Escape!

 

Trouble overwhelms us! Difficulties consume us! The fast pace of our society demands so much! Satan continually temps us! All we want to do is escape! However, for the Christian, we have help with our deepest struggles. In the closing verses of Habakkuk, he declares his ultimate faith in God and we can draw strength from it today when we are ready to escape the feelings of being overwhelmed, consumed, and defeated. In verse 19, Habakkuk declares:

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! (Habakkuk 3:19, AMPC)

Matthew Henry’s commentary regarding this verse states, “He that is the God of our salvation in another world will be our strength in this world, to carry us on in our journey thither, and help us over the difficulties and oppositions we meet with in our way.” We can find confidence in our relationship with a living God that He is able to strengthen us to accomplish all that is before us.

 

Habakkuk declares “The Lord God is my Strength,” and we too should not depend on our strength, but that of our Lord. For this reason, many find strength through the Scriptures.

 

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. (Philippians 4:13, AMPC)

 

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. (Isaiah 40:29, AMPC)

 

My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. (Psalm 119:28, AMPC)

 

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, AMPC)

 

When feeling the need to escape, our focus is on our lack of achievement, instead of remaining focused on Him who enables us to achieve. The enemy often distracts us from our dependence on God and God alone. It is only by Him that we even exist and live (I Corinthians 8:6). Christ infuses power within us. Iron in our blood is a significant source of strength. When someone cannot produce blood, the doctors will give him or her iron infusions intravenously. These iron infusions provide needed strength. When our connection to Christ is lost, we lose strength and power.

 

Christ is limitless. While we are constrained to this world, its dictates, and its confinement. Christ is eternally limitless. What we cannot accomplish, He can. What we cannot understand, He does. When we allow His infusion, we become strong. It is Christ who gives us strength (I Timothy 1:12). This infusion strengthens our soul, our mind, will, and emotion. While we may not be able to accomplish or complete the tasks, there is no need for those overwhelming feelings and emotions. The strengthening of our soul allows us to think more clearly, we communicate more competently, we feel balance in our emotions. From this place of strength we are able to face the mountains and speak with faith, “Lord, move this mountain” and the mountain moves because nothing is impossible for you (Matthew 17:20).

 

When we become self-focused, we lose sight of our dependence on God. When we strive to accomplish all that is seemingly for us to do, we labor, we toil, we fret, and we become overwhelmed. Colossians 3:23 (AMPC) states, “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.” If we have an infusion into our soul (mind, will, and emotions), we will be able to work heartily! Maintaining our focus on Christ is first priority. When we focus on Christ, He supernaturally provides strength when we are weary and feeling faint.

 

Often we feel the need to escape because of our own procrastination. Prosperity comes to those who are diligent and accomplish much, while escape through procrastination leaves you in a state of want (Proverbs 13:4). The sense of entitlement grips our souls and we begin to believe the lies ourselves – Because we exist, give us everything. Often escape through procrastination is a simple form of protest. We are protesting the fact that there are people in control asking us to accomplish some task. This behavior is destructive (Proverbs 18:9). Fear is another driving factor of escape through procrastination. Instead of confronting issues, we procrastinate to escape the tasks required. This fear is a trap for us (Proverbs 29:25). Another contributing factor to escaping through procrastination is our belief that there will be a perfect time to accomplish the tasks. In the end, we never get anything done (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Finally, indecision can drive our escape through procrastination. We are double minded and unstable (James 1:8).

 

Psalm 119 provides great encouragement to those who feel defeated and overwhelmed. While we may feel that our life cleaves to dust, it is the promises found in God’s Word that revives and stimulates us (vs 25). Through God’s promises, we experience mercy, loving-kindness, and salvation, which provides strength and confidence (vs 41). Hope springs from our relationship with God and His promises (vs 49). When we focus on God and His promises, we gain confidence to accomplish all assignments given to us because of God’s favor and comfort (vs 58 and 76). We remember God’s mercy and grace given to us; therefore, we can be merciful and gracious to others and ourselves.

 

Pray that God will strengthen your hind legs so that you are able to make progress with the tasks that are before you. In addition, believe for supernatural strength like Elijah. When he had prayed for rain and it finally came, Elijah ran so fast that he passed the horse and chariot that had gone before him.

And at the seventh time the servant said, A cloud as small as a man’s hand is arising out of the sea. And Elijah said, Go up, say to Ahab, Hitch your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you. In a little while, the heavens were black with wind-swept clouds, and there was a great rain. And Ahab went to Jezreel. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah. He girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel [nearly twenty miles]. (1 Kings 18:44-46, AMPC)

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Need a Miracle?

What miracle do you need today? Both the Old and New Testament are full of examples of our miracle working God! You can trust that God is able to meet your every need. As we know, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, KJV),” and “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23b).” We also know that when Jesus was on earth he went about performing all forms of miracles (Matthew 9:35). Furthermore, we know that God does not change “For I am the Lord, I change not (Malachi 3:6a);” and New Testament affirms the same message stating, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8, KJV).” Therefore we can be confident of the Miracle Working God is moved with compassion towards our needs and wants to perform miracles in our lives.

When He went ashore and saw a great throng of people, He had compassion (pity and deep sympathy) for them and cured their sick. (Matthew 14:14, AMPC)

Therefore, you are encouraged to find the Scripture for the miracle you need today. Begin to pray and believe that your miracle working God will perform a miracle in your life! It is often easier to believe for someone else, than to believe for ourselves. Write down the Scripture. Pray it every day. Believe it in your heart. God wants to pour out blessings upon you, your family, and your circumstances. To encourage and help you here are some that I have identified for you to encourage you in your walk of faith.

Do you need healing? Find courage in Naaman’s instant healing of leprosy (2 Kings 5:10-14) and Jesus’ healing of ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), and another (Matthew 8:2; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12). In an instant, God heals the entire Syrian army of blindness (2 Kings 6:20). He will do the same for you! Jesus healed the two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31, 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35), a man born blind (John 9:1-7), and another blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26). In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man, and another recorded in Matthew 12:22 and Luke 11:14. Do you have an infirmity? Jesus will heal (Luke 13:11-17). Do you suffer from swelling or accumulation of water in your body? Jesus will heal (Luke 14:1-6). Sometimes, in seemingly defense of Jesus, wounds occur as seen in the arrest of Jesus where Peter cuts off the ear of the bond servant of the high priest; Jesus heals (Luke 22:50-51). If your child is sick, turn to Jesus (John 4:46-54; Matthew 15:28; Mark 7:24). Are your children having mental issues, turn to Jesus (Matthew 17:14; Mark 9:14; Luke 9:37). A father is healed (Acts 28:8). If other family members are sick, turn to Jesus (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38). Jesus heals the Centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:1). Jesus heals a whole group of sick people at the pool of Bethsaida (John 5:1-9). Are you having blood issues? Jesus heals (Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:25; Luke 8:43). Are you suffering paralysis, nerve, or mussel issues, either physically or spiritually? Jesus heals (Matthew 9:2, 12:10; Mark 2:3, 3:1; Luke 5:18, 6:6). There is also the demonstration of Christ’s power through Peter (Acts 9:32-38), along with great signs and wonders through Stephen (Acts 6:8). Are you crippled; Jesus heals (Acts 14:8-10). Call for those who believe in healing to anoint and pray over clothes and when they touch your body you will experience healing (Acts 19:11-12).

Do you need supply? God will produce water from a rock (Exodus 15:23-25, 17:5-7; Numbers 20:7-11) or mana from heaven (Exodus 16:14-35). In Judges 15:19, water comes from a hollow place. Water is also supplied for the army of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 3:16-20). Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-11). Need an increase in your pantry, then read about the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:14-16) and also another widow (2:Kings 4:2-7). We all know the story where the loaves and fishes are multiplied to feed 4,000 (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:1). God sent Ravens with food for the Prophet Elijah (I Kings 17-18). God knows how to stretch your food (2 Kings 4:42-44; Matthew 14:15; Mark 6:30; Luke 9:10; John 6:1-14). You may have to revisit places you have once been. Maybe they were unproductive, but now God will supply (Luke 5:4-11; John 21:1-14). Trust God for supply and the unexpected income; go fishing (Matthew 17:24-27). If you need supernatural transportation, God will supply as He did for Philip (Acts 8:39).

Do you need deliverance? God will send plagues to your captures until they release you (Exodus 7:20-12:30). God’s ways of escape are miracles as well and seen in the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), the release of the apostles (Acts 5:17-20), the release of Peter (Acts 12:1-11), and shaking of the prison to release of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-40). There is the halt of destruction when Moses prayed (Number 11:1-3). God also parted the Jordan River so that the Israelites could pass over on dry land (Joshua 3:14-17) and at other times by Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:7-14). God sends hail to crush the Joshua’s enemy (Joshua 10:12-14). At Ebenezer a supernatural thunderstorm causes confusion for the enemy (1 Samuel 7:10:12) and a supernatural sound going atop the mulberry trees frightens the Philistines of their pending demise (2 Samuel 5:23-25). Examine the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; the only thing burned were the shackles that held them (Daniel 3:10-27). Do you feel like you are about to be devoured? So did Daniel, but God delivered him (Daniel 6:16-23). You may feel consumed, but you will survive and land safely on the shore as Jonah did (Jonah 2:1-10). You may not even be aware of your need of deliverance, but someone will pass by who will speak the name of Jesus and declare your freedom (Acts 16:18). Just like Jesus, you can pass unseen by your enemies (Luke 4:28-30). Jesus performs an exorcism (Matthew 8:28, 12:22; Luke 4:33, 8:26, 11:14; Mark 1:23, 5:1-20), and has now empowered us to cast out demons in His name (Mark 16:17); Philip cast out demons in Jesus' name (Acts 8:6—7). God will give you wisdom and discernment regarding the intentions of others and will delivery you out of the hand of the enemy (Acts 13:6-11).

Do you need peace? Jesus will calm the storms on His command (Matthew 8:23; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:22). When trouble is tossing you back and forth, Jesus will come walking on top to rescue you (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; John 6:15). Job’s possessions were destroyed with a whirlwind (Job 1:19), but restoration began for him in another whirlwind (Job 38:1).

Are you dead? God sends Elijah the Prophet to bring life back into the widow’s son (I Kings 17:17-24). Find strength in the raising from the dead of the Shunammite’s son (2:Kings 4:32-37). Have you eaten poison, then look to God because He will deliver you from death as Elijah did in Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38-41) and because we know “they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all (Mark 16:18a).” A viper bites Paul and he shakes it off (Acts 28:3-6). Much life can be gained if you get in the presence of God’s people (2 Kings 13:21). Jesus raised the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-18). We all know the story of Lazarus where Jesus raised him from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus also cares for Jairus’s daughter and raises her from the dead (Matthew 9:23; Mark 5:23; Luke 8:41). Resurrection of the dead continued with the church as seen when Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). Speak life! Often a sudden death shakes us to the core, but Paul raised back to life a young man who fell out a window (Acts 20:9-12).

Do you need a creative miracle? Turn to Genesis chapters 1 and 2 and release the Creator to perform a miracle in your life. This same Creator God caused buds to form on a dead tree rod in Aaron’s hands (Numbers 17:1-11).

Are you barren and want a child? Turn to the story of Sarah who was not only able to supernaturally conceive, but also nurse (Genesis 21:1-7). The Lord knows how to stop the cause of death, miscarriage, or barrenness (2:Kings 2:21-22). Zachariah and Elizabeth desired children and God granted them a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25).

Do you need direction or purpose? Just watch and listen because God is able to speak to you from the midst of the fire in a burning bush (Exodus 3:3) or demonstrate that you already possess all that you need by changing your rod into a snake (Exodus 7:10-12). You had better listen, because God may use a donkey to speak to you (Numbers 22:21-35). A star, the Star of Bethlehem, guided wise men to see Christ (Matthew 2:1-9). God will guide you too.

Have the promises of God not materialized in your life? Israel’s first conquest in obtaining the promised land in Canaan was the battle of Jericho where they followed God’s command marching and blowing trumpets until the walls fell and the promise obtained (Joshua 6:6-20).

Do you need more time? Well so did Joshua and Hezekiah; for Joshua time stood still (Joshua 10:12-14), while for Hezekiah time ran backwards (2 Kings 20:9-11).

Has something precious been lost and you need it returned? You can trust God who can cause an axe to float in water, because He will cause your missing items to return (2 Kings 6:5-7).

Do you need strength? Turn to the story of Sampson (Judges 14-16). Trust the God who infuses strength within us according to Philippians 4:13 (AMPC) which states, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”

In general, there are other examples of miraculous works. Jesus sent seventy, two by tow who return with great rejoicing of the miracles they had observed in Luke 10. The Twelve Disciples performed miracles (Acts 4:30, 5:12-16), however, miracles were not just reserved for the Twelve Disciples alone (Mark 9:39; John 14:12).

Be blessed today! Trust God for your miracle!

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Heavenly Longing

Do you long for heaven? Do you value life on earth greater than eternity with God saying, “Lord come, but not before…?” Do you operate on earth to see the fulfillment of heaven’s promises? Hebrews 11 is a chapter in the Bible known as the “Heroes of the Faith.” In the middle of that chapter, verse 13, we find the controlling and sustaining factor for these heroes:

These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God’s] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. (Hebrews 11:13, AMPC)

As “exiles upon the earth,” they were here to accomplish a heavenly mission. They lived everyday as if they were going to see the fulfillment of every promise of God on the earth. They were “controlled and sustained by their faith.” Regardless of whether the fulfillment of the promises of God in their lifetime, they maintained their focus on God’s promises. Our heavenly longing should be to see the fulfillment of God’s promises upon the earth. This should drive our every focus. We should work to gain income to finance the work of God. We should share every day the promises of God with those we encounter. What longing has God placed in your heart that drives you in everything you do?

The Apostle Paul provides several examples of having a heavenly longing:

[Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8, AMPC)

For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; (Philippians 1:21-23, AMPC)

A heavenly longing, sees our purpose in life is the final destination, eternity with God. In addition, a heavenly longing drives our earthly purpose. While we live here on earth, the life of Christ within us should drive our every thought and purpose with fruitful service. While heaven is the deeper yearning, Paul sees the benefit of him remaining on earth as service to others; service is advancement of the Gospel, and service to those he leads. Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11, AMPC).” An ambassador is sent as a representative and as Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are here to represent His desires which includes Salvation for all (1 Timothy 2:4). Who have you served today? Have you been a good Ambassador? Have you encouraged someone to follow Christ?

The Psalmist had a heavenly longing.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. (Psalm 73:25, AMPC)

Pray. Ask God to awaken a heavenly longing within you. Be driven as an Ambassador for Christ encouraging others, declaring God’s promises in the earth, and placing your primary desire to be in heaven with Christ.

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Man's Purpose

Do you know your purpose in life? God does! Often in these posts, the Amplified version of the Bible is used. The Amplified Bible is a Literal Equivalent translation that, by using synonyms and definitions, both explains and expands the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses, brackets, and after key words. The use of brackets adds information supported by other Scripture, which helps explain verses that are sometimes misquoted or misunderstood. Ecclesiastes 3:11 is a great example to compare the King James Version (KJV) and the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC):

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, KJV)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMPC)

 

Theologians have debated this passage for hundreds of years, often persuading their listeners to a particular point of view. At issue is questions surrounding the Hebrew word translated “world” in the KJV and the much larger understanding observed in AMPC. The Pulpit Commentary contains a good discussion regarding some versions translating the Hebrew to “world,” while most agree the best interpretation is “eternity.”

 

In context, this is the time and seasons chapter. Therefore, the understanding of eternity is more accurate and supported by most today. Think for a moment, God “planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds. God created man to live eternally. The added text in brackets from the AMPC provides us a deeper look. ”A divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy.” Only God can satisfy our deepest need, eternity. Our purpose is to work allowing God to consume us. Man will search high and low, deny the existence of God, but in the end, they will be unsatisfied. Nothing can quite the troubled mind or heal our broken body, except God. Our purpose is to know Him, and make Him known (John 17:25-26). Life on earth is just a vapor (James 4:14). Eternity in heaven is our purpose.

 

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Touch

The largest organ of our bodies is the skin covering about 21 square feet of the average adult body and weighing 9 pounds with more than 11 miles of blood vessels. Our skin sheds 50,000 cells every minute and humans are responsible for about a billion tons of dust (dead skin) in the atmosphere. God’s creative work helps us “feel” the world around us. Receptors enable us to feel and react to pain and to touch. A study conducted in the 1940’s of 26 children in an orphanage proved the value of touch. Removed from human touch as infants, there development was significantly derailed in that at the age of one they were less curious, less playful, and more subject to infections. By the age of 3, only 2 of the 26 children could walk and manage a few words (http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/capsules/histoire_bleu06.html).

 

When we ourselves or someone we know is hurting, our first response is to touch. Doctors and Nurses know the value of touch. First responders know the value of touch, often employing touch as a technique to calm and soothe pain, confusion, and agony. Teachers know the value with a student who is not listening or causing a disturbance by simply touching their shoulder often draws their attention back into order. When a loved one dies, or is involved in a tragic accident, family gathers and touches. When a child scrapes their knee parents console with touch. Customarily, when we meet one another we shake hands or hug. Even for those who struggle with touch, often resort to fist bumps as an acceptable form of touch.

 

God touches us all. Adam was not just acquainted with fellowship with God, but God actually touched him. When God formed man in Genesis 2:7 the word “formed” in Hebrew is “yatsar” which means to mold into a form much like a potter. God’s hands reached down, touched Adam, and formed him with love and care. In Genesis 2:22, God made Eve and the Hebrew word for “made” is “banah,” which means to build. Therefore, men are Biblically correct when they say, “She’s built!” Oh, I digress. God too touched her. We see in Jeremiah 1:5 that God forms and touches babies in the womb utilizing the same Hebrew word found in Genesis 2. There is a deep longing within the heart of man to feel the touch of God again in their lives. Nothing can satisfy the heart of man until they are experiencing the touch of God in their lives. When man separates himself from the touch of God, man is lost. Sin separates us from the touch of God. Have you experienced the touch of God again in your life recently? Do you experience His touch daily? You can! Where are you? Do you recognize your lost state? You may need to just get in His presence today and feel God’s touch.

 

Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:4-5 (AMP)

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Touch

The largest organ of our bodies is the skin covering about 21 square feet of the average adult body and weighing 9 pounds with more than 11 miles of blood vessels. Our skin sheds 50,000 cells every minute and humans are responsible for about a billion tons of dust (dead skin) in the atmosphere. God’s creative work helps us “feel” the world around us. Receptors enable us to feel and react to pain and to touch. A study conducted in the 1940’s of 26 children in an orphanage proved the value of touch. Removed from human touch as infants, there development was significantly derailed in that at the age of one they were less curious, less playful, and more subject to infections. By the age of 3, only 2 of the 26 children could walk and manage a few words (http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/capsules/histoire_bleu06.html).

When we ourselves or someone we know is hurting, our first response is to touch. Doctors and Nurses know the value of touch. First responders know the value of touch, often employing touch as a technique to calm and soothe pain, confusion, and agony. Teachers know the value with a student who is not listening or causing a disturbance by simply touching their shoulder often draws their attention back into order. When a loved one dies, or is involved in a tragic accident, family gathers and touches. When a child scrapes their knee parents console with touch. Customarily, when we meet one another we shake hands or hug. Even for those who struggle with touch, often resort to fist bumps as an acceptable form of touch.

God touches us all. Adam was not just acquainted with fellowship with God, but God actually touched him. When God formed man in Genesis 2:7 the word “formed” in Hebrew is “yatsar” which means to mold into a form much like a potter. God’s hands reached down, touched Adam, and formed him with love and care. In Genesis 2:22, God made Eve and the Hebrew word for “made” is “banah,” which means to build. Therefore, men are Biblically correct when they say, “She’s built!” Oh, I digress. God too touched her. We see in Jeremiah 1:5 that God forms and touches babies in the womb utilizing the same Hebrew word found in Genesis 2. You were touched by the hands of God when you were conceived in the womb of your mother. There is a deep longing within the heart of man to feel the touch of God again in their lives. Nothing can satisfy the heart of man until they are experiencing the touch of God in their lives, again. When man separates himself from the touch of God, man is lost. Sin separates us from the touch of God. Have you experienced the touch of God again in your life recently? Do you experience His touch daily? You can! Where are you? Do you recognize your lost state? You may need to just get in His presence today and feel God’s touch.

Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:4-5 (AMP)

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Earth Day Wisdom

Earth Day was this week and for many this is promoting man's wisdom above the wisdom of God. While we are called to be good stewards, this celebration was created with the mindset that man is in control of his own destiny and denies the existence of a sovereign God who is in control of the Universe's continuance. In Job chapter 38, God enters the scene and begins taking Job to task for his prolonged grief and loss. I hope to never be found having to answer God on questions like these. I only want to be found as that good and faithful servant. Today, trust that God is sovereign and has everything in his purview regarding your life. Wisdom is to trust God. 

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Declare to Me, if you have and know understanding. Who determined the measures of the earth, if you know? Or who stretched the measuring line upon it? Upon what were the foundations of it fastened, or who laid its cornerstone, (Job 38:4-6 AMP)

In Job 38:36, we begin to see that God is the spring from which all wisdom comes. Our rational souls are a result of a creative God. If we can examine how great God is by the vastness of the universe and all it holds and displays, can we also embrace the complexity of man and his inner parts? Man has placed the telescopes, sent probes to other planets and into space, and even landed on the moon, yet he has only discovered at most a thimble full of what God has created. Man has studied genetics, their order, and make up, yet he has only examined a minute portion of the human body. Man has tried to explore the depths of the soul, but can find no inner peace in all his knowledge without embracing a living, creative God! From the micro to the macro, man has yet to discover the end of God's creative work and he never will. 

It is only when we align our souls with the creator God that we begin to understand how weak we are. Can we pretend to be wiser than God? We were not designed to govern the universe and all that is within it. We struggle just to govern our lives. We were designed to worship the creator, to praise Him for all He has done for us, to recognize our dependence on Him and Him alone. Lately, it is only tragedy and world disasters that drive men to their knees and humbles their hearts to search for understanding and hope. It is at these times that we must be ready to introduce a living, creative God. Praise God for His mighty works. Declare His goodness. Humble yourself and exalt God to His rightful place in the earth and in your life. 

Moses and Aaron visit Pharaoh with this message from God, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?" God, demonstrating His power used the things He had created to address the defiance of Pharaoh. Pharaoh did not understand the the earth is the Lord's and everything that is in it (Psalms 24:1). "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" (Hebrews 11:3, ESV).  Wisdom is to humble yourself and by faith trust the Living God. Again, praise God for His mighty works. Declare His goodness. Humble yourself and exalt God to His rightful place in the earth and in your life. 

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh, and said to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me.  (Exodus 10:3 AMP)

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Shifting Sands

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. (Hebrews 13:15, AMPC)

 

In the closing statements of the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 7, Jesus provides wisdom for consideration. Governing obedience is not by what we say, but by what we do. The Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded sermon given by our Lord covering chapters 5-7 in the book of Matthew. In it, we find these lessons or stories, which cover a number of topics familiar to most Christians:

·        Beatitudes,

·        Salt and Light,

·        the Fulfillment of the Law,

·        Murder,

·        Adultery,

·        Divorce,

·        Oaths,

·        Eye for Eye,

·        Love Your Enemies,

·        Giving to the Needy,

·        Prayer (The Lord’s Prayer),

·        Fasting,

·        Treasures in Heaven,

·        Do Not Worry,

·        Judging Others,

·        Ask-Seek-Knock,

·        the Narrow and Wide Gates,

·        True and False Prophets,

·        True and False Disciples,

·        the Wise and Foolish Builder

The closing topic is the Wise and Foolish Builder (Matthew 7:24-27). Any house will fall if the foundation is not secure. Our founding fathers knew that our nation needed a proven and true foundation. Examining their own lives they chose one containing laws not formulated by men, but by the Creator of all. A foundation of truth that stood the test of time and quieted the fears of men. They chose Judeo-Christian values written in the Word of God, the Bible.

 

What portion of our economy represents the managing unrighteousness? We have seen exponential growth in the last 50 years. Many attribute this to the change of our school systems with the removal of the Bible; however, the real failure is lack of instruction given from the Bible in our homes. If we are truly a nation governed by the people, then the unrighteousness that exists in us is prevalent in our society. Legislation utilizing the Bible alone is insufficient. Peoples’ hearts need to change. Sacrifices are required for the lack of obedience (I Samuel 15:22). Had Adam and Eve never sinned in the garden, Christ would not have had to die on the Cross.

 

We need our nation called to a sacrifice of praise yielding revival in the hearts of men. The foundation of our nation is now on shifting sand because of our disobedience to God’s Word. A revival is necessary to secure our foundation again on God, Christ, and the Word of God.

 

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it. (Matthew 7:24-27, AMPC)

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Faith Filled Thinking

But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. (Hebrews 5:14, AMPC)

Identify, reject, and replace falsehoods with biblical truth is the constant work for our mind to remain on Christ. We must watch “self-talk.” Do you realize what that means? The main trouble with thoughts is that we allow our self to talk to us instead of taking control of our thoughts. Wisdom is control your thought life. Most unhappiness in life is due to “self-talk.” Take captive those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. Yesterday's trouble has a way of reminding us of our defeats the next morning. Some thought will start talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. What did King David do? He starts talking to himself in Psalm 42:5. ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul?’ he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. Therefore, he stands up and says, ‘Self, listen for moment, I will speak to you’.  

The main issue for spiritual living is to take control of your thoughts and the self-talk it produces. David Addressed himself. You must address yourself and remind yourself of the Word of God. Use Scripture:  ‘Why are you cast down’  once you have identified the thought you must reject and replace it like David did: ‘Hope you in God’(Psalm 42:5). Replace those thoughts with God's thoughts toward you and how God responded to others in the Bible. Resist what the world or the devil wants you to believe. David responded, I “wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.”

Sometimes, when we are blind to our own thinking, fellowship with other believers can correct or lead us to proper beliefs and self-talk. Our thought life produces an atmosphere from which comes the making of our decisions. Examine the atmosphere that formulate the basis of your decisions. Is it faith filled or worldly filled with doubt and unbelief? Our thoughts produce an atmosphere from which comes our choices. Romans 1:21 calls this atmosphere "darkened thinking" or "darkened understanding." Turn on the light and come out of those darkened places. Allow God’s Word, His thoughts towards you, and His purpose for you shine in those darkened areas of thought.

 So today, do not be cast down oh soul, but hope you in God!

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. (Psalm 42:5, AMPC)

Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened. (Romans 1:21, AMPC)

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Saturated Mind

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16, AMPC)

The idea here is to super-saturate our minds with biblical truth. As if a large sponge that is so saturated with water that it oozes at the slightest poke, so we should be so full of scriptural truth that any stimulus prompts us to respond with what God says about that area of life. There is only one source of biblical truth. Spiritual transformation takes place via the renewal of our minds with biblical truth.

We must guard against being scatterbrained Christians. We need to draw upon the divine resources given us to bring every thought and understanding under Christ's Lordship. The divine resources are many - the indwelling Spirit of God; the Word of God hidden in our hearts; the instruction of Godly pastors, teachers, parents, mentors, friends; biblically and doctrinally sound literature. We must avail ourselves of all His resources if we are to make every thought captive to His will and way.

We must also refuse to fill our minds with things that are contrary to holiness. In the world, we live ungodly ideas and images are all around us. We do not have full control of what we see and hear. However, we do have some control. We can control the books we read, the programs we watch and listen, the magazines we read, the Internet sites we visit, the music we listen to, and the teaching we ascribe. We must take the utmost care with what we fill our minds.

Singleness of heart and mind is crucial to living Christ-like. Loving the Lord with all our minds certainly includes "taking every thought captive making it obedient to Christ." We either, take every thought captive or our thoughts will captivate us. We cannot control what thoughts pop into our minds, but by God's grace and power we do we have full control of them once they are there. Therefore, let us draw upon God's resources and empowerment to take our thoughts captive for Christ. Victory is ours in Christ Jesus!

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Mind Renewal!

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2, AMPC)

The key to spiritual growth is mental transformation. Those who focus on superficial ethical change or emotional experiences are off-track. Deep-seated, lasting ethical change and healthy spiritual experience are results of primarily learning to think differently about ourselves, God, others, our circumstances, etc.

Our thoughts are like a stream in a forest. As we walk the path, we occasionally see the stream. It is at those moments that we are able to change the stream, or cross it. Our thoughts run through our minds like a stream. When they come into our conscious mind, we have an opportunity to change those thoughts.

The renewal of our minds is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are not mere bystanders in this work. The Holy Spirit calls and empowers us in participation with this work. Note the command the Scriptures give us is for us to take captive every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is our responsibility - "WE take captive." Second Timothy 1:7 gloriously proclaims, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity,” but of " power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." In the New Testament, the Greek word used here for self-discipline is unique. No other passages utilize this word. It denotes a "sound-mind," the ability to think clearly and sensibly so that one can be self-disciplined. In Biblical usages, it is “an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, to moderation and self-control” or “self-control, moderation.”  

Renew your mind and your thinking today. In cooperation with the Holy Spirit, discipline your thoughts. “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them] (Philippians 4:8, AMPC).” 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5, KJV)

 
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7, AMPC)

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