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Cure for Grumbling, Unbelief, Self-Confidence and Sin (Insights in Law)

6/30/2012

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Four great obstacles in your life is grumbling, unbelief, self-confidence and sin. Numbers 14-15 gives us cures for these four obstacles. The cure for grumbling is focusing on the possibilities that God provides. The cure for unbelief is fully following God. The cure for self-confidence is surrendering to God. The cure for sin is remembering our identity in Christ.

Grumbling
Because Israel wished they died in Egypt because of hardships, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They talked to each other about appointing a leader so they could return to Egypt (Num. 14:1-4). Hardships can cause grumbling as you remember "better" times.

Focus
In response to the grumbling, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of the congregation. Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes saying the land they spied was an “exceedingly good land” flowing with milk and honey that God would give. By not rebelling against the Lord and not fearing the people of the land, their enemies would be devoured without His protection since the Lord was with Israel. When the congregation talked about stoning Moses and Aaron, God’s glory appeared in the tent of meeting (Num. 14:5-10). Focus on the possibilities He provides instead of being discouraged over obstacles.

Unbelief

Because of their unbelief, God smote them with pestilence and dispossessed them. Moses pleaded to God that He would pardon their iniquity and forgive according to the greatness of His lovingkindness (Num. 14:11-19). Unbelief causes plagues and destruction. 

Follow

After the Lord pardoned them, He said that “all the earth will be filled with the glory of Lord.” He said these men put Him to the test ten times and since they did not listen to His voice, they would not see the land. Because Caleb followed God fully, he and his descendants would take possession of the land (Num. 14:20-25). Follow God fully to occupy your "promised land" so it's filled with His glory. 

Self-Confidence

Those 20 years and older who grumbled against God except Joshua and Caleb would die in the wilderness. Their  children would enjoy the land, be shepherds for 40 years, but suffer for their fathers’ unfaithfulness. Those who brought the bad report after spying out the land died by a plague, but Joshua and Caleb lived. The people mourned, admitted their sin and were determined to go up to the place the Lord promised. Moses said they would be killed by their enemies because the Lord was not among them. The Amalekites and Canaanites defeated them when they went without the ark and without Moses (Num. 14:26-45). Grumbling, rebelling and presumptuous self-confidence remove God's protection causing defeat.

Surrender
When they entered the land God gave them, He commanded them to make a burnt or freewill offering in their appointed times along with a grain offering as a smoothing aroma to the Lord. There was one law and one ordinance for both the congregation and alien who sojourned with them. When they ate the food of the land, the Lord commanded an offering consisting of the first of their dough, cake or threshing floor to the Lord (Num. 15:1-21). Surrender yourself and give the first-fruits to Him w
hen God provides the "promised land."

Sin
When people unintentionally failed to observe these commandments without the knowledge of the congregation, they all would offer one bull for a burnt offering, grain offering and one male goat for a sin offering for both the native and alien. One who did anything defiantly would be cut off from the people because he despised and broke God’s word so that guilt would be upon him. Someone who broke the Sabbath by gathering wood was stoned to death by the congregation outside the camp (Num. 15:22-36). Intentional sin causes a broken relationship with God. 

Remember

God commanded them to make tassels on the corners of their garments to remember all His commandments and not follow their heart and eyes to play the harlot so they could be holy to Him (Num. 15:37-41). Remember your identity in Christ with physical objects so you obey His commandments and not follow your heart or eyes in disobedience.


1. Focus on the possibilities that God provides instead of grumbling 
2. Follow God fully instead of unbelief 
3. Surrender to God instead of self-confidence 
4. Remember your identity in Christ instead of sinning


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How to Share Your Personal Testimony (Insights in NT)

6/27/2012

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"We must win rulers; political, economic, scientific, artistic personalities. They are the engineers of souls. They mold the souls of men. Winning them, you win the people they lead and influence" (Richard Wurmbrand). Because Paul knew that kings influence culture, he shared his personal testimony so they could trust Christ as their Savior. Acts 26 gives a great example on how to share your personal testimony. 

The Jews requested a favor against Paul to have him killed on the way to Jerusalem. Festus requested influential men to prosecute Paul if there was anything wrong about him. The Jews brought serious charges against Paul they could not prove. Paul said he committed no offense against the Law, temple or Caesar. He appealed to Caesar saying he would be willing to die if he committed anything worthy of death (Acts 25:1-12). Those opposed to the gospel may seek to harm you or bring charges they can't prove.

Festus told King Agrippa that the Jews had points of disagreement about their own religion and concerning Jesus who Paul said was alive. When King Agrippa said he would like to hear Paul, Festus brought him to the Emperor (Acts 25:13-27). Bold witnesses seek every opportunity to share the gospel, even to people of influence when it is uncomfortable. 

Paul said he was glad to make his defense before King Agrippa since he was an expert about Jewish customs and questions. Paul said he lived as a Pharisee and stood trial "for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers." He asked why it seemed incredible if God raised the dead. Paul admitted doing many things hostile to the name of Jesus by locking Christians in prisons, casting his vote to put them to death and pursuing them in foreign cities (Acts 26:1-11). Bold witnesses share briefly about their lives before trusting Christ.

On his way to Damascus, Paul saw a bright light from heaven and heard a voice asking why he was persecuting Him. After asking, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting'. . . . to appoint him as a minister and witness of what he saw and appear to him being delivered from the Jews and Gentiles 'to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the domain of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me' (Acts 26:12-18). Bold witnesses share how they trusted Christ so people know what to believe. 

Paul told King Agrippa he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but kept declaring to those in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea and the Gentiles that they should repent, turn to God and perform deeds appropriate to repentance. He spoke what the Prophets and Moses said would take place, that Christ would suffer and be the first to proclaim light to the Jews and Gentiles after His resurrection (Acts 26:19-23). Bold witnesses share how their life changed after trusting Christ. 

Festus said loudly that Paul's learning was driving him mad. He asked King Agrippa if he believed the Prophets. He said in a short time that Paul would persuade him to become a Christian. Paul said he hoped all listening become like him except for the chains (Acts 26:24-29). Bold witnesses ask people to believe in Christ.

King Agrippa said Paul did nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. He said that might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:30-32). Bold witnesses are willing to suffer consequences so they can share their faith. 

1. Write down and practice sharing your personal testimony including your life before Christ, how you came to know Christ and how your life changed afterward

2. Ask God to lead you to people where you can share your testimony of Christ
3. Ask for boldness and be available to share your testimony with people of influence










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Seek Genuine Relationships with the Poor (Insights in Psalms)

6/25/2012

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"Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty... acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours" (J. I. Packer).
The wise nourish others with their speech and seek genuine relationships with the poor. To do this, we need God's perspective. 

The words of a person with sound wisdom and understanding speech bring nourishment like deep waters and a bubbling brook. Dishonor and reproach lead a person to separate himself, reveal his own mind, being partial to the wicked and rejecting righteous judgments. In contrast to nourishing words, his words bring strife, blows, ruin and ensnare others through gossip (Prov. 18:1-8). The wise nourish others through their words, but the wicked ruins others through gossip and revealing their own mind.

The lazy or prideful person reaps destruction, thinking that his wealth is security. The righteous or humble person reaps honor and runs to safety in God. He listens before he answers and acquires knowledge by considering both sides of an argument.  He opens doors to great men through gifts. Knowing that death and life are in the power of the tongue, he speaks carefully without offense (Prov. 18:9-21). The wise speak carefully and find their security in God instead of wealth.

The righteous or humble person finds favor from the Lord through his wife. He prays fervently because His closest friend is the Lord (Prov. 18:22-24). The humble develops strong relationships with God and his or her spouse. 

A person with integrity refuses perverse speech. Their insight and wisdom prevent sin. A fool rages against the Lord and his wealth only brings superficial friendships. Lies lead to certain punishment. A generous man has many friends, but people avoid and hate the poor (Prov. 19:1-7). A generous man with integrity seeks genuine relationships with the poor. 


A wise person loves his soul and finds good. False witnesses and liars receive punishment and perish as a result. Luxury and ruling over princes are not fitting for fools. Discretion makes people slow to anger as they  overlook a transgression (Prov. 19:8-11). A wise person loves his soul by finding good, being slow to anger and overlooking a transgression.

The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion but favor like dew on the grass. A foolish son is destruction to his father, but house and wealth are inheritance from fathers. Contentions of a wife are a constant dripping, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Prov. 19:12-14). Blessings from God include a prudent wife, inheritance from fathers and favor of a king.

Idleness creates deep sleep, hunger and even death because of carelessness. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul. By being gracious to the poor, you lend to the Lord who repays any good deed. Discipline your son and don't desire his death. You have to rescue an angry man repeatedly. Wisdom comes as you listen to counsel and accept discipline. Man plans his way, but God's counsel stands. Kindness is desirable and the fear of the Lord leads to life so you are untouched by evil (Prov. 19:15-23). Listen to counsel, keep the commandment and be kind so you can live without evil.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish without bringing it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer and the naive become shrewd. Reprove someone with understanding and he will discern knowledge. You stray from knowledge by not listening to discipline. Rods are prepared for scoffers and blows for backs of fools (Prov. 19:24-29). Reprove those with understanding so they can discern knowledge, but strike scoffers.


Have you rejected the world's perspectives on wealth?
Are you seeking to nourish others through your words?
Are you seeking genuine relationships with the poor to increase their opportunities for advancement?
Do you listen to counsel to gain more understanding?
Do you reprove others so they can gain discernment?


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Destiny of a Nation is Determined by Prayer (Insights in Prophets)

6/23/2012

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"Give yourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Give yourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. If you do not pray, God will probably lay you aside from your ministry, as He did me, to teach you to pray" (Robert Murray McCheyne).  The spiritual health of leaders determine the health of families, churches or nations. The amount of spiritual fruit in peoples' lives is proportional to the amount of prayer. The destiny of a nation is determined by prayer.

Jehoahaz's evil caused God to give Israel into the hand of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-hadad the son of Hazael. Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the Lord who listened because He saw the oppression. The Lord gave Israel a deliverer so they escaped from the Arameans and lived in tents as formerly. They continued in the sins of Jeroboam and the Asherah remained standing in Samaria. They had only 50 horsemen, 10 chariots and 10,000 footmen because Aram destroyed them (2 Kings 13:1-13). God delivers nations from evil, defeat, oppression and deficiency as leaders pray.


Elisha told Joash, king of Israel, to shoot the Lord's arrow of victory over Aram until they were destroyed. He was told to take the arrows, but only struck the ground three times. Elisha said if he struck the ground five or six times, he would have destroyed Aram. When a dead man touched the bones of Elisha. he revived and stood up. The Lord was gracious because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Three times Joash defeated Ben-hadad and recovered the cities of Israel (2 Kings 13:14-25). The extent of deliverance and victory is proportional to the amount of persevering prayer from leaders. 

Amaziah, king of Judah, did right in the sight of the Lord except people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He killed the servants who had slain his father, but kept their sons alive according to law of Moses that sons or fathers were put to death for their own sin. Jehoash, king of Israel, told Amaziah that since his heart became proud after defeating Edom, he should enjoy his glory at home and not provoke trouble to himself or Judah. He did not listen and Judah defeated Israel by tearing down the wall of Jerusalem and taking all the gold, silver and utensils from the house of the Lord and king's house (2 Kings 14:1-16). A leader's sin and pride hastens evil, defeat, oppression and deficiency. 

Jeroboam made Israel sin and restored its borders from Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to God's word that he spoke through His servant Jonah. The Lord saw the bitter affliction of Israel without a helper. Jeroboam saved them and fought to recover Damascus and Hamath that belonged to Judah (2 Kings 14:17-29). Victory comes by claiming God's promises and fighting for the faith through prayer.

Azariah king of Judah did right in God's sight according to all his father Amaziah did. The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. The Lord struck the king with leprosy until his death and had to live in a separate house. God fulfilled his word to Jehu that his sons would be on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 15:1-12). God fulfills His promises for good in proportion to the obedience of leaders.

Menahem killed Shallum and became king in his place. He did evil in the sight of God and did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam that he made Israel sin. Menahem gave Put, king of Assyria, 1000 talents of silver so he would be with him to strengthen the kingdom under his rule. Menahem exacted money from all the mighty men of wealth in Israel. Pekah conspired against Pekahiah with 50 Gileadites and became king in his place (2 Kings 15:13-26). Power and materialism lead people to selfishly rule over others.

Pekah did evil in the sight of God and did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam that he made Israel sin. Hoshea conspired against Pekah, put him to death and became king in his place. Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah did what was right in God's sight like his father. The people sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord (2 Kings 15:27-38). The example of leaders influence people toward evil or good.   

Ask God to increase your prayer life so you persevere daily in your most important discipline. The health of your family, church and nation depend on it. 















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Effective Leadership Combines Prayer With Wisdom (Insights in Law)

6/21/2012

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"Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success." (Hudson Taylor). Instead of complaining, pray! Effective leadership involves fervent prayer combined with practical wisdom as modeled in Num. 11-13.

Stop Complaining
When people complained of adversity in the hearing of the Lord, He kindled His anger and fire burned to consume some. People cried out to Moses who prayed and the fire died out. Foreigners had greedy desires and Israel wept, “Who will give us meat to eat?” They remembered the fish eatened free in Egypt along with cucumbers, melons, leeks, etc. They lost their appetite because they only looked at manna. People gathered, grind and beat the manna into mortar before boiling and making cakes with it. When dew fell on the camp at night, manna would fall with it. (Num. 11:1-9). God becomes angry when you complain about His provisions.

Ask God
The burden of the people was laid on Moses. He asked God to carry them in His bosom like a nurse carries a nursing infant. He did not know where to find meat for all the people. Moses asked God not to show his wretchedness if he found favor in His sight (Num. 11:10-15). Ask God to carry the burden so He can provide for those you are responsible. 

Shared Leadership
The Lord said to gather 70 men from the elders of Israel who Moses knew so they could be brought to the tent of meeting with him. The Spirit would be placed on them to share the  burden of the people with Moses. Even though they were well-off in Egypt, they rejected the Lord, limited His power and unsure if His word would come true. Moses stationed elders around the tent and the Spirit was placed upon 70 of them, including Eldad and Medad who had not gone out to tent but prophesied also (Num. 11:16-30). God helps you carry the burden of responsibility through shared leadership who shepherd His people together.

Divine Provision

Wind from the Lord brought quail three feet deep. The Lord struck the people with a severe plague because they were greedy (Num. 11:31-35). God meets your needs supernaturally.

Humble Leadership

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses questioning whether the Lord only spoke through him. Moses was more humble than any man on earth and faithful in God's household. Aaron acknowledged his sin and Miriam was shut up outside the camp for seven days (Num. 12:1-16). Top leaders must be very humble to face jealousy concerning their leadership.

Create Ownership

The Lord told Moses to send out leaders from each tribe to spy out Canaan. Moses sent spies from the wilderness of Paran at the Lord's command to Negev. The saw what the land was like, whether the people were strong or weak, few or many, good or bad land, open camps or fortifications in the cities, fat or lean land and whether trees grew in the land. They made an effort to get fruit of the land.  (Num. 13:1-22). Involving key leaders in understanding the mission field create ownership to build God’s kingdom.

Show Fruit

In the valley of Eshcol, they cut down branch of grapes, pomegranates and figs. They reported that the land certainly flowed with milk and honey and showed the fruit. People living in the land were strong with very large fortified cities, including the descendants of Anak. Amalek, Hittities, Jebusites, Amorites and Canaanites lived by the sea and by the Jordan. (Num. 13: 23-29). Showing fruit encourages people to sacrifice in building God's kingdom.


Communicate Victory
Caleb said they should take possession of the land as overcomers. Men accompanying Caleb said they were not able to go up against people stronger than them. As a result, they gave out a bad report of the spied-out land, which devoured its inhabitants. Comparing the large Nephilim made them look like grasshoppers in comparison (Num. 13:30-33). Communicating God's promises in spite of the odds encourages people to believe in His victory.


Here is a checklist for effective leaders in building God's kingdom:
1. Are you complaining about the problems? Don't!
2. Are you asking God to carry the burden?
3. Are you asking God for other leaders to share the burden with you?
4. Do you believe that God will provide supernaturally in answer to prayer?
5. Are you a humble leader? 
6. Are you involving other leaders to understand the mission field so they gain ownership in the kingdom enterprise?
7. Are you showing leaders initial fruit in the ministry so they are encouraged to continue?
8. Are you communicating God's promises of victory in spite of the odds?


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Living as Martyr for Christ (Insights in NT)

6/16/2012

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"Every one of them can be a witness for Christ, not only with his lips but by his whole life. Every Christian ought to be a living martyr, who lives for the sake of his Master" (Sadhu Sundar Singh). Paul is a great example of living as a martyr for Christ. Whatever happened, he maximized the opportunities to share the gospel with others. 

Paul told the Council that he lived with a good conscience before God. When the high priest Ananias commanded Paul to be struck on the mouth, Paul said that act violated the Law. He cried out to the Council that he was a Pharisee on trial for the "hope and resurrection of the dead!" after realizing he was being tried by both Sadducees and Pharisees. Sadducees believed in no resurrection and the Pharisees determined there was nothing wrong with Paul as dissension increased (Acts 23:1-10). Be wise as serpent and innocent as a dove as you boldly proclaim the gospel.

On the night following, the Lord said to Paul that he should witness courageously at Rome as he did in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11). Follow God's leading where and when to share the gospel.

More than 40 Jews conspired to kill Paul. His nephew warned him of the plot and the commander wrote a letter to Felix the governor to have Paul moved to Caesarea so accusers could bring charges before him (Acts 23:12-35). People seek to harm those who boldly share the gospel.

After five days, the high priest Ananias, elders and an attorney named Tertullus brought charges against Paul. Tertullus said he was a real pest stirring dissension among Jews throughout the world who tried to desecrate the temple (Acts 24:1-9). People accuse those of stirring dissension who boldly share the gospel. 

Paul said he did not cause a riot and his accusers could not prove their charges. He admitted that he served the God of his fathers according to the Way they called a sect, believing everything in the Law and Prophets concerning a resurrection of both the righteous and wicked. He maintained a blameless conscience before God and men being on trial for the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:10-21). Believe God's word with a blameless conscience as you continue sharing God's word boldly. 

Felix kept him in custody and allowed friends to minister to Paul. Felix's wife heard Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Felix became frightened when Paul discussed righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. Felix conversed with Paul frequently. After two years, Felix was succeeded by Festus and left Paul imprisoned to do the Jews a favor (Acts 24:22-27). God opens doors to share the gospel with people of influence.  


Are you wise in your sharing of the gospel?
Do you follow God's lead in sharing the gospel? 
Are you unconcerned about the consequences when you share the gospel? 
Do you believe God's word with a clear conscience? 
Do you see God open doors for the gospel? 




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Righteous Speech Produces Blessings (Insights in Psalms)

6/11/2012

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Seven Modern Sins:
1.  Politics without principles
2.  Pleasures without conscience
3.  Wealth without work
4.  Knowledge without character
5.  Industry without morality
6.  Science without humanity
7.  Worship without sacrifice (Canon Frederic Donaldson). Proverbs 17 explains how righteous speech produces blessings in all areas of life.  

Righteousness Produces Holistic Riches
Righteous character and wisdom trumps riches and strife because they produce quietness, vocational responsibilities and financial provision  (Prov. 17:1-3). Righteous character produces personal, vocational and financial blessings. 

Wickedness Produces Perverse Speech
Wicked character and speech has the following characteristics:
1.  Listens to wicked lips and falsehood
2.  Mocks the poor
3.  Rejoices at calamity
4.  Lying speech
5.  Takes bribes
6.  Repeats a matter to hurt friendships
7.  Returns evil for good
8.  Justifies the wicked and condemns the righteous
9.  No sense
10. Co-signs loans
11.  Loves transgression and strife
12. Perverts language and crooked mind 
13. Perverts way of justice (Prov. 17:4-5,7-9,13,15-16,18-20,23). The wicked lies, loves transgression and perverts language. 

Righteousness Produces Family Riches
Grandchildren are the crown of old men. The glory of sons is their fathers. In contrast, the father of a fool has grief and no joy. The mother of a fool has bitterness (Prov. 17:21,25). Fathers are the glory of sons while grandchildren are the crown of old men. 

Righteousness Produces Measured Speech

Righteous character and speech have the following characteristics:
1.  Covers a transgression seeks love
2.  Rebukes understanding man
3.  Abandons a quarrel before it breaks out
4.  Friend loves at all time
5.  Brother is born for adversity
6.  Joyful heart is good medicine
7.  Wisdom
8.  Understanding
9.  Restrains words have knowledge
10. Cool spirit has understanding
11. Closes lips is prudent (Prov. 17:9-10,14,17,22,24,27-28). The righteous covers a transgression, abandons a quarrel and restrains words.

Examine your character:
1. Do you watch what you say?
2. Do you cover a transgression, abandon a quarrel and restrain your words?
3. Do you prioritize your job as a father or grandfather, mother or grandmother?
4. Do you see God's blessings in your personal, vocation and financial life?

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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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Prayerful Leaders Shape Discipleship to Change Lives (Insights in Law)

6/6/2012

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"We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results." (R.A. Torrey)  In Numbers 7-10, we learn that prayerful leaders shape discipleship to  change lives. 

Moses set up, anointed and consecrated the tabernacle with all its furnishings, altar and utensils. The leaders of their fathers’ households  made an offering. They gave the Levites six covered carts and 12 oxen with a cart for every two leaders and an oxen for each one to Gershon and Merari. They did not give any to Kohath because they carried the holy objects on the shoulder. Each leader representing the twelve tribes offered fine flour mixed with oil for grain offering, incense, burnt offering, sin offering and peace offering, beginning with the tribe of Judah (Num. 7:1-83). If leaders dedicate their lives to God, then discipleship can extend to the whole body of Christ.

This was the dedication offering for the altar from Israel's leaders when it was anointed: twelve silver dishes, bowls and gold pans full of incense, all oxen for burnt offering, male lambs with their grain offering, male goats for sin offering and oxen for peace offerings (Num. 7:84-88). God reigns in leaders' hearts when they offer their time, talent and treasure to Him.   

When Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with God, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat on the ark of testimony between two cherubim (Num. 7:89). Leaders hear God speak when they trust in Christ’s blood to forgive their sins and meditate on His word.

Seven lamps gave light in front of the lampstands, which were hammered works of gold according to the pattern the Lord showed Moses. Cleanse the Levites using a bull for a grain offering with fine flour mixed with oil and a second bull for a sin offering. Present the Levites before the tent of meeting and assemble the whole congregation. Levites laid hands on the bulls for a sin offering and burnt offering to make atonement for themselves. God took the Levites instead of every first-born to make atonement so no plague would come near the sanctuary. Moses, Aaron and all the congregation of Israel followed what God commanded Moses concerning the Levites. They purified themselves from sin, washed their clothes and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the Lord to qualify them to perform the service of the Lord (Num. 8:1-26). When the church confesses sins and dedicates itself to obey God’s word, it then becomes the light of the world.

The Lord told Moses to observe the Passover at the appointed time on the 14th day of the first month. Some unclean men because of a dead person could not observe the Passover so they came before Moses and Aaron. The Lord spoke to Moses after waiting to hear from Him. They should eat unleavened bread and bitter herbs while not leaving any until morning or breaking a bone. If a clean person did not observe the Passover, he would be cut off and bear his sin with one statute for the alien and native. A cloud covered the tabernacle continuously by day and fire by night. When the cloud was lifted from over the tent, Israel would set out. When the cloud settled down, Israel would camp and not set out. At the Lord's command, they camped and at His command, they set out to keep His charge (Num. 9:1-23). If the church listens to God's word by not moving ahead or behind the Lord's leading, it will know when and what to do. 

When you go to war against the adversary who attacked you, sound an alarm, be remembered before the Lord and be saved from enemies. Gershon and Merari set out carrying the tabernacle after it was taken down. Kohathites carried holy objects. The Lord promised good concerning Israel. The father-in-law of Moses set out with him to the place the Lord would give them. The ark of the covenant journeyed in front of them for three days to seek out a resting place for them. The cloud of the Lord was over them by day. When the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, O Lord! And let Thine enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Thee flee before Thee" (Num. 10:1-36). The church gains victory over the world, flesh and devil by calling upon the Lord.


Is God reigning your life? Do you confess sin? Do you call upon God's name? Is prayer a major part of your life? Ask God to break your heart for a church and world that does not seek Him, and then pray as He leads you. 


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Illustration of Radical Obedience to Christ (Insights in NT)

6/4/2012

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“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.” (David Platt). Paul illustrates radical obedience to Christ in Acts 21-22. 

After landing by ship in Tyre, Paul stayed seven days with the disciples. He prayed with them, said goodbye and boarded the ship. In Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus predicted  that the Jews would bound Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles. Paul said he was ready to die in Jerusalem for the name of Christ. His friends said, "The will of the Lord be done!" (Acts 21:1-14). Deny yourself and take up your cross in spite of the consequences.


Paul related to James and the elders what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry. They said that the Jews coming to know Christ were told by Paul to forsake Moses and not circumcise their children. After Paul purified himself with four men as instructed by James and the elders, he went into the temple notifying them that his purification was complete until the sacrifice was offered (Acts 21:15-26). Become all things to all men so you can win them to Christ. 

The Jews from Asia stirred up the multitude and beat Paul until the commander and soldiers came. He told the commander that he was a Jew of Tarsus and asked if he could speak to the people (Acts 21:27-40). Persevere under persecution for the sake of Christ. 

Paul addressed the Jews in the Hebrew dialect and said he was brought up in Jerusalem educated under Gamaliel. put people to death and into prison. As he approached Damascus, a bright light flashed from heaven and a voice said to him, "Saul, Saul, why are persecuting Me?" He learned it was Jesus the Nazarene. Paul received his sight with Ananias present. He said Paul was appointed to know His will and be a witness to all men of what He saw and heard. After being baptized and having his sins washed away, Paul returned to Jerusalem. The Lord told him to leave since they would not accept his testimony as he approved of Stephen's stoning. The Lord said he would send him far away to the Gentiles (Acts 22:1-21). Share your testimony boldly to those who need to hear the gospel message. 

People wanted to kill Paul and the commander brought him into the barracks. As they stretched him with thongs, Paul asked a centurion if it was lawful to scourge a Roman who was uncondemned.  The commander let him go after finding out he was a Roman. Wishing to know why had been accused by the Jews, he ordered the chief priest and Council to assemble before Paul (Acts 22:22-30). Stand up for your rights as a citizen to continue sharing the gospel. 


Repent of your lukewarmness and ask God to give you radical obedience to Him in sharing the gospel with others. 

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

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