toddperroud's blog

False Witnesses and a Divided House

False Witnesses, Propaganda and Peer Pressure

Ex 20:16 ~ Prov 19:5 ~ 1 Thess 4:6 ~ Rev 21:8

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor! ~ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. ~ Let no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because the Lord is the avenger of all such, ~ But the fearful and unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, and whore mongers, sorcerers and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

    Bearing false witness is not just lying, but all manner of deceitful misrepresentations of the truth; including purposeful omissions of the truth, placing emphasis on only part of the truth, in order to allow others to assume otherwise than the truth.   Those having broadcasting power ( the media ), who manipulate and attempt to influence cultural thought with their bias propaganda, will be held accountable for magnifying error, spreading deceit and mass confusion.   Jesus speaks of such, saying,

Luke 7:32

What is this generation like? They are like children calling out...

We played the flute for you and you did not dance,

we played a dirge for you and you did not mourn.

 

   In other words, we set the agenda.   You had better dance, when we say dance, and mourn when we say mourn or we'll make you look stupid and out of step with everyone else.  Everyone innately wants to be accepted by their peers, it takes gritty determination and a solid belief in order to go against the flow of status quo.  Even at the highest levels of academia many are conformed by the same third grade peer pressure found in elementary school cliques. e.g. “You're stupid if you believe that”.   Many professors and scientists have been silenced by threat of peer shaming.   These are self censored, keeping quiet to maintain a position, a pay check and some measure of credibility within the academic community.   It's amazing how the supposed elite among us, resort to such childish bullying, in order to maintain a God free, guilt free, hedonistic lifestyle.

A Divided House

“A house divided against itself shall not stand.”

 Triangulation: is the manipulation of two parties by a third party, pitting the two against each other, in order to gain an advantage over both.   Liberalism was never intended to serve people, but to exploit their ignorance, pit them against each other, divide and conquer; Black vs. white, rich vs. poor, gay vs. straight, male vs. female, church vs. state, science vs. faith, and environment vs. industry.   All Statists: liberals, progressives, socialists, democrats and the republican elite are wedge drivers, creating as much animus as possible, to then claim to champion the cause of the offended parties.  So a continuous stream of offenses, threatening voices and social chaos work well to keep the pawns agitated, manipulated and dependent.  This is where the media propaganda machine ( the false witnesses ) is most effective, for moving objects are easier to redirect than a contended sedentary mass.  Which is to say, emotionally agitated people are easily manipulated.   Offended parties are easily duped to vote for those who pretend to care for them, who promise to rectify their offense.  Fearful people are easily influenced to trust those promising protection, just as those who feel a sense of lack, are more susceptible to marketing schemes and buying products they don't really need.  So, the propaganda machine manufactures, highlights and hypes social injustice and imminent calamities, while their commercials showcase the luxurious photo shopped lifestyle of the beautiful, rich and famous, making us all feel quite inadequate.  The media is a constant showcase of extremes, focusing your attention on what you don't have, what you're missing out on, contrasted by the privilege and excess that others enjoy.   Until we are nothing more than frantic “Star Bellied Sneetches”¹ running through their machines, putting stars on, taking stars off, and paying for it all.        ¹The Sneetches and Other Stories - by Dr. Seuss 1961

 

 

 

Are They Married?

" And God said, "It is not good for man to be alone, ... so He created woman."   Since the dawn of humanity, marriage has been a divine ordinance.   Not the joining of just man and woman, but, man, woman and God, as their covenant was in Him and with Him.  Not two legally bound as one, but, three divinely melded in One Spirit.   Government has never been the ordaining validator of marriage and has only become involved within the last century.   The U.S. government saw the benefits of family and population expansion and attempted to encourage marriage by offering tax breaks for married couples.   This lead to the need for certification, (marriage certificates), and thus, government usurped God, but only in the legal sense.   So now, the Holy union of man, woman in God, is being reduced to the legal contract between man and man,   woman and woman,  man and man and man, woman and dog, man and dog,  all by the secular godless agency of government.   My point is this; Uncle Sam can change definitions and grant legal rights to gays, beasts, or whatsoever union they wish to declare legal, but God does not recognize it.   And His Kingdom is over all!  Men can say, "dark is light and light is dark", but, their decree does not make it so.  They are merely wrangling with words in attempt to impose their own viewpoint.   Legally married, is not necessarily married at all. 

Faithful with Little

   Our inability to function in healthy family love is the greatest reason God's grace is not more powerfully at work in our midst.  When siblings fight for position over each other and squabble over scraps they grieve Abba's Spirit and violate His foremost command to “Love one another!” Seeking power and control always subordinates others and usurps God's commandment.  Understand this, you can fast and pray for forty day's, worship the Lord  24/7 with exstravagant praise, yet if you neglect to love your brother or sister, it is all for nothing.  We do all kinds of spiritual stuff, thinking we're doing much for God.  But, if we do not love in deed and truth, then we have failed to obey the foremost command, we have been unfaithful with little, presuming to move on to the much.

For Love of Family

Rom 8:15-16  ~  Eph 1:4-6  ~  Rom 8:29

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Daddy.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ~ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of His grace.   Wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  ~ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,  that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.   

 

Jesus always refered to God in the informal, intimate, child-like tense as (Abba) meaning; daddy.   And indeed, we are all family, as the Spirit of adoption has grafted us into the household of God.   Without question, the purest expression, whereby God identifies and relates with His people is, as family.  That's how He sees us.   Not as an army, not as sheep, but as family.  Daddy is not looking for soldiers to advance in position/rank, who can command segments of an army, nor is He seeking someone from among the sheep to rise up and shepherd His sheep.  He is looking for children who know how to love one another as family!

Righteousness

    Is there anything more valuable than the person who treasures you, than a true friend whose love is sincere, reliable and without hidden agenda?   One with whom you can be yourself, without pretense or having to perform, someone who would never deceive you or betray your confidence.  Such love is rare indeed and more valuable than power, wealth or fame.  Righteousness is treasure!  

 

Gal 5:14 ~  Rom 13:10

All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;

 Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ~

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law!

 

    Through all time and in everyplace, without exception this timeless truth endures as God’s standard of judgment; we must not think, speak or act outside of love.  Love is our law; it is the boundary we must not traverse!   Righteousness is love applied within the context of  society and  relationships,  having everything to do with healthy interaction between two or more persons for their mutual benefit.      

 

Prov 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

  

     If righteousness exalts a nation, it shall also exalt a state, a community, even an individual.  As a matter of fact, it must begin with individuals who comprise the nation.   It starts with you!   One of the Lord's top priorities is to establish righteousness in our midst.  Most Christians understand vertical righteousness; the righteousness imputed to us by God through our faith in Christ Jesus; His atoning blood and broken body sacrificed on our behalf.  Our problem is that we do not know how to rightly function together on a horizontal basis, person-to-person.  If Christ’s imputed righteousness has hold on your heart, ought not that same righteousness work its way outward and be imparted to others?

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 

if ye have love one to another.

 

Holiness

  Most believers would say they want to live holy, but, inwardly harbor a fear of holiness.  To the unregenerate and religious mind, Holiness sounds difficult, sterile and lonely, but nothing could be further from the truth.  As one encounters the true and living God entering into relationship with His Holiness, they find a spiritual dynamic which quite naturally blossoms into lively, engaging fruitfulness and ever satisfying fellowship.

Jesus the Socialist?

 

It has been argued in certain circles that Jesus Christ advocated socialism.  This presumptuous ascertion is based on the great compassion Jesus demonstrated and His commandment for us to, “Love one another.”    What they neglect to point out is that Jesus never advocated that such compassion be done through Caesar or the agencies of government.   Though  Jesus did command us; to love one another, take care of the widows and orphans and be our brothers keeper, this mandate was made to individuals, as Jesus s spoke to His disciples saying, “You feed them!”  Christ never suggested we disperse responsibility or utilize governments of men to dole out our compassion, but always put the responsibility upon individuals. The Lord knew what was in the hearts of all men.  Therefore, He commanded  us,  not to use the lording over structure of gentile governments ( Luke 22:25,26 ), knowing such government would exploit His people.   It is quite convenient for politicians in power to stir up envy, while touting themselves as compassionate caretakers of the downtrodden masses, all the while siphoning off influence and monies from the purse strings they hold.  They further compound their iniquity with their selective compassion, using extorted tax monies to bribe the favor and votes of some while, punishing the hard working achievers who disagree with their political stance.   Be sure of this, holding a postion of power doen't exempt anyone from God's commands?

 

Ex 20:13-17

Thou shalt not kill.  Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet
thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

The High Cost of Ignorance

Hosea 3:3

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

 

    Many people believe it noble, that fabled Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor. They simply don't remember the details of the story.  Their understanding overlooks the fact that Robin Hood stole back the excessive taxes that a corrupt government brutally exacted from simple capitalist farmers and merchants.  The ill-educated have been wrongly taught that hardworking successful people are all evil and have only prospered by unfairly abusing those in their employ. This dangerous assumption is promoted by politicians who stir up resentment and bitterness among the ignorant.  They do this in order to secure positions of power, claiming to be “champions of social justice”.   Yet, in the end, these politicians look far more like the infamous sheriff of Nottingham than Robin Hood, leveling heavy taxes on the people they govern and causing the cost of living to rise for even the poorest of their constituents. Liberals claim they only want to raise taxes on the rich.  The problem is, that never happens.   It is impossible to raise taxes only on the rich without it effecting the poor.   When governments raise taxes on businesses and their owners (the rich?), the cost of that tax is passed on to everyone in the form of higher prices for the product or service that business provides.   This is also true when unions negotiate a higher paying contract and benefits, as the cost of their raise is passed on to the public in property taxes, auto prices and utilities.   This is why the cost of living in liberally governed states and cities is always higher than fiscally conservative states and cities.   Many poor people think they don't pay taxes, because they do not pay income tax, but receive a refund instead.   This is a severe lack of understanding, as they pay sales taxes, gas taxes, highway tolls, excise taxes, inspection fees, registration fees and many other hidden taxes passed on in the cost of goods and services they use.  Just look at your cell phone bill.

     There are many stealthy ways that the poor are made poorer and forced to pay taxes.  Though not directly identified as a tax on the poor, they pay for it just the same.   A tax by any other name is still a tax and stinketh just the same. Second hand taxation is one of the favorite tricks of progressive liberals.   It allows them to cast blame on the rich for social inequalities, while they pretend to champion the cause of the poor.   Another way the poor are made to pay for taxes imposed on the rich is by sustained lower wages or layoffs for the employees of said business.   This taxing burden does not discriminate based on income, race or religion.   Simply put, every tax, penalty and fee that government regulations impose upon rich and middle class business owners is either passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices or felt in the workforce with unemployment due to streamlining.   The rich never pay the taxes imposed upon them.   This is the trickle down pain of liberalism, making everyone equally miserable.   For example: when the government adds up to $1.50 in taxes to every gallon of gas sold at the station, few people are aware that this tax is built into the price of gas.   This increased fuel expense directly inflates the cost of transportation; shipping and delivery.   These expenses are then passed on to all consumers in the price of food, merchandise and services we use.   We not only pay this tax at the pump, but also in the grocery store and shopping malls.   Thus, the cost of feeding and clothing your family is directly effected by government subsidies, taxes and regulatory policy.   These are taxes on ignorance, as they most harshly impact the ill-educated dependent poor, who vote for more government freebies, which end up costing them far more than they know.   “There's no such thing as a free ride.”

Dignity vs. Dependency

    Among free people operating within a free society, it must be understood that equal opportunity does not gaurantee equal results.   Those who apply wisdom, skill and effort will have greater success than the
unlearned, undisciplined and lazy.  The bible teaches us,

Prov 6:6-11 ~ Prov 21:25

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.  How long wilt thou sleep, O lazy one? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:   So shall your poverty come suddenly as one robbed by bandits, and your lack as if an armed man stole all your goods. ~ The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

paraphrased version

    There used to be a healthy pride in society.   More properly, a tenacious insistance for personal dignity
and earned respect.  Men would absolutely refuse a hand out, insisting on doing some form of labor or trade in exchange for the thing they needed.  Many would rather starve, and indeed went hungry rather than stooping to beg or steal.  The value of dignity has almost dissapeared from our culture today, as multitudes line up for government freebies.   Far too many able bodies not only take the hand outs others are paying for, but also believe it is their right to receive it.   But, be certain of this, both the theif and the receiver of stolen goods is complicite in crime.  Of coarse, I am not speaking of the truly disabled, but the able bodied, lazy, undisciplined leeches.   David said,

Ps 37:25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

ASV

   Where's the dignity?  What about the freedom Christ purchased for you?   Having been set free by the Son, do you now sell yourself back into slavery for  food stamps?   Do you cheerfully make yourself a ward of the state, thinking you've done well?  Are you bought off that easily?   Have you committed the sin of Esau?   Has your character been sold for a meager bowl of beans? (Gen 25:29-34 )

Deut 4:24 ~ Isa 33:14-16

For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. ~  Sinners in Zion( figuratively; God's people, the church ) are afraid; fearfulness has overtaken the hypocrites.  Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?  Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?  He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands from taking hold of bribes, and stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Jer 17:5-8

This is what the LORD says:

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 
He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 

 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 
He will be like a tree planted by the water  that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
(from New International Version)

 

 

 

 

The True Church

 John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

 ASV

     So what should the gathering of the church look like? Does it matter how large or small, whether it's indoors or outdoors, ornate or simple?  I think not, these are irrelevant matters.  What the Lord is seeking are those who worship in Spirit and truth and who love in deed and truth.   In truth, is the operative term of these statements. It's easy to be caught up in the song, for the sake of the song, and yet be entirely distracted by the restless meanderings of the mind and never really connect with the God you claim to worship.  We become infatuated, romanticizing the idea of love, more than experiencing the Truth of it.  We go through the motions of church; it's rituals and order, rather than experience an encounter with the living God.  Our relationships with each other are often guarded and superficial and never touch the needs of our hearts.  It's far too easy to be half-hearted, pretentious and feign your love for both God and His people.  Thus, we delude ourselves, believing we please God and do His will, while in truth, serving our own agendas.   Jesus taught us ( Luke8:15 ), that the good soil, which was able to bring forth the precious ripened fruit, was an “honest and good heart ”.  The emphasis is on the honesty and integrity of this heart.  The freedom that Truth has provided to keep this heart from self-delusion. So understand this dear ones, it is impossible to fulfill the greatest commandments and “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” and “ love your neighbor as yourself ” while being yourself, deluded. 

Matt 15:7-9

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

 

 

   The primary evidence of the healthy true church, is demonstrated love for one another.  Don't be fooled!  Appearances can be deceiving.   No man, nor church should be trusted merely on the basis of pretentious outward displays; neither, ornate structures nor extravagant rituals, not eloquent speeches nor impressive knowledge, neither powerful gifting nor false humility. All these can be used to cloak a severe lack of love.  The question is, do they love inTruth?!  The Church of Jesus Christ is the one place on earth, where a person should be able to find righteousness; ( healthy relationships), acceptance and love without someone trying to exploit them. There's no room for personal agendas, manipulation or controlling spirits in the family of God. Father opposes the proud and doesn't want His children acting as condescending lords! Within every expression of church, there ought to be multiple shepherds who are true examples of Christlike humility and selflessness. Men filled with His Word, led by His Spirit, constrained by His love, consistently manifesting the ripened fruit of the Spirit, mutually accountable, submitting one to another in love. These then, serve as examples, waiting upon the Lord and modeling the appropriate response to God's will, facilitating the gathering in turn, each imparting the gift of Christ from within them. Until the whole body comes to the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ. You see, the only true Church, is the Church of True Love.

 

1 Cor 13:1-8

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

NKJV

Presupmtious Religion

 

I've heard it said a hundred times, that “Christianity is a relationship and not religion!”  And indeed, Christianity at its core is a relationship between Christ and an individual.  It becomes religious however, whenever expectations are placed upon yourself or others which did not originate out of that relationship, and are contrary to God's Word and Spirit.  When people lack true knowledge, true intimacy, true hearing and connection with Christ, they begin to presume what pleases God and create expectations they impose upon themselves and others.   Such religion restricts, suffocates, alienates, and brings you into bondage.  Jesus brings life!

The Pulpit of Fear

  What makes your version of church better than the 15 other churches on your block? Why are you not united with them or in submission to them? Are we not commanded to love, serve and prefer one anther? Or do you define our common unity only in terms of submission to you? Is your calling so much greater than God’s call on others? Are you perhaps rebellious, proud and unaccountable? As long as you are unwilling to be accountable and bring along side men of equal strength, not as subordinates, but as co- equal, co-laborers, then fear is your master and not love, demons control you and not Christ. Those controlled by fear and pride are not worthy to lead God's people. Fear in the heart of a slave makes him cower, but fear in the heart of a ruler causes nations to stagger. Fear in the pew makes the naïve to stumble, but fear in the pulpit leads a multitude astray. The greatest divisive force within the body of Christ is not the rogue prophet, but the territorial Pastor whose exclusive mindset and controlling doctrines reinforce the divisions which already exist.  Why am I so adamantly opposed to monarch style institutional leaders? It is because these so -called leaders who ought to exemplify Christ's selflessness are motivated by fear and not love! God is love! Fear is the antithesis of His Love and comes from the spirit of Antichrist! Fear and doubt have no place in the kingdom of God, and should not be set forth as examples to the flock! The dying world beholds our dysfunction, our submission to vain traditions imposed by men. They’ve heard the promise of freedom in Christ, but see ditches full of blind men, and being witness to our hypocrisy determine, “If that's what being a Christian is, I want no part of it.” Their objections are not so much with Jesus, but the gross misrepresentations of those who claim to serve Him.

Holy Longing

 

O' Father you are holy, but what does that mean?

You are who You always have been, separate from the world,

distinctly different and uncompromising. You have not changed.

You are Truth and cannot lie, immutable, unchangeable through the course of eternity.

You are true and righteous. You have never lied, for you are incapable. It is not in Your nature.

You are always trustworthy! You have never manipulated or betrayed,

for You are faithful! Your affections for us have been constant.

It is we who have moved away from you. We are the ones who fail to love as You are love.

We are the ones who wound and destroy the subjects of your affection.

But you remain holy! You have not changed.

Your Son Jesus is the Way, the means for us to return back to your standard,

for us to realign ourselves with your Holiness.

You've commanded us, to “Be holy as You are holy!”

So back to You I run, through Christ I run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matured Faith, Prepared Bride

 

   

 

 

Eph 4:1,2, 11-13

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

     Here Paul teaches on two types of unity. The unity of the Spirit which we have and must maintain, and the unity of the faith which we must mature into and develop in order to experience. The text in between is critical. For only after being equipped, matured and perfected will the body of Christ be able to come into the unity of the faith. The unity of the faith is of a higher order than the unity of the Spirit. Though, all who have received Christ as Lord are born of and unified by that same Spirit, our souls are being sanctified and renewed by the washing of the Word. The unity of the faith will never be realized, until the body of Christ becomes one soul with Christ; having His mind, His will, His perspective toward others and His passions as the driving force within us. Jesus queried, in Luke 18:8 "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"  I am certain He will find a glorious bride who has His faith and has made herself ready. However, I am not sure of how few there be, that find themselves considered the bride. I have great concern for those who trust in man’s institutions, who are not led by the Spirit, if they shall not be found as foolish virgins lacking oil or as foolish servants who’ve buried their talents. I believe only those who come into the unity of the faith, who have matured into the image of God’s dear Son will be His bride. And there may be grievous consequences for refusing to grow up.

Whole Hearted

2 Chron 16:9

The eyes of the Lord go to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to be mighty on behalf of those whose heart is perfect (shalem) toward Him.

 

   All of us are dysfunctional ( messed up! ) in some measure; some having physical limitations, others psychological, others still are socially inept. Many people struggle to maintain the basic necessities of shelter, food, and utilities, how much more difficult is it to find true love or a faithful friend?   Jesus’ top priority is our wholeness, a complete metamorphosis via His resurrection power triumphing over the fears and frailty within us, that we might be free from the influence of all forces contrary to God's supernatural “Zoe” life. When the eyes of the Lord look upon you, in what condition does He find your heart? Is it all knotted up? Or, Is the Prince of Salem enthroned there?  What is; shalem, shalom, Salem? Our English language has no adequate equivalent. Shalem; is the condition of wholeness ( spirit, soul and body); lacking nothing, being completely satisfied! It is the state of peace, joy, health, provision and contentment within oneself, independent of circumstance. Those who’s hearts declare “The Lord is my satisfaction!,” who look to Jesus for their fulfillment, are they whom He delights in, whom God shows Himself mighty on their behalf.

 

Matt 6:21

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

    Many Christians are trying to live by principles in order to someday go to a place. The objective of our faith however, is to identify with the person; Christ Jesus, and be transformed into His image that He may bring us to the Father. Jesus said, “No man cometh to the Father but by me." Thus, to encounter the Father is the end goal of our faith, not to hang out at some private mansion in the sky. We must be careful that we're not attempting to reach a future place, while ignoring the Person at hand. Your desire to reach some future utopia reveals residual selfishness in you. You’re religiously thinking, “What must I do to get there?” which promotes striving in your self. If you were in a relationship with Jesus you would ask, what will pleases you, my Lord? And let Him worry about taking you there. If you want to go to heaven and see mansions laden with precious stones, streets paved in gold and the Gates of Pearl. You are still distracted by creation and missing the beauty, wisdom and glory of the Creator. Your affections are yet diverted to the lesser of two goods. Which is greater, to gaze upon a pearly gate or to stand there with Jesus and have Him explain why He chose to make it so? Of all the wonders displayed in heaven, of all the beauty there arrayed, nothing is more glorious than the King Himself! It is the wisdom in the creators mind that is to profound for comprehension, which captivates and inspires our awe. The Lord is our Life! He is the center of the universe which spins in accordance with His will. When I enter New Jerusalem, I will not be enamored by the splendor therein, nor will angelic choirs cause my steps to pause, but I will run to see my glorious King and worship Him with gratitude, for the wholeness in my heart. Then, shall I hope to follow His every move and hear His voice expound on all the mysteries He created. My utter delight is Jesus my Lord, as my heart is wholly His!

Rev 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:

for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The Socialized Church of America

 

  Hos 4:6 ~ Luke 11:52 ~ John 8:31

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge ~ Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away

the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.~

Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free!

 

    The last thing the liberal elite would want, is for you to become healthy and wise enough to not need them anymore! Knowledge of the Truth promotes independence, which threatens the livelihood of those parasites who feed off the ignorance that makes the masses co-dependent upon them. Unfortunately, this is also the attitude of many, if not most priests and pastors. Their influence and livelihood are entirely contingent on your co-dependency upon them. Sadly, the church of Jesus Christ has to great degree become a socialist institution run by elitists who foster dependency and exploit the needy. While, those who come “ready to receive” ( the needy dependents ) are eagerly invited, those who are full of the Spirit having something to contribute are marginalized; required to serve another man’s vision, being asked to quietly serve in the rears or pointed down the road. “ Maybe this isn’t the body of Christ for you.” How arrogant! How dare you deny community to a member of Christ’s body! Just because your twisted understanding of authority is exclusive, self serving and requires sucking up to you! It is the insecure leader who only sees the church as a nursery, in which they perpetually nurture children or perhaps as a hospital where they slightly heal the wounds of God’s people. While, there are children who need to be raised up and wounded people who need healing, the end result of Christ’s salvation are healthy adults who wage war against darkness! These dependence mongers fail to understand that our fellowship is also a training camp for warriors, and the celebration of Christ‘s victory.

    If leaders only see the saints as frail sheep, its no wonder they cannot draw out the lion of Judah from within them. It’s wrong to indict the sheep as disloyal, dumb or flakey, when you have denied them access to the other equipping gifts and discipleship training. The sheep are not just church hopping, they’re hungry for green pastures, looking for shepherds who will truly invest in them; a shepherd who will equip, empower and launch them into their destiny. They sit there, week after week, month after month, year after year, just sitting, listening, being entertained, with little opportunity to exercise there gifts and contribute. 10, 20, even 30 years down the road, still filling a seat, still ill- equipped and apathetic. The controlling clergy are to blame for the saints remaining frail! They’re the ones lacking vision and inspiration. One must ask, why do these so-called servants of Christ‘s body, act like lords and masters? Who’s under girding whom? The hirelings often complain about burn out and sheep bites, playing the victim in order to evoke sympathetic sheep to react as guard dogs. These fleece the flock in order to support their ministry, rather than laying down their lives to make ministers out of the flock. The most frail of frames can learn the Word, worship, pray and intercede and have their part in conquering hell. Yet, Church has become a dysfunctional socialized system of men, where only some of their needs are barely met, just like going to a welfare office can get you food stamps. Jer 8:11 says, “They heal the wounds of My people slightly”. But will they teach you how to be a disciple, give you tools to plant your portion of the vineyard? I can tell you right now, it is the lording over, socialist style governing that is reducing the church to its lowest common denominator. Just as progressive socialism deprives all incentive to aspire to greatness and by redistributing the resources, then creates unsustainable dense bottom dependency. So also, the institutional church has been creating a large host of victims who indulge in self-pity, who sell out their birthright for a bowl of beans and seek to serve tangible flesh for their inability to follow an invisible Spirit. The parasites are bleeding the host dry!

A Psuedo-Resurrection

 

 

   Satan is trying to pull off a resurrection of his own and raise up slaves to himself.   He wants to resurrect your selfishness, remind you of your self worth and wake up the old man who died in Christ.   Then, when he has you sufficiently in love with yourself, he’ll play upon your fears, threaten to ruin the party and control you.   Demonic spirits can only work through your fear for self: through the instinct of self preservation and your fear of insignificance; which includes preserving the recognition and position you think you deserve.

The Holy Resistance

1 Peter 1:16 ~ 2 Cor 6:16-7:1

Be ye holy; for I am holy. ~

What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said,

I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.

 

Jesus loves the non-conformist, being one Himself! There was nothing orthodox about the manner in which Christ conducted His life. The Lord did not buy into conventional thinking, nor allow Himself to compromise with the religious systems of men. The zeal of God does not tolerate political games. Holiness cannot cooperate with human dysfunction; it does not succumb to worldly pressure and stays true to itself, even while being crucified. Jesus is trying to make us Holy, as He is Holy; uncompromised, separate from and untainted by the defilement of fear. Jesus Christ is God’s Way, distinctly different from the world and its ways. The world wants us to go with the flow, not make waves and follow their rules. Holiness demands we withstand conformity!

Romans 13:1

let every soul be subject to the higher power

 

Most successful people are determined to achieve their goals come hell or high water. Most parents desire that their children have determination to succeed in life. However, they cannot tolerate the stubborn child who defies them. Yet, determination and stubbornness are one in the same. The only difference between stubbornness and determination is simply, whose “will” is supreme? The Hebrew children, stubbornly defied King Nebuchadnezzar’s will, because they were determined to obey God, rather than man! Nebuchadnezzar had power to throw their bodies in the fire, but God walked with them therein and they were unscathed. Likewise, Jesus defied and confronted the Sanhedrin while in perfect submission to His Father. The Scribes and Pharisees continually accused Jesus of violating the laws and traditions, and may as well have said, “He has a rebellious spirit,” for not recognizing and submitting to their authority. Jesus however, was in complete subjection to the Highest Power and determined to do His will above all!

True Knowledge

    There is innate hypocrisy in all religion because the will-power we use to live up to our ideals, is never equal to the will- power we use to justify ourselves.  The trouble with religion is that self is still at the center of the universe.  God becomes merely the smoke and mirrors we use to conceal our selfishness.  Exploiting the concept of God for personal advantage takes priority over truly knowing Him.  You see, religious people know a lot about Jesus, while not really knowing Him at all.

Position vs. Function

Isa 14:12-15

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon

the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

 

    Lucifer was not content to function in the role he was created for, but lusted for recognition and glory. He did not want to dwell among or labor beside his brethren, but instead wanted to sit in a position above them and command respect without actually doing anything to deserve it. He was the original elitist, to important to get dirty himself, pontificating and delegating to everyone else. Driven by ego and envy, Satan sought to rule over that which God had created and steal glory by making himself the centerpiece of heaven. Everything about him; his thoughts, motives and actions became contrary to God’s nature as he fixated inwardly upon him-self.

    In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, sitting there among the God-head and rightly deserving of all glory; Col 1:16 “ For all things were created by Him and for Him.” was meek and humble in heart. Having great compassion for humanity, Jesus left His position in glory to dwell among His brethren; functioning in Love, manifesting Truth and demonstrating God’s Zoë kind of Life. Christ selflessly served, being an example of functional authority by getting right into the thick of our mess, dying to Himself, that others might truly live. For love has an outward focus on others and invests itself for their betterment. You see, Satan sought positional authority in order to rule over the brethren, but Christ Jesus

left His position in glory to serve His brethren and by being an example, functioned to encourage, empower and unleash their potential.  Phil 2:5-8

 

    Man’s governments and religion tends to create layers of bureaucracy which lord over the people. Their dysfunctional hierarchic organizations establish positions of authority to rule over segments of a structured system. With weak to non-existent accountability, such positions of influence become coveted prizes for every ambitious ego to strive to attain. This creates an environment for all manner of deviant jockeying under the auspice of “fulfilling one's destiny” and “answering God’s call”. These positions of authority become glorified and honored seats which demand and delegate, rather than functions truly engaged in serving the needs of the people. Most attaining such desirable positions feel entitled to it because of the hoops they’ve jumped through, the time it took to get there and the fannies they’ve kissed. It becomes their livelihood. So, “Seeking to save their lives”, these appeal to systemic bylaws, contracts, tenure and other constructs of men to retain and ensure their stay in office, and are quick to demonize any who question their authority. We should not expect anything better to come from the governors of this world. However, the church of Jesus Christ ought not conform to this world and cannot continue to presume that positional authority equates with spiritual authority. Many deeply flawed people have degrees, diplomas and credentials from men, yet are not ruled by love. They have never encountered the Lord Jesus Christ, neither have they been ordained by Him. You see, God’s authority among men is strictly functional, not positional! Jesus Christ being our example; demonstrated more power and authority than any man who ever walked this planet, and did so, without a position among men or credentials from them. James, Peter, John and Paul all functioned as apostles and were among the shepherds God ordained. Yet, the Word of God gives us no evidence of any one having a position over the others. They functioned together as one, for God’s Kingdom and glory.

Beautifully Broken

 

     Some of the most beautiful people you will ever meet, are those who have been through hell, tried by fire and can yet testify of God’s goodness and grace in their lives. The process of adversity has stripped them bare of all pretense, as they are refreshingly honest. When you peer into their eyes you see both brokenness and wisdom, gained through the agony of their experience. Though their face be marred with grimace lines and their pace be slowed with patience, yet their inviting smile still gleams warm with joy, peace, and acceptance. These, despite their bitter trials have only become better, and with humbled hearts praise their Maker and thank Him for His faithfulness.

Wandering in the Wilderness

 

     After slaying an Egyptian, we learn the folly of presuming upon our own understanding, as it may cost us years of aimless wandering. You see, the deceitfulness and depravity of our fleshy mind is strong, deep and instinctive. Even after summoning all our will power against it, it lies there dormant, quietly crouching, awaiting an opportune moment to pounce back into action and feed itself. So, God allows extreme processes to shape our character and humble our hearts. By exposing us to the consequences and ugliness of self, we are taught patience and repentance unto obedience, that we may throw ourselves upon His mercy and into His grace. God is love, and love is patient, if it takes 40 more years of wandering, God has time.

 

O’ that all God’s saints could see, the depth of their depravity,

the height of love that set them free from serpents, sin and self.

Walking with a Limp

 

     Never trust a man who does not walk with a limp, for he has not yet wrestled the Angel. Only after we have had our strength put out of socket through an encounter with the living God, will we cease from walking in our own strength. The man who walks with a limp can no longer run from his troubles, he's aware of his limitations and trusts not in the strength of his flesh, but relies upon the Spirit of the Lord. The limping man has to face his angry brother with grace, and learns to agree with his adversary quickly, that he might cause even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Log Removal

 

     Never allow the man with plank in eye, to approach with scalpel in hand. Only after removing the beam from our own eye, might we see clear enough to remove the speck from our brother‘s eye. Log removal surgery leaves us tender and compassionate, so we may approach our brother with care, rather than condescension. So too, after withdrawing a leprous hand from your own bosom, one becomes reluctant to point the finger at his brother‘s faults. Beholding the depravity in ones own heart has a tendency to make you shy away from condemning others. Having received mercy, you then know how you ought to dispense it, and with great fear and trembling, forsake criticism to become your brother’s intercessor.

Forms, Formality and Formulas

2 Tim 3:1-2,5

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves,

…Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

 

      There is a deep foolishness in the heart of man, which attempts to mold God into some known image, rather than receive Him as He is, as He has revealed Himself. This idolatry is often a product of our impatience. We are simply, too sensory dependent and completely awkward with intangibles. We are not comfortable with an invisible God, we want someone we can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. What we can identify with, we can understand, what we can handle with our hands, we can also manage and bring under our control. So, we set up our idols where we want, come to them, when we want and serve them how we want! We prescribe ourselves gods to serve at our convenience. In so doing, we delude ourselves into thinking we have faith in God and may somehow obtain His favor and blessings! But, the image of God cannot be found in a form, nor in formality, it is not reproducible with physical attributes. Any form or formal activity quickly becomes superstitious, exclusive and restrictive. These formalities are simply dead works, which presume to engage the Divine, yet ignore the necessity for relationship with Him!

       Men desire remote controls: impersonal objects such as; tokens, charms, icons and magic formulas, to wield at our will for personal gain. Some form of supernatural advantage without having to actually relate to God Himself. We want the power in our hands and at our will, without having to come into agreement with His will. But, there are no formulas, no magic potions, no falling stars and no wishing wells to conjure up Godly benefit. It is impossible to participate in any measure of God’s kingdom without relationship! Jesus said,

 

John 15:5

…Apart from Me you can do nothing!

NASB

 

      There are no short cuts! Transformation only takes place through the knowledge of God, and that knowledge is developed through intimacy. Relationships take time to develop, requiring deep commitment, patience and determination. The Lord does not isolate us to particular times, places or forms, which only restrict interpersonal connections. I don’t only talk to my wife on the living room sofa, repeating the same words over and over again. Neither are we heard for our repetition, but for our heartfelt prayer and thoughtful consideration. Everywhere and at all times, we must be attentive to the words of our love, endeavoring to understand, to serve and to please.

Being Good Enough

 

      Being a “good person” is a construct of the human mind, achieved by appraising one another. The Apostle Paul say’s, 2 Cor 10:12  "measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, they are not wise."  You may not be as bad as someone else, but not a single good deed can nullify your sin, just as feeding the homeless cannot bring back someone you murdered. By implying that by some merit of your own, you are qualified for acceptance into God’s kingdom, you’ve exalted yourself in pride and know not the truth.

 

Rom 3:12 ~ ~ Isa 64:6

There is none that doeth good, no, not one. ~

~ all our righteousness are as filthy rags...

 

    If righteousness could be attained through works ( being good ), then they stand as impersonal third party entities, whereby men can become righteous apart from God, without a relationship.   Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing”.  John 15:5  But, no flesh shall boast of its own strength or glory before the Almighty! Works based religion grossly overlooks the necessity for faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial completed work on the cross. God’s greatest command; is that we relate to Him by loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength! Having strength within yourself to act out what you presume will please God, completely ignores God’s command for relationship. Establishing your own terms whereby you justify yourself, is as silly as worshiping a golden calf created by your hands. When Jesus commands the goats to Hell, He doesn’t say, “depart from me, you are simply not good enough.” No! He says, “depart from me, for I never knew you!” Jesus in effect will say, “Despite all the mercy and kindness I have shown you and the persistent wooing of My Holy Spirit, you never bothered to come into a relationship with Me. You’ve spent a lifetime justifying yourself, refusing to get to know Me. And so be it, now I reject you! Depart from Me!”

Dead Works

   Heb 6:1 ~ James 2:17

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ,

let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation

of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ~

… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

NKJV

     One of the foundational principles of Christ’s doctrine is repentance; that is, turning away from dead works and turning our faith toward God. James says that, “faith without works is dead.”   So, what is the difference between faith working properly and works that are dead? The answer my friend is very simple. It is completely dependent on whom or what initiated the work. Gal 5:6 “ Faith works by love.”  Our part is simply to respond with obedience to the promptings of Love ( God is love ).  If God says, “Do it.” and if Love initiated the work, then do it with all your heart, soul and strength. On the other hand, if for fear you begin a work presuming to do God service, yet He did not initiate the process, all your labors are in vain for this is indeed a dead work. True faith wants to, because of love, while false religions are obligated and have to, because of fear.   Many works-based pseudo-Christian sects try to earn their way out of Hell, motivated by fear of what happens if they don’t, rather than love compelling them to do so.  They’re usually good people with a misguided understanding of Christ Jesus and His teachings. Often times, their devotion is admirable and their fervor undeniable, yet they work to attain what has already been given, insisting to pay for that which has already been purchased with blood. These dishonor Christ Jesus and insult the Spirit of Grace.

My Frailty

 

Leave me not in darkness redeem my frailty

My only hope is that your light displace the dark in me

I am changed into your image, but to the degree

That my heart can perceive you, bring forth divinity

Proclaim your truth, dislodge the lies

Display your love, cast out all fears

Let joy divine flood over my sorrows, Thou counter of my tears

Let my soul find respite in my Father’s warm embrace

I’ve failed to heal myself O’ Lord, save me now by Grace

Passion

 

Song 8:6

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm:

for love is strong as death

KJV

Passion is like the Tempest wind, which drives us until we are either shipwrecked or satisfied. If we harness the wind it shall fuel our sails, if we focus the fire it shall burn through steel, and who shall deny the Almighty His passion? What kind of life is lived without passion? It is a shallow life that knows no heights, that plunges not the depths of love. Our hearts are broken and shattered, exalted then crushed, refreshed, exhilarated, disappointed again, all so that we know too well, deep gratitude for love.

 

“ It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.”

~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Many people live their life trying to bypass pain, managing risk by avoidance. They never put their heart in jeopardy. In so doing, they inadvertently diminish the opportunity for their joy to be fully satisfied as God intended. It is much easier to tame a wild stallion, than to ride a dead donkey. Though the donkey shall not throw you, neither shall it take you anywhere. People are fearful of passion, perhaps for good reason. Passion out-of-control causes rage, murder and wars; misplaced passion causes affairs, marital breakups and broken homes. What about passion under control? Why not be zealous in a good thing? Righteous passion ( focused in the right place) such as; towards God, our spouses, our children and establishing righteousness in society, is not only a good thing, but is an absolute necessity! Our children should be inspired as we live out our deep convictions, rather than turned off by a wishy-washy shallow faith, marred with hypocrisy. Many marriages are dying because they do not stir the passion, if you do not attend the embers the fire will go out! At one time, you loved your spouse enough to pledge your undying devotion, you vowed to love them, “till death do you part.” Why did you allow apathy to drive a wedge between you? Stir up the passion, set you’re affections where they belong, draw near to your love and savor each intimate moment. We are commanded to; “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength!” This is not just a quaint suggestion, or noble concept, nor was it meant to be squelched by religious forms that suffocate the fire. It demands intimacy, passion, and constant attention lest we seek affections elsewhere. If love is not intimate, neither can it be fruitful! If love is not passionate it will slowly petrify. Within any healthy relationship that maximizes the beauty of intimacy, each person focuses on the pleasure and satisfaction of their partner, and not of themselves. As the bride of Christ learns to please Him in all things, He cannot help but to lavish upon her blessings and pleasures, beyond her imagination. He will satisfy her deepest longings and bring forth fruit that remains!

“…I wanted to live deliberately,

I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life,

to put to rout all that was not life

and not when I had come to die discover that I had not lived.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Question Authority!!!

   I once heard a sermon, where the preacher was teaching on “Respect for authority.”   He was upset about a bumper sticker he had seen, which simply read, “Question Authority!” Apparently, this preachers authority was in question, as he reminded the congregation of God’s call on his life, his knowledge of the Word and their need for him as a protective covering over them.   I’m sure he would have liked it if the few remaining members drank the kool-aid without complaint.   His influence over the people was dependent on their unquestioning obedience to his self-proclaimed authority.   I thought that true authority would be secure enough in itself to invite inquiry as an opportunity to impart wisdom to others and not barricade itself behind a defensive wall of self-justification.  Scripture teaches,

 

Prov 9:8-9 ~ Prov 27:5,6 ~ James 3:17

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser ~ Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend ~ The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

    Remember the Bereans! ( Acts 17:11 ) Whenever any so-called authority acts insecure, demanding or controlling, it’s because the highest authority of God’s Truth and Love are not in them. Flee for your life! Dictators and cult leaders require blind allegiance and do not tolerate their doctrine being scrutinized. It is every free thinker’s intellectual duty to inquire, verify and cross examine resources presented, to hold accountable, expose and confront all error with Truth. God created your intellect and reasoning skills, so you could use them to discern truth from error, love from fear and gain the wisdom of Christ, so that you are nobody‘s fool.

    For centuries, the Roman Catholic church controlled and exploited the masses, keeping the naïve subjugated by denying them access to God’s Word; limiting it’s dissemination except through a self-serving priesthood who manipulated it’s interpretation for personal advantage. The illiterate masses became dependents to the church and were denied the most basic human right necessary for self-awakening; the freedom to pursue and access Truth themselves. Jesus said, in Luke 11:52  

 “ Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered."   

   So likewise today, most church systems, denominational boards and their bylaws allow no legitimate challenges to their orthodoxy as they deny dissenting viewpoints a voice in order to maintain pseudo-unity under their rule.   I refuse to be sedated!   Passive people are easily manipulated by men and spirits not of God. They’re exploited by demonic doctrines which upfront seem reasonable, yet eventually enslave them. “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine”.    To incrementally trade off your liberties for a false sense of security, is to sell your birthright for a bowl of beans.  Like Esau, you’re selling your heritage into bondage down the road. My heart burns within me, I am weary of modern-day Pharisees, these micro-monarchs who corral God's people for their own selfish motives; who build kingdoms unto themselves in order to bolster their ego. It sickens me, how they heal the people slightly and make a big show of putting Band-Aids on cancer. God grieves over the wickedness of frail men in authority, who create dependency upon themselves, so they can feel important, valuable and potent. Whose corruption is multiplied through systemic institutions which reinforce their dysfunction and offer a meager pittance for the dependents they create.

WORTH FOLLOWING

   CAN YOU LEAD WITHOUT COMMANDING?  CAN YOU EQUIP WITHOUT CONTROL?  CAN YOU EXEMPLIFY CHRIST IN A MANNER WORTHY OF EMULATING?   DO YOU INSPIRE MEN TO FOLLOW OR FOSTER DEPENDENCY THROUGH INJECTING FEAR?  THERE IS NO HONOR TO HIM WHO THREATENS, FORCES OR COERCES OBEDIENCE.   ONLY THOSE WHO SERVE BY THEIR OWN VOLITION HONOR THE ONE WHO INSPIRES THEIR SUBMISSION, AS THEY INDEED RECOGNIZE AND ASCRIBE TO HIM; CHARACTER, WISDOM AND VALOR WORTHY OF FOLLOWING.

Why Does Revival Still Tarry?

 

John 15:16

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you

that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain,

so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

NASB

   For decades believers have been seeking God's face, crying out for revival, running to every conference, repenting of our sins and the sins of our nation, still no lasting revival. The revivals of past, brought us further revelation into the heart of God, but they too faded with time. There are currently measures of revival and/or awakenings in this city or that, but nothing comparable to Pentecost, nothing that would bring a nation to its knees. So, why does revival yet tarry?  Could it be, we are simply ill-equipped, unprepared for the answer to our own prayers?  If the Lord were to bring revival, would we burst at the seams, as old wineskins, unable to contain the new wine? Do we have enough men and women who have become disciples, who in turn can make disciples? Have we studied to show ourselves approved, as students of the Word, now capable to teach sound doctrine? Do we have sufficient character that we would not exploit the souls entrusted to our care? Do we know how to relate rightly one with another, without abuse, without trying to build a kingdom beneath ourselves? Do we Love, purely from the heart without hidden agendas or regard for selfish gain? Are you willing to open your home to the homeless, your pantry to the hungry and your heart to the child spared from abortion or abandonment? Are you willing to Love as extremely as revival requires?  Prayer has consequences.  Are you willing to be part of the answer to your own prayers?

A Prisoner in your Own Mind

( The Great Delusion of Psychological Time )

Much of this I learned from my dear friend, David Alsobrook.

I highly recommend his book, “ You can be Free from your Self.”

   We only have this moment, there is no other reality. The past and the future only exist as constructs of your mind. The past resides only in your memories, which are faded and unreliable and the future is a projection of your imagination, without basis in reality. Nothing has ever happened to you in your past. Whatever has happened to you happened at that moment, which then passed. It continues with you now only in memories. Likewise, nothing good or bad will ever happen in your future, for when it arrives, it is present. Unfortunately, most people waste great amounts of mental energy on these psychological constructs which steal away their peace. They regret the mistakes they've made, are embittered against what others have done to them and anxiety laden over what awaits them in the future. Their inner dialog is awash with guilt, shame, regret, bitterness and worry. It's sheer torment! These psychological snares effectively keep us from recognizing the vibrant Life of God surrounding us, impair our ability to hear His voice and restrict access to His grace at hand. They make us prisoners in our own minds. The Lord wants you free from all such mental bondage, so you can be clear headed, here in the present, savoring every moment with Him. God desires to talk with you, here and now; for it is written, “ Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.” and again, “The words I speak to you, ( present active tense ) they are spirit and they are life.” Thus, everywhere Jesus went, He preached the kingdom, commanding, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” and “Forgive, that you may be forgiven.” and further requiring us, to “Take no thought for tomarrow, Don't Worry about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall wear.” Peter, understood also, that to humble himself under God's mighty hand, meant to cast all his cares upon Him, knowing God's great love will care for us. (1 Pet 5:7) So Jesus, with our welfare in mind, commands us to:

1. Repent! ; so that we may receive forgiveness of our transgressions and freedom from the guilt and shame that holds us hostage and keeps us feeling unworthy to move on.

2. Forgive! ; so that we do not carry unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment into our present. We forgive, to free ourselves. The person(s) who hurt you, may be dead and gone, but you give them power to continue hurting you as the memory gnarls your soul with the cancer of bitterness.

3. Do Not Worry! ; Entrust your heavenly Father with your future, He knows what you need before you even ask. He will take care of you, because He loves His children.

You see, 2 of the 3 commands, cut off psychological ties to our past and the 3^rd cuts off our fears for the future, leaving us available, aware and attentive to the present reality at hand. This is how to clear away the clutter and make space for God inside you. This is where God speaks with His still small voice. This is where, true freedom lives, in the quiet contented heart, satisfied by God's presence.

Ps 46:10 ~ Isa 30:15

Be still, (cease striving) and know that I am God. ~

For thus saith the Lord... in returning and rest shall ye be saved;

in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength

Just Be.

Be still, knowing God is in control. Be content, not striving to become. Be accepted and Be loved, Be a child of the Most High and Be holy, healthy and whole. Be present, in the here and now, where everything is happening. The state of being, is much healthier and happier than the state of becoming; which always feels inadequate, unacceptable, unloved, discontent, unloveable, unworthy and unaware of your Father's heart towards you.  You've been striving to qualify, the child already loved and accepted.

A Freewill Offering

 

Ex 35:5, 21

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD, And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle

To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, to love and worship Christ Jesus is beautiful and right. Yet, to worship, love or fear anyone or anything more than God is the sin of idolatry, which make us slaves to inferior gods. Christ Jesus wants you free from erroneous concepts within you and the trapping systems around you; which in both our governments and religion manipulate and control through fear. Your heart should be free from the awe and fear of man, that you would not idolize corruptible flesh. Prov 29:25 “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” Our Lord desires that we rely wholly upon His Word and Spirit within us and not be dependent on man. Knowing that Jesus has set us free for freedom's sake and that God desires a free will offering, we can understand then, that the Lord wants the sum of all parts to function independently, yet as one. That every member of the body would grow up to the full measure of Christ and contribute voluntarily because of love and not for fear be systemically exploited by the ego of man. No member of the body should feel obligated to serve or be coerced to participate, but all must become equipped and empowered to fulfill their ministry as a free will offering. Even the slightest amount of coercion taints the offering, for it is no longer offered freely from love. God does not accept gifts wrapped in fear, for faith works by love and without faith it is impossible to please God. Seeing that fear is the antithesis of love, it will always corrupt your faith and taint your offerings.

Camo

 

Pride is simply the camouflage we use to hide our fear of insignificance; the compulsion to overcompensate for feelings of inadequacy; and striving to prove your worth in the eyes of others in order to validate oneself

The Fear of Insignificance

( The Source of Striving )

Eph 4:22-24

 Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

 

    Adam’s spirit defined him as a son of God, beloved and accepted, fully capable of communion, that is; to walk and talk in fellowship with God his Father. Among the damages Adam incurred through sin, was the loss of his identity as a loved son of God. He no longer knew God as his Father, nor was there any affirmation of love to affect his worth, being severed from his God-like spirit created deep seated insecurity and selfishness. At the core of our being, every human is plagued with uncertainty and doubts about their value in the universe. After all, science assures us; our lives are merely mutations of an anomaly, an insignificant part of a huge cosmic accident. So we ask ourselves, “What is my purpose and is there any significance for my life?” These daunting questions taunt our soul and set us running on the treadmill of vain striving.

James 4:1-2

From where come wars and fighting among you? Does it not come from your lusts  that wage war in your flesh?

Todd’s paraphrase

 

   The Fear of Insignificance is the origin of all striving, struggle and competition.  It is the base fear beneath our performance orientation; as we strive to become, determined to achieve, trying to prove our worth. So, naturally we fall into striving among men, measuring our accomplishments against one another, because the praise of men is a tangible and convenient means to prop up our frail ego. Thus, we quantify our intellect, we assess our skills, we appraise our wealth and influence, we judge our beauty, we gauge our fame and measure our manhood by the liquor we consume. We’re merely circus dogs jumping through hoops, hoping to get a bone at the end of our day. Paul writes,

2 Cor 10:12

“we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

 

    There will always be someone bigger and better, who can out perform you.   If you do achieve notoriety among men it is fleeting. Your trophies gather dust, your diploma gets packed away. You still go home, look in the mirror and wonder, “who am I ? ” and go to bed with a gnawing emptiness asking, “ Is this all there is? ” Only by knowing your Creator’s purposes and His great love for you, can your soul find rest, lasting peace and joy. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, by whom I am accepted in the Beloved and embraced by the Spirit of Adoption, whereby my soul cries, “Abba, Father ”.   And now, my identity is not in what I do, nor in what I've done, but in whose I am.  I am a child of the Almighty, a son of the most high God. My soul is now at peace…

Rom 8:15

Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Self Aware and Empty

  

   Eden was a banquet for the senses, a vast array of flowers and fruits, fragrance and flavors, all for Adam's enjoyment. Yet, in the midst of the garden stood an opportunity to exercise free will, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord sternly forewarned Adam saying, “ In the day that you eat of the fruit you shall surely die”. Adam squandered all the Lord's benefits, doubting all the Lord's good intentions toward him. He chose to believe the lies of the serpent, rather than trust the living God he walked and talked with daily. Having eaten the fruit he did not die physically, nor did his soul cease to exist, yet his spirit was separated from God. The knowledge of the Holy One was obscured from Adam's understanding, his mind was now shrouded in the darkness of doubt. The kind affection the Father had shown Adam was overshadowed by an unnatural fear. The voice he had once laughed with, now caused him to hide in the bushes and his childlike innocence was replaced with guilt and shame. This of necessity caused his priorities to shift. He was master of the world distributing the grace of God, tending to its needs, benevolent himself, without a care or thought for himself. But now he took from creation, taking life for food and clothes. He became self-conscious, self-serving, self-preserving and self-promoting to the detriment of all around him. Whereas his needs were naturally taken care of by the graciousness of God surrounding him, now he would need to self actuate, toil and scrap for his very next meal, as his sustenance would now come only by the labor of his hands and the sweat of his brow.  Perhaps most tragic, great fear and uncertainty resounded through the hollow of his soul, reducing the life he had known with God to a seemingly purposeless existence. This spiritual death is now the inheritance of all Adam's descendants, for the darkness of sin yet blinds mankind from the knowledge of the living God.

Rom 5:12 ~ ~ James 1:15

by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, ~ when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 So here we are today, 6000 plus years post-Adam, with every human child born into this spiritual death; created with an identity crisis.  In a sense, we are all born agnostic, that is to say, without knowing God; uncertain of His purpose for us and completely unaware of our value in His heart, or whether there even be a Creator? Asking ourselves; who am I, what is my purpose and does my life have any significance? The God-shaped hole within us stirs up our deep seated insecurities, uncertainty and strong feelings of inadequacy, therefore we lust; longing, taking, building, striving, and groping like blind men searching for vision, seeking to satisfy the insatiable. What is this lust within us and where did it come? Is not this craving inherited as we are naturally born lacking; that is to say, without spirit life? Our spiritual void longs to be filled, draws us toward sin, whose end is deeper death and further separation from the knowledge of God. Blaise Pascal, says it this way. Pensees #425

“What else does this craving and this helplessness proclaim, but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there, the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object;in other words by God himself.”

The Freewill Dilemma

( the power of choice )

Deut 30:15

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil

   Having created the heavens and the earth, the dry lands and the seas, His habitat for life, God filled them all with grass and herb, whose seed within itself, reproduced after its own kind. He created the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and creatures that swim in the oceans, yet His greatest work remained. Only one species in all creation would know Him, would recognize His voice, could converse with God. Mankind alone was created with the capacity to relate with God, the privilege to access His presence, the ability to be His friend. God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness", and thus man was made a spirit, as God is Spirit. It is man's spirit that granted him preeminence over every creature and through his spirit man was intended to rule the earth, and only through the spirit can we know God as He is. For the spirit alone gives us clarity and understanding of God's will and interprets the path of life that we may walk in His ways.

Job 32:8 ~ Prov 20:27 ~ John 16:13

there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.~ The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.~ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:

    Before Adam sinned, He walked and talked with the Lord, having privilege and access to God like none other. With childlike innocence he frolicked with God, abandoned and secure in the knowledge of God's love. Adam enjoyed life, having Life within himself. The God kind of zoë sprang up within his belly like an artesian well. He was deeply satisfied, content to the core of his soul, at peace with himself as he delighted in his Maker. Adam’s identity was complete as a son of God. There was no striving in his soul to become something better. He did not feel inadequate, confused or unloved; He was content to simply be. Adam’s mind did not race to and fro trying to achieve this or become that, His soul was at rest, contented in the knowledge of his Father’s love, without regret and free from worry. As a favored son, his every need was taken care of, being sustained by God's presence, Who satisfied him with good things. Every fragrant flower, every savory fruit, every soft grass to lie upon, and all that filled his senses, were gracious gifts from God. As a father delights in his child, the Lord delighted in Adam, laying countless wonders before his eyes just to hear his questions and to see his surprise. The Lord's presence brought fullness of joy to Adam and His right hand yielded abundant pleasures. Though His love for Adam was great, God was denied His greatest desire, to be loved freely in return. If Adam were constrained to love God, and by design yielded praise to God, then God had only praised Himself. God took His greatest risk by creating freewill, He made Himself vulnerable to rejection; creation could now disregard its Maker. Yet, through free will His deepest desire could also be fulfilled, for mankind could recognize His worthiness and choose to love Him, not by constraint but willingly, not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

Ex 35:5

Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it

NKJV

A Freewill Offering

Ex 35:5, 21

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD, And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle

    To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, to love and worship Christ Jesus is beautiful and right.  Yet, to worship, love or fear anyone or anything more than God is the sin of idolatry, which serves as slaves to inferior gods.  Christ Jesus wants you free from erroneous concepts within you and the trapping systems around you; which in both our governments and religion manipulate and control through fear.  Your heart should be free from the awe and fear of man, that you would not idolize corruptible flesh.   Prov 29:25 “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”   Our Lord desires that we rely wholly upon His Word and Spirit within us and not be dependent on man.   Knowing that Jesus has set us free for freedom's sake and that God desires a free will offering, we can understand then, that the Lord wants the sum of all parts to function independently, yet as one.   That every member of the body would grow up to the full measure of Christ and contribute voluntarily because of love and not for fear be systemically exploited by the ego of man.   No member of the body should feel obligated to serve or be coerced to participate, but all must become equipped and empowered to fulfill their ministry as a free will offering.   Even the slightest amount of coercion taints the offering, for it is no longer offered freely from love.   God does not accept gifts wrapped in fear, for faith works by love and without faith it is impossible to please God. Seeing that fear is the antithesis of love, it will always corrupt your faith and taint your offerings.

The Expectation of Glory!

Col 1:27,28
 … Christ in you, is the hope ( expectation ) of glory:
 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man
 in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect
( matured ) in Christ Jesus.

   Certainly, all of us have come to Christ out of our deep need. Jesus our Hero, rescued us, not because of our strengths, but because we were weak, needy and dying.  God chooses the weak things to shame the strong and the foolish things to shame the wise, so He chose we weak foolish ones to show that it is His wisdom, His power and His glory alone that matters. So, on one hand, the Church can be likened to a hospital; for healing the sick and nurturing the young. Yet, if in the process of time we are not healed, does that not reflect poorly upon our Great Physician?   If we do not grow up, does that not indict the effectiveness of our Master at making disciples and bearing fruit after His own kind?  May it never be!   Is not, one of the most glorious testaments to Jesus, the fact that those who were once frail, miserable and broken, through faith in Him, have found His overcoming power reproduced in themselves?  The sickly now in health, the tormented now at peace and the downcast now rejoicing!   These, bearing witness to the transforming power of Jesus at work within them, being changed from the inside out?   You see, Christ within you makes all the difference in the world.   The glory of God is His Son Jesus Christ, who is glorified through His body the church, as we become like Him, as He is, the perfect man.

The Lion in the Lamb

    Many Jews missed the day of their visitation because the long awaited Messiah came as a meek sacrificial lamb, while they anticipated the Lion of Judah would come as conquering king.  Likewise, many Christians today are failing to discern the Lord’s intention for His church; to increase her prowess and influence, because they identify so strongly with the sacrificial lamb, they are unaware of the overcoming Lion Who dwells inside them.

The Outward Flow

Matt 10:7-8
 As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received ( you were needy ), freely give ( Now you have something to contribute ).

   Scripture shows us, that the early church gathered together as one, that no man considered his goods his own, but all came to contribute, distributing the grace of God, sharing all things in common.   The Holy Spirit was at work within them, guiding and teaching them throughout their daily lives, perfecting and expanding His love in their hearts and driving out all their fears.   He laid into them a foundation of peace, contentment and deep satisfaction, whereby their generosity could flow continuously outward toward others.   Thus, when they gathered together, everyone had something valuable to supply, to edify and to build up others with.   Church was not the gathering of the needy to be fed by man, but the gathering of those whom Jesus had satisfied, to testify of His goodness and celebrate their common praise for His abundant supply!   Christ was their shepherd!   He anointed their heads with the oil of gladness and their cups overflowed with living water as His Spirit sprang up within their belly.   One had a prophecy, another had a psalm, another a song or a spiritual teaching, and prophets would prophesy two and three by coarse.   The glorious bride grew in health and strength by going out to give rather than waiting to get, contributing to the kingdom and to each other.   When all God's church realizes the greatness of Christ Jesus within them and when His saints (not just elite clergy) rise up to fulfill the work of ministry, then shall she be glorious again.   Gods Kingdom will not be established through programs developed by man, but again and only through a move of the Holy Spirit upon common believers, who dare to act on God’s Word. As He again makes God-like men from the dust.

Renew Your Mind

John 8:31,32

Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him,

If ye continue in my word, then are ye are my disciples indeed;

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

    If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus, you are not necessarily a disciple, nor is your soul automatically free from addictions, deception or demonic influence.  Your mind must be renewed.   Only disciples who continue in His Word become truly free, as the engrafted Word saves their souls and the Holy Spirit leads them into all Truth.  The ability to live free from bondage is not found in the sin conscious mind, even if it is remorseful.  No matter how badly you want free from your addiction to chocolate cake, pray the Lord to deliver you from chocolate cake, rebuke the demon of chocolate cake, your mind is still fixated on chocolate cake.  Only the mind that is refocused, captivated and satisfied by righteousness (that which is right and healthy) can experience the joyous liberty of the children of God.  If you ask the Lord Himself to be your satisfaction, taste and see that the Lord is good and delight yourself in Him, He will satisfy you always with good things.

 

Phil 4:8

 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

KJV

 

 

Authenticity

   There is a great multitude of people who simply want to see an authentic Christian; someone ruled and controlled by the love of Christ, someone who when faced with adversity remains selfless and doesn’t exalt themselves above others.  They want to see, if the flow of your focus and energy continually flows outward to enhance others or if you’re just another hypocrite putting on an outward show, trying to suck them in.

The Trouble with Tithing

 

    Let me make this clear from the beginning.  It is not my intention, neither am I advocating in any way, shape or form, that we be anything less than generous with the resources God has entrusted to us.  As always they remain at Christ’s disposal.  We are to be imitators of God; Who “gives to all men liberally and upbraideth not.”  He is a Father to the fatherless, the husband to the widow, He causes His rain to fall on the just and the unjust, He feeds the sparrows and clothes the lilies.  We should indeed be a generous people, led by His Spirit, using our money, goods and talents to meet the needs of our neighbors, demonstrating love, in deed and in truth.  Having our feet deliver to their door, our hands distribute to their need and our face be the expression of Christ’s love in our neighborhood. 

 

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

 

    The new covenant that Jesus established, decentralized God’s government and removed all middlemen ( except Jesus ).   So what practical changes have been made?

 

1.)  The Place: instead of one Temple of stone; our bodies are His living Temples.  

2.)  The Priesthood: in place of the Levites, we are now all His nation of Priests.     

3.)  The Purpose: rather than sustaining the Levites, God’s resources in our priestly hands need to minister to our neighbors; each other, the homeless, strangers, widows and orphans and anywhere else the spirit directs us. 

4.)  The Percentage:  10% may be a good baseline of giving, but be prepared to give it all, 100% if the Lord should require.   Remember the widow’s mite; she gave all she had to live off, trusting God to sustain her.

 

Refs:  Num 18:21,24-32 and  Deut 14:22-29

    Israel was commanded to tithe at one centralized Temple, to support the Levitical priesthood ( who had no inheritance ).   The priests were commanded to offer a heave offering of it and then eat it there!  The remainders went to feed the strangers, the widows and orphans.   It was not to be converted to money unless they needed to travel far, where upon arrival it was to purchase food and be offered and consumed.   If your church requires a tithe, you should demand the Pastor offer a heave offering and eat it there in church as commanded by the law.

 

Other troublesome issues with required tithing.

1.) It impersonalizes ministry alleviating the priestly responsibilities of every believer; Taking our faces, hands and feet out of the picture. ( You demonstrating love with God’s money)

2.) It severely limit’s the number of outlets for God’s ministry of provision.  Forcing the community to funnel into and beg at man’s institutions, rather than God’s Church being led of His Spirit, going out to meet the needs of their neighbors.

3.) Inefficiency; a large percentage is siphoned off for bureaucracy: salaries, mortgages, utilities and other programs that would otherwise care for the poor and needy among us.

 

Bottom line: Every Saint should be led by the Spirit with God’s resources in their hands.   Remember, “ It is more blessed to  give than receive.”   So, be generous.   

Unity of the Brethren

Unity of the Brethren

 

Amos 3:3  ~  ~ Eph 4:3-6, ~13

 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?  ~

 ~ Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all,

who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

~ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

 

   What is the value of unity, if its not in Christ?   What is the value of community, if relationships are exploited?   Fellowship and community are important aspects of our spiritual life, however, Jesus never asked us to submit our light beneath bushel baskets of institutional religion, or be yoked by man’s traditions.   Humanism should never be confused with godliness!   Agreeing to get along on terms set by man may bode well for slaves, but is not the portion of free sons and heirs.   Men may unite, (as they did at Babel) yet, remain completely at odds with Christ.   If we expect people to commit themselves to community life, yet that community has regulations, limitations and controls imposed by men, we are simply setting snares for souls.   Being submissive to the rule of man, may bring humanistic harmony, but it shall never rise to the crescendo Christ plans for His Church. 

   Unity is often mistakenly understood, as everyone knowing their place in the pecking order and being content therein.   The truest expression of Unity in the body of Christ, is not the unilateral submission of a weaker species beneath the stronger, ( as sheep under a shepherd )  but, it is the shoulder to shoulder agreement of the mighty with the Almighty, being made One, as the Father, Son and Spirit are One.   We will never become one with Christ through ecumenical compromise or tolerance of man’s order.   Only through fervent passion for Jesus, His Truth and Way can we all come into the corporate maturity and unity God desires! 

   Ps 133

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard,

even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.

 

    How is true unity achieved, is it through mutual compromise, where two parties sacrifice their convictions in order to get along?   Or by unilateral submission, one-party yielding and conforming to the requirements of a pre-existing structure or government (entrenched institutional leaders )? 

It is a shameful indictment that those who are supposed to be most mature among us are not able to receive alongside other mature brothers, when those preaching unity from the pulpit are themselves territorial, insecure and exclusive.  These make a mockery of the whole concept of unity and become impediments to the purposes of God.   Is not the unity God is looking for, a convergence of convictions in Christ?  All members submitted to each other in love, serving one another as unto Christ?   If we would recognize Christ in each other, we would serve His needs and obey whatever He speaks.   The Lord has been known to speak through a servant girl, a donkey and even confirmed His Word by a rooster‘s crowing.  Ought we not be careful then, to recognize Jesus in the least among us, honoring, serving and obeying Him as Christ manifests through each of us?   This is the matured unity of the faith; having God’s perspective, being one and esteeming Christ in each other, as better than our self.

ADVERSITY

Adversity causes us to measure life well,

Until nothing is taken for granted

The soul plucked from despair

 Finds its heart immersed in gratitude

No greater rejoicing was ever conceived

Than the once long barren womb

  Struggle only deepens the rivers of our peace,

 Pain only broadens the oceans of our joy

Contrast delivers us from shallow mediocrity

 Enabling us to appraise the heights and depths of Love

 Light only illumines, when set against the dark

As candles burnt in noonday sun, waste their wick for naught

There’s no sweet taste of victory,

Where no battle has been fought