30 Days of Prayer and Praise--23!

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship him, all you gods! Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, LORD. For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name. Psalm 97 NIV

Day Twenty-Three

Lord Jesus,

We thank You for Your Word that is a constant reminder of the power You hold over the earth. Thank You for consuming the enemies of Your people--those whose minds and hearts are corrupted by greed and they plot to do evil in secret. Thank You for those who have the courage to expose the corruption in high places, revealing the darkness that lies in their hearts and the need to save their souls from being consumed in the lake of fire.

Speak to the heart of every politician in Congress today as they convene to govern this country and remind them of who You are and their obligation to govern all people. Root out the evil in the hearts of those who have accepted bribes and gifts in exchange for their support circumvent righteous laws and decrees. Force an accounting by every governing authority so all will know none are exempt from the law, but by the law shall their fates be sealed for all the world to see.

Speak to the hearts of every judge in the land and give them the courage to judge all matters with justice for all standing at the forefront of every decision.

Speak to the hearts of every investigative entity and investigator in which truth is sought and prevails over evil deeds and plans.

Speak to the hearts of every citizen so they will wake up and realize the peril our country is in and give them courage to do what is right in contacting their respective representatives in Congress--demanding all to uphold the oaths of their offices--in protecting every citizen from those who would create harmful situations for all.

O Lord, expose the evil that exists and cleanse the hearts of every evil-doer with fire from on high, creating in them repentance and desire to serve You and You alone.

Thank You, Lord for hearing and answering our prayers and for keeping every individual whose heart belongs to You, encouraged and emboldened to do all that is right before You, and being used by You to root out evil at every turn.

We give You praise and glory for You are the only One worthy of it!

In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

Convinced Beyond Sight!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39 NIV)

How convinced are we of the truth of God's Word? When I look at the things going in our society today, where it appears that Satan's reign is winning against God, I begin to understand what Paul is saying.

I understand that our faith in God's Word is not based upon what we see, but on what He says--no matter how things look.

It looks like those living in opposition to God's Word are negating the rights of those who live according to The Word.

It looks like there are judges who do not understand their role and are more concerned with pacifying the few over the majority.

It looks like the end of world and Jesus is coming real soon because of wickedness in high places. That's what it looks like.

But no matter how things look, we can be assured that nothing the enemy does will separate us from the love of God. Nothing the enemy does has any power over our faith In Him and His plans will prevail. Even though it looks like Believers are being persecuted beyond belief, when we are in The Will of God, we know beyond anything we see, that we will be victorious. For the Word tells us that even the evil has been allowed so that God will get the glory.

We are not deceived by the inroads Satan is making in the minds of those who refuse to accept God's authority in our lives. It is a choice that all make and we who Believe have made our choice, aligned with God's Word rather than in opposition to it. What can we expect? We can expect God to show up and show out, exposing the enemy openly, who is right now, laughing at all those he has duped into believing there is nothing wrong with making a mockery of God's institution of family and the sacrament of marriage.

Can you hear Satan laughing--the evil, horrific sound emitted with each decision made to defy God?  Can you see him rolling on the floor, barely able to breathe, laughing at those who have succumbed to his evil plan to destroy mankind? How gullible we are to think that Satan cares about anyone other than himself!

God loves us enough to keep giving us chance after chance to get it right. Miss a beat when influenced by Satan, and you may never get another chance to receive God's forgiveness. Yes, I'm convinced beyond anything I know or see--no evil or wickedness in high places--The White House, the court house, or any other place, shall ever separate us from the Love of God! Our God Reigns victoriously and when we endure, standing firm on our faith in Him, we will see the victory!

World's Wisdom Vs. God's Wisdom

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”  Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.(I Corinthians 1:19-21 NIV)

What is amazing to me is how anyone--with an ounce of sense--could possibly think they know more or are wiser than the All-Wise God!

Seriously? With our limited, finite ability to think or create anything of the magnitude of the universe, some think think they are wiser than God? And we know they are out there because of the chaos and confusion in the world.

People are confused about who they are. They are confused about right and wrong. They are confused when they think that God is applauding their killing others because of religious beliefs. They are confused about their biological parts and genders. They are confused about their roles in society. They are confused about raising children. And because the god of this world (Satan) has confused the minds of many, they look to--mere man--in the guise of judges who were appointed by "more men" to determine whether the wisdom of God is so.

O Foolish people! Who has bewitched you into thinking that man's wisdom will ever be greater than God's wisdom?

Look around you! God created the universe and all it contains, including mankind. What has man created (from nothing) that even comes close? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! What man has created with the elements and substances that God established are conveniences and those conveniences are destroying the atmosphere of the planet. Okay! So man has created the pathway of the demise of mankind. Now that's certainly something to brag about!

What God created--He created out of love for love. What man invents-is invented out of greed and desire to control. It was love that brought God down from heaven clothed in flesh, living among us and dying to save us from ourselves because of sin.

And yet sin abounds in the guise of changing laws and mere men think that God will be pleased. Woe unto us who know the power of salvation through Jesus Christ who support the nonsense of the world! And even though--there are those who refute the Gospel message and "reject" the work on the cross, they are simply demonstrating their lack of wisdom and innate foolishness when they think they know more than God. The same people who refute God's existence have never created anything (from nothing) other than noise and confusion--proof they are serving Satan--the evil one.

Perhaps, part of the problem is men don't understand the distinction between "creating" from nothing and "inventing" from something. They invent lies to support fleshly desires. They invent paths to influence people into all sorts of ungodliness. They invent devices to perpetuate even more ungodliness in influencing minds.

Therefore, God has allowed mankind to revel in its foolishness and will watch as we foolishly attempt to change His intent for mankind. Only those who know and understand God's Will for man will not quake at the devastation about to befall because of our Faith and Obedience to Him, to preach the Gospel of Christ whether in season or not, whether people want to hear it or not. Our God reigns!

Not Guilty!

"For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God." (Psalm 18:21 NIV)

Will we ever be in a position--like David--to say, "I'm not guilty of turning away from my God?"

As individuals, we can say we're not guilty of a number of things--we're not guilty of breaking the laws of the land, we're not guilty of breaking marriage vows, we're not guilty of hating for no reason, but as a nation, would our declaration be a lie?

Those who are elected officials, who swore to look out for the best interests of all the people, they cannot make this declaration.

Judges, who are either elected or appointed--cannot make this declaration.

Police officers, hired and paid with tax-payer dollars, cannot make this declaration.

Lawmakers and lawbreakers, like Siamese Twins--cannot make this declaration.

Preachers--those who say God called them to promote the Gospel--cannot make this declaration.

Of course, there are a few--who can state without fear of contradiction, that they have not turned away from God, but when we look at the state of the nation, how many can truly make that declaration?

God knows and since it He has already proclaimed that only a remnant will be saved in the end, the few who are faithful, are not a surprise to Him.

When we turn back to God, and do things the way He has said we should do them, honoring Him in all aspects of our living, then and only then, can we say, emphatically, "I'm not guilty" of turning away from God!

When No Relationship Exists!

"In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)

Considering all the events in this country for the last two years, we are living "in those days" when no one in authority has a right relationship with God. That's basically what the writer in Judges is saying. When no relationship exists with God, men (mankind) do whatever they want to do and then chaos reigns. We know that chaos reigns in the midst of our society--especially in the United States--because of the decisions that "men" have made to pacify flesh with no regard to doing what is right in God's sight--only their own.

When no relationship with God exists--men legalize sin--in all sorts of manners (condoning same-sex relationships, drug use, pornography, prostitution, all manner of whoredom) and then the same people who applauded the legalization of sin--condemn anyone who dares to disagree with them--spouting their first amendment rights. What happened to the first amendment rights of Christians? Are we not citizens in this country, eligible for the protections of the same laws? Or is it that only the anti-Christ are in position to change laws to appease flesh and promote hatred of those to speak what God says? There appears to be a double-standard here, but only those in relationship with God can see it.

When no relationship with God exists--confusion enters in and takes control. Men and women are confused and promote the confusion in the schools and community so that children also become confused. God is not the author of confusion, but we know that Satan is. Unfortunately, the devil has blinded the eyes of those who follow him and they do not see the pit he is digging for them and by the time they realize what has happened, it will be too late.

When no relationship with God exists--men are subject to the debilitation of all manner of sickness and disease that  occurs, in many instances, as a result of sinful living. There are some who would argue this point, but the bottom line for sin is this--"the wages of sin is death." God is not mocked! We can do whatever we want to do--but in the end, God's Word will not come back void, and it will perform all that it says it will.

When a right relationship exists with God, peace and prosperity reign in the land. Healing exists for those in right relationship with God. Love for all mankind and God exists for those in right relationship with God. Wisdom exists for all those in right relationship with God. Insight exists for all those in right relationship with God. For all who are not in right relationship with God--they lack the wisdom of God to see the conclusion of the matter. They have forgotten the history of mankind and sin and what God does and they are therefore, doomed to repeat the tragedies of the past.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to see the need to stay in right relationship with You. Remove the scales from the eyes of those who have been deceived so they can see the end of their lives, right now. Strengthen the minds, hearts, and determination of all who are in right relationship with You to stay the course You have established for us. Thank You for loving us enough to give us one more chance to get living for You right.

Where Are The Wise Ones?

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives" (Proverbs 11:30 NIV).

In the Kings James Version of this verse of scripture, the words are slightly different. the last part states that "he who wins souls is wise." The bottom line regarding both translations--it takes a wise person to win souls and save lives. Where are the wise ones?

In order to win people to Christ, we must be wise in our approach--"drawing people with loving kindness," not brutal criticism.  If we teach The Word, based upon The Word, and demonstrate the love of God in everything we do, we will give people a reason to want to know Jesus!  If all they ever hear from us is criticism about what they wear, what they do, and when they do it, we will not draw them, but drive them far from us and any desire to want to know Jesus.  People who are able to demonstrate the love of God, accept others where they are and bring them into a fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ. People will change when they see a need to change, not because we want them to change.  Our role as Christians is to help them to want to change to honor God, not us.

In order to save lives--of all people, especially those who are not in a position to defend themselves, we must have wise people in elected positions or other positions of authority. But before we can elect wise people, those voting for them, must be wise. Voters need to know the person for whom they are voting. They need to know their positions regarding the poor, the needy, the vulnerable, senior citizens, veterans, and everyone else. For a person to vote for someone simply based upon name recognition or religious affiliation is pure foolishness. This is especially true for those who say one thing with their tongues to entice and deceive and do just the opposite with their voice and vote in legislation. Voters--the everyday people need to research and investigate the candidates running in any election. Judges need to make decisions based on the law and not popular opinion--giving into the special interest groups simply because...whatever the reason. Lawmakers need to do the right thing for all people--and stop caving to special interest groups--corporations or the mighty rich in dollars, but poor in spirit and soul. They have already been deceived by the enemy when they attempt to "buy" the rights to rule legislators. 

Where are the wise ones? Where are the people who truly know God and how He wants us to live? Where are the wise preachers who know how to draw people to Jesus and not drive them away? Where are the wise?

I pray that most of us need to look no further than our mirrors to see the wise, but if that is not the case; if we have been deceived and influenced by the enemy, I pray for recognition of the hand at work and willingness to do something about it--change for the better.

Lord, help us to exercise more wisdom in all that we do. Help us to recognize the enemy's influence and to shut it down--within us and where ever we have opportunity to do so. Help us to stay focused on promoting Jesus and the Agape Love that overflows onto all who are willing to receive. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

What Are We Judging?

"Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" (I Corinthians 6:2 NIV)

In reading Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, we see him addressing the difference between the "worldly judges" and "God's people as judges" within the body of Christ. Of course there is a vast difference between the protocols of court systems then and now, but the gist of the matter is that Christians should not become embroiled in disputes so serious that they cannot be resolved within the body.  This is based upon the presumption that Christians will do no wrong and thereby have no need to be brought into court.

The presumption that Christians will do no wrong is certainly not true today and many infractions that occur in the church can only be handled as a legal matter with a worldly judge--in some instances, judges whose behavior demonstrate they do not know God.

Why are Christians involved in legal matters and being sent to jail? Worldliness--secularism--abject rejection of wanting to please God--has led to the down fall of many who proclaimed to be Christians.  Well-known leaders have fallen because of their notoriety; especially those who humiliated and condemned in public forums those who were caught up before them. Not soon after their public condemnation, they found themselves in the middle of similar types of trouble.  When we point fingers at people--knowing we're doing the same things--we can only look forward to the finger pointing that is bound to come our way.  "Don't judge a matter that will judge you in the same manner for the same thing" (paraphrased) Paul reminded the church in Rome.

So what matters are we to judge? If we continue in the same chapter with Paul, he tells us that we are to judge our angels, so we should certainly be able to judge trivial matters that arise in the church.  In another passage of scripture, we are told not to associate with a brother or sister-in-Christ who sins." In other words, we have a duty to bring acts that are in opposition to God to the forefront, but we are not to judge the person--that is God's role. We have neither heaven or hell to which to send people. When people oppose God, they will endure God's judgment, not man's (unless it is a legal matter concerning violation of man's laws).

What does this mean? We identify and call what is sin, "sin" and leave the worldly matters and the people to their own destruction.  "For the wages (payment due for sin) of sin, is death."

Lord, help us to understand You better and to serve You with gladness, with nothing but love in our hearts for You and others. Thank You for providing us with an advocate Who intercedes on our behalf when we fall short and come before You seeking forgiveness, after we have repented of anything that opposes You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!

Who Has Bewitched You? (Part 1)

This explication is for those preachers who deny the Truth of God’s Word!

       

       I have recently heard that a number of notable, out-there-in-the-public-eye preachers are now attempting to justify homosexuality by saying they can’t find anything in the bible about it.  Liars! If they have been truly called of God, they know what’s in there—descriptions of the acts that God is opposed to—no matter what name it is called.  God called “the act” sin.  In the following scriptures, the description of the act seems pretty clear to me.

" 'Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable (Leviticus 18:22 NIV).

" 'If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads” (Leviticus 20:13).

            I already know how some will attempt to refute what was said under the law since we’re not there.  Understand the Spirit of what is being said and if you have the Spirit of God living in you, you cannot ignore the intent. “And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived (misled into believing a lie) and became a sinner” (I Timothy 2:14 NIV). Don’t believe the lie the enemy tells you and promote sin, trust God and know that He loves you and only wants the best for you. 

Of course, the enemy loves to cause confusion and twist what God has said to make sure he appears to be credible.  Let’s go back to The Garden.  When the serpent enticed Eve to eat of the fruit of the garden that God had told “them” not to touch, he twisted what God said to suit his own purposes. Think about the conversation that took place and how the serpent (the enemy in disguise) took advantage of the situation.

“Now the serpent was more crafty (cunning and deceitful) than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

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

"You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman." For God knows, that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:1-5 NIV).

            The enemy deliberately twisted God’s instructions to make it seem like He didn’t mean what he said.  Sound familiar.  How many people and groups are saying the same thing?  “Yeah, that’s what the bible says, but that’s not what God meant.”  About a number of issues and the first thing they will say is—“we’re not under the law; we’re under grace.” That is so true, but being under grace does not give us the liberty to sin and then try to say, what we do “is not sin.”

Remember to Tell Others!

"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10 NIV).

I've often wondered (now that I know for myself) why people take the stance they do in opposition to God.  Then, when I read passages from the Old Testament, I am reminded that this current trend to oppose God is just history repeating itself.  When Joshua died and the generation after him died who had first-hand knowledge of what God had accomplished for the Children of Israel, the people (another generation) forgot to keep telling it to others and they chose to do what they wanted to do.

What happened to the generation who didn't know the Lord?  They served idols and did what the other nations did who did not know God.  Then, God became angry and allowed them to suffer at the hands of the other nations and when He made Himself known to this generation, they repented and once again knew the blessings of The Lord.  And as long as they remembered to tell those who came behind about the great things God had done and were obedient, He continued to bless them as a nation (until He relented to their constant grumblings about having a king, but that's another discussion).

For those of us who are concerned with this generation and their opposition to God, we need not worry. God is not a god of trends.  What He has done in the past, He will do again.  When people--as a nation--realize that He is not pleased with their trends (idol worship, doing things their way), and get tired of suffering, they will hear God's messengers, repent, and He will hear their cries and heal the land.  We must remember to tell others about all God has done--His love, mercy, and many benefits for all who receive what He has to give!

The ultimate sacrifice has been made--(Jesus on the cross) there is no other sacrifice needed to get God to smile upon us other than--obedience in being a witness--telling of His goodness!  Hallelujah!