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Do You Have Good Soil?

4/23/2019

I nervously walked up to the door. I knocked several times. A lady opened the door. Her facial expression communicated, “What do you want?” I asked, “How could I pray for you and your family on this beautiful day?” I transitioned into my story of faith and shared the “Three Circles.” She trusted Christ as Savior.

During my next visit, I gave her a Bible. In a return visit, I saw her Bible sitting on a shelf. She said, “I haven’t read it yet.” I encouraged her that her house could be a place to share Christ with her friends. The next week, I called and asked when we could meet again. “I don’t want to meet with you. You lied!” Before I could explain, she hung up.

A different outcome came with someone else. He experienced one trial after another, but persevered and grew in Christ. Why do we see these different levels of receptivity?

Jesus’ parable of the soils, also known as the parable of the sower, is found in three places (Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8). A farmer sows seed along a path, rocky places, thorns, and good soil.

On the path, birds came and ate up the seed. On the rocky places, plants sprang up quickly but withered without roots in shallow soil. The thorns in the third soil choked the plants so they didn’t bear grain. The fourth soil bore abundant fruit.

Jesus introduced his interpretation of this parable by quoting Isaiah 6:9-10. People’s hardened hearts prevented them from embracing spiritual truth for healing (Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10).

Let’s combine Jesus’ interpretation in these three accounts
(Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15). For seed sown on the path, the evil one snatched it away so they couldn’t believe and be saved. For the rocky soil, the man heard the word and received it with joy for a short time until trouble or persecution came. Worries of this life, deceitfulness of wealth, desires for other things, and pleasures choked the word, which made the thorny soil unfruitful (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:18-19; Luke 8:14).

What about the good soil?

Let’s first look at the preceding context of Matthew 13:

We are in a spiritual battle. A heart filled by the Holy Spirit can drive out demons. “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:22-37; see vs. 34)
Even though we aren’t perfect, a spiritual life filled with Jesus equips us to share His word. Even though he sought worldly comfort, Jonah repented of his sin and preached the word in Nineveh (Matthew 12:38-41a; book of Jonah). Jesus is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41b-42).
Jesus relates with those who do God’s will (Matthew 12:46-50).

Description of good soil

The good soil yields both quantity and character.

Quantity: Matthew 13:18 said the good soil bore 100, 60, 30 times what was sown. Mark 4:8 said the crop multiplied 30, 60, 100 times. Luke 8:8 said the crop yielded 100 times more than was sown.
Character: Hear, understand, accept, and retain the word by persevering with a noble and good heart (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15

To share God’s word with everyone, the quality of our spiritual life is key.

Grow spiritually in God’s word to share it with others.

To read past blogs, go to https://www.markpomeroy.com/

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Participate in God's Kingdom Purposes (Insights in Prophets)

4/25/2013

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How do you participate in God's kingdom purpose in the world, whether it's arts & entertainment, business, education, family, government, media and religion? Prioritize seeking and building God's kingdom by obeying and recognizing His presence. Be strong and steward God's resources by turning to Him and meditating on His word.

Prioritize Seeking God and See Your Needs Met
God told Haggai during Darius reign to speak to Zerubbabel, Judah's governor, and Joshua, the high priest. People said their time had not come to build the Lord's house. God revealed to Haggai that they were living in paneled houses while His house remained a ruin. They were to consider their ways because they planted much, but harvested little, ate, but never enough, drank, but never satisfied, put on clothes, but not warm. They earned wages but it dissolved like falling through a purse with hole in it (Haggai 1:1-6). Prioritize seeking God and see your needs met.

Prioritize Building God's Kingdom for Spiritual and Economic Prosperity
Haggai said that building God's kingdom honored Him. Building their own saw it blow away. Being busy with their concerns apart from building His kingdom caused ruin, drought and unemployment (Haggai 1:7-11). Prioritize building God's kingdom to assure spiritual and economic prosperity.

Obey and Recognize God's Presence for Empowerment
Zerubbabel, Joshua and the remnant obeyed God through Haggai's message because He sent him and feared Him. He said, "I am with you," and stirred their spirits to work on the house of God 23 days later (Haggai 1:12-15). Obey and recognize God's presence who empowers you to build His kingdom.

Be Strong and Steward God's Resources for His Glory
One month later Haggai asked who saw this house in its former glory. They were to be strong and work since God was with them. Haggai reminded them of His covenant with those who came out of Egypt along with His Spirit that remained in them. In a little while, God would again shake the heavens, earth, sea and dry land so the desired of all nations would come and fill His kingdom with glory. The silver and gold was His. The glory of this present house would be greater than the glory of the former one (Haggai 2:1-9). Be strong and steward God's resources for His glory.

Turn to God Instead of Trusting Yourself
Two month later Haggai asked the priests if the law taught that consecrated meat touching another article could consecrate it as well. They answered no. Haggai asked if a person defiled by contact with a dead body would defile another article by touching it. The priests answered yes. Haggai said their actions and what they offered were defiled. They were to consider how God struck all their work with blight, mildew and hail, but still did not turn to Him (Haggai 2:10-17). Turn to God and do not trust yourself, which leads to corruption.

Meditate on God's Word for Blessing
They were to give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid. They were to consider whether there was any seed left in the barn since every plant did not bear fruit. From this day on, He would bless them (Haggai 2:18-19). Meditate on God's word to receive blessing from Him.

Glory in God's Choosing You to Participate in His Purpose
God's word came to Haggai a second time on the same day to tell Zerubbabel that He would shake the heavens and earth, overturn royal thrones, shatter the power of foreign kingdoms and overthrow chariots and their drivers so they were killed. On that day He would make His servant Zerubbabel like His signet ring since God chose him (Haggai 2:20-23). Glory in God's choosing you to participate in His kingdom purpose.

Participate in God's kingdom purpose in the world by doing the following:
1. Seek God
2. Obey and recognize His presence
3. Be strong and steward God's resources
4. Turn to Him and meditate on His word

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How to Do Kingdom Ministry in the City (Insights in Psalms)

3/7/2013

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To do kingdom work in the city, ask God for wisdom and understanding in establishing a supernatural foundation to empower believers and churches through God's word and prayer so they become salt and light in the world. Pursue unity by praising God in music so the church is filled with God's glory. Seek God and confess sins during famine and disasters to experience forgiveness, salvation, goodness and healing until God's kingdom comes into the city.

Ask God for Wisdom to Build Multiplied Disciples
Solomon asked God to give him wisdom and knowledge in leading Israel in confirming His promise to David. Because Solomon did not ask for wealth, riches, honor or death of his enemies, God would give him both wisdom and knowledge plus wealth, riches and honor. Solomon gathered 1400 chariots, 12,000 horses and much silver, gold and cedar. He ordered the building of a temple for the Name of the Lord and royal palace for himself. He assigned 70,000 men as carriers, 80,000 stonecutters and 3600 foremen over them to build a temple for burning incense, setting out consecrated bread and making burnt offerings every morning and evening. The temple would be great because God was greater than all gods. Hiram king of Tyre sent Huram-Abi, a man of great skill trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, with yarn and fine linen experienced in all kinds of engraving to execute any design given to him and to work with Solomon's craftsmen. Solomon promised that he would give Hiram's servants wheat, barley, olive oil and wine. Hiram cut all the logs from Lebanon and floated them by sea down to Joppa (2 Chron. 1:1-2:18). Ask God for wisdom and understanding to build the temple so He provides the material and human resources to multiply disciples.

Establish a Supernatural Foundation Through God's Word and Prayer
The foundation Solomon laid for building the temple of God was 60 cubits long and 20 cubits wide overlaid inside with pure gold and adorned with precious stones. He overlaid the ceiling beams, doorframes, walls and doors with gold and carved cherubim on the walls. Solomon built the Most Holy Place corresponding to the width of the temple and overlaid inside with 600 talents of fine gold. The Most Holy Place had a pair of sculptured cherubim overlaid with gold. The curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen had cherubim worked into it. The front of the temple had two pillars with interwoven chains named Jakin (He establishes) adn Boaz (In Him is strength) (2 Chron. 3:1-17). Establish a supernatural kingdom foundation through God's word and prayer.

Empower Believers and Churches Through God's Word and Holy Spirit
Solomon made a bronze altar, Sea standing on 12 bulls holding 3,000 baths and ten basins for washing things used in the burnt offerings by the priests. He made ten gold lampstands, ten tables, 100 gold sprinkling bowls, pots and shovels. Huram finished the work of making polished bronze objects for the temple of the Lord. Solomon cast them in clay molds. He made all the furnishings: golden altar, tables with the bread of Presence, gold lampstands with their lamps burning in front of the inner sanctuary, gold floral work, lamps and solid gold tongs, gold wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, censers, gold doors and inner doors to the Most Holy Place (2 Chron. 4:1-22). Empower believers and churches through God's word and the Holy Spirit to be salt and light in the world.

Pursue Unity By Praising God Through Music
Solomon dedicated the furnishings of God's temple, brought up the ark of the Lord's covenant and sacrificed many sheep and cattle. The priests placed the ark in the Most Holy Place and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. The ark contained the two tablets that Moses received when God made a covenant with him after they came out of Egypt. The consecrated priests withdrew from the Holy Place. The Levites who were musicians stood on the east side of the altar dressed in fine linen playing cymbals, harps and lyres accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison with one voice to praise and thank the Lord for His goodness and enduring love. The glory of the Lord filled the temple so the priests could not perform their service (2 Chron. 5:1-14). Pursue unity by praising God in music so the church is filled with God's glory.

Seek God and Confess Sin During Famine and Disasters
God chose Jerusalem for His name to dwell and David to rule His people Israel. David had a heart to build a temple but Solomon was called to construct it for His Name. He placed the ark that held the covenant of the Lord He made with Israel. Solomon prayed that God dwell on earth with men even though the heavens and temple could not contain Him. He asked that His eyes be open to hear Solomon's prayers by repaying the guilty and declaring the innocent not guilty. When Israel or immigrants prayed and turned from their sin after famine, plague, blight, being besieged by enemies, any disaster or disease, he asked God to forgive their sin and deal with them according to what they did knowing their hearts so they would fear and walk in His ways. Solomon asked that God uphold the cause of His people who prayed while at war against their enemies and those who confessed their sin after being taken captive. He asked that God come to His resting place and His priests be clothed with salvation and rejoice in His goodness (2 Chron. 6:1-42). Seek God and confess sins during famine and disasters to experience forgiveness, salvation and His goodness.

Focus on God's Glory, Humble Self, Pray and Turn from Wicked Ways
When Solomon finished praying, fire consumed the burnt offering and God's glory filled the temple preventing the priests from entering it. The Israelites humbled themselves, worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord saying He was good and His love endured forever. When Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats, he and the people dedicated the temple of God. They celebrated the altar dedication seven days and the festival seven days more. When Solomon finished building the temple and royal palace, the Lord appeared to him. If God shut the heavens so no rain came, commanded locusts to devour the land or sent a plague among His people, they were to humble themselves, pray and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways so He would hear, forgive their sin and heal their land. His eyes would be open and His ears attentive to their prayers. He chose and consecrated this temple so His name, eyes and heart would be there forever. Obedience to God established Solomon's and his descendants' royal throne. Serving and worshiping other gods would uproot Israel from His land and He to reject and make the temple an object of ridicule among all peoples (2 Chron. 7:1-22). Focus on God's glory, humble yourself, pray and seek His face, and turn from your wicked ways so God hears, forgives your sin and heals the land.

Build Up Body of Christ Until God's Kingdom Comes Into City
After Solomon build the temple and his own palace, he rebuild the villages Hiram gave him and settled Israelites in them. He rebuild Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon as fortified cities with walls, gates and bars along with other cities throughout the territory he ruled. Israelite slaves were Solomon's fighting men, commanders, and 250 chief officials supervising them. He sacrificed burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord according to the daily requirement commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts. Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests and gatekeepers for their duties with the Levites leading praise according to each day's requirements as David ordered. All Solomon's work was carried out from laying the foundation of the temple until its completion (2 Chron. 8:1-18). Build up the body of Christ through prayer, surrender and praise until God's kingdom comes into the city.

Share God's Wisdom and Riches with Ambassadors
After Solomon answered the queen of Sheba's hard questions, she gave him 120 talents of gold, spices and precious stones. She praised God who placed Solomon on his throne as king to rule and maintain justice and righteousness for Him. He used algumwood to make steps for the temple and royal palace along with harps and lyres for the musicians. Solomon gave the queen more than she brought to him. He received 666 talents of gold yearly not including revenues from merchants, traders, kings of Arabia and governors of the land. He made 200 large shields of hammered gold that he put in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. He made a great throne inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. A lion stood on both sides of the seat with 12 standing on the six steps. The Palace's household articles were pure gold. Solomon had greater riches and wisdom than all other kings on earth. They sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God put in his heart (2 Chron. 9:1-31). Share God's wisdom and riches with ambassadors in your expanding networks.

Pray Paul's prayer in Eph. 1:17-23 so that God gives you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Him better so the eyes of your heart are enlightened to know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints and His incomparable great power for believers like Jesus rising from the dead and being seated at God's right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority.

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Word-Inspired Corporate Prayer Extends Your Sphere of Influence (Insights in Psalms)

3/2/2013

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"Scripture calls us to pray for many things: for all saints ; for all men; for kings and all rulers; for all who are in adversity; for the sending forth of laborers; for those who labor in the gospel; for all converts; for believers who have fallen into sin; for one another in our immediate circles" (Andrew Murray).

Word-inspired worship music creates atmosphere to seek the Lord and His strength as you remember God's covenant. Corporate prayer empowers the proclamation of His reign among the nations as you redeem His disciples for kingdom rule. Trust in the Holy Spirit and obey God to extend your sphere of influence.

Follow God's Word in Worshiping Him through Music
After David constructed buildings for himself in Jerusalem, he pitched a tent for the ark of God. He said Levites carried and ministered before the ark forever. David assembled all Israel and called together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. He summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests and several heads of Levitical families to consecrate themselves and bring the ark to the place David prepared. God's anger broke out because they did not inquire how to do it in the prescribed way. The priests and Levites consecrated themselves to carry the ark with poles as Moses commanded. The Levites appointed singers to sing joyful songs accompanied by musical instruments. Kenaniah was in charge of singing because he was skillful at it. Because God helped the Levites carrying the ark, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed along with shouts, rams' horns and trumpets, cymbals and playing of lyres and harps. Michal despised David when she saw him dancing and celebrating (1 Chron. 15:1-29). Follow God's word in worshiping Him with all your heart through music.

Seek the Lord and His Strength By Remembering His Covenant
They set the ark inside the tent David pitched while presenting burnt and fellowship offerings. He gave a loaf of bread and cake of dates and raisins to each Israelite. Some Levites made petition, gave thanks and praised the Lord. Some played the lyresa and harps, Asaph sounded the trumpets and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew the trumpets regularly before the ark. David committed to Asaph this psalm of thanks to the Lord. Call on his name and make known among the nations what He did. Sing praise to Him, tell of His wonderful acts and glory in His holy name. Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember His wonders, miracles and judgments. God made a covenant to Abraham and confirmed it with Isaac and Jacob. He gave the land of Canaan for their inheritance. God allowed no man to oppress them and rebuked kings for their sake (1 Chron. 16:1-22). Seek the Lord and His strength by remembering God's miracles and His covenant with Abraham.

Pray Corporately to Empower Proclamation
All the earth would sing to the Lord and proclaim His salvation every day. Declare His glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise to be feared above all gods or idols of the nations. His dwelling place contains strength and joy. Ascribe to the Lord glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. Let people and all creation say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" God's love endures forever. Cry out to God our Savior to save and deliver us from the nations so we may give thanks to His holy name and glory in His praise. David left Asaph and his associates before the ark to minister their regularly according to each day's requirements. He left gatekeeper Obed-Edom and his 68 associates to minister with them. He left Zadok the priest and fellow priests before the Lord's tabernacle at the high place in Gibeon to present burnt offerings regularly according to the Law (1 Chron. 16:23-43). Pray corporately to empower the proclamation of God's glory, salvation, reign and love among the nations.

Let God Build His Disciples for Kingdom Rule
David told Nathan he lived in a cedar palace while the ark was under a tent. God told Nathan that David was not the one to build Him a house to live in. God moved from one tent site to another and never asked any leader to build Him a house of cedar. God said He took David from tending sheep to be ruler over Israel. He was with him wherever David went and cut off his enemies. God made his name great, provided a place for Israel and planted them in a home of their own without disturbance. Wicked people would not oppress them. The Lord built a house for him, raised up his son to establish his kingdom, build a house for God and establish His throne forever. He would set him over His house, His kingdom and His throne to be established forever (1 Chron. 17:1-15). Let God build His disciples for kingdom rule from His throne forever.

Pray that God Defeats Nations and Redeems His People
David humbled himself before God in prayer saying He honored His servant as the most exalted of men. He made known His promises as an incomparable God who redeemed Israel for Himself. He made a name for Himself, performed great wonders, drove out nations and redeemed Israel from Egypt. David prayed that God's promise about His house be established forever so His name would be great forever. Men would then say the Lord Almighty was Israel's God. He revealed to David that He would build a house for him (1 Chron. 17:16-27). Pray that God defeats nations and redeems His people forever.

Trust in Holy Spirit and Obey God for Spiritual Victory to Extend Sphere of Influence
David defeated the Philistines and Moabites who became subject to him. He fought Hadadezer king Zobah and established his control along the Euphrates River. David captured 1,000 of his chariots, 7,000 charioteers and 20,000 foot soldiers. The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went. David took the gold shields and bronze used by Solomon to make articles and brought them to Jerusalem. Hadoram brought varieties of gold, silver and bronze after hearing David defeated the army of Hadadezer. David dedicated these articles to the Lord, reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people (1 Chron. 18:1-17). Trust in the Holy Spirit and obey God to extend your sphere of influence.

Call upon God to do the following things:

Follow God's word in worshiping Him
Seek the Lord and His strength by remembering His covenant
Pray corporately to empower the proclamation of God's reign among the nations
Let God build His disciples for kingdom rule
Pray that God defeats nations and redeems His people
Trust in the Holy Spirit and obey God to extend your sphere of influence

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Components to Advance God's Kingdom Agenda and Not the World's (Insights in Law)

10/13/2012

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An anonymous person wrote, "It takes courage To refrain from gossip when others about you delight in it. To stand up for an absent person who is being abused. To live honestly within your means and not dishonestly on the means of others. To be a real man, a true woman, by holding fast to your Christian ideals when it causes you to be looked upon as strange and peculiar. To be talked about and yet remain silent when a word would justify you in the yes of others, but which you cannot speak without injury to another. To refuse to do a thing which is wrong, though other do it. To dress according to you income and to deny yourself what you cannot afford to buy. To live always according to your convictions."

Certain components are necessary to advance God's kingdom agenda and not the world's. It requires various spiritual gifts working together to write His love on your hearts to empower obedience, serve the poor, open doors to kingdom ministry supernaturally, use every media and situation to train spiritual children, seek the Lord, give generously and obey His word completely as a defense against worldliness.

The Lord told Moses to cut out two tablets of stone so God could write the Ten Commandments again and have them put in the ark. After Aaron died, the Lord set apart Levi who carried, stood, served and pronounced blessings in His name since the Lord was their inheritance. Moses stayed on the mountain 40 days and nights like first time. Because the Lord listened and was not willing to destroy them, he led the people to enter and possess the land He promised (Deut. 10:1-11). God requires various spiritual gifts working together in ministry so people can advance His kingdom agenda, not the world's.

The Lord required them to fear, walk, love and serve Him with all their heart and soul in order to observe His commandments for their good. Heaven, earth and everything in it belonged to God. He loved and chose Israel above all nations. God instructed them to soften their hearts since the great and awesome God was Lord over all gods. He showed no partiality without bribes, but defended the cause of the fatherless and widow, loved the alien and gave them food and clothing. They were to love aliens as they were aliens in Egypt. God was their praise and did great and awesome wonders their eyes saw. Their forefathers went down to Egypt and God made them numerous as the stars of heaven (Deut. 10:12-22). God writes love on your hearts to empower obedience and serve the poor for your good.

Love God and keep His commandments for strength to possess and live long in the land flowing with milk and honey He cared for. Remember their children who had not seen and experienced His discipline, greatness and miracles in Egypt when the Red Sea parted and God defeated Pharaoh’s army. Their children had not seen other great works God did in the wilderness when the earth opened and swallowed Dathan and Abiram. God brought rain if they loved God and served Him with all your heart and soul. Being deceived by worshiping other gods caused drought and death (Deut. 11:1-17). God opens doors to kingdom ministry supernaturally when you love Him and obey His commands.

They impressed these words on their heart and soul, tied them as symbols on their hands and bound them on their foreheads. Taught and talked of them when they sat in their e house, walked along road, lied down and rose up. Wrote them on the doorposts of their house and gates to multiply their sons' days in the land. By keeping His commands, the Lord drove out nations mightier than them. Every place where they walked would be theirs from the wilderness to Lebanon, from the river Euphrates as far as western sea. Every man would stand and fear when they saw them. God set blessings if they obeyed His commandments and curses if they disobeyed by following other gods. Proclaim blessings on Mt. Gerizim and curses on Mt. Ebal (Deut. 11:18-32). Use every media and situation to equip spiritual children to obey God’s word for success and blessing.

These were the commandments to obey in the land God gave them to possess. Destroy every place where nations served their gods, tore down their altars, smashed sacred pillars, burned Asherim and cut down engraved images of their gods. Seek the Lord and bring all the sacrifices at the place He chose to establish His name for His dwelling. Bring burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, special gifts, freewill offerings and the first-born of your herd. They rejoiced in all their undertakings. After crossing the Jordan to live where the Lord gave as an inheritance, He provided rest and safety from their enemies (Deut. 12:1-14). Turn from idols, seek the Lord and give generously to defend against worldliness.

They killed and ate meat within any of their gates according to the Lord's blessing. They ate blood, tithed grain and new wine, firstborn of their herds, freewill offerings or special gifts in the presence of the Lord where He chose. They did not neglect the Levites. They ate anything everywhere except the blood for it was the life. They took holy things they vowed to the place God chose. They were careful to obey these words so it may go well with them and their children in doing what was good and right in the Lord’s sight. When God destroyed nations they were to dispossess to live in their land, He instructed them to not be ensnared by inquiring about their gods saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” Do not worship the Lord their way because in worshiping their gods, they would do bad things God hated. Do not add or take away what God commanded (Deut. 12:15-32). Follow God’s commands solely and completely while rejecting worldliness in fulfilling kingdom ministry.

Consider the following components in advancing God's kingdom agenda:
1. Join an environment where various spiritual gifts work together in kingdom ministry
2. Allow God to write His love on your heart to empower obedience and serve the poor
3. Wait for God to open doors to kingdom ministry supernaturally
4. Use every media and situation to equip spiritual children
5. Turn from worldliness, seek the Lord and give generously
6. Follow God's commands solely and completely in fulfilling kingdom ministry

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Expanding Your Concept of Kingdom Ministry (Insights in Law)

5/7/2012

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Martin Luther wrote, "The idea that service to God should have only to do with a church altar, singing, reading, sacrifice, and the like is without doubt but the worst trick of the devil. How could the devil have led us more effectively astray than by the narrow conception that the service of God takes place only in the church and by works done therein. … The whole world could abound with services to the Lord … not only in churches but also in the home, kitchen, workshop, and field." Kingdom ministry involves cultivating your spiritual and emotional life, upholding true justice, trusting God for physical needs, equipping the poor toward productivity and pursuing humane work environment as seen in Lev. 24-25.

Cultivate Your Spiritual and Emotional Life
Command Israel to bring clear oil from beaten olives for light to make the lamp burn continually. Keep the lamps in order on pure gold lampstands before the Lord continually. Take fine flour and bake 12 cakes on the pure gold table before the Lord and put pure frankincense to be memorial portions for bread as an offering by fire to the Lord every Sabbath and eat it in the holy place (Lev. 24:1-9). To stay spiritually sharp, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit through continual prayer and meditation on God’s word.

Uphold True Justice
A son of an Israelite woman whose father was an Egyptian struggled with a son of Israel. The former cursed the Name and they brought him to Moses and put him in custody so the command of Lord was made clear to them. The alien and native who blasphemes the Name would be put to death. A man taking the life of any human would be put to death as an eye for an eye with one standard for the stranger and alien (Lev. 24:10-23). God judges everyone equally and renders capital punishment to those who kill another.

Trust God for Physical Needs
When you came into the land that God gave, it would have a Sabbath to the Lord. Sow the field and prune the vineyard for six years but the seventh year would be Sabbath rest. Everyone had Sabbath for food, themselves, slaves, aliens and cattle. Count seven sabbaths of years or 49 years. On the 10th day of the 7th month for the day of atonement, consecrate the 50th year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants as a jubilee so everyone could return to his own property and his family. Don't sow or reap in the 50th or holy year, but eat its crops out of the field. You would increase or diminish the price in proportion to number of years left. Don't wrong another, but fear God, for He is Lord. Keep His commandments to live securely in the land that would yield produce so you could eat your fill. When you say, "What are we going to eat on seventh year if we do not sow?" God would order His blessing in the 6th year that it would bring forth crops for three years. (Lev. 25:1-22). Trust and obey God to see needs met.

Equip Poor toward Productivity
The land would not be sold permanently since God owned it and you are aliens and sojourners with Him. You provide redemption for every piece of property. If a person became poor and had to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman would buy back what his relative sold but could return to his property at the jubilee. The redemption right remained valid for one year after purchase for a dwelling house in a walled city. If not bought back within one year, it passed permanently to the purchaser and did not revert in the jubilee. Levites had the permanent right of redemption for the houses of the cities (Lev. 25:23-34). Since God owns everything and encourages ownership of private property, help people break the cycle of poverty.

Pursue Humane Work Environment
Sustain the poor countryman like a stranger and do not charge usurious interest but revere God so the countryman may live with you. Sons of Israel are His servants whom He brought out from Egypt. If countryman became so poor that he sold himself to you, do not subject him to a slave’s service but he would be a hired man until the year of jubilee where he would return to his family and the property of his forefathers. Do not rule over him with severity. One of his blood relatives may redeem him or if he prospered, he may redeem himself with the price proportional to the number of years left (Lev. 25:35-55). Work toward mutual respect and good environment in the workplace.

How has Lev. 24-25 expanded your view of ministry? How can you integrate your kingdom ministry with your family, neighborhood and work so it is not separate from the rest of your life?

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Do You Have Good Soil?

Participate in God's Kingdom Purposes (Insights in Prophets)

How to Do Kingdom Ministry in the City (Insights in Psalms)

Word-Inspired Corporate Prayer Extends Your Sphere of Influence (Insights in Psalms)

Components to Advance God's Kingdom Agenda and Not the World's (Insights in Law)

Expanding Your Concept of Kingdom Ministry (Insights in Law)

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