Category: Pride

Seeing Prosperity and Influence (Insights in Psalms)

5/3/2013

To see prosperity and influence, one must acknowledge God's reign, confess sins, exalt Him, humble yourself, trust His sovereignty and protection, and worship the King of Kings. Then God's kingdom will come in His time to remove prideful leaders and enable you to endure trials.

Acknowledge God's Reign and Confess Sins
Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream that he was the large tree in the middle of the land with abundant fruit where beasts found shelter. His dominion extended to the distant parts of the earth. The Most High issued a decree to drive Nebuchadnezzar away from people, be drenched with dew and given the mind of an animal to eat grass like cattle. Seven times would pass until he acknowledged the Most High as sovereign over men's kingdom given to whoever He wished. The iron and bronze roots remaining in the ground represented his kingdom being restored when he acknowledged that Heaven ruled. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar to renounce his sins by doing right and being kind to the oppressed so his prosperity would continue (Dan. 4:1-27). Acknowledge God's reign and confess sins for prosperity.

Exalt God and Humble Yourself
Twelve months later the king said his mighty power built the royal residence for his glory. A voice from heaven said the dream would be fulfilled with his royal authority taken away. At the end of that time, God restored Nebuchadnezzar's sanity and returned the honor and splendor of his kingdom. God's dominion and kingdom endured across generations. Every person was regarded as nothing with God doing as He pleased. His advisers sought him out and restored his throne greater than before. Nebuchadnezzar praised, exalted and glorified the King of heaven because everything He did was right and His ways were just. He humbled those who walked in pride (Dan. 4:28-37). Exalt God and humble yourself for influence.

Trust God's Sovereignty to Remove Prideful Leaders
While Belshazzar gave a banquet for 1000 nobles, drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, a human hand wrote on the wall terrifying the king. Daniel said God gave his father Nebuchadnezzar a high position but when his heart became arrogant and prideful, he was stripped of his glory and lived with animals until he acknowledged Him as sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Because Belshazzar set himself against the Lord of heaven, the writing said God numbered the days of his reign, found wanting and his kingdom was given to the Medes and Persians. Daniel was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (Dan. 5:1-31). Trust God's sovereignty to remove prideful rulers.

Trust God's Protection to Endure Trials
Darius appointed Daniel as one of the three administrators over 120 satraps. Because he distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities, the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. No one could find corruption since he was trustworthy and not negligent. Even though a decree said no one could worship any god except the king, Daniel prayed three times a day with the windows opened toward Jerusalem. After being thrown in the lion's den, Darius called out anxiously to determine if Daniel's God was able to rescue him from the lions. He answered that the angels shut the lions' mouths finding no wound because he trusted in God. He threw the false accusers in the lions' den along with their wives and children. Darius issued a decree that everyone must fear the living God of Daniel whose kingdom and dominion never ended. He prospered during the reign of Darius and Cyrus the Persian (Dan. 6:1-28). Trust God's protection while enduring trials.

Worship King of Kings Whose Kingdom Continues Forever
In a dream, Daniel saw four great beasts. The first was like a lion with wings of an eagle, second like a bear with three ribs in its mouth, third like a leopard with four wings like a bird and four heads given authority to rule, and a fourth powerful beast with large iron teeth that devoured its victims along with ten horns. A little horn uprooted three of the first horns that spoke boastfully about the Ancient of Days sitting on His throne flaming with fire where countless number stood before Him and the books opened. The beast was killed and thrown into the blazing fire. Others were stripped of their authority but allowed to live for a period of time. One like the son of man approached the Ancient of Days and given authority, glory and sovereign power with men of every language worshiping him. His dominion would never be destroyed (Dan. 7:1-14). Worship King of Kings and Lord of Lords whose kingdom continues forever.

Expect God's Kingdom Coming to Earth in His Time
Daniel interpreted the four great beasts as four kingdoms rising from the earth. The saints of the Most High would possess the kingdom forever. He saw the horn waging war and defeating the saints until the Ancient of Days pronounced judgment in favor of the saints when the time came to possess the kingdom. The fourth beast was the fourth kingdom that devoured and crushed the earth. The ten horns were ten kings coming from this kingdom with one subduing three kings. He spoke against the Most High, oppressed His saints, tried to change laws and had saints handed over to him for 3 1/2 years. His power was destroyed and God's kingdom given to the saints eternally with every ruler worshiping and obeying Him (Dan. 7:15-28). Expect God's kingdom coming to earth in His time.

Pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven to experience prosperity and influence.

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Pursue High Impact Ministry (Insights in Prophets)

4/16/2013

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Obadiah's prophecy provides guidelines to help people pursue high impact ministry by renouncing pride, getting involved when the world attacks Christians and refuse to look down or boast when your brother suffers. Wait for God's holiness to possess and rule in His assigned territory. The next book, Jonah, provides an example of how to be involved in a high impact ministry.

Renounce Pride that Deceives and Destroys
God said Edom would be made small and very despised among the nations as pride deceived her. Living in the clefts of the rocks gave a false sense of security since God would bring her down. Esau was ransacked and hidden treasures destroyed while friends deceived and overpowered them. Those who ate their bread set a trap for them (Obadiah 1-7). Renounce pride that deceives, destroys, entraps and gives false security.

Get Involved When the World Attacks Christians
In that day, God destroyed Edom's wise and understanding men. He terrified warriors and slaughtered everyone. Shame and destruction covered them because of violence against Jacob.They stood aloof when strangers carried off his wealth and cast lots for Jerusalem (Obadiah 8-11). Get involved when the world attacks Christians to prevent shame and destruction.

Refuse Looking Down or Boasting When Your Brother Suffers
Obadiah said to not look down on, rejoice over or boast when their brother Judah had trouble. They should not seize wealth during their destruction. They should not wait at the crossroads to kill their fugitives or hand over their survivors during trouble (Obadiah 12-14). Refuse looking down, boasting or taking advantage of your brother during trouble.

God desires that we work together across denominational and racial lines. When one congregation suffers, we all suffer. We are in this work together.

Wait for God's Holiness to Possess Territory
The day of the Lord was near and everyone reaped the deeds they sowed. As they drank on His holy hill, all the nations drank continually. Holy deliverance came on Mount Zion with Jacob possessing its inheritance. A fire consumed the stubble of Esau leaving no survivors (Obadiah 15-18). Wait for God's holiness to purify and possess territory for His glory.

Let God Rule in His Territory Assigned to You
People from the Negev would occupy Esau and those from the foothills possessed the land of the Philistines, Ephraim and Samaria. Benjamin would possess Gilead. Israelite exiles in Canaan would possess the land as far as Zarepath. Jerusalem exiles in Sepharad would possess towns in Negev. Deliverers would go on Mount Zion to govern Esau and the kingdom would be the Lord's (Obadiah 19-21). Let God rule in His territory assigned to you.

Use the following guidelines for high impact ministry:
1. Renounce pride that deceives, destroys, entraps and gives false security
2. Get involved when the world attacks Christians to prevent shame and destruction
3. Refuse looking down, boasting or taking advantage of your brother during trouble
4. Wait for God's holiness to purify and possess territory for His glory
5. Let God rule territory He assigns to you

Consider your home, neighborhood and workplace territory God has assigned to you. How does God want to use you so He rules in you home, neighborhood and workplace?

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Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City (Insights in Prophets)

3/23/2013

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In order to spread God's glory and holiness in your city, reject idols and pride, see God's glory, grieve over evil, speak God's word, trust God for new heart, and communicate object lessons to motivate obedience.

Reject Confidence in Money, Idols and Pride
The Lord told Ezekiel that the end came to Israel with judgment, disaster and wrath because of their evil conduct. They would know He was the Lord. Arrogance and violence grew into a rod to punish wickedness. The seller would not recover the land he sold. Those in the country died by the sword and those in the city were devoured by famine and plague. Those escaping in the mountains moaned like doves with every knee weak as water. Money and idols failed to save them. The land was full of bloodshed and the city full of violence. Wicked nations took possession of their houses and ended the pride of the mighty. The teaching by priests and counsel from elders were lost. The king mourned, the prince despaired and the people trembled (Ezek. 7:1-27). Reject confidence in money, idols and pride instead of God's word as they cause despair, famine and plague.

See God's Glory to Discern Jealousy and Idolatry
The Spirit showed Ezekiel a vision in Jerusalem where he saw God's glory, the idol of jealousy and evil things Israel was doing. On the walls he saw all kinds of detestable animals and idols of Israel. In front of them stood 70 elders with a censer in each of their hands while a fragrant cloud of incense rose. God asked Ezekiel if he saw what the elders did in darkness at the shrine of their own idol. They replied that the Lord did not see them since He forsook the land. Ezekiel then saw women mourning for Tammuz. In the inner court at the entrance to the temple were about 25 men bowing down to the sun. The Lord said they filled the land with violence and He would respond in anger (Ezek. 8:1-18). See God's glory to discern jealousy, idolatry, religiosity and immorality by church leaders and the congregation.

Grieve Over Evil and Injustice to Receive His Protection
Six city guards with a weapon accompanied a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. The Lord told the man to go throughout Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieved over the evil things done in it. He told them to kill old and young men, maidens, women and children but not touch anyone with the mark. The Lord said Israel's and Judah's sin were great, land full of bloodshed and city full of injustice. People forsook the land and said the Lord did not see. The man in linen said he did what God commanded (Ezek. 9:1-11). Grieve over evil and injustice to receive protection from God.

Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City
The Lord told the man in linen to scatter burning coals from the cherubim over the city. The cloud filled the temple and the court was full of the radiance of God's glory. The sound of the cherubim's wings was heard like the voice of the God Almighty. The Lord commanded the man in linen to take fire from among the wheels in the cherubim. Ezekiel saw the vision described in chapter one. God's glory departed from the temple. He realized that they were cherubim with four faces and four wings. Under their wings looked like the hands of a man (Ezek. 10:1-22). Spread God's glory and holiness in your city.

Speak God's Word to Counteract Worldly Advice
The Spirit brought Ezekiel to the gate of the temple where 25 men stood who plotted evil and gave wicked advice to the city. God told Ezekiel to prophesy against people being killed in the city and streets filled with the dead. The bodies represented the meat and the city was the pot, but God drove them out of it. He would bring the sword, drive them out of the city, hand them over to foreigners and inflict punishment. They would know that He was Lord since they did not follow His laws but conformed to the world's standards. While Ezekiel prophesied, Peletiah died (Ezek. 11:1-15). Speak God's word to counteract worldly advice.

Trust God for New Heart that Empowers Obedience
God gathered them from among the nations where they scattered and brought them back to Israel. He removed their vile images and idols, gave them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them. He removed their heart of stone and gave them a heart of flesh to follow His laws as God's people. He would judge those whose hearts were devoted to vile images and idols. God's glory above the cherubim went up from within the city and stopped above the mountain east of it. The Spirit brought Ezekiel to the exiles in Babylonia in the vision given by Him. He told the exiles everything the Lord showed him (Ezek. 11:16-25). Trust God for a new heart and spirit that empowers obedience to His word.

Communicate Object Lessons to Motivate Obedience
God told Ezekiel that he lived among a rebellious people who had eyes to see but did not see and ears to hear but did not hear. Ezekiel became a sign when he packed his belongings for exile and went to another place. He covered his face and dug through a wall in the evening so they could understand. Israel asked what he was doing. Ezekiel said it was sign that they would be sent into exile as captives. They would know that He was Lord when God scattered them through the countries. He spared a few from the sword, famine and plague so they would acknowledge their evil practices. They would eat their food in anxiety and drink their water in despair since their land was desolate. God would end their proverb that every vision came to nothing. Days were near when every vision would be fulfilled and end false visions or flattering divinations. God would not delay His visions any longer (Ezek. 12:1-28). Communicate object lessons to motivate obedience showing how God fulfills His word when people recognize their great need.

Ask God do the following in your city to see His glory and holiness spread in your city:
1. Reject confidence in money, idols and pride
2. See God's glory to discern jealousy and idolatry
3. Grieve over evil and injustice to receive His protection
4. Speak God's word to counteract worldly advice
5. Trust God for a new heart and spirit that empowers obedience
6. Communicate object lessons to motivate obedience

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Recognize Benefits of Your Powerlessness and God's Power (Insights in Psalms)

3/8/2013

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The benefits of recognizing your powerlessness and God's power in city-wide kingdom ministry include:
1. Preserve unity of spirit by listening to counsel of older mentors
2. Resist subjection to unrighteous leaders by resisting over-confidence and pride
3. Defeat spiritual enemies by calling upon God as your leader
4. Prevent men from prevailing by recognizing His power
5. Be rewarded for your work being strong and not giving up
6. Be strengthened and delivered when fully committed to God
7. Produce fear of Lord and financial provision by mobilizing teaching ambassadors and spiritual warriors

Preserve Unity of Spirit by Listening to Counsel of Older Mentors
Israel asked Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke his father, Solomon, put on them. Rehobaum consulted the elders who served Solomon. They said to be kind and give them favorable answer so they would always serve him. He rejected that advice and listened to the young men he grew up who said to make their yoke heavier. Rehoboam did not listen to the people as these events were from God to fulfill God's word spoken to Jeroboam. They had no partnership with David and looked after their own house instead. So Israel was in rebellion against the house of the David to this day (2 Chron. 10:1-19). Preserve unity of the spirit by listening to counsel of older mentors so you can rule in your sphere of influence.

Prevent Subjection to Unrighteous Leaders by Resisting Over-Confidence and Pride
Rehoboam listened to God's word and did not war against Israel. He fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin, strengthened their defenses and put commanders in them supplying them with food, shields and spears. The priests, Levites and those who set their heart on seeking God came to Judah and Jerusalem. Jeroboam rejected the priests and appointed his own priests for the high places and made goat and calf idols. After Rehoboam became established as king, he and all Israel abandoned God's law. Their unfaithfulness led to Shishak king of Egypt attacking Jerusalem and capturing the fortified cities of Judah. When Israel's leaders and Rehoboam humbled themselves, God sent deliverance instead of pouring His wrath through Shishak. They became subject to him to learn the difference between serving God and the kings of other lands. Shishak carried off the treasures of the temple and royal palace including the gold shields. Rehoboam did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking God. There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (2 Chron. 11:1-12:16). Prevent subjection to unrighteous leaders by resisting over-confidence and pride.

Defeat Spiritual Enemies by Calling Upon God as Your Leader
Abijah king of Judah told Jeroboam he forsook God who was his leader. His priests with their trumpets sounded the battle cry against Israel. Abijah warned them not to fight against the Lord, the God of their fathers, since they would not succeed. When Judah cried out to the Lord after being attacked from the front and ambushed in the rear, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel. He delivered 500,000 dead among Israel's able men in Judah's hands. Jeroboam did not regain power during the time of Abijah (2 Chron. 13:1-22). Defeat spiritual enemies by calling upon God as your leader.

Prevent Men from Prevailing by Recognizing Your Powerlessness and God's Power
Asa did what was good and right in God's eyes. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and obey His commands. The kingdom was at peace under him. He build up the fortified cities of Judah and put walls, towers, gates and bars around them. They sought the Lord, had rest and prospered. Asa called to the Lord to help the powerless against the mighty army of Zerah the Cushite with 300 chariots so man would not prevail against Him. They were crushed for the terror of the Lord fell upon them and plundered their villages (2 Chron. 14:1-15). Prevent men from prevailing by recognizing your powerlessness and God's power.

Be Rewarded for Your Work Being Strong and Not Giving Up
God was found by those who sought Him. He forsook those who forsook Him. Azariah reminded Asa that Israel was without the true God, priest to teach and the law but in their distress they turned and were found by Him. He told Asa to be strong and not give up since his work would be rewarded. Asa took courage, removed the detestable idols from Judah, Benjamin and towns captured in Ephraim. He repaired the altar in front of the Lord's temple. He assembled large numbers of people and they sacrificed 700 cattle, 7000 sheep and goats from the plunder they brought back. They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. Asa deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother and burned the Asherah pole she made. He did not remove the high places, but his heart was fully committed to the Lord. He brought into the temple silver, gold and articles that he and his father dedicated (2 Chron. 15:1-19). Be rewarded for your work by being strong and not giving up.

Be Strengthened and Delivered When Fully Committed to God
Asa paid Ben-Hadad king of Aram to break his treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he would withdraw and stop building Ramah. Asa used those stones to build up Geba and Mizpah. Hanani the seer told Asa that he relied on the king of Aram and not the Lord. He reminded Asa that God delivered him from Cushites' and Libyans' mighty armies when he relied on the Lord. The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Because Asa did a foolish thing, he had continual war. He became angry with the seer and brutally oppressed some of the people. Asa sought help only from the physicians and not the Lord when he had severe disease in his feet. He died two years later (2 Chron. 16:1-14). Be strengthened and delivered when you are fully committed to God.

Produce Fear of Lord and Financial Provision By Mobilizing Teaching Ambassadors and Spiritual Warriors
Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and Ephraim. He walked in the ways his father David followed and did not consult the Baals. He sought the Lord and followed His commands rather than the practices of Israel. The Lord established the kingdom under Jehoshaphat's control and Judah brought great gifts so he had wealth and honor. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord and removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. He sent officials, certain Levites and two priests to teach the people the Book of the Law of the Lord throughout Judah. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah so they did not war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute and Arabs brought 7700 rams and 7700 goats. Jehoshaphat became more powerful and built forts and store cities with large supplies. He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem who served the king. Others were stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah (2 Chron. 17:1-19). Produce the fear of the Lord and financial provision by mobilizing ambassadors to teach God's word and stationing spiritual warriors in every city.

Recognize your powerlessness and God's power by praying what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind regarding kingdom ministry in your particular circumstances.

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Maintaining the Right Perspective About Yourself (Insights in Prophets)

2/14/2013

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"In the upshot there is only one answer for the preacher who wonders whether he is worthy to preach the sermon he has composed or for the writer who wonders whether he is worthy to write the religious book he is working on. The answer is: Of course not. To ask yourself: Am I worthy to perform this Christian task? is really the peak of pride and presumption. For the very question carries the implication that we spend most of our time doing things we are worthy to do. We simply do not have that kind of worth" (Harry Blamires).

To maintain the right perspective about yourself,
do the next thing; obey God's word at every point; refuse seeking greater things for yourself; realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing; do Lord's work heartily and reject pride; and beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence.

Serve the City By Doing the Next Thing
The commander of the guard told Jeremiah that the Lord took Israel captive to Babylon because of their sin and disobedience. Jeremiah stayed with Gedaliah, governor in Judah, with those left behind. Gedaliah told them to settle in the land and serve the Babylonians so it would go well with them. Jews from other countries like Moab, Ammon and Edom came back to Judah and harvested much wine and summer fruit after hearing a remnant remained in the land. When Gedaliah did not heed warnings, Ishmael killed him along with the Jews at Mizpah, Babylonian soldiers, and 70 men bringing grain offerings and incense. After Ishmael made captives of everyone in Mizpah, Johanan and the army officers fought him before Ishmael fled to the Ammonites. Johanan gathered the survivors in Mizpah before traveling to Egypt to escape the Babylonians (Jer. 40:1-41:18). Serve the city by doing the next thing during times of instability and sinfulness.

Obey God's Word at Every Point
Johanan asked Jeremiah to pray about where they should go and what they should do as a small remnant. After agreeing to hold nothing back concerning what God said to him, they told Jeremiah about their commitment to total obedience so it would go well with them. Ten days later, the Lord said for them to stay in the land to build and not tear down and to plant and not uproot for He grieved over the disaster inflicted upon them. They were to not fear the Babylonian king since God would save, deliver, show compassion and restore them to their land. If they decided to go to Egypt, the sword and famine would kill them as an object of cursing, condemnation and reproach. Jeremiah said they made a fatal mistake asking him to pray for them (Jer. 42:1-22). Obey God's word at every point so things go well for you.

Refuse Seeking Greater Things For Yourself
Johanan, army officers and the people disobeyed the Lord's command to stay in Judah. He led them to Egypt. God's word came to Jeremiah to bury large stones in clay in the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would attack Egypt and bring death and captivity to those destined for it. He would burn the temples, take their gods captive and demolish the sacred pillars. Burning incense to other gods led to destruction as an object of cursing and reproach among all nations. When they burned incense to the Queen of Heaven, they reported about food abundance without suffering harm. God would overthrow what He built and uproot what He planted throughout the land. They should not seek great things for themselves since He would bring disaster on all people but let them escape with their life (Jer. 43:1-45:5). Refuse seeking greater things for yourself that disobey God's word leading to death and destruction.

Realize that Discipline By God Leads to Healing
God instructed Egypt's army to prepare for battle even though Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would defeat them. The swift could not flee nor the strong escape. They experienced no healing, missed opportunities and put to shame. The Lord Almighty punished Egypt's gods and those who relied on Pharaoh. Jacob had peace and security without fear as God disciplined them with justice. When the waters overflowed the Philistines' land, God destroyed the survivors who could help Tyre and Sidon. He commanded an attack on Ashkelon while people cried out and fathers failed to help their children (Jer. 46:1-47:7). Realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing, opportunities, peace and security.

Do Lord's Work Heartily and Reject Pride
God ruined Nebo and disgraced the stronghold of Kiriathaim in Moab. Heshbon men plotted her downfall to silence Moab. Those who trusted in their deeds and riches were taken captive and destroyed. A curse fell on those lax in doing the Lord's work and who kept their sword from bloodshed. Moab was ashamed because of idleness, pride, conceit, arrogance and having a haughty heart. God destroyed their ripened fruit and grapes. He stopped the flow of wine from their presses and eliminated joy, gladness and wealth. Moab became an object of ridicule and horror to those around her. The hearts of Moab's warriors became like a woman in labor. Defying the Lord caused them to be destroyed as a nation. Even though their sons and daughters were taken in exile and captivity, God restored their fortunes in the future (Jer. 48:1-47). Do the Lord's work heartily and reject pride in your own works.

Beware of Boasting in Accomplishments, Riches, Comfort and Self-Confidence
Molech took possession of Gad so Israel had no sons or heirs. Even though Ammon boasted in their fruitful valleys and trusted in their riches, God restored their fortunes in the future. God said wisdom and counsel perished from the prudent in Edom. He protected the orphans and widows who trusted in God. Their pride deceived them even though they lived in the clefts of the rocks. No shepherd could stand against God. Damascus became feeble, gripped with panic, and seized with anguish and pain. Her young men died and soldiers were silenced. Nebuchadnezzar devised a plan against Kedar and Hazor who lived alone at ease without gates nor bars. God broke the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might, and destroyed her king and officials (Jer. 49:1-39). Beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence.

To maintain the right perspective about yourself, ask God to develop the following characteristics in your life:
1. Do the next thing
2. Obey God's word at every point
3. Refuse seeking greater things for yourself
4. Realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing
5. Do Lord's work heartily and reject pride
6. Beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence
Which one will you work on first?

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How God Responds to Political Tyranny, Economic Depression and Leadership Crisis (Insights in Prophets)

9/16/2012

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"Satan's arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt, and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have victory, you have peace. When Satan hurls his darts against you, the more peace you have during adversity, the more truly you are walking in Christ's victory" (Francis Frangipane). Isaiah 13-16 explains how God responds to political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis.

God Destroys Ungodly Plot and Humbles Pride
God commanded holy warriors from a far country who rejoiced in His triumph to carry out His wrath against Babylon and destroy the whole land. In the day of the Lord, every man's heart melted with terror while pain and anger gripped them. They writhed like a woman in labor. The Lord made the land desolate, destroyed sinners, and darkened the stars, sun and moon. God punished the world for its evil and the wicked for their sins. He ended the arrogance of the proud and humbled the pride of the ruthless. The heavens trembled and the earth shook at God's wrath and burning anger. Everyone returned to his native land like sheep without a shepherd. Their infants were dashed to pieces, houses looted and wives ravished (Is. 13:1-16). God destroys ungodly plots and humbles prideful people.

God Shortens Future of Wicked
God stirred up the Medes against Babylon even though they did not care for silver or gold. They struck down young men and showed no compassion on children. God overthrew Babylon like Sodom and Gomorrah. God shortened her days so only desert animals would inhabit Babylon through all generations (Is. 13:17-22). God shortens and halts the future of the wicked.

God Imparts Peace and Stops Bondage from Evil One
Because of compassion, the Lord chose Israel again to settle in their own land along with aliens. Israel possessed the nations and ruled over their oppressors. He gave them relief from suffering, turmoil and cruel bondage. He broke Babylon's oppression and pomp so all nations could experience rest and peace. As the morning star, they fell from heaven and cast down to the earth. His heart said he would ascend to heaven, raise his throne above the stars of God, sit enthroned on the sacred mountain, and make himself like the Most High. He was thrust down into the pit of Sheol (Is. 14:1-15). God stops bondage from the evil one so you experience peace and rest.

God Removes Burdens and Provides Refuge
People pondered Babylon's fate in overthrowing cities, but soon was not mentioned again like a rejected branch who could not inherit the land. The Lord Almighty cut off Babylon's name and descendants. He turned her into a place for owls and swept her with the broom of destruction. God's fulfills His purposes. He crushed Assyria and removed his yoke and burden from His people. No one thwarts God's plan. He destroyed Philistia's root with famine and killed his survivors. The most helpless ate and the needy lied down in safety. The Lord established Zion and His afflicted people found refuge (Is. 14:16-32). God removes burdens and provides refuge for the afflicted.

God Causes People to Lose Wealth and Their Lives Overnight
Moab was destroyed in a night. People went to its temple, high places, streets and public squares to weep and wear sackcloth. Moab's armed men cried out with faint hearts. God's heart cried out for Moab. Her fugitives left as far as Zoar and lamented their destruction. The waters of Nimrim dried up and the vegetation withered. They carried wealth they stored up over the Ravine of the Poplars. Dimon's waters were full of blood with more coming upon those remaining in the land (Is. 15:1-9). God’s judgment causes people to lose wealth and their lives overnight.

God Seeks Justice and Speeds Cause of Righteousness
Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of Moab. The women were like fluttering birds pushed from the nest. Fugitives sought counsel and shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor came to an end and destruction ceased after the aggressor vanished from the land. In love a throne would be established and a man from the house of David who sought justice and prompt in the cause of righteousness would sit on it (Is. 16:1-5). Christ seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness.

God Laments Over Excessive Pride Causing Political, Economic and Leadership Crisis
We heard of Moab's excessive pride, conceit and empty boasts. Therefore Moabites wailed together for Moab and grieved for the men of Kir-hareseth. The fields of Heshbon and vines of Sibmath withered. The rulers of the nations trampled down the choicest vines that once reached Jazer and went to the sea. The shouts of joy over their ripened fruit and harvest were stilled because no one treaded out wine in the presses. God's heart and inmost being lamented for Moab and Kir-hareseth like a harp. Moab wore herself out praying with no results at her high place and shrine. Within three years, Moab's splendor and her many people would be despised leaving a small, weak remnant (Is. 16:6-14). God laments over excessive pride causing political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis.

How God responds to political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis:
1. God destroys ungodly plots and humbles prideful people
2. God shortens and halts the future of the wicked
3. God stops bondage from the evil one so you experience peace and rest
4. God removes burdens and provides refuge for the afflicted
5. People lose wealth and their lives overnight during judgment
6. Christ seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness
7. God laments over excessive pride causing political tyranny, economic depression and leadership crisis
Pray for Christ speeding the cause of righteousness by destroying wickedness

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How to Possess and Regain Territory Lost to Evil One (Insight in Prophets)

9/7/2012

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Cindy Jacobs in her book, "Possessing the Gates of the Enemy," quoted Ed Silvoso's definition of a stronghold: "a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes the believer to accept as unchangeable something that he/she knows is contrary to the will of God."

Rights we have to give up in order to tear down strongholds:

The right to be offended.
The right to our time.
The right to do what we want with our possessions.
The right to self-pity.
The right to self-justification.
The right to be understood.
The right to criticize.

Isaiah 10-12 explains how to possess and regain territory lost to the evil one. We judge idolatry, injustice, pride, self-confidence and independent spirit. We return to God and rely on the Mighty One to remove burdens. We receive godly wisdom to decide correctly about the poor. We raise the Lord’s banner and fight spiritually to fill the earth with His knowledge to transform and possess every cultural sphere for His glory. We praise and trust God for salvation to share His deeds with the world.

Judge Idolatry and Injustice
Woe to those who make unjust laws and decisions to deprive the poor of their rights and rob the oppressed of justice. At judgment day, your riches are worthless and God's anger remains. God sent and commissioned Assyria to trample a godless nation like mud in the streets and destroy many nations whose idols and graven images were greater than those of Jerusalem and Samaria. God judged both Jerusalem and Samaria (Is. 10:1-11). God judges idolatry and injustice against the poor.

Judge Pride, Self-Confidence and Independent Spirit
When God finished His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He punished the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and haughty look in his eyes. Assyria trusted his strength, wisdom and understanding to defeat nations and gather their riches. A tool cannot exalt itself over the one who wields it. Therefore the Lord Almighty sent a wasting disease upon their sturdy warriors. The Holy One burned thorns in a single day and destroyed soul and body like a sick man wasting away (Is. 10:12-19). God judges pride, self-confidence and an independent spirit destroying a person's soul.

Return to God and Rely on Mighty One to Remove Burdens
The remnant of Israel would rely on the Holy One instead of Assyria. They returned to the Mighty God but He planned complete destruction according to righteousness for others. Do not fear the Assyrians since God would eventually destroy them like Egypt at the Red Sea. He would remove your burden and break their yoke (Is. 10:20-34). People return to God and rely on the Mighty One to have their burdens removed.

Receive Godly Wisdom to Decide Correctly About the Poor
A shoot will bear fruit from the stem of Jesse with the Spirit of the Lord resting on Him consisting of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in the fear of the Lord and not judge by what His eyes see nor make a decision by what His ears hear but judge and give decisions for the poor according to righteousness and justice. He will slay the wicked with the breadth of His lips. Righteousness will be the belt around his loins and faithfulness the belt around His waist (Is. 11:1-5). The Holy Spirit provides godly wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the Lord to make righteous and just decisions concerning the poor.

Raise Lord’s Banner to Fill Earth with His Knowledge in Transforming Every Sphere
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the kid and the calf and lion will be together with a little boy leading them. The cow will feed with the bear and their young will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra without being hurt. For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day, the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will rally to Him and His place of rest will be glorious (Is. 11:6-10). God's people raise the Lord's banner to fill the earth with His knowledge in transforming every cultural sphere.

Fight Spiritually for His People to Possess Land in God’s Glory and Peace
In that day, the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the remnant from various nations. He will raise a banner for the nations, gather the exiles of Israel and assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim. Judah's enemies would be cut off and they will possess Edom and Moab with Ammon subject to them. The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea and break up the Euphrates River so men could cross over it with sandals. A highway for the remnant will be left from Assyria like Israel when they came up from Egypt (Is. 11:11-16). God fights for His people so they can possess the land for His glory resulting in true peace.

Praise and Trust Lord for Salvation to Share His Deeds with the World
On that day you will praise the Lord for His comfort and salvation. You will trust and not be afraid since the Lord is your strength and song. He has become your salvation to joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. You will thank the Lord, call on His name and make known His deeds among the peoples so they can remember His name is exalted. Praise the Lord in song for He has done excellent things. Let it be known to all the world. God's people shout for joy because the Holy One of Israel is great among you (Is. 12:1-6). God's people praise and trust the Lord for salvation in order to share His deeds with the world.

Sylvia Gunter in "Prayer Portions" says the first step in victory is to recognize the war that we are fighting. The next step is to know how to fight the enemy. Finally, the last step is to actually take a firm stand and intentionally go after the enemy. Lift High the Lord Your Banner helps aggressively fight the enemy and push him out of our territory. We stand on higher ground and have an advantage over him.

Choose a few of the enemy banners that you see in your life today. Use one of God's names to wage war against the enemy. Pray the prayer using the format below:

Lord, I renounce_____________________

You, Lord, are greater. I praise you that you are_________________

For example:
Lord, I renounce my bitterness, keeping accounts, hard-feelings, and ill will towards others.

You, Lord, are greater. I praise you that you are God of all grace (1 Pet. 5:10), Jehovah-Rapha (Healer) Exo 15:26 and Father of Mercies (2 Cor. 1:3-4). In Jesus' name. Amen!

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Follow God's Plan for Effective Disciplemaking (Insights in Prophets)

6/9/2012

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Churches and ministries often emphasize one aspect of disciplemaking, but blessing is minimized because they don't follow God's blueprint completely. Some examples of imbalance in disciplemaking include:
1. Personal glory and pride instead of releasing control and humility
2. Pastor or teacher gift apart from the offices of apostle, prophet and evangelist
3. Teaching without mentoring
4. Mentoring without teaching
5. Hoarding resources on infrastructure in church programs apart from discipling people
6. One-on-one disciplemaking apart from exercise of all the spiritual gifts in the body of Christ
7. Trusting self instead of God

Jehu wrote a letter for the rulers and guardians of Ahab's 70 sons to meet him in Jezreel where they were killed, which fulfilled God's word through Elijah. Jehu also killed the relatives of Ahaziah king of Ahaziah according to the word of the Lord. Jehu cunningly called for a solemn assembly and all the worshipers of Baal were killed. The guard and royal officers burned the sacred pillars of Baal and dismantled the house of Baal. Jehu eradicated Baal out of Israel, but was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord with all his heart. He left the golden calves at Bethel and Dan that made Israel sin (2 Kings 10:1-36). Fight idolatry by rejecting personal glory, pride and partial obedience.

When Athaliah, mother of Ahaziah, saw her son dead, she destroyed the royal offspring, except Joash who was hid from her. Six years later Joash was crowned king, given God's word and officers killed Athaliah. Jehoiada the priest made a covenant between the Lord, king and people that they should be the Lord's people. The people tore down the house of Baal and his altars. They broke his images in pieces thoroughly. They killed Mattan the priest of Baal and appointed offices over the house of the Lord (2 Kings 11:1-21). The offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher equip people to embrace a biblical worldview in a covenant relationship with God as a guard against worldliness.

Joash (Jehoash) did right in God's eyes all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. The high places were not taken away and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places (2 Kings 12:1-3). Teaching and mentoring equip people to follow God so they are not carried by every wind of doctrine through trickery and deceitful scheming.

Priests were supposed to use money donated to repair the breaches of the house of the Lord. When King Jehoash discovered the unrepaired breeches, the priests agreed not to take any more money (2 Kings 12:4-8). Hoarding resources on infrastructure stifles disciplemaking ministry.

Jehoiada the priest collected money to pay carpenters, builders, masons, stonecutters and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the breeches to the house of the Lord. They did not require an accounting but dealt faithfully in the work (2 Kings 12:9-16). The body of Christ works properly as each individual part speaks the truth in love.

Jehoash took his own and Jehoshaphat's sacred things he dedicated along with gold from the house of God and the king's house to be sent to Hazael king of Aram so he would leave Jerusalem. Jehoash's servants conspired and killed him (2 Kings 12:17-21). Trusting self instead of God leads to ruin.

Consider the following questions:
1. Are seeking numbers or recognition from a ministry or denomination instead of releasing control through humility so God gets the glory?
2. Do you have apostles, prophets and evangelists operating alongside pastors and teachers to establish a proper foundation for the faith?
3. Do you have teaching without mentoring, which lessens the application of God's word?
4. Do you have mentoring without teaching, which lessens the adoption of biblical worldview?
5. Do you hoard resources on infrastructure in church programs instead of discipling people, which leads to ineffectiveness as a witness to the world?
6. Do you have one-on-one discipleship apart from releasing all the spiritual gifts in the body of Christ, which leads to imbalance?
7. Are you trusting self instead of God, which leads to ruin?

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Confession of Sin Leads to Fruitfulness (Insights in Law)

5/15/2012

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"The best place any Christian can ever be in is to be totally destitute and totally dependant upon God, and know it" (Alan Redpath). The last two chapters in Leviticus show how disobeying God through pride and independent spirit results in both personal and city-wide tragedy, but obeying God through confession of sin and complete dependence upon Him leads to fruitfulness in all areas of life.

Do not make and bow down to an idol, image, sacred pillar or prefigured stone for He is the Lord your God. Keep His Sabbaths and reverence His sanctuary. Obeying His commandments caused rains in season so the land yielded produce and trees bore fruit to live securely in peace with no one making you tremble. He eliminated the harmful beasts and protected you from the sword. Five chased 100 with 100 chasing 10,000 so your enemies fell by the sword. God turned toward you, made you fruitful, multiplied you and confirmed His covenant with you. Make His dwelling and let Him walk among you to be His people. God brought you out of Egypt and broke the bars of yoke as slaves and made you walk erect (Lev. 26:1-13). Obeying God’s commandments results in provision, well-being and security.

By rejecting His statutes, He would appoint sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever to destroy your sight and sap your strength. Rejecting God caused you to sow seed in vain since your enemies would eat it and defeat you. Those who hated you would rule over you causing you to flee even when no one pursued you. He would punish you seven times for your sins and break down your stubborn pride by making the sky like iron and the earth like bronze. Your strength would be spent uselessly since the land would not yield produce or the trees yield fruit (Lev. 26:14-20). Disobeying God through pride causes drought, fear, sickness and weakness.

If you remained hostile and disobeyed God, He would multiply afflictions seven times according to your sins. He would set beasts against you to rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and reduce your number so the roads lie deserted. If you don’t turn to Him, then He would strike you seven times for your sins. He would bring a sword to execute vengeance and send pestilence so you would be delivered into enemy hands. Ten women would break bread in one oven that would be brought back in rationed amounts (Lev. 26:21-26). Disobeying God devours you financially, socially and in family relationships.

You would eat the flesh of your sons and daughters. He would destroy your high places, cut down incense altars and heap dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols. He would turn your cities into ruins and waste, make your sanctuaries desolate and not smell your soothing aromas. He made your land desolate and scattered you among nations to appall your enemies. The land enjoyed Sabbath years during the days of desolation in enemies’ land that it did not have during the Sabbaths you lived in it. Those left had fearful hearts, stumbled with no one pursuing them and wasted away because of their own and ancestors’ sins (Lev. 26:27-39). Turning away from God causes separation and devastation.

If they confessed their own and forefathers iniquity by humbling their heart, then God would remember His covenant and land with Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. For the land would be deserted by them, but enjoy its Sabbaths while it lied desolate without them. They would pay for their sins because they rejected his laws and abhorred His statutes. God would not reject them by destroying them completely, but would remember the covenant with their ancestors. He them brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. These were the statutes, ordinances and laws Lord established between Himself and sons of Israel through Moses at Mt. Sinai (Lev. 26:40-46). Confessing your own and fathers’ sins restore your cities to fruitfulness.

When a man made a special vow to dedicate a person to the Lord by giving equivalent values--male from 20 to 60 years old at 50 shekels of silver and female 30 shekels, male from 5 to 20 years at 20 shekels and female 10 shekels, male from one month to 5 years old at 5 shekels and female 3 shekels, male from 60 years and older at 15 shekels and female 10 shekels. If a vow was given as an acceptable offering to the Lord, it became holy. He would not replace the animal with a good for bad or bad for good. If they substitute one animal for another, both became holy. A priest would value any unclean animal not presented as an offering to Lord. If the owner wished to redeem the animal, add one-fifth to its value (Lev. 27:1-13). God values a person's dedication to His purposes.

The priest judged the value and quality (good or bad) of a house dedicated as holy to the Lord. If the person wished to redeem it, they added a fifth to its value and the house was theirs. If a man dedicated part of their family land to the Lord, its value would be set according to the amount of seed required proportionate to the years left until the year of Jubilee. If they wished to redeem it, they added a fifth to its value and the field would become theirs. If they did not redeem the field or sold it, it would never be redeemed. When the field was released in Jubilee, it became holy as priestly property. In Jubilee, the field would return to the one from whom he bought it (Lev. 27:14-25). God deems the redemption of individuals through Christ's blood priceless compared to material things.

No one could dedicate the firstborn of an animal since it belonged to the Lord. Anything sets apart to the Lord out of all he had would not be sold or redeemed. Nothing set apart among men would be ransomed, but put to death. The tithe of the land, seed and fruit was holy to the Lord. If a man wished to redeem part of his tithe, he added one-fifth to it. Every tenth part of a herd or flock would be holy to the Lord. He would not be concerned whether it was good or bad (Lev. 27:26-34). God protects and values material goods set apart for His kingdom purposes.

Turn away from pride and independence and pursue humility and confession of sin to become fruitful in your life.

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Seeing Prosperity and Influence (Insights in Psalms)

Pursue High Impact Ministry (Insights in Prophets)

Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City (Insights in Prophets)

Recognize Benefits of Your Powerlessness and God's Power (Insights in Psalms)

Maintaining the Right Perspective About Yourself (Insights in Prophets)

How God Responds to Political Tyranny, Economic Depression and Leadership Crisis (Insights in Prophets)

How to Possess and Regain Territory Lost to Evil One (Insight in Prophets)

Follow God's Plan for Effective Disciplemaking (Insights in Prophets)

Confession of Sin Leads to Fruitfulness (Insights in Law)

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