Speaking That Challenges
But I say unto you …… (Mat 5:22)
There is a speaking that reverberates, transcending time and space (Psa 19:2), an articulation without involving the faculty of speech. It reveals who God is; power, righteousness, wisdom harmoniously in sync with love and mercy. It is life (John 6:68). Yet it challenges the core belief system that has gradually built an impenetrable citable where His Truth has yet to piece to make free. This fortress is a sum total of our understanding and experience mixed in with self conclusions.
The speaking is everywhere; it becomes a life transforming epiphany when Jesus personalizes the Truth to us. He begins by saying ‘but I say unto you….’ When He does that, the wall come crumbling down and we are loosed into the realm of His grace and glory (Rom 5:2). Or conversely, the wall gets higher and thicker. We can hold on for dear life to all that we have believed, from our worldview. Yet He will continually speak ‘but I say unto you….’ Receiving the subsequent words requires faith. No disputing or arguments. Just believe.
Jesus never sugar coats His words. It is a sword that will divide asunder (Heb 4:12) and brings us into a stature where the soul does not rule. The spirit triumphs (Rom 8:2).
He mercifully continually speaks, am I willing to allow His piercing Words to do a permanent liberation in my life so that the completeness of the Father dwells in me (Matt 5:48)? If I resist, my belief system will become my god of my own imagination (1 John 5:20, 21).
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Blameless Sons
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Php 2:15)
There are essential two fathers, God or the devil (John 8:44). God’s sons are the ones without rebuke or blameless to all in right being and right doing; before man, to the devil and toward God. God gives the redeemed a clear conscience in all aspects (1 Pet 3:16), hence if we were to suffer, it would be better for good alone (1 Pet 3:17). There is a blessing of the Kingdom to those persecuted for righteousness sake, not for evil (Matt 5:10).The state of blamelessness is defined by other parties, not of self (Prov 27:2). God recognizes and bestow inseparable love to the unblemished led to the slaughter for being and doing right (Rom 8:35, 36).
Jesus gave us the capacity to be unhidden light, unconsciously and naturally shining His glory (Matt 5:14-16). We have become what He ordained for us when there is an imputed Christ-like meekness to ‘do all things without murmurings and disputings’. In the ability to ‘do all things’ that exalts the Father with Godly attitude we become ‘blameless….’. It takes dying to self ambition and vainglory (Php 2:3).
The servant takes after the Master (Matt 10:24). The son takes after his or her father. Who is our father?
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Php 2:15)
There are essential two fathers, God or the devil (John 8:44). God’s sons are the ones without rebuke or blameless to all in right being and right doing; before man, to the devil and toward God. God gives the redeemed a clear conscience in all aspects (1 Pet 3:16), hence if we were to suffer, it would be better for good alone (1 Pet 3:17). There is a blessing of the Kingdom to those persecuted for righteousness sake, not for evil (Matt 5:10).The state of blamelessness is defined by other parties, not of self (Prov 27:2). God recognizes and bestow inseparable love to the unblemished led to the slaughter for being and doing right (Rom 8:35, 36).
Jesus gave us the capacity to be unhidden light, unconsciously and naturally shining His glory (Matt 5:14-16). We have become what He ordained for us when there is an imputed Christ-like meekness to ‘do all things without murmurings and disputings’. In the ability to ‘do all things’ that exalts the Father with Godly attitude we become ‘blameless….’. It takes dying to self ambition and vainglory (Php 2:3).
The servant takes after the Master (Matt 10:24). The son takes after his or her father. Who is our father?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Prevailing
….. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.(Est 6:13)
Being set apart is not earned but providential by the grace of God (Duet 10:15). The disposition of a Jewish man living under the covenant will be required to circumcise the flesh (Gen 17:11) and YHWH requires a deeper circumcision (Duet 10:16). The circumcision of the heart is beyond an outward recognizable separation but also of affections (Duet 30:6) and spirit (Rom 2:29). The acknowledgement is beyond that which human eyes behold but an eternal transaction in the spirit realm with a secure guarantee (Eph 4:30).
Holding fast to His love and thrusting ourselves into His tender mercies will guarantee our prevalence (Jud 1:21). These are the hardest to do because our human tendency is to work it out with our mind and hands without being on our knees. It is God that will ensure that we prevail if we would do it within the confines of His divine wisdom. Our prevailing is an observation by even our enemies because of the distinction in Christ, not in ourselves. How desperate are we to prevail? The determining factor lies in whether our life stem from the olive tree of Israel (Rom 11:17).
….. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.(Est 6:13)
Being set apart is not earned but providential by the grace of God (Duet 10:15). The disposition of a Jewish man living under the covenant will be required to circumcise the flesh (Gen 17:11) and YHWH requires a deeper circumcision (Duet 10:16). The circumcision of the heart is beyond an outward recognizable separation but also of affections (Duet 30:6) and spirit (Rom 2:29). The acknowledgement is beyond that which human eyes behold but an eternal transaction in the spirit realm with a secure guarantee (Eph 4:30).
Holding fast to His love and thrusting ourselves into His tender mercies will guarantee our prevalence (Jud 1:21). These are the hardest to do because our human tendency is to work it out with our mind and hands without being on our knees. It is God that will ensure that we prevail if we would do it within the confines of His divine wisdom. Our prevailing is an observation by even our enemies because of the distinction in Christ, not in ourselves. How desperate are we to prevail? The determining factor lies in whether our life stem from the olive tree of Israel (Rom 11:17).
Sunday, May 08, 2011
The Normal Christian Life: Reckoning of Faith
Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FF7506AC2682B24B
An excerpt from the book "The Normal Christian Life," by Watchman Nee (1903-1972).
Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and supply to Christians throughout the world.
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FF7506AC2682B24B
An excerpt from the book "The Normal Christian Life," by Watchman Nee (1903-1972).
Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and supply to Christians throughout the world.
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Worthiness of Our Lives
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…. (Php 1:27)
There is nothing more devastating than Christianity without Christ. Without the centrality of Christ, there are no glad tidings of good things (Rom 10:15). The climax of the week is found in triumphalism celebratory Sunday 'worth-ship' (Col 2:20) and holding on to creeds and denominations rather than holding on to Christ and in obeying His Word (1 Cor 1:13). The world is in darkness and lies under the sway of the wicket one (1 John 5:19), do we see people heading down the road to eternal damnation or still quibbling over matters that bring ‘spiritual’ goose bumps .
But this shall be the covenant …. I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:33)
God has given us the capacity to be epistles or message to be read by all men (2 Cor 3:2). The same capacity that principalities, powers and rulers of this darkness will acknowledge our existence (Acts 19:15). We are the light of the world that illuminates the dark sphere surrounding us. We are the distinguishing factor that will show men and women that they are bound in sin by demonic forces and we have been made free (John 8:36). Without Light people cannot see. Without light, darkness cannot be dispelled. People cannot be drawn to Christ without light. What gospel are we preaching through the way we live (2 Cor 11:4)? Is there a 24-7 preparedness of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15). Are our lives worth measured in the Good News of Christ?
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…. (Php 1:27)
There is nothing more devastating than Christianity without Christ. Without the centrality of Christ, there are no glad tidings of good things (Rom 10:15). The climax of the week is found in triumphalism celebratory Sunday 'worth-ship' (Col 2:20) and holding on to creeds and denominations rather than holding on to Christ and in obeying His Word (1 Cor 1:13). The world is in darkness and lies under the sway of the wicket one (1 John 5:19), do we see people heading down the road to eternal damnation or still quibbling over matters that bring ‘spiritual’ goose bumps .
But this shall be the covenant …. I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:33)
God has given us the capacity to be epistles or message to be read by all men (2 Cor 3:2). The same capacity that principalities, powers and rulers of this darkness will acknowledge our existence (Acts 19:15). We are the light of the world that illuminates the dark sphere surrounding us. We are the distinguishing factor that will show men and women that they are bound in sin by demonic forces and we have been made free (John 8:36). Without Light people cannot see. Without light, darkness cannot be dispelled. People cannot be drawn to Christ without light. What gospel are we preaching through the way we live (2 Cor 11:4)? Is there a 24-7 preparedness of the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15). Are our lives worth measured in the Good News of Christ?
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Tradition Today: The saddest day of all
By REUVEN HAMMER (jpost.com)
Let it be a day of remembrance and mourning, of tribute to those who suffered, those who perished and those who offered help and comfort.
When Pessah comes, the two newest sacred days of the Jewish calendar are not far behind: Yom Hashoah V’hagevura (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Without positing a causal link between them, these two days commemorate the two most significant events in modern Jewish history and the polar opposites that they represent. Holocaust Remembrance Day signifies the worst tragedy we have ever experienced, that which brought the Jewish people as close to extinction as we have ever been. Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the great triumph of our return to our national home, the phoenix-like resurrection of the Jewish people from the ashes of near-destruction.
To my mind, Holocaust Remembrance Day is the saddest and most tragic day of the Jewish year. Nothing even remotely like it ever occurred before. The systematic destruction of six million individuals, one-third of our people, the elimination of a great center of Jewish life and learning – it is beyond imagining. Each year, I listen to the reading of Megillat Hashoah, a liturgical retelling of the events of the Holocaust, written by Avigdor Shinan under the auspices of a special committee of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Schechter Institute. It is chanted aloud in synagogues throughout the world, and I contemplate an event that I cannot begin to comprehend. I ask myself questions about it and I read many excellent books that describe aspects of it, and I still cannot grasp fully what happened and why.
......
Among them was Europe’s long history of anti-Semitism, which was at least as strong in France as it was in Germany. Another was the built-in anti-Jewish teachings of Christianity, both Catholic and Protestant. The accusation of Jews as killers of God taught in every church and religious school had its effect. However, at least the Church had a teaching that Jews should be kept in misery but kept alive to show what happens to those who reject the son of God. Nazism taught that they should be denied life. As a matter of fact, it taught that Jews were not human, they were a kind of vermin that should be eradicated just as one would kill rats. If there is anything that we can learn from the Shoah, it is that is it forbidden to categorize human beings as inferior species, or any group as superior to any other.
......
Full article
By REUVEN HAMMER (jpost.com)
Let it be a day of remembrance and mourning, of tribute to those who suffered, those who perished and those who offered help and comfort.
When Pessah comes, the two newest sacred days of the Jewish calendar are not far behind: Yom Hashoah V’hagevura (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Without positing a causal link between them, these two days commemorate the two most significant events in modern Jewish history and the polar opposites that they represent. Holocaust Remembrance Day signifies the worst tragedy we have ever experienced, that which brought the Jewish people as close to extinction as we have ever been. Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the great triumph of our return to our national home, the phoenix-like resurrection of the Jewish people from the ashes of near-destruction.
To my mind, Holocaust Remembrance Day is the saddest and most tragic day of the Jewish year. Nothing even remotely like it ever occurred before. The systematic destruction of six million individuals, one-third of our people, the elimination of a great center of Jewish life and learning – it is beyond imagining. Each year, I listen to the reading of Megillat Hashoah, a liturgical retelling of the events of the Holocaust, written by Avigdor Shinan under the auspices of a special committee of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Schechter Institute. It is chanted aloud in synagogues throughout the world, and I contemplate an event that I cannot begin to comprehend. I ask myself questions about it and I read many excellent books that describe aspects of it, and I still cannot grasp fully what happened and why.
......
Among them was Europe’s long history of anti-Semitism, which was at least as strong in France as it was in Germany. Another was the built-in anti-Jewish teachings of Christianity, both Catholic and Protestant. The accusation of Jews as killers of God taught in every church and religious school had its effect. However, at least the Church had a teaching that Jews should be kept in misery but kept alive to show what happens to those who reject the son of God. Nazism taught that they should be denied life. As a matter of fact, it taught that Jews were not human, they were a kind of vermin that should be eradicated just as one would kill rats. If there is anything that we can learn from the Shoah, it is that is it forbidden to categorize human beings as inferior species, or any group as superior to any other.
......
Full article
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
The Towers Have Fallen But We Missed the Message
by David Wilkerson, October 8, 2001
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were destroyed. Five days later, as I was preparing this message, I looked out the window of my study in our 30th-floor apartment. Huge clouds of smoke were still smoldering from the ruins. They rose from the rubble and drifted out over the Hudson River, passing above the Statue of Liberty.
The following Sunday, just before I preached this message at Times Square Church, I wept at the sight of the utter devastation. I pleaded with God for mercy: mercy for the grieving families who lost loved ones. Mercy for the workers still digging through the rubble, hoping to locate survivors, but finding only corpses and severed body parts. Mercy for all the police officers, fire fighters and volunteers, who wept openly over the indescribable horrors they saw.
Our church was allowed to set up a relief tent at ground zero of the disaster. Ministry leaders and volunteers from our congregation worked tirelessly around the clock, helping to feed and encourage the weary workers.
Six weeks prior to the disaster, the Holy Spirit forewarned our pastoral staff that a calamity was coming. We had scheduled several major events for the weeks ahead, including our Missions Conference and Youth Convention. But God's Spirit prompted us to cancel them all. Instead, we felt stirred to call our congregation to prayer.
We decided to hold prayer meetings four nights a week. From the very beginning, each meeting was marked by an awesome stillness that settled over the congregation. We sat quietly in the Lord's presence, often without a sound, for up to an hour, followed by soft weeping and heartrending repentance. In one meeting, I had to steady my knees with my hands, to keep them from trembling in God's awesome presence.
During this visitation from the Lord, the Holy Ghost revealed there was a reason for the weeping in our hearts. We were being so moved because a tragedy was coming. A severe calamity was coming to the nation. And even though we didn't know what it was, our hearts were stirred to intercede concerning it.
Then suddenly, the calamity struck. And it hit not only our city, but the nation's capital. One network anchor declared, "Think of it, our two symbols of power and prosperity have been smitten in one hour." Little did he know, he was quoting Revelation 18:10: "Alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come."
As a policeman from our church helped out at ground zero, his fellow officers kept asking him, "What's this all about? What's happening?" Meanwhile, the whole nation has been asking, "Where is God in all this?"
Read rest of message
by David Wilkerson, October 8, 2001
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were destroyed. Five days later, as I was preparing this message, I looked out the window of my study in our 30th-floor apartment. Huge clouds of smoke were still smoldering from the ruins. They rose from the rubble and drifted out over the Hudson River, passing above the Statue of Liberty.
The following Sunday, just before I preached this message at Times Square Church, I wept at the sight of the utter devastation. I pleaded with God for mercy: mercy for the grieving families who lost loved ones. Mercy for the workers still digging through the rubble, hoping to locate survivors, but finding only corpses and severed body parts. Mercy for all the police officers, fire fighters and volunteers, who wept openly over the indescribable horrors they saw.
Our church was allowed to set up a relief tent at ground zero of the disaster. Ministry leaders and volunteers from our congregation worked tirelessly around the clock, helping to feed and encourage the weary workers.
Six weeks prior to the disaster, the Holy Spirit forewarned our pastoral staff that a calamity was coming. We had scheduled several major events for the weeks ahead, including our Missions Conference and Youth Convention. But God's Spirit prompted us to cancel them all. Instead, we felt stirred to call our congregation to prayer.
We decided to hold prayer meetings four nights a week. From the very beginning, each meeting was marked by an awesome stillness that settled over the congregation. We sat quietly in the Lord's presence, often without a sound, for up to an hour, followed by soft weeping and heartrending repentance. In one meeting, I had to steady my knees with my hands, to keep them from trembling in God's awesome presence.
During this visitation from the Lord, the Holy Ghost revealed there was a reason for the weeping in our hearts. We were being so moved because a tragedy was coming. A severe calamity was coming to the nation. And even though we didn't know what it was, our hearts were stirred to intercede concerning it.
Then suddenly, the calamity struck. And it hit not only our city, but the nation's capital. One network anchor declared, "Think of it, our two symbols of power and prosperity have been smitten in one hour." Little did he know, he was quoting Revelation 18:10: "Alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come."
As a policeman from our church helped out at ground zero, his fellow officers kept asking him, "What's this all about? What's happening?" Meanwhile, the whole nation has been asking, "Where is God in all this?"
Read rest of message
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