can't help but become smaller. When you have a big God, there is no problem that can overwhelm you.
I am reminded of the father in the New Testament who came to Jesus for healing for his son. Mark 9 records the story where Jesus says to him in verse 23 (Amplified) "And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" The reply is something that I know would be my response. "At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!" In the King James it says "I believe, help thou my unbelief." It's okay to say that to God. He knows it already, so we might as well be honest with Him.
My encouragement is to find faith building Scriptures, music, sermons and keep them near to you. I was talking with someone last night, and I said, when all else fails use distraction. If you can't seem to break out of the overwhelmed feeling, distract yourself. I have found though that I have to be careful about my distractions; making sure that they are contributing to my spiritual life. There is so much else today competing for that place in my heart and soul, I am more careful than ever with what I fill my time.
Friday, January 1, 2010
An Open Letter
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the person/persons called "Servants of the Lord." For everyone else, let me explain.
On Wednesday, December 23, Fedex delivered an envelope addressed to my husband and me. When we opened it, there was a Christmas card inside. Inside the Christmas card were two money orders. The card read, "Chris and Sharon After praying, this is how the Lord led. God bless."
I was stunned, and burst into tears. I felt so humbled that someone would do this, and grateful to the Lord. Not to mention that this is the second financial blessing God has provided to us. Immediately, the Lord brought to my mind the many times both my husband and I have blessed others. I felt like God was showing me that He knows, and He leads and directs. There have been many years, especially at Christmas, that we have blessed others financially. While that wasn't the case this year; God knew what a blessing like this would mean to us.
This person/persons made it clear that they did not want their identity to be discovered, so I respect your wishes. I will admit, I wanted to figure it out for a time, but then laid that thought to rest. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This incident has not only affected my life, but also my children's lives. When I showed them the card, they were blown away. When I began to talk to them about other times when God had led us to bless others in a similar way, they began to see that this can be a way of life. We hadn't always told our kids the stories when we blessed other people, but the older ones are teenagers and this has made an impression on their lives. They can see God at work in specific ways and meeting needs before they arise.
This has been a difficult holiday season for us. We lost a dear friend, and my daughter lost her great-grandmother. Through all of that, God has remained faithful. And He always will be faithful!
As this New Year opens, I encourage you to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord. You never know how your obedience will bless others.
On Wednesday, December 23, Fedex delivered an envelope addressed to my husband and me. When we opened it, there was a Christmas card inside. Inside the Christmas card were two money orders. The card read, "Chris and Sharon After praying, this is how the Lord led. God bless."
I was stunned, and burst into tears. I felt so humbled that someone would do this, and grateful to the Lord. Not to mention that this is the second financial blessing God has provided to us. Immediately, the Lord brought to my mind the many times both my husband and I have blessed others. I felt like God was showing me that He knows, and He leads and directs. There have been many years, especially at Christmas, that we have blessed others financially. While that wasn't the case this year; God knew what a blessing like this would mean to us.
This person/persons made it clear that they did not want their identity to be discovered, so I respect your wishes. I will admit, I wanted to figure it out for a time, but then laid that thought to rest. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This incident has not only affected my life, but also my children's lives. When I showed them the card, they were blown away. When I began to talk to them about other times when God had led us to bless others in a similar way, they began to see that this can be a way of life. We hadn't always told our kids the stories when we blessed other people, but the older ones are teenagers and this has made an impression on their lives. They can see God at work in specific ways and meeting needs before they arise.
This has been a difficult holiday season for us. We lost a dear friend, and my daughter lost her great-grandmother. Through all of that, God has remained faithful. And He always will be faithful!
As this New Year opens, I encourage you to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord. You never know how your obedience will bless others.
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