How many of us forget the "with thanksgiving" part?

How many of us forget the "with thanksgiving" part?

Monday, October 31, 2016

10:15 AM

As I have written before, it seems to me from Scripture that attitude is very important to God.  In my opinion it is an outward manifestation of the inner faith.  I found a couple verses in Philippians 4 that illustrate this nicely. 

Let's start with this.  Here Paul tells us how to turn to God with our needs. 

Philippians 4:6-7(NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

OK, the first part we intuitively get.  It is the part highlighted in green that I think we sometimes forget.  "With Thanksgiving"!!!  What does that mean?  Let me illustrate.  Compare these two prayers. 

"O Lord, life has been so hard lately.  Please, please, please, help it get better.  It doesn't seem like things ever get better.  Oh me oh my….."

Compare that to:
 

"O Lord, thank you so much for all the blessing you have given me in life.  Things have been a little tough lately but I take comfort in knowing that "hope does not disappoint" as long as I place that hope in you.  Thank you so much for that. 

Your Word says:

Romans 8:28(NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

And I can't wait to see how you work this one out!  You are so awesome, thank you!  Amen"

Now which prayer do you think is more pleasing to God?  It's pretty obvious isn't it?

Now some will say the second prayer isn't realistic.  I say it is.  At least it is if you stand on God's Word. 

Is the second prayer natural?  Probably not.  I think it is human nature to pray like the first prayer.  That is why being in the Word is so important.  You need God's Word to help override human nature and make your life better.  

When you know how God expects you to respond, you have a choice; be obedient to God or continue doing things your own way.  If you truly want your prayers answered by God then wouldn't it make sense to decide to present those prayers to God in the way that He says He wants them presented?   

The dichotomy of strength and weakness.

I think for many people, myself included, this dichotomy is one of the hardest to understand. 

Ephesians 6:10(NKJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

Matthew 5:5(NKJV)

    Blessed are the meek,      For they shall inherit the earth.

Here is how I view it.  I'll use a phrase to paint a picture.

Powerfully meek

What does that mean?  Maybe this old phrase will help.  "Speak softly but carry a big stick."

A lot of Christians combine the meek verse and turn the other cheek verses to try and persuade people that Christians should be pacifists.  I disagree with that interpretation for several reasons. 

Among those reasons is that we are created in the image of God.  Are God and Jesus pacifists?  Have you read the Old Testament?  God is anything but a pacifist.  But what about Jesus?  Well here is a quote from Jesus.

Matthew 10:34(NKJV)

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 

Does that sound like a pacifist talking to you?

I think the pairing that gives a more accurate interpretation is the pairing above.  We are to be powerfully meek.  We are to be humble, polite, respectful, and we are to serve others and God. 

We aren't however required to be door mats.  We are heirs with Jesus.  We are given power and strength through that relationship.  As long as we always give credit for where that power comes from I think we are to use that power in the service of God. 

Does that make sense? 

What happened to love your neighbor as yourself?

Man o man.  Once again I find myself comparing what Paul said to what Jesus said. 

Here is what Jesus said. 

Mark 12:29-31(NKJV)

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  This is the first commandment. 

And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Paul seems to be saying just the opposite.  Paul seems to be saying think more highly of your neighbor than yourself.

Philippians 2:3(NKJV)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Hmmm, who should I listen to? 

 

"…are much more bold to speak the word without fear. "

All across Europe right now officials are telling Christians to hide their beliefs so as not to offend the Muslim "refugees".  I wonder what Scripture would say?

Philippians 1:12-14(NKJV)

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 

so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 

and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Seems to me Christians should be disregard the officials and share their faith boldly.  After all God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 

Now might that put us in some danger?  It might.  If so be prepared to defend yourself.  That is what Jesus told us to do.
 

Luke 22:36(NKJV)

Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 

What is the "spirit" of our faith?

What is the "spirit" of our faith?

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

12:31 PM

I read this Scripture and it spoke to me in a different way.  Let me explain.

James 2:26(NKJV)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

This is a verse I had read many times before.  I guess I just never noticed the allegory before. 

Let's take a look.  The spirit is what animates the body thus "the body without the spirit is dead".    So Scripture goes on to draw the comparison that works are what animate our faith.  Another way to say that is that works demonstrate our faith.

What I realized when I read the verse this time is that I have been viewing it way too narrowly.  I had always thought of works as doing things for the poor.  I now believe it is much bigger than that. 

I think it refers to all of the ways we use (work) the skills that God has given us.  I think it also demonstrates as part of our faith how well we listen and put in to action what we find in God's word.

As an example how many times have we seen people praying for their situation in life to get better.  Praying and having faith that things will get better are all well and good but is it enough?  I think that what this verse is telling us is that no it isn't enough.  It's a start but more is needed.  After all, even God can't steer a parked car!  (I've always thought that was a neat saying.  God can actually do anything He wants but you get the point  :)

Until you put action behind it the "faith" is just empty lip service.  Action (works) demonstrate in a real way your faith that things will actually get better.  Make sense?   

How should we approach God?

With boldness and confidence!  Not weak and sniveling.  Bold and confident! 

Why?  Because we are heirs with Christ!  Scripture tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear.  He gave us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.  So don't you think we ought to approach God in the way He intended?  Isn't approaching God with boldness and confidence another way of demonstrating our inner faith?  I believe it is!

Ephesians 3:11-12(NKJV)

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 
 

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

"do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits"

OK, how do we do that?

1 John 4:1-3(NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 

and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Couple of things here.  First it hadn't occurred to me that even though we have the Holy Spirit in us to guide us we will still have to contend with other spirits trying to influence us.  I know there are people out there who will try to deceive us and talk us out of our beliefs but for some reason I had not thought of it from the spiritual aspect.

The second thing is that I love that there is guidance from Scripture on how to test the spirits.  Pretty cool!

I'm not sure I agree with this.

I agree with the first part but really question the second part.

James 4:7-8(NKJV)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

I'm 100% on board with this part.  It's the next two verses that I question.

James 4:9-10(NKJV)

Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Do you really think we need to go God as sniveling, weak, gloomy and unhappy people in order for Him to lift us up?  Seriously?  How in the world does that demonstrate faith?  In fact it flies directly in the face of one of my foundational verses. 
 

Romans 5:3-5(NKJV)

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

God's first rule of success is glory in your tribulations (have a great attitude).  How does lamenting and being gloomy even come close to "glorying in our tribulations"?

In addition we have this advice from Paul.

Ephesians 3:11-12(NKJV)

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 

 

Again how does lamenting, whining, and being gloomy demonstrate "boldness and confidence" through faith in Christ?

And just to finish off this topic.

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

As heirs in Christ I just don't believe that God wants us to be little whiners for Him to help us and that, at least to me, is what James is telling people to do.   

 

Are We Doing What We Were Created For?

Great question and an even greater way to measure our lives. 

You know I like simple stuff.  Simple easy ways to see if I am on track.  I think this is an easy way to do so.

So the question is: What did God create us for?

Ephesians 2:10(NKJV)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Seems pretty clear to me.  God created us for good works that God prepared ahead of time for us to do. 

So how do we know if we are on track or not?  Are we doing any good works?  What is our attitude towards good works?  Are we always on the lookout for ways to do more good works?  Why is it so important to God that we do good works? 

Great questions all.  But let me start by being very clear that whether or not we do good works or not has no effect on our salvation.  Scripture is very clear that we are saved by our Faith in Jesus Christ, period! 

So why then do you think good works is a big deal?  I personally believe that when we take action (works) it is an outward physical manifestation of our inner faith.  Good works often requires us to step out in faith.  In other words it is a way to "prove" our faith to God.  We are willing to step out and try to do things that we may not feel totally qualified or equipped to do…but we do it anyway because God asked us to. 

God will ask us to do things that are outside of our comfort zone.  Why does God do that?  I think there are several reasons but I will touch on just a couple.  First it requires us to submit and be obedient to God because let's face it, most of us aren't willing to step out of our comfort zones voluntarily.  But the fact is much of what we truly want and desire in life can be found on the other side of our comfort zones.  God knows that and that is why He tries to move us in that direction.  It is good for us.   

The other reason, and this is a huge belief of mine, is that God has identified some new skills that He wants you to develop if you will only let Him.  When you use those new skills in doing good works for God one of the benefits is that you also get to use those skills in your personal life, often leading to a better life all around!

And finally why do I think it is so important to always cheerfully look for new ways to serve God by doing good works?  Because Scripture tells us that is what we were created for.  I just personally think it is an affront to God to refuse to do what He created us for.  To just spit in God's eye and purposely waste the talents that He gave seems to me to be a situation I don't want to ever find myself in. 

How about you? 

One of my top three foundational verses. If you ever fear you need this one!!!

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Scripture tells us over and over and over again…Do Not Fear!!!!!!!

So how do we stop it when we feel fear trying to take over?

Easy!  Memorize this verse.  This should be your go to verse when you feel even the hint of fear.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear….be gone Satan!!!!!"

But let's take a deeper look at the verse.  God didn't give us a spirit of fear.  OK, what did God give us instead?
 

God gave us Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.  Now does everybody get this?  According to Scripture, no.  Only those who believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit receive those blessings of God.  I just want to make perfectly clear that these come through our belief in Jesus and they are intended to Glorify God.

So what is it we are to do with our power, love, and sound minds?  Based on my studies of Scripture here is my opinion.

I believe we are to approach life with a sense of power and purpose.  We are to live life vibrantly.  In good times and bad.  We are to "glory in our tribulations" (Romans 5:3-5) because that demonstrates our faith in God's power to actually make our lives better…if we take action. (Good subject for a whole different post)

I personally think too many people focus on the "meek" Scripture at the expense of the "power" Scriptures.

We are to approach life always looking for ways to make people's lives better, thereby demonstrating our love.  Does that mean we have to quite our jobs and go in to ministry?  Nope.  Just change the paradigm.  Look at your existing life as your ministry.  How can you touch people in a meaningful way in your everyday life, thereby demonstrating the love of God?

And finally our sound minds.  Why do you think that was included?  Our sound minds?  Hmm.  Could it be God's subtle way of telling us not to allow ourselves to be led astray?  Could it be God's way of saying "think things through, don't get fooled?"  Could it be God's subtle way of reinforcing one of the main messages of Proverbs?  That message being to pursue wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? 

I personally believe that is exactly what God was doing there.  God gave us our intellect and I believe He expects us to use it. 

Now let me bring this full circle.  This post started out as a post about combatting fear.  Memorizing the Scripture will be a great help in fighting fear.  But do you know what would be an even bigger help?  To embrace the deeper meaning here. 

If we live our lives embracing the Power of God and embracing God's love, all the while seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding…..what would we really have to fear to begin with?   

The Sadducees Believed There Was No Spirit?

Acts 23:7-8(NKJV)

And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 

For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 

Makes you wonder how they could have been one of the two mains forms of Judaism doesn't it?

Because the resurrection hadn't happened for so many years I can see how they might have doubted that.  After all a lot of the Scripture in the OT about the resurrection ban be a bit cryptic.  But how could they not believe in Angels and spirit?  The Old Testament is replete with unambiguous references to both. 

Did the Sadducees think God was lying to them in Scripture? 

Wow great topic for another study!!!

 

Galatians 3:2(NKJV)

This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 

Isn't that a great question?

I have been studying the word Spirit in Scripture.  The word is used 523 times throughout the Bible.  Scripture tells us that God is Spirit.

One of the things that I have found interesting is the misconception that I had.  The Holy Spirit being given to all who accept Christ is a New Testament phenomena.  That made me wonder where the Holy Spirit was in the Old Testament.

Well as I read through I find plenty of references of God giving His Spirit to different individuals who were acting on God's behalf.  I have become convinced that those are references to the very same Holy Spirit that we hear about in the New Testament.

What seems to have changed is that in the OT God didn't give His Spirit to everyone and the individual had no say in the matter.  Today We, not God, get to make the decision of whether we receive the Holy Spirit.  All we have to do is accept Jesus! 

God doesn't look down and decide "nope, even though you accepted Jesus, you can't have the Spirit".  God has made a promise that all who invite Jesus in to their lives can have the Holy Spirit.  Do you have the Holy Spirit yet?  If not why not ask Jesus to lead you right now?  Have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

Now back on track to my starting point.  This question would make a great topic for a Bible study.  Paul asks "did you receive the Spirit by faith or by the law?".  Obviously in the NT it was through faith.  I am going to go back and look at all the examples in the OT to see if they are that way as well.  My guess is that they will be but I won't know for sure until I do the research.

And why do I think it will be that way?  Because of one of my foundational beliefs which is that  most principals in the Bible are confirmed in both the NT and OT.  I'll let you know what I find out!

Is it wrong to consult astrologers, etc.?

Based on multiple Scriptures I believe it is.  That is why I don't even open and read fortune cookies. 

Isaiah 30:1(NKJV)

    “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord,      “Who take counsel, but not of Me,     And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,     That they may add sin to sin;

"Spiritually discerned"

This is an interesting concept. 

1 Corinthians 2:14(NKJV)

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

I have often said that I think the most effective means of witnessing is through personal testimony of what God has done in our own lives.  I think that is way more effective that trying to beat people over the head with the Bible and just convince them with Scripture verses.

This might explain why.  When we just use Bible verses it seems to me that we are trying to convince them with logic.  On the other hand when we share personal testimony we connect at a much more emotional, or substitute the word spiritual, level. 

Now don't get me wrong.  I am not saying to scrap the Bible or anything silly like that.  The Bible is the foundational document that we base our faith on.  I'm just saying that when we are trying to win people to Christ, connecting at the spiritual level is more convincing than logic.

Make sense?

Fear is natural. How we deal with it as Christians, not so much so. :)

As you know, the whole faith vs. fear thing is a big deal to me.  We are told over and over and over….do not fear.

The problem is that fear is a natural reaction.  So how do we "not fear"? 

2 Corinthians 7:5(NKJV)

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 

Haggai 2:5(NKJV)

‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’

I would say that you have to be grounded in Scripture and then you have to discipline your mind to stand on those Scriptures.  When you feel yourself slipping to the fear side make a very conscious decision not to fear.  It takes practice but you can do it!!!

What do we receive from the Holy Spirit?

Acts 1:8(NKJV)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

So why do so many Christians walk around feeling hopeless and defeated?  Could it be that they haven't put in the effort to know God and the Scriptures? 

Another prophecy of Jesus

I always love running across passages in the OT that clearly predict the coming of Jesus.  I think this verse falls in to that category. 

Zechariah 12:10(NKJV)

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. 

Don't know if this has any meaning but…

I'm not sure if there is any hidden meaning in this but I found it interesting.  I have been reading all passages that speak of the spirit in some way.  Most of those passages are referring to God's Spirit and the Holy Spirit.  This one passage stood out.  Take a look.

Luke 1:17(NKJV)

He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’  and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

This is the only place in the Bible that I have found where it says to go forth in the spirit of someone other than God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit.

We are not told to go forth in the spirit of Moses or Abraham, or even David.  But we are told to go forth in the power and spirit of Elijah.

Interesting!

Good Advice

I think this is good advice not only if they "arrest us for Christ" but any time we represent Christ.

Mark 13:11(NKJV)

But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 

Don't speak for the Holy Spirit.  Let the Holy Spirit speak through you!  Make sense?

I have probably shared this story before but I can't remember for sure so I will share it again.  Years ago I was asked to give the message at the Gospel Mission.  I had this message firmly in mind as I prepared for that Sunday evening.  Wow, what a test of faith!

By the time I was introduced I had zero notes.  ZERO! 

Normally I would have had the whole thing scripted and I would have practiced it and been ready.  This time right up to the moment I stepped up to the podium God just kept saying "Trust me.  I got this!". 

I did and He did!

Old Testament scripture describing the concept of born again.

I hadn't noticed this before.  Isn't what is described below along the lines of being "born again"?  Cool! 

Ezekiel 18:31(NKJV)

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?