What About Isaac?

It’s astonishing the amount of warfare that one goes through to get ready for church.  Let me restate that.  It’s astonishing how much warfare I go through getting ready for church.  It was casual day so that should have made it easy.  It didn’t.  By the time I got it together what I was going to wear I had so over analyzed my appearance that I didn’t want to go.  Well, I wanted to go; I just didn’t want to go late.  I couldn’t bear the shame of missing praise and worship and the ever playing loop in my mind of the pastor admonishing the congregation about why no one should miss praise and worship.   I even visualized his Facebook post that ended with #dontbelate.  I’ve been late before but clearly the devil was messing with me.  I just happened to take it to the next level, self-sabotage being an annoying strong suit of mine.

To be most honest I feared the scrutiny of wearing open-toe shoes without a pedicure.  I don’t know why I notice my shortcomings most when I am getting ready for church- maybe because sometimes that’s where they are pointed out.  Nevertheless, I confronted my fear and headed out the door to the car and off to church.  I then stood beside the car door and stared at my feet.  Ten minutes I wasted staring and wondering about who might comment on my lack of pedicure and how everything was wrong with my feet.  I got into the car started it up and it was past “E”.  Seriously? Where did the gas go that I knew I had?  By the time I got to the gas station I knew I wasn’t going to church.  I also knew that my church home isn’t like what was playing out in my mind.  I put ten dollars’ worth of gas into the tank and went to a different church– late. 

I figured I would go where I would be lost in a multitude of people that not only didn’t know me and would not look at my feet but wouldn’t notice my lateness.  I believe I was picking a church to accommodate all ten thousand of my issues. 

The thing is this, if the devil was messing with me and trying to get inside my head he wouldn’t have sent me running to a place where a message was being released that I needed to hear.  Not only that I got a revelation that would have knocked my socks off had I been wearing some to cover up my lack of a pedicure.

I caught the tail end of the pastor’s series about being “all in” for the Lord.  It was a powerful, thought-provoking teaching that let Holy Spirit go to work on me doing some heart work, you know? As the pastor was wrapping up the service he showed a slide with a picture of a marina filled with docked sailboats.  It was a hard hitting demonstration of more boats being docked than out on the ocean sailing– which is what they are meant for.  He correlated it with Christians.  More of us are docked than doing what we are called to do because of fear and not being all in for Jesus. 

I was so moved by the teaching I stayed for the next service to join the praise and worship and hear what I missed at the previous service.  As the pastor gave examples of people in the Bible whom were all in for Jesus, I realized then that I hadn’t missed much of the earlier service.  As he began to speak again about Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac a revelation dropped in my spirit.  I then realized how much I missed- not just today but every time I’ve read about Abraham and Isaac.  Here’s the deal.  Clearly Isaac understood the concept of sacrifice.  He said to Abraham, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7) He knew the components of an offering.  It says in Genesis 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 

There is no mention that Isaac resisted being bound.  Neither is there mention of a struggle when he was laid on the altar.  As much as Abraham was willing to offer his beloved son as a sacrifice, Isaac was willing to give his life as a sacrifice.  He trusted God every bit as much as his father did probably even more.  In Genesis chapter 21 verse 12 God tells Abraham “For in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Isaac didn’t have the benefit of that conversation so there must have come a time when Isaac realized that he was the lamb God was providing according to what his father told him and he submitted to the purpose his father had in mind.

As a side note it could also be said that in the lands surrounding them child sacrifice was so commonplace neither Abraham nor Isaac would have thought it a great deal to participate in such an act.  Still, Abraham was obedient to God’s command and trusted Him at His word.  Abraham is credited with being the father of our faith but truly he is the father of our obedience.

 In Genesis 22:6 it says: And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son… This makes me mindful of Jesus, the burnt offering, carrying the wooden cross.  It’s interesting that, in the same verse, it says Abraham took the fire in his hand and a knife.  I saw in the spirit that fire was the Holy Spirit and the knife was the word of God.  In Abraham’s had was the fire of the Holy Spirit and God’s promise to him.  I saw unfold the scene at Calvary with God, the Father; God, the Holy Ghost; and God, the Son in those Genesis 22 scriptures and God’s promise to us, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not withhold is only begotten Son.  Neither did Abraham withhold his son and promise.

Isaac was a willing sacrifice and in return God spared his life.  God’s own Son, Jesus, was a willing sacrifice, an acceptable, unblemished sacrifice.  Lord let me be an acceptable sacrifice.  I wholly submit my life to you do to as you will, to fulfill the things you have purposed me to do through Christ Jesus who strengthens me to do them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

As if that weren’t enough for a beautifully blessed day, between the two services I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen for quite some time.  You never know how much you’ve missed someone until you see them again.  When that person shares an idea that been on your heart, well, who could have orchestrated that chance meeting but God?  I am looking forward to joining her book writer’s club.  Not to mention the encouragement she gave me that blessed my heart.  The title of this piece is “What About Isaac”. It could just as easily have been “How Great is God!”

Now, warm fuzzy feelings aside, there is a subtext that we have look a certain way or have certain things if we are to be accepted as ministers of the word of God.  It's troubling that pleasing man has been made a religious step towards pleasing God.  One would not be hard-pressed to find saints given to comment or "help a sister out" saying "you should have worn earrings", or "I liked the way you did your makeup back then".  Being so helpful can just as easily be so destructive.  The world acknowledges that women dress for women.  The church has adapted that idea hook, line and sink her.  It can't be ignored that the church can, at times, be more of a fashion house than a disciple making house. 

Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.  11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.  It is commonly said to "Come as you are" in church.  Really it's come as you are, get with the program, stay with the program and don't depart from it. 

When Jesus sent out the disciples He told them to be shod with sandals and not put on two coats.  That sounds minimalist to me.  I couldn't get out the house without makeup, jewelry, matching this, matching that.  Honestly!  Therein lies my real shame.  I am confessing a fault so please pray for me.  "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them."  We receive people conditionally looking for their Sunday best.  A few years back I was heading to church when I was stopped by a man outside a nearby apartment building.  He expressed to me that he had been wanting to go to the church but hadn't because he saw the people dressed nicely and he didn't have nice clothes.  People are shaking the dust from their feet before they enter the house of God.  Perhaps if everyday was casual day more people will feel welcome to not only visit our churches but dwell there. 

Publishing: Scribe or Literary Agent (My class is on break but still writing)

 

At this juncture of The Scribal Anointing we should have Acts 2:17 deeply embedded in our spirit as scribes. In fact, this scripture speaks to the marching orders of the present day scribe.  God is pouring His spirit out on all flesh but what are you, specifically, called to do?

 

Rest assured in the midst of this great outpouring of His spirit you are not called to "Sit on it" like Potsie on Happy Days, instructed scribes, these are the Glory Days you are commanded to publish God's glory and proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

 

You may very well be the most prolific poet or a house full of snaps spoken word artist.  You may even be a New York Times list best-selling author but what does any of that have to do with the Kingdom of God?  Scribes of the King are you tapped into the heart of God sharing with the world the good news of Jesus Christ and telling the world by any means necessary through skits, plays, poetry, spoken word, novels, movies- even clothing and accessories what God speaks to you while you are in your prayer closet? 

 

It has been said that prayer is our response to God.  How else are you responding? What are you publishing?  As scribes of the most-high God your publishing company is your action or inaction, for that matter, and it serves as an active epistle or testimony of God's word in your life.  Which takes precedent, your words or His?  To which system do you belong, the secular world or the kingdom of God's? 

 

If you want to be a worldly scribe, aka a writer of nice things, let's get worldly and jump into the flesh. Now, can you hear God asking "What have you done for me lately?"  Let's put a beat to it, a baseline.  Your heart, kingdom scribes, beats to publish God's word! Do you need a horn section? Gabriel has sounded his horn. Now get your pens, pencils, and paper together and get to God's work! God is trusting you and blessing you with His spirit and straight from His heart, His word.  How are you trusting Him?  How are you blessing Him?

 

Now is the time to ask yourself if you are truly a scribe of the King instructed unto the kingdom of heaven or a literary agent of the world.  Why do you publish the things you do?  The essence of publishing boils down to this, are you seeking world renown and riches or are you seeking kingdom inheritance and the righteous reward of putting God first? When the time comes and your are standing face to face with the Lord accounting for the things you have published will you be crying out to God saying "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot my transgressions or will you now publish "O taste and see that the LORD is good?"

In The Company of Scribes

Blessed Father God, look at your children! The earnest expectation of creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God– look how they are standing up to be counted, ready to go to war as scribes!  Pens in hand as mighty swords, one by one they are answering the call and awaiting instruction.  Let them not get weary in waiting thinking it was a false alarm.  No, the trumpet has sounded and it’s time to prepare.  Prepare their hearts, O Lord, that they will not only hear from You but receive your instruction and burn with passion and zeal for your word. 

Let them be driven to carry out all that You have given them to do.  As they stand up, Father God, let them begin to walk together encouraging one another, fasting and praying together in obedience to your will– that all scribes be instructed unto the kingdom of heaven.  Let them not fall by the wayside in discouragement thinking their gifts don’t matter or no one will hear their voice.  Each one saves one.  I pray, Father God, as they begin to stand and be counted they will also stand as Ezra did, sold out and on fire for You.  Let them stand wholly committed to Jesus, Your precious Word.  Holy Spirit help me help them see the beauty each one possesses and demonstrate how absolutely vital and loved they are as individuals and as a company.  We should all know what we’ve been given to do doesn’t take great skill– it takes great obedience.  It takes great courage. It takes great faith- faith so great it takes a mustard seed to contain it! Oh, but what faith bursts forth from that tiny seed; faith to set people free not because of a jury’s verdict, no! People set free because an army of scribes took to task your word and put pen to paper and got the job done! Hallelujah in their homes, in their churches, and in the streets of their cities and even on the job they are sharing your word! Deliverance at the tip of a pen driven by scribes operating under the Scribal Anointing working in unity with Holy Spirit.  Not a tribe called quest but a tribe called Ezra on a quest to snatch souls from the grasp of the pit.  A tribe speaking from the very heart of God interceding and reclaiming territory for the Kingdom! One small leap of faith after another breaking the chains of hell because who Jesus sets free is free indeed!  Yes, Father God, an army of scribes not used to entertain but an army of scribes with Jesus working through them setting the captives FREE! 

We are an army of scribes committed to living lives of holiness, teaching and protecting the word. We are a prayerful army; an army full of prayer relying solely on You, Father God, as our source shunning pride and haughtiness.  We will remain humble but we will ever be a force to be reckoned with, pen in hand ready to reveal treasures both old and new.  Truly if God be for us who can stand against us?  What can stop the flow of ink, the spoken word, or any of the prophetic arts from going forth; an army of uncircumcised Philistines? Not as long as we know our gifts come from You, gifts for which we give You all the honor, glory, and praise.  Individually and collectively WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT YOU Author and Finisher of our lives.  You are the beginning and the end; Alpha and Omega.  Thy will be done through us, Father God, till every knee bows to the name of Jesus, till every soul cries out Jesus save me we will keep it moving, keep it pushing and keep it real, holy and sanctified by the blood of Jesus the risen Christ in whose mighty name we pray, amen!

 

Alone With God

Heavenly Father, beloved Author and Finisher of my life, only You know how my story is written.  I can only hope that I am turning the pages according to your will.  You know me- not only am I not always sure but sometimes, like with any other book, I like to read the ending first or even the middle to see how it relates to the beginning. It’s not because I have a desire to know all the answers- I hardly know the questions, I just want to know the ending is You, that the pen is still and always in your hand. Besides, even looking ahead I still don’t have all the answers. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re editing and rewriting things even as I go along. Just never write yourself out of my story.  I am nothing without you and as much as things don’t make sense now, they never will without you.

What I know is I will keep moving forward trusting You, Your workmanship through me and in me. So here I am working towards becoming the instructed scribe You purposed me to be.  Yes I am but are You sure? It’s one thing to do this for myself, I just know it’s not about me.  Truthfully, Father, that’s what scares me- the people you are entrusting to me… The spirit is willing, yes it is Father, and I trust You but can I trust myself to be like Ezra?  Do You know all that he did? I mean, I know You know.  Perhaps I’m reading His ending and comparing it to my beginning and what I thought was the ending of my book was still only the beginning.  I don’t know… I know I have a lot of territory to cover and I cannot begin to take a single step without You.  You alone are how I’ve come even this far. Here I am needing your grace and mercy. Daddy, even more faith.  As You write me; I read You.

I know and thank You that my gifts come from You.  None of this is me.  I just pray, Father, that I don’t take it lightly.  I know you take the foolish things to shame the wise– I just can’t be foolish with this, not any more.  Father, please help me walk in obedience.  Teach me to sit down and be still and really prepare my heart to receive instruction from you. Show me how to do this YOUR WAY. I hear Your voice, Father God, but rooted, I need to be deeply rooted because of the things You’ve shown me.  I don’t want to get carried away and moved from your presence.  Every day I fight to cling to You. I fight to not get lost in some kind of self-serving posturing. I want to be pleasing to You; not myself or anyone else. The glory is Yours. It is never mine to possess or exalt myself with.  I am your servant although You do so very much for me.  How can I thank You except with my life; the very one written by Your hand? This raggedy life drenched in the blood of Jesus is utterly Yours to do as You will. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen

 

Fisher of Men

Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

My story is a little different from Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother’s. For one thing, Jesus did not walk up to me and say “Brenda come follow me.” It happened one morning while I was walking to my job and it was the Holy Spirit who said to me “You are going to be a fisher of men- the right way.” Although I was a believer at the time I was not yet beyond making poor decisions if you know what I mean. Like my pastor says “You’ll catch that one around midnight!” 

Perhaps there is a lot different between me and them because I didn’t walk away from my net as Simon called Peter did- oh, and Andrew his brother. I continued to spend about four hours a day commuting by bus to and from a job where I spent eight or more hours with half a handful of people that hated me. And yes half a handful is a real measurement. You see there were only a handful of employees at the office where I worked and half of that handful hated me. Unfortunately half of that half handful included my boss. But whatever, I’m a big girl and if you know anything about big girls it’s the fact that we like to eat. So I was persecuted; I mean I persevered. Oh, yes, my kids needed to eat too.

I thought about what the Holy Spirit said. Sure I did- for a little while. I did ask Him if He was sure about what He said. I understood He knew everything about me- but so did I. I asked again, “Lord are you sure?’ Not right then but several times along the way. I didn’t hear anything else about being a fisher of men. I certainly didn’t bring it up either. Well not until about two years later. By then it was ten months after I was fired from that old job. I didn’t forsake it so it forsook me. I’m not complaining because my spiritual growth took off by leaps and bounds, and the Lord made some miraculous provision for me. That job I now know was an idol and a weight that beset me. But let’s get back to fishers.

Like I said I didn’t bring it up again but the Holy Spirit did when I was in Atlanta, Ga. Trust and believe the Holy Spirit will not forget anything He told you. Needless to say neither will you! I was at the 2013 Prophetic Scribal Advance looking up one scripture and then another about being a fisher of men caught my eye. I, being a semi research-a-holic, used my handy dandy Bible App to look up the words fishers and net in the same scripture. Three scriptures came up: Isaiah 19:8, Ezekiel 47:10, and Luke 5:2. Since it came up first I proceeded to read the Isaiah scripture: The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brook shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish. I don’t know about you but none of that sounded appealing. I did not care to mourn, lament or languish. “Are you sure, Lord, you want me to be a fisher?” I then read the next scripture, Ezekiel 47:10- And it shall come to pass, that fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. I was excited that things were beginning to look up; no mourning, lamenting, or languishing in this scripture! Hold that thought and take a look at Luke 5:2. Actually look at Luke 5:1 first- And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret. People should want to press upon you to hear the word of God; not the latest gossip. I thought I would throw that in there in case you know of some gossipers, or people that murmur.

Anyway, Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by that lake; but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. After reading that I thought, Lord, I’ve been washing my nets for two years! Not even that, I had been thinking about my nets and preparing to use my net once I figured out what my nets were to do all this fishing the Holy Spirit was talking about. Among other things I was taking a ministry class and learning this and learning that and the Holy Spirit convicted me one day and said “That’s good and all but how many souls have you saved? How many fish or men have you caught for me?”

Luke 5:4 Now when He has left speaking, He said unto Simon (Brenda or you) launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. Really the only thing I could say is “Master I have been toiling for years trying to figure out what my nets are and doing all this preparation for it once I figured it out. Not only that I’ve been trying to figure out how to use them, when, who would let me use them, and who am I to think I had nets anyway?” 

Oh, my how the list of excuses went on and on. Excuses are like noses; everyone has one and you can smell their stink from a mile away. The goal is to be a sweet savor unto the Lord and I was more like rotting fish with all the excuses I had. Still, I asked “Lord, don’t you remember who I am?” He answered “Didn’t you research-a-holic Ezekiel 47:10 where it says “There shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.” I tried to be offended and say “Lord why you gotta come at me like that all hard reminding me of Your word that I just read. You know I got issues!”

Apparently exceeding many have the same issues! No wonder we are to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other so we can be healed. Getting saved is healing. I knew then it was my mission to save big girls that like snacks! We could pray over cupcakes while we are being delivered. So when the church has an influx of people that like snacks don’t blame me; take it up with Father in your prayer closet. It’s not my fault you like Lean Cuisine and I don’t- yet. Seriously, we are all washing our nets and should be saying “At thy word, Master.”  Instead we stand on the shore afraid to launch into the deep. 

What happens when we fail to launch? Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man also knoweth not his time; as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of man snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Lives are taken up in an evil net when we hesitate to launch into the deep; they get caught in snares.  When believers hesitate to launch and cast their nets evil doers greedily cast theirs.

Habakkuk says this in chapter 1 verses 13-17: Thou are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look upon iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? And makest man as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat is plenteous. Shall they therefore empty their net and not spare continually to slay the nations?

Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. At thy word, Lord… We should all launch into the deep and let down our nets to experience the kingdom of heaven here on earth and gather every kind. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our savior; who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of truth. Jesus is that truth. He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Tell someone about Jesus and set them free.

This is a kingdom catch and release program. Each of us has a net, a God given gift to catch people and bring them into the kingdom and release them into the freedom of Jesus and the grace and mercy of God. I am willing to bet that your net is disguised as something you do so naturally and without much effort or thought that you take it for granted and don’t consider it a God given gift. Don’t get caught washing your nets. Get into the boat and launch into the deep. There are exceeding abundant fish waiting to hear about the truth.

Temptation

I don’t remember exactly how old I was when I first was taught about the temptation of Christ.  I know that I was a kid, though, and young enough to think that the devil was being mean and picking on Jesus.  I remember wanting Jesus to use His superpowers to trick the devil into thinking He threw Himself down but would really still standing there next to him. In my imagination it would be as if He could create the illusion of doing what the devil wanted but not really doing it.  That’s how badly I wanted the devil to leave my Jesus alone.  I really didn’t understand what the temptation of Christ was about back then at all. 

Today my understanding is probably only slightly better.  I mean, I understand why Jesus didn’t use His superpowers.  He came into the world just as we did; with the power of the word and the Holy Ghost to defeat the devil.  As I write I know I am going in a totally different direction than what I had intended so thank you Holy Spirit.   Here it goes.  When it comes to temptation we think we can trick the devil, ourselves really, into thinking we can engage in whatever is tempting us just a little bit and not be totally consumed by the temptation.  If drink is our temptation then “just a sip” will be ok.  If adultery is our temptation then some harmless flirtation is ok.  If stealing is our temptation then it’s just a pen I am borrowing.  We play games with temptations- illusions (or delusions?), and with the devil hoping to use our “super powers’ to get out of trouble once we are in it. 

 What we fail to realize is when we do such things it opens the door for the devil to come into our lives and set up shop.  When he sets up shop that’s just what he does, shop around to find out what other areas of our lives to infiltrate and ultimately ruin.  Depending on how well versed in the word you are you may have a tough time getting rid of the not so secret shopper.  Even the smallest entry into your life, to him, is like being given a credit card with no credit limit.  He’s holding it in his hand yelling ‘Charge!”  Don’t let him in; not even an inch. 

 Say, for example, you have a friend or friends trying to convince you to do something you know you shouldn’t do.  You yield to their pressure “just this one last time” but what you really did was let the devil in.  Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  Ungodly friends are truly enemies that hinder blessing.   Definitely ungodly counsel from anybody does.   

No doubt temptation will come.  Richard Baxter writes: “It is evident that you are your own destroyers, in that you are so ready to entertain almost any temptation that is offered you. Satan is scarce readier to move you to any evil, than you are ready to hear, and to do as he would have you. If he would tempt your understanding to error and prejudice, you yield. If he would hinder you from good resolutions, it is soon done. If he would cool any good desires or affections, it is soon done. If he would kindle any lust or vile affections and desires in you, it is soon done. If he will put you on to evil thoughts, or words, or deeds, you are so free, that he needs not rod or spur. If he would keep you from holy thoughts, and words, and ways, a little does it, you need no curb. You examine not his suggestions, nor resist them with any resolution, nor cast them out as he casts them in, nor quench the sparks which he endeavours to kindle: but you set in with him, and meet him half way, and embrace his motions, and tempt him to tempt you. And it is easy to catch such greedy fish that are ranged for a bait, and will take the bare hook.^1”

It is best to avoid temptation at all costs.  How?  Jesus, Himself, tells us how by praying.  He admonished His disciples to “rise and pray that ye enter not into temptation”.  With that in mind it is no wonder 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing.  It’s simple right?  Avoid temptation and everything will be hunky dory.  If only the flesh was as willing as the mind.  Thank God for grace and enduring mercy.  Truly, thank the Lord for knowing how to deliver the godly from temptation! 

¹ From Works of Richard Baxter: A Call to the Unconverted, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2004, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and Ages Software, Inc. All rights reserved

Oh... My God

For a few days now I've been thinking about God, differently, I mean.  I'm always thinking about God.  I've just been spending quite a bit of time trying to figure Him out, you know?  Like how does being a believer work? There must be a key or some bottom line principle that makes this faith thing work.  As much as I have read and as much as I have prayed ( probably not nearly enough) I am unconvinced that I have discovered the bottom line.  I believe that I believe in God, but do I really? 

For example, I am so ready to go out and spread The Gospel.  Likewise I am ready to be used as an instrument of healing.  The list of "ready to" goes on ad infinitum to be in the service for others but what about me?  Do I believe in God for myself the same way I believe in Him for others?  Do you ever feel like you're telling people "Hey, you!  God is going to provide for you; I'm praying on your behalf!" but in the back of your mind you're thinking  I've prayed for myself, too, but I need provision today I've got to get a job now"? I have no doubt God will answer their prayer but as for me I've got work to do.  Is my God different than theirs?  And while I am on a roll with the questions how is it that I can easily tell someone that they are more than a conqueror and see nothing but a wimp when I look at myself?  What's really going on?  God is omnipotent.  God is omniscient, omnipresent, Healer, Provider, etcetera etcetera.  That God; their God is my God, too, isn't He?  The great I Am is mine right?  In Malachi 3:6 God, Himself clearly says " For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore he sons of Jacob are not consumed.  How easily we let ourselves be consumed with doubt when God says we are not.  The great I Am that I believe in for others I can most assuredly believe in for myself.  He is that God.  He is my God.

Are you familiar with the saying "Charity begins at home and then spreads abroad"?  Charity in Hebrew is the word agape and it means love, affection, benevolence, and curiously love-feast.  Can you imagine having a love-feast with God and having so much love left over you were then able to spread The Gospel or spread the love?  I think what happens is we have a love- feast with God on the behalf of others and not until they are full do we proceed to the table in a scramble for leftovers.  When they have a great need there are not much leftovers left over.  It is not because God isn't capable of meeting both theirs and our needs- no indeed!   Ephesians 3:20 clearly states "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." We worketh that power for everyone but us I'm afraid!  

We have access to petition our Father through prayer to have our needs met but tell the truth; don't you feel a little guilty when you do and think you're being selfish?  It's as if the devil interrupts our petition to ask if Johnny needs healing more than you need car repairs or if children starving in Africa need food more than your own. He tries to convince you that there is always a need greater than your own.  Thoughts such as those not only undermine the sovereignty of God but they also negate His power working in us.  You certainly can petition God! Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  If you're not yet convinced then refer to 2 Peter 1:3 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lusts.  By all means make your requests known; partake!

What does all of that have to do with the key? What's the bottom line and how does being a believer work?  My friend there is one answer to all of the above questions, love.  It is because God so loves us we can petition to Him and make our requests known.  Because God so loves us we can partake of His exceeding great and precious promises.  God so loves us He sent His son to save us from the eternal damnation we deserve because of sin.   His Son sent us the Holy Spirit because He so loves us.  I am reminded of the Greek word sozo.  

Here it is as defined by: The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon

 Strong's Number:   4982   

Original Word Word Origin

sozo from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saoz, "safe")

Transliterated Word TDNT Entry

Sozo 7:965,1132

Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech

sode'-zo      Verb

 Definition

to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction

one (from injury or peril)

to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health, to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue

to save in the technical biblical sense

negatively 1b

to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment 1b

to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance

I would say love does all of that; God's love.  Now, let's all be ready to spread the Gospel and, as Jesus said, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." Let's love one another.