STRONGHOLDS BROKEN DOWN
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
II Corinthians 10:3-5
When I was younger I remember seeing a movie in church concerning spiritual warfare that has never left my memory. As the battle in the physical played out in the choices being made by the lead character, so also the movie gave an inside look at the battle in the spiritual. Although the main character was unable to see the angels and demons that fought over his life, the fact was that the war was real. In the end, because of the prayers prayed by his friends and family, his life was saved. And although this sounds like a cute little story, the fact is this is happening at every minute concerning our lives. The war is real, and the enemy wants nothing more than to destroy us. So for today’s devotional, I felt I was to continue on with the topic of prayer again. This time around, however, I felt that I was to break down the passage of II Corinthians 10:3-4 in order to give a better understanding of just what we as believers in Christ will find ourselves coming in contact with in the spirit realm.
Having watched my share of war movies growing up, it appears the allied forces always knew a little something about the enemy. Either they knew where the base was, or what type weapons they were fighting with, or even the terrain the enemy would hide in. But I wonder if we are as wise to our enemy. It seems that too many Christians are walking around oblivious to that fact that they are walking straight into the war zone without any knowledge of the enemy or his tactics. And although it is not my desire to give any glory to the enemy, I do have to admit that he seems to have studied us and knows our points of weakness that can be used for our demise. Therefore, we must turn the tables and realize who we are fighting and the weapons that we have in hand. It is for this reason that Paul writes in II Corinthians 10:3 that we do not fight in the flesh. Our military expedition or call of duty is strictly in the spirit realms. It would do well to also point out at this point that there should be no soldiers in reserves. Each soldier has been called up to stand on the frontline, the vanguard of his or her own lives, and still be joined together with the army of God to war over the lives of others.
So then, we fight with weapons that are not physical, but spiritual. It is in our arms and weapons of warfare that victory will be found. In II Corinthians 10:4 it reads, “The weapons we fight with…” This word ‘fight’ is the Greek word STRATEIA, found only twice in the New Testament. The meaning of the word is warfare or military service. Its only other usage is found in I Timothy 1:18 where Paul charges Timothy to war a good STRATEIA. This charge is also given to us as followers and warriors of our commander and chief, God Himself. Under God alone are our weapons mighty to pull down strongholds.
But let us break down another word in this passage before closing on the day. In this passage, the word mighty is the word DUNATOS, meaning able, powerful, having extreme power, and influential. Think on that for just a moment. The weapons of our STRATEIA are DUNATOS! What comes to mind for me is an unstoppable force that is able to penetrate anything, deflect anything, and bring fear into the inner parts of the one I am facing down. I recall the scripture that reads it is not by might, nor power, but by God’s Spirit. Apart from God I can do nothing, but holding His given weapons in my hand and fighting next to Him I can do all things, including the demolition of strong holds. What can stand against God’s power? Nothing!
Yet while we have looked at the weapons of our warfare and how they were not physical but spiritual according to II Corinthians 10:4, let us also look at the very next verse to follow which describes another attack of the enemy, and the resolution that God has given to us concerning the attack. Now remember, the weapons of our strateia are dunatos, or as is better known, the weapons of our warfare are mighty and able to pull down strongholds. But what is a stronghold? A stronghold is defined as an area in which we are held in bondage because of a way of thinking. For me concerning my draw toward pornography, the stronghold was in thinking that every woman wanted me, and later on in thinking that I could never break free from it. My mind was trapped in wrong thinking. For years I wanted out of this cycle but could never get past the lies that played over and over in my head. It wasn't until I fully surrendered to God and began reading His word and His promises concerning me that I began to understand really what I was fighting against. I wasn't fighting against the internet or the countless magazines or even Hugh Hefner himself, but I was fighting against the lies in my mind that had twisted a leash around me and were dragging me further and further downward. Perhaps you know the feeling of a stronghold.
But with the understanding that we have been given spiritual weapons, we must also realize that we have been given the ability through Christ to demolish those thinsg that once held us captive. We are given the ability to demolish arguments and pretensions that stand before us and against God. Well now, that is a great and fluffy thought, but what does it mean? In stating that we 'demolish arguments', the Greek refers to us having the skills to cast down or throw down our opponote. I think of a wrestling match - no not those fake ones on television but instead a high school wrestling match or such. Imagine the guy weighing 200 pounds going against the one weighing only 99 pounds. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on the big guy because he has twice as much muscle, strength and power over the little guy. With one move he could overtake the little guy and pin him. That is us. We are the big guy who has the speed, training, and skill to defeat the enemy. The problem is that even though in practice we know of and joke around about our power and skill, we don't use it when the match is actually going on for real. How many of us can talk a talk about beating up the devil only to find ourselves giving into sin? Yet all these arguments and reckonings are supposed to be what we are taking down. We are not supposed to fail, yet we give in and lose many times because we don't even try.
Still, in addition to demolishing arguments, we are also to use our weapons to demolish every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Again, do we know what means? It means every item that glorifies itself higher than God needs to be demolished. It could be the sin of porn, or it could a girlfriend, boyfriend, money, food, the list could go on. Anything that is more important to you than God is an idol, and here Paul tells us that these idols must be destroyed. I look at this way. If I am standing face to face with God, and this thing comes and stands between me and God and looks me now face to face, then that thing has its back turned toward God. In essence, that thing has caused me to turn my back on God.
Paul didn't leave us without an answer, though. He told us what we must do. We must take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Let's look at these words of command and decipher what this really means. AICHMALOTIZO in the Greek means to enslave the thoughts held within the mind. This is what we are commanded to do. Instead of being slaves to sin we are to make sin our slave. We have been given the task of taking these sins before God so that He may punish the evil one. In His way, He will bring about HUPAKOE, which is the method of bringing someone or something into submission. By casting down the arguments, imaginations, and gods that stand in the way, we find our minds free of the distractions that work to veer us away for God. It is in the fight and victory concerning this submission of mindset that we find ourselves then in the position of freedom from the strongholds that so desire to control us.
God has destined us to be strong disciples of Him, yet too many of us have moved from following God strongly to being strongly held by the enemy. It is time we surrender these thoughts captive to God so that these areas in which we are held in bondage because of our thinking no longer enslave us. It is time we wear the armor of God and combat the enemy, putting him with force and in God's power, back in his place. Are you ready to break the strongholds? Then let us start by taking our thoughts captive. Rise up warriors and retake your place. For far too long we have let the enemy sack our villages, steal from us, and shoot us with the flaming arrows of sin he so strategically has aimed at us. We have forgotten about the promise of God’s weapons and that we are called to take up arms and fight. Put on your armor, soldiers of the Lord Most High, and fight. Dress yourself in His truth, His righteousness and His peace. Cover your mind with God’s helmet and then with sword and shield in hand, move out to take back what the devil has stolen from you. Rise up mighty warrior, and under God’s banner, re-possess the land!
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
POWER BEHIND PRAYER
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
This week I have been finding myself spending more time in prayer. It isn’t that I have a special time designated for praying, although there is nothing wrong with that and I may want to consider a more routine time, but I have felt an urge to pray at different times. In a few cases it has been a thought that comes to my mind and I feel this push to pray right then. At other times I am triggered by something I see or news that I hear and instantly I move into prayer mode. And I have found myself praying for events, family, friends, and yes even you the reader on occasion this week. But not wanting to be foolish or pray aimlessly, I took it upon myself to study a little more concerning prayer within the last few days. While my research is not done, and honestly I am not sure it ever can or will be, I would like to share a few thoughts with you today from what God is making evident to me concerning the power behind prayer.
In reading further in the book, Pray Walking, the author reflects on a trip taken to Benin, Africa, the birthplace of voodoo and the capital of fetish religion within Africa. His group consisted of strong Christians, solid in their faith and active in ministry. Yet each member got attacked to some level, whether by nightmares, sickness, or other tests. It was then that he made the realization that, “those who pray best are those who are prayed for the most.” I let that idea stay in my mind after reading it because the revelation of it seemed too weighty to let go. Then I began to think back over my mission experiences and life in general. I saw it as true. I can honestly say that I am here still today because someone took the time to pray for me. Someone prayed that I would not give into the devil, that I would not forsake God, and that I would heed His voice. Because I have been prayed for, by family, friends, and countless others I may never know about, I am here still.
This new thought got me thinking about who I pray for. I know many who are in bondage and need help, both Christian and non-Christian alike, but what am I doing to back up their prayers? With this thought in mind, I recalled Matthew 18:19-20, where Jesus says, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” The word that comes to mind is agreement. Jesus is saying in this verse that when we agree on something and ask for something that is in God’s will, God’s agreement is also in it. Still, look with me at the word ‘agree’. The word in Greek is SUMPHONEO, which means all together. It is also from this word that we have the word symphony or concert. When we come together in agreement on earth, believing in God and praying His ways, then we are in symphony with Him. As an old choir boy I can respect more what this verse means now because I know the power that comes for the sound of voices in unison and perfect blend. It is a sound that can soothe the nerves or bring one to tears.
My hope is that as you have read these words today you too will realize that there is power in prayer, and God works through our prayers. It is because of this that I do not want to pray aimlessly anymore, just as I do not want to be the sound that is off key in the symphony. I want to back others up in my prayers and be that extra boost through my prayers that strengthens one in need. I want the things on my heart to be the things on God’s heart. Most importantly, I want to be one who prays God’s heart into action.
If you’ll excuse me, now, I’m being called to the stage to sing in unison with God.
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
This week I have been finding myself spending more time in prayer. It isn’t that I have a special time designated for praying, although there is nothing wrong with that and I may want to consider a more routine time, but I have felt an urge to pray at different times. In a few cases it has been a thought that comes to my mind and I feel this push to pray right then. At other times I am triggered by something I see or news that I hear and instantly I move into prayer mode. And I have found myself praying for events, family, friends, and yes even you the reader on occasion this week. But not wanting to be foolish or pray aimlessly, I took it upon myself to study a little more concerning prayer within the last few days. While my research is not done, and honestly I am not sure it ever can or will be, I would like to share a few thoughts with you today from what God is making evident to me concerning the power behind prayer.
In reading further in the book, Pray Walking, the author reflects on a trip taken to Benin, Africa, the birthplace of voodoo and the capital of fetish religion within Africa. His group consisted of strong Christians, solid in their faith and active in ministry. Yet each member got attacked to some level, whether by nightmares, sickness, or other tests. It was then that he made the realization that, “those who pray best are those who are prayed for the most.” I let that idea stay in my mind after reading it because the revelation of it seemed too weighty to let go. Then I began to think back over my mission experiences and life in general. I saw it as true. I can honestly say that I am here still today because someone took the time to pray for me. Someone prayed that I would not give into the devil, that I would not forsake God, and that I would heed His voice. Because I have been prayed for, by family, friends, and countless others I may never know about, I am here still.
This new thought got me thinking about who I pray for. I know many who are in bondage and need help, both Christian and non-Christian alike, but what am I doing to back up their prayers? With this thought in mind, I recalled Matthew 18:19-20, where Jesus says, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” The word that comes to mind is agreement. Jesus is saying in this verse that when we agree on something and ask for something that is in God’s will, God’s agreement is also in it. Still, look with me at the word ‘agree’. The word in Greek is SUMPHONEO, which means all together. It is also from this word that we have the word symphony or concert. When we come together in agreement on earth, believing in God and praying His ways, then we are in symphony with Him. As an old choir boy I can respect more what this verse means now because I know the power that comes for the sound of voices in unison and perfect blend. It is a sound that can soothe the nerves or bring one to tears.
My hope is that as you have read these words today you too will realize that there is power in prayer, and God works through our prayers. It is because of this that I do not want to pray aimlessly anymore, just as I do not want to be the sound that is off key in the symphony. I want to back others up in my prayers and be that extra boost through my prayers that strengthens one in need. I want the things on my heart to be the things on God’s heart. Most importantly, I want to be one who prays God’s heart into action.
If you’ll excuse me, now, I’m being called to the stage to sing in unison with God.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
TASTE AND SEE
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
Psalm 34:8
I read a quote by A. W. Tozer last night. Tozer was a teenager when he came to Christ, inspired by the words of a street preacher whom he’d heard while heading home one night from work. It was that one spark of the preacher’s words that opened the heart of Tozer for God to do His thing, and the end result was a man given to Christ and who gave 44 years into full time ministry. While Tozer himself preached full time, he also found the time to write nearly 40 books, with his most familiar writing being The Pursuit of God. It is from this book that I found this simple quote that has been stirring my heart and invading my dreams last night. “O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.”
Psalm 42:1 quotes David expressing his desire for God as a deer desires and pants for water. This scripture alone challenges me in my relationship with Christ to the point where I have to ask myself if my hunger for God matches that of David. Do you ever find yourself reading this verse and questioning the same idea? Maybe it is just me. But after reading the words of Tozer last night, my mind automatically though about Psalm 34:8. “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” When was the last time we tasted God? I mean really, got close enough to Him to lick Him and process his flavor? I know this thought sounds funny, but think about it. When was the last time we allowed ourselves to taste and enjoy the goodness of the Lord?
I am sure that David was one of those who tasted the Lord daily. When things were going bad and his enemies were chasing after him, David met with God and tasted His goodness. But David was not a lukewarm friend of God, coming to Him only when things were bad. No, David also came to God to taste His goodness when things were good, perplexing, festive, and in every other emotion. David tasted the Lord, and as a result saw the blessings on his life that come from a relationship with the one he found his refuge in. That begs the question then of where am I finding my refuge? Am I seeking my refuge in my friends, my wallet, or some kind of medication? If so, then I am not right in the head because these things will only further detour me from the real flavor of God.
When will we stop pretending and heading down the wrong paths for convenience sake? When will we stop chasing the wind and instead start chasing after God with a passion like David or Tozer, where we know the only thing we need is found in only God? Once we taste God we will be both satisfied and desiring of more. But it is that first drink, that first taste of God that we need in our mouths getting our pallet wet for Him. I have tasted many good things, yet no flavor I have tasted will ever be as good a taste as God. I encourage you then, whether for the first time or thousandth time, to make the effort to taste God. In this we will find satisfaction and thirst for more.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
Psalm 34:8
I read a quote by A. W. Tozer last night. Tozer was a teenager when he came to Christ, inspired by the words of a street preacher whom he’d heard while heading home one night from work. It was that one spark of the preacher’s words that opened the heart of Tozer for God to do His thing, and the end result was a man given to Christ and who gave 44 years into full time ministry. While Tozer himself preached full time, he also found the time to write nearly 40 books, with his most familiar writing being The Pursuit of God. It is from this book that I found this simple quote that has been stirring my heart and invading my dreams last night. “O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.”
Psalm 42:1 quotes David expressing his desire for God as a deer desires and pants for water. This scripture alone challenges me in my relationship with Christ to the point where I have to ask myself if my hunger for God matches that of David. Do you ever find yourself reading this verse and questioning the same idea? Maybe it is just me. But after reading the words of Tozer last night, my mind automatically though about Psalm 34:8. “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” When was the last time we tasted God? I mean really, got close enough to Him to lick Him and process his flavor? I know this thought sounds funny, but think about it. When was the last time we allowed ourselves to taste and enjoy the goodness of the Lord?
I am sure that David was one of those who tasted the Lord daily. When things were going bad and his enemies were chasing after him, David met with God and tasted His goodness. But David was not a lukewarm friend of God, coming to Him only when things were bad. No, David also came to God to taste His goodness when things were good, perplexing, festive, and in every other emotion. David tasted the Lord, and as a result saw the blessings on his life that come from a relationship with the one he found his refuge in. That begs the question then of where am I finding my refuge? Am I seeking my refuge in my friends, my wallet, or some kind of medication? If so, then I am not right in the head because these things will only further detour me from the real flavor of God.
When will we stop pretending and heading down the wrong paths for convenience sake? When will we stop chasing the wind and instead start chasing after God with a passion like David or Tozer, where we know the only thing we need is found in only God? Once we taste God we will be both satisfied and desiring of more. But it is that first drink, that first taste of God that we need in our mouths getting our pallet wet for Him. I have tasted many good things, yet no flavor I have tasted will ever be as good a taste as God. I encourage you then, whether for the first time or thousandth time, to make the effort to taste God. In this we will find satisfaction and thirst for more.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
EVEN AS
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
III John 2
A few days ago I wrote about my new quest of prayer walking. Well, yesterday afternoon, as I was getting in a mile or so during my lunch break, the verse of III John 2 came to mind. It is one that we probably have all heard before, and one that I remember my dad constantly quoting in my late teens. But as I was meditating on it with each step I took yesterday, the verse seemed to come alive. Take a look at it with me, please. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Now granted we do not speak in King James English these days, but the truth of what God showed me rested in my knowing this verse in the King James Version.
So here is what God opened my eyes to as I meditated. As I have been doing my miles of walking daily, I have come to notice a physical difference in myself. Already I have lost 6 pounds which has allowed me to notice a gap in my clothes, I have felt healthier, and I have found the benefit in eating and drinking with more planned attack rather than swallowing junk food whole. In a way, I could say I have noticed my physical health prospering. Yet III John 2 doesn't only say, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health..." It adds the ending section, "even as thy soul prospereth." Leave it to God to break this portion down for me. You see, I have been beating my body up to a degree for it to begin to look better, feel better, and act more in line with the way God intended for it to perform. But have I done the same for my soul? Has my soul been prospering? I feel that as I has contemplated the truth of the verse that key words have jumped out. Those key words in this scripture are the words 'even as'. My body should prosper even as my soul prospers. My soul must come first. It can't be the other way around, leaving my soul on the back burner or as a second thought.
God began to show me the image of a personal trainer in a gym. The trainer's job is to beat my body into the structure of the physically fit person I want to be. Knowing this, when he barks out orders to run a mile, or do push-ups and squats, or bench press 150 pounds, I do it because there is a level of fit-ness that I desire. But put God in the gym of my soul as my trainer and I find that I am a little less eager to comply with His workout routine. God says to share love with others, or pray for so and so, or even give a few dollars in the offering and instead of moving at His command, I say, "You want me to do what?" This hesitant action does not show my soul prospering, but rather my flesh fighting. How can I have the key to it all in overall prospering if I am willing to work on my flesh only and not my soul? If looking at it through the words 'even as', there is no hope for a great end result if I allow myself to only have one sided workouts.
Today’s devotional is short, but I pray your eyes will be opened to the truth God has shown me. Our bodies are supposed to be the temple of God. As a result it is best that we learn to take care of our physical bodies. But we must also take care of our soul, and honestly I feel that the health of our soul carries more weight. God our trainer is in the gym of our soul waiting for us. He has an exercise routine mapped out that in the end will reflect Him, but the question is if we will surrender ourselves to His routine. It will include things like reading the Bible or praying, which seem to be as common as jumping jacks and jogging. Yet it will also include tougher exercises such as giving money to the poor, caring for the homeless, and loving even when we do not want to. Those type exercises can bring as much pain as squats or crunches, but they too will aid us in becoming like our trainer. In order for our body to prosper, our marriage to prosper, or our wallet to prosper, we must remember the words ‘even as’, for until our soul first prospers we will never fully be pumped up.
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
III John 2
A few days ago I wrote about my new quest of prayer walking. Well, yesterday afternoon, as I was getting in a mile or so during my lunch break, the verse of III John 2 came to mind. It is one that we probably have all heard before, and one that I remember my dad constantly quoting in my late teens. But as I was meditating on it with each step I took yesterday, the verse seemed to come alive. Take a look at it with me, please. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Now granted we do not speak in King James English these days, but the truth of what God showed me rested in my knowing this verse in the King James Version.
So here is what God opened my eyes to as I meditated. As I have been doing my miles of walking daily, I have come to notice a physical difference in myself. Already I have lost 6 pounds which has allowed me to notice a gap in my clothes, I have felt healthier, and I have found the benefit in eating and drinking with more planned attack rather than swallowing junk food whole. In a way, I could say I have noticed my physical health prospering. Yet III John 2 doesn't only say, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health..." It adds the ending section, "even as thy soul prospereth." Leave it to God to break this portion down for me. You see, I have been beating my body up to a degree for it to begin to look better, feel better, and act more in line with the way God intended for it to perform. But have I done the same for my soul? Has my soul been prospering? I feel that as I has contemplated the truth of the verse that key words have jumped out. Those key words in this scripture are the words 'even as'. My body should prosper even as my soul prospers. My soul must come first. It can't be the other way around, leaving my soul on the back burner or as a second thought.
God began to show me the image of a personal trainer in a gym. The trainer's job is to beat my body into the structure of the physically fit person I want to be. Knowing this, when he barks out orders to run a mile, or do push-ups and squats, or bench press 150 pounds, I do it because there is a level of fit-ness that I desire. But put God in the gym of my soul as my trainer and I find that I am a little less eager to comply with His workout routine. God says to share love with others, or pray for so and so, or even give a few dollars in the offering and instead of moving at His command, I say, "You want me to do what?" This hesitant action does not show my soul prospering, but rather my flesh fighting. How can I have the key to it all in overall prospering if I am willing to work on my flesh only and not my soul? If looking at it through the words 'even as', there is no hope for a great end result if I allow myself to only have one sided workouts.
Today’s devotional is short, but I pray your eyes will be opened to the truth God has shown me. Our bodies are supposed to be the temple of God. As a result it is best that we learn to take care of our physical bodies. But we must also take care of our soul, and honestly I feel that the health of our soul carries more weight. God our trainer is in the gym of our soul waiting for us. He has an exercise routine mapped out that in the end will reflect Him, but the question is if we will surrender ourselves to His routine. It will include things like reading the Bible or praying, which seem to be as common as jumping jacks and jogging. Yet it will also include tougher exercises such as giving money to the poor, caring for the homeless, and loving even when we do not want to. Those type exercises can bring as much pain as squats or crunches, but they too will aid us in becoming like our trainer. In order for our body to prosper, our marriage to prosper, or our wallet to prosper, we must remember the words ‘even as’, for until our soul first prospers we will never fully be pumped up.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
PRAYER WALK
"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
James 5:17-18
Near the end of May one night, I found myself wide awake in bed at around 1am. My attempt to doze off wasn't working so well. My mind was going a mile a minute, evaluating where I was and where I wanted to be. Honestly, one of the issues I was contemplating was my health. For a while now I have been going to the chiropractor for constant re-adjusting and the realization of my health and the effects of my health on my wallet have caused me a little stress. But as I was in bed, thinking, the song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) was playing in my head. It was as if a light bulb clicked on and at that moment I decided I would work to walk 500 miles by the end of August. At this point I have already walked 92 miles, which may not seem like much to an avid walker, yet I am pleased with myself because I have continued to make the effort to follow through with my goal daily.
But yesterday as I was walking, I decided to use the time to seek God. Through my huffing and puffing, I blurted out to God things that were heavy on my heart. I also took the time to listen to His heart. Before long I realized I was praying the things that God was speaking, realizing that in essence what I was doing was what has come to be known as prayer walking. I thought to myself, how just like God to move me into this and now have it stir on my heart. About a month ago, while shopping in the local Christian bookstore, I was looking in the discount books and found a book normally priced at $11 on sale for $1.10. I bought it because of the price and this infatuation I have with learning, but guess the title. Prayer Walking, by Dan Crawford and Calvin Miller. When I bought the book I had no idea that I would be walking throughout the summer.
So then, what is prayer walking? To quote the book, it is a "method of intercessory prayer that involves praying while walking at the location of the prayer journey." Simply, it is "a way of being on the scene without making a scene." To some degree I think of Joshua and the walls of Jericho when I think of prayer walking. Although the vastness of the army of Israel created a scene, the fact that they were on location, walking around the walls of Jericho that were at the time so massive and indestructible, was really a prayer walk. And following God's command, the army lifted its voice in great unity for the walls to fall down. I am learning with a hunger inside me that the spiritual walls that have been erected by the enemy need to come down. Because of this, I believe God is placing me in a position to be used for just such a time and reason.
With a task like this, though, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Granted, God has given me His strength, and through Him I can do all things, yet I still at times question what good my prayers can do. God has an answer for that, and perhaps it is one that you also need the remembrance of. James 5:17-18 reads, "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." There is comfort in knowing that Elijah wasn't a god, or deity, or super hero, but rather that he was a man just like us. All he did was pray in faith and God answered him. I feel God telling me the same. Pray. Pray and walk. Pray and walk and have faith. The walls that are built by the enemy in the spirit realm can indeed fall if someone is willing to stand in that gap and extend feet with faith. In this season, I know this person will be me. I wonder, though, if you will walk with me. If one can put a thousand to flight, and two can put ten thousand, then what if we all began to walk?
"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
James 5:17-18
Near the end of May one night, I found myself wide awake in bed at around 1am. My attempt to doze off wasn't working so well. My mind was going a mile a minute, evaluating where I was and where I wanted to be. Honestly, one of the issues I was contemplating was my health. For a while now I have been going to the chiropractor for constant re-adjusting and the realization of my health and the effects of my health on my wallet have caused me a little stress. But as I was in bed, thinking, the song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) was playing in my head. It was as if a light bulb clicked on and at that moment I decided I would work to walk 500 miles by the end of August. At this point I have already walked 92 miles, which may not seem like much to an avid walker, yet I am pleased with myself because I have continued to make the effort to follow through with my goal daily.
But yesterday as I was walking, I decided to use the time to seek God. Through my huffing and puffing, I blurted out to God things that were heavy on my heart. I also took the time to listen to His heart. Before long I realized I was praying the things that God was speaking, realizing that in essence what I was doing was what has come to be known as prayer walking. I thought to myself, how just like God to move me into this and now have it stir on my heart. About a month ago, while shopping in the local Christian bookstore, I was looking in the discount books and found a book normally priced at $11 on sale for $1.10. I bought it because of the price and this infatuation I have with learning, but guess the title. Prayer Walking, by Dan Crawford and Calvin Miller. When I bought the book I had no idea that I would be walking throughout the summer.
So then, what is prayer walking? To quote the book, it is a "method of intercessory prayer that involves praying while walking at the location of the prayer journey." Simply, it is "a way of being on the scene without making a scene." To some degree I think of Joshua and the walls of Jericho when I think of prayer walking. Although the vastness of the army of Israel created a scene, the fact that they were on location, walking around the walls of Jericho that were at the time so massive and indestructible, was really a prayer walk. And following God's command, the army lifted its voice in great unity for the walls to fall down. I am learning with a hunger inside me that the spiritual walls that have been erected by the enemy need to come down. Because of this, I believe God is placing me in a position to be used for just such a time and reason.
With a task like this, though, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Granted, God has given me His strength, and through Him I can do all things, yet I still at times question what good my prayers can do. God has an answer for that, and perhaps it is one that you also need the remembrance of. James 5:17-18 reads, "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." There is comfort in knowing that Elijah wasn't a god, or deity, or super hero, but rather that he was a man just like us. All he did was pray in faith and God answered him. I feel God telling me the same. Pray. Pray and walk. Pray and walk and have faith. The walls that are built by the enemy in the spirit realm can indeed fall if someone is willing to stand in that gap and extend feet with faith. In this season, I know this person will be me. I wonder, though, if you will walk with me. If one can put a thousand to flight, and two can put ten thousand, then what if we all began to walk?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A ZEALOT, A DOUBTER, A SON, AND A BROTHER
“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he designated apostles: Simon (whom he called Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Luke 6:13-16
As I have been studying about the disciples I have been amazed at how little the Bible actually records about the men who followed so closely in the steps of Jesus and were commanded to go into all the world preaching the gospel (Mt 28:18-20). In fact, as I look at four of the twelve disciples in depth today, I find there is very little concerning them written in the scriptures. I want to keep this entry pure so I apologize for the lack of detail that may come in today’s devotional, but I think that as we look at the specifics that are seen in the Scriptures we will still see how these ordinary men changed the world.
We kick things off today with Simon the Zealot. In reading through my Bible dictionary concerning Simon, it is thought that the term Zealot may have been added for one of two reasons. It is first thought that his suffix was given to distinguish him from Simon Peter. This very much so could be true. However, it is also assumed that he received this addition to his name because of his zealous spirit. A Zealot was a member of a Jewish patriotic party that worked to show resistance toward Roman rule. According to the historian Josephus, Zealots resorted to violence to make their point. Yet being zealous is not always a bad thing. David was zealous for God, comparing a need for him to the thirst of a deer panting for water (Ps 42:1). Being zealous for God in my life is something that I find comes in waves as opposed to a steady stream. In this aspect, I have a lot to learn from Simon, for I too want to be zealous for God, not letting anything stand in my way but rather resisting the devil by force when needed.
But then I wonder how much more of me can be found in the life of Thomas? In some aspects I think Thomas gets a bad rap. We laugh at him because he would not believe that Jesus had appeared to the disciples until he was able to place his hands in the nailed scared hands of Christ (Jn 20:25). Yet doesn’t that define us? Christ lived on this earth, died, was resurrected from the dead, and then ascended into heaven but all we can say is, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Granted, I say this when my kids flippantly tell me their room is clean, but does my child’s clean room deserve more faith than my relationship with Christ? I do not want to be the type of follower who only lives by what is seen, what I can touch and what I can put my fingers in the wholes of. No, I want my relationship with Christ to be built on faith in what I cannot see and not fully on what I can.
The lineage of Matthew, or Levi, reveals to us that he was the son of Alphaeus (Mk 2:14). However, we read in Luke 6 that James’ father was Alphaeus. It is possible that Matthew and James were brothers, just as James and John were brothers. Yet we also find another set of brothers within the disciples in the relationship of Andrew and Peter. Other than his name being listed in the four accounts of the disciples, James, the son of Alphaeus is not mentioned at any other point within the Bible. His mark, though, was left. His urgency to preach Christ is traced by historians into Egypt where he preached until he was beaten to death for his belief in Christ. A similar fate found Andrew as well. It was Andrew who first approached Peter with the news that the Messiah had been found (Jn 1:41). It was also Andrew that found the boy with the fish and loaves in John 6:8, believing that Jesus could stretch the small crumbs into a great feast. But it was Andrew as well who loved God so much and did not shrink back, finding his fate upside down on a cross.
Over the last few days I have looked at all the disciples, and as I type these words I am reminded of Hebrews 11:38-39. “The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” We are given the opportunity to walk in the steps of giants. The same commissioning given to these men, to go into all the world, is the same commission we are given. These men of the faith took those words to heart and were commended for their faith. Will we? Will we find ourselves shrinking back in times of fear, embarrassment, rejection, or death? Or will we move forward, risking it all, knowing that God is on our side. The world was not worthy of them…will it be worthy of us?
“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he designated apostles: Simon (whom he called Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Luke 6:13-16
As I have been studying about the disciples I have been amazed at how little the Bible actually records about the men who followed so closely in the steps of Jesus and were commanded to go into all the world preaching the gospel (Mt 28:18-20). In fact, as I look at four of the twelve disciples in depth today, I find there is very little concerning them written in the scriptures. I want to keep this entry pure so I apologize for the lack of detail that may come in today’s devotional, but I think that as we look at the specifics that are seen in the Scriptures we will still see how these ordinary men changed the world.
We kick things off today with Simon the Zealot. In reading through my Bible dictionary concerning Simon, it is thought that the term Zealot may have been added for one of two reasons. It is first thought that his suffix was given to distinguish him from Simon Peter. This very much so could be true. However, it is also assumed that he received this addition to his name because of his zealous spirit. A Zealot was a member of a Jewish patriotic party that worked to show resistance toward Roman rule. According to the historian Josephus, Zealots resorted to violence to make their point. Yet being zealous is not always a bad thing. David was zealous for God, comparing a need for him to the thirst of a deer panting for water (Ps 42:1). Being zealous for God in my life is something that I find comes in waves as opposed to a steady stream. In this aspect, I have a lot to learn from Simon, for I too want to be zealous for God, not letting anything stand in my way but rather resisting the devil by force when needed.
But then I wonder how much more of me can be found in the life of Thomas? In some aspects I think Thomas gets a bad rap. We laugh at him because he would not believe that Jesus had appeared to the disciples until he was able to place his hands in the nailed scared hands of Christ (Jn 20:25). Yet doesn’t that define us? Christ lived on this earth, died, was resurrected from the dead, and then ascended into heaven but all we can say is, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Granted, I say this when my kids flippantly tell me their room is clean, but does my child’s clean room deserve more faith than my relationship with Christ? I do not want to be the type of follower who only lives by what is seen, what I can touch and what I can put my fingers in the wholes of. No, I want my relationship with Christ to be built on faith in what I cannot see and not fully on what I can.
The lineage of Matthew, or Levi, reveals to us that he was the son of Alphaeus (Mk 2:14). However, we read in Luke 6 that James’ father was Alphaeus. It is possible that Matthew and James were brothers, just as James and John were brothers. Yet we also find another set of brothers within the disciples in the relationship of Andrew and Peter. Other than his name being listed in the four accounts of the disciples, James, the son of Alphaeus is not mentioned at any other point within the Bible. His mark, though, was left. His urgency to preach Christ is traced by historians into Egypt where he preached until he was beaten to death for his belief in Christ. A similar fate found Andrew as well. It was Andrew who first approached Peter with the news that the Messiah had been found (Jn 1:41). It was also Andrew that found the boy with the fish and loaves in John 6:8, believing that Jesus could stretch the small crumbs into a great feast. But it was Andrew as well who loved God so much and did not shrink back, finding his fate upside down on a cross.
Over the last few days I have looked at all the disciples, and as I type these words I am reminded of Hebrews 11:38-39. “The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” We are given the opportunity to walk in the steps of giants. The same commissioning given to these men, to go into all the world, is the same commission we are given. These men of the faith took those words to heart and were commended for their faith. Will we? Will we find ourselves shrinking back in times of fear, embarrassment, rejection, or death? Or will we move forward, risking it all, knowing that God is on our side. The world was not worthy of them…will it be worthy of us?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A PAIR OF JUDAS’
“…Judas, son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Luke 6:16
Confession time. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that the Gospels were written after the events of Jesus and not during. Growing up I thought that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were walking around with notepads recording the events of Jesus as they took place. But then while sitting on my bed studying for New Testament Survey one Saturday during my freshman year, I read this verse and the light bulb came on. How could Luke know Judas Iscariot was a traitor if he hadn’t traded Jesus in for silver yet? From that time forward I began to read the Bible not as events unfolding, but rather as events that had unfolded. Reading it in this context makes a lot more sense.
So now with my confession out of the way, let us take a minute to look at the lives of the two disciples named Judas. It is true we know more about Judas Iscariot than of Judas, son of James, but that doesn’t make the son of James any less important. Like with Bartholomew, Judas also had a name change as in two Gospels he is known as Thaddaeus. Nothing much is recorded concerning either name apart from him being in the list of disciples. However, we do find him named again in John 14:22 where it is recorded, “Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, ‘But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?’” The conversation Judas was having with Jesus in the presence of all the disciples stemmed out of Jesus’ words on obedience. It is the person who does as Jesus commands and obeys them that shows love to Jesus and the Father. In return, it is this person that Jesus will show Himself to (Jn 14:21). It is recorded that Judas was not a martyr for the gospel but rather died in his sleep. According to Hippolytus, Judas preached to the people of Edessa and all Mesopotamia before falling asleep at Berytus and being buried there. The mark of Jesus burned on his heart and he preached the Good News until he finally rested in the Lord’s presence once again. How awesome this example, and seen by others still today such as Billy Graham. Until his last breath he continued to preach Christ. This is my goal, my desire. I want the last words spoken from my mouth to be those of the sinner’s prayer as I lead someone else into a relationship with my Lord.
Unlike Judas, we know all the details of Judas Iscariot. It was this disciple who is said to have been offended when the woman poured the greatly priced perfume on Jesus’ feet. It is this disciple who met secretly with those who wanted to kill Jesus, therefore reducing the life of the Savior to a measly thirty silver coins. And it is this disciple who felt the guilt of his actions and under the pressure hung himself. Yet it is this disciple I fear we relate to the best. I hate to say it, but I feel it is true. How many times are we so easily offended or covetous of someone else’s things. How many times do we casually say, I’d give such and such for that. I have said it and truly thought about it. Like in the Klondike commercials, what would we do for the chance to get ahead? We have this inner hatred toward Judas, but in many ways he is the unlucky soul for what we truly contemplate. I read a book once titled, The Gospel of Judas, that began with the earthquake following Jesus’ death and brought dead people back to life. It plants the idea of what would have happened if Judas was one of those. With head cocked to the left and rope still wound around the neck, Jesus confronts him. Before Jesus has the chance to speak Judas is in tears begging for forgiveness. And then when Jesus does speak He loving embraces Judas and says, “I forgive you.” The lesson I learn personally from the life of Judas is that my actions, even in one single act of sin, have the ability to betray Jesus. I do not enjoy that feeling or want it to continue. I am so grateful that He forgives.
Devotion, the giving of our all to Jesus, is not easy. There will be times when we will fall, mess up, and go our own way. Yet I have learned that Jesus is always there. He is one prayer of forgiveness away. We do not have to live under the guilt and shame of our pasts because He forgives our past when we call out to Him. But as Romans says, we should not sin simply because we have His forgiveness (Rom 6:14). Once we come into relationship with Jesus, our lives need to reflect Him. We need to put aside our homemade death sentence like Judas Iscariot failed to do, and instead embrace the fact that we are forgiven and move forward preaching the Gospel until our dying breath like Judas, son of James did. I ask you to consider just which Judas your life will shape.
“…Judas, son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Luke 6:16
Confession time. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that the Gospels were written after the events of Jesus and not during. Growing up I thought that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were walking around with notepads recording the events of Jesus as they took place. But then while sitting on my bed studying for New Testament Survey one Saturday during my freshman year, I read this verse and the light bulb came on. How could Luke know Judas Iscariot was a traitor if he hadn’t traded Jesus in for silver yet? From that time forward I began to read the Bible not as events unfolding, but rather as events that had unfolded. Reading it in this context makes a lot more sense.
So now with my confession out of the way, let us take a minute to look at the lives of the two disciples named Judas. It is true we know more about Judas Iscariot than of Judas, son of James, but that doesn’t make the son of James any less important. Like with Bartholomew, Judas also had a name change as in two Gospels he is known as Thaddaeus. Nothing much is recorded concerning either name apart from him being in the list of disciples. However, we do find him named again in John 14:22 where it is recorded, “Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, ‘But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?’” The conversation Judas was having with Jesus in the presence of all the disciples stemmed out of Jesus’ words on obedience. It is the person who does as Jesus commands and obeys them that shows love to Jesus and the Father. In return, it is this person that Jesus will show Himself to (Jn 14:21). It is recorded that Judas was not a martyr for the gospel but rather died in his sleep. According to Hippolytus, Judas preached to the people of Edessa and all Mesopotamia before falling asleep at Berytus and being buried there. The mark of Jesus burned on his heart and he preached the Good News until he finally rested in the Lord’s presence once again. How awesome this example, and seen by others still today such as Billy Graham. Until his last breath he continued to preach Christ. This is my goal, my desire. I want the last words spoken from my mouth to be those of the sinner’s prayer as I lead someone else into a relationship with my Lord.
Unlike Judas, we know all the details of Judas Iscariot. It was this disciple who is said to have been offended when the woman poured the greatly priced perfume on Jesus’ feet. It is this disciple who met secretly with those who wanted to kill Jesus, therefore reducing the life of the Savior to a measly thirty silver coins. And it is this disciple who felt the guilt of his actions and under the pressure hung himself. Yet it is this disciple I fear we relate to the best. I hate to say it, but I feel it is true. How many times are we so easily offended or covetous of someone else’s things. How many times do we casually say, I’d give such and such for that. I have said it and truly thought about it. Like in the Klondike commercials, what would we do for the chance to get ahead? We have this inner hatred toward Judas, but in many ways he is the unlucky soul for what we truly contemplate. I read a book once titled, The Gospel of Judas, that began with the earthquake following Jesus’ death and brought dead people back to life. It plants the idea of what would have happened if Judas was one of those. With head cocked to the left and rope still wound around the neck, Jesus confronts him. Before Jesus has the chance to speak Judas is in tears begging for forgiveness. And then when Jesus does speak He loving embraces Judas and says, “I forgive you.” The lesson I learn personally from the life of Judas is that my actions, even in one single act of sin, have the ability to betray Jesus. I do not enjoy that feeling or want it to continue. I am so grateful that He forgives.
Devotion, the giving of our all to Jesus, is not easy. There will be times when we will fall, mess up, and go our own way. Yet I have learned that Jesus is always there. He is one prayer of forgiveness away. We do not have to live under the guilt and shame of our pasts because He forgives our past when we call out to Him. But as Romans says, we should not sin simply because we have His forgiveness (Rom 6:14). Once we come into relationship with Jesus, our lives need to reflect Him. We need to put aside our homemade death sentence like Judas Iscariot failed to do, and instead embrace the fact that we are forgiven and move forward preaching the Gospel until our dying breath like Judas, son of James did. I ask you to consider just which Judas your life will shape.
Monday, June 6, 2011
NOT DEAD
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:4
I remember growing up in the church. At the age of five I was baptized in water in a Baptist Church, but it wasn’t until around the age of ten that my family began attending a Non-Denominational Church where I was introduced to the Holy Spirit. It was at that church that the worship of God in song moved from hymns in the hymnal to more carefree and intimate songs displayed on the wall by an overhead projector. One of the songs I remember even still was titled, “God’s Not Dead”. Now since you cannot hear me sing it to you, I will write out for you a few of the lyrics.
God’s not dead (no no no no), but He’s alive
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
I feel Him all over me
I can feel Him in my hands, I can feel Him in my feet
I can feel Him in my heart, I can feel Him in the street
I can feel Him in the air, I can feel Him every where
I feel Him all over me, oh no no no no no no
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
Such great memories come back to life thinking about that song and my young beginning years with the Holy Spirit. But even though I was making strides in my relationship with Christ, another question was being debated. Was the Holy Spirit still alive and active today or did He die out with the disciples?
It seems like this question is answered differently based on our denominations. Within the Baptist Church I grew up in, the Spirit was dead. But within the Non-Denominational church I later attended, the Spirit was alive. How was it possible that if both churches were reading from the same Bible, that two different answers were understood? And how was it that if Jesus was indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8), that He would give the Holy Spirit to the disciples that followed Him and not give it to His disciples like me who came many years later? Wouldn’t that make Jesus out to be a liar?
In all my years of studying the Bible, both in personal study and throughout college, I have never once found a verse nor indication that the Holy Spirit died out with the disciples. In fact, when I read of the Holy Spirit being given in the book of Joel, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on ALL people” (Joel 2:28). Are you and I not part of the word ALL? Does that not include us? We see the words of Joel fulfilled in Acts 2:4, where ALL of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. I am pretty sure there was quiet a gap between Joel’s prophecy of the Spirit and the fulfillment of the Spirit and yet it came to pass. And also I question, are we not living more in the end times now than ever before. When Peter preached His Spirit empowered message on the day of Pentecost, he quote Joel and reiterated that God said, “In the last days,” the Spirit would be poured out (Acts 2:17). How can this same Spirit which was promised to follow Jesus’ ascension to heaven and promised to us in the last days be dead?
The truth is the Spirit is not dead, but rather very much alive and active as it was on the day of Pentecost. But keep in mind that the Spirit can be quenched by our actions. Paul knew this was possible and gave believers the following instruction. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (I Thes 5:19). If it was not possible would we have needed a warning? And I also want to point out in closing that speaking in tongues is only one manifestation of the Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, while Israel was remembering and celebrating the giving of the Law to Moses years before, as well as thanking God for the harvest, God was doing something special to a band of followers who had forsaken all to follow hard after Him. The same Spirit that rested on them longs to rest on us. The dead have no relationship with the living. Therefore, throw off the dead weights holding you down and cry out to God for His Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is not dead, (no no no no), but is alive!
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:4
I remember growing up in the church. At the age of five I was baptized in water in a Baptist Church, but it wasn’t until around the age of ten that my family began attending a Non-Denominational Church where I was introduced to the Holy Spirit. It was at that church that the worship of God in song moved from hymns in the hymnal to more carefree and intimate songs displayed on the wall by an overhead projector. One of the songs I remember even still was titled, “God’s Not Dead”. Now since you cannot hear me sing it to you, I will write out for you a few of the lyrics.
God’s not dead (no no no no), but He’s alive
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
I feel Him all over me
I can feel Him in my hands, I can feel Him in my feet
I can feel Him in my heart, I can feel Him in the street
I can feel Him in the air, I can feel Him every where
I feel Him all over me, oh no no no no no no
God’s not dead (no no no no) but He’s alive
Such great memories come back to life thinking about that song and my young beginning years with the Holy Spirit. But even though I was making strides in my relationship with Christ, another question was being debated. Was the Holy Spirit still alive and active today or did He die out with the disciples?
It seems like this question is answered differently based on our denominations. Within the Baptist Church I grew up in, the Spirit was dead. But within the Non-Denominational church I later attended, the Spirit was alive. How was it possible that if both churches were reading from the same Bible, that two different answers were understood? And how was it that if Jesus was indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8), that He would give the Holy Spirit to the disciples that followed Him and not give it to His disciples like me who came many years later? Wouldn’t that make Jesus out to be a liar?
In all my years of studying the Bible, both in personal study and throughout college, I have never once found a verse nor indication that the Holy Spirit died out with the disciples. In fact, when I read of the Holy Spirit being given in the book of Joel, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on ALL people” (Joel 2:28). Are you and I not part of the word ALL? Does that not include us? We see the words of Joel fulfilled in Acts 2:4, where ALL of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. I am pretty sure there was quiet a gap between Joel’s prophecy of the Spirit and the fulfillment of the Spirit and yet it came to pass. And also I question, are we not living more in the end times now than ever before. When Peter preached His Spirit empowered message on the day of Pentecost, he quote Joel and reiterated that God said, “In the last days,” the Spirit would be poured out (Acts 2:17). How can this same Spirit which was promised to follow Jesus’ ascension to heaven and promised to us in the last days be dead?
The truth is the Spirit is not dead, but rather very much alive and active as it was on the day of Pentecost. But keep in mind that the Spirit can be quenched by our actions. Paul knew this was possible and gave believers the following instruction. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (I Thes 5:19). If it was not possible would we have needed a warning? And I also want to point out in closing that speaking in tongues is only one manifestation of the Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, while Israel was remembering and celebrating the giving of the Law to Moses years before, as well as thanking God for the harvest, God was doing something special to a band of followers who had forsaken all to follow hard after Him. The same Spirit that rested on them longs to rest on us. The dead have no relationship with the living. Therefore, throw off the dead weights holding you down and cry out to God for His Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is not dead, (no no no no), but is alive!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
THE POWER OF THE WIND
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”
Acts 2:2-3
Living in Tennessee for almost thirteen years now, I have found myself waiting through and taking cover during quite a few tornados. I have been fortunate enough to not have one hit my apartment or personal property, but I have seen the damage first hand that a tornado can cause. The damage is not just on the place it sweeps through, but also on the people. And during the height of the tornado season I find myself sleeping with the weather radio on as an extra measure of caution. There have been times when the loud siren awakes me from sleep to save me from potential disaster. And with that jolting alarm, I find myself like a mother hen gathering my children and rushing into the closet for safety. But I will admit that there is one violent wind that I want to know and embrace anew. I want to know again the wind that swept through the Upper Room and carried in it the tongues of fire from the Holy Spirit.
On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was released and came through with probably more force than an F5 tornado. There was no stopping this wind. In Acts 2:2, Luke’s account shares that while the disciples were all together in the Upper Room as Jesus had ordered (Acts 1:4) that suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind filled where they were. Again, not having been fully exposed to the sweeping of a tornado, I have heard it expressed that when a tornado comes through a building it sounds like a train passing through. I wonder if this is the expression of sound and force that Luke writes about. But riding on the wind, or more so blowing the wind with force, was the Holy Spirit. When it rested on all those in the Upper Room it did so as tongues of fire.
It is hard for me to say what happened in the Upper Room just as it is hard for me to explain the true magnitude of a tornado not being fully immersed in one before, so I will refer to the words of Luke when working to explain what happened next. As the Spirit rested on each person, each person began to speak in a new language. To one the language of the Medes was given, to another the dialect of the Persians, and still to another the words of the Parthians. Yet all the disciples knew was that they had just experienced the power of God that followed in the wind. It wasn’t until they stepped out from the Upper Room with a new boldness that they were considered drunk and making a scene. But when the Holy Spirit is on you, there is no stopping you. We see this in the Old Testament. When David was under the influence of the Spirit, giants fell. When Samson was under the influence of the Spirit, a donkey jawbone busted a few thousand heads. And now, as the disciples were under the influence of the Spirit, an altar call of a supposed ‘drunk’ brought three thousand into a relationship with Christ. I want God’s Spirit to fall afresh on me.
In the Old Testament, when Moses stood at the base on Mount Sinai, the mountain rocked with the power of God. A roar and fire and smoke was seen and heard according to Exodus 19:18-19. To Israel this meant stay back. But thousands of years later in Acts 2:2-3, sounds and sights were heard and seen again. This time it was not a warning to stay back but rather an invitation to come closer. I choose to be one who will come closer and I urge you to also be of that same mindset. I am done with the desire to be status-quo and am ready for a fresh in-filling of the Spirit of God. God, rock my world with your tornado-like winds of renewal and fall on me once again like never before.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”
Acts 2:2-3
Living in Tennessee for almost thirteen years now, I have found myself waiting through and taking cover during quite a few tornados. I have been fortunate enough to not have one hit my apartment or personal property, but I have seen the damage first hand that a tornado can cause. The damage is not just on the place it sweeps through, but also on the people. And during the height of the tornado season I find myself sleeping with the weather radio on as an extra measure of caution. There have been times when the loud siren awakes me from sleep to save me from potential disaster. And with that jolting alarm, I find myself like a mother hen gathering my children and rushing into the closet for safety. But I will admit that there is one violent wind that I want to know and embrace anew. I want to know again the wind that swept through the Upper Room and carried in it the tongues of fire from the Holy Spirit.
On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was released and came through with probably more force than an F5 tornado. There was no stopping this wind. In Acts 2:2, Luke’s account shares that while the disciples were all together in the Upper Room as Jesus had ordered (Acts 1:4) that suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind filled where they were. Again, not having been fully exposed to the sweeping of a tornado, I have heard it expressed that when a tornado comes through a building it sounds like a train passing through. I wonder if this is the expression of sound and force that Luke writes about. But riding on the wind, or more so blowing the wind with force, was the Holy Spirit. When it rested on all those in the Upper Room it did so as tongues of fire.
It is hard for me to say what happened in the Upper Room just as it is hard for me to explain the true magnitude of a tornado not being fully immersed in one before, so I will refer to the words of Luke when working to explain what happened next. As the Spirit rested on each person, each person began to speak in a new language. To one the language of the Medes was given, to another the dialect of the Persians, and still to another the words of the Parthians. Yet all the disciples knew was that they had just experienced the power of God that followed in the wind. It wasn’t until they stepped out from the Upper Room with a new boldness that they were considered drunk and making a scene. But when the Holy Spirit is on you, there is no stopping you. We see this in the Old Testament. When David was under the influence of the Spirit, giants fell. When Samson was under the influence of the Spirit, a donkey jawbone busted a few thousand heads. And now, as the disciples were under the influence of the Spirit, an altar call of a supposed ‘drunk’ brought three thousand into a relationship with Christ. I want God’s Spirit to fall afresh on me.
In the Old Testament, when Moses stood at the base on Mount Sinai, the mountain rocked with the power of God. A roar and fire and smoke was seen and heard according to Exodus 19:18-19. To Israel this meant stay back. But thousands of years later in Acts 2:2-3, sounds and sights were heard and seen again. This time it was not a warning to stay back but rather an invitation to come closer. I choose to be one who will come closer and I urge you to also be of that same mindset. I am done with the desire to be status-quo and am ready for a fresh in-filling of the Spirit of God. God, rock my world with your tornado-like winds of renewal and fall on me once again like never before.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
BIKKURIM
"From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD."
Leviticus 23:15-16
Yesterday I noted in relation to Pentecost that it was actually one of three times on the Jewish calendar when men were required to go to Jerusalem to celebrate and pay offerings, with the other two celebrations being Passover and Sukkot. Today I want to expound on this thought as promised and dive into the details of the first fruits offering to God. We first must understand, however, that the first fruits offering, or Bikkurim, was divided into two parts. The early first fruits included grains such as barley which were brought in and waved before the Lord. It was then fifty days later that the latter first fruits offering, which included other grains such as wheat, were then offered to the Lord. While Greek speaking Jews of the time called this latter offering Pentecost, mostly due to its fifty days following Passover (Lev 23:16), other Jews referred to the offering as Shavuot, or Weeks, counting seven weeks as opposed to fifty days (Deut 16:9-10). Either way, the offering was designated as a time of thanksgiving for the spring harvest, as well as a promise of God's faithfulness for an abundant fall harvest (Sukkot).
While I do not plan to take up an offering, I do also want to make you aware that it is within these three Jewish festivals that no man is to come before God empty handed. As is recorded in Leviticus, each man was to bring two loaves of bread made with fine flour and baked with yeast as a wave offering. Each man also was to bring the fruit of seven one year old male lambs without defect, one young bull, and two rams. This was the offering brought to the priest and offered to the Lord (Lev 23:15-22). The people were commanded to bring this offering as not only did it signify their best grains and livestock, but also represented their heart. This true, open, obedient, and sincere heart was looked on as an offering also, allowing God's provision to be reaped by the person sowing. In essence, Pentecost is all about sowing and reaping.
We see this in the story of Ruth, which is one of the key passages read in Jewish communities around this time. In the story of Ruth, she follows Naomi, her widowed mother-in-law, to a new land a widow herself, claiming the Naomi's people would now be her people, the Naomi's God now hers. Ruth then begins to glean in the land owned by Boaz. If her beauty did not catch Boaz's eye, then perhaps her heart did, for this love story ends with Boaz redeeming Ruth. Her seed of offering herself to God was harvested by her redemption from Boaz, and is a reminder to us that we too need to sow ourselves into a relationship with God so as to reap His redemption of our lives. The circle begins with an offering.
This account then, in relationship to the account read in Acts 2 concerning the Holy Spirit falling on those in the Upper Room, is considered the background of Pentecost. From early times, a Jewish person has always recognized this time as a time to thank God for the early harvest, trusting as well in the fulfillment of a latter harvest. What was understood in the physical aspect was made manifest in the spiritual aspect, for the giving of the Holy Spirit has become the most famous reaping of the first fruits. The early fruit came as seen in Acts 2:31 where three thousand came to Christ in just one day and with one message. But the latter harvest is still to come, and we have a part in this.
As I stated, I am not passing a plate, but I do want to encourage you in two areas as I close. The first is in your relationship with Christ. Are you daily sowing yourself to Him? We cannot expect a harvest if we are not planting ourselves into Him. This goes back not only to the principle of sowing and reaping, but also to the words of James where if we draw closer to God, He will in turn draw closer to us (Jms 4:8). But let me also ask this. Peter and the disciples merely paved the way for us on Pentecost. When the Spirit rested on them they became bold. I ask you then, have you also become bold? Have we allowed ourselves to be transformed by the redemption of our lives by God that we cannot keep it in? When the Spirit rested on the disciples, they moved away from being fishermen to being fishers of men. Now the time is ours. The seeds they sowed were their offering, their Bikkurim. What will we give to God as ours? I know that for me this season, I am giving both of my financial first fruits and of myself.
"From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD."
Leviticus 23:15-16
Yesterday I noted in relation to Pentecost that it was actually one of three times on the Jewish calendar when men were required to go to Jerusalem to celebrate and pay offerings, with the other two celebrations being Passover and Sukkot. Today I want to expound on this thought as promised and dive into the details of the first fruits offering to God. We first must understand, however, that the first fruits offering, or Bikkurim, was divided into two parts. The early first fruits included grains such as barley which were brought in and waved before the Lord. It was then fifty days later that the latter first fruits offering, which included other grains such as wheat, were then offered to the Lord. While Greek speaking Jews of the time called this latter offering Pentecost, mostly due to its fifty days following Passover (Lev 23:16), other Jews referred to the offering as Shavuot, or Weeks, counting seven weeks as opposed to fifty days (Deut 16:9-10). Either way, the offering was designated as a time of thanksgiving for the spring harvest, as well as a promise of God's faithfulness for an abundant fall harvest (Sukkot).
While I do not plan to take up an offering, I do also want to make you aware that it is within these three Jewish festivals that no man is to come before God empty handed. As is recorded in Leviticus, each man was to bring two loaves of bread made with fine flour and baked with yeast as a wave offering. Each man also was to bring the fruit of seven one year old male lambs without defect, one young bull, and two rams. This was the offering brought to the priest and offered to the Lord (Lev 23:15-22). The people were commanded to bring this offering as not only did it signify their best grains and livestock, but also represented their heart. This true, open, obedient, and sincere heart was looked on as an offering also, allowing God's provision to be reaped by the person sowing. In essence, Pentecost is all about sowing and reaping.
We see this in the story of Ruth, which is one of the key passages read in Jewish communities around this time. In the story of Ruth, she follows Naomi, her widowed mother-in-law, to a new land a widow herself, claiming the Naomi's people would now be her people, the Naomi's God now hers. Ruth then begins to glean in the land owned by Boaz. If her beauty did not catch Boaz's eye, then perhaps her heart did, for this love story ends with Boaz redeeming Ruth. Her seed of offering herself to God was harvested by her redemption from Boaz, and is a reminder to us that we too need to sow ourselves into a relationship with God so as to reap His redemption of our lives. The circle begins with an offering.
This account then, in relationship to the account read in Acts 2 concerning the Holy Spirit falling on those in the Upper Room, is considered the background of Pentecost. From early times, a Jewish person has always recognized this time as a time to thank God for the early harvest, trusting as well in the fulfillment of a latter harvest. What was understood in the physical aspect was made manifest in the spiritual aspect, for the giving of the Holy Spirit has become the most famous reaping of the first fruits. The early fruit came as seen in Acts 2:31 where three thousand came to Christ in just one day and with one message. But the latter harvest is still to come, and we have a part in this.
As I stated, I am not passing a plate, but I do want to encourage you in two areas as I close. The first is in your relationship with Christ. Are you daily sowing yourself to Him? We cannot expect a harvest if we are not planting ourselves into Him. This goes back not only to the principle of sowing and reaping, but also to the words of James where if we draw closer to God, He will in turn draw closer to us (Jms 4:8). But let me also ask this. Peter and the disciples merely paved the way for us on Pentecost. When the Spirit rested on them they became bold. I ask you then, have you also become bold? Have we allowed ourselves to be transformed by the redemption of our lives by God that we cannot keep it in? When the Spirit rested on the disciples, they moved away from being fishermen to being fishers of men. Now the time is ours. The seeds they sowed were their offering, their Bikkurim. What will we give to God as ours? I know that for me this season, I am giving both of my financial first fruits and of myself.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
3000 LOST, 3000 SAVED
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Acts 2:41
We are currently in the time right before the Festival of Weeks, between the time when Jesus ascended to heaven and when the Holy Spirit fell in the Upper Room. The Festival of Weeks is first named in Exodus 34:22, with a command given to celebrate with the first fruits of the wheat harvest. It is actually one of three times on the Jewish calendar when men were required to go to Jerusalem to celebrate and pay tithes as we will talk about a little more in depth tomorrow, with the other two celebrations being Passover and Sukkot. Following the timeframe of fifty days from the start of Passover, Jews and Christians alike celebrate and remember what we have come to know as Pentecost. But to gain a little more understanding behind this celebration, I want us to draw our attention today to Exodus 32:28. It is here that we read of more than just an agricultural significance to this festival, but rather are able to relate Pentecost to a commemorating of the giving of the Law, the Torah, to Moses. Let us start our journey then for today.
Starting a few verses earlier in Exodus 32:25, we read of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai to the sights and sounds of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. The Bible describes that the people had allowed themselves to becoming the laughingstock of their enemies based on this action. So then, Moses took a stand. Standing physically at the entrance to the camp he said, “’Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.’” This decision shot to the hearts of the people and it is recorded that all the Levites rallied to him (v26) as well as others. Moses then turned to those who had come to him and gave the command of God, to strap a sword to the side and go throughout the camp killing those who had not chosen to follow God (v27). When the Levites had completed this command, three thousand people lay dead. Now right away one could argue that God’s ways seemed extreme, but does not Romans 6:23 tell us that the wages of sin is death? For these Israelites that chose not to follow after God and obey Him, they found death to be their punishment. For the remainder that had sinned, Moses sought the LORD’s forgiveness, begging that He forgive them or wipe Moses’ name out of the book.
In order to catch the relationship from this action then to Pentecost, we now need to skip ahead in time to Acts 2. It is here that we seen another aspect of God’s redeeming qualities. To quote the former pastor of the church I attend, Don Finto, “On Pentecost fifteen hundred years earlier, when the Law was given on Sinai, three thousand died because of rebellion. On this Pentecost three thousand became the first fruits of new life in the Spirit.” After the Holy Spirit fell on the people in the Upper Room and empowered them with boldness, among other characteristics, Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered around mocking them. He explained that although they looked physically drunk they were indeed not, but rather drunk in the Spirit. Then, starting with a verse in the book of Joel, Peter preached one of the best salvation messages ever recorded (Acts 2:14-41). In the end, when the simple fisherman under the influence of the Holy Spirit had completed his message, he gave an altar call. And here’s the awesome part. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
In one day, three thousand were slain because they chose to rebel against God and His commands. Years later, three thousand came into a relationship with God because their eyes and hearts were opened to who God was and they wanted to follow Him. The question beckons then, which one are you? Be careful to answer, though. I know personally that I have at times declared to God that I will follow Him and then shortly following found myself worshipping my own golden calf. If not for the grace of God, I too would face the Romans 6:23 penalty of death for my sins. God is looking for people who are sold out for Him so that He can pour His Spirit out on them. I pray this is not only the cry of our hearts, but also the way of our actions.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Acts 2:41
We are currently in the time right before the Festival of Weeks, between the time when Jesus ascended to heaven and when the Holy Spirit fell in the Upper Room. The Festival of Weeks is first named in Exodus 34:22, with a command given to celebrate with the first fruits of the wheat harvest. It is actually one of three times on the Jewish calendar when men were required to go to Jerusalem to celebrate and pay tithes as we will talk about a little more in depth tomorrow, with the other two celebrations being Passover and Sukkot. Following the timeframe of fifty days from the start of Passover, Jews and Christians alike celebrate and remember what we have come to know as Pentecost. But to gain a little more understanding behind this celebration, I want us to draw our attention today to Exodus 32:28. It is here that we read of more than just an agricultural significance to this festival, but rather are able to relate Pentecost to a commemorating of the giving of the Law, the Torah, to Moses. Let us start our journey then for today.
Starting a few verses earlier in Exodus 32:25, we read of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai to the sights and sounds of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. The Bible describes that the people had allowed themselves to becoming the laughingstock of their enemies based on this action. So then, Moses took a stand. Standing physically at the entrance to the camp he said, “’Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.’” This decision shot to the hearts of the people and it is recorded that all the Levites rallied to him (v26) as well as others. Moses then turned to those who had come to him and gave the command of God, to strap a sword to the side and go throughout the camp killing those who had not chosen to follow God (v27). When the Levites had completed this command, three thousand people lay dead. Now right away one could argue that God’s ways seemed extreme, but does not Romans 6:23 tell us that the wages of sin is death? For these Israelites that chose not to follow after God and obey Him, they found death to be their punishment. For the remainder that had sinned, Moses sought the LORD’s forgiveness, begging that He forgive them or wipe Moses’ name out of the book.
In order to catch the relationship from this action then to Pentecost, we now need to skip ahead in time to Acts 2. It is here that we seen another aspect of God’s redeeming qualities. To quote the former pastor of the church I attend, Don Finto, “On Pentecost fifteen hundred years earlier, when the Law was given on Sinai, three thousand died because of rebellion. On this Pentecost three thousand became the first fruits of new life in the Spirit.” After the Holy Spirit fell on the people in the Upper Room and empowered them with boldness, among other characteristics, Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered around mocking them. He explained that although they looked physically drunk they were indeed not, but rather drunk in the Spirit. Then, starting with a verse in the book of Joel, Peter preached one of the best salvation messages ever recorded (Acts 2:14-41). In the end, when the simple fisherman under the influence of the Holy Spirit had completed his message, he gave an altar call. And here’s the awesome part. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
In one day, three thousand were slain because they chose to rebel against God and His commands. Years later, three thousand came into a relationship with God because their eyes and hearts were opened to who God was and they wanted to follow Him. The question beckons then, which one are you? Be careful to answer, though. I know personally that I have at times declared to God that I will follow Him and then shortly following found myself worshipping my own golden calf. If not for the grace of God, I too would face the Romans 6:23 penalty of death for my sins. God is looking for people who are sold out for Him so that He can pour His Spirit out on them. I pray this is not only the cry of our hearts, but also the way of our actions.
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