Radical Obedience
……. first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
(Mat 5:24)
The altar is place of determination of our obedience as it was with King Saul (1 Sam 15:22), specific instructions were given on building an altar lest we pollute it (Exo 20:25). Yes, the altar can be polluted by human intervention where our prayers will not be acceptable to the Holy God. The altar is place of our undefiled communion with God; it distinguishes between His people and those who aren’t. We may not build heathen altars but the builder’s radical obedience will be tested.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; ……….
(Mar 11:25)
The Lord who looks at the heart and not on what was placed on the altar will ask us if we are willing to do what is the ‘first’. Meaning there are important matters to clear with others before we worship, pray or to serve Him. We often are interested in the doing more than face the dealings. We may ask ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ (John 6:28), which is less confrontational and threatening. Most are willing to be radical for Christ in works, even to forsake the world as it were in order to do. But the test before allowing the fire of God to consume the gift on the altar is to just go and be reconciled. How can we love our enemies (Matt 5:44) if we can’t even work out reconciliation in fear and trembling with our own brother or sister?
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: …….
(1Jn 4:20)
Radical obedience is to go and do the ‘first’ things. Radical obedience is facing up with the truth of our true allegiance and love for God. It is when we are ready to risk our reputation, as Jesus made Himself of no reputation by choice (Phil 2:7) for the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Praying is more than communicating with God, it’s a relationship. Before we vertically commune with God, we need to be restored horizontally. How much are we willing to radically obey?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pornography - Road to Hell, by Michael Pearl (www.nogreaterjoy.org)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
(Gal 5:19)
In my last blog on The Prevailing Spirit, there was a brief mention of men who cannot prevail in the sin of pornography. If you do, please do not be afraid to come before the Lord for deliverance. Paul warns that those involved in fornication (Greek: por-niah, root word for pornography) will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Your humilty and brokeness before the Lord will save you from hell.
I highly recommend this very forthright book in understanding the wickedness behind pornography and the tool of devil to drag many men to hell. Read it for yourselves to be warned, pass it to fathers and mature young men. Even to wives whose husbands are steep in pornography as to what to do for their loved ones.
Pornographers can be redeemed by mighty Blood of the Lamb!
If you are personally involved in this grevious sin, please, please, come before the Lord to help you escape the coming wrath.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
(Gal 5:19)
In my last blog on The Prevailing Spirit, there was a brief mention of men who cannot prevail in the sin of pornography. If you do, please do not be afraid to come before the Lord for deliverance. Paul warns that those involved in fornication (Greek: por-niah, root word for pornography) will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Your humilty and brokeness before the Lord will save you from hell.
I highly recommend this very forthright book in understanding the wickedness behind pornography and the tool of devil to drag many men to hell. Read it for yourselves to be warned, pass it to fathers and mature young men. Even to wives whose husbands are steep in pornography as to what to do for their loved ones.
Pornographers can be redeemed by mighty Blood of the Lamb!
If you are personally involved in this grevious sin, please, please, come before the Lord to help you escape the coming wrath.
You can obtain more details here:
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/marriage-family/fathersmen/article-display/archive/2000/july/01/pornography-road-to-hell/
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/marriage-family/fathersmen/article-display/archive/2000/july/01/pornography-road-to-hell/
Stores to purchase copies (I am not affiliated with this ministry):
http://www.stringsoflove.org/books.htm#porn (book store in Malaysia)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Prevailing Spirit
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
(Psa 129:2)
As human history draws closer to the end, evil continues to escalate for the devil knows his time is running short (Rev 12:12). There are more and more things we need to prevail over, for example time and attention to family and the Lord; activities, programs and things can cause our priorities to change from the better. Many men struggle to prevail over anger and pornography. How can we claim to be more than conquerors if in actuality we can’t prevail? The devil is more subtle than we think and don’t want us to consider otherwise. Slowly we can be drawn away from our Source of eternal life, when we wake up to the blow of financial difficulties, loss of jobs, family breakdown, racial tension, betrayal, offences, wars, etc, it will be too late (Matt 24:6-10). There isn’t any Words of Eternal Life sufficiently grafted in to find that the Lord had planted our feet on a broad place to be delivered (Psa 18:19).
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
(Psa 143:3)
Church history tells us of the persecuted church because those who ‘live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’ (2 Tim 3:12). How many will prevail as Stephen, one full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) to stand steadfast under false accusation with a countenance of an angel (Acts 6:15) and ready to die for the truth. It is interesting to note that Stephen was one of the seven chosen to take care of basic needs of widows. Most would want great faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to work wonders (which Stephen did perform) and built bigger ministries, yet would leave out the greater-menial task of servanthood. Perhaps we have gotten our priorities reversed these days and cost us the prevailing spirit. Another area we need to guard is the attacks upon our soul, seat of our emotions and will. It seems that the soul would be likely target because this is where we can lose our salvation (Heb 10:39).
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
(Gen 32:28)
We need the same prevailing spirit as Jacob, the end is more than blessing but a God given new name (Rev 2:17, 3:12). This man was a survivor and God had to bring him to an end of himself to finally wrestle not with man but with God. Without coming to our wits end, we will continue to summon all of our human nature and strength to work out situations for ourselves. God is merciful and wants to bring many sons to glory (Heb 2:10) and to be called His prince, His son. Sons inherit and that the inheritance of the Kingdom of God.
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: ………..
(Mat 5:45)
Jesus gave a clear condition to being Father’s children, a truth we have to seriously consider. The greatest prevailing we can do is over our enemies; those who curse, hate, despitefully use and persecute us. The intent is that we be ‘perfect’ or complete in Christ (Col 2:10) as the Father is complete in Himself, nothing found wanting. Jesus prayed for the good of the ones that hung Him on the cross that the Father would forgive them (Luke 23:34), do we pray for the good of our enemies? Stephen prayed the same prayer (Acts 7:60), only a man who is complete in Christ can utter such things.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Rom 12:20-21)
We cannot usurp God’s right to judge our enemies to ‘heap coals of fire’ (Psa 11:6). The prevailing spirit has to be grounded in the love of God. It is good to grow in faith, but love is greater, for it keeps us unto the Coming of Jesus Christ.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1Cor 13:13)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
(Jud 1:20-21)
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
(Psa 129:2)
As human history draws closer to the end, evil continues to escalate for the devil knows his time is running short (Rev 12:12). There are more and more things we need to prevail over, for example time and attention to family and the Lord; activities, programs and things can cause our priorities to change from the better. Many men struggle to prevail over anger and pornography. How can we claim to be more than conquerors if in actuality we can’t prevail? The devil is more subtle than we think and don’t want us to consider otherwise. Slowly we can be drawn away from our Source of eternal life, when we wake up to the blow of financial difficulties, loss of jobs, family breakdown, racial tension, betrayal, offences, wars, etc, it will be too late (Matt 24:6-10). There isn’t any Words of Eternal Life sufficiently grafted in to find that the Lord had planted our feet on a broad place to be delivered (Psa 18:19).
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
(Psa 143:3)
Church history tells us of the persecuted church because those who ‘live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’ (2 Tim 3:12). How many will prevail as Stephen, one full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) to stand steadfast under false accusation with a countenance of an angel (Acts 6:15) and ready to die for the truth. It is interesting to note that Stephen was one of the seven chosen to take care of basic needs of widows. Most would want great faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to work wonders (which Stephen did perform) and built bigger ministries, yet would leave out the greater-menial task of servanthood. Perhaps we have gotten our priorities reversed these days and cost us the prevailing spirit. Another area we need to guard is the attacks upon our soul, seat of our emotions and will. It seems that the soul would be likely target because this is where we can lose our salvation (Heb 10:39).
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
(Gen 32:28)
We need the same prevailing spirit as Jacob, the end is more than blessing but a God given new name (Rev 2:17, 3:12). This man was a survivor and God had to bring him to an end of himself to finally wrestle not with man but with God. Without coming to our wits end, we will continue to summon all of our human nature and strength to work out situations for ourselves. God is merciful and wants to bring many sons to glory (Heb 2:10) and to be called His prince, His son. Sons inherit and that the inheritance of the Kingdom of God.
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: ………..
(Mat 5:45)
Jesus gave a clear condition to being Father’s children, a truth we have to seriously consider. The greatest prevailing we can do is over our enemies; those who curse, hate, despitefully use and persecute us. The intent is that we be ‘perfect’ or complete in Christ (Col 2:10) as the Father is complete in Himself, nothing found wanting. Jesus prayed for the good of the ones that hung Him on the cross that the Father would forgive them (Luke 23:34), do we pray for the good of our enemies? Stephen prayed the same prayer (Acts 7:60), only a man who is complete in Christ can utter such things.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Rom 12:20-21)
We cannot usurp God’s right to judge our enemies to ‘heap coals of fire’ (Psa 11:6). The prevailing spirit has to be grounded in the love of God. It is good to grow in faith, but love is greater, for it keeps us unto the Coming of Jesus Christ.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1Cor 13:13)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
(Jud 1:20-21)
Friday, July 03, 2009
Kingdom Life Without Strive
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. (2Ki 2:14)
Here is a clear example of a spiritual heritage passed down which didn’t diminished but doubled. There are few cases of which we hear of today that the spiritual heritage remains strong to the subsequent generation that neither diluted in its doctrines or lack the faithfulness to stay on course with the Almighty. Solomon was half hearted and didn’t walk before God like his father David who was the standard bearer for kings. Gehazi could have received quadruple of Elijah’s portion but missed the boat because of his own covetousness (2 Ki 5:25-27), because he sought for the earthly not the ‘hard thing’ (2 Ki 2:20) that only God can give.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Rom 8:37)
“Where is the LORD God of Elijah?’ was not as a question per se, but more of a declaration. He stood upon the foundation of the God of Elijah and remained true to that for the rest of his life and prophetic career which didn’t require any striving. If he didn't know a matter even as a prophet he wasn't striving (2 Ki 4:27). For us we need to know (not in our minds, but deep down in our soul) our foundation or bedrock of our belief, Christ the Chief Cornerstone (1 Pet 2:6). Are our souls anchored on hope (Heb 6:19) such that our will, mind and emotions respond in Godly ways to people and circumstance that come our way. If Jesus is truly the Rock of our Salvation what is there to strive?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Mat 6:32)
Hope cannot anchor us if we strive in worrying for our needs. Even our prayers reflect whether we are striving or not, do we pray deeply knowing that ‘your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.’ (Matt 6:8) or we ask in prayer as though we need to remind God. Our striving will stop when we rest in the revelation that God is our Father. Thus our prayer begins with ‘Our Father’. Not that we don’t pray, but do continue to pray. Initially we will pray with the idea that God will conform to our prayers, but the truth is as we continue to pray, He will conform us to His answer which is His will. But the condition is if we are truly Father's children.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matt 6:12)
Do we still strive in unforgiveness? Is there bitterness of heart for our enemies? More than forgiving our enemies, we are to love, do good to them and pray for their best. Jesus warns us that we will be imprisoned in bitterness and the pain of paying to the uttermost penny (Matt 5:15, 26). This kind of striving is probably the most painful, if we want to live in His Kingdom He will relentlessly deal with us. This deals with our will and emotions of the soul beyond our mind (lest we reason why we shouldn't forgive). Get out of striving and be reconciled.
Elisha acted on his belief in the God of Elijah. Faith is to act in accordance to our belief. If we believe on our God who is the Creator of Heaven and the Earth, the Almighty, we will act accordingly. Acting according to God’s principles is what righteousness is, because our actions are right in God’s eyes.
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: (Mar 2:27)
Man was created on the sixth day. Therefore the first full day is the Sabbath and not of striving. We rest in the completed work of God, the devil’s powers are done away with (Rom 16:20), we sit with Christ (Eph 2:6) and sin no longer have dominion over us (Rom 6:14). Now all we have to do is to live the Kingdom life, without any striving.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:28-29)
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. (2Ki 2:14)
Here is a clear example of a spiritual heritage passed down which didn’t diminished but doubled. There are few cases of which we hear of today that the spiritual heritage remains strong to the subsequent generation that neither diluted in its doctrines or lack the faithfulness to stay on course with the Almighty. Solomon was half hearted and didn’t walk before God like his father David who was the standard bearer for kings. Gehazi could have received quadruple of Elijah’s portion but missed the boat because of his own covetousness (2 Ki 5:25-27), because he sought for the earthly not the ‘hard thing’ (2 Ki 2:20) that only God can give.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Rom 8:37)
“Where is the LORD God of Elijah?’ was not as a question per se, but more of a declaration. He stood upon the foundation of the God of Elijah and remained true to that for the rest of his life and prophetic career which didn’t require any striving. If he didn't know a matter even as a prophet he wasn't striving (2 Ki 4:27). For us we need to know (not in our minds, but deep down in our soul) our foundation or bedrock of our belief, Christ the Chief Cornerstone (1 Pet 2:6). Are our souls anchored on hope (Heb 6:19) such that our will, mind and emotions respond in Godly ways to people and circumstance that come our way. If Jesus is truly the Rock of our Salvation what is there to strive?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Mat 6:32)
Hope cannot anchor us if we strive in worrying for our needs. Even our prayers reflect whether we are striving or not, do we pray deeply knowing that ‘your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.’ (Matt 6:8) or we ask in prayer as though we need to remind God. Our striving will stop when we rest in the revelation that God is our Father. Thus our prayer begins with ‘Our Father’. Not that we don’t pray, but do continue to pray. Initially we will pray with the idea that God will conform to our prayers, but the truth is as we continue to pray, He will conform us to His answer which is His will. But the condition is if we are truly Father's children.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matt 6:12)
Do we still strive in unforgiveness? Is there bitterness of heart for our enemies? More than forgiving our enemies, we are to love, do good to them and pray for their best. Jesus warns us that we will be imprisoned in bitterness and the pain of paying to the uttermost penny (Matt 5:15, 26). This kind of striving is probably the most painful, if we want to live in His Kingdom He will relentlessly deal with us. This deals with our will and emotions of the soul beyond our mind (lest we reason why we shouldn't forgive). Get out of striving and be reconciled.
Elisha acted on his belief in the God of Elijah. Faith is to act in accordance to our belief. If we believe on our God who is the Creator of Heaven and the Earth, the Almighty, we will act accordingly. Acting according to God’s principles is what righteousness is, because our actions are right in God’s eyes.
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: (Mar 2:27)
Man was created on the sixth day. Therefore the first full day is the Sabbath and not of striving. We rest in the completed work of God, the devil’s powers are done away with (Rom 16:20), we sit with Christ (Eph 2:6) and sin no longer have dominion over us (Rom 6:14). Now all we have to do is to live the Kingdom life, without any striving.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:28-29)
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