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Use Natural Opportunities for Kingdom Mission

2/8/2020

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Sitting in the barber chair, I told my barber that our hairs are numbered. “I will have less hairs to number once my hair is cut,” I joked, and then decided to probe a bit deeper. “I didn’t always believe in God…Do you believe in God?”

“I’m not sure, but would like to know for certain,” my barber said.

“Would you like to dialogue about it? Do you have a Bible?” My barber said he didn’t. So by the time my hair was nicely trimmed, we set an appointment at a coffee shop for Sunday afternoon.

Many people are not open like my barber, but how can we use natural opportunities to do our kingdom ministry? Luke 22 offers ways we can prepare ourselves to show Christ’s love to others.

1. Reject deception
While Passover was approaching, religious leaders, fearing the people, sought to put Jesus to death. Satan entered into Judas who gave in to his deception and described to the leaders how he would betray Jesus (Luke 22:1–6). Reject deception by not allowing Satan to betray and put Jesus to death in your life. 

2. Trust in Jesus’ word
Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover by following a man carrying a water pitcher into a house with a furnished, upper room (Luke 22:7–13). They may have thought these were odd instructions, but Jesus knew the eternal plan. Trust in Jesus’ word by obeying Him.  

3. Participate in the Lord’s Table
As the apostles and Jesus sat together for the Passover meal, He said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Jesus took the cup and bread and gave thanks, symbolizing His body and blood poured out in the new covenant. This sets an example and serves as a reminder for us today (Luke 22:14–23). Participate in the Lord’s Table to enter into Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. 

4. Serve others
The apostles disputed who would be greatest among themselves. Jesus said gentile kings lord it over others, but the greatest of His disciples serve one another. Just as the Father granted Jesus a kingdom, He enabled His apostles to eat and drink at His table where they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:24–30). Serve others to experience greatness.

5. Resist temptation
When Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail. Jesus predicted that Peter’s self-confidence would lead to denying Him three times, and He told him to strengthen his brothers after returning to God (Luke 22:31–34). Resist temptation with prayer so your faith can strengthen others. 

6. Trust new provisions
Though Jesus said to carry nothing in their mission to the Jews, He now instructed them to bring a purse and sell their robe to buy a sword. Jesus was numbered with the transgressors and said, “it is enough” after they found two swords” Trust God to meet your needs in the midst of future challenges, hardships and hostilities as you carry out your mission (Luke 22:35–38). Trust new provisions to carry out gospel mission. 

7. Wrestle in prayer
Jesus told His disciples to pray so they may not tempted. Jesus prayed that the Father would remove the cup not according to His own will, but God’s will be done. An angel strengthened Christ in His agony of prayer that was so fervent that He sweat like drops of blood. When Jesus found His disciples sleeping from sorrow, He told them to rise and pray to not enter into temptation (Luke 22:39–46). Wrestle in prayer to not enter into temptation.

8. Trust in God’s sovereign plan
When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Peter cut off a slave’s right ear, which Christ healed. He said that religious leaders came against Him with weapons when formerly they didn’t lay hands on Him because it wasn’t His time (Luke 22:47–53). Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life.

9. Remain close to Jesus
Peter followed at a distance after they arrested Jesus. Peter later denied Him three times and when he remembered Jesus’ words, he wept bitterly (Luke 22:54–62). This resulted not only in a physical distance but also a spiritual distance because of Peter’s fear. Remain close to Jesus to prevent denying Him.

10. Reject world’s mocking of Jesus
While holding Jesus in custody, they mocked and beat Him. They said many things against Him, while blaspheming (Luke 22:63–65). Reject the world’s mocking of Jesus. 

11. Believe Jesus’ authority
Jesus told the religious leaders they wouldn’t believe or answer His questions. He also said that “the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They refused any additional testimony after Jesus said He was the Son of God (Luke 22:66–71). Believe Jesus’ authority seated at the right hand of God.

The evil one seeks to get you to deny God’s sovereign plan for your life by attacking you as you follow Christ at a distance, as you are intimidated by the world’s mocking, as the world speaks against Him to cause you to disbelieve Christ’s authority and power. But by trust, obedience, and prayer you will share in Jesus’ victory.
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Final Thought: Use natural opportunities to do your kingdom mission, rejecting deception by the evil one. 

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How to Know Your Labor in Christ Gains Rest and Significance (Insights in NT)

6/15/2013

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In order to know your labor in Christ gains rest and significance; remember Israel birthed Jesus how rules and protects; overcome Satan's accusations by Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose life for His sake, endure patiently and faithfully by resisting the devil and antichrist; resist deception and compromise in the great tribulation;  achieve victory in Christ through purity and faithfulness; and escape eternal torment in hell.

Remember Israel Birthed Jesus Who Rules and Protects
A pregnant woman cried out in pain just before she gave birth. A large red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crown appeared as another sign in heaven. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child. She gave birth to a male child who would rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Her child was snatched up to God and to His throne. The woman fled in the desert and where she was protected for 1,260 days (Rev. 12:1-6). Remember Israel birthed Jesus who rules the nations and protects His people during the great tribulation.

Overcome Satan's Accusations by Lamb's Blood, Word of Testimony and Lose Life for His Sake
After Michael and his angels fought the dragon (serpent, devil, Satan) and his angels, he was hurled to earth and led the world astray. Salvation, power and kingdom of God along with the authority of His Christ came. The accuser of brothers who accused them before God day and night was hurled down. Believers overcame him by the Lamb's blood, word of their testimony and willingness to die. Being filled with fury, the devil knew his time was short and pursued the woman who gave birth to the male child. The woman was cared for in the desert for 1,260 days. The serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman but the earth swallowed the river. The dragon was enraged and made war against those who obeyed God's commandments and held to Jesus' testimony (Rev. 12:7-17). Overcome Satan's accusations by Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose your life for His sake.

Endure Patiently and Faithfully By Resisting Devil and Antichrist
A beast (antichrist) came out of the sea with ten horns, seven heads and a mouth like a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power, throne and great authority. The whole world followed the beast who uttered proud words, blasphemies and exercised his authority for 42 months over every tribe, people, language and nation. Men worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast who warred and conquered the saints. Those who names were not written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb worshiped the beast. Because God determined who would go into captivity or killed, saints must patiently endure with faithfulness (Rev. 13:1-10). Endure patiently and faithfully by resisting the devil and antichrist. 

Resist Deception and Compromise in Great Tribulation
Another beast (false prophet) came out of the earth with two horns like a lamb who spoke like a dragon. He exercised his authority on behalf of the first beast (antichrist). He made everyone worship the antichrist whose fatal wound was healed. His miraculous signs like fire coming down from heaven deceived men. He ordered an image be set up in honor of the antichrist. He was given power so the image had breath, spoke and killed anyone who refused to worship it. He forced everyone to receive a mark on his right hand or forehead to buy or sell with the beast's number: 666 (Rev. 13:11-18). Resist deception and compromise by not taking a mark to buy or sell from the antichrist,

Achieve Victory in Christ Through Purity and Truthfulness
The Lamb stood on Mount Zion with 144,000 who had His Father's name written on their foreheads. John heard a loud sound like harpists playing their harps singing a new song before the throne, four living creatures and elders. Only the 144,000 redeemed from the earth who stayed pure with women and followed the Lamb wherever He went could learn the song. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths (Rev. 14:1-5). Achieve victory in Christ through purity and truthfulness so God hears your new song.

Escape Eternal Torment in Hell Knowing Labor in Christ Gains Rest and Significance
Another angel had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those on earth. He said to fear, worship and give the Creator God glory because the time of judgment was coming. A second angel said Babylon the Great fell, which made the nations drink the wine of her adulteries. A third angel said if anyone worshiped the beast, his image and received his mark, he would drink the cup of God's wrath. He would be tormented forever with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. This called for patient endurance for saints who obeyed God's commandments and remained faithful to Jesus. Those who died in the Lord from that point on were blessed since they rested from labor and their deeds followed them (Rev. 14:6-13). Escape eternal torment in hell knowing your labor in Christ gains rest and significance.

Realize Timeliness of God's Wrath in Final Battle of Armageddon
Someone like a son of man was seated on a white cloud with a crown of gold on his head and sharp sickle in his hand. Another angel said to take the sickle and reap because the earth's harvest was ripe. Another angel with charge of the fire called out to an angel to use its sharp sickle to gather clusters of ripe grapes from the earth's vine. It threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city where blood flowed as high as horses' bridles for 180 miles (Rev. 14:14-20). Realize timeliness of God's wrath in final battle of Armageddon. 

Know your labor in Christ gains rest and significance by remembering Israel birthed Jesus who rules and protects to escape eternal torment in hell, overcome Satan's accusations by the Lamb's blood, word of testimony and lose life for His sake to achieve victory in Christ though purity and faithfulness, and resist deception and compromise in the great tribulation by enduring patiently and faithfully. 





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Contend Earnestly for the Faith (Insights in NT)

6/7/2013

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Those who contend earnestly for the faith do not turn God's grace into license of immorality, submit to God's authority, wary of people serving themselves and seeking personal advantage, remember that scoffers cause divisions, build their holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and minister to doubters, deceived and corrupted for His glory. 

Contend Earnestly for the Faith

Jude urged them to contend for the faith entrusted to believers because certain condemned and godless men secretly slipped in among them. They changed God's grace into a license for immorality and denied Jesus Christ as Sovereign and Lord. He reminded them that the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt and destroyed those who did not believe. He bound angels in eternal chains for judgment who abandoned their positions of authority. Sodom and Gomorrah served as an example of suffering eternal fire because of sexual immorality and perversion (Jude 1-7). Contend earnestly for the faith and do not turn God's grace into license for immorality. 

Submit to God's Authority Rejecting Deadness, Profiteering and Covetousness
Dreamers polluted their bodies, rejected authority and slandered heavenly beings. The archangel Michael said, "The Lord rebuke you," when he disputed with the devil about Moses' body. Like unreasoning animals, these things destroyed men who spoke abusively against whatever they did not understand. They took the way of Cain, rushed for profit into Balaam's error and destroyed in Korah's rebellion (Jude 8-11). Submit to God's authority rejecting dead religion, profiteering and covetousness.

Wary of People Serving Themselves and Constantly Busy
As blemishes in their love feasts, they were shepherds who fed themselves, clouds without rain blown along by the wind, and twice-dead, uprooted autumn trees without fruit. They were wild waves of the sea foaming up their shame and  wandering stars for whom the blackest darkness had been reserved forever (Jude 12-13). Beware of people serving themselves who seek fads, constantly busy and spiritually dead on their way to hell. 

Know God Judges Those Seeking Personal Advantage 
Enoch prophesied that the Lord was coming with thousands of His holy ones to judge and convict all ungodly acts and harsh words ungodly sinners spoke against Him. There men were grumblers and faultfinders who followed their evil desires. They boasted about themselves and flattered others for their own advantage (Jude 14-16). Know God judges grumbling, faultfinding, boasting and flattery seeking personal advantage. 

Remember Scoffers Cause Divisions
Remember that the apostles foretold scoffers who followed their own ungodly desires in the last days. They divided them by following their natural instincts without the Spirit (Jude 17-19). Remember scoffers who follow their instincts without the Holy Spirit cause divisions. 

Build Your Holy Faith and Pray in Holy Spirit
They should build themselves in their most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. They kept themselves in God's love and waited for the mercy of their Lord Jesus Christ bringing eternal life (Jude 20-21). Build your holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit and stay in God's love waiting for Christ's mercy to eternal life.

Minister to Doubters, Deceived and Corrupted
They showed mercy to the doubting, snatched and saved others from the fire, and showed mercy mixed with fear hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. God kept them from falling and presented them before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy for His glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ their Lord (Jude 22-25). Minister appropriately to doubters, deceived and corrupted for God's glory. 

Answer the following questions to determine if you are contending earnestly for the faith:

1. Are you studying God's word so you don't turn His grace into license for immorality?
2. Do you submit to God's authority rejecting dead religion, profiteering land covetousness?
3. Do you serve others and busy in God's kingdom program? 
4. Do you avoid grumbling and faultfinding that seek personal advantage?
5. Do you pursue unity working the power of the Holy Spirit?
6. Are you building your holy faith by meditating in God's word, praying in the Holy Spirit and staying in God's love?
7. Are you ministering appropriately to doubters, deceived and corrupted people? 




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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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Process of Becoming Unshackled from Sin (Insights in Psalms)

10/9/2012

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When you felt inclined to pray it was Jesus Christ who moved you in that direction. When you said, I think I see more clearly today; truth seems to be enlarging, - it was Christ who was performing a miracle upon you. Trace all happy impulse, all sacred inspiration, all ennobling influence, to the touch, the glance, the benediction of Christ (Joseph Parker). 

God reveals wisdom, displays power, rebukes accusers and shackles you in sin as motivation for release as you hear His gentle words and warnings.  Job 11-15 explain the process of becoming unshackled from sin.

God Reveals
Zophar asked if Job's idle words would go unanswered without rebuke when he claimed purity before them. He hoped God would disclose wisdom's secrets to Job that were higher than the heavens, deeper than the grave, longer than the earth and wider than the sea. God recognized and took note of deceitful men. He challenged Job to put away sin so he could stand firm without shame and fear. He would forget his trouble, be secure and have hope with a brighter life. The wicked fail and their hope dies (Job 11:1-20). God reveals wisdom to the pure so they can stand firm without shame and fear. 


God Displays
Job said he was not inferior even though he became a laughingstock to his friends while God answered his prayers. People at ease do not want to think about God who gave them breath. God has wisdom, power, counsel and understanding. You cannot rebuild what He tore down, release a man He imprisoned or avoid a drought if He held back the waters. God has strength and victory. He owned the deceived and deceiver while making fools of judges. He took off the shackles put on kings, overthrew established men, silenced trusted advisers, removed the discernment of elders, poured contempt on nobles, disarmed the mighty, made nations great along with destroying, enlarging and dispersing them. He deprived leaders of their reason and made them stagger like drunkards (Job 12:1-25). God displays power, counsel and understanding in accomplishing His will through nations and its leaders. 

God Rebukes
Job desired to argue His case with God even while smeared with lies. His accusers would show wisdom by remaining silent. Could they speak wickedly on God's behalf and still deceive Him like with men? He would surely rebuke them and His dread would fall on them (Job 13:1-12). God rebukes lying accusers during your trials. 

God Shackles
Though He slay me, I hope and call for to Him for deliverance. Withdraw your hand and stop frightening me with terror. Why does God hide His face and consider me an enemy? He wrote down bitter things and made me inherit the sins of my youth. He fastened Job's feet in shackles so he wasted away like a garment eaten by moths (Job 13:13-28). God shackles you in sin to motivate your prayer and hope for deliverance. 

God Releases
Man's few days are full of trouble like a hired man. He springs up and withers like a flower. God determines man's days and ends when he dies. Trees can sprout new shoots. Will a man live again after he dies? Release comes after days of hard service. Hopefully God covers over sin but in reality He destroys man's hope and does not know when his sons are honored (Job 14:1-22). God releases you after days of hard service and trouble.

God Speaks
Eliphaz asked if wise men used useless speech in their arguments. By hindering devotion to God, one sinned with their mouth causing condemnation. Unless you were the first one born, no one boasted about knowing God's council or being wiser than older people. Be content with His words spoken gently to you. No man was pure and righteous since he drank evil like water (Job 15:1-16). God speaks gently so you become devoted to Him instead of pride about knowledge. 

God Warns
Wise men declared that the wicked were overwhelmed with torment, despair and anguish because of shaking their fist at God. Their wealth won't endure and they can't escape the darkness. Trusting in worthless things deceived men, offered no return, bore no fruit and consumed those who loved bribes. The godless conceived trouble and gave birth to evil (Job 15:17-35). God warns about trusting in  deceptive, worthless things that bear no fruit and cause anguish. 

How is God motivating you to become unshackled from sin? What is He saying to you? 

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How to Respond to Economic, Political and Moral Devastation (Insights in Prophets)

9/19/2012

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When people trust in idols, devastation occurs in a country. The economy tanks and people lose jobs.  God is no respecter of persons, including the US. Trusting in something besides God brings deception to leaders causing a nation to go astray. In contrast, God blesses and glorifies anyone who trusts Him. Fear motivates people to worship God sacrificially causing healing and witness to the world. Demonstrate Christ's love by providing basic necessities to those who lost their jobs. Learn how to respond properly to economic, political and moral devastation from Is 17-21. 

The Lord said Damascus became a heap of ruins, cities of Aroer deserted and the fortified city from Ephraim disappeared. The remnant of Aram became like the glory of the Israelites. Jacob's glory faded and his body wasted away with little fruit remaining. In that day men looked to their Maker and turned their eyes to the Holy One of Israel without regard to the work of their hands. Strong cities became desolate before the Israelites because they forgot God their Savior, the Rock and their fortress. Their harvest became nothing because of disease and pain (Is. 17:1-14). When people forget God their Savior, cities become devastated.


Nations feared oppressive and powerful Ethiopia that sends envoys by sea. An aggressive nation of strange speech  brought gifts to the Lord Almighty at Mount Zion, the place of His name (Is. 18:1-7). God imparts glory to anyone who worship and bring gifts to Him.

The Lord rode on a swift cloud to Egypt as its idols trembled before Him and their hearts melted within them. He stirred each person to fight against one another. The Egyptians lost heart and God brought their plans to nothing. They consulted idols, mediums and spiritists. God handed the Egyptians over to a fierce king who ruled over them. The streams dried up and fields along the Nile became parched. The fishermen languished, weavers of fine linen despaired, workers in cloth were dejected and all wage earners were sick at heart (Is. 19:1-10). People spur economic downturn and job reductions when they lose heart and trust idols. 

The officials of Zoan became foolish, Pharaoh's wise counselors gave senseless advice and the leaders of Memphis were deceived. The cornerstones of her peoples led Egypt astray. The Lord mixed a spirit of distortion like a drunkard staggering in his vomit so its leadership could not do any meaningful work (Is. 19:11-15). God distorts and disables leaders toward deception causing their country to go astray. 

Th Egyptians shuddered with fear like women when the Lord Almighty raised an uplifted hand against them. Judah brought terror and dread to Egypt because of what God planned against them. Five cities spoke the language of Canaan swearing allegiance to God including the City of Destruction. People cried to the Lord and He sent a Savior and a Champion to deliver them. God made Himself known to Egypt and they came with sacrificial worship. They returned to Him after God struck and healed them. In that day there was a highway from Egypt to Assyria so both nations would worship together. Israel joined them as a blessing to the earth so God said, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance" (Is. 19:16-25). Fear motivates people to worship God sacrificially causing healing and witness to the world. 

Isaiah went naked and barefoot as a sign when Assyria led away Egyptian and Ethiopian captives naked and barefoot.  They feared and were ashamed because they hoped in Ethiopia and boasted in Egypt. This was warning to those who trusted in Egypt and Ethiopia for deliverance from Assyria (Is. 20:1-6). Trusting in something besides God leads to defeat and shame. 

A harsh vision was shown of the treacherous and destroyer that caused deep anguish and overwhelming horror. Pay close attention day and night to hear God say that Babylon fell along with her gods shattered on the ground (Is. 21:1-10). God reveals how false gods will be shattered during times of destruction and anguish.

Be silent concerning Edom as one kept calling from Seir when watchman  waited during the night. Bring water for the thirsty among Tema in Arabia. Meet the fugitives with bread as they fled from swords in the press of battle. In a year, Kedar's splendor stopped with few mighty bowmen left (Is. 21:11-17). Demonstrate Christ's love by providing basic necessities for those who lost their jobs.

Are you trusting in God or something else? If you are trusting in something else like family, job, hobby, money, entertainment, etc, confess your sin and begin to worship God sacrificially by spending more time in His word and prayer. 

Are you fearful about the economic conditions? Let your fear motivate you to worship God sacrificially by spending more time in His word and prayer.

Do you see people out of work and struggling financially? Meet basic needs and then train them to be self-sufficient with a circle of support. 





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Man-Centered Strategies in Dealing with Pressure (Insights in Law)

6/23/2011

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To experience relief from pressure,  people find substitutes for God's power, bargain with Him, try everything except Him, explain away miracles, refuse His deliverance and act deceitfully to stay in their comfort zone. Pride infects our hearts to turn away from God and His solutions. We rely on our own understanding instead of acknowledging His ways. When Moses confronted Pharaoh to let Israel leave Egypt, you will observe man-centered strategies in dealing with pressure. 
   
The Lord told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go that they may serve Him. If he refused, the Nile would swarm with frogs everywhere. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the rivers to make frogs come up into Egypt. The magicians did the same with their secret arts  (Ex. 8:1-7). People find substitutes for God's power.


Pharaoh said if Moses and Aaron entreated the Lord to remove frogs, he would let the people sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 8:8-9). People bargain with God by responding only if God does something first for them. 

Moses said that by asking God to remove frogs, Pharaoh would know there is no one like the Lord. When he experienced relief, Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not listen to Moses and Aaron (Ex. 8:10-15). People try everything except God to experience relief from pressure. 

The Lord told Moses to strike the dust with his staff so it becomes gnats throughout Egypt. Magicians tried with their secret arts but couldn't bring forth gnats. Magicians said to Pharaoh that "this is the finger of God," but his heart was hardened (Ex. 8:16-19). People explain away miracles and God's power if they experience relief from pressure. 

The Lord said to Moses that if Pharaoh would not let the  people go, He would send insects everywhere to set apart the land of Goshen where His people lived. Pharaoh would then know that He, the Lord, is in midst of the land. God said to Moses: “And I  will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall occur” (Ex. 8:20-24). People refuse God's deliverance when the pressure comes.                            

Pharaoh told them to sacrifice to the Lord, but Moses refused because it would be an abomination to the Egyptians. Moses demanded they go on three days journey into the wilderness as God commanded. From there, he would ask the Lord to remove the insects. Moses warned Pharaoh to not act deceitfully again by refusing to let people sacrifice to the Lord. But Pharaoh hardened his heart again and did not let the people go (Ex. 8:25-32). People act deceitfully when the pressure is off to stay in their comfort zone. 



Which of the following man-centered strategies do you use in dealing with pressure?
1. Find substitute for God's power
2. Bargain with God
3. Try everything except God
4. Explain away God's power
5. Refuse God's deliverance
6. Act deceitfully to stay in your comfort zone
Memorize and act upon Prov. 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones. 

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How To Experience the Good Life (Insights in Law)

11/27/2010

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Like Solomon, you can seek the good life in education, pleasure, possessions, accomplishments, wisdom and hard work but miss out on enjoying what you have (Eccl. 1:12-2:26). I thought a college education would be my ticket to happiness. Then my first job. When none of those worked, surely a four-bedroom, Colonial, two-story house in a nice neighborhood would allow my family to experience the good life. I lost my job and had to sell it at a loss. God showed me that life isn't found externally or in abundance of possessions (Lk. 12:15). God initiated a training program so Jacob could overcome bad habits preventing him and all of us from experiencing the good life. 

After a safe trip to find his mother's relatives, Jacob met Rachel, kissed her and wept. He told her that he was Rebekah’s son. Rachel ran and told her father, Laban, Jacob's uncle (Gen. 29:1-13).  


Jacob stayed with Laban one month. Laban asked what his wages should be. Jacob's love for Rachel motivated him to ask that he serve seven years for his daughter. Laban said, “It is better I give her to you than another man.” Jacob served seven years, which seemed like a few days because of his love for Rachel (Gen. 29:14-20).

Laban deceived Jacob by giving him his older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob discovered the deception when he had sexual relations with her after a feast. Laban then asked Jacob to serve another seven years before he could marry Rachel. The Lord saw Leah was unloved and opened her womb, while Rachel was barren. Leah bore four sons with significant meanings to their names: 


1. Reuben: Lord saw my affliction and husband will love me
2. Simeon: Lord heard I am unloved
3. Levi: Husband will become attached to me 
4. Judah: This time I will praise the Lord.  Then Leah  stopped bearing children (Gen. 29:21-35). 

Family trials are designed to draw you closer to God so you can cleave to and praise Him. The degree you enjoy life will be in direct proportion on how you treat others.  Jacob violated 1 Pet. 3:10-11, which commands those who desire to love life and see good days to refrain from evil and speaking guile. He deceived his older brother, Esau, by buying his birthright for a single meal. He also deceived his father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau so he could receive the double blessing as the oldest son.  

Leah, in contrast, submitted to her disobedient husband, Jacob, and experienced the good life because the Lord was  attentive to her prayer in bearing four sons (Gen. 29:31;  1 Pet. 3:1-12).

Confess any deceptive or dishonest speech as it will hinder you from experiencing the good life. 


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How To Protect Ourselves From World's Deceptions (insights in Prophets)

9/17/2010

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Most of us are aware of Internet deceptions like get-rich schemes from Nigerian "bankers," pyramid marketing schemes and fake cashier's checks for goods are trying to sell. Now a new deception is selling fake Product Keys for popular software from companies like Microsoft and Norton. The deceptions keep getting more subtle as time goes on. What will protect us from the world's deceptions in each area of our lives? In Judges 1-2, I will number six ways to protect ourselves from deception. 

After the death of Joshua, Israel inquired of Lord concerning who should go up first to fight against the Canaanites. Judah defeated the Canaanites, Perizzites, and captured Jerusalem.  They took Gaza, Askelon and Ekron with its territory. Lord was with Judah and took possession of hill country, but could not drive out inhabitants of valley because they had iron chariots (Judges 1:1-5,8,18-19).
1. Trust in God's strength instead of your own efforts and resources as protection from fear and intimidation. 


Caleb said that the one who captured Kiriath-sepher would become the husband of his daughter. She asked her father for a field and received the upper and lower springs (Judges 1:12-15).  
2. Marry a Spirit-filled person as protection from an impoverished life. 

Experiencing God's power and being married to Spirit-filled person protects us from the world's deceptions to lead to disobedience. Manasseh did not take possession of certain regions so Canaanites persisted in living in that land. They put them to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely (Judges 1:27-28). 

3. Refuse compromise with the world as protection from incomplete obedience and sins of omission.  

After the angel of the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, the nation was commanded not to make a covenant with inhabitants of Canaan, but tear down their altars. Their disobedience became thorns and their gods, snares (Judges 2:1-3).  
4. Refuse entanglement with the world as protection from disobedience and sins of commission.  

Compromise and entanglement with the world leads to ignorance of God and His work. After Joshua's generation, there rose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work which He had done for Israel (Judges 2:10-15).  
5. Take personal responsibility to know the Lord and His power as protection from great distress and plundering by the enemy. 


Those who refuse compromise and entanglement with the world become spiritual leaders and godly examples. The Lord raised up judges who delivered them from hands of those who plundered them. Instead of listening to their judges, they played the harlot after other gods and bowed down to them. The Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them. When a judge died, they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers. The Lord allowed the nations to remain by not driving them out quickly (Judges 2:16-23). 
6. Follow spiritual leadership and godly example as protection from seduction by false gods. 

In summary, you protect yourself from the world's deceptions as you trust in God's power, marry a Spirit-filled person, refuse compromise and  entanglement with the world, pursue your own relationship with God and follow spiritual leadership and godly example. 

Which of the six protections from the world's deception most speak to you? Choose one or two and ask for God's power to implement it into your life. 

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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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