Category Archives: Times of Testing

Three Components of Every Spiritual Battle (Part 1) War Over the Word

15 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

I can’t tell you the number of times someone has sat across from me and said, “I don’t know why I am under attack? I just don’t understand why these things keep happening to me? I don’t know why the devil has such a personal interest in me?  Why won’t he leave me alone?  I am so tired of the battle!” Does this sound familiar?  If we haven’t said it out loud, most believers have thought it.  If we are going to win the battle, we must understand why we are in a war over good and evil. We must understand the components of every spiritual battle. Listen to the story of when Jesus was under attack. We will just cover the first four verses today.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘ Man shall not live on bread alone.’”  (Luke 4:1-4)

We learn from this story there are three reasons for every spiritual battle, including the ones you and I go through over and over. Whenever God begins to lead you into something greater, the devil will do anything and everything to keep it from happening. He doesn’t want you to access more of God, or reach the higher place in God’s will and purpose for your life….So, the battle intensifies.

Luke 4 helps us understand that when God has spoken a word, that same word or words will be tested.  Actually, it’s not so much the word being tested, as it is our faith in and commitment to that word. This story is more than a “temptation narrative.” It is about spiritual warfare. It reveals the warfare that ensues whenever we’re on the verge of progress, increase, or launching into new areas.  This attack upon Jesus’ life happened immediately after Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended on Him. As He was about to embark on His earthly ministry, Satan aggressed. Does this sound familiar? If Jesus’ committment was tested by the devil, our commitment will be equally challenged.
What is this battle between “good and evil” about in Jesus’s life? When you get a chance today, look at Mark 4 and compare verses 1 and 14. Jesus arrived walking in the “fullness of the Spirit” and exited the desert “walking in the power of the Spirit.” The difference between walking the “fullness of the Spirit” and walking the “power of the Holy Spirit” is found in the battle between the two events. Your power, or lack thereof, is found in the spiritual battles you face. It is imperative we understand the components of spiritual warfare in order to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Satan attacked Jesus in three different areas.  Every Spiritual battle is over something, and we need to know why. So we can look at this passage and learn how to stand strong in time of battle.

THE WAR OVER THE WORD OF GOD (1-4)

Jesus had just heard a fresh word (confirming word) at the end of chapter three. We could call this a REVELATION. Something concealed was now revealed. It is only after this revelation came that the warfare arrived to test this word. This is one of the reasons battles come. Battles come our direction according to the level of revelational knowledge we obtain. When the Word becomes alive in you, and revelation is imparted unto you, Satan will begin to battle you over God’s Word.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh ……and we beheld His glory.” Any time the Word becomes flesh in you and it becomes a reality, Satan knows you’re a step closer to seeing the glory of God and seeing a promise fulfilled in your life.

Mark 4 teaches us that the Word is a seed. And when the Word is sown, Satan is perched, ready to devour the seed to keep it from taking root, producing, and bearing fruit to the glory of God. Many people know the Word of God in PRINCIPLE, but not in PRACTICE. The reason they fail to put it into practice is because they failed in battle because of the word. Satan fought and battled them until the word DID NOT become FLESH!

Unfortunately, this means many believers are living on the level of INFORMATION, and not REVELATION. And when revelation knowledge comes, Satan will intensify His attack, trying to get you to rely on other sources to sustain and help you. Remember, Satan is coming after the Word! You must bow your back and say, “I am not going to live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God!”

There is a story told about a little boy in a grocery store that I think illustrates the battle over knowing and doing. The boy was standing near an open box of peanut butter cookies. “Now then, young man,” said the grocer as he approached the young man. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing,” replied the boy:
“Nothing.” “Well it looks to me like you were trying to take a cookie.”
“You’re wrong, mister, I’m trying not to!”

Yes, the battle for good and evil begins when we are young. You may not have understood what the battle was about when you were young. Now, you are older and hopefully wiser. Stand on the precious promises of God. Your strength and power comes from being victorious.

 

Part Two -War Over the Will of God
Blessings,
Pastor

Three Tests of Faith

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

 

 1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.”  Genesis 22:1-2  

There are three tests found in the life of Abraham in this passage.  These tests are common to our lives as well. Satan tempts to bring out the bad, but God tests to bring out the good. Although I would rather be exempt from tests, a faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.

The story is told about a man on the operating table who was very uncomfortable about his imminent surgery. Although anesthesia was to be applied, the doctor said, “It seems you are very uncomfortable about this surgery.” “Yes,” the man replied,” it is my first surgery.” “I understand,” the doctor said, “this is my first surgery too.”

How many of us would rather go to a surgeon who has been tested?

 

      The first test answers the question – Can You Trust God with the Possessions He Has Already Given You?

 

Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born.  Sometimes we say we are willing to give up everything for the Lord, but are we willing to give it up to the Lord? There’s a big difference between giving up something for the Lord and giving it to the Lord.

God had given Abraham a priceless possession and then asked for it back. It was the test of Abraham’s faith because he loved both Isaac and God. It is not enough to give God a place, prominence, or priority in our lives.   God wants to have preeminence. Is there anyone, anything, or any blessing that we love more than God? Is it possible that Abraham was beginning to love the blessing more than the Blesser or the gift more than the Giver?

Somewhere along life’s journey, God will ask you to give some of your blessings back to Him. Can you trust Him with your possessions?

 

      The second test answers the question – Can You Trust God with His Purposes for You?

Not only did God give Abraham a possession, He gave him a purpose. “With Isaac there is a purpose, and through him the nations will be blessed.” Understanding and doing the will of God requires three simple steps of finding, following, and finishing the will of God.

The opposite of obedience is disobedience. Faith is not simply obeying in spite of the evidence; it is obeying in spite of the consequences. It is obeying whether or not we understand the purpose.

Sometimes we offer sacrifices for which God is not asking. Real obedience is doing what your told to do…doing it when your told to do it… and doing it with the right heart attitude.   A lot of people who plan to obey only procrastinate. As soon as we move into procrastination, however, we are automatically in disobedience.

 

 The third test answers the question – Can You Trust God with the Promises He has Spoken to You?

 

God said to Abraham years earlier, “You are going to have a son. It’s going to happen.” Did it happen the next day or during the next ten years? No!  In the course of time Isaac was born in fulfillment of God’s promise.   For decades Abraham stood on those promises even when he and his wife became old.  Wow!  Have you ever struggled holding on to a promise of God for a week?  Real faith stands the test of time.

Can you trust the promises of God even when the circumstances of life do not add up? On life’s journey, you may face many problems, sicknesses, and disappointments – but God will still keep His promises to you.

This devotional was created from original material by James O. Davis.

Blessings,

Pastor

You Might Be A Great Servant If…

27 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan–the one you testified about–well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”  John 3:25-26

I have been in the ministry now over 30 years.  Time has given me perspective about life and ministry.  There is a reason Jesus spoke of John the Baptist as being the greatest in the Kingdom.  He was the greatest because He was the least.  When I compare modern day ministry to John the Baptist, I cannot help but feel we are missing God’s best.  Note these five characteristics of John’s ministry and life:

  1. John quickly acknowledged that all gifts and abilities were from heaven and could only be maximized when placed in God’s control. 
  2. John knew his role as “best man” and true friend of the Lord Jesus. 
  3. John found lasting joy from the events in life that brought the Lord joy.  He purposed to magnify and glorify Jesus. 
  4. John realized that real wisdom was found by discerning God’s Plan in yourself and then helping others. 
  5. John purposed to decrease in every way so that Christ would increase. 

The scripture I used at the beginning was an occasion when some people were informing John that he was losing his following to Jesus.  Some ne’er-do-well was trying to prod John into feeling bad about his ministry.  This type of talk was meant to make John feel like he was “yesterday’s news.”  John would have none of it!  He knew his mission and if Jesus was gaining a following, then he was successful.

It’s an ugly game we play in church life. We place religious leaders on pedestals.  We take pride in being a part of a group, church, or denomination.   We even encourage rivalry between these types of organizations.  Think about all the various different religious groups in existence today.  Some of these organizations actually believe they are in competition with each other.  What’s worse is some enjoy arguing over their particular denominational beliefs.  It is just like this passage.  Some guy wanted to argue with John’s disciples over “ceremonial washings”.   HOGWASH!  He is jealous, plain and simple.   How do we know?  Because in order to score points he tries to make John jealous over Jesus’ ministry.

Thankfully, John wouldn’t go there and neither should we.  John had these issues settled long ago.  Someone once said, “If you ever wonder at the success God gives you when you’re doing something for Him, don’t look in the mirror.”  Some have spent far too much time admiring themselves in the mirror.

We need to follow the advice of the little fisherman.  A little country boy was fishing with a makeshift pole, but oh was he catching fish!  A city fellow had the finest fishing tackles, but was having no success at all.  He decided to ask the country boy about his success. The boy replied, “The secret of it all is that I keep myself out of sight.”

Purpose to keep yourself out of sight this week.

Blessings,

Pastor

Sifted For Service

19 Wednesday Oct 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”   Luke 22:31-32

      I sometimes shutter a bit when I read this passage.  Why?  I don’t want to personally go through times of sifting.  Yet, according to Jesus, Satan relishes the opportunity to sift God’s children.  I’ve got enough problems without the devil piling on more difficulties.  How about you?   This is one of the reasons Jesus encourages all believers to pray to be “delivered from evil.”   (Matthew 6:13) 

      So, why are times of sifting allowed by the Lord into our lives?

      Evidently, we need it.  Jesus said a season of sifting was coming to Peter and no moves were being made by the Lord to stop it.  I believe “siftings” are brief periods of time when God allows Satan to have his way in our lives.  Permission must be given first before Satan is allowed to sift, test, tempt, and trouble God’s children.  

      Usually we never know what sifting will look like before it happens.  Jesus only told Peter it was coming!  But we learn from Peter’s life that sifting is usually connected with another problem in our life.  Peter kept bragging about how he would never deny the Lord.  In just a few short hours after his pledge of fidelity he denied the Lord three times.  Satan’s sifting got to the heart of Peter’s real issues in just a few short hours.  Yet, three years of being with Jesus didn’t cause him to look deeper.  Hmmmm.  Peter needed to go through the sifting process and as much as I hate to admit it…so do we! 

      Thankfully, according to Jesus we can survive it.   John 21:15-17 tells us the rest of the story.  Peter did survive and was brought back into the fold of the Lord.  You too can survive whatever the sifting process brings your way.   Whether you pass or fail, it is important that YOU know the truth about yourself.    It is good to know that Jesus is praying for you and He will be there to help you write the next chapter in your life.  Remember, you can’t have a testimony without a test. 

      In the end, the Lord wanted Peter to share with others in order to give them strength for their journey.  We are to share what we have learned through our own sifting process as well.  Satan wants us to stay in the muck and mire of our failures.  Jesus wants us to get up, repent, and proclaim the faithfulness of God.  It was Peter who preached the first major sermon after Pentecost in which thousands were brought into the Kingdom.  Peter fed the sheep that day in power because he had been sifted by Satan and survived to tell about it. 

       How are you going to react the next time you go through your next season of sifting?  You need it.  You can survive it.  You must be willing to share it.  The question is not “if siftings will come“, but “when the siftings come” what will be your reaction?  Many simply have grown hard and bitter.  Listen, the Lord doesn’t want you to stay in that place.  Allow the Lord to bring you back into the fold.  We all have been in those places.   Choose instead to learn and grow from the trials of life like Peter.  As someone once said, “It is not how you start the race, but how you finish that makes the difference.”  Choose instead to finish and finish strong. 

Blessings,

Pastor

The Test of Faith!

27 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  I Peter 1:6-8

      This is the type of test we all expect to transpire in our lives.  As new believers, we undergo numerous internal testings of what it means to believe.  When I was a newbie I didn’t hardly have any answers as to “why” I believed in Christ.  I just knew He radically changed my life.  He lived in me and that was all I knew for sure.  I wanted to know the answers to all the spiritual dilemmas others posed to rattle my faith.  With time, lots of time, most of those dilemmas have been answered for me. 

      One of the main truths I learned in those early years was this; just because I do not know the answer, doesn’t mean the answer doesn’t exist… I simply have not been given that revelation yet.  Sometimes it pleases the Lord when we trust Him and believe Him, when we don’t know the answers to difficult questions. 

      Like I said, the answers to most of my faith questions have been answered in due season.  Of course, there are some issues I still do not fully comprehend.  I have seen enough people shipwreck their lives because they didn’t understand or became disappointed over what “God did or didn’t do” for them.  Seeing the aftermath of other people’s lives has proved to me that doubting the validity of God’s Word is utter foolishness.  The tests of faith are designed to drive us closer to the Lord and prove our devotion to Him.  The Father could have easily removed all the obstacles, hardships and difficulties in life.  He could have eliminated every possibility for disillusionment.  In addition, God could have posted road signs in every language assuring the way for “easy believism“, but  He didn’t!  I have to believe this is best.  I am stronger now in my faith in Christ than any other point. 

      Aside from the internal testings our faith undergoes  on a regular basis, “the faith” itself is under tremendous external pressure worldwide.  In a general sense, the faith is getting tested at every point, 24/7.  When I hear of the real-time stories of what other believers are enduring in other parts of the world, I am deeply humbled.  This external test of faith goes on everyday without exception.  It has been reported that more Christians were martyred in the last century than all the previous centuries combined.  Even as the world seeks to purge itself of Christianity, “the faith” marches forward, proving itself worthy of our Lord and Savior. 

      Just like there are armchair quarterbacks who stuff themselves with junk food and scream at their televisions about what “should” be done, those living the life of faith are surrounded by a great many spectators as well.  These spectators out number the participants many times over.  They are usually loud and obnoxious.  The internet is full of their ranting and raving.  The Lord allows these to flourish alongside true believers.  These weeds are allowed to grow for a season so that the Lord’s true plantings grow in competition.  They exist to make us stronger.  Yes, for season they may drown us out, but in due season all weeds get pulled.  Amen!  Remember, this is God’s business, not ours. 

      How strong has your faith grown since it was last tested?  Remember, the Lord is not trying to torment you, but to graduate you to the next level.  I am reminded of how a goldsmith knows when his gold is pure, 24 carrot pure.  He places it in a crucible and heats the gold.  The impurities rise to the top and he scrapes them off.  This process is repeated over and over again.  He knows he has pure gold, without impurities, when he sees his own reflection in the gold.   The Lord will continue to refine us, until He sees His own reflection in our lives.  I encourage you to allow all the trials and tests of this life to remove all the impurities and dross from your life.  You are worth it. 

Blessings!

The Test of Standing Alone!

26 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

We are pilgrims in a strange land
We are so far from our homeland
With each passing day it seems so clear
This world will never want us here
We’re not welcome in this world of wrong
We are foreigners who don’t belong

(Chorus)
We are strangers, we are aliens
We are not of this world 
                                       Bob Hartman (Petra)

      You think there wouldn’t be any testing in this area, because each test we take is virtually alone.  Ah, but learning to stand alone when all the world is going the opposite direction is vital to the believer and Kingdom work.  These types of testing fall into two parts.  Are you ready? 

      First, after we give our lives to the Lord there are certain friends and relationships that must get the heave-ho.  As the Lord weeds out certain relationships from our lives, we are given room to grow and the opportunity to develop better Christ-like relationships.  Those older relationships may be renewed later.  But in the beginning of our Christian walk, it is imperative that the new believer learn to develop strong bonds with their brothers and sisters in the Lord.  “Iron sharpens iron” and these types of new relationships better equip you to make it through the thick and thin. 

      As you may know by now, there is no place to hide from the Lord.  Our Father wants His children to stand for righteousness inside and out.  So, the real testing begins!  Unfortunately, many believe they can hide from God even in church.  It is amazing!  They falsely believe they can stand for nothing, while their church stands for something.  Always remember there is no safety in numbers or church pews. 

      This is why so many teenage believers fall apart (spiritually speaking) as they enter adulthood.  They go to work or enter college only to become hellraisers.  Why?  They never stood for anything in the first place.  Ouch!  Sure, as a group they went on mission trips and participated in other meaningful activities.  But standing with others is not necessarily standing alone.   Note – When you see someone move to another location and lose their convictions, lose their standards, lose themselves, and sometimes lose their faith, you have to understand. Yes, they were tempted by Satan to sin and follow the ways of the world.  But something far greater is revealed in this all too common scenario.  Standing alone reveals exactly what you are standing upon …. or not!

      All God’s children must learn to stand alone for the Lord when no one else will.  Everyone gets this test….everyone.  Let’s face it, our faith means nothing to the Lord until we not only are willing to die for Him, but more importantly, we are willing to live for Him and stand in the worst of circumstances.  Read again the life stories of the heroes of the Bible.  Learn what set them apart from the rest.  They stood alone on the words and revelations of God.  It is the most isolated and loneliest place on earth, not to mention unpopular.  I’m talking Froto and Sam trying to make it to Mount Doom! 

      These types of tests will come your way numerous times.  Each time more of you will be stripped away until you resemble Christ.  It is a good thing.  Remember, my little padawan apprentice, no one can really help you in these moments.  Your closest friends and Godly counsel can only encourage you from a distance.  Again, all those who really want to grow strong in the Lord must learn the art of standing alone with God, even when no one else will. 

      I believe herein lies the secret to power with God.  The Father is not trying to keep His power from us, but He does shield it away from those who would use it shamelessly.  Only by going through the tests of standing alone are we brought to the place of being entrusted with greater kingdom realities and responsibilities. 

           How did you do the last time God called you out to stand for Him?  Sometimes we can sense these types of tests coming.  At other times they come quickly and without warning.  Our convictions and standards are developed during times of relative peace and reflection.  They are proven in the fire of battle, when we are called to stand alone.  Faith is always refined by fire.   If you would but hear His voice right now, there is a call for you to stand alone right now.  You can’t ask anyone else to stand with you or stand in your place.  It is your call alone. 

Blessings!

 

Testing Your Metal – Spiritual Warfare!

25 Sunday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:10-12

      In the past few blogs I have been examining the major areas of testing all believers must endure to grow strong in the Lord.  In all of these different areas, some never move on to bigger and better things.  The Kingdom of God does not offer “social promotions.”  Some stay in their testing due to neglect.  Others become so infatuated with their “trials” and wrongly conclude that failure is the norm.   Regardless the reason, failure to proceed results in little or no growth.  God calls us to walk in victory and doesn’t want any of His children living below the spiritual poverty line. 

      Another major area all believers must learn, grow, and be tested in is the area of Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance.  Some new believers will arrive here right from the start.  Why?  They come to Christ straight out of bondage.  It is imperative these new converts learn and keep their freedom in Christ.  Not everyone comes to know the Lord from a sterile church pew.  Some find the Lord at the bottom of a bottle or while in the clutches of witchcraft.  Staying free is imperative for them. 

      Outside of this group I just mentioned, my concern is that most believers never allow the Lord to take them through the process of becoming a warrior.  Over the years the church has treated spiritual warfare like our nation treats its armed forces.  Hey, in America it is always someone else’s job to fight wars and engage in battle…. not the everyday citizen.  This is not true for everyone, but it is true for many. 

      The truth is that in God’s Kingdom all His children are raised to be free, ready, willing, and able to conduct spiritual warfare.  I know not all are called to take the lead, but all are called to fight!  Unfortunately, over the centuries too few have heard the call to arms and push back the enemy.  Remember, “the gates of hell are not supposed to prevail.” 

      The first order of business in Jesus’ ministry had to do with a confrontation with Satan.  Our lives are not different.  Many believers have needlessly been mowed down spiritually because:

  1. They were not completely free themselves.
  2. They lacked the tools to fight.
  3. They lacked the training to fight, with or without weapons.
  4. They were told by other believers not to even expect a battle. 

      Therefore, those who have neglected their training and testing don’t even know where the actual battle is being waged!  Like many of the previous generations of believers, they choose instead to spend their energy and zeal fighting other Christians.  They become vessels of contention and strife rather than warriors of deliverance.  Satan just sits back smiling, because he has not even been attacked.  As someone once said, “The Christian army is the only army that shoots its own wounded.” 

      If you have not allowed the Lord to train, teach, and test you in this area…. please allow Him to do so.  We are entering into a season when the Kingdom desperately needs its warriors trained, tested, and ready to fight.  Our verse in Ephesians reminds us that our warfare is not in the physical, but spiritual realm.  Our call is to “be strong in the Lord” and able to draw on His strength.  There is no time like the present to pursue the Lord and allow Him to reveal to us our armor.  Are you ready? 

 

Indentity – Coming to Terms With Who You Are!

22 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.”  Revelation 3:18 

      As I mentioned yesterday, I will be spending the next few blogs discussing the major categories of  “tests” the Lord sends our way.  Please remember the times of testing are not given for your demise.  The Lord desires all His children to pass with flying colors.  But mostly, He wants us to know where we stand in regards to those things He is revealing to us.  So be of good cheer, my little padawan, you’re going to make it… me thinks! 

      As we grow in the Lord and rid ourselves of the old nature, our new nature begins to take hold in our lives.  It is during this time the Lord begins to speak and to reveal to us our New Identity.  This picture of “who we are in the Lord” can be a difficult one to grasp for some.  The Lord is faithful to reveal to all believers both general and specific revelations about their place in His Kingdom.  While words about our old nature versus our new nature can be somewhat negative at times, new revelations about “who we are in the Beloved” can be quite exhilarating and overwhelming.  God’s love can blow us away. 

      Permit me to chase one rabbit for a moment.  Some become accustomed to hearing only negative words from the Lord.  They view the Father as “always being on their case about various issues.”  They relish hearing words of correction and struggle with the Lord’s uplifting words of love and admonition.  In total contrast, other believers only want to hear good things from heaven.  All negative and corrective words are tossed out immediately. 

      I have found help in receiving both the positive and negative revelations from the Lord.  Believe me, it has taken me much time to arrive at this place.  I have wasted many agonizing years trying to make God’s revelations fit into what I wanted them to be, instead of simply receiving and obeying His words.  Thankfully, God is faithful…and longsuffering.  The word of God speaks….speaks….speaks!  Our job is to listen….listen…listen.  Unfortunately, I chose to try and provide commentary to the revelations of God.  It cost me much consternation in the process.  Hey, if God wanted or needed commentary on what He had spoken, then He would have provided such.  Learn from me…shut up and let the word stand!  Is this blunt enough? 

      Did I catch that rabbit?  Lets go back to discovering our identity.  Knowing who you are in the Lord is of primary importance to discovering your Kingdom work.  If you never fully discover your identity, then you will not:

  1. Be able to help others find their way in their Kingdom responsibilities.
  2. Be able to “stand your ground.”  The devil and his cohorts will push you around as you try to stand on truth.  (This was Satan’s modus operandi with Jesus in the wilderness temptation. Matthew 4)
  3. Be able to proceed.  Why?  You will simply quit at the first signs of hardship because you will not understand “who you are.” 
  4. Be able to know your exact place in the Kingdom.  It is a wonderful comfort and peace to know your Kingdom responsibilities. 
  5. Be able to discern your destiny and calling.  This is why the drop out rate is high among the called.  They failed to receive all their instructions about their identity in Christ. 

      There is more to say, but we will continue tomorrow.  For now, begin to ask the Lord about your identity.  A great place to start is to ask the Lord this question…”Lord, what do you think about me?”  Right now, the Lord is longing to whisper in your ear and tell you how much He loves you.  If I tell you the Lord loves you, it means one thing.  When you hear those words for yourself from the Lord’s mouth, it is revolutionary!  Start a revolution today…in your own heart. 

Blessings!

“I Fell into a Burning Ring of Fire”

21 Wednesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”  Zechariah 13:8-9 

     I don’t know if Johnny was singing about what I will be blogging about, but it seemed to be a good place to start.  This song came out when I was a kid and all I could think about when I heard it was… I don’t want to fall into that fire!  Who does?  Who really wants to be tested in the Lord’s fire!  Yikes! 

     I have been thinking about “the times of testing” that comes from the Lord the past few weeks.  I wrote about the anatomy of these tests back on September 9,14 and 15. (That is a hint to go back and read them)  Tests are important vehicles the Lord uses to reveal to us exactly where we stand and how well His teaching has impacted our lives.  In the past few days I have pondered how these times of testing can be categorized or grouped into clusters of like kinds.  I am going to spend a few days examining some of the major tests the Lord uses in our lives to move us closer to the image of Christ. 

      Some of the testings I endured in my early walk with the Lord concerned my new nature versus my old nature.  Back in those days I thought every spiritual hiccup was the devil trying to trip me up.  It has always amazed me that when believers don’t understand the spiritual workings of a matter they automatically conclude… it’s the devil!  God is faithful with us all.  He was faithful with me as well.  Anyway, my thought processes are  a lot clearer and keener now.  I can see how His hand was working to secure my new nature. 

      Unfortunately, many believers never grow past dying to their old self.  Again, God is faithful and is still teaching and testing them many years later.  I could say the Lord is still growing and pruning them, looking for fruit. 

      As I wrap-up this first area of testing concerning our old and new natures, I feel the need to add one caveat.  In every area of testing some move slowly and others move quickly.  I used to be envious of those who quickly moved through areas I struggled.  Let me remind you of a lesson I had to learn the hard way.  We are not in a competition with each other.  No bonus points are given for those who arrive early.  In fact, if you spend too much time examining what your neighbor is doing, it will cause you to bumble, stumble and fall!  Just plan to finish the race with your heart on fire for the Lord.  This is enough.  If  you feel stuck at any particular junction of testing, look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of your faith.  In Him is everything you need to finish your course and bring glory to the Father. 

      Blessings! 

“Being Fed” – The Third Stage of Our Process

15 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by in Times of Testing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.  John 6:13 

      The last two blogs have focused upon the “testings” and times of “strengthening” the Lord brings in our lives to cause real growth in the believer.  While we may mess up the first two stages, it is imperative we constantly feed ourselves with the Lord’s revelation.  For the true disciple, it is always feeding time.  One of the interesting events of this passage is someone had to help the Lord distribute this enormous meal to the people.  Can you imagine witnessing first hand the miracle of Jesus?  Can you imagine taking that miracle and giving it away to thousands of hungry people?  

      What happened to the disciples when this happened?  Did they eat some of the miracle food too?  According the scriptures there were twelve baskets left over, one basket for each disciple.  Each disciple had a testimony of what the Lord had provided.  Jesus strengthens our faith with miracles in order that we may serve others in the power of His name.  It is good to know as we go out to help others in Jesus’ name, Christ Himself has a supply for us as well. 

      The Lord has set aside a basket of manna just for you.  As His people, we need to expect His meals regularly and enjoy them.  Where are you in your process of spiritual growth?   If you are not in a time of testing, you are probably in a season of feeding.  This means He is building you up and causing growth to occur.  Whatever season you find yourself, enjoy it now.  Why?  It will soon change as the Lord moves you from one state of glory to the next.  The important thing is to receive from His hand that which He gives, because it will always be exactly what you need.