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"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Tag: growth (Page 7 of 9)

God’s Work. Philippians 2:13

July 22, 2018 /

 “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

God. The beginning of every good thing.

He who has always been—having no beginning and no end. Sovereign. Nothing of any eternal value can happen outside of Him. And, anything—any thing that happens in our lives does so with a grand design in place to bring about that “things” best possible outcome…

Today I’d like to talk with those, all those, who have been deeply wounded.

Those, who, though saved—having a relationship with Christ, those possessing faith—even deep faith, still face areas in your life where the wounds of the past are the fetters of your present. Those who sit famished, Bible open, soaking up all that God has to say—wanting it the way a starving man uses his last crust of bread to lap up the bits of food stuck to his plate. I’m talking to those who show up early to church on Sunday, not wanting to miss one Word. Those who worship from their toes, their depths, who have felt the weigh, both of their sins and their forgiveness —those who give their tithes lovingly, serve because their heart demands that they do.

I’m talking today to me, first. And, if this fits, I’m talking to you too…

I’m talking to those whose midnight howl has been—is, “Jesus please!”

That belly howl, that sobbing, I need Thee, oh I need Thee, cry. If you’ve ever cried this cry I need not say more.

You love Him and trust Him. You’ve witnessed His miracles in your life time and again. Perhaps, like myself, death came for you—but Jesus stood blocking its icy hand from dragging you into an early grave? Perhaps drugs or sex or drinking had a grip on you? Maybe abuse, molestation, being given up as a child—abandoned as an adult, abused at the hands of someone so hurt themselves, they couldn’t see how tender the trusting soul they were bruising was? Has any of the above left you frozen—locked into a place and a time that Jesus died to set you free from?

Here me, more, here God: “It was not your fault”—if you were raped, molested, beaten, abandoned—it was not your fault!

In that moment a choice wasn’t afford you—you were robbed. Robbed of your voice, your identity, your innocence; just as surely as if a thief were to break into your house tonight and rob you! Would that be your fault too? Of course not! You were robbed! Stop blaming yourself!

Thank God however, for today…

For this new day—and the choices that are now yours—mine,  to make. Today, we have this new choice, this ability to never be robbed again—to choose freedom! And no, I’m not saying that nothing bad will ever happen again. Any more than I’m saying that what has happened was your fault. But, what I am saying—what the Lord has shared with me—is that everything you need to move past yesterdays residue, past those clinging, cloying lies that accuse you and rob you of self-esteem and true freedom, past those “things” inflicted upon you—and perhaps because of them, those things you inflicted upon yourself, is already inside of you—if, Jesus is your Lord.

God has spoken to me about forgiveness… again.

If you’re a student of Scripture, then surely you know when God sees fit to repeat something to us we are wise to pay special attention to it. What do I mean by that? He has put this message of forgiveness squarely in front of me as of late. The unconditional, unrelenting necessity of it. No matter where I’ve turned—this “theme” of forgiveness has been a thread God has used to connect one day, and its lesson, to the next. Weaving together this tapestry, this picture of what must happen in a life, our life—yours and mine, so that we might step out not only in complete freedom, but more still, to walk together with that freedom, forever forward, in the power and authority God has given us in Christ Jesus!

Unforgiveness is the fodder that fertilizes our seeds of bitterness, resentment, and hatred. And, when watered with our fears, shame, and guilt, they produce the fruits of our self-destruction. The roots of which must be pulled out—least they stay, spreading out, mocking us, just below the surface of our praises…

So important is forgiveness—so paramount, that Jesus, while looking down from His Cross at the very men whose hands were stained by His Blood, saw the need to teach us, one last time, about its law—its seed and harvest principle. He had done it earlier via the model prayer He gave us to follow and expand upon, but, how much more powerful impactful now with His last breaths? Jesus chose for us to hear about forgiveness with His dying Words: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” If Jesus, the sinless Son of God thought forgiveness so needed to be modeled in His final hour, how much more should we, the guilty, model it in our daily lives…? “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Plainly said, we will be forgiven according to the measure we forgive…

I am speaking today—rather, hear the heart of God for your life today. Please, listen, those who have been deeply wounded—robbed. In fact, we all are in need of this one lesson. Scripture informs us, and the Spirit within us will confirm, we serve a High Priest who is familiar with our every pain—our every sin, who knows us better than we will ever know ourselves, better than our parents, spouse, or best friend. He created us. Knit us together inside of our mother. He did not intend for us to carry unforgiveness.

We are, after all, made in His image, and there is no darkness in Him…

God knew—knows, how very toxic unforgiveness is. What a thief it is—what a liar. Dare I say a false idol? When we choose not to forgive, when God has brought to our attention an area in our lives, a person or situation that He is telling us we must forgive, and we chose instead to say; I know you told me that I will only be forgiven as much as I am willing to forgive, but I’m going to go with my feelings here over your Truth. Not only are we being directly disobedient we  are also blocking our own forgiveness, along with some of the blessings God is trying to get into our hands. Forgiveness is the authoritative, life-changing, galvanizing, stain-fighting, clog-busting, past eradicating, cathartic command that teaches us the true meaning of the, “free indeed” Jesus both spoke of and died for.

He wants so much more for you than your salvation alone…

And yet, a reminder here, a plea really: You must remember that even this desire to forgive and your ability to submit to it—is possible only through a relationship with God. Why? Because it’s not something we can do on our own. We’re not capable. It is only through His power—by His Holy Spirit at work in us, as our verse today so aptly describes, both willing us to forgive and, enabling us, through His power, the same power Jesus used on His Cross, to forgive.

Outside of Him we simply do not have it in us to forgive…

And, more, if we need further proofs of the power of forgiveness—the power love has over hate, over bitterness, self-pity, animosity, and revenge—on the third day, by this same power, He rose from the dead, putting an end to the powers of sin and death in our lives. Forgiveness defeated the fetters death tried to use to rob Him of His Life. God sent me here to share with you the Good News that this same freedom is within you—if, you are a child of God. I know you’ve been asking and praying and trusting. And God has heard and has answered.

Believe, choose to forgive, and let the cathartic process of moment-by moment forgiveness begin…

And friend, if You have read through this but don’t yet know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, don’t think this wasn’t meant for you. It was. It is. You’re not here by accident. God brought you here first, that you might ask Him into your heart, and then, from that, that you two might begin the work of forgiveness that needs to happen in your own life…

“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.” –Romans 10:9-10

 

 

The Dynamic Duo. John 6: 68-69

January 14, 2018 /

 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].”

They, unlike all those who’d walked away, had faith in this man, this Jesus. They believed Him when He told them that He was their long-awaited Messiah—even though some of His claims were extraordinary. His Flesh as bread to eat? His Blood, wine to drink? The power to grant eternal life! Ascending into the clouds of heaven from where He came? Yes! They believed. —John 6:1–71

But what is faith? And where did their faith—their ability to believe where others couldn’t, come from?

First, faith: In the New Testament the English word faith is used to translate the Greek word pistis. The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Word says, “Pistis is used of belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same. ‘Faith’ means trust, confidence, assurance, and belief”

Hebrews 11: 1 says it this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

We get a clue about why some of these had faith others didn’t possess in verse 70.

Election… God had chosen them to believe in His Son—and, for so much more.

They would be the collective womb through which His Church would be birthed and flourish. Each possessing his own unique gifting’s and contributions. Jesus said as much about these 12 a few verses back after chiding some other disciples concerning their grumbling—their speculating, over His lineage. “Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve…?

So, their faith was a gift then—an undeserved, unearned, non-repayable gift from God? Yes. Yes, it was. As all faith is.

But what of this ‘election’?

Listen to how John MacArthur, Bible scholar and Author defines this term: “…the doctrine of election simply means that God, uninfluenced and before creation, predetermined certain people to be saved.

And in Scripture, The Apostle Paul speaks of election this way in 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (Emphasis my own)

Just as an unborn child cannot choose to give itself life, and a dead man cannot will himself to get up and live once again, neither can we as sinful man, dead in our sins, choose to have faith—outside of the Sovereign will of God… “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light.”  Ephesians 5:14.

Scripture abounds with references of election, those chosen by God: (Matt. 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7; Acts 9:15; 11:18; Rom. 8:29, 30, 33; Eph. 1:4, 5, 11; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:10. See, also, Luke 10:21-22; John 6:37, 44, 65; 10:26; 15:16; 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 5:31; 13:48; Rom. 9:11, 15, 16; 18 11:5, 7, 28; 1 Cor. 1:27, 28, 30; Gal. 1:15; 2 Thes. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; 2:8, 9; Rev. 5:9; 7:10-12).

Which leads me to introduce you to our second Superhero, Knowledge. In our Scripture verse Peter states that not only did He and the others have faith, but they also possessed knowledge of Jesus. Certainly, being Jewish and growing up hearing God’s Word taught in the Temple and spoken of at home, they’d be familiar with the Torah. They’d have been aware of hearing tell of the Scriptures that foretold of Messiah. We see evidence of that knowledge when Andrew, a fisherman, calls his brother Peter, beckoning Him to come and follow the man he believes is the Messiah. “He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is translated Christ). Yet, I believe, and Scripture lends to this fact, that Peter was referring not only to his knowledge of Scripture, more, to experiential knowledge in this instance. He and the others had lived with, ministered, ate, slept, talked, and, listened to every Word that Jesus spoke…

To say nothing of being present as He performed His many miracles.

Strong’s Greek Concordance defines this type of knowledge in the following way: functional (“working”) knowledge gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting theory to application; “application-knowledge,” gained in (by) a direct relationship.

Connecting theory to application. Said differently, the marriage of faith to knowledge (experiential). Their faith was solidified—reinforced, by what they knew of the Man. Their experiencing Him.

As it is with all who share in this faith…

It was this gnosis enlivened by the Ruach Breath of the Holy Spirit that enabled these ill-informed, unschooled, common men to write the beloved Word of God—The Holy Scriptures, those coveted Words each that feeds, comforts, teaches, corrects, and sustains all believers. “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.” —Job 32:8

This dynamic duo of faith and knowledge lived so deeply within them that from its very roots grew a love so strong—a bond so indestructible, that even when faced with deprivation, beatings, and death—often a cruel and violent death, each of Jesus’s Apostles, save John, faced their violent end having firm faith that when their end was met here, their eyes would open to see His glorious face yet again!

And they did… Even John, who died at a ripe old age exiled on Isle of Pathos.

If faith and knowledge of the Living God could create in an unlearned, but believing few, a force that brought about a world change—a change in how life and living are still defined; just think of what could happen in your life, church, family, ministry, marriage, community, corner of the globe—if you, like our brothers before us, joined forces with the dynamic duo of faith and knowledge!

If you invited the Holy Spirit to do all within you that aligned with God’s perfect will for your life…

But to extend this invitation to the Holy Spirit—you first must know Him—have a relationship with Him. So, won’t you do that know—ask Him into you, please? He’s waiting. He wants to introduce you to the dynamic duo of faith and knowledge of Him. More, He wants to spend every minute of your life loving you, and blessing you, and, teaching you. “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now.  But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]” John 16:12-13.

“The Everyday Wait” James 5:7-8

October 1, 2017 /

“So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near…”

We are living in a day and time, seemingly like no other. Yet, I would venture to guess that if the Apostles of old were among us today, if Paul were present, each might shed some light on just how similar, in many ways, the days in which we live run parallel to the lives they lived.

Civil unrest, wars and rumors of war, persecutions of every kind, unjust laws, unfair taxation, false gods at the forefront of their culture, ‘the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer’. Sounds like the front page of any major newspaper—or the information, being stated as fact, that comes from most news commentators today.

And it is…

But so it was too, this murky shadow of our home, for Peter, James, and John— for Paul as well. Each had tasted of the Lord, of The Promise of His Fullness—as some have today. They’d each uniquely experienced a pure drink, straight from the hose, if you will—undiluted by the thoughts and opinions of others—or had they? Even these pillars of the faith, each martyred for what they knew to be The Truth—had moments when they grew impatient, stepped out in their own timing, not in the Lords. And not in the way they’d heard Him teach that one who follows Him ought…

Is any man capable, save Jesus, of purity? Of a pure heart and hands? Pure intentions? Of not having so much as a sliver of his own agenda attached to his prayer—well intended as it may be? No. not even these stalwarts of the faith.

Each man’s soul is an unplumbed depth…( Ezekiel 22:29-30).

Rich and powerful oppressors surrounded them—people of high station whose word became law, just or not, threatened to destroy all they held sacred. James refers to them as: …rich and arrogant people who oppress others with injustice and immorality. Sound familiar? So how did they, how do we, wait patiently on the Lord to fulfill His promises amidst all of this? How do we wait for the dreams He’s placed in our bellies to manifest? How do wait when we don’t even understand the what and why of God’s plans for us— of His timing? To say nothing of the self-doubt we may feel at even feeling fit to carry them out, to partner with God!

What is God doing to us, through us, in the course of our ‘everyday’ wait?

He’s maturing us. Just as He did with our brethren before us. Through patient endurance our faith is being tested—strengthened, matured, made ready for His use…( 1 Peter 1: 6-8).

I use the term everyday as a thread—a means of uniting everyone who is waiting. It’s intended as a common denominator—but in no way intended to diminish any one individuals struggle nor pain, while they’re braving, by the grace of God, their wait. Those closest to Him walked with Him for three plus years, yet didn’t fully understand who He was or why He had come—and gone, the way He had—until well past the time He was no longer physically with them (Deuteronomy 31:6). Waiting means standing firm in what you believe—in faith believing for, white-knuckle holding fast to, what you do not yet see simply because—God put that thing, that dream, that Word, that knowledge, The Truth, that vision, ministry, deep down in your belly (Romans 8:24-25).

You’ve been chosen. Made pregnant by God…

And now you must wait.

Waiting is the labor room of growing-up in the patient endurance that James is speaking to us about—and maturity is the child that emerges from it. “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Ask any person who has spent time in the waiting room carving circles in the carpet as they paced expecting, what did you learn during your wait?

And, as with Peter, James, John, Paul, and any other believer that has ever gone before you—each went in it—entered into it, with their own set of expectations, hopes, dreams and desires. Yet, each came out joy-filled and praising God for the healthy promise that now lay in their arms. Contrary to the pain, contrary to whether it had red hair—not brown, or black. Was fair skinned—and not coffee-colored. A girl, and not the long waited for boy…

Each emerged—after their fiery trial, after the dross had been burned off in the furnace of patience endurance, after the waiting—hours, days, weeks, months, even years, and years having passed them by—finally holding the promise God had planted in their bellies. While others still needed to be fired once, twice, three times more, in that hot, uncomfortable, trying, furnace before they would see their promise.

Don’t grumble… Just ask the Israelite’s about the delay grumbling can cause. What should have taken them days took forty years! Let him who has ears hear…

Beloved, contrary to what is going on around us, what the social and political climate may be, contrary to wickedness’s—the wars and rumors of wars, the scandals, to kneel or stand, the immorality—those who call wrong right and right wrong. Don’t jump the line, don’t run ahead of God. there’s purpose in the delay. Your reward, like Peter’s and James’ , John’s—like Paul’s, is at the door. “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it” (Numbers 23:19)?

Beloved, I’ll leave you with this: While you’re waiting, I’m waiting, we, as a Body, are waiting—for whatever it may be the Lord has you waiting for, take heart. Be encouraged. Consider our brother Paul’s words, and keep close to your heart the strength and comfort afforded you from such a great cloud of witnesses. These Saints who waited too. Waited, before their hopes were fulfilled, before their patient endurance produced the fruit of the promise… “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart…

If you’ve never asked Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. Don’t wait friend, He’s waiting just for you. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3;15). Jesus loves you…

Blessings Beloved…

“Connection” John 15:4

June 4, 2017 /

 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.” John 15:4

So, let me ask you, what are you connected to?

What type of soil have you taken root in? Is your life producing good fruit? Lasting, eternal fruit that is a product of—evidence of, The Holy Spirits work in your life?

If it’s not, it can…

In today’s Scripture Jesus is telling us to remain—stay connected to, be rooted, in Him. Share in the same Oneness—same union, with Him, that He shares with the Father. To make our home with—reside in, Him. Jesus does nothing outside of The Father’s Will (John 5:19;30; 8:28). And in all things—always, Jesus makes connection to The Father His priority. All else that flows from Jesus’ life—flows out of that indestructible, and most sacred Oneness.

In John 15 Jesus uses a common agricultural note, one easily understood by His audience, to make a spiritual—an eternal, point. That He—Jesus, is not only our root-system, The trunk to our vine, more His Holy Spirit is that pure life-giving water that flows freely into and through us. Nourishing us, enabling not only our growth—but also what type of, and how much, fruit we can or will produce. If and only if—we remain connected to Him.

Just as Jesus would do nothing outside of The Father’s will—neither should we. In all things pertaining to Life Jesus is our Truest Guide—our Teacher.

Notice that I said He would do nothing. Jesus was not only fully God, He was also fully man. Theoanthropos. And, in being a man He—like us, had the ability to choose to do things His own way. We witness both this ability to choose and His willing eagerness to submit to, rely on God, during His Temptation in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1-13) Yet, because of the great love He has for The Father—because they are One and have the same Divine Attributes, Jesus chooses God’s perfect will for His life—even unto His earthly death. He could not do otherwise being One with God…

God cannot contradict Himself. If He did, we could not believe what He says or know how to follow Him.

Therefore, we would do well to model this—Jesus’ love, His devotion and faithfulness and submission, in our own life—in our relationship with God.

But how did Jesus do it? Stay so seamlessly connected to The Father? Through connectedness, obedience, love, and submission…

So then,  how can we too maintain the connection to Jesus that He’s referring to in John 15 since we are fallible man?

We see it spelled out—the how-to in John 14. Through a continuous dialogue with The Father and, in living a life of obedience to God’s Commandments—putting His will first, submitting to His Sovereignty—His Lordship, over our lives. Simply put, by following the example of Jesus.

We need a solid root system. An unshakable, vital faith in The God that loves us like no other—and, more, a trust in Him who knows what’s best for His creation.

But how exactly is that accomplished?

Jesus—The Living Word is telling His disciples that He must leave them but that He wouldn’t leave them as orphans—separate from Himself. Rather, He was sending them another that would be with them for all time. In other words, He was telling them that His journey—His time on earth with them was ending, but that His purpose for coming was just getting started. If fact, His being there, with them—on earth, couldn’t fully accomplish all that the Father intended when sending Him into the world until this other One God was going to send also—arrived. “Truly, truly, I say to you, the one believing in Me, the works that I do, also he will do. And he will do greater than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

Jesus’ life, death, and, resurrection was the beginning of, the Genesis of, God’s plan to save a lost and dying world. He—Jesus was the only One worthy to die in our place—for the sins we committed. (1 Peter 1:19) He alone was pure—and as a result, He alone had the power to not only lay His life down that He would stay connected to The Father eternally—but also on the third day, He would again pick up His life thus ensuring that we too might not only share in eternal life with Him and The Father, but that while we were still here in this life, if we, like the disciples, had a relationship with Him—a right connection with Jesus, then we would be guaranteed this same Comforter—His Holy Spirit. The Pure Water of The Word. (John 10:18; John 7:37-39; Isaiah 44:3; John 4:14)

And here we find our find our answer. How do we stay connected to Jesus? Through both His example and His Spirit within us that is leading and guiding us into all Truth…

One fact that I discovered in researching grapevines was this: That its root system filters out harmful elements that may be in the soil so that the sap—the very life-blood that feeds the vine will be pure.

Doesn’t that description of the vines roots loosely summarize Jesus’ message to His disciples, to us?

If you choose to live a holy, a fruitful life—be mindful of what you allow yourself to become rooted, attached, fixed, to. You’re able only to produce good and lasting fruit because of My Spirit, My Word in you. Acting as the filter in your life. Straining away those things that will harm you—us, our connection, My purpose for your life. And guiding you towards, allowing to flow into you, all that you need for Godly living. Stay firmly rooted in Me…

Jesus instructed His disciples—us, to remain, abide, stay fully connected to—rooted in Him. Just as He is in The Father, that our life be built on The Pure Water of The Word, His Spirit,  and coupled with a willing obedience to live out The Father’s Commandments. To be grounded in love, possessing an unshakable faith in God’s Sovereignty and Just Judgement, That this might produce in us—and through us, pure and lasting fruit.

Just as He did in Jesus…

“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken” John 15:1-3

“The Fountain” Jude 1:2

March 26, 2017 /

I’m certain you’ve heard the expression that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Typically, I ask the Lord each morning to show me what it is I need to eat for that day. Though I usually follow a reading plan, when Spirit led I deviate. I believe God knows far better than any plan what it is I need daily…

And, on this day He led me into the Book of Jude.

I began to read and then reread. As I finished the Book I asked God what it was that He wanted me to see because I felt like I’d missed the reason He’d led me there. I’d missed the “why” or “what” I was supposed to have seen. Nothing had stood out—leapt off the page, nor came alive to me. I heard Him say, “Read it again.” And I did, twice. But it wasn’t until the third time that I read it that It came to me. In my haste to get at what I had assumed was the meat—the depth of this text, I had completely skimmed over Jude’s salutation.

And that’s where the Lord caused my eyes to fall…

Tucked within my Bible, like so many treasures, are scraps of paper or whole sheets. Words written, and messages, or teaching topics, Scriptures that the Spirit has led me to through-out the years. I felt draw to one in-particular. It was a Word God had shared with me after having read Ezekiel 47:3-6. “When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water reaching the ankles. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the loins. Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river.”

I don’t know the date of the writing unfortunately. Suffice it to say, based on the worn condition of this sheet of paper, it had been in my Bible for a long while…

I kept looking between what I had just read in Jude and what I was reading on this paper. I was trying to see the connection. And then it hit me, abundance. An increase and an abundance…

While reading Jude Two the Spirit showed me a vision of a fountain. But not just any fountain. Look at the picture above and you will see, in part, what it is I saw.

An abundance of water. A plethora…

I understood the Lord was using all that He had put before me, as disconnected and piecey as it felt, to draw me into seeing and understanding just how it is He gives Himself and His Spirit to us—in this lavish, plentifully, way, and through ever-increasing intimacy, as we spend time in His Word. He draws us ever more deeply into Himself.

And, as a result of following His great example—instructs us how we too must pour out from our overflow on those we encounter with no thought of running dry ourselves—because we know (koinonia) our source is never-ending!

Matthew Henry says it far more succinctly yet with eloquence in his commentary on Ezekiel 47: Christ is the temple; he is the door; from him those living waters flow, out of his pierced side. It is the water that he gives us that is the well of water which springs up, Jn. 4:14. And it is by believing in him that we receive from him rivers of living water; and this spoke he of the Spirit, Jn. 7:38, Jn. 7:39. The original of these waters was not above-ground, but they sprang up from under the threshold; for the fountain of a believer’s life is a mystery; it is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3:3.

Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few” (2 Kings 4:2-3, emphasis my own).

Elisha, sent by God to this widow to ensure that she not only had what she needed—but had it in abundance! Listen to what he says to this widow in verse 7: “He said, “Go! Sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what remains.”

Surplus—an inconceivable supply for this woman who just moments ago, had nothing but a bit of oil and some borrowed empty jars…

Through her obedience to Elisha, and His to God, they are each refreshed. Both she and her family are renewed—spiritually first, and then their physical needs are met as well (I Kings 17:8-10; 2 Kings 4:3-5).

That is what Jesus was showing me. Reminding me of. How we are each called to pour out—pour into, lavish others with all that He has given us, holding nothing back. So, that those He sends us to may be filled to overflowing, and in return—pour into others as well…

Jesus factually poured out His life in service to the Father. And, as the widow’s oil continued to flow until the very last jar was filled, so Jesus continues to pour out the benefits of His Work on the Cross today—in abundance, that all men might have life eternal, still. …“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John.10:10).

And we too must be willing to give all. Including and up to the pouring out of our very lives for another…

We each have gifts. A call on our life. A unique reason for being here. And only we—only you, can contribute—bring to the world, what God has placed inside of you to give—and to do, with abandoned, in abundance, completely—until you are spent and others have received from your overflow all that God has for them…

Repeatedly.

Friends, God gives us more than we deserve daily. Think of it—I mean really think of it. In fact, grab a piece of paper and sit and write a gratitude list to God today. Pray, and ask the Spirit to bring to your remembrance all that God gives you daily—starting with Himself…

You don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus yet? That’s okay—for the moment. He has one with you. Ask Him to show you what He does for you daily starting with His mercy—given in abundance, spoken of in Joel’s salutation. Surely that will lead you into a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7), and immerse you into a love that has yet to be plumbed. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of His love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:17-19 emphasis my own).

You were given an abundance for a purpose…

“Even the Tree Had A Purpose” Luke 19:4-6

March 19, 2017 /

“So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly” (Luke 19:4-6).

Only in Luke’s Gospel accounts do we find the Parables of the “lost things.” The coin, the sheep, and, the son. Luke’s lost theme points us towards the reason Jesus has come to Jericho on this particular day.

It was not accidental…

There is nothing random about God. He both can and will use anything, any circumstance, to reach us.

Luke directs our focus. He Causes us to realize why it was Jesus had stepped down across time and eternity to donned a suit of flesh. He has come to find that which is lost. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

And He knows exactly where to go to find it…

Even the tree in Luke’s account had a purpose. Why? It was a place of gain. A predetermined location, a portal of sorts, where the Divine would meet a man and from that meeting the will of God would be born—again. A sign in our narrative of what was about to take place. Now it was Zacchaeus who would climb the tree to see Jesus. Soon however, it would be Jesus being lifted-up on a tree for all men to see. No longer would man’s view of His Savior be obstructed. Jesus would make certain of that…

It’s why He came, first into the world, but today, specifically, into Jericho.

Zacchaeus, a wealthy man by all accounts—and a chief tax collector, was about to gain the greatest gift he would ever own. One worth giving up—surrendering, turning over to, everything that he had known, accumulated—and clung to. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus, perhaps he had even seen Him—as a passerby, or one standing in the many crowds that had followed Jesus. Certainly, he had heard tell of Him and of His power to do miracles—to restore to life that which was dead. To make those that were blind see. To bring healing and restoration to dead, useless limbs.

But, as a Jew, there was something else that caught Zacchaeus attention. He had heard the whispers…

Could this be the Messiah? The One he and his people had been waiting for? The One foretold by the Prophets of old? Spoken of by the elders? Or was He just another rabble-rouser? After all, there had been so many that had come claiming to be the one who would deliver his people.

Yet there was something about this one—something that caused Zacchaeus to get excited—more, hopeful, that perhaps, just maybe, He truly was the Messiah. The Son of the Living God. And he was not the only one to share this curiosity. The streets were filling up quickly, like when the people prepared for a festival. There was a great sense of expectancy and excitement in the air…

Why did I have to be born so short? I’ll never be able to see Him now, and I just must, I must! That tree, that’s it!! It’s perfect—it’s solid enough to support me, yet short enough for me to climb up; and yet tall enough for me to get just high enough so as not to miss Him as He passes by!

Perfect tree…

Jesus knew exactly where Zacchaeus was. He had seen across time and eternity that on this very day, at this very hour, Zacchaeus would climb this very tree—and more, God knew why he’d do it. Zacchaeus wanted more. And he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure he got it. Little did Zacchaeus know as he was climbing that tree that Jesus had seen him doing so before the very foundations of the world had been laid. And today—at this hour, was the exact moment Jesus had chosen to show Himself to Zacchaeus—for all Eternity…

Zacchaeus couldn’t have known that this simple tree he was climbing to better see this Jesus had been planted just for him, just for this reason—it was its purpose, to lift Him higher. To elevate Him above those that had come out of a “carnival curiosity.”

Zacchaeus had no idea, as he was climbing to catch a glimpse of this maybe Messiah, that he was actually on a bridge that God had constructed to bring the natural man and the Divine together.

One in a tree, another on the road below. Yet both on their respective paths to destiny. To the fulfillment of their Divine purposes…

And the rest of Luke’s account attest to the fact that this one tree had not been created in vain. Rather, in being the conduit that facilitated this supernatural encounter, it had fulfilled its purpose in being created…

And in Zacchaeus, we see the Spirit of Jesus’s Words found in Luke 18:14: coming to life; “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

So here’s the question that God has put before me; and so I’ll ask it of you too. “What does your tree look like? What has He put before you that you would choose to climb up in to go higher—solely that you may see Jesus more clearly?”

Or is your tree something that God is asking you to walk away from—leave behind, let go of perhaps?

Will you, like Zacchaeus, drop everything so that you too may better see God?

“So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today” So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully.… (Luke 19:4-6; emphasis my own).

 

 

 

 

“Unexpected Places” Luke 15:1-10

March 12, 2017 /

 

Jesus didn’t choose those who followed Him from among the pious religious leaders of His day. Nor did He chose the mega-church pastors, kings or rulers. He chose people from unexpected places…people like you and I (1Cor.1:27-30).

If you have ever lost something, something that was precious to you, that you placed great value in, then you can relate to the feelings of being frantic, grief-stricken even, until that which was lost is found.

I’m not talking car keys here, I’m talking about a sickening feeling, however brief, that grips your heart. When, for an instance, as a parent or guardian of a child you turn your head for the briefest second and wham!

The child is gone! The shopping mall nightmare!

Fortunately for most of us, all ends well. And within minutes a little head pops out, and their giggling is heard, from beneath the rack of clothes you’d been looking through.

Here I am silly daddy, I was hiding on you…!

God is also familiar with finding what’s been lost (Mt 4:19 NIV). Like us, He experiences heartbreak over the one who leaves the safety of His side. However, unlike us, God does not get panicky. He is Omniscient. He knew before He brought us into this swarming peopled planet, that we’d get lost.

So, as a result, He took steps to make sure we’d always be able to find Him…

No matter what separated us (Ps.33:11 NIV).

God so loved us that He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, to find and return to Him that which has and will become lost. Us…

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me’” (Jn.6:37-38).

In today’s teaching Jesus is talking to a large crowd. And, though the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law are present, scripture opens with, “Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him” (Lk.15:1 NIV).

There were always holy men around Jesus, yet it was those unexpected few that came seeking after Him that He came intentionally to find.

Why is God so concerned with the lost? Very simply stated, He loves us!

We are valuable and cherished by Him. His desire is that not one person be lost! Liken it to the sense of loss mentioned above, then multiply that by too many zeros to type here!

So great is His love for us, so precious are we, that He sent Jesus, His Only Begotten Son to save us. So, that through Him, we would have a way back to God: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16 NASB)!

That lost sheep referred to in our text represents you and I if we don’t know the Lordship of Jesus in our hearts…

I’m not speaking here about knowing of Jesus. I’m not even talking about being saved, a gift that is unfathomable to those who have tasted such mercy and grace…

I’m speaking specifically of knowing Jesus.

Knowing in the way a husband and wife know each other. Intimately. To the exclusion of another. Mystically One (Jn.17:20-22 ESV).

I’m talking about being relationally bonded. Not mere intellectual buddies or people who regurgitate platitudes to God in the hopes of gaining points.

In plain speak, not like the Pharisees and hypocrites referred to in Matthew (Mat. 23:13 ESV). So let’s break down this parable into two segments shall we?

  1. What are the risks involved in being lost? And 2. Why finding is finding us so important?

#1. What is wrong with being the lone sheep that leaves the safety of the fold to go out exploring what looks good to us?

A.) It is Separation from God and His will for our lives…

It represents the potential that separation our may be eternal. Plainly, Hell. Which was not created for man but rather for satan and his fallen angels. However, next to salvation, one of the greatest gifts God gave us is free will. It was not God’s plan, and is not His choice, that any man should go to hell. Jesus came to make it possible for each man to be reconciled to God after the fall of Adam and Eve.

But, yes there is a but. We must choose God.

Here, and now. While it is stilll called today…

Or, we run the risk of following into eternal death the one we choose to follow in life (Mt.25:40-42 NIV). One of the more quoted Scriptures explaining the danger of hell is found in Proverbs 14:12, it states, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” The ways  of this world, the desires of our eyes and flesh, the have it your way attitude that permeates this worlds thinking fails to infer, never mind tell us clearly that we even have an enemy who seeks to kill us…

One that is ever-near, standing  just off in the shadows waiting to get us alone. Or that he’s fixed and ready to pounce on us like credulous prey! Only God in His Word foretells of satan’s fatal intentions,“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1 Pe.5:8 AMPC)

.…in fierce hunger? Devour? Isn’t there something in God’s Word about a path that leads to life?

I choose that one please!

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way”(Mt.7:13NLT).

What about you? Given the above knowledge, which road do you choose? And here’s the follow-up. Have you chosen it yet? And if not, why not?

These examples are but a few of the copious reasons given throughout Scripture about the perils of being and choosing to stay, lost.

Though you were born into sin, you don’t have to stay in it…

You have a choice. You’ve been empowered through the loving sacrifice accomplished for you on The Cross of Christ!

 

#2. WHY IS FINDING US SO IMPORTANT…?

LOVE.

Reread above about His concern, your value and how cherished you are.

Better yet, open your Bible and read John 3:16!

We are valuable to Him and He does not want to see harm come to us. He intentionally seeks us out to save us from harm. His love is not random because He’s not! There is nothing random about God. He is intentional,ordered, in all of His ways. And His love for you is not a mistake, you are not a mistake! Throughout His Word we find every answer to every issue, question, or, life problem we will ever face.

His Word is our road map…

It safety guides us through hostile enemy territory, aka, the world (Ps.119:105 NIV). God, being Omniscient, placed within His Word many lessons informing us of the dangers of going astray.

But… there’s that but again, It is our choice to follow Jesus or jump the fence for other another’s pasture. For more on this topic see (Isa. 53:6;1Pet. 5:8; Job 1:7;Pr.28:15; Pr.2:17;Pr.10:17; Pr.21;16;Lu.12:5).

One of the greatest dangers  for a sheep is to get separated from the protection, love and care of the Sheppard. Sheep are far more vulnerable not only to attack from unforeseen predators, but, more often, death, when alone. “The thief comes only to take the sheep and to put them to death: he comes for their destruction: I have come so that they may have life and have it in greater measure” (Jn.10:10 BBE).

Verse 8 of Luke plainly illustrates that another risk of being lost is being in darkness…

We may feel safe in the dark, unseen, our whereabouts unknown by God or man. And we may be right on this second account, at least the man part of it…

But, be assured we are felonious on the first part! (Ps.139:1-16 NIV). Let me explain by sharing with you just a taste of this Psalm…,” Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, (hell) behold, You are there.”

Just as the lost coin could not escape the searching eye of the woman in Jesus parable, we can’t hide from an all-knowing, all-seeing, God! Throughout Scripture God is referred to as Light, and not just light, but pure light! “There is no darkness within Him at all” (1Jn.1:5 KJV).

God always seeks what is best for us. Our decision of choosing to go it solo often results from not believing this one fundamental Truth about God. Too many in today’s world feel God is chasing them down to take something from them, when in fact, He’s running after them to give to them.

God came to give life, not take it away (John 10:10).

The common denominator in verses 1 through 10 of Luke is intentionality: By definition it is: done with intention or on purpose; intended: designed, planned; deliberate.

Through the shepherd’s intentionality in finding the lost sheep, and the woman the lost coin; and as both rejoiced when each were found, we’re able to catch a glimpse of the Fathers deliberate search for us!

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20 BSB).

Lastly, concerning Gods rejoicing over finding us, His love toward us may feel unexpected, but never forget our God is deliberate. Be encouraged today. He is searching for you…

…Blessings!

 

“Moses Junior?” Joshua 1:5

March 5, 2017 /

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

How many of us have, or are about to, sabotage what we know God has called us to do out of fear of failure? Fear of not measuring up? Out of our insecurities and doubts? We know that God called us to a particular ministry, job, or task, yet we find ways to drag our feet, avoid moving into or even towards our calling…

Why?

We heed, listen to, our fears and frailties over God’s Sovereign voice…

It’s not our lack of gifting’s or talents that prevents us from receiving all that God has for us. Far too often it’s our doubts, insecurities, fear of failure, that robs us of our destiny…

And, sadly, that thief doesn’t have to try to too hard to take what is rightfully ours—right out from under us…

God knew that if He did not encourage Joshua before He became the new leader of the Israelite’s, before one step was taken to enter this promised land, Joshua would likely falter under the weight of his new mantle…

Because he wasn’t courageous? Called? Appointed and anointed?

Not at all!

The Word tells us that Joshua was a mighty man of God. He was Moses’s right-hand man (Josh. 1:1).

In fact, out of the 12 scouts sent out by Moses to look over the promised land, Joshua was one of the two scouts that reported back to him and the people, that the land could be taken. He instructed them not to be afraid (Num. 14:7-9).

So why is it that three times within three verses of Joshua Chapter 1 God commands Joshua, “to be strong and courageous?” Surely Joshua has proven himself strong, courageous, and, faithful?

The answer. Promotion! Advancing in the Kingdom will cost you. Just ask Jesus…

God was transitioning Joshua toward his destiny, but first a cutting away needed to take place…

Joshua needed circumcision to reach his full potential. Not only in his body but also in his heart. Before God could entrust Him with all He had prepared for His hands to accomplish some things had to go…(Josh. 5:1-3).

He had to endure a cutting away of himself. Of his past, the old misguided, faulty beliefs of who he was. Of his worthiness, or lack thereof…

You see, though he was a mighty warrior, a trusted servant, and an esteemed assistant, Joshua associated with himself with, was, Moses’s assistant.

He was a servant, a follower, not a leader…

That was Moses’s job…

Joshua would now however be called to step out of the foreground and into the stoplight of God’s divine plan for the fulfillment of His promise to His people. Joshua had just received a divine upgrade—he’d been commissioned the new leader of God’s people.

This new level of calling on Joshua’s life was going to require a whole new level of strength. His sheer brawn wasn’t going to cut it any longer. With this new promotion, would come new duties. Duties Joshua had never met in his past.

And, beside all of that, the people were used to Moses.

And, Joshua knew he was no Moses…

Moses the miracle worker. Moses on the Mount with God. Moses who delivered the laws for the people. Moses the one who Yahweh used to deliver these same Israelite’s from under the task-masters pitiless whips. Moses, who stretched out his staff and the sea parted that they may cross over it safely; and then watch the waters fall back to destroy those who sought to destroy them. Moses, who spoke to God on their behalf and bread came down from heaven and their bellies were filled. (Exo. 14;16:4-8).

That Moses…

Who spoke with God and shone with the Light of Yahweh (Exo. 34:29-30).

Joshua knew he could never be that…

And he was right.

More, he wasn’t called to be…

Take heart new leaders—new ministers, Pastors, and all those called to blaze a new trail. Remember, God promised that just as He was with Moses He would be with Joshua…

But catch that. He didn’t tell Joshua he’d be a Moses Junior. No. Joshua was called to walk in his own gifting’s and talents. His own calling and anointing. God knew Joshua would doubt himself and his capacity to lead these people. But, God also knew Joshua’s heart and more—his faith. Part of Joshua’s gift was his fight. His tenacity. His unwavering belief that if God said it, it will happen…

God says it this way: “Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (Zech. 4:6).

We won’t and can’t accomplish any of the work that God has set before us to do in our own power.

It will never get done…

Not in using our best intentions nor in our own will. We are too weak, outside of God, to accomplish anything of eternal value without the aid of His providence and grace…

And so, the Lord assures Joshua before he serves one day in his new role that everything he will do—anything that he accomplishes, will be done only through God’s Sovereign Authority and Providence. Let’s read our Scripture verse again: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh.1:5)

What is God calling you to do today? Are you being led to a ministry position, a job, move, or some new task? Is He asking you to write a book, sing your song, or travel to a country He’s directing you towards? Is God asking you to do what seems, in your flesh, to be the impossible? Then you’re most likely right where God both wants and needs you to be!

Reliant on Him…

However, in order for you to complete this seemingly impossible task God has placed before you, you must choose, decide—intentionally walk through the door He alone has opened for you.

God promised Joshua that the same Sovereign power that directed Moses’s steps would direct his also—always. And that is His promise to you as well.

How can I be sure—certain, confident of that? How can you? Easy, God’s Word tells us this Truth. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good” (Num. 23:19)?

Again, catch What Scripture is saying—what the Holy Spirit is speaking: and He not make it good? God alone has the power to make good His perfect will for your life. But He never said it would be easy. He never said you wouldn’t have to walk past—through, the shadow those that had gone before you had cast…

Those others—that mentor, pastor, teacher, leader who appeared more talented, gifted, and certainly more qualified….

But if God has called you, appointed you, anointed you, for such a time as this. If He has command you to be strong and very courageous, then know you must—claim, walk in, fix your eyes on that calling. Standing sure—locked into your anointing, putting to use your own gifting’s and talents, established in you by God. “They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses” (Josh.1:16-17).

You were not chosen accidentally. God purposed you—fashioned you, for such as time as this. And no, you are not “Moses”. And that’s okay—it’s as it should be “Joshua” …

Trust in the One that brought you to this moment. The one that has fashioned you through the fires of adversity, trials, and tribulations. Through your willingness to serve—to be of service, and, through your battles.

Your appointment—that commission that stands before you, it was never solely about you. It was—is, all about God’s plan and those souls He has chosen to bless and save through your obedience….

Moses is dead. And you are not Moses Junior. You are Joshua, son of Nun. That is your name. Now go—lead. You have souls depending on your faithfulness.  “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel” (Josh. 1:2).

 

“From Those We Least Expect It…” Luke 22:21-22

February 26, 2017 /

   

“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Luke 22:21-22).

If you are of a certain age unfortunately you have felt the brutal sting of betrayal.

Our text this week deals with that very issue, betrayal at that hand of one you invited in, your Judas. That one you opened your heart, home, and wallet to. The very one you shared all those confidences with. That same friend who, to term a modern colloquialism was, your ride or die. Your best-friend, that entrusted brother or sister, one who sat at your table and broke bread with you.

Forgive me if you feel I am belaboring this point, but it is imperative you understand the magnitude of the type of betrayal to which our scripture is referring,it is one of dire eternal consequence.

This was no faux-pas. No painful, yet, unintended shower of friendly fire.

To quote a famous  World War II propaganda expression: loose lips sink ships. At one time in our lives, we have each been guilty of betraying someone, consciously or not. Even the greatest of saints were once flesh-pots and calloused!  “There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (excerpt).

However, most people, when made aware of their unintended disloyalty, will immediately apologize and do all that is possible to seek immediate reconciliation. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matt. 18;15-17).

The Bible has many examples of betrayal at the hands of those we would consider members of this very family type…

Here in Hawaii, they are called “Hanai” relatives. Those we adopt, take into our hearts as family. Our inner circle. Hanai speaks directly to this friend that is like our kin because we have chosen to allow them in to ourselves, our hearts and trust…

As an example, look at the relationship that existed between King Saul and young David, shepherd boy and future King of a reunited Israel…

They clearly shared this deep bond of brotherly love and affection. Saul kept David with him like a second son, and David submitted himself to Saul in all things, served him valiantly, cared for him after he defeated the giant Goliath. Saul put David in charge of his men of war. David went from shepherd to general of Israel’s Army in the blink of an eye. Yet in the end, jealously and treachery strangled Saul’s heart of affection for David and Saul sought to kill him (1 Sam. 18:1-16 NKJV).

Strong’s Greek Concordance refers to this above relationship type as; Adelphos: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. And, both Saul and David were fellow Jews who each loved and served the One True God.

Betrayal is inescapable as long as man exists. Satan made sure of that in the garden. And God spoke to its resulting condition, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen.3:15 ESV). An ongoing blood-feud between what we want to do and what we actually do.

Arguably, the greatest instance of betrayal known in scripture is found within Jesus’ inner circle of friends. His name: Judas Iscariot, his crime, apostasy. An unthinkable betrayal (Lk.22:3-4 ESV).

He is the one who freely choose to take all that Jesus had offered him, a place by His side, love, His teachings, instruction, care, and the opportunity to have new life and he rewarded Jesus for all of this how?

By selling him out for thirty pieces of silver!

Sound familiar?

How many in our world today are selling Him out for their equivalent of thirty pieces of silver?

Saying, both, to themselves and Him…

I thought following you would make life easier but it’s not working, see ya!

Why did you let this happen to me to my child?

No, I don’t want to have to hear your name in any public place and that’s my right!

My tax dollars pay to keep that school open and my son will not pray to you!

So what that you created the heavens and the earth, some book a bunch of uneducated men wrote says that and they all tell it differently, so no thanks!

I believe in the Big-Bang.

Jesus-smeasus…

Talk about betrayal…

This is Jesus were talking about! The One spoken of in John,  listen…“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (Jn.1:1-4 NIV).

This is Jesus Judas betrayed! You betrayed, I betrayed, the world betrays daily. Jesus. Who foresaw He would be betrayed, and spoke of it at the Last Super (Lk. 22:21-22 NIV). These same scriptures speak plainly of Judas’s betrayal and subsequent end. And we too face Judas’s same outcome, today, should we decide to join Judas in our betrayal of Jesus…

Spiritual death and hell await all those who betray Jesus and crucify Him afresh in their denial of His being, “The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19:16).

However, unlike Jesus, we can’t always foresee our betrayers. They don’t walk into our lives with signage that states, need your heart shredded, want to feel like a loser for trusting me? (Ps.55:12-14)

So, if we know that betrayal is unavoidable, how do handle it when it comes our way? When we experience the depression, yes, Christians do get depressed, that betrayal leaves in its wake? What of our self-doubt or the shell that we might so readily slip into for protection?

Do we give as good as we got by taking matters into our own hands?

After all, don’t we deserve retribution? NO. Certainly not!

If we are trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps than we must set our hearts toward forgiveness, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34NIV). It is our responsibility, let me say that again, our responsibility to choose to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Keeping ever before us our own betrayal of the Beloved, least we forget…

Forgiveness is a conscience. It’s determined, deliberate, acted out. It’s not something that is simply thought about or felt. “But I say, love your enemies, Pray for those who persecute you!“ (Matt.5:44 NIV).

If we waited until we felt like forgiving those who have betrayed us, we wouldn’t act. Why? Because in our flesh, we wouldn’t feel like it! Forgiving is an act of submission, it takes humility, it is us handing Jesus our will and saying, “not my will but thy will be done” (Lk. 22:42 NIV).

Forgiveness is a command, we are ordered to do it (Eph. 4:32 NIV). God in His infinite wisdom knew that we as prideful man would seldom, if ever, willingly forgive each other such an offense as betrayal. Choosing to forgive those that we never saw it coming from, or, even from those we had a clue just might have it in them, is saying to Jesus; I remember when I betrayed you. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Rom. 3:23).

Even now, after having walked with you, in my rebellion, I sin and betray you, still, in my thoughts, words and, deeds….

Thankfully for us, we have Jesus as our defender, our advocate before the Father. We have access to His promised forgiveness for our sins through repentance.

Sadly, and with eternal consequence, it’s something Judas never humbled himself to do…

And, through Jesus sacrificial, Atoning Blood, if we ask Jesus into our lives, He comes, as both our Lord and our Savior. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

We as church-ed folk forget that just a moment ago, we too were the ones inflicting the betrayal…

I know I was.

Yet forgiveness doesn’t mean doormat. We aren’t letting the one that hurt us off the hook. Forgiveness simply means they can no longer live in our heart and head rent free! “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps.51:7). You evict them from the space their betrayal used to take up and you make room for what God is trying to bring into your life now.

Don’t give the enemy a foothold to allow bitterness to set itself up in your heart…

Can we do this on our own, no. But in Christ Jesus, “I can do all things”(Phil. 4:15). Friend, don’t believe the lies of your accuser. Love always looks for the best. Don’t take my word listen to The Apostle Paul, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” ( 1 Cor. 13:4-7).

 

I pray this has brought you some small comfort, helped to chase away or ease your feelings of; I’m so stupid, how did I not see this coming?

Let me leave you to refresh yourself with the knowledge of the One who fights your battles for you, if you’ll just ask Him into your heart today… “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2 NIV).

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