There is a gospel song with these words in it: “I went into the enemy’s camp and took back what he stole from me.” This is exactly what David did when the Amalekites came to Ziglag and carried away all that David held dear. At first, as you would naturally expect, “David was greatly distressed”; but after this, we are told, “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” It was then he inquired of the Lord as to whether he should attempt to get back what he lost. To which God replied in essence, “Go get it!” And at the climatic end of the story we are told, “David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away.”
How we need daring David’s today. Christians who will put on the “armour of light,” and storm the kingdom of darkness and take back what the devil and his hoard robbed them of. Maybe it’s your peace, joy, power, or self-respect that has been seized. Whatever the case, if it rightly belongs to you, it goes without saying, it does not belong to Satan! No matter if it be a lion, bear, giant, or the Amalekites, David faced his enemy head on. His adversary never saw his back parts. David was like the first century Roman soldier; there was no armour for their back.
I like what A.W. Tozer wrote in his book, I Talk Back To The Devil. When feeling pressed out of measure, he said he would fall to his knees and be given strength to pray “Now, Lord, I have had enough-I refuse to take any more of this heaviness and oppression. This does not come from God-this comes from my enemy, the devil! Lord, in Jesus’ name, I will not take it any longer-through Jesus Christ I am victor!” At such times he says, “Great burdens have melted and rolled away- all at once!”
Apr 29, 2014
Apr 27, 2014
*Untouched Tools
Let’s suppose we have a carpenter dad, who, in many respects, comes far short as a father, but who taught his children his trade expertly? And let us now suppose these children are grown. And imagine, for illustration sake, they’re walled-in by a twenty-foot high concrete barrier, with no way out. Now suppose all their father’s tools are lying there in plain sight, along with an ample supply of trees. What would you think if rather than making a ladder of the wood available, and escaping from their dire circumstances, they spent their time blaming their parent for all their personal short-comings in years gone by?
Some of the grown children who read these articles need to “grow-up.” By far, most of you had parents who equipped you with every tool that you will ever need in life to get you out of any predicament you may ever face. But rather than put your tools to good use, you’d rather blame their inherent weaknesses for you being a self-imposed weakling! I know some Christian young adults whose parents had much to be desired in certain areas of their lives, but who did their best to equip their child with the finest of implements. And these children have gone on to excel in life, well worn tools characteristically lying all around them. Others, who never made it, are content with a tool-box with untouched tools, being held hostage by circumstances.
When you blame others, you give up your power to change.~Author Unknown
Some of the grown children who read these articles need to “grow-up.” By far, most of you had parents who equipped you with every tool that you will ever need in life to get you out of any predicament you may ever face. But rather than put your tools to good use, you’d rather blame their inherent weaknesses for you being a self-imposed weakling! I know some Christian young adults whose parents had much to be desired in certain areas of their lives, but who did their best to equip their child with the finest of implements. And these children have gone on to excel in life, well worn tools characteristically lying all around them. Others, who never made it, are content with a tool-box with untouched tools, being held hostage by circumstances.
When you blame others, you give up your power to change.~Author Unknown
Apr 26, 2014
*We'll just Have to Wait
I don't know about you, but it seems as I grow older in the Lord, most of my prayers begin with, “I'm sorry, Lord, please forgive me.” I’ve found not only do I have feet of clay, but the whole of me is made out of the same stuff. It seems breaks in the vessel come so frequent and easy these days.
I wish I were what I want to be and what many think me to be. But I’m afraid, in this life; I'll never achieve this desired dream till that blessed day when I see Him face to face. Until that anticipated day, may I, and each one of you in this similar situation, say with God’s darling, David…
I wish I were what I want to be and what many think me to be. But I’m afraid, in this life; I'll never achieve this desired dream till that blessed day when I see Him face to face. Until that anticipated day, may I, and each one of you in this similar situation, say with God’s darling, David…
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
Apr 24, 2014
*Do You Really Want Revival?
Years ago, I heard a preacher say, “Many who are praying for revival would be scared to death if they met one face to face.” Most Christians praying for revival do not really want one. I believe I can prove this.
Anyone who is the least familiar with the history of revival realizes it crosses all boundaries. Sectarianism goes out the door; the walls of inclusiveness fall down flat; dogmatism is put on a short chain; and “I only am left” gives way to “I have yet seven thousand.” Are you sure you want revival?
In an authentic, Biblical revival, there will be a resurrection from the dust, where the gifts of the Spirit have lain dormant. Love for all God’s people will be preeminent; miraculous things will occur apart from man-made machinery. And each believer will look past the weak, sinful, earthen vessel of his brother, to the treasure that lies within. Are you sure you want revival?
Revival is not denominational; but it is demonstrable.
Anyone who is the least familiar with the history of revival realizes it crosses all boundaries. Sectarianism goes out the door; the walls of inclusiveness fall down flat; dogmatism is put on a short chain; and “I only am left” gives way to “I have yet seven thousand.” Are you sure you want revival?
In an authentic, Biblical revival, there will be a resurrection from the dust, where the gifts of the Spirit have lain dormant. Love for all God’s people will be preeminent; miraculous things will occur apart from man-made machinery. And each believer will look past the weak, sinful, earthen vessel of his brother, to the treasure that lies within. Are you sure you want revival?
Revival is not denominational; but it is demonstrable.
*Peer Perception
“...we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” It is not how others see us that’s so important, but how we perceive ourselves. Because these men viewed themselves as being small, insignificant, and weak, they imagined others felt the same about them. Sometimes, other people’s conception of us is what we ourselves have created.
If we do not see ourselves in Christ and “somebodies,” then we will present an image of a “nobody.” And few, if any, are impressed with this sort. You can always spot the latter; their philosophy is “We be not able.” The former is always easy to recognize, for their attitude is “...we are well able.”
The one sees an Omnipotent God; the other, an impotent grasshopper. Both of these outlooks stem from how we think about ourselves. The wise man put it this way: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Many heirs of God, think like paupers.
If we do not see ourselves in Christ and “somebodies,” then we will present an image of a “nobody.” And few, if any, are impressed with this sort. You can always spot the latter; their philosophy is “We be not able.” The former is always easy to recognize, for their attitude is “...we are well able.”
The one sees an Omnipotent God; the other, an impotent grasshopper. Both of these outlooks stem from how we think about ourselves. The wise man put it this way: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Many heirs of God, think like paupers.
Apr 22, 2014
The Ox and the Cart
“For if I do this thing willingly...but if against my will...” Motive is everything with God. Many believe if they only do the right thing, it doesn't matter how or why they do it. But something can be done willingly or unwillingly, cheerfully or grudgingly, for the benefit of onlookers or for His sake alone Who sees in secret. It is possible to have the right actions for the wrong reasons. Internal quality of character suffers when right motive is not our mainstay.
The Pharisees were sticklers for their external rich rules, but poverty-stricken when it came to internal right motives. Right can become wrong for that person who does not do it for the right reason. Jesus’ order is, “First that which is within, then that which is without.” In many pulpits and churches, I am afraid we’re putting the cart before the ox.
"Honesty is the best policy." Bob Jones Sr, said, "If you're honest because it's the best policy, then your as crooked as a dog's hind leg!"
The Pharisees were sticklers for their external rich rules, but poverty-stricken when it came to internal right motives. Right can become wrong for that person who does not do it for the right reason. Jesus’ order is, “First that which is within, then that which is without.” In many pulpits and churches, I am afraid we’re putting the cart before the ox.
"Honesty is the best policy." Bob Jones Sr, said, "If you're honest because it's the best policy, then your as crooked as a dog's hind leg!"
Apr 20, 2014
Seeking the Spectaculur
“...but the Lord was not in the wind...the Lord was not in the earthquake...the Lord was not in the fire...” How prone we are to look for God in the spectacular. Our impressionable and impulsive spirits give way so readily and easily to temporal externals.
We are so reluctant to admit the strong wind, in comparison to the Almighty, is no more than hot air; the earthquake is only a small, insignificant tremor; and the fire, man-made, using a light bulb and dangling scarlet cellophane in front of it for effect.
We need to hide our faces in our mantles, blinding us to all these passing, outward, earthly manifestations, and listen for the inward “still small voice” that will never pass away.
In the Temptation, Satan was for the spectacular; our Savior, for the Scriptures.
We are so reluctant to admit the strong wind, in comparison to the Almighty, is no more than hot air; the earthquake is only a small, insignificant tremor; and the fire, man-made, using a light bulb and dangling scarlet cellophane in front of it for effect.
We need to hide our faces in our mantles, blinding us to all these passing, outward, earthly manifestations, and listen for the inward “still small voice” that will never pass away.
In the Temptation, Satan was for the spectacular; our Savior, for the Scriptures.
Apr 17, 2014
Culture and Christianity
Many cultural conditions in the Bible have no parallel in our culture today. Few, if any, greet one another with a holy kiss. You don’t want to take a teaching that prevailed for that particular time and place and make it a binding law for all time, and in every place. It’s dangerous to make a blanket acceptance of first century Jewish culture, by transferring it into ours today.
Paul advised the single Corinthian believers to remain unmarried because of, “…the present distress.” But this was not to be a permanent statute, but was a temporal teaching for that time. Christ brought about vast changes in many cultural areas. For example, women no longer have their own Temple Court, or sit on opposite sides of the church to worship. The Cross now brings them along side their husbands.
There are transitory, geographical, and local cultural conditions in the Bible that were never meant to be timeless, nor universal. But the principle teaching can be applicable to whoever, whenever, whatever. For example, my wife says of the wise woman of Proverbs 31, “I don’t have to buy a sewing machine and make my own clothes to be like her; but I do need to be industrious if I’m to emulate her.”
It’s not the kiss, but an affectionate greeting that’s the issue. Not the washing of feet, but ministering to another’s needs that is important. Let us be careful we do not lose the lasting principle, while trying to establish something permanent out of the temporal.
Paul advised the single Corinthian believers to remain unmarried because of, “…the present distress.” But this was not to be a permanent statute, but was a temporal teaching for that time. Christ brought about vast changes in many cultural areas. For example, women no longer have their own Temple Court, or sit on opposite sides of the church to worship. The Cross now brings them along side their husbands.
There are transitory, geographical, and local cultural conditions in the Bible that were never meant to be timeless, nor universal. But the principle teaching can be applicable to whoever, whenever, whatever. For example, my wife says of the wise woman of Proverbs 31, “I don’t have to buy a sewing machine and make my own clothes to be like her; but I do need to be industrious if I’m to emulate her.”
It’s not the kiss, but an affectionate greeting that’s the issue. Not the washing of feet, but ministering to another’s needs that is important. Let us be careful we do not lose the lasting principle, while trying to establish something permanent out of the temporal.
Apr 16, 2014
Hand-Me-Downs
What oldtime family, of any size, does not understand the significance of hand-me-downs? For those in our present day who know little or nothing of the meaning of the term; it's a garment or items that have been passed on from another person, usually a family member. It is pre-owned, if you please.
All God’s blessings, His righteousness, promises, mercy, peace, etc., are hand-me-downs from His First-born. Christ is the medium by which we receive all the good things of God. You might say, “We get them second hand.” But no worry, they're the same as new when we become possessors of them.
Ah, what an honor, what privilege, and how humbling, to wear and to display our Elder Brother’s hand-me-downs!
Apr 13, 2014
Your Last Two Cents
"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." (Mk. 12:42)
I'm sure my readers are familiar with the the story of the widow and her two mites. In today's article I'd like to center our attention on the "two mites which make a farthing."
Since the Bible is its own interpreter (A.V. 1611) we will allow it to show us the significance of the two mites or, farthing. When Jesus told the story of the man being cast into prison, He said he would not be released until, as Luke writes, "thou hast paid the very last mite." And Matthew puts it this way, "till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Now we understand Jesus' statement concerning her when He said, "but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." That is, she scraped the bottom of the barrel, there was nothing left! She had cast in her last two cents, so to speak.Unlike Ananias and Sapphira, who "kept back part," she gave her all, even down to her last mite.
From our story, we find our Lord is not interested in what we have given Him, but rather, what we have left. Common sense tells us He already has the latter. From the whole burnt offering in the Old Testament, to the great Commandment in the New, the characteristic word is "ALL." I close my article with asking a question from a Gospel song.
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
Apr 11, 2014
The Truly Progressive Christian
Allow me to use a familiar C.S. Lewis quote, “We want progress, but progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. If you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer, if you are on the wrong road. Progress means going back to the right road, and in that case, the man that turns back soonest, is the most progressive.” Or, to put it simpler, as the feminine voice on our car’s GPS says, when we’ve taken a wrong turn, ”When possible make a u-turn.”
Those who attempt to save face at all costs, ultimately find, to their regret, the price to be way above what they’re able to shell out.
Don't let anyone fool you, no matter how spiritual one may like to be considered, he or she has taken some wrong turns in life. If not yet, they will, I guarantee. Some do it unintentionally, others with their eyes wide shut. One way or the other, those who refuse to stop, turn around, and go back to the right road, can only attribute it to either their stubborn pride or willful ignorance; maybe a little of both. We are so egotistically slow to admit we're on the wrong road, in spite of all the road signs confirming it.
Those who attempt to save face at all costs, ultimately find, to their regret, the price to be way above what they’re able to shell out.
Apr 4, 2014
K.I.S.S.
In camp meetings in which I spoke, where there was a number of speakers, they'd remind us of K.I.S.S. "Keep It Short, Stupid!" Warren Wiersbe tells of a conference where he was the keynoter. It seems the speaker before him went beyond his allotted time, thereby leaving him with very little. The windy preacher's excuse was that he couldn't help it, that the spirit constrained him. To which sly Wiersbe replied, "Brother, have you never read, 'the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophet's?'"
It's humbling, but true, most people are not as interested in hearing or reading us, as we ourselves. The wise man's admonition, "Let thy words be few," can be applied to both public speakers and authors, as well as general conversationalists. Jesus said we're not heard for our much speaking. Even God likes one to get to the point!
The prophets of Baal talked all day, from morning till night, with no results. Elijah kept it pithy with only sixty-three words, and the fire fell. Read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount for brevity in speech. And as to writing, John tells us the Bible is a condensed Book, God kept out many things, even things of interest.
Whether in preaching, conversation, or writing, we should leave people wanting more, not bloated. As the old preacher said, "Don't dump on people the whole bail of hay all at once." Generally speaking, brevity is always best.
One thing that has helped me, especially in my preaching and writing, is leaving out detail when it is not pertinent to what you're trying to get across. For example: the State in which it took place; color of hair; make of car; how many other children they had; etc. Let's not wear people out with our words. I come from kin who were characterized by "going around robin's barn" to get something said. It is a trait that has not been easy for me to break; but I'm working on it.
It's humbling, but true, most people are not as interested in hearing or reading us, as we ourselves. The wise man's admonition, "Let thy words be few," can be applied to both public speakers and authors, as well as general conversationalists. Jesus said we're not heard for our much speaking. Even God likes one to get to the point!
The prophets of Baal talked all day, from morning till night, with no results. Elijah kept it pithy with only sixty-three words, and the fire fell. Read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount for brevity in speech. And as to writing, John tells us the Bible is a condensed Book, God kept out many things, even things of interest.
Whether in preaching, conversation, or writing, we should leave people wanting more, not bloated. As the old preacher said, "Don't dump on people the whole bail of hay all at once." Generally speaking, brevity is always best.
One thing that has helped me, especially in my preaching and writing, is leaving out detail when it is not pertinent to what you're trying to get across. For example: the State in which it took place; color of hair; make of car; how many other children they had; etc. Let's not wear people out with our words. I come from kin who were characterized by "going around robin's barn" to get something said. It is a trait that has not been easy for me to break; but I'm working on it.
"The only thing about getting old is one story reminds you of another."
(Walter Cronkite)
Apr 3, 2014
A Fluid Situation
One of today's popular statements, "It's a fluid situation," is regularly used by both the media and military; some believe the latter were possibly the originator of it. Most common sense people would guess its meaning without any help from the experts. It is apparent, highly unstable and unpredictable situations would be referred to as "fluid." That is, could change from one moment to the next. Like streams from melted snow coming down a mountainside.
Each of us, who are God's elect, are in transition while here on earth, and such a state is always a fluid one. Anyone the least familiar with Psalm's is aware it is basically an autobiography of David's life. And looking at it strictly from the human viewpoint, it can be characterized as fluid. His life was filled with varying courses. As a result, he had learned change is the only constant in life, and thereby to go with the flow! and so must we! He had found, by hindsight, his apparent problems were, in reality, God's arranged providence'.
We see only the next bend in the river, fearing what may await us, raging rapids, etc. But God has a panoramic view and makes plans accordingly. You can be sure God's predestined plan will be fulfilled in each of His children's lives, no matter how many twists and turns our lives may take! And I might add, it will all happen according to the good pleasure of His will. You see, unlike the world in their fluid situation, we have a stabilizing anchor, unseen, within the veil.
Each of us, who are God's elect, are in transition while here on earth, and such a state is always a fluid one. Anyone the least familiar with Psalm's is aware it is basically an autobiography of David's life. And looking at it strictly from the human viewpoint, it can be characterized as fluid. His life was filled with varying courses. As a result, he had learned change is the only constant in life, and thereby to go with the flow! and so must we! He had found, by hindsight, his apparent problems were, in reality, God's arranged providence'.
We see only the next bend in the river, fearing what may await us, raging rapids, etc. But God has a panoramic view and makes plans accordingly. You can be sure God's predestined plan will be fulfilled in each of His children's lives, no matter how many twists and turns our lives may take! And I might add, it will all happen according to the good pleasure of His will. You see, unlike the world in their fluid situation, we have a stabilizing anchor, unseen, within the veil.
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